Growth Formation Research Articles

Lower Permian Košna conglomerates of the Velebit Mt. (Croatia): modal composition, provenance and depositional environment

The multicoloured ‘Košna’ conglomerates are investigated in the area of the Košna Voda spring, in the Brušane area of Velebit Mt., Croatia. The studied conglomerates consist of red-coloured matrix and clasts of various lithologies (sandstones, limestones, chert and quartz pebbles) and sizes, suggesting provenance from different areas. Average clast size and their percentage was determined by the Udden-Wentworth classification with estimation of the matrix content. Clasts and matrix lithological and mineralogical characteristics were determined using petrographic, ore microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Sandstone clasts in the studied conglomerates are classified as lithic arenites, subarkoses and arkoses. Limestone clasts are mostly wackestones to packstones with foraminifera, ostracods, echinoid and bryozoan fragments that derive from late Carboniferous/early Permian shallow-marine limestones. Calcispheres and incipient growth forms of Microcodium are also present, suggesting different sediment sources and resedimentation processes. Fragments of fusulinid foraminifera were identified in the matrix of the ‘Košna’ conglomerates. Based on the analyses performed, and field observations, the ‘Košna’ conglomerates are described as early Permian (Cisuralian) polymictic clast-supported to matrix-supported conglomerates and breccia-conglomerates that share structural and textural similarities with conglomerates from other areas in the Dinarides, as well as in the Eastern and Southern Alps. The ‘Košna’ conglomerates are younger than the Sakmarian and are comparable with the Trogkofel limestones of the Carnic Alps and the Karavanke Mts. in Slovenia. We suggest that the studied deposits originated from the uplifted Variscan Mountains during the Variscan and Saalian orogenic movements, and were finally deposited from tractive flows and occasional debris flows in a shallow marine environment of the Palaeo-Tethys, possibly in fan deltas.

Contrasting biomass allocations explain adaptations to cold and drought in the world's highest-growing angiosperms.

Understanding biomass allocation among plant organs is crucial for comprehending plant growth optimization, survival and responses to the drivers of global change. Yet, the mechanisms governing mass allocation in vascular plants from extreme elevations exposed to cold and drought stresses remain poorly understood. We analysed organ mass weights and fractions in 258 Himalayan herbaceous species across diverse habitats (wetland, steppe, alpine), growth forms (annual, perennial taprooted, rhizomatous and cushiony) and climatic gradients (3500-6150 m elevation) to explore whether biomass distribution adhered to fixed allometric or optimal partitioning rules, and how variations in size, phylogeny and ecological preferences influence their strategies for resource allocation. Following optimal partitioning theory, Himalayan plants distribute more biomass to key organs vital for acquiring and preserving limited resources necessary for their growth and survival. Allocation strategies are mainly influenced by plant growth forms and habitat conditions, notably temperature, water availability and evaporative demands. Alpine plants invest primarily in below-ground stem bases for storage and regeneration, reducing above-ground stems while increasing leaf mass fraction to maximize carbon assimilation in their short growing season. Conversely, arid steppe plants prioritize deep roots over leaves to secure water and minimize transpiration. Wetland plants allocate resources to above-ground stems and below-ground rhizomes, enabling them to resist competition and grazing in fertile environments. Himalayan plants from extreme elevations optimize their allocation strategies to acquire scarce resources under specific conditions, efficiently investing carbon from supportive to acquisitive and protective functions with increasing cold and drought. Intraspecific variation and shared ancestry have not significantly altered biomass allocation strategies of Himalayan plants. Despite diverse evolutionary histories, plants from similar habitats have developed comparable phenotypic structures to adapt to their specific environments. This study offers new insights into plant adaptations in diverse Himalayan environments and underscores the importance of efficient resource allocation for survival and growth in challenging conditions.

Reassessment of the risks of climate change for terrestrial ecosystems

Forecasting the risks of climate change for species and ecosystems is necessary for developing targeted conservation strategies. Previous risk assessments mapped the exposure of the global land surface to changes in climate. However, this procedure is unlikely to robustly identify priority areas for conservation actions because nonlinear physiological responses and colimitation processes ensure that ecological changes will not map perfectly to the forecast climatic changes. Here, we combine ecophysiological growth models of 135,153 vascular plant species and plant growth-form information to transform ambient and future climatologies into phytoclimates, which describe the ability of climates to support the plant growth forms that characterize terrestrial ecosystems. We forecast that 33% to 68% of the global land surface will experience a significant change in phytoclimate by 2070 under representative concentration pathways RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5, respectively. Phytoclimates without present-day analogue are forecast to emerge on 0.3–2.2% of the land surface and 0.1–1.3% of currently realized phytoclimates are forecast to disappear. Notably, the geographic pattern of change, disappearance and novelty of phytoclimates differs markedly from the pattern of analogous trends in climates detected by previous studies, thereby defining new priorities for conservation actions and highlighting the limits of using untransformed climate change exposure indices in ecological risk assessments. Our findings suggest that a profound transformation of the biosphere is underway and emphasize the need for a timely adaptation of biodiversity management practices.

A new species of Byttneria sect. Crassipetala (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae) from Eastern Amazonia

Byttneria (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae) is a Pantropical genus known for its variable growth forms—ranging from shrubs to lianas—and complex floral structures. In this study, we describe a new species, Byttneria filifolia Gerace & Colli-Silva, from B. sect. Crassipetala, found in the Eastern Amazon rainforest of Brazil, specifically in Pará, and Mato Grosso states. Byttneria filifolia is distinguished from its relatives by its filiform leaves, as well as by the multiaperturate leaf nectary, growth form, leaf shape, and petal morphology. This study contributes to our comprehension of morphological patterns within Byttneria from the Amazon rainforest, underscoring the role of morphological features in species delineation.

Thepparatia vines (Hibisceae subtribe Trionum) phylogenomics and evolution

Abstract Hibisceae subtribe Trionum is the largest clade within Hibiscus s.l. and contains genera with a wide range of growth forms: herbaceous (Abelmoschus), shrubs (Malvaviscus), trees (Wercklea), and exceptionally lianas. The rare and localized Thepparatia species are unique in that they combine a lianescent habit and trioecy. Several problems have delayed the study of Hibisceae classification including low genetic variability, lack of synapomorphic morphological characters, transoceanic dispersal events, and allopolyploidy. Here, we present a comprehensive phylogenomic hypothesis of Thepparatia based on analyses of the maternally inherited chloroplast and biparentally inherited nuclear ribosomal cistron sequences, and compare these results with its speciation, karyology, and breeding system. Chloroplast genomes in subtribe Trionum were highly conserved except in Abelmoschus where four additional genes were duplicated. Recent diploid interspecific hybridization is suggested in Thepparatia sipsongpannaensis between T. fragrans and T. scandens during the Pleistocene, around 640 000 years ago. Our observations also indicate Thepparatia have a trioecious breeding system that combined with a unique habit, and a highly localized distribution pattern, have created cross-pollination barriers and ecological specialization. This suggests hybridization events are rare but evolutionary significant in subtribe Trionum. Finally, our study supports important nomenclature changes: the synonymization of Hibiscus austroyunnanensis with Thepparatia fragrans and the publication of a new species, Thepparatia sipsongpannaensis.

A mixed methods experience sampling study of a posttraumatic growth model for addiction recovery

Problematic substance use and addiction is a growing crisis in the United States. As a result, identifying factors that effectively promote addiction recovery is, currently, of particular societal importance. Informed by evidence that—while addiction can be perpetuated by stress-related impulsivity and decreased self-regulation—perceived social support is protective against addiction, we test a model for addiction recovery as a form of posttraumatic growth (PTG), focused specifically on close relationships and personal strength—two domains of PTG. In an initial study, we found that perceived social support and impulsivity predicted number of relapses in individuals in a substance use disorder recovery program. Using experience sampling, we then observed that experiencing a stressful event predicted impulsive behavior. However, experiencing closeness with others—a domain of PTG—was directly associated with perceived social support, and both predicted positive emotional states, which were, in turn, inversely associated with experiencing a stressful event. Further, when experiencing a stressful event, personal strength—also a domain of PTG—was inversely associated with impulsive behavior and was predicted by both perceived social support and positive emotional states. Finally, in a follow-up experiment, we found that an ecological momentary intervention targeting perceived social support decreased impulsivity and increased self-regulation—an aspect of personal strength—in a dose-dependent fashion. Taken together, our findings: (1) support a PTG model for recovery; (2) provide evidence for processes by which close supportive relationships are protective against addiction and relapse; and (3) indicate that self-regulation is responsive to a short in-the-moment perceived social support intervention. We suggest that these findings support the theory that addiction is a social disease in the sense that close personal interactions and supportive relationships: (a) buffer against stress-related impulsivity, thereby protecting against addiction and relapse; and (b) increase personal strength, thereby decreasing the probability of impulsive—including addictive—behavior and promoting recovery.

Resource availability and disturbance frequency shape evolution of plant life formsin Neotropical habitats.

Organisms use diverse strategies to thrive in varying habitats. While life history theory partly explains these relationships, the combined impact of resource availability and disturbance frequency on life form strategy evolution has received limited attention. We use Chamaecrista species, a legume plant lineage with a high diversity of plant life forms in the Neotropics, and employ ecological niche modeling and comparative phylogenetic methods to examine the correlated evolution of plant life forms and environmental niches. Chamaephytes and phanerophytes have optima in environments characterized by moderate water and nutrient availability coupled with infrequent fire disturbances. By contrast, annual plants thrive in environments with scarce water and nutrients, alongside frequent fire disturbances. Similarly, geophyte species also show increased resistance to frequent fire disturbances, although they thrive in resource-rich environments. Our findings shed light on the evolution of plant strategies along environmental gradients, highlighting that annuals and geophytes respond differently to high incidences of fire disturbances, with one enduring it as seeds in a resource-limited habitat and the other relying on reserves and root resprouting systems in resource-abundant habitats. Furthermore, it deepens our understanding of how organisms evolve associated with their habitats, emphasizing a constraint posed by low-resource and high-disturbance environments.

Combining X-ray micro-CT and microscopy-based images of two lianas species to derive structural, mechanical and functional relationships

This paper presents a biomechanical study of stems of two liana species, Clematis vitalba and Vitis vinifera, investigates the mechanical performance of these two liana species and attempts to enhance the understanding of structure–function relationships. The investigation involved mechanical testing of whole plant stems, supplemented by X-ray micro-CT (X-ray computed tomography at micron voxel size) imaging and 2D microscopic images of stained cross sections of the plant stems, to derive structure–function relationships with potential for application in bioinspired composite materials. The micro-CT images were compared to the microscopic images of stained cross sections, in order to show benefits and potential drawbacks of the X-ray micro-CT method with respect to traditional methods. The high-resolution 3D imaging capacity of micro-CT is exploited to explain the structural functionality derived from the mechanical testing. A simple finite element model is developed based on the plant topology derived by the micro-CT images and proved accurate enough to model the plant’s mechanical behaviour and assess the influence of their structural differences. The two plants exhibit different to each other physical and mechanical properties (density, strength and stiffness) due to their common growth form. Anatomical cross-sectional observation and X-ray micro-CT provide complementary information. The first method allows the identification of the lignified parts, supposedly more resistant mechanically, of these structures, while the second one provides a full 3D model of the structure, admittedly less detailed but providing the spatial distribution of density contrasts supposed to be important in the mechanical properties of the plant. The proposed methodological approach opens new perspectives to better understand the mechanical behaviour of the complex structure of plants and to draw inspiration from it in structural engineering.

Total factor productivity, transitional dynamics and endogenous growth accounting for Latin America: Evidence from two centuries’ data

AbstractThis study investigates the sources of economic growth for Latin American economies. With two centuries of data and extended growth accounting methods, the study shows that poor total factor productivity (TFP) growth is the key to understanding Latin America's low economic growth relative to other economies. Using a functional form of TFP growth, based on second‐generation growth models, furthers analyses to show some empirical evidence for growth induced by R&D, knowledge spillovers, educational attainment and the distance to the frontier. However, the magnitude effect is very small and when compared to the OECD countries, the gap between the TFP growth generating factors is very substantial. An intricate policy structure should be implemented for Latin America to foster an environment that is conducive to aid permanent TFP and economic growth.

Competition for epidermal area, instead of coordination, between stomata and vein patterns in Ficus (Moraceae) with different growth forms

Competition for epidermal area, instead of coordination, between stomata and vein patterns in Ficus (Moraceae) with different growth forms

Microbial community analysis of membrane bioreactor incorporated with biofilm carriers and activated carbon for nitrification of urine

The integration of powdered activated carbon and biofilm carriers in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) presents a promising approach to address the challenge of long hydraulic retention time (HRT) for nitrification of hydrolysed urine. This study investigated the effect of the incorporation in the MBR on microbial dynamics, focusing on dominant nitrifying bacteria. The results showed that significant shifts in microbial compositions were observed with the feed transition to full-strength urine and across different sludge growth forms. Remarkably, the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria Nitrospira were highly enriched in the suspended sludge. Simultaneously, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, Nitrosococcaceae thrived in the attached biomass, showing a significant seven-fold increase in relative abundance compared to its suspended counterpart. Consequently, the incorporated MBR displayed 36% higher nitrification rate and 40% HRT reduction compared to the conventional MBR. This study provides valuable insights on the potential development of household or building scale on-site nutrient recovery from urine to fertiliser.

THE TERATOGENIC EFFECT OF DIETHYLENE GLYCOL (DEG) ON FETUS MORPHOLOGY IN WHITE MICE (MUS MUSCULUS L.)

Objective: Diethylene glycol is listed in the Inventory of Cosmetic Ingredients as a solvent, viscosity controller, and fragrance. Most of diethylene glycol's toxicity is caused by ingesting the contaminated product. This study aims to determine the effect of a teratogen caused by diethylene glycol on mice fetuses.
 Methods: In this study, 20 mice were used, which were divided into four groups. Diethylene glycol was given with three variations of doses 1662.5, 3325, and 6650 mg/kgBW during the organogenesis period, day 6-15. The effects of teratogens observed were maternal body weight, fetal body weight, and number of fetuses, which were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, as well as morphological and skeletal abnormalities, which were analyzed descriptively.
 Results: Based on the results of the study, there was a significant difference in the body weight of the mice given diethylene glycol and the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in body weight and the number of fetuses in the control and treatment groups (p>0.05). On the results of fixation of Bouins' solution, defects in the form of hemorrhage, resorption sites, and slow growth were found. At the same time, the results of the fixation of alizarin red solution found defects in the sternal, nasal, caudal, metacarpal, metatarsal, and phalanges bones.
 Conclusion: The conclusion based on the research is that diethylene glycol has the potential to provide teratogenic effects on mouse fetuses.

Discovery of modern living intertidal stromatolites on Sheybarah Island, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Microbial carbonates, and stromatolites in particular, represent the earliest geological record of life on Earth, which dominated the planet as the sole biotic carbonate factory for almost 3 b.y., from the Archean to the late Proterozoic. Rare and sparsely scattered across the globe in the present day, modern “living” stromatolites are typically relegated to extreme environmental niches, remaining as vestiges of a prodigious microbial past. Here, we report the first discovery of living shallow-marine stromatolites in the Middle East, on Sheybarah Island, Al Wajh carbonate platform, on the NE Red Sea shelf (Saudi Arabia). We detail their regional distribution and describe their environmental conditions, internal structures, and microbial diversity. We also report the first discovery of reticulated filaments in a photic setting, associated with these stromatolites. The Sheybarah stromatolites occur in the intertidal to shallow subtidal zones along the seaward-facing beach in three depth-dependent growth forms. Their inner layers were formed by microbially mediated accretion and differential lithification of sediment grains. Compositional microbial analysis revealed the presence of a wide range of microbial life forms.

Barcoding and mitochondrial phylogenetics of Porites corals.

Coral reefs are the most diverse ecosystem on the planet based on the abundance and diversity of phyla and higher taxa. However, it is still difficult to assess the diversity of lower taxa, especially at the species level. One tool for improving the identification of lower taxa are genetic markers that can distinguish cryptic species and assess species boundaries. Here, we present one such approach for an important and challenging group of reef-building corals. Porites corals are the main reef-builders of many coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific, owing to the massive growth forms of some species. The current number of valid Porites species is controversial, inflated with many synonymies, and often based on gross colony morphology although several morphospecies believed to be widespread and common can only be distinguished based on detailed microstructure analyses by taxonomic experts. Here, we test the suitability of multiple regions of mtDNA as genetic barcodes to identify suitable markers for species differentiation and unambiguous identification. Resulting sequencing data was further used for the first phylogenetic analysis of Guam's Porites species. We tested eight different mitochondrial markers and analyzed four in detail for 135 Porites specimens: mtDNA markers were amplified for 67 Porites specimens from Guam, representing 12 nominal Porites species, and combined with 69 mitochondrial genomes, mostly from Hawaii. The combination of all 4 markers distinguished 10 common and 7 uncommon Central-West Pacific Porites species. Most clades separate species along taxonomic boundaries, which is uncommon for Porites corals and testifies to the suitability of our multi-marker approach, and a combination of the two most promising barcodes distinguished 8/10 common species. These barcodes are thus suitable to distinguish virtually cryptic species in one of the most important and challenging coral genera. They offer a cheap, fast and reliable way to identify Porites species for species-level research, monitoring and conservation.

Dynamic linkages between tourism development, renewable energy and high-quality economic development: Evidence from spatial Durbin model.

There has been a shift in focus toward environmentally and economically sustainable forms of economic growth known as High-quality economic development (HQED). However, this study analyzes the impact of tourism development (TD) and renewable energy consumption on HQED in 30 provinces of China, while covering the time period from 2007 to 2021. TD and HQED has been measured with help of Global Moran Index. This study has used dynamic spatial Durbin model (SDM) to measure the dynamic impact of TD index and renewable energy consumption on HQED along with green finance, foreign direct investment and investment in education. The findings from empirical analysis shows that TD has negative impact on HQED and in more developed regions, the relationship is positive, while in the less developed western part of China, the U-shape has been reversed. Central and northeastern China have a U-shaped connection, while it has been noticed the interaction term of TD and renewable energy endorses HQED. In addition, renewable energy consumption, green finance and increase in education investment have positive and significant impact on HQED while foreign direct investment has negative impact on HQED in China. Therefore, in the light of this study policymakers should focus on the quality of tourism industry, green finance for renewable energy supply and enhancing education investment in China to attain the goal of HQED.

Ukrainian Plant Trait Database: UkrTrait v. 1.0.

Considering the growing demand for plant trait data and taking into account the lack of trait data from Eastern Europe, especially from its steppic region, we launched a new Ukrainian Plant Trait Database (UkrTrait v. 1.0) aiming at collecting all the available plant trait data from Ukraine.To facilitate further use of this database, we linked the trait terminology to the TRY Plant Trait Database, Thesaurus of Plant Characteristics (TOP) and Plant Trait Ontology (TO). For taxa names, we provide the crosswalks between the Ukrainian checklist and international sources, i.e. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, World Checklist of Vascular Plants (World Checklist of Vascular Plants (World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP), World Flora Online (WFO) and Euro+Med PlantBase. We aim to integrate our data into the relevant global (TRY Plant Trait Database) and pan-European (FloraVeg.EU) databases. The current version of the database is freely available at the Zenodo repository and will be updated in the future. Until now, plant traits for the Ukrainian flora were scattered across literature, often focusing on single species and written mainly in Ukrainian. Additionally, many traits were in grey literature or remained non-digitised, which rendered them inaccessible to the global scientific community. Addressing this gap, our Ukrainian Plant Trait Database (UkrTrait v. 1.0) represents a significant step forward. We compiled and digitised plant traits from local Ukrainian literature sources. Furthermore, we performed our own field and laboratory measurements of various plant traits that were not previously available in literature. In the current version of the UkrTrait, we focus on vascular plant species that are absent from the other European trait databases, with emphasis on species that are representative for the steppe vegetation. Traits assembled from literature include life span (annuals, biennials, perennials), plant height, flowering period (flowering months), life form (by Raunkiaer), plant growth form and others. Our own measured traits include seed mass, seed shape, leaf area, leaf nitrogen concentration and leaf phosphorus concentration. The current version, i.e. UkrTrait v. 1.0, comprises digitised literature data of 287,948 records of 75 traits for 6,198 taxa and our own trait measurements of 2,390 records of 12 traits for 388 taxa.

How do plant demographic and ecological traits combined with social dynamics and human traits affect woody plant selection for medicinal uses in Benin (West Africa)?

Several hypotheses have been used in ethnobotany to explain the plant's selection criteria by people for their daily needs. Thus, it is important to assess synergy and complementarity among them, especially, those concerning the plant use value, social dynamics and human traits. The study aims to (i) highlight people's socio-economic factors, and plant ecological traits that affect the plant use-availability dynamic (PUD); and (ii) assess the available species diversity effect on ethno-medicinal knowledge diversity in Benin. Ethnobotanical interviews were carried out to quantify the importance of local species in different ecological zones of Benin with 590 traditional medicine actors. Vegetation surveys were done to assess species availability within 337 plots of 50m x 40m or 60m x 30m, depending on the climatic zone, for a total of 61.6ha, established in 15 forests distributed within the 10 phytodistricts of Benin. The plant use availability hypothesis was quantified as a dynamic link between species use value and availability (PUD). A general and mixed linear models were used to assess the significance of each factor's effect on PUD. Pearson correlation test was applied on Shannon diversity index considering inventoried species in the field and those which were cited by people, for the available species diversity effect on ethno-medicinal knowledge diversity assessment. A hundred and twenty woody medicinal plants, mostly trees (68.33%), were sampled. Growth form and its interaction with phytodistrict have a significant effect (p: 0.005) on PUD. The less available trees were the most used in the phytodistricts 3, 4, 8 and 10. PUD varies significantly according to social factors (p: 0.007). Ethnicity, age and main activity were the most quoted social factors which influenced the PUD. Ethnicity and age have various effects considering the phytodistricts. Moreover, the influence of age changes following the main activity. Plant selection did not solely link to the surrounding diversity (r: - 0.293; p: 0.403). Within some phytodistricts, especially those of 3, 4, 8 and 10, the less available tree species were the most requested. It is urgent to reforest vegetation patches in some phytodistricts (3, 4, 8 and 10) of Benin with widely requested and no available species to avoid the extinction of their wild populations. This concerns Cassia sieberiana DC., Anonychium africanum (Guill. & Perr.) C. E.Hughes & G. P. Lewis, Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir., Cola millenii K. Schum., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss., Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf.) Harms, Treculia africana Decne. ex Trécul, Uapaca heudelotii Baill., Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn., Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. and Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) Seem. ex Bureau.

One hundred and six years of change in a Sonoran Desert plant community: Impact of climate anomalies and trends in species sensitivities.

A major restriction in predicting plant community response to future climate change is a lack of long-term data needed to properly assess species and community response to climate and identify a baseline to detect climate anomalies. Here, we use a 106-year dataset on a Sonoran Desert plant community to test the role of extreme temperature and precipitation anomalies on community dynamics at the decadal scale and over time. Additionally, we tested the climate sensitivity of 39 desert plant species and whether sensitivity was associated with growth form, longevity, geographic range, or local dominance. We found that desert plant communities had shifted directionally over the 106 years, but the climate had little influence on this directional change primarily due to nonlinear shifts in precipitation anomalies. Decadal-scale climate had the largest impact on species richness, species relative density, and total plant cover, explaining up to 26%, 45%, and 55% of the variance in each, respectively. Drought and the interaction between the frequency of freeze events and above-average summer precipitation were among the most influential climate factors. Increased drought frequency and wetter periods with frequent freeze events led to larger reductions in total plant cover, species richness, and the relative densities of dominant subshrubs Ambrosia deltoidea and Encelia farinosa. More than 80% of the tested species were sensitive to climate, but sensitivity was not associated with a species' local dominance, longevity, geographic range, or growth form. Some species appear to exhibit demographic buffering, where when they have a higher sensitivity to drought, they also tend to have a higher sensitivity to favorable (i.e., wetter and hotter) conditions. Overall, our results suggest that, while decadal-scale climate variation substantially impacts these desert plant communities, directional change in temperature over the last century has had little impact due to the relative importance of precipitation and drought. With projections of increased drought in this region, we may see reductions in total vegetation cover and species richness due to the loss of species, possibly through a breakdown in their ability to demographically buffer climatic variation, potentially changing community dynamics through a change in facilitative and competitive processes.

Examining changes of adolescent physical habitus-a retrospective study of physical capital networks.

In recent years, massive studies have examined sport from the standpoint of cultural capital. However, these studies have not examined cultural capital in relation to habitus within specific fields. This article utilized a multivariate latent growth curve model to analyze changes of participants' physical habitus. Hypotheses concerning the form of growth in physical habitus, individual perceived capital influence differences in the common trajectory over time, and covariates influencing the growth of PH were tested. Significant linear increases existed for perceived influence from family and school, while significant linear decreases existed for perceived influence from community. The second-order alternative format of the latent growth curve model indicated that associations among individual perceived influence differences could be adequately explained by a higher order physical habitus construct. Gender, personal health condition, family socio-economic status, and weekly time spent on physical activities significantly predicted initial levels of physical habitus, whereas family social economic status significantly predicted the rate of change in physical habitus simultaneously. These findings not only support the participation in sport is constructed socially but also that individual efforts and contextual influences contribute to physical habitus. Furthermore, three types of perceived influences intertwined so much in simultaneity, instead of contributing to physical habitus across time.

Influence of habitat fragmentation and habitat amount on soil fungi communities in ancient forests

ContextFungi represent a large part of soil biodiversity as well as an essential role for tree hydromineral nutrition, survival, and carbon cycling. While their local diversity has proven to be shaped by abiotic and biotic factors related to soil, climate and vegetation, their response to landscape fragmentation is still debated.ObjectivesIn this paper, we focus on ancient forests characterized by the presence of beech at low elevation, a habitat particularly fragmented in South-West France. We aim to assess the effect of past and present forest fragmentation and quantity on soil fungal and functional group diversity. We expect a negative impact of fragmentation and a positive effect of forest quantity on soil fungal diversity, in addition to an influence of local soil factors.MethodsSoils from 41 1ha ancient forest plots across South-West France were sampled along gradients of past and present forest fragmentation and quantity, before their fungal diversity was characterized by metabarcoding of environmental DNA. Hill numbers have been computed and applied to all fungi, trophic guilds and growth forms.ResultsWe find that past forest fragmentation negatively impacts on soil fungal diversity and in particular for symbiotrophs, while the present forest quantity has a positive impact. In contrast, the species richness of pathotrophic fungi shows a negative correlation with past forest fragmentation. The diversity of fungal groups with lower dispersal abilities (e.g., corticioid, microfungi) is negatively impacted by past forest fragmentation, while the diversity of wind-dispersed fungi (e.g., agaricoid) is not influenced by any landscape descriptors.ConclusionsOur results show the complexity of fungal responses to past and present forest fragmentation and demonstrate the long-lasting effect of past fragmentation as well as the positive impact of recent forest quantity in the landscape on fungal diversity associated with ancient forest soils. Our study also highlights the huge diversity of fungi unraveled by eDNA metabarcoding in this habitat and the potential of such techniques to study the landscape ecology of soil communities.