Calea comprises 165 species distributed from Mexico to Argentina. Within the tribe Neurolaeneae, the genus is distinguished by its striated phyllaries, generally yellow corollas, anthers and style branches, as well as its pappus elements in the form of scales. Calea subg. Meyeria Baker is endemic to southeastern and southern Brazil, where it occurs in open vegetation such as grasslands, savannas, and rock outcrops. This subgenus includes eight species and one hybrid, and its monophyly has recently been supported by molecular data. The aim of this study is to provide a taxonomic revision of the subgenus. Protologues and herbarium specimens were studied and together with fieldwork, these efforts resulted in more than 1300 specimens analyzed in detail. Morphological descriptions of the subgenus and its subordinate taxa are provided, including the description of a new nothospecies C. × malmeana V.R.Bueno & G.Heiden nothosp. nov. The subgenus currently comprises eight species and two nothospecies, and is characterized by having a shrubby habit, ovate leaf blade, two series of foliaceous phyllaries, radiate capitula, and pappus of 8–15 scales. In addition, we provide data on distribution and habitat, informal conservation status, phenology, taxonomic notes, distribution maps, selected examined material, field images, and illustrations for the eight species and two nothospecies. This revision contributes to a better understanding of Calea and represents an important step forward by performing a detailed revision of an infrageneric group after classification based on a phylogenetic hypothesis.

Occurrences of interbedded volcanic deposits in the Jurassic marine carbonate successions of the SE Spanish Iberian Range (Iberian Plate) have been reported since the 1930s. However, it was not until now, almost 85 years later, that these volcanic deposits have been quantified and dated. Eight sites containing single or multiple volcanic rock outcrops are detected, where 13 successive volcanic levels are differentiated using biostratigraphic methods. The results indicate that the volcanic manifestations were distributed throughout the early Pliensbachian–early Bajocian interval. The starting point for this quantification and dating was the geological mapping of the volcanic outcrops and surrounding sedimentary formations. The geological mapping was carried out in the field using traditional methods, such as enlargements of maps on paper at a scale of 1:25,000 provided by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) and at a scale of 1:10,000 by the Institut Cartogràfic Valencià. The hand-drawn geological features were later digitized using several software programs (AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop) and presented in portable document format (.pdf) in this work. Georeferenced sheets of the National Topographic Base of Spain (1:25,000) in digital (.dwg) format were used as the topographic base of the maps. Orthoimages and Digital Elevation Models were also deployed. All the material (vector topographic base, orthoimages, and DEMs) was provided by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional of Spain.The final maps represent a complete location of all known Jurassic volcanic manifestations in the Iberian Range, which may be useful in further multidisciplinary geological work.

Abstract Degradation of crater topography is important on planetary surfaces as it can record environmental conditions through rates and processes of erosion. Regolith creep is classically thought to dominate crater wall degradation, leading to smooth crater walls. Processes that create rough topography, such as chutes and alcoves, are often attributed to volatiles. Here we explore an alternate hypothesis for chute formation by erosion from dry rockfall. We mapped the western rim of Endeavour crater, Mars, including the Marathon and Perseverance valleys visited by NASA's Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Opportunity. Marathon Valley is a broad alcove with locally steep, rubbly outcrops, a moderately sloping (18°) bedrock floor dissected by a network of shallow grooves and boulders downslope. When initiated from these steep (>45°) outcrops, rockfall modeling shows focused impacts near the headwall of Marathon Valley and rocks that traverse the valley floor even at gradients below the angle of repose. Perseverance Valley is a smaller chute with relief that is too subtle to be captured in the digital elevation model, and therefore the model does not produce funneled rockfall there. Across the Endeavour crater rim, the rockfall‐erosion hypothesis is consistent with locally steep rock outcrops as rockfall sources, boulder fields, and the rough chute‐and‐spur topography. We propose that through topographic steering, rockfall can be funneled into chutes and alcoves, concentrating impacts and erosion there, and further developing these landforms in the absence of flowing water.

Abstract The common brushtail possum ( Trichosurus vulpecula ) is a nocturnal marsupial that primarily retreats to tree hollows. However, there are some reports of denning in other sites like dense foliage, rock outcrops and animal burrows. We report observations of common brushtail possums roosting in an exposed tree fork and roosting in a ground-level rock crevice in the Blue Mountains region, New South Wales, Australia. Both remained at those sites for the entire day, with the individual in the exposed tree fork waking briefly to browse. The observation of the possum in the sandstone crevice differs from previously reported instances of roosting in rock outcrops in that this crevice was at ground level and accessible to ground-based predators.

In recent decades, wildfire regimes have changed significantly, with increases in frequency, severity and area affected, leading to major habitat alterations that may impact species ecology. While fire's role in plant ecology is well studied, its effects on animal biotic interactions remain poorly understood. In northern Portugal, where wildfires are common, the native rock-dwelling lizard Podarcis lusitanicus may thrive postfire due to its preference for open rocky outcrops, which expand after fires. This suggests not only resilience but also a capacity for persistence in postfire disturbances driven by habitat preferences. However, changes in prey availability after fire induce dietary shifts in this insectivorous lizard, potentially affecting trophic interactions and, consequently, gut microbiota communities. Gut microbiota influence host fitness through effects on nutrition, immunity and behaviour; on the other hand, gut microbiota are affected by variations in diet and environment. This study assessed how fire history affects P. lusitanicus gut microbiota. Sampling occurred across 12 sites in northern Portugal, representing three fire histories: long-unburned, burned in 2016 and burned in 2022. Cloacal swabs were analysed by metabarcoding the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Results showed that gut bacterial composition varied with fire history, as well as with sex, body size and diet. Females had higher microbial richness despite similar diet richness between sexes. While microbiome composition shifted, predicted microbiome function remained relatively stable, indicating both resilience and ecological flexibility in fire-prone environments. These findings enhance understanding of how lizard microbiomes respond to environmental disturbances and may help predict host and microbiota tolerance under changing fire regimes.

This study aims to analyze the obstacles hindering the organization of practical work and field trips in petrography didactics in general education colleges (CEG) without laboratories in the city of Gouré (Zinder region, Niger) in order to identify local opportunities to remedy this situation. The methodological approach was based first on a survey conducted in the city's five secondary schools using questionnaires sent to ten life and earth science (LES) teachers who regularly teach second- and third-year classes where petrography is taught. Investigations were then carried out in the urban environment and the immediate geological surroundings of Gouré in order to identify the resources available for practical teaching. The results reveal that the majority of teachers (more than 50%) have poor geological qualifications, a lack of practical skills in petrography, and a lack of awareness of the educational potential offered by the local geological context. In addition, one in five schools has an unequipped laboratory. The study recommends an alternative strategy based on four levers: (1) strengthening teachers' capacities through continuing education, (2) taking advantage of the local geological context, characterized by a diversity of magmatic, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock outcrops located near or within the city, (3) exploiting the local market, which offers relevant products and materials (hydrochloric acid, magnifying glasses, hammers, etc.) at low cost, etc.), (4) and using smartphones and the internet, which could be a practical alternative to traditional field tools such as GPS and compass.

The NASA Mars 2020 Mission Perseverance rover has conducted a four-Martian-year scientific campaign in the Jezero western fan, a typical fluvial–deltaic–lacustrine system on Mars. Equipped with the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) and SuperCam, the rover has collected high-resolution elemental data from abraded rock outcrops, providing a detailed geochemical and mineralogical characterization of key stratigraphic units. This work presents a systematic analysis of these targets, revealing distinct geochemical trends. Rocks from the delta front, upper fan, and margin units are enriched in Mg and Fe (e.g., mafic to ultramafic lithologies) and are depleted in Si, Al, Na, and Ca. These units share comparable mineral parageneses and exhibit pervasive alteration textures, in contrast to the more limited alteration observed in crater floor targets. Despite this, we also discussed insights derived from elemental data: (1) Low to medium chemical index of alteration (CIA) and modified index of alteration (MIA) values indicate limited silicate weathering. (2) Localized enrichments in Cl and Br suggest episodic mobilization of brines. (3) The presence of high-silica phases near the margin unit further points to hydrothermal processes. These observations suggest that sedimentation and diagenesis in the Jezero western delta were shaped by a complex interplay of fluvial, lacustrine, and localized hydrothermal processes.

The results of a comprehensive survey of meadow-steppe vegetation at the valuable natural area “Karmaskaly Forest Steppe” (Republic of Bashkortostan) are presented. The syntaxonomical diversity of the vegetation unit system of Eurasia, represented by three classes, four orders, five alliances, and six associations, was revealed for the first time. Coenoflora analysis was conducted, and 142 vascular plant species were noted. Among them, 11 species are endangered and require conservation (5 species included in the Red Books, 4 endemic species from the mountain steppe and rocky endemics groups, and 3 relic species). To estimate the proportion of territory affected by economic activity, a time series analysis of multispectral images of Landsat 5, 7, 8 was performed. An assessment of the distribution of grass, shrub, and tree communities was performed using the classification of Sentinel 2 multispectral images using the random forest algorithm. A high degree of accuracy was achieved in the classification of petrophyte communities. Herbaceous communities cover the majority of the area. Maximum scores in the integral conservation value criterion were achieved by the Stipo pennatae–Centauretum sibiricae association (rocky outcrop vegetation of steep hill slopes), as well as the Artemisio austriacae–Stipetum capillatae (feather grass and oatgrass steppes) association.

The objective was to study soil formation and to analyze the relationships between soil distribution and vegetation cover at Lions Rump, King George Island, Maritime Antarctica. WRB and Soil Taxonomy systems were applied in association with geomorphological features. Thirteen pedons were sampled and described for their physical, chemical, and mineralogical attributes. Soil mapping and vegetation distribution were performed. Results showed that soils are mainly formed from weathered basalt-andesitic rocks, which are naturally rich in apatite, and have a high P background. Typic Dystrogelepts ornithic and Typic Gelorthents ornithic are the main ornithogenic soils in the study area. Typic Dystrogelepts ornithic represent the deepest, most structured, and reddish soils at Lions Rump. Typic Haplogelepts ornithic are the main soils on the first and second moraine levels from White Eagle Glacier. Typic Haploturbels and Lithic Haploturbels are present just above 80 m a.s.l. (above sea level), especially on the top areas and paraglacial spots, with gelic materials within 100 cm of the soil surface and permafrost within 200 cm. Despite occurring only at higher altitudes, they represent the most extensive soil cover at Lions Rump. Turbic Haplogelepts and Typic Haplorthents occur between 40 and 80 m a.s.l., without the influence of bird nesting and with permafrost absent to a depth of 200 cm. Vitrandic Cryopsamments and Oxyaquic Cryopsamments dominated the first level of terraces and former beaches along the coastal area. Other soils, classified as Lithic Cryorthents Ornithic and Typic Gelifluvents ornithic, occur in very restricted areas: the former on sea stack rock outcrops (basaltic plugs) near the beach, and the latter in a small portion of glacial alluvial fans. Overall, soil distribution and classification in Lions Rump allowed the identification of two main soil domains: Ornithogenic soils (without permafrost) and the Gelisols (above 80 m a.s.l.). Higher P and N contents at ornithogenic sites favor vegetation establishment with the presence of Deschampsia antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis.

Virtual outcrop models (VOM), virtual field trips, and virtual field experiences have become more prominent in geoscience instruction. Many have reported on perceptions of student learning via virtual field experiences. However, few have systematically investigated their efficacy; how or what students learn. This exploratory study focuses on how students use VOMs in tandem with actual field work. Ten undergraduate participants used a VOM, of a sedimentary rock outcrop. While five of the participants used the VOM the other five were at the field site the VOM represented. They attempted to describe and explain the geology of the outcrop. Halfway through the day, the VOM students went to the field and vice versa. We recorded their actions, field notes, and conversations using a think aloud protocol. Analysis of the data resulted in three main themes, (1) Doing geology, (2) Physical observations, and (3) Comparisons of VOM with the actual field. Also, participants practicing with the VOM first were better prepared and spent less time orienting themselves once they reached the actual field, compared to those who began in the field directly. The VOM-first group looked for things, rather than just looking at things. Having built a general mental model first, they more quickly oriented themselves to the actual field site and refined their mental models with more detailed observations. Other findings point to VOMs as situated within the larger education ecosystem. This includes participant reluctance in making interpretations, not wanting to be wrong. We explain this with teaching experiences that emphasize the stuff of geoscience over the process of geoscience. In addition to recommending VOM experiences prior to fieldwork, we recommend more instruction emphasizing the process of geoscience.

Abstract Rocky outcrops are conspicuous formations in the southeastern Peruvian highlands, providing shelter to several species that inhabit habitats with harsh conditions above 3,500 m. Despite their ecological importance for species survival, mammalian diversity remains poorly documented in the Peruvian Altiplano. Between January 2012 and December 2022, we used camera traps to survey 7 localities in the Altiplano of the Departments of Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna gathering a total sampling effort of 15,946 camera-days. We recorded 14 native and 1 exotic mammal species (Lepus europaeus). Rodents dominated the community, with Abrocoma cinerea, Lagidium viscacia, and Abrothrix jelskii comprising 75% of total detections. Seasonal patterns were evident with A. jelskii and L. viscacia increasing their capture frequency index (CF) in the dry season, while A. cinerea remained dominant and the most frequently captured species across seasons. Alpha diversity analyses revealed similar species richness between seasons, though diversity of common and dominant species was higher in the dry season. Beta diversity comparisons showed moderate to high similarity among Peruvian rocky outcrops, but lower similarity between distant rocky outcrops (Argentina vs Peru) and between rocky outcrops and open habitats, suggesting species turnover. This study provides the first mammalian inventory in Peruvian rocky outcrops using camera traps, covering one of the highest altitudinal ranges in the region. We discuss seasonal trends in species CF and diversity, reinforcing the role of rocky outcrops as refugia. Finally, we highlight the importance of camera traps for biodiversity monitoring in highland habitats, the potential impact of exotic species, and the urgent need for further research on these threatened habitats.

Context The yellow-footed rock-wallaby (YFRW; Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus) is found in rocky ranges, gorges and isolated rocky outcrops in semi-arid South Australia and western New South Wales, regions likely to be affected by vegetation changes induced by climate change. Aims This study examined the diet of YFRWs and two sympatric herbivores (the feral goat, Capra hircus, and the euro, Osphranter robustus erubescens) in two different habitat types: steep, highly connected mountain range habitat, and a low, isolated outcrop habitat. Methods Plant DNA was extracted from scat samples (n = 170) collected across multiple time points in 2020–2022 at Italowie Gap (steep, connected habitat) and Bimba Hill (low, isolated habitat). Plant DNA was genetically sequenced using hybridisation capture with custom myBaits®. Key results The number of plants in the diet of YFRWs varied between sites and with season, with 86 plant species detected at Italowie Gap, 76 at Bimba Hill and 47 species synonymous at both sites. Dietary diversity was commonly related to season at both sites, with plant diversity increasing during dry times. The number of shrubs detected also increased during dry periods at both sites, decreasing during more favourable conditions. Dietary overlap between YFRWs, feral goats and euros was evident throughout, and pronounced at both sites during dry conditions. Conclusions YFRWs are currently resilient to dry times and drought through an ability to alter dietary diversity; however, our data suggest that competition for food resources from both feral goats and euros is heightened during and following unfavourable conditions (i.e. drought, low rainfall periods). Implications Critically, long-term monitoring of YFRW diet is required to determine how diet selection changes with the progression of climate change. Additionally, the continued control of competitor species is required to ensure future persistence of the YFRWs in these regions.

Background: The conclusion drawn from the standalone macroscopic-lithologic study of a previous work was significant in correlating a vestige of the Kazaure-Karaukarau-Kushaka-Ilesha Schist Belt through the southern reaches of the Gidan Kwano Campus. The absence of a corresponding microscopic-petrographic analysis for that previous study creates a petrographic knowledge gap. Aims: To replicate and complete macroscopic and microscopic analyses of outcrops along the vestige of the Kazaure-Karaukarau-Kushaka-Ilesha Schist Belt, as well as to conduct a petrologic investigation of the percentage occurrence of schist rock-mass north of this discerned schist belt. Methods: The macroscopic-lithologic study proceeded by classifying observed outcrops at the 11 coincident groundwater-prospect/outcrop locations determined from that previous study by their physical attributes. The microscopic-petrographic investigation proceeded by subjecting rock samples collected during the concurrent macroscopic-lithologic survey phase to thin-section analyses. For the macroscopic-petrologic phase investigation, outcrop locations to the north of the Belt were classified on the basis of their observable characteristics. Result: The lithologic-investigation phase of this study reveals a higher number of outcrop rock samples identified as “granite” compared to schist based on textural and observable surface characteristics. The petrographic investigation of these outcrop rock samples reveals a higher occurrence of schist than of granite. The petrologic investigation phase reveals no presence of schist outcrops in the area north of the discerned Belt. Discussion: Thus, a stronger argument has been further presented that the discerned rock-mass diagonal of the previous standalone macroscopic-lithologic study is actually the Kazaure-Karaukarau-Kushaka-Ilesha Schist Belt. Conclusion: It is recommended that the Federal University of Technology, Minna, concentrate efforts on this rock-mass diagonal named “Jonahite” and its northeast-southwest extensions through the University’s landholding in order to explore for groundwater and gold-mineral resources, schist being the ideal repository host-rock of sustainable groundwater and gold deposits in the Nigerian basement complex geological province.

Abstract Tree canopy height is a key indicator of forest biomass, productivity and structure, yet measuring it accurately at regional or larger scales, whether from the ground or remotely, remains challenging. The objective of this study is to generate the first complete canopy height map of the Amazon forest at ~4.78 m resolution using Planet NICFI imagery and deep learning. Specifically, we (i) trained a U‐Net regression model with canopy height models (CHMs) derived from tropical airborne LiDAR and their corresponding Planet NICFI images to estimate canopy height, (ii) evaluated the accuracy of our map against existing global products based on Sentinel‐2/1 and Maxar Vivid2 imagery and (iii) assessed its capacity to capture small‐scale canopy height changes. Tree height predictions on the validation sample had a mean absolute error of 3.68 m, with minimal systematic bias across the full range of tree heights in the Amazon forest. The main biases are a slight overestimation (up to 5 m) for heights of 5–15 m and an underestimation for most trees above 50 m. Outperforming existing global model‐based canopy height products in this region, the model accurately estimated canopy heights up to 40–50 m with minimal saturation. We determined that the Amazon forest has an average canopy height of ~22 m (standard deviation ~5.3 m) and exhibits large‐scale patterns, ranging from the tallest forests of the Guiana Shield to shorter forests along wetlands, rivers, rocky outcrops, savannas and high elevations. Events such as logging or deforestation could be detected from changes in tree height, and the results demonstrated a first success in monitoring the height of regenerating forests. Finally, the map of the Amazon forest canopy height is displayed.

Pseudoernestia (Melastomataceae: Marcetieae) is a genus comprising two species, P. cordifolia and P. glandulosa, with disjunct distributions along the Amazon Rainforest. The genus is characterized by narrow sepals, petals bearing an apical glandular trichome, antesepalous stamens with aristate ventral appendages and calcarate dorsal appendages positioned opposite the ventral ones, a glabrous ovary with three locules, rarely two, and seeds lacking dorsolateral projections. We present a taxonomic review of Pseudoernestia, including a lectotypification for P. cordifolia, the type species of the genus. Based on herbarium data, we confirmed that P. cordifolia occurs in Venezuela and Brazil, typically on rocky outcrops, whereas P. glandulosa is found in French Guiana and Guyana, primarily on lateritic soils. Pseudoernestia cordifolia is categorized as Endangered, while P. glandulosa is assessed as Least Concern. We provide detailed descriptions, photographs of living specimens, scanning electron microscopy images of the seeds, geographic distribution maps, and notes on conservation status, habitat preferences, and phenology.

The article presents materials on the Neolithic-Eneolithic hearths of the Southern Trans-Urals, mainly on the territory of the mountain-forest Priozersk region. The work accumulates field research by various authors for more than half a century. Two groups of objects are distinguished: hearths-fire pits and “hearths with stones” constructed using individual stones and rock outcrops or depressions, with clay mortar in some cases. It is assumed that all the encountered hearths belong to the internal space of above-ground buildings, the remains of which are not clearly recorded, and “street” hearths are absent. Planigraphically, both vessel ruins and significant accumula-tions of stone artifacts are tied to the hearths, but at some distance, which indicates functional zoning of the space of structures in the absence of the actual division of buildings into dwellings and workshops. The research also gives analogies of hearths in the adjacent territories of the Middle Trans-Urals and the forest-steppe Pritobolye, generally coinciding with observations for the Southern Trans-Urals. The author draws attention to a single object - a hearth with clay bricks from the YuAO XII, which may be a typological analogue of “hearths with stones”. The connection between the two types of hearths and the chronological position or ecological niche is not established in the available sample. The topic under consideration requires further accumulation of sources and publishing archival field materials both directly on the archaeological sites of the Southern Trans-Urals and for the larger territories of the Ural-West Siberian region.

In this study, a process of identifying and analyzing linear features on satellite imagery is used to understand the underlying geological structures like faults, joints, and fractures. This analysis involves extraction of the linear features, classifying them by orientation and density, to determine their tectonic significance. The case study area is Shira complex in Bauchi state Nigeria, the area is characterized by rough topography with outcrops of a volcanic rocks, granitic and migmatite-gneiss. Lineaments are widespread and dense around the complex, occurring in areas of high elevation, and slope gradient. Terrain roughness indices are high at the outcrops and lineament sites. Streams in the area exhibit variable flow and partly align with the lineaments. The high profile index observed have tectonic essence and are related to the occurrence of lineaments, strain domains, and high degree of rock weathering, erosion and human activities.

Tropical karst seasonal rainforests (TKSR) in southwestern China have high levels of biodiversity and a significant number of endemic species. However, understanding the distribution of plant diversity and the mechanisms driving community assembly in these diverse and heterogeneous karst forests remains limited. This study examined the species and phylogenetic diversity of the herb, shrub, and tree layers in the TKSR along steep hillslopes within karst peak-cluster depressions in southwestern China. Species richness in the herb, shrub, and tree layers showed an inverted U-shape pattern, with richness lower in the middle and higher on the sides of the hillslope. The upper slope had a higher level of species richness than the depressions and the lower and middle slopes. The phylogenetic structures of the herb and tree layers tended to be clustered, whereas the shrub layer exhibited a divergent phylogenetic structure. These findings indicate that community assembly in the TKSR is influenced by habitat filtering and competitive exclusion. Soil total phosphorus (STP) and soil available phosphorus (SAP) were identified as significant factors affecting species diversity across the three layers, whereas the rock outcrop rate was a significant factor affecting the phylogenetic structure. In the shrub and tree layers, STP and SAP were important determinants of phylogenetic diversity. These results highlight the impact of environmental heterogeneity on species and phylogenetic diversity in the TKSR. Furthermore, depressions and upper slopes with high species and phylogenetic diversity were identified as priority areas for conservation in the karst peak-cluster depressions of southwestern China.

This study aims to identify the petrological and petrographical characteristics of carbonate rocks that act as natural asphalt (Asbuton) reservoir rocks in the Winning area, Buton Regency. The analysis was conducted through megascopic observation of rock outcrops and microscopic observation of thin sections using a polarizing microscope. The results show that the carbonate rock units in the study area are dominated by bioclastic limestone (biomicrite) and dolomitic limestone (biogenic dolomite). The bioclastic limestone consists of foraminiferal and shell fragments bound by micrite and sparry calcite cement, whereas the dolomitic limestone displays fine- to medium-crystalline textures with well-developed intercrystalline porosity formed through dolomitization. Partial to advanced dolomitization occurred due to the circulation of magnesium-rich fluids in a restricted marine environment during the post-depositional stage. The mineralogical transformation from calcite to dolomite enhanced both porosity and compactness, making these rocks potential reservoir rocks for natural asphalt accumulation. Overall, the petrological and petrographical characteristics indicate that the carbonate rocks in the Winning area underwent a complex diagenetic evolution and play a significant role in the formation and entrapment system of Buton Rock Asphalt (Asbuton).

Natural ecotope and feeding habits of Triatoma arthurneivai (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Espinhaço Mountain Range, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.