Southern Locations Research Articles

Metapopulation dynamics and foraging plasticity in a highly vagile seabird, the southern rockhopper penguin.

Population connectivity is driven by individual dispersal potential and modulated by natal philopatry. In seabirds, high vagility facilitates dispersal yet philopatry is also common, with foraging area overlap often correlated with population connectivity. We assess the interplay between these processes by studying past and current connectivity and foraging niche overlap among southern rockhopper penguin colonies of the coast of southern South America using genomic and stable isotope analyses. We found two distinct genetic clusters and detected low admixture between northern and southern colonies. Stable isotope analysis indicated niche variability between colonies, with Malvinas/Falklands colonies encompassing the species entire isotopic foraging niche, while the remaining colonies had smaller, nonoverlapping niches. A recently founded colony in continental Patagonia differed in isotopic niche width and position with Malvinas/Falklands colonies, its genetically identified founder population, suggesting the exploitation of novel foraging areas and/or prey items. Additionally, dispersing individuals found dead across the Patagonian shore in an unusual mortality event were also assigned to the northern cluster, suggesting northern individuals reach southern localities, but do not breed in these colonies. Facilitated by variability in foraging strategies, and especially during unfavorable conditions, the number of dispersing individuals may increase and enhance the probability of founding new colonies. Metapopulation demographic dynamics in seabirds should account for interannual variability in dispersal behavior and pay special attention to extreme climatic events, classically related to negative effects on population trends.

Developing Life-Extending Benefit Curves for Asphalt Pavements with Preservation Treatments

Over time, new pavements deteriorate due to the effect of traffic loads and the environment. If appropriate treatments are applied during the early stages of deterioration, it is possible to improve pavement conditions and extend pavement life without increasing expenditures. The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) has partnered with the Minnesota DOT’s Road Research Facility (MnROAD) to conduct a pavement preservation study that evaluates the life-extending benefit of a variety of preservation treatments, ranging from crack sealing to thin overlays. The objective of this research partnership is to develop performance curves for the treated pavements under different conditions (climate, traffic and initial condition of the pavement). In this study, full-scale test sections were treated first in a southern location (Alabama) on roadways subjected to both low and high traffic levels, starting in the summer of 2012. The experiment was extended in 2016 to include test sections in a northern location (Minnesota) to evaluate the effect of cold climate, also for low and high traffic levels. Throughout this time, cracking, roughness, rutting and macrotexture data were collected biweekly to evaluate pavement performance. The observed trends in the first years of the experiment indicate that there is not a significant variation in roughness or rutting over time, and that performance is mainly affected by the amount of cracking. Furthermore, the condition of the pavement at the time of treatment significantly affects the performance of the treated pavements, as pavements that are treated while still in good condition tend to remain in that category for a longer time. The results also demonstrate the effectiveness of applying pavement preservation treatments versus the “do nothing” scenario. After 4.8 years, the amount of cracking observed is less than the amount expected if the sections were left untreated, even for sections treated with applications that are not designed to address cracking. The results shown in this paper should be considered preliminary and used with caution. Data collection efforts continue in both southern and northern locations with the objective of determining the life-extending benefits of pavement preservation treatments as a function of initial condition, climate and traffic.

Photo-Text Topographics: Memory and Place in Sally Mann's Hold Still

This article explores Sally Mann's memoir Hold Still (2015) as a complex photo-text that excavates, mediates and shapes memories, both of her family and of the US South more broadly. Theorizing photo-text topographics, the article argues that various landscapes (regional, memorative, aesthetic) are mediated by the interrelation between word and image. Mann's depictions of her children, southern location, and – most explicitly – black–white relations in the United States will be shown to reveal how the past can never be “held still.”

Drill and broadcast establishment methods influence interseeded cover crop performance in organic corn

AbstractOrganic grain producers are interested in interseeding cover crops into corn (Zea mays L.) in regions that have a narrow growing season window for post-harvest establishment of cover crops. A field experiment was replicated across 2 years on three commercial organic farms in Pennsylvania to compare the effects of drill- and broadcast-interseeding to standard grower practices, which included post-harvest seeding cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) at the more southern location and winter fallow at the more northern locations. Drill- and broadcast-interseeding treatments occurred just after last cultivation and used a cover crop mixture of annual ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot] + orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) + forage radish (Raphanus sativus L. ssp. longipinnatus). Higher mean fall cover crop biomass and forage radish abundance (% of total) was observed in drill-interseeding treatments compared with broadcast-interseeding. However, corn grain yield and weed suppression and N retention in late-fall and spring were similar among interseeding treatments, which suggests that broadcast-interseeding at last cultivation has the potential to produce similar production and conservation benefits at lower labor and equipment costs in organic systems. Post-harvest seeding cereal rye resulted in greater spring biomass production and N retention compared with interseeded cover crops at the southern location, whereas variable interseeding establishment success and dominance of winter-killed forage radish produced conditions that increased the likelihood of N loss at more northern locations. Additional research is needed to contrast conservation benefits and management tradeoffs between interseeding and post-harvest establishment methods.

Latitudinal, seasonal and depth-dependent variation in growth, chemical composition and biofouling of cultivated Saccharina latissima (Phaeophyceae) along the Norwegian coast

The Norwegian coastline covers more than 10° in latitude and provides a range in abiotic and biotic conditions for seaweed farming. In this study, we compared the effects of cultivation depth and season on the increase in biomass (frond length and biomass yield), chemical composition (protein, tissue nitrogen, intracellular nitrate and ash content) and biofouling (total cover and species composition) of cultivated Saccharina latissima at nine locations along a latitudinal gradient from 58 to 69° N. The effects of light and temperature on frond length and biofouling were evaluated along with their relevance for selecting optimal cultivation sites. Growth was greater at 1–2 m than at 8–9 m depth and showed large differences among locations, mainly in relation to local salinity levels. Maximum frond lengths varied between 15 and 100 cm, and maximum biomass yields between 0.2 and 14 kg m−2. Timing of maximum frond length and biomass yield varied with latitude, peaking 5 and 8 weeks later in the northern location (69° N) than in the central (63° N) and southern (58° N) locations, respectively. The nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor (averaged across all locations and depths) was 3.8, while protein content varied from 22 to 109 mg g−1 DW, with seasonality and latitude having the largest effect. The onset of biofouling also followed a latitudinal pattern, with a delayed onset in northern locations and at freshwater-influenced sites. The dominant epibiont was the bryozoan Membranipora membranacea. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of S. latissima cultivation along a wide latitudinal gradient in North Atlantic waters and underscore the importance of careful site selection for seaweed aquaculture.

Identification of wild macrofungi from Southern West of Saudi Arabia

Macro-fungi (Mushrooms) considered a great potential natural bio-resource of basidiomycetes; also, source of proteins and vitamins for human. In the present study twelve mushrooms were identified and one of Terfezia sp. The importance of mushroom all over the world, give a push to many mycologists to study the wonderful macro-fungi. The different ecological conditions, affects on the wild fungus especially humidity and temperature degrees. The morphological characteristics as the stalk height, diameter, cap size and fresh weight of mushrooms were considered as a parameter for differentiation between different types. Twelve species of mushrooms belonging to different genera were collected and identified from three locations in Jazan governorate southern of Saudi Arabia; Harub, Al-Aridhah and Samtah, which found a suitable area for this kind of macro fungi in Saudi Arabia. In addition, in Al-Sahalil Jazan region the Terfizia sp. Was recorded underground with some wild plants.

Thermal Tolerance of Gloomy Scale (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in the Eastern United States

An insect species' geographic distribution is probably delimited in part by physiological tolerances of environmental temperatures. Gloomy scale (Melanaspis tenebricosa (Comstock)) is a native insect herbivore in eastern U.S. forests. In eastern U.S. cities, where temperatures are warmer than nearby natural areas, M. tenebricosa is a primary pest of red maple (Acer rubrum L.; Sapindales: Sapindaceae) With warming, M. tenebricosa may spread to new cities or become pestilent in forests. To better understand current and future M. tenebricosa distribution boundaries, we examined M. tenebricosa thermal tolerance under laboratory conditions. We selected five hot and five cold experimental temperatures representative of locations in the known M. tenebricosa distribution. We built models to predict scale mortality based on duration of exposure to warm or cold experimental temperatures. We then used these models to estimate upper and lower lethal durations, i.e., temperature exposure durations that result in 50% mortality. We tested the thermal tolerance for M. tenebricosa populations from northern, mid, and southern locations of the species' known distribution. Scales were more heat and cold tolerant of temperatures representative of the midlatitudes of their distribution where their densities are the greatest. Moreover, the scale population from the northern distribution boundary could tolerate cold temperatures from the northern boundary for twice as long as the population collected near the southern boundary. Our results suggest that as the climate warms the M. tenebricosa distribution may expand poleward, but experience a contraction at its southern boundary.

From a rare inhabitant into a potential pest – status of the nun moth in Finland based on pheromone trapping

Forests are affected by climate change in various ways. This includes abiotic factors such as droughts, but also biotic damage by pest insects. There are numerous examples from cases where pest insects have benefitted from longer growing seasons or from warmer summers. Similarly, new pest insects have been able to expand their range due to climatic conditions that have changed from hostile to tolerable. Such seems to be the case with the nun moth (), an important defoliator of coniferous trees in Europe. For centuries, the species has had massive outbreaks across Central-Europe, while it has been a rare inhabitant in Northern Europe. Recently, the nun moth population in Finland has not only expanded in range, but also grown more abundant. This research note describes the results from the first years (2018–2019) of a monitoring program that is being conducted with pheromone traps across central and southern Finland. So far, the northernmost individuals were trapped near the 64 N degrees. However, there were more southern locations where no moths were trapped. The species was present in every trapping site below the latitude of 62 N degrees. More importantly, at some sites the abundance of the nun moth suggested that local forest damage may already occur. Given the current climatic scenarios for Fennoscandia, it is likely that the nun moth populations will continue to grow, which is why systematic surveys on their abundance and range expansions will be topical.Lymantria monacha

Early Generation Selection within a Diploid Hybrid Solanum tuberosum Groups Phureja and Stenotomum Population for the Intense Yellow-flesh Creamer Potato Market

Consumer demand for specialty market potatoes has been growing. Cultivated South American diploid potatoes possess great variation for skin and flesh colors, shape, and taste. A long-day adapted population of Solanum tuberosum groups Phureja and Stenotomum (phu-stn) was evaluated for characteristics associated with the type known as papa criolla or papa amarilla in South America. Tubers have intense yellow flesh and may be fried or roasted and eaten whole. A U.S. northern location (Maine), representative of a seed growing region, and two southern locations (Florida and New Mexico), representative of potato growing regions near large Hispanic populations, evaluated yellow-fleshed clones selected within a phu-stn population. Agreement between selectors at two locations was greater than 50%. Tuber skin color and shape were highly correlated between locations; flesh color and tuber dormancy moderately so; eye depth had low correlation between locations; and appearance and skin texture had low or no correlation between locations. Tuber dormancy was generally short, but a few longer dormant clones were identified. There were significant differences among clones for yields, with the highest yields occurring in Maine. More intense evaluations are planned for a subset of these clones before possible release as new varieties. Future breeding efforts will be undertaken to lengthen tuber dormancy in this population.

The diversity and distribution of mesophotic benthic invertebrates at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

The effective management of marine species relies on a comprehensive understanding of how the environment can influence biodiversity and distributions. This study quantified the biodiversity of invertebrates across the phyla Arthropoda, Echinodermata, Mollusca and Porifera from 132 sampling stations along the coast of the Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP) and across depths ranging from 30 to 123 m, providing a broad assessment of the biodiversity of marine invertebrates in mesophotic habitats of the NMP. Benthic sleds were used to sample biodiversity and specimens identified to the highest taxonomic resolution. Single-beam and multibeam surveys of the seabed were performed to derive 58 spatial and bathymetric variables used to assess their relevance to the distributions of benthic diversity. A total of 787 taxa were identified across the four phyla, of which 51% were rare and sampled from a single station. Latitude and depth were significant in structuring the invertebrate diversity in the mesophotic, with Point Cloates notably identified as a significant geographical feature in partitioning diversity to the north and south of the NMP. Depth was more influential at structuring diversity in the northern section of the NMP due to the narrower Ningaloo Shelf, and southern localities including Turtles and Red Bluff were identified as biodiversity hotspots for benthic invertebrates. Importantly, comparisons of diversity within ‘no-take’ and ‘general use’ zones along the NMP indicate that sanctuary zones represent the diversity contained in the marine park, thus highlighting their importance in the protection and conservation of invertebrate diversity for the region.

Should emergence models for Lolium rigidum be changed throughout climatic conditions? The case of Spain

Lolium rigidum Gaudin is a troublesome weed worldwide, and its distribution may increase due to climate change. It has become resistant to several herbicides and, therefore, its control is problematic. On the other hand, its seed biology, with little dormancy and short-term viability, can play a major role in reducing its seed bank, which would improve control of this weed. For this reason, knowledge of the emergence patterns of this species entails improvements for its management. In this work seeds from one population of L. rigidum, collected in Northeastern Spain, were distributed and sown in 11 sites across Spain, and its emergence was followed every 2–7 days for two growing seasons (2016-17 and 2017–18). These emergence sequences were compared with previously published thermal time and hydrothermal time based models, and new models were developed afterwards. The hydrothermal time based model did not significantly improve models based solely on thermal time. The accuracy of these newly developed models varied from site to site, but in general, they worked better for Northern locations than for Southern locations. Thus, the experimental sites were split between North and South, and specific models for each region were developed. The model developed for Northern sites worked very well, but the one for Southern sites needs improvement. This works reveals that, with regard to this weed species, probably different models should be developed for different climatic conditions. The model developed with data from Northern sites should be validated with local populations, while the one developed with data from Southern sites will probably need to be revised or newly developed with data from more Southern populations.

First description of genetic diversity for the genus Metagonimus using the complete cox1 gene sequence

The complete cox1 gene sequence was analysed for Metagonimus suifunensis from eight localities in the Russian southern Far East, and the level of variability was compared with that of Clonorchis sinensis from the same territory of Russia. These species belong to the superfamily Opisthorchioidea, have a similar distribution in the Russian southern Far East and share second intermediate and definitive hosts, but are distinguished by their first intermediate hosts belonging to different orders of caenogastropods. The data obtained showed that the nucleotide sequence variability of the M. suifunensis cox1 gene was significantly lower. This fact is considered in connection with a recent bottleneck passage for the M. suifunensis population, in contrast to C. sinensis, which could be due to the features of the Metagonimus life cycle under seasonal freezing temperatures, as well as historical geological and climatic changes in the Russian Far East. These factors could influence the microevolutionary processes and lead to a decrease in the level of variability in the M. suifunensis population. Based on the combination of genetic data and historical geo-processes in the region, the probable route of M. suifunensis expansion from the northern part of its current area in the Amur River basin to the southern territories of the Russian Far East is justified.

Tinkering with day length disrupts reproductive diapause

I always feel a little sad when I have to start putting on the lights almost as soon as I get home at the end of the day, but shorter day lengths signify a far more dramatic lifestyle change for many other species. When the number of hours of daylight falls too low, many northern insects place their reproductive systems into suspended animation – known as reproductive diapause – to wait out winter. Some species fine-tune the timing of the switch depending on their latitude, with females from higher latitudes triggering reproductive diapause when the days are longer than those in more southern locations. Yet, how insects synchronize the physiological processes that must be coordinated to harmonise their physiology with the seasons, remained a mystery.With a long-standing interest in how insects predict the onset of winter, Anneli Hoikkala from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland – with colleagues from her university, Oulu University, Finland, and St Andrews, UK – took advantage of the insect's versatility. They artificially evolved populations of Drosophila montana, collected in northern Finland by shortening the amount of daylight experienced by each subsequent generation by 0.5 h to begin unravelling the masterplan that coordinates the flies’ seasonal reproductive off switch. Once they were sure that the diapause trigger had been reprogrammed by the shorter day lengths, the team looked for differences between the new population and flies that had been maintained for generations on a daily schedule of 24 h light, simulating the northern summer.Presenting the new population with days where the number of hours of light varied from 13–21 h over a 24 h period, Hannele Kauranen and Johanna Kinnunen found that 50% of the females went into diapause when they had 17.5 h of light, in contrast to their northerly ancestors, which initiated reproductive diapause at 19.4 h. Then Pekka Lankinen tinkered with the length of the full day – fixing the amount of daylight at 12 h while varying the length of the night from 6 to 72 h – he found that their internal body clocks – circadian rhythms – were not contributing to triggering the flies’ reproductive shut down.Having checked factors that could activate reproductive diapause, the team knew that the wild insects tend to bear cold better as the days draw in, so Anna-Lotta Hiillos measured the temperature at which the evolved flies toppled into a coma when it became too cold. She found that females from the evolved population that had gone into diapause were only able to able to tolerate temperatures down to around –1.8°C while the flies that had experienced normal 24 h days across the generations were able to hold out to –2.2°C; the evolved flies were less cold tolerant. Finally Axel Wiberg and Michael Ritchie analysed the flies’ genome to search for differences that could explain the reproductive diapause shift and found changes in genes involved in the insect's ability to sense light, their hormone signalling, growth and egg development. ‘Overall, our study shows that photoperiodic selection for reproduction under short photoperiods affects diapause-associated traits without disrupting the central clock network generating circadian rhythms in fly locomotor activity’, says Kauranen.

New data on Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Bulgaria

The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is considered to be one of the world’s most destructive fruit pests because of its global distribution, wide host range and rapid dispersal. In the period 1956–2006, transient populations of the pest have been reported regularly in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) initiated monitoring of C. capitata in 15 regions of the country. The surveys were conducted during the period 2013–2018, using Jackson traps with attractant trimedlure and Tephri traps with Biolure. The presence of adults of C. capitata was confirmed in peach, apple and mixed orchards, as well as in private yards at five locations in southern and south-eastern Bulgaria: Blagoevgrad, Kyustendil, Pazardzhik, Plovdiv and Sliven. The results from the five-year monitoring showed a variable abundance of C. capitata adults captured in different years and localities. The highest mean captures were recorded in 2014 (195) and 2018 (422), no specimen of the C. capitata was found in 2017. In 2018 the most abundant captures were from fruit gardens in Plovdiv (297♀;65♂) and Sliven (18♀; 22♂). Over the entire study period, the lowest rate of adult captures was in July and August (only a few individuals in traps in each region). The population abundance began to increase at the beginning of mid-September and a peak was observed at the beginning of mid-October. The results on the seasonal population fluctuations obtained are similar to data from neighbouring countries: northern Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Romania, and Turkey.

A preliminary study on ochre sources in Southwestern Germany and its potential for ochre provenance during the Upper Paleolithic

The use of mineral pigments, specifically iron-oxide rich mineral pigments called ochre, has been put forward as a key element in the development of symbolic and non-utilitarian behaviors in human evolution. However, the processes of ochre procurement, trade and use are difficult to conceptualize without the identification and characterization of the sources where these materials were acquired. We present the results of geochemical analyses of ochre source samples collected from the Swabian Jura, Black Forest, and other localities in southern and eastern Germany. The goal of this study was to build the groundwork for future investigations on the range of ochre behaviors at archaeological sites in the region. We aimed to determine whether specific ochre outcrops could be differentiated based on their geochemical signatures. Using data from Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), we were able to determine that the ochre source regions exhibit greater source inter-variability than intra-variability when observed using a range of statistical techniques, therefore satisfying the provenance postulate. Furthermore, the data provide the foundation for a Central European database of ochre sources to allow the comparison of ochres from different regions to archaeological ochres from important nearby and perhaps distant sites.

Evaluation of the carbon sequestration capacity of arid mangroves along nutrient availability and salinity gradients along the Red Sea coastline of Saudi Arabia

Summary In the present work, we assessed the carbon sequestration capacity of mangrove forests (Avicennia marina) in relation to nutrient availability and salinity gradients along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. This was achieved through estimating the sediment bulk density (SBD), sediment organic carbon (SOC) concentration, SOC density, SOC pool, carbon sequestration rate (CSR) and carbon sequestration potential (CSP). The present study was conducted at 3 locations (northern, middle and southern), using 7 sites and 21 stands of mangrove forests (A. marina) along ∼1134 km of the Red Sea coastline of Saudi Arabia (from Duba in the north to Jazan in the south), all of which are in an arid climate. The correlation coefficients between the water characteristics and the first two Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) axes indicated that the separation of the sediment parameters along the first axis were positively influenced by TDS (total dissolved solids) and EC (electric conductivity) and were negatively influenced by total N and total P. On the other hand, the second axis was negatively correlated with total N, total P, EC and TDS. The SOC pools at the northern (10.5 kg C m−2) and southern locations (10.4 kg C m−2) were significantly higher than the SOC pool at the middle location (6.7 kg C m−2). In addition, the average CSR of the northern (5.9 g C m−2 yr−1) and southern locations (6.0 g C m−2 yr−1) were significantly higher than they were in the middle location (5.0 g C m−2 yr−1).

Reinterpretation of the suture zone between the Itabuna-Salvador-Curaçá and Jequié blocks, of the São Francisco Craton, Bahia, Brazil, using structural and geophysical data

The study area is located in the central portion of the São Francisco Craton (SFC), between two of the main blocks that compose this feature: the Jequié and the Itabuna-Salvador-Curaçá blocks. The main objective of this study was to reevaluate the transition zone between both blocks, employing airborne geophysical, geologic and structural data. The geophysical data are represented by gamma-ray spectrometry and magnetic surveys, which showed the structure of the lithotypes mapped and helped in the identification of their limits. The analysis of these images established five radiometric domains and six magnetic zones. The geophysical data interpreted along with mapping survey, with macroscopic description and structural data, allowed better identification of the suture zone between the referred blocks. The structural analysis identified four deformation phases, characteristic of a transpressional zone, uplifting the ISCB onto JB. The present study proposes the modification of the limits between these blocks to a more southern location and updates the regional geotectonic understanding of the central region of the state of Bahia.

Production and vertical distribution of invertebrates on riprap shorelines in Chesapeake Bay: A novel rocky intertidal habitat

Along the North American Mid-Atlantic coast, soft-sediment shorelines are armored with hard substrata, such as riprap (rock revetments), for erosion protection. These structures are valuable for determining anthropogenic effects on marine ecosystems, and riprap potentially represents a habitat similar to an “emerging ecosystem” with productive species assemblages. The goals of this project were to (i) quantify species diversity, secondary production, and vertical distribution associated with armored (i.e., riprap) habitats in various locations in Chesapeake Bay and (ii) compare benthic epifaunal production on riprap with infaunal production on natural soft-sediment habitats in a system where natural rocky intertidal habitats are absent. Density, diversity, and secondary production of benthic epifauna on riprap and benthic infauna were compared in adjacent habitats in lower (Lynnhaven River) and upper (Patuxent River) Chesapeake Bay. To compare riprap habitat between tributaries that differed in physical characteristics and with natural rocky intertidal habitats from other systems, oyster, mussel, and barnacle vertical distribution on riprap in southern (Lynnhaven River) and northern (Piankatank River) locations was quantified. The hypothesis was that riprap assemblages and secondary production would differ between rivers and among regions due to differences in physical variables such as temperature (thermal stress in northern locations), or osmotic stress (greater upriver), and patterns would be comparable to natural rocky habitats. We predicted that productivity would be relatively high and relate positively with diversity on riprap, suggesting that it is a habitat within an “emerging ecosystem” where new combinations of species and habitat appear. Benthic epifaunal production on riprap was sevenfold greater than natural infaunal production, and both tended to be highest in the Lynnhaven. Vertical distribution on riprap was similar to that on natural rocky intertidal habitats: oyster and mussel densities tended to be highest in the mid- and low-intertidal zones, whereas barnacle density was greatest in the high intertidal at the southern location and the low intertidal in the northern location. Secondary productivity on riprap was high relative to the natural, infaunal, soft-bottom habitat in this area. Species richness and epifaunal non-oyster production were positively related to oyster production. We demonstrate that intertidal riprap-armored shorelines are a productive novel habitat in an emerging ecosystem, and they enhance species diversity, abundance, and production. Thus, riprap shorelines mimic the ecological characteristics of natural hard-bottom habitats, and they may contribute substantially to ecosystem function throughout the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts due to riprap's widespread use and distribution.

Phylogeography of ants from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Known for its remarkable biodiversity and high levels of endemism, the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest has been characterized as one of the most threatened biomes on the planet. Despite strong interest in recent years, we still lack a comprehensive scenario to explain the origin and maintenance of diversity in this region, partially given the relatively low power of analyses involving few independent genetic loci. In this study, we examine a phylogenomic dataset of five ant species to investigate phylogeographical patterns across the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We sequenced ultraconserved elements to generate hundreds of loci using a bait set developed specifically for hymenopterans. We analyzed the data using Bayesian and maximum likelihood approaches of phylogenetic inference. Results were then integrated with environmental niche modeling of current and past climates, including the Last Glacial Maximum and the last interglacial period. The studied species showed differentiation patterns that were consistent with the north/south division of the Atlantic Rainforest indicated in previous studies for other taxa. However, there were differences among species, both in the location of phylogeographic breaks and in the pattern of genetic variation within these areas. Samples from southern localities tended to show recent genetic structure, although a site in Tapirai (state of Sao Paulo) repeatedly showed an intriguing older history of differentiation. All species experienced shifts in areas of suitability through the time. Our study suggests that distinct groups may have responded idiosyncratically to the climatic changes that took place in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The amount of intraspecific genetic structure was related to the inferred geographical distribution of habitat suitability according to current and past times. Also, a parallel between the amount of Quaternary climatic suitability and the level of interspecific differentiation was detected for four species. Finally, despite strong contractions at the northeastern region of the forest, the remaining areas appear to have been able to act as refugia.

Soil biota composition and the performance of a noxious weed across its invaded range

The success of invasive plant species is driven, in part, by feedback with soil ecosystems. Yet, how variation in belowground communities across latitudinal gradients affects invader distributions remains poorly understood. To determine the effect of soil communities on the performance of the noxious weedCirsium arvenseacross its invaded range, we grew seedlings for 40 days in soils collected across a 699 km linear distance from both inside and outside established populations. We also described the mesofaunal and bacterial communities across all soil samples. We found thatC. arvensetypically performed better when grown in soils sourced from northern populations than from southern locations where it has a longer invasion history. We also found evidence thatC. arvenseperformed best in soils sourced from outside invaded patches, although this was not consistent across all sites. The bacterial community showed a significant increase in the magnitude of compositional change in invaded sites at higher latitudes, while the mesofaunal community showed the opposite pattern. Bacterial community composition was significantly correlated withC. arvenseperformance, although mesofaunal community composition was not. Our results demonstrate that the interactions between an invasive plant and associated soil communities change across the invaded range, and the bacterial community in particular may affect variation in plant performance. Observed patterns may be caused byC.arvensepresence and time since invasion allowing for an accumulation of species‐specific pathogens in southern soils, while the naïveté of northern soils to invasion results in a more responsive bacterial community. Although these interactions are difficult to predict, such effects could possibly facilitate the establishment of this exotic species to novel locations.