Survival Of Species Research Articles

Faktor-Faktor Budidaya Kerang Mutiara di Desa Maijuring Kecamatan Aru Tengah Kabupaten Kepulauan Aru

Pearl cultivation began to develop, especially in Maluku Province. With the increasing cultivation of pearl mussels, the demand for pearl seeds is also increasing, but this is also hampered by a lack of supply of seeds from wild catches or obstacles during seed production, namely high mortality at the spawning stage and in general the growth and survival of shellfish species is greatly influenced. by important factors, namely temperature and food availability and other important factors, on this basis the author conducted research which aims to determine the factors of pearl oyster cultivation in Maijuring Village, Aru Tengah District, Aru Islands Regency. The type of research used is Qualitative Descriptive analysis. With sea water samples and 5 pearl oyster cultivators. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling which uses the criteria of people who cultivate pearl oysters. The data collection techniques used are observation, documentation and interviews. The data analysis technique used is SWOT analysis. The results of the research show that in Maijuring Village there are several factors in cultivating pearl oysters, namely water quality, feed availability, water temperature, water depth, water salinity, water pH, population density, cultivation land maintenance such as water quality which is influenced by temperature, namely 26.9, pH namely 7.76, and salinity 34.42, and depth 20-30m. from the surface.

The role of bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) as seed dispersers in indigenous forests in the Soutpansberg Mountain range, South Africa

Abstract Seed dispersal influences the survival and distribution of plant species and is an important mechanism for maintaining floristic diversity. Bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) are large mammals of indigenous forests and well-wooded areas of eastern and southern Africa and may play an important role as seed dispersers. However, the diversity of fruits consumed and the effect of digestion on seeds remains poorly understood. This study was conducted from October 2018 to January 2019 and gives first insights into seed dispersal by bushpigs in the Soutpansberg Mountain range, South Africa. Here, we collected bushpig faeces and assessed the number of seeds and seed species found. Furthermore, germination experiments with digested and nondigested seeds and fruits were conducted. Our results show that bushpigs are omnivorous, consuming fruits and seeds of 126 different plant species. The proportion of seeds per plant species found in faeces was unhomogeneously distributed with a few hyperabundant species, in particular Searsia chirindensis (55%). The germination experiments showed that gut passage did, overall, not influence germination or seedling growth rates. However, seeds remaining within fruits showed reduced growth, pointing to a high importance of fruit consumption for seed fate. Our results suggest that bushpigs are major seed dispersers of a large variety of fruiting plant species in wooded areas of Africa.

Modelling Predator–Prey Interactions: A Trade-Off between Seasonality and Wind Speed

Predator–prey interactions do not solely depend on biotic factors: rather, they depend on many other abiotic factors also. One such abiotic factor is wind speed, which can crucially change the predation efficiency of the predator population. In this article, the impact of wind speed along with seasonality on various parameters has been investigated. Here, we present two continuous-time models with specialist and generalist type predators incorporating the effect of wind and the seasonality on the model parameters. It has been observed that wind speed plays a significant role in controlling the system dynamics for both systems. It makes the systems stable for both of the seasonally unperturbed systems. However, it controls the chaotic dynamics that occur in case of no wind for the seasonally perturbed system with the predator as a specialist. On the other hand, for the seasonally perturbed system with a generalist predator, it controls period-four oscillations (which occur considering no wind speed) to simple limit-cycle oscillations. Furthermore, the wind parameter has a huge impact on the survival of predator species. The survival of predator species may be achieved by ensuring a suitable range of wind speeds in the ecosystem. Therefore, we observe that seasonality introduces chaos, but wind reduces it. These results may be very useful for adopting necessary management for the conservation of endangered species that are massively affected by wind speed in an ecosystem.

Evolutionary Features of Personality Research and Leadership Traits. A Comprehensive Analysis

The convergence of evolutionary psychology and personality research provides significant insights into personality traits' adaptive origins and functions. The present study investigates the influence of evolutionary pressures on developing specific personality traits associated with leadership inclinations, focusing on the roles played by survival instincts and social cooperation. Specific heritable characteristics, developed and refined over thousands of years, may have provided individuals with advantages in effectively navigating intricate social structures and adapting to environmental demands, making them well-suited for leadership positions. Through a comprehensive understanding of these evolutionary foundations, we can develop a more nuanced and sophisticated viewpoint regarding leadership qualities' biological and adaptive underpinnings. Incorporating an evolutionary perspective enhances the discussion surrounding the cultivation of leadership skills. It emphasizes the inherent origins of leadership qualities, thereby illuminating their historical importance in the survival of the human species and the advancement of societies. The present research comprehensively analyzes various theoretical frameworks pertaining to personality and its correlation with leadership traits. This study aims to examine personality traits by analyzing a range of research studies and presenting their key findings. Numerous theoretical frameworks and empirical investigations have been dedicated to examining personality, encompassing its defining traits, influential determinants, and developmental dynamics in the context of leadership.

Predicting current and future distribution pattern of Berberis lycium Royle concerning climate change using an ensemble modelling approach

ABSTRACT To evaluate the potential impact of climatic variabilities on the habitat ranges of species in the context of changing climatic conditions, species distribution modelling is considered a significant approach. The objective of the present study is to explore the potential distribution of Berberis lycium Royle under current and future climatic scenarios using the BIOMOD (Biodiversity Modelling) ensemble model. The results indicate that bio-1, i.e., Annual Mean Temperature plays a substantial role in regulating the distribution of this medicinally important species. In the present study, two strategies were used to combine predictions from individual model into an ensemble (committee average and weighted mean), which gave contradicting results of the final ensemble models. In terms of committee average, the species is anticipated to lose its suitable habitats with respect to climate change but in terms of weighted mean, it is shown to gain its suitable habitats in future climatic scenarios. Thus, the present study recommends application of multiple strategies for preparing the final ensemble model to predict all possible outcomes. Additionally, in case of habitat loss coupled with other anthropogenic pressures, the survival of the target species may become difficult. Therefore, there is an urgent need to formulate policies and strategies for the conservation and management of this valuable plant species.

Functional leaf traits in congeneric species of tree communities in central Amazon

The Amazon is a Neotropical region that features various types of phytophysiognomies subject to multiple environmental filters. The Amazonian Savanna and Ombrophilous Forest areas support complex ecosystem functions and are sensitive to biotic and abiotic disturbances. The low availability of nutrients and water, along with the high solar exposure these vegetations experience, impose rigorous environmental filters that affect species distribution. Plant species with structural and functional adaptations can occur in specific locations due to environmental characteristics. We investigated potential variations in the functional leaf traits of congeneric species of Tachigali and Pouteria in different tree community vegetation types in savanna and forest areas in Central Amazon. For this purpose, using standard optical microscopy techniques and statistical models, we analyzed 9 congeneric species, with 3 individuals per species, of woody congeners from Ombrophilous Forest and Amazonian Savanna, both located in the state of Pará, Brazil. Fifteen anatomical traits, both quantitative and qualitative, possessing functional significance were evaluated by comparing tissues between forest and savanna plants, employing ANOVA and ordination analyses. The results indicate that variations in environmental conditions within different vegetation types might be linked to morphophysiological adjustments and strategies in leaves to resist environmental conditions. Species from the Amazonian Savanna present traits more related to conservative characteristics related to water retention and drought resistance, demonstrating a degree of leaf xeromorphism with greater thickness of leaves, palisade parenchyma and epidermal cells. On the other hand, forest species exhibited traits more related to acquisitive and diversified resource strategies, which may be characteristic of the greater availability of light, water and nutrients existing in this environment. The results show considerable variation in leaf traits among forested and savanna formations, and variations in leaf characteristics are expected to be essential for the survival and development of tree species within each type of vegetation.

On permanence and extinction for a nonautonomous chemostat model with delays

A delayed nonautonomous chemostat model with n species in competition is considered. Under very mild conditions on coefficients and consumption functions for the species, criteria for permanence of all the species, extinction of all or part of them and the survival of a unique species are established. A key ingredient for the analysis is the derivation of a conservation principle.

Functional traits mediate seedling survival response to climate in a temperate forest

Functional traits are increasingly used to forecast the response of plant performance to abiotic and biotic conditions. However, it remains unclear how functional traits will mediate the complex responses of plants to interactive drivers in a rapidly changing world. Here, we collected 17-year monitoring data on seedlings of 28 locally coexisting species and 8 functional traits in a temperate forest, and built multi-level regression models to evaluate (1) whether seedling survival varied among species along the acquisitive-conservative strategy gradient, and which functional trait affected seedling survival; and (2) how survival of species with different functional strategies responded to negative density dependence (NDD) and climate variation. We found that species with an acquisitive strategy had higher seedling survival. Specifically, seedling survival was positively correlated with specific root length (SRL), specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf area (LA), but inversely correlated with leaf dry mass content (LDMC). Functional strategies along the acquisitive-conservative gradient showed no significant effects on survival response to conspecific and phylogenetic negative density dependence (CNDD and PNDD). Negative effects of heterospecific negative density dependence (HNDD) on seedling survival were weaker for species with higher LDMC, but stronger for seedlings with larger SRL. In addition, species with more conservative strategies had higher resistance to drought stress and freezing damage. For example, species with lower SRL and SLA, and higher LDMC had higher survival under severer seasonal drought. Also, heavier seeds and thicker roots enhanced freezing resistance, whereas higher SRL and LA intensified the negative effects of cold weather. Our study provides strong evidence that functional traits could widely mediate the effects of local biotic context and climatic variation on plant performance dynamics, and help to infer community assemblages and species coexistence in the context of a changing world.

Under pressure-exploring partner changes, physiological responses and telomere dynamics in northern gannets across varying breeding conditions.

Life history theory predicts trade-offs between reproduction and survival in species like the northern gannet (Morus bassanus). During breeding, demanding foraging conditions lead them to expand their foraging range and diversify their diet, increasing the risk of reproductive failure. Changing partners may enhance breeding success but lead to more physiological costs. To investigate the physiological costs of reproduction upon partner changes, we measured and compared 21 biomarkers related to telomere dynamics, oxidative stress, inflammation, hematology, nutritional status, and muscle damage. We used a longitudinal approach with gannets (n=38) over three contrasting years (2017, 2018 and 2019). Our results suggest that annual breeding conditions exert a greater influence on physiological changes than partnership status. Individuals that changed partner experienced greater short-term stress than retained partners. This transient increase in stress was marked by short-term increases in oxidative lipid damage, lower antioxidant capacity, signs of inflammation, and greater weight loss than individuals that retained partners. During favorable conditions, individuals that changed mates had stabilized telomere length, decreased antioxidant capacity, glucose concentration, and muscle damage, along with increased oxygen transport capacity. Conversely, unfavorable breeding conditions led to increased telomere attrition, stabilized antioxidant capacity, decreased inflammation susceptibility, diminished oxygen transport capacity, and increased muscle damage. In the cases where partners were retained, distinct physiological changes were observed depending on the year's conditions, yet the telomere dynamics remained consistent across both partnership status categories. During the favorable year, there was an increase in unsaturated fatty acids and oxygen transport capacity in the blood, coupled with a reduction in inflammation potential and protein catabolism. In contrast, during the unfavorable year in the retained mates, we observed an increase in oxidative DNA damage, antioxidant capacity, weight loss, but a decrease in inflammation susceptibility as observed in changed mates. Our study shows that behavioral flexibility such as mate switching can help seabirds cope with the challenges of food scarcity during reproduction, but these coping strategies may have a negative impact on physiological status at the individual level. In addition, the marked reduction in telomere length observed during harsh conditions, coupled with the stabilization of telomere length in favorable conditions, highlights the long-term physiological impact of annual breeding conditions on seabirds. These findings underscore the effect on their potential survival and fitness, emphasizing that the influence of annual breeding conditions is greater than that of partnership status.

Human land-use changes the diets of sympatric native and invasive mammal species.

The consequences of biological invasions and habitat degradation for native biodiversity depend on how species cope with the individual and synergetic challenges these processes present. To assess the impact of anthropogenic land-use on the food web architecture of an invaded community, we examine the diets of nine native and two highly invasive mammal species at different trophic levels, inhabiting different land-uses across six biogeographic regions in Tasmania, Australia. We use two complementary methods, environmental DNA metabarcoding analysis (eDNA) of faeces and stable isotope analysis (SIA) of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) in whole blood, to account for the high interindividual and temporal variability in the diets of multiple species simultaneously. eDNA showed regionalisation in the diet of smaller species, with land-use further defining dietary taxa within each region. SIA revealed that bioregion and land-use influence the δ13C values of all carnivore species and omnivores, whereas the δ15N values of these species are influenced only by land-use and not bioregion. Including multiple species showed that native rats are changing their diet in response to the presence of invasive rats, an impact that would have otherwise been attributed to land-use. Our findings demonstrate that human activities and invasive species are moulding the diets of invaded communities, raising questions about the potential impacts that dietary modifications will have on the life-history traits and the evolutionary consequences these modifications might have on the survival of native species. This highlights the urgency of including human activities in ecological studies and the importance of targeting multispecies assemblages to gain a better understanding of synergetic impacts on native biodiversity.

Ecological status of three Angiosperms (Alysicarpus bupleurifolius var. hybridus DC, Hibiscus hoshiarpurensis and Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb. var lushii) in Punjab (India)

Around the world, several plant species are fighting for their survival in the new urbanized world to which they are not adapted to and these species face a significant risk of extinction in the near future. Such species are categorized as “threatened species” in the IUCN redlist. In India, there are several herbaceous plant species that are getting pushed to those zones of existence and the scenario is no different in the northwestern state of Punjab where changes in the land cover use has been challenging the survival of several plant species including a few natives. This article focuses on existing knowledge base on the three angiosperm species in Punjab, Alysicarpus bupleurifolius var. hybridus DC and Hibiscus hoshiarpurensis and Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb. var lushii, that have been identified by Punjab Biodiversity Board as threatened in the state. It is important to understand here that comprehensive information on geographic distribution, ecology and threats to these species is lacking on global databases and even the threat status is apparently ambiguous. Alysicarpus bupleurifolius var. hybridus DC, which has been identified as endemic herb in the state, is listed as endangered species by Punjab Biodiversity Board, however the variety itself has not yet found its place in the IUCN redlist. The species, Alysicarpus bupleurifolius, is listed as the Least Concern species in the IUCN red list. Similarly, the global IUCN status of Hibiscus hoshiarpurensis, another herb identified as endemic to the state, is not known however the species is listed as threatened by the Punjab Biodiversity Board. According to The Plant list (database maintained by The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden), the plant species status is still unresolved. Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb. Var lushii, that has a distribution in a few states of India, has been identified as threatened on regional scale however the species has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Redlist.

Influence of the light environment, cutting size, and existence of roots on the survival and regrowth of an invasive species, <i>Epipremnum aureum</i>

Influence of the light environment, cutting size, and existence of roots on the survival and regrowth of an invasive species, <i>Epipremnum aureum</i>

Metallothionein 3 promotes osteoclast differentiation and survival by regulating the intracellular Zn2+ concentration and NRF2 pathway

In osteoclastogenesis, the metabolism of metal ions plays an essential role in controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial biogenesis, and survival, and differentiation. However, the mechanism regulating metal ions during osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. The metal-binding protein metallothionein (MT) detoxifies heavy metals, maintains metal ion homeostasis, especially zinc, and manages cellular redox levels. We carried out tests using murine osteoclast precursors to examine the function of MT in osteoclastogenesis and evaluated their potential as targets for future osteoporosis treatments. MT genes were significantly upregulated upon differentiation from osteoclast precursors to mature osteoclasts in response to receptor activators of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) stimulation, and MT3 expression was particularly pronounced in mature osteoclasts among MT genes. The knockdown of MT3 in osteoclast precursors demonstrated a remarkable inhibition of differentiation into mature osteoclasts. In preosteoclasts, MT3 knockdown suppressed the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB signaling pathways upon RANKL stimulation, leading to affect cell survival through elevated cleaved Caspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) levels. Additionally, ROS levels were decreased, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) (a suppressor of ROS) and the downstream antioxidant proteins, such as catalase (CAT) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), were more highly expressed in the MT3 preosteoclast knockdowns. mitochondrial ROS, which is involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and the production of reactive oxygen species, were similarly decreased because cAMP response element-binding (CREB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1β (PGC-1β) were less activated due to MT3 depletion. Thus, by modulating ROS through the NRF2 pathway, MT3 plays a crucial role in regulating osteoclast differentiation and survival, acting as a metabolic modulator of intracellular zinc ions.

The combined effects of habitat fragmentation and life history traits on specialisation in lichen symbioses

Abstract Interactions between organisms are determined by life‐history traits. Ecological strategies regarding species specialisation range from generalist to highly specialised relationships. Although it is expected that habitat fragmentation's effect on species abundance and survival depends on their degree of specialisation and life‐history traits, few studies have delved into the interplay between interaction specialisation, life‐history traits and habitat fragmentation. Here, we investigate the combined effect of habitat fragmentation, forest structure and life‐history traits (growth form and reproductive mode) on the specialisation of lichen‐forming fungi (mycobionts) toward their photosynthetic partners (photobionts) in lichen symbioses. We studied mycobiont specialisation in epiphytic lichen communities present in 10 fragments of Quercus rotundifolia forest embedded in an agricultural matrix. Both mycobionts and photobionts were identified DNA barcoding and mycobiont specialisation was measured through interaction parameters calculating the relative number of interactions (normalised degree; ND) and the specialisation of each species based on its discrimination from a random selection of partners (d'). Phylogenetic generalised linear mixed models were used to analyse the effect of patch size as well as the life history traits growth form (crustose, foliose, fruticose) and reproduction mode (sexual vs. asexual) on mycobiont specialisation. Both mycobiont and photobiont richness along the patch size gradient followed a hump‐back pattern, which was more pronounced in photobionts. Mycobionts forming crustose thalli established the largest number of interactions. Mycobiont specialisation (d') was larger for fruticose and foliose forms and species with vegetative reproduction. Along the gradient of fragment size, the relative number of interactions decreased and the specialisation of mycobionts with vegetative reproduction increased. Synthesis. The study of mycobiont specialisation towards their photobionts in epiphytic lichen communities in a fragmented Mediterranean forest revealed a complex interaction between species' life history traits and habitat fragmentation. In particular, this interplay had a significant impact on the specialisation of mycobionts. The results show the ability of some species to modulate their specialisation according to habitat conditions, suggesting that some species may be more resilient to abiotic changes than expected.

Adaptive strategies to freeze-thaw cycles in branch hydraulics of tree species coexisting in a temperate forest

Freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) limit the distribution and survival of temperate tree species. Tree species with different wood types coexist in temperate forests and are subjected to the same FTCs. It is essential to understand how these trees differentially cope with xylem hydraulic failure induced by FTCs in the field. The branch hydraulic traits and nonstructural carbohydrate concentration of six coexisting tree species in a temperate forest were measured from mid-winter to early spring when the FTCs occurred from January to April. The percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) was lower, and the water potential inducing a 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity (P50) was more negative in tracheid trees than in ring- and diffuse-porous trees, suggesting tracheid trees with narrow tracheid diameters showed less vulnerable to embolism and provided a lower degree of hydraulic failure during FTCs (stronger resistance). Ring-porous trees always showed lower hydraulic conductivity and higher PLC and P50, and these traits did not change during FTCs, suggesting that they might lose the hydraulic functions in winter and abandon the last year xylem. The P50 in diffuse-porous increased after several FTCs (frost fatigue), but that in tracheid species continued to increase (or even decrease) until the end of FTCs (69 cycles), suggesting that tracheid trees were less sensitive to frost fatigue than diffuse-porous trees. Soluble sugar concentration in deciduous trees negatively correlated with PLC at the end of FTCs, indicating that the effect of soluble sugar on refilling embolism occurred in early spring. While the soluble sugar concentration of deciduous trees decreased, that of two evergreen tracheid trees gradually increased, possibly due to the winter photosynthesis of evergreen leaves. Our results suggest temperate trees adopt different strategies to cope with the same FTCs. These findings enrich the understanding of plant hydraulics and carbon physiology in winter and provide insights into the response of different species coexisting in temperate forests under climate change.

Branch Cutting Propagation of Different Bamboo Species Through Varying Levels of Alpha Naphthalene Acetic Acid Supplementation

A study was conducted to determine the survivability and growth performance of different bamboo species supplemented with varying levels of Alpha Naphthalene Acetic Acid (ANAA). The study is a two-factor experiment arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The study revealed that the different bamboo species had influenced the growth characteristics of bamboo cuttings in terms of number of shoots developed, height of shoots, number of leaves developed, length of leaves, number of roots, and survival rate. Supplementation of ANAA to different species of bamboo had a positive effect on the growth performance of bamboo cuttings in terms of length of leaves, width of leaves, number of roots, and survival rate. There was a significant interaction effect observed between the different species of bamboo and the level of ANAA supplementation on the survivability of bamboo cuttings. For higher survivability of bamboo cuttings, supplementation of 2 parts per million ANAA is recommended to obtain better growth performance in propagating bamboo and faster multiplication of planting materials. Keywords: Bolo, Kawayang Kiling, Kawayang Tinik, ANAA, Propagation

Diversity of gut microbiome in Rocky Mountainsnail across its native range.

The animal gut microbiome is often a key requirement for host nutrition, digestion, and immunity, and can shift in relation to host geography and environmental factors. However, ecological drivers of microbiome community assembly across large geographic ranges have rarely been examined in invertebrates. Oreohelix strigosa (Rocky Mountainsnail) is a widespread land snail found in heterogeneous environments across the mountainous western United States. It is ideally suited for biogeography studies due to its broad distribution, low migration, and low likelihood of passive transport via other animals. This study aims to uncover large-scale geographic shifts in the composition of O. strigosa gut microbiomes by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on samples from across its native range. Additionally, we elucidate smaller-scale microbiome variation using samples collected only within Colorado. Results show that gut microbiomes vary significantly across broad geographic ranges. Several possible ecological drivers, including soil and vegetation composition, habitat complexity, habitat type, and human impact, collectively explained 27% of the variation across Coloradan O. strigosa gut microbiomes. Snail gut microbiomes show more similarity to vegetation than soil microbiomes. Gut microbial richness was highest in the rocky habitats and increased significantly in the most disturbed habitats (low complexity, high human impact), potentially indicating signs of dysbiosis in the snails' gut microbiomes. These small-scale environmental factors may be driving changes in O. strigosa gut microbiome composition seen across large-scale geography. This knowledge will also help us better understand how microbial associations influence species survival in diverse environments and aid wildlife conservation efforts.

Exposure to closed-loop scrubber washwater alters biodiversity, reproduction, and grazing of marine zooplankton

Shipping is a large industry responsible for atmospheric emissions of hazardous substances including SOX, NOX, and particulate matter. Many ships have installed exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) to remove primarily SOX from the exhaust, but the hazardous substances are instead transferred to the water used in the scrubbing process. Ships with closed-loop scrubbers recirculate the water but can still discharge around 126-150 m3 directly to the surrounding marine environment every day. The discharged water contains metals and organic substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, that are known to be toxic to marine zooplankton. Here we show that closed-loop scrubber washwater is toxic to communities of marine mesozooplankton at our lowest tested dilution, 1.5% (v/v), and affects survival, reproduction, diversity, and ability to predate on microzooplankton. The cumulative toxic unit of the undiluted closed-loop scrubber washwater was estimated to 17, which indicates that the water could be toxic at levels below what was tested in this study. Among all detected substances, vanadium, copper, benzo[ghi]perylene, nickel, and zinc were identified as toxicity-driving substances in the order listed. Closed-loop scrubber washwater has been shown to affect development and survival in single species of copepods, but here we find evidence of toxicity at the community level, irrespective of seasonal community structure, and that the exposure has potential to disrupt the interactions between trophic levels in the pelagic food web. We show that the closed-loop scrubber washwater cause both lethal and sublethal effects in marine zooplankton, due to contaminants, some of which are persistent in the marine environment.

BIOCLIM Modeling for Predicting Suitable Habitat for Endangered Tree Tapiscia sinensis (Tapisciaceae) in China

Climate change jeopardizes species survival, particularly for endangered species. This risk extends to the endangered Chinese endemic tree Tapiscia sinensis. The factors underpinning T. sinensis’s habitat distribution are poorly understood, and its potential response to future climate scenarios remains unclear. With six shortlisted climate factors and 117 occurrence records, we modeled T. sinensis’s potential distribution across China using the BIOCLIM model. We applied principal component analysis to examine the primary climate factors restricting its geographical range. The findings indicate that T. sinensis’ range is principally located in China’s middle subtropical climatic zone at low–mid altitudes. The principal component analysis identified two critical factors representing temperature and precipitation. Temperature was the most critical factor limiting T. sinensis distribution, especially the effect of temperature seasonality and isothermality. The habitat suitability model generated by BIOCLIM under current climate conditions demonstrated strong concordance between the predicted suitable areas and the present actual distribution range. These results verify that the model can reliably identify habitats conducive to T. sinensis growth and survival. However, under a hypothetical future climate scenario of doubled atmospheric CO2 concentrations for 2100, the model indicates a precipitous reduction and fragmentation in the areas with excellent suitability conditions. This predicted decline highlights the considerable threats posed by climate change to the long-term survival of this endangered species in China. Our habitat modeling yields critical insights that inform the development of science-based strategies and best practices to improve conservation management plans for research, protection, nursery cultivation, and sustainable planting in China. Habitat suitability knowledge could aid introduction and cultivation efforts for T. sinensis globally in places with analogous climates.

Ecological responses of epigaeic beetle composition to a volcanic eruption across temperate mountains featuring a forest‐steppe transition

Abstract Monitoring changes in species composition near active volcanoes is important to identify environmental factors that maintain biological diversity after major disturbances. We investigated the taxonomic composition of epigaeic beetles' assemblages in five mountains in north‐western Patagonia (Argentina) in the aftermath of the 2011 Puyehue Cordón‐Caulle Volcanic Complex eruption. The associations of beetle composition with the thermal environment, vegetation structure and soil characteristics were analysed using 10 m × 10 m plots with nine pitfall traps each, established 100 m apart in altitude on each mountain in 2005, 2006 (pre‐eruption) and 2012, 2015 and 2016 (post‐eruption). We found significant differences in beetle composition between forests and high‐Andean steppes before and after the eruption. The beetle composition of forests and high‐Andean steppes differed due to higher plant cover and lower pH and herb richness in forests. Six months after the eruption, the herbs almost disappeared and forests showed high ash accumulation and lower temperature than the high‐Andean steppes. In the medium term, plant cover, temperature and soil conditions—but not ash accumulation—remained as important correlates of beetle composition. Before the eruption, forest assemblages showed higher beetle diversity and Leiodidae indicator species, but Curculionidae predominated post‐eruption. Tenebrionidae and Carabidae were high Andean steppes indicators. Post‐eruption, the beetle composition in high‐Andean steppes did not change significantly except for an increase in Tenebrionidae indicator species. We concluded that the conservation of landscape diversity and environmental gradients maintaining the differentiation between ecoregions is essential to protect epigaeic beetle composition and for species survival after volcanic disturbances.