Life Form Types Research Articles

Making a mark on the farm: the marks and traces of farm animals and infectious diseases in northern England

ABSTRACT Farmed animals are expected to move through farmed spaces in certain ways to maximise their productivity. These spaces are also designed to limit the movement of disease-causing organisms. However, both types of lifeforms do not always move in expected ways. We focus on the mark-making of these organisms to explore: 1) the evidence of their movements through farm spaces; and 2) the effects of these movements on managing farm animal disease. We explore these questions via social-scientific and artistic practices. The social science draws on in-depth interviews with UK cattle and sheep farmers, and farm advisors. The artistic component draws on work conducted by an ‘artist in residence' engaging with farm animals and farmer-livestock relationships. Farm animals and infectious micro-organisms were found to move in different ways and create different marks and traces across farms, bodies, and how diseases were managed. These lifeforms often frustrated biosecurity practices of exclusion and enclosure and existed on a spectrum of disease risk. Human actors needed to learn to become attuned to lifeform movements in order to enact disease management. We conclude by suggesting a continued focus in future social-scientific research on how the ‘sub-animal body' contributes to the enacting of farm disease management.

Cryptogam biomass estimation using taxonomic and life form models for accurate assessment

Accurate estimation of cryptogam biomass, encompassing bryophytes and lichens, is crucial for understanding their ecological significance. This estimation is conducted based on the strong correlations between mass and volume of cryptogams. However, mass–volume correlations vary among cryptogams because of their morphological differences. This problem can be solved using models that consider life forms that classify cryptogams based on morphological similarities. In this study, we investigated whether life form models improve cryptogam biomass estimation accuracy. The cryptogam mass–volume correlation of each life form was estimated using Bayesian linear models. The coefficients and intercepts of linear models differed between life forms, which was attributed to the morphological characteristics of each life form. Therefore, life form models can improve the accuracy of estimation models by incorporating morphological differences. However, taxonomic models that consider only the taxonomic difference (bryophytes vs lichens) demonstrated better overall estimation than the life form models, probably because of the ability of taxonomic models to capture systematic differences between bryophytes and lichens. Furthermore, these models may mitigate estimation errors related to morphological variations that cannot be adequately represented by life form types. Based on these results, we propose the appropriate use of estimation models.

Biomorphological structure of Kemerovo city’s flora

The article presents a range of types of life forms for the flora of the city of Kemerovo and its functional zones, including both native and alien elements. The perennial polycarpic plants have dominated in city’s flora, this tentation is common in Western Siberia. An increase in the proportion of monocarpic plants was revealed with an increase in anthropogenic factor on parts of the city. Human activity changes life expectancy and the number of fruiting as an adaptation to extreme growing conditions. The largest proportion of monocarpic grasses (50.61%) was noted on highways and tramways - the main migration corridors of plants, the proportion of monocarpics above 30% was noted in waste grounds, industrial zone, on railway tracks and stations. The largest proportion of polycarpic grasses was found on rocky outcrops and steppes (68.02 %), as well as on the territory of weakly transformed forests (65.98 %). Rocky outcrops and steppes have the largest proportion of semi-woody life forms (3.55 %) and shrubs (1.52 %) in the flora. The materials obtained during the collection by the method of model areas allow to identify the distinctive features of some functional zones of the city, to identify the most common patterns for the departments of suburban flora and urban flora.

A palynological atlas of the Cerrado-Caatinga ecotone in northeastern Brazil

Describing the diversity of Brazilian plant species, as well as the wide variety in the associated pollen grains, is crucial to understanding their evolution and ensuring effective conservation. The accurate identification of pollen is key to successful pollen studies and the consistent paleoecological interpretation of past vegetation changes. Pollen analysts usually identify plant taxa from reference collections built from herbaria material. In Brazil, pollen atlases primarily focus on three main vegetation domains, namely, the Amazon Forest, the Atlantic Forest, and the Cerrado, while information about Caatinga pollen taxa is dispersed across multiple studies; this significantly impedes efforts to further develop palynological research. To address this gap, we built a palynological atlas for the state of Piauí which is covered by the biomes Caatinga and Cerrado along with their transitional zones. These domains encompass various vegetation types, including dense shrubland, grassland, palm swamp formation, riverine forest, seasonal deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, as well as valley-side marshes. We collected flower buds from the Herbarium Prisco Bezerra (EAC) at the Federal University of Ceará and extracted the pollen grains for the pollen reference slides. The atlas comprises 398 species from 99 families, with the most represented families being Asteraceae, Bignoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Malpighiaceae, and Rubiaceae. Each taxa is presented with a description of the pollen grain, a photo showing polar and equatorial views, and ecological information as life form (liana/scandent/vine, herb, subshrub, shrub or tree), substrate, and vegetation type to support further studies.

Vegetation dynamics over 18 years in response to seasonal climatic conditions and land use in the Kamiesberg mountains of the succulent Karoo, South Africa

Projections of vegetation change in response to future global change conditions are challenged by the lack of long-term, empirical data on how vegetation responds to the variability in climatic conditions. This is particularly true for biodiverse systems that are threatened by climate change such as the winter-rainfall Succulent Karoo biome of southern Africa. In this study we analyse long-term data (2002–2019) of two biodiversity observatories from the Kamiesberg Mountains in the Succulent Karoo. We employed the R package GLMMtmb to analyse counts of abundance and estimated cover values of vegetation as response variables and seasonal Standardised Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), annual livestock density, topography and soil surface structure as predictors for the interannual change of life forms under low and high land use intensity. We compared the life form composition at the two contrasting land use types and found the cover and abundance of leaf succulents to be higher under low grazing intensity and that of stem succulents to be higher under high grazing intensity. The cover and abundance of herbaceous life forms varied over the years depending on the seasonal weather conditions. Our GLMM results reveal counts of abundance to be a sensitive predictor for population dynamics in various herbaceous and shrub life form types. Estimated cover values showed less of a response to interannual differences in the environmental drivers. All life forms responded strongly to high humid and cool conditions in the second half of the winter rainfall period, when the temperatures increase again. The abundance of leaf-succulent and non-succulent shrubs also responded positively to moderate conditions towards the end of the dry season. The extensive and hot dry summer season in turn had a significant negative effect on the survival of particularly young plants with low cover. Cover values showed no response to the conditions of the late dry season and were generally less sensitive to the variance in seasonal climatic conditions. Our results suggest that future changes in interannual patterns in climatic conditions will affect life form composition of the vegetation.

Determinates of bryophyte diversity, in comparison with vascular plant diversity, in paddy fields

Introduction Paddy-field landscapes play an important role in conservation of plant diversity. However, in only a few studies has bryophyte diversity been investigated in these landscapes. Therefore, we examined the characteristics and factors that determine bryophyte diversity in paddy fields. Methods Three approaches were used in this study: plant taxa, life form, and habitat type. Our aim in using the plant-taxa approach was to reveal differences between bryophytes and vascular plants in terms of landscape elements that are significant for species richness. The life-form and habitat-type approaches were used to elucidate how landscape elements determined bryophyte diversity. Generalised linear models and non-metric multidimensional scaling were used for these analyses. Results and discussion The landscape elements influencing species richness differed between vascular plants and bryophytes. Specifically, the forest area emerged as a crucial factor for bryophyte richness. Moreover, the species composition of bryophytes was determined by the forest area, influencing the prevalence of hydrophilic life forms and presence of forest-associated bryophyte species. These results can be attributed to two key functions of forest areas: supplying forest species to adjacent paddy fields, and alleviating heat and drought stress. Conclusions Bryophyte diversity in paddy fields was influenced more strongly by the surrounding forest areas than by the vascular plant diversity, owing to the vulnerability of bryophytes to drought stress. These results highlight the importance of forest–paddy mosaics for conservation of bryophyte diversity in paddy fields. Furthermore, the species composition results suggest that paddy fields can serve as suitable habitats for flood-plain bryophytes.

Repeated evolution of pollination syndromes in a highly diverse bromeliad lineage is correlated with shifts in life form and habitat

AbstractMutualistic plant-pollinator interactions play a critical role in the diversification of flowering plants. The spatiotemporal correlates of such interactions can be understood in a phylogenetic context. Here, we generate ddRAD-seq data for the highly diverse Vriesea-Stigmatodon lineage to test for correlated trait evolution among pollination syndromes and life form, habitat type, and altitude. Our results show that pollination syndromes are correlated with changes in life form and habitat type. The ancestor of the Vriesea-Stigmatodon lineage was likely bat pollinated, rock dwelling and inhabited open, mid-elevation forests. Transitions from bat to hummingbird pollination are correlated with transitions to the epiphytic life form in shaded habitats, whereas bat pollination is correlated with the rock-dwelling life form and open habitats. Our dated phylogenetic tree reveals independent origins of hummingbird pollination, occurring twice in Vriesea at c. 5.8 and 5.4 Mya. The timing for the shifts in pollination syndrome coincides with geological and environmental transformations across the Serra do Mar Mountain Chain, which increased habitat heterogeneity where Vriesea and their mutualists diversified. The phylogenetic tree reinforces the non-monophyly of taxonomic sections within the genus Vriesea previously defined by flower morphology, indicating that some lineages should be treated as species complexes. This study identifies synergetic drivers of speciation in a tropical biodiversity hotspot.

Analysis of Coral Reef Coverage Condition in The Waters of Central Bangka Regency

This research aims to discover the percentage of coral reef coverage and the condition of the coral reef ecosystem in small islands in Central Bangka regency waters. The research was conducted on May 2022 on six small islands: Panjang Island, Semujur Island, Ketawai Island, Ketugas Island, Gusung Asam Island, and Bebuar Island. The method used was underwater photo transect (UPT) and then analyzed using Coral Point Count with Excel extension software (CPCe). The result shows that of 6 small islands, only Semujur Island is populated. Coral reefs in small islands in Central Bangka regency were a type of fringing reef dan patch reefs with 3,0 - 8,8 meter depth. Standard damage criteria show that the damage was Moderate (44,60%) to Excellent (87,00%). The details were Moderate category on Ketugar Island, Good category was in Panjang Island, Gusung Asam Island, and Bebuar Island, while the coral reefs in Excellent category were in Semujur Island and Ketawai Island. 24 lifeform types were found with a dominant percentage value of approximately 18,47 - 46,87%. Lifeform was dominated by Coral Foliose (CF), Acropora Tabulate (ACT), dan Dead Coral with algae (DCA). Live coral reefs closer were dominated by healthy lifeforms, with most of the close being Dead Coral with algae. It showed that coral reefs might get disturbed by algae occurrence and triggers massive algae expansion. Fish in Coral reefs primarily targeted fish. It prefers the lifeform type to dead coral with algae lifeform.

Studi Kesesuaian Pantai Jemeluk Sebagai Kawasan Wisata Bahari Kabupaten Karangasem, Provinsi Bali

Jemeluk Beach is located in Purwakerti village, district of Abang, Karangasem regency. Jemeluk Beach is a developing tourism sector in Karangasem, which has the potential for coral reefs and various types of reef fish. Jemeluk Beach has snorkeling and diving tourism activities to develop its potential. With this is potential, s necessary to conduct research to analyze and develop suitable snorkeling and diving tours in the waters of Jemeluk Beach. This research was conducted at Jemeluk Beach, there are 6 stations in the research sampling. Collecting coral reef data using the Underwater Photo Transect method. Determination the level of the suitability of the area as a diving and snorkeling tourism spot using a matrix of area suitability analysis that considered the parameters of ecological conditions and water quality conditions using three parameters. The result showed that coral reef cover value ranged from 35,78% - 81,0%, the types of lifeform found ranged from 8 - 10 species, the water transparency value ranged from 57,78 - 82,22%, the water depth at stations 1, 2 and 3 is 3 - 4 m, station 4 is 10 - 15 m, and stations 5 and 6 are 5 - 10 m, current speed ranged from 11-15 cm/s, and the tourism suitability index (IKW) for the snorkeling and diving category at Jemeluk beach is included in the S2 category, which is conditional.

Dynamics of spatial and ontogenetic structure of Cephalanthera rubra (Orchidaceae) populations in the east of European Russia (Middle Volga Region)

The assessment of the spatial and functional features of rare species populations without considering the ontogenetic groups, which are being rarely distinguished at international literature, does not give a complete understanding of the current status of populations and prospects of their development under various management conditions. This paper is aimed to determine the status of a threatened orchid species, Cephalanthera rubra, at the eastern border of its range (Republic of Tatarstan, European Russia). For this purpose, a complex of various population parameters was used. Ontogenetic groups of C. rubra individuals have been reliably identified on the basis of morphometric traits of reproductive and vegetative organs. The obtained results showed that the fruit set is low, ranging at average from 24% for young reproductive individuals (g1) to 39% for mid-mature reproductive individuals (g2); it reflects prospects for seed reproduction of this species at the eastern edge of its range. The abundance dynamics of populations has a fluctuation type; it is related to climatic factors of the growing season. So, we found its significant positive correlations with air humidity (from r = 0.6 to r = 0.7) and precipitation (from r = 0.5 to r = 0.6), and a negative correlation with temperature (from r = -0.5 to r = -0.6). In the Republic of Tatarstan, the base spectrum of C. rubra populations is of the centred type, 1:10:51:38 (j:im:v:g); it corresponds to the general ontogenetic spectrum of rhizomatous orchids. The spatial-ontogenetic structure of populations, and especially its dynamics, reflects the intraspecific relationships of various ontogenetic groups involved in maintaining the stability of C. rubra population in space and time. Under optimal conditions, the spatial structure of all individuals and reproductive groups is characterised by a spatial randomness, which probably reduces intraspecific competition. In contrary, pre-reproductive groups form aggregations with 0.5–0.9-m radius in microloci, favourable for seed germination. A characteristic feature of the spatial structure is the formation of aggregations of reproductive and pre-reproductive individuals with a 0.7–1.0-m radius with a 0.2–0.4-m zone of the random spatial positioning of individuals, which aims to reduce intraspecific competition between them. The probability of meeting an individual of another ontogenetic group increases towards the periphery of the formed aggregation. In C. rubra populations, the abundance and density of individuals, and the fruit set decrease in pessimal conditions of landslides, soil erosion, and habitat shading. Under these conditions, pre-reproductive individuals do not form aggregations, nor aggregations with reproductive individuals. In general, the spatial structure of a population depends on the life-form type of the species, the mechanism of spatial growth of underground organs; it is considered a diagnostic sign of the population status.

A villanypásztor két oldalán

Our studies were carried out in a water buffalo pasture of the Zámolyi basin, in the area of the Csíkvarsai meadow, in the bed of a former lake, which was drained in 2022, then dried up by autumn and it was grazed by domestic water buffalo. The grazed area was surrounded by an electric fence. The vegetation of this part of the area and part of the outside was surveyed on 19 of November. We took 3-3 coenological surveys in both separated areas. Based on the results, there were significant floristic and physiognomic differences in the vegetation. Among the clover species, species with ground-running stems (Trifolium repens and T. fragiferum) were dominant in the grazed area, but in the ungrazed area, there was a coherent plant population of 30-40 cm high, densely located alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) in the lake bed. In addition, the occurrence of swamp pricklegrass (Crypsis schoenoides) was a floristic new discovery.Due to the loss of water coverage, several Trifolium species have become abundant in the area, which is a result of the germination properties of the species. The thick seed coats were cracked by the loss of the effect of the water coverage on temperature equalisation, and germination could have begun, resulting in a dominant species in the area. During the present study, we have seen a very impressive result of the analysis of the vegetation of the lake bed in autumn aspect in the Zámolyi Basin, which is the result of the impact of water buffalo grazing. The number of species was more significant in the grazed area. Moreover, floristic rarities have been found and as an indicator of grazing, species of different life form types were dominant within the same genus.

The epiphytic bryophyte succession of Buxus sempervirens forests in the Fırtına Valley, Rize (North Türkiye)

In this study, the epiphytic bryophyte succession of the Buxus sempervirens L. forests in Fırtına Valley (Çamlıhemşin-Rize, North Türkiye), one of the nine biodiversity hotspots in Türkiye, were investigated. For this purpose, a total of 60 sampling plots were taken from the live trunks of the B. sempervirens trees of different ages. Twenty-nine epiphytic bryophyte species were determined (24 mosses and 5 liverworts) within the sample plots. Also, six different life form types and four different habitat affinity categories were determined. The mat type life form is in the first place with 34.4% whereas the and cortico-saxicolous species are the most common with 51.7%. Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) classified the epiphytic bryophyte communities on the trunks of the B. sempervirens at the second level into two main clusters (A and B) and three sub-clusters (A1, B1 and, B2). Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) axis 1 was interpreted as gradient along the height of the epiphytic habitat (from the lower base to the upper zone) on trunks and the DCA axis 2 was interpreted as gradient of moisture (from mesic to xeric). Exsertotheca crispa (Hedw.) S.Olsson, Enroth & D.Quandt was the species with the highest Index of Ecological Significance (IES) value on the lower bases of the aged trees. Species diversity and epiphytic cover in the upper zones were lower than in the basal and middle zones in the study area. While Metzgeria furcata, (L.) Corda, Oxyrrhynchium hians (Hedw.) Loeske, Plagiothecium nemorale (Mitt.) A.Jaeger, and Radula lindenbergiana Gottsche ex C.Hartm were only found on old trees, Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt. and Pseudoleskeella nervosa (Brid.) Nyholm were only found on middle-aged trees.

Differentiation of Vegetation Community Characteristics by Altitude within Urban Parks and Their Service Functions in a Semi-Arid Mountain Valley: A Case Study of Lanzhou City

As the primary component of urban green space, parks play an important role in improving local environments and quality of life for city inhabitants. To date, much research on urban park plant community characteristics has been conducted worldwide, but studies focusing on differences across altitudes have been rare. Here, we have investigated fractional vegetation cover (FVC), plant species diversity, plant species composition, and plant life-form types along altitude gradients within four urban parks (Jincheng, Renshoushan, Baitashan, and Lanshan) in Lanzhou city (China) by field sampling and remote sensing. Spatial variations in plant community characteristics at different elevations, as well as their ecological, social, and integrated service levels, were analyzed using combined methods of remote sensing interpretation, mathematical statistics, and service function assessment. The results showed that: (1) spatial variations in plant communities along elevation gradients exhibited a distinct regional differentiation between parks; (2) Lanshan Park had the lowest FVC (43.6%) and plant species diversity (59 species), and these two parameters exhibited the most dramatic spatial change as elevation increased; the opposite phenomenon occurred in Renshoushan Park (FVC of 56.6%; 81 species); (3) the differences in the natural service level of the plant community were smaller for the social and integrated service levels. The highest natural service level occurred in Renshoushan Park, while Jincheng Park had the highest social and integrated service levels; the smallest values occurred in Lanshan Park. We conclude that scientific park management is urgently required to ensure the safety and sustainable development of the local urban ecosystems and to improve the ecological and social service levels of the individual urban parks, especially Lanshan Park. These findings also provide key insights to improve urban park communities and service levels in similar mountainous, semi-arid zones.

Genome-wide identification and adaptive evolution of CesA/Csl superfamily among species with different life forms in Orchidaceae.

Orchidaceae, with more than 25,000 species, is one of the largest flowering plant families that can successfully colonize wide ecological niches, such as land, trees, or rocks, and its members are divided into epiphytic, terrestrial, and saprophytic types according to their life forms. Cellulose synthase (CesA) and cellulose synthase-like (Csl) genes are key regulators in the synthesis of plant cell wall polysaccharides, which play an important role in the adaptation of orchids to resist abiotic stresses, such as drought and cold. In this study, nine whole-genome sequenced orchid species with three types of life forms were selected; the CesA/Csl gene family was identified; the evolutionary roles and expression patterns of CesA/Csl genes adapted to different life forms and abiotic stresses were investigated. The CesA/Csl genes of nine orchid species were divided into eight subfamilies: CesA and CslA/B/C/D/E/G/H, among which the CslD subfamily had the highest number of genes, followed by CesA, whereas CslB subfamily had the least number of genes. Expansion of the CesA/Csl gene family in orchids mainly occurred in the CslD and CslF subfamilies. Conserved domain analysis revealed that eight subfamilies were conserved with variations in orchids. In total, 17 pairs of CesA/Csl homologous genes underwent positive selection, of which 86%, 14%, and none belonged to the epiphytic, terrestrial, and saprophytic orchids, respectively. The inter-species collinearity analysis showed that the CslD genes expanded in epiphytic orchids. Compared with terrestrial and saprophytic orchids, epiphytic orchids experienced greater strength of positive selection, with expansion events mostly related to the CslD subfamily, which might have resulted in strong adaptability to stress in epiphytes. Experiments on stem expression changes under abiotic stress showed that the CslA might be a key subfamily in response to drought stress for orchids with different life forms, whereas the CslD might be a key subfamily in epiphytic and saprophytic orchids to adapt to freezing stress. This study provides the basic knowledge for the further systematic study of the adaptive evolution of the CesA/Csl superfamily in angiosperms with different life forms, and research on orchid-specific functional genes related to life-history trait evolution.

Soil and Climate Drive Floristic Composition in Tropical Forests: A Literature Review

A vast literature indicates that environment plays a paramount role in determining floristic composition in tropical forests. However, it remains unclear which are the most important environmental factors and their relative effect across different spatial scales, plant life forms or forest types. This study reviews the state of knowledge on the effect of soil and climate on floristic composition in tropical forests. From 137 publications, we collated information regarding: (1) spatial scale, continent, country, life form, and forest type; (2) proportion of variance in floristic composition explained by soil and climatic variables and how it varies across spatial scales; and (3) which soil and climate variables had a significant relationship on community composition for each life form and forest type. Most studies were conducted at landscape spatial scales (67%) and mainly in South America (74%), particularly in Brazil (40%). Studies majorly focused on trees (82%) and on lowland evergreen tropical forests (74%). Both soil and climate variables explained in average the same amount (14% each) of the variation observed in plant species composition, although soils appear to exert a stronger influence at smaller spatial scales while climate effect increases toward larger ones. Temperature, precipitation, seasonality, soil moisture, soil texture, aluminum, and base cations—calcium and magnesium–and their related variables (e.g., cation exchange capacity, or base saturation) were frequently reported as important variables in structuring plant communities. Yet there was variability when comparing different life forms or forest types, which renders clues about certain ecological peculiarities. We recommend the use of standardized protocols for collecting environmental and floristic information in as much as possible, and to fill knowledge gaps in certain geographic regions. These actions will be especially beneficial to share uniform data between researchers, conduct analysis at large spatial scales and get a better understanding of the link between soils and climate gradients and plant strategies, which is key to propose better conservation policies under the light of global change.

Impact of Grazing Regimes, Landscape Aspect, and Elevation on Plant Life Form Types in Managed Arid Montane Rangelands

Arid steppes, with scattered vegetation, are commonly qualified as degraded ecosystems. Their natural vegetation cover is affected by both abiotic stresses and human activities and, therefore, suitable managements are needed for their sustainability. This study was carried out in the mountain rangeland chain of Matmata (southern dryland of Tunisia) during the springs of 2 rainy yr, 2019 and 2020. Our aims were to evaluate the impact of three grazing regimes (grazing exclusion [over 42 ys; 1978−2020]; seasonal [protected in spring and summer and grazed in autumn and winter, since the 1960s]; and continuous grazing [control; grazed over time]) on the cover of some plant life forms (Raunkiaer, Noy-Meir, and Grime types), under various conditions (sites, aspects, and elevations). To achieve this goal, the pseudoreplicated-nested design was applied, taking into account the site locations (grazing regimes), aspects (exposure to sunlight), and elevations. The cover of the retained plant life forms was measured using the quadrat point method. The main results showed that plant life forms are strongly affected by the grazing regime since the chamephytes (Ch_R), arido-active (AA_NM), and competitive stress-tolerant species (CS_G) are higher under seasonal grazing than control. All these species are qualified as less resistant to grazing. However, arido-passive (AP_NM), ruderal stress-tolerant (RS_G), and therophytes (Th_R) seem to be more resistant to grazing. Studying the impact of grazing management on the plant life form types provides useful information to find the most adapted species for rangeland sustainability all around the world.

Characteristics of novel urban vegetation in two Portuguese urban regions

Urban novel ecosystems were sampled across vacant sites in two Portuguese urban regions. The flora were studied with a focus on species’ origin, life form, ecological, chorological and naturalisation types. A multivariate constrained ordination technique was used to identify relationships between plant composition and environmental factors. The vegetation of the two urban regions shows differences, highlighting biome influence, as well as due to climatic variables and (to a lesser degree) soil characteristics and lithology. Although native species are clearly dominant, the frequency of non-native species is high and most are potentially or effectively invasive. In the ecological spectrum, the dominance of opportunistic ruderal species suggests a risk of biotic homogenisation in these ecosystems, which is also noticeable in the analysis of life form, but less in chorological and nativeness spectra. Portuguese novel urban ecosystems are, therefore, simultaneously an opportunity, since spontaneous vegetation management is more cost effective and can bring wilderness to cities; and a hazard, because invasive species must be controlled to support biodiversity conservation efforts.

Permanent removal of livestock grazing in riparian systems benefits native vegetation

Livestock grazing in riparian areas has significant impacts on waterway ecosystems. In Australia, livestock grazing is allowed on many public waterway frontages under long-term licences. Many barriers to removing or restricting grazing on riparian areas exist, including concerns that removing grazing from historically grazed sites may favour invasive plant species. We compared vegetation changes at 180 sites along three connected waterways in northern Victoria, Australia that had been extensively grazed by livestock under grazing licences. Some of these sites were permanently protected from grazing by the creation of a new public park and reserve system in 2002. We compared vegetation attributes between sites in the ungrazed reserves, to sites outside reserves that were either recently grazed or ungrazed in 2009. Importantly, we used a sampling design and statistical models that explicitly incorporated the proximity to the waterway to account for known resource and disturbance gradients. Broad site condition assessments that were conducted on the exact same sites prior to reservation provided an indication of pre-treatment condition attributes. Despite no clear evidence of having more or less native vegetation prior to reservation, reserved sites had more native vegetation cover across a range of different life-form types than unreserved sites. Reserved sites also had much less bare ground, and this effect was far greater closer to the waterway margin. Livestock grazing within reserves reduced these perceived benefits for native vegetation and bare ground. However, reserved sites also had a higher cover of exotic graminoids, but not herbs. This study suggests that reservation of stream frontages was beneficial to native vegetation condition within the study systems even if grazing persisted. Livestock grazing was effective at reducing exotic vegetation cover but at the cost of native vegetation and ground condition. Many factors may influence outcomes and we expect these responses to differ in more productive landscapes or in periods with greater rainfall, so quantitative monitoring is advisable. Evaluation of cost-benefit trade-offs for the environment, graziers, and social and cultural objectives will be important to guide reservation decisions. • Livestock grazing increases bare ground and reduces native vegetation cover. • Reservation decreases bare ground and increases native vegetation cover. • Removal of grazing increased exotic vegetation cover. • Bare ground and vegetation cover vary with proximity to a waterway. • Livestock grazing pressure and impacts vary with proximity to a waterway.

Regional gradients in intraspecific seed mass variation are associated with species biotic attributes and niche breadth.

Quantifying intraspecific trait variation (ITV) is crucial for understanding species local adaptation and regional distribution. Intraspecific seed mass variation (ITVsm) is expected to vary with environmental gradients or co-vary with related biotic attributes, but these relationships are not well known in a multispecies space. We performed interspecific and phylogenetic analyses to evaluate the relative power of three species biotic attributes and four niche breadth traits in explaining ITVsm variation for 434 eastern Qinghai–Tibetan species. We showed a positive relationship between species’ ITVsm and their niche breadth in the light, moisture and disturbance dimensions, supporting the idea that high ITV allows species to match their traits to different habitat conditions and thus to distribute in a wide range of environments. However, we did find significant direct effect of species’ thermal niche on individual seed mass variation. Meanwhile, we showed significant effects of seed dispersal mode, but not of life form and pollination type, on ITVsm. This suggests that the covariation or co-evolution between seed and disperser was related to the pattern and magnitude of ITVsm, but not to plant lifespan, the quality and allocation pattern of available resources and the availability of pollination vector. Lastly, all multivariate models showed a significant combined contribution of species’ biotic attributes and niche breadth to their ITVsm, implying that intrinsic biotic limitations and extrinsic abiotic pressures may operate simultaneously in controlling regional-scale intraspecific seed development.

Effects of calcium cyanamide on Collembola in a standardized field test: Part 1. Rationale and performance of the study

BackgroundA field study lasting one year was performed to study the effects of a calcium cyanamide fertiliser (trade name: Perlka®) on Collembola in order to support the terrestrial risk assessment under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation. Due to the lack of an appropriate guidance document, the design of the study was based on the ISO Guideline 11268–3, originally developed for earthworm field studies. However, the sampling procedure was adapted accordingly by applying ISO Guideline 23611–2, i.e. taking soil core and pitfall trap samples. Two groups of four plots each were treated with 200 kg/ha and 400 kg/ha Perlka®, respectively. A third group served as a fertiliser control, i.e. it was treated with a standard urea fertiliser (172.9 kg Piagran®/ha) at the same total nitrogen rate (79.5 kg/ha) as provided by the high Perlka® application rate. The fourth group served as negative control without any fertiliser treatment and the fifth group was treated with the reference item Agriclor® (480 g a.i./L chlorpyrifos), known to be toxic to springtails.ResultsIn total 16 different Collembola species were determined. For seven species, covering all life form types, a reliable statistical evaluation was possible, which was reflected in correspondingly low MDD values in the study. A statistically significant decrease of the abundance (at least 50%) on the reference item plots compared to the untreated control was observed for six species, thus demonstrating the sensitivity of the Collembola community.ConclusionNo long-lasting effects of the Perlka® application rates could be observed for any of the Collembola species. In order to support risk assessors in both industry and authorities in the interpretation of large and complex data sets typical for field studies with chemicals, further guidance on implementation and data interpretation is urgently needed.