Resilience Of Populations Research Articles

Social risks and population resilience: Sociological assessment

The article analyses the resilience of the population based on the results of a Selective observation of the health status of the Russian population in 2023. Based on the methodology of socio-economics and human social biology, we proposed to assess the resilience of the population through the experience of its health. The authors have identified socio-demographic groups of the population demonstrating different strength of resilience, as well as identified social risks contributing to its change. It is concluded that the most resilient are the younger, educated, who do not have financial difficulties and have a stable family status. Occupational (field of employment) and communication (social isolation) risks, as well as material (threat of poverty) and physiological (bad household habits) risks, have a significant impact on the resilience of the population, while reproductive risk and the risk of destructive behaviour are less significant. The results obtained can be used both at the individual level to form some effective behavioural strategies, and at the macro-levels in to create a social policy.

A grazer's niche edge is associated with increasing diet diversity and poor population performance.

The core-periphery hypothesis predicts niche cores should be associated with greater survivorship, reproductive output and population performance rates than marginal habitats at niche edges. However, there is very little empirical evidence of whether niche centrality influences population trends in animals. Using the Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) as a model system, we evaluated whether niche centrality is associated with population trends, resource availability and diet across a core-periphery gradient. Population growth rates and density progressively declined towards niche peripheries. Niche peripheries were resource-poor and Cape mountain zebra consumed more phylogenetically diverse diets dominated by non-grass families. In core habitats they consumed grass-rich diets and female reproductive success was higher. This combination of spatial niche modelling and functional ecology provides a novel evaluation of how bottom-up resource limitation can shape species distributions, population resilience and range change and can guide conservation management.

Marine bivalves voucher DNA barcoding from Eastern Mediterranean, with evidence for Ostrea stentina invasion

Abstract Bivalve molluscs are a diverse group of animals with particular economic and ecological importance. Their morphological characteristics frequently confuse their identification leading to mislabelling of edible species. Genetic diversity is critical to the resilience of marine bivalve populations in the face of environmental stressors such as ocean acidification and warming. In this study, we characterized the phylogeny and defined the first DNA barcodes of six marine bivalves [Ostrea edulis (Linnaeus, 1758) Arca noae (Linnaeus, 1758), Pinctada radiata (Leach, 1814), Venus verrucosa (Linnaeus, 1758), Calllista chione (Linnaeus, 1758) and Ruditapes decussatus (Linnaeus, 1758)] sampled from different coastal areas of Aegean and Ionian Seas using the molecular markers cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA). Further, COI gene was employed to investigate the population genetic diversity since 18S rRNA exhibited no conspecific differences. The sequence of 18S rRNA successfully discriminated the bivalves at family or superfamily level but occasionally proved insufficient for species identification. Contrariwise, COI was highly informative and could reliably distinguish all species. Population haplotype diversity was moderate to high and was always accompanied by generally low nucleotide diversity, indicating genetically closely related haplotypes. The invasive Pinctada radiata was found to be panmictic even among distant sampling areas, while Ostrea edulis was the only species that exhibited moderate levels of population subdivision. Finally, here we report for the first time the presence of Ostrea stentina in Thermaikos Gulf sampled among Ostrea edulis specimens, demonstrating a new invasive bivalve species in Eastern Mediterranean.

Impact of prolonged social crisis on resilience and coping indicators.

The current study examines, longitudinally, (i.e., on the same sample), to what extent an acute political/social crisis in Israel affected the resilience, distress, and additional psychological indicators of the Jewish population, along with three repeated measurements: The first was conducted shortly before the last elections (in October 2022), the second in February 2023, about two and a half months after the elections, following the formation of a right-wing government, and the third measurement about nine months after the election (August 7-10, 2023). The main results indicated the following: (a) the mean societal resilience among coalition voters increased significantly throughout the three measurements, while it declined significantly among opposition voters. (b) significant differences were identified between coalition and opposition voters, mostly at T2 and T3: opposition supporters reported significantly lower levels of societal resilience and hope, and higher levels of distress symptoms and sense of danger, compared to those of coalition supporters. We concluded that the continued social/political conflict in Israel is multidimensional and impacts diverse areas such as values, perspectives, and supporting as well as suppressing coping indicators. The differences between the two voter groups may be primarily the result of political radicalization and polarization processes, that aim to widen gaps to achieve political power. As many countries are currently facing acute political crises and similar radicalization, similar studies should be conducted in varied societies to investigate the generalizability of the findings.

Assessment of Stress and Resilience in the General Population during COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has quickly spread worldwide, causing numerous challenges for people, such as lockdowns, isolation, and subsequent mental stress. Developing mental resilience is crucial for handling stress effectively. Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress and the resilience of the Indian population enables insight and facilitates thoughtful reformation in aiding the community. Aim: To assess the stress and resilience among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic and to find the association between demographic variables and stress and resilience. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate the correlation between stress and resilience among these subjects. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted Department of Psychiatry, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from February 2021 to April 2021. A total of 740 willing respondents affected by the COVID19 pandemic participated in the study. A snowball sampling method was used in which participants were approached via a Google form circulated through their known contacts. The study encompassed those who had experienced either direct or indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The user-friendly Google form collected essential demographic information such as gender, marital status, and employment type. The stress and resilience levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Resilience Scale. The statistical analysis of sample characteristics with frequency distributions and categorical variables was done with the application of Chi-square tests. Correlation analysis was done using the Spearman's test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The research demonstrated remarkably low resilience levels and heightened stress levels among female participants as well as single individuals. Conversely, a significant number of married men exhibited greater resilience (p=0.013) and reduced stress levels (p<0.001) compared to the rest of the population. Individuals in formal employment experienced less stress compared to those in informal employment (p=0.008). Notably, there was a moderate negative correlation between perceived stress and resilience which was significant (r=-0.562, p<0.001). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected mental health and coping mechanisms; factors such as gender, social connections, and financial stability play significant roles. The study found that women, single individuals, and those working in informal sectors faced increased stress during these challenging times. Hence, psychological interventions targeting the pandemic crisis need to be planned considering the highlighted biological, socio-economic, and occupational factors.

Modelado de idoneidad ambiental e implicaciones del cambio climático en la distribución de Pseudotsuga menziesii (MIRB.) Franco para México

[Introduction] Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco is a forest species of great importance for its ecosystem services and commercialization. Currently, it has been documented that climate change is affecting populations in the north of the continent; however, how these changes will affect the distribution of the species in the future has not been assessed. [Objective] This study aimed to model the environmental suitability and potential distribution of P. menziesii over three periods: 2040, 2060, and 2080. [Methodology] First, environmental suitability and potential distribution were estimated based on records and bioclimatic variables with the help of MaxEnt. Then, transfers were made to two scenarios of carbon emissions in three periods. Finally, the loss of extension and decrease of environmental suitability were evaluated as a percentage. [Results] P. menziesii has a current potential distribution of 164,110 km2. The areas with the highest environmental suitability (> 0.5) were located in the north of the country, specifically in the states of the north. However, under the climate change scenarios, these zones suffered a greater decrease in their environmental suitability of > 50%, and a reduction in their extension of between 50.7% and 92.6%. In contrast, the most resilient populations to climate change were those in the south. [Conclusions] Pseudotsuga menziesii is favored by low temperatures; due to this, a drastic reduction in its potential distribution is expected. Coupled with this, environmental suitability will drop to more than 50% in the northern regions of the country. With a drastic loss of the area, the prevalence of the species could be at a point of decline.

Psychological resilience for students of faculty of physical education and sports science

Background and Study Aim. Understanding the psychological resilience of the student population is becoming increasingly significant in contemporary times. The research aims to identify the level of psychological resilience among students at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, and also the differences in average scores in the level of psychological resilience among them. Material and Methods. The research used a descriptive approach, employing the survey method to collect data. The research sample deliberately included 68 male and female students from the teaching, training, and rehabilitation division in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) was used after excluding some items to make it suitable for the Libyan environment. Results. The results show a high level of psychological resilience among the students in both the teaching and training divisions, while it was average for the students in the rehabilitation division. Additionally, there are statistically significant differences between the three divisions, with the teaching division having higher scores. There are no statistically significant differences between the training and rehabilitation divisions in terms of the scale of psychological resilience, due to the similarity of means. Conclusions. Increasing the level of students' psychological resilience may result from assigning greater responsibility to them during the field training period, which simulates their future work environment. Additionally, it is advisable to develop preventive programs aimed at reducing the low level of psychological resilience among students and to prepare guidance programs aimed at enhancing psychological resilience among students.

GENOMICS AS A TOOL FOR IMPROVING DAIRY CATTLE POPULATIONS

The dairy industry plays a pivotal role in meeting the global demand for high-quality milk and dairy products. To address the ever-increasing need for efficient and productive dairy cattle populations, the integration of genomics has emerged as a transformative tool. Genomic selection, a revolutionary advancement in cattle breeding, has allowed for the identification of superior individuals at an early age based on their genetic potential. Genomic selection has not only accelerated genetic progress but has also minimized generation intervals, leading to more efficient breeding programs. Furthermore, the incorporation of genomic data in selection decisions has increased the accuracy of breeding values, ultimately resulting in the production of dairy cattle with improved milk yield, fertility, and disease resistance. Beyond traditional breeding goals, genomics has also enabled the identification of genetic variants associated with traits that are difficult to measure, such as feed efficiency, heat tolerance, and environmental adaptability. By deciphering the genetic basis of these traits, it is now possible to develop breeding strategies that enhance the resilience of dairy cattle populations in the face of changing environmental conditions. This paper also explores the role of genomics in addressing health and welfare concerns within the dairy industry. Genetic markers associated with susceptibility to diseases and stress-related conditions have been identified, providing opportunities to select for healthier and more resilient animals. Furthermore, genomics has opened avenues for tailoring nutritional strategies to individual cattle based on their genetic predispositions, optimizing feed efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. The utilization of genomic data is not limited to breeding and production. Genomics has facilitated the development of innovative tools for managing dairy cattle populations. Precision management, including genomic-based early disease detection and personalized healthcare, is becoming increasingly viable, enhancing animal welfare and reducing production losses. In conclusion, genomics has revolutionized dairy cattle breeding and management by providing accurate and efficient tools for selecting animals with superior genetic potential, improving production, health, and welfare, and enhancing the overall sustainability of dairy cattle populations. As genomics continues to evolve, the dairy industry stands to benefit from a more precise and sustainable approach to cattle production, ensuring a resilient and productive future for the dairy sector.

The importance of naturalized quarries as amphibian breeding sites: a case study in central Spain

Naturalized quarries can host rich amphibian communities, potentially playing an important role in local and regional population dynamics. Despite their importance for conservation, few studies have evaluated their potential to host large, viable populations and to connect breeding nuclei in neighboring areas, promoting long-term demographic resilience at the regional scale. We used photo-identification as a capture-mark-recapture method to estimate the population sizes and dispersal patterns of two amphibians of regional conservation concern (Pleurodeles waltl and Pelodytes punctatus), which breed in temporary ponds in an abandoned, naturalized quarry in SE Madrid (central Spain). We also surveyed all water bodies potentially harboring amphibian populations in an 80 km2 area centered in our study site to detect additional breeding nuclei of the two species. Both species are abundant in the core study site, with estimated population sizes of around 300 individuals in P. waltl and about 800 in P. punctatus. We recorded 23 accumulated displacements, ranging from 80 to 840 m, performed by 20 individuals of P. waltl captured on multiple occasions, but were unable to detect spatial displacements of P. punctatus during the study. Regional surveys confirmed the presence of P. waltl and/or P. punctatus in 7 additional locations, mostly quarries, at distances of 0.6-4.4 km from the study site. Our results show that temporary ponds in naturalized quarries can represent key assets for the long-term resilience of amphibian populations in areas where human action has resulted in extensive habitat fragmentation and loss.

A single-session VR intervention addressing self-compassion and self-criticism with and without perspective change: Results of a randomized controlled experiment

Excessive self-criticism is an important transdiagnostic psychological factor. In contrast, self-compassion can contribute to the resilience and recovery of clinical populations, making this an important target for treatment. Virtual Reality (VR) has the potential to improve existing interventions as it allows for personalized roleplays that can be experienced from different perspectives, by using the novel VR technique of perspective change. We investigated the effects of a VR intervention on self-criticism and self-compassion, and the added value of changing perspectives. In total, 68 undergraduate students with high levels of self-criticism were randomized to either the perspective change condition or the control condition. Participants played two roleplays in which they had to react compassionately toward a virtual character that expressed the participants' own self-critical thoughts. In the perspective change condition, after each roleplay perspective change was used to receive one's own compassionate words. Results showed that self-compassion increased and self-criticism decreased significantly in both conditions. No significant differences were found for negative and positive affect. Furthermore, no differences were found between the conditions. Thus, receiving compassionate words through perspective change had no additional effect. Expressing compassion to someone with similar self-criticism showed to be sufficient to reduce self-criticism and increase self-compassion.

Energizing Sustainability: Solar Cell Radio Wave AI Transformations in Business and Health, with a Focus on Vaccines and Antibiotics

This review article provides a comprehensive examination of the synergistic integration of several technologies, including radio waves, solar cell technology, artificial intelligence (AI), business information technology (IT), immunizations, and antibiotics, with the aim of fostering sustainable innovation. A comprehensive analysis is carried out, highlighting the connections between smart technology, healthcare, and renewable energy sources. The abstract looks at how solar energy and radio waves might advance technology, with artificial intelligence and business IT aiming to maximize productivity. The evaluation also explores the potentially innovative ways in which vaccinations and antibiotics could enhance public health. By linking different disciplines together, the article aims to shed light on the holistic and long-term strategy that emerges when many technologies come together for the good of business and society. This paper explores the intricate connections between solar cell technology and artificial intelligence (AI), showing how advances formerly unimaginable are propelled by the convergence of advanced computing power and renewable energy sources. When it comes to facilitating the seamless integration of many technologies to optimize productivity and decision-making processes, business IT plays a critical role. The important sector of medicine, where immunizations and antibiotics are critical for creating resilient populations, is also covered in the article. This study explains the potential for comprehensive and long-lasting solutions by combining these technological and medical advancements, while also emphasizing the necessity of multidisciplinary cooperation in tackling the challenges of our rapidly changing environment.

A genomic region associated with iteroparous spawning phenology is linked with age-at-maturity in female steelhead trout.

Age-at-maturity and iteroparity are two life history variations of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that are believed to increase population resilience and stability. While repeat-spawning individuals are thought to have historically made up a substantial portion of the reproductive population in the Columbia River and the majority of females still attempt outmigration as kelts, return rates of repeat-spawner are low throughout the basin and below 1% for the furthest migrating stocks. Notably, outmigrating adults exhibit variation in rematuration phenology, displaying either "consecutive" (reproduce immediately the following season) or "skip" (delay spawning for future seasons) spawning patterns. Here, we use low coverage whole genome sequencing of consecutive versus skip spawning female Columbia River steelhead from two populations to test for genomic differences between these two iteroparous phenotypes. We identified genomic regions on several chromosomes which were associated with the phenology of iteroparity, including a region on chromosome 25 containing two genes, estradiol receptor beta (ERβ) and glycoprotein hormone beta-5 (GPHB5), which, in mammals, are estrogen-sensitive and expressed in reproductive tissues. Allele frequencies in this ERβ/GPHB5 region differed among female steelhead of different age at maturity, but not males. These genes also shared an island of linkage disequilibrium with the SIX6 gene, 600Kbp away on the same chromosome, a region of known association with age-at-maturity. These observations contribute to growing evidence that age-at-maturity and the phenology of iteroparity are determined by overlapping physiological processes and genetic pathways.

Large females connect Atlantic cod spawning sites.

The Earth's ecosystems are increasingly deprived of large animals. Global simulations suggest that this downsizing of nature has serious consequences for biosphere functioning. However, the historical loss of large animals means that it is now often impossible to secure empirical data revealing their true ecological importance. We tracked 465 mature Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) during their winter spawning season and show that large females (up to 114 centimeters in length), which are still found in mid-Norway, were characterized by more complex movement networks compared with smaller females. Large males were sparse but displayed similar movement patterns. Our finding implies that management programs promoting large fish will have positive impacts on population resilience by facilitating the continued use of a diversity of spawning habitats and the connectivity between them.

Mental health and resilience after the covid-19 pandemic: a multi-ethnic longitudinal survey

BackgroundLongitudinal work on the impact of COVID-19 on population mental health and resilience beyond the first year of the pandemic is lacking. We aimed to understand how mental health and resilience evolved during the pandemic (2020) and two years later (2022) in a multi-ethnic Singaporean population. In addition, we assessed what characteristics were associated with mental health and resilience scores.MethodsWe surveyed and analysed two balanced panel samples up to four times between 30th April 2020 and 11th July 2022. One panel assessed psychological distress (Kessler-10) and well-being (short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being scale) n = 313, and one panel assessed resilience (10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale©) n = 583. A linear panel regression model with random effects assessed the temporal patterns for psychological distress, well-being, and resilience.ResultsMean psychological distress scores (Kessler-10) were relatively stable over time and were not statistically significantly worse than baseline at any follow-up. Well-being scores improved over time and were significantly better than baseline by the third survey (22nd Jul-18th Aug 2020) (0.54 p = 0.007, Cohen’s d 0.12). Scores had worsened by the last survey (27th June-11th July 2022) but were not significantly different from baseline 0.20 p = 0.30. Resilience scores declined over time. Scores at both follow-ups (14th Aug- 4th Sep 2020 and 27th June-11th July 2022) were statistically significantly lower than baseline: -1.69 p < 0.001 (Cohen’s d 0.25) and -0.96 p = 0.006 (Cohen’s d 0.14), respectively.ConclusionsOur study joins a body of work measuring the longitudinal effects of COVID-19 on population mental health and resilience. While, the magnitude of the effect related to resilience decline is small, our findings indicate that particular attention should be given to ongoing population surveillance, with the aim of maintaining good health and well-being.

Influence of Seasonal Abiotic Factors and Co-Existing Salt Marsh Plants on the Growth and Reproduction of Zostera japonica in Fluctuating Estuarine Environments

In the biodiverse Nakdong River estuary, the predominant seagrass and salt marsh species, Zostera japonica and Bolboschoenus planiculmis, are declining due to human and natural pressures. Our study investigated how environmental factors and co-existing salt marsh vegetation impact the growth and reproduction of Z. japonica. Understanding the reproductive dynamics of Z. japonica in this estuary is crucial, as sexual reproduction ensures the resilience and stability of seagrass populations in challenging environments. This study revealed that approximately 49% of Z. japonica shoots flowered, yet none persisted to the subsequent growth season, indicating a reliance on sexual reproduction for population resilience. The presence of competing B. planiculmis shoots and Ulva pertusa indirectly suppressed the growth and reproduction of Z. japonica by reducing light availability. Additionally, environmental stresses that occurred during summer, such as elevated temperatures, reduced salinity, and sediment transport, likely affected the vegetative and reproductive performance of Z. japonica in this estuary. Consequently, Z. japonica in this estuary has adopted a mixed annual life history strategy in response to these environmental oscillations. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of the Z. japonica population to seasonal environmental shifts and interspecies competition in this estuary, offering essential considerations for its conservation and effective management.

A study of climate resilience in urban tree species of Peninsular Malaysia

&lt;p&gt;Climate change poses significant challenges to Malaysian cities, including heat stress, which high humidity and the urban heat island effect exacerbate. While trees effectively reduce temperatures and improve microclimates, potential sensitivities to climate change impacts require careful species selection. Experts assessed the resilience of 220 tree species from urban and rural areas of Malaysia using eight criteria, based on a list compiled from four sources. We then categorised the species by sensitivity for four urban landscape types. Saltwater sensitivity had the highest proportion of sensitive species, followed by inundation sensitivity. Considering regional climate projections, planners should prioritise species with low inundation sensitivity. Data availability for saltwater, inundation, and high-temperature sensitivities was limited but adequate for the remaining criteria, with susceptibility to predation, parasitism, or disease, and sensitivity to storm conditions being of concern. Urban planners should integrate these criteria into decision-making to ensure climate-smart urban design. Given that our knowledge about the effects of climate change on tree species will advance and should be documented, we developed an open-collaborative online database that assists stakeholders in selecting suitable species for various sites in Malaysia. Moderators will review submissions to ensure consistent application of criteria and alignment between selected answers and supporting information. Assessors can contribute to quality control by voting for assessments they agree with. Our research emphasises the importance of proactively addressing climate change challenges in urban areas and underscores the value of informed decision-making to enhance the resilience of urban tree populations.&lt;/p&gt;

A macroplastic vulnerability index for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles in Hawai‘i

Plastic pollution is having devastating consequences for marine organisms across the planet. However, the population level effects of macroplastic pollution remain difficult and costly to quantify. As a result, there is a need for alternative approaches to evaluate species risk to plastic pollution and inform management needs. We apply a trait-based framework for macroplastic pollution to develop a relative vulnerability index—informed by three dimensions: likelihood of exposure, species' sensitivity, and population resilience—for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles found in Hawai‘i. This index ranks 63 study species based on their population level vulnerability to macroplastic pollution, with the highest scoring species being the most vulnerable. Our results indicate that ducks, waders, and noddies with large populations were the least vulnerable to macroplastics, while the most vulnerable were the Hawaiian monk seal, sea turtles, baleen whales, and some albatross and petrel species. This index can inform species in need of population monitoring in Hawai'i, and direct other management priorities (e.g., locations for clean-ups or booms). More broadly, this work exemplifies the value of qualitative risk assessment approaches for better understanding the population level effects of macroplastic pollution and showcases how vulnerability indices can be used to inform management priorities.

A Systematic Review of Real-time Urban Flood Forecasting Model in Malaysia and Indonesia -Current Modelling and Challenge

Several metropolitan areas in tropical Southeast Asia, mainly in Malaysia and Indonesia have lately been witnessing unprecedentedly severe flash floods owing to unexpected climate change. The fast water flooding has caused extraordinarily serious harm to urban populations and social facilities. In addition, urban Southeast Asia generally has insufficient capacity in drainage systems, complex land use patterns, and a largely susceptible population in confined urban regions. To lower the urban flood risk and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable urban populations, it has been of fundamental relevance to create real-time urban flood forecasting systems for flood disaster prevention agencies and the urban public. This review examined the state-of-the-art models of real-time forecasting systems for urban flash floods in Malaysia and Indonesia. The real-time system primarily comprises the following subsystems, i.e., rainfall forecasting, drainage system modeling, and inundation area mapping. This review described the current urban flood forecasting modeling for rainfall forecasting, physical-process-based hydraulic models for flood inundation prediction, and data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) models for the real-time forecasting system. The analysis found that urban flood forecasting modeling based on data-driven AI models is the most applied in many metropolitan locations in Malaysia and Indonesia. The analysis also evaluated the existing potential of data-driven AI models for real-time forecasting systems as well as the challenges towards it

Fertilisation kinetics among common Indo-Pacific broadcast spawning corals with distinct and shared functional traits

Indo-Pacific corals predominantly reproduce using synchronous mass spawning events to maximise fertilisation. However, as disturbances continue to thin population densities, the quantities of gametes released declines and colonies become more isolated, reducing the likelihood of cross-fertilisation. Local hydrodynamic conditions can promote or inhibit gamete contact; thus, the interaction between the abiotic environment and sperm density will determine the amount of time gametes interact. In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of reproduction to manipulations of two key limiting factors of fertilisation: sperm concentration and contact time between gametes. We explored fertilisation kinetics of phylogenetically and functionally similar and diverse coral taxa on the Great Barrier Reef and Western Australia (Acropora digitifera, A. tenuis; Coelastrea aspera, Platygyra daedalea). Results indicate that fertilisation is optimised at sperm concentrations > 103 sperm mL−1 and contact times > 30 s, but the extent of these relationships is species-specific. All species showed clear differences in fertilisation success across contact times, although these differences were less distinct for A. tenuis and P. daedalea at very high sperm concentrations. Acropora digitifera and P. daedalea exhibited nonlinear trends with steep slopes of increased fertilisation success once sperm concentration surpassed values of 104 sperm mL−1 and 102 sperm mL−1, respectively, followed by slight declines. Acropora tenuis and A. digitifera had the highest maximum fertilisation success, likely owing to beneficial evolved functional traits like large egg sizes. The present analysis underpins studies of fertilisation kinetics in natural reef populations to help inform management and restoration practices that assist population resilience and recovery.

Genomic vulnerability of a freshwater salmonid under climate change.

Understanding the adaptive potential of populations and species is pivotal for minimizing the loss of biodiversity in this era of rapid climate change. Adaptive potential has been estimated in various ways, including based on levels of standing genetic variation, presence of potentially beneficial alleles, and/or the severity of environmental change. Kokanee salmon, the non-migratory ecotype of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), is culturally and economically important and has already been impacted by the effects of climate change. To assess its climate vulnerability moving forward, we integrated analyses of standing genetic variation, genotype-environment associations, and climate modeling based on sequence and structural genomic variation from 224 whole genomes sampled from 22 lakes in British Columbia and Yukon (Canada). We found that variables for extreme temperatures, particularly warmer temperatures, had the most pervasive signature of selection in the genome and were the strongest predictors of levels of standing variation and of putatively adaptive genomic variation, both sequence and structural. Genomic offset estimates, a measure of climate vulnerability, were significantly correlated with higher increases in extreme warm temperatures, further highlighting the risk of summer heat waves that are predicted to increase in frequency in the future. Levels of standing genetic variation, an important metric for population viability and resilience, were not correlated with genomic offset. Nonetheless, our combined approach highlights the importance of integrating different sources of information and genomic data to formulate more comprehensive and accurate predictions on the vulnerability of populations and species to future climate change.