Articles publicats en revistes (Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals)

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Mostrant 1 - 20 de 1821

Evidence for distinct isotopic compositions of sap and tissue water in tree stems: consequences for plant water source identification
(Wiley, 2021-11-12) Barbeta, Adrià; Burlett, Regis; Martín Gómez, Paula; Fréjaville, Bastien; Devert, Nicolas; Wingate, Lisa; Domec, Jean-Christophe; Ogée, Jérome
The long-standing hypothesis that the isotopic composition of plant stem water reflects that of source water is being challenged by studies reporting bulk water from woody stems with an isotopic composition that cannot be attributed to any potential water source. The mechanism behind such source–stem water isotopic offsets is still poorly understood. Using a novel technique to extract selectively sap water from xylem conduits, we show that, in cut stems and potted plants, the isotopic composition of sap water reflects that of irrigation water, demonstrating unambiguously that no isotopic fractionation occurs during root water uptake or sap water extraction. By contrast, water in nonconductive xylem tissues is always depleted in deuterium compared with sap water, irrespective of wood anatomy. Previous studies have shown that isotopic heterogeneity also exists in soils at the pore scale in which water adsorbed onto soil particles is more depleted in deuterium than unbound water. Data collected at a riparian forest indicated that sap water matches best unbound soil water from depth below −70 cm, while bulk stem and soil water differ markedly. We conclude that source–stem isotopic offsets can be explained by micrometre-scale heterogeneity in the isotope ratios of water within woody stems and soil micro-pores.
English plantain deploys stress tolerance mechanisms at various organization levels across an altitudinal gradient in the Pyrenees
(Wiley, 2021-10-15) Morales, Melanie; Pasques Vila, Ot; Munné Bosch, Sergi
High-mountain plants must withstand high solar irradiation and low temperatures during winter. Furthermore, climate change is increasing drought events, which pose an additional threat to plants. Here, we studied the stress tolerance mechanisms at various levels of biological organization in English plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), focusing on photoprotective and antioxidant responses. The response of populations from three different altitudes in the Eastern Pyrenees (1030, 1380, and 1660 m. a.s.l.) was compared during both autumn and winter. Results showed that plants not only suffered from photoinhibition due to very low temperatures at the highest elevation during winter, but also from mild drought stress at the lowest altitude during autumn. Individuals growing at the highest elevation showed reductions in the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm ratio), which might be caused by the lack of an increased induction of tolerance mechanisms at the highest elevation compared to the intermediate one. Although most leaves died at the highest elevation, plants could withstand stress at the organism level by generating new leaves once the stress ceased. Drought at the lowest elevation during autumn caused mild stress with small decreases in the Fv/Fm ratio, along with an increase in abscisic acid and jasmonic acid content. This study underlines the great capacity of English plantain to adapt to high elevation by activating not only photo- and antioxidant protection mechanisms and adjustments in stress-related phytohormones, but also by fully regenerating its aboveground biomass through renewed growth once the stress has ceased.
Differential physiological response to heat and cold stress of tomato plants and its implication on fruit quality
(Elsevier, 2022-01-01) Mesa Parra, Tania; Polo Pozo, Francisco Javier; Arabia, Alba; Caselles, Vicent; Munné Bosch, Sergi
The upcoming climate change presents a great challenge for plant growth and development being extremes temperatures among the major environmental limitations to crop productivity. Understanding the repercussions of these extreme temperatures is of high importance to elaborate future strategies to confront crop damages. Tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are one of the most cultivated crops and their fruits are consumed worldwide standing out for their organoleptic characteristics and nutritional value. Tomato plants are sensitive to temperatures below 12 °C and above 32 °C. In this study, Micro-Tom cultivar was used to evaluate the effects of extreme temperatures on the plant of tomato and the fruit productivity and quality from the stressed plants, either exposed to cold (4 °C for three nights per week) or heat (32 °C during the day, seven days per week) treatments. Total productivity and the percentage of ripe fruits per plant were evaluated together with foliar stress markers and the contents of photosynthetic pigments and tocochromanols. Fruit quality was also assessed determining lycopene contents, total soluble solids, total acidity and ascorbate contents. High temperatures altered multiple physiological parameters indicating a moderate stress, particularly decreasing fruit yield. As a response to this stress, plants enhanced their antioxidant contents both at leaf and fruit level. Low temperatures did not negatively affect the physiology of plants with similar yields as compared to controls, suggesting chilling acclimation. Both high and low temperatures, but most particularly the former, increased total soluble solids contents indicating that temperature control may be used as a strategy to modulate fruit quality.
Forest resilience to global warming is strongly modulated by local-scale topographic, microclimatic and biotic conditions
(Wiley, 2021-08-04) Carnicer Cols, Jofre; Vives‐Ingla, Maria; Blanquer, Laura; Mendez-Camps, Xavier; Rosell, Carme; Sabaté i Jorba, Santi; Gutiérrez Merino, Emilia; Sauras Yera, Teresa; Peñuelas, Josep; Barbeta, Adrià
1. Resilience of endangered rear edge populations of cold-adapted forests in the Mediterranean basin is increasingly altered by extreme heatwave and drought pressures. It remains unknown, however, whether microclimatic variation in these isolated forests could ultimately result in large intra-population variability in the demographic responses, allowing the coexistence of contrasting declining and resilient trends across small topographic gradients. Multiple key drivers promoting spatial variability in the resilience of rear edge forests remain largely unassessed, including amplified and buffered thermal exposure induced by heatwaves along topographic gradients, and increased herbivory pressure on tree saplings in defaunated areas lacking efficient apex predators. Here we analysed whether indicators of forest resilience to global warming are strongly modulated by local-scale topographic, microclimatic and biotic conditions. 2. We studied a protected rear edge forest of sessile oak Quercus petraea, applying a suite of 20 indicators of resilience of tree secondary growth, including multidecadal and short-term indices. We also analysed sapling recruitment success, recruit/adult ratios and sapling thermal exposure across topographic gradients. We found large within population variation in secondary growth resilience, in recruitment success and in thermal exposure of tree saplings to heatwaves, and this variability was spatially structured along small-scale topographical gradients. Multidecadal resilience indices and curves provide useful descriptors of forest vulnerability to climate warming, complementing assessments based in the analysis of short-term resilience indicators. Species-specific associations of trees with microclimatic variability are reported. 3. Biotic factors are key in determining long-term resilience in climatically stressed rear edge forests, with strong limitation of sapling recruitment by increased roe deer and wild boar herbivory. Our results also support non-stationary effects of climate determining forest growth responses and resilience, showing increased negative effects of warming and drought over the last decades in declining stands. 4. Synthesis. Our findings do not support scenarios predicting spatially homogeneous distributional shifts and limited resilience in rear edge populations, and are more supportive of scenarios including spatially heterogeneous responses, characterised with contrasting intra-population trends of forest resilience. We conclude that forest resilience responses to climate warming are strongly modulated by local-scale microclimatic, topographic and biotic factors. Accurate predictions of forest responses to changes in climate would therefore largely benefit from the integration of local-scale abiotic and biotic factors.
Would Antarctic marine benthos survive alien species invasions? What chemical ecology may tell us.
(MDPI, 2022-08-24) Ávila Escartín, Conxita; Buñuel Moreno, Xavier; Carmona Herrera, Francisco; Cotado, Albert; Sacristán Soriano, Oriol; Angulo-Preckler, Carlos
Many Antarctic marine benthic macroinvertebrates are chemically protected against predation by marine natural products of different types. Antarctic potential predators mostly include sea stars (macropredators) and amphipod crustaceans (micropredators) living in the same areas (sympatric). Recently, alien species (allopatric) have been reported to reach the Antarctic coasts, while deep-water crabs are suggested to be more often present in shallower waters. We decided to investigate the effect of the chemical defenses of 29 representative Antarctic marine benthic macroinvertebrates from seven different phyla against predation by using non-native allopatric generalist predators as a proxy for potential alien species. The Antarctic species tested included 14 Porifera, two Cnidaria, two Annelida, one Nemertea, two Bryozooa, three Echinodermata, and five Chordata (Tunicata). Most of these Antarctic marine benthic macroinvertebrates were chemically protected against an allopatric generalist amphipod but not against an allopatric generalist crab from temperate waters. Therefore, both a possible recolonization of large crabs from deep waters or an invasion of non-native generalist crab species could potentially alter the fundamental nature of these communities forever since chemical defenses would not be effective against them. This, together with the increasing temperatures that elevate the probability of alien species surviving, is a huge threat to Antarctic marine benthos.
β-Carotene biofortification of chia sprouts with plant growth regulators
(Elsevier Masson SAS, 2021-10-27) F. Bermejo, Núria; Hoummadi, Ghita; Munné Bosch, Sergi
Chia (Salvia hispanica) is a native plant species from South America that is very appreciated for its oleaginous seeds in the agri-food field. Chia seeds are natural sources of many bioactive compounds which provide benefits to human health. Nevertheless, chia sprouts have better nutritional properties than seeds, such as antioxidants, essential amino acids, and phenolic compounds. Among all these beneficial compounds, β-carotene has not been studied in chia sprouts. β-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A, which contributes to maintaining our health status. In this study, to improve β-carotene content in chia sprouts, some plant growth regulators (abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate and methyl salicylate) were applied exogenously to germinating chia seeds. Gibberellins A4/A7 and cytokinin 6-benzyladenine (Promalin®) were also applied, combined with the other regulators, to antagonize a possible inhibition in the germination. Seeds were grown in darkness for 4 days, then seeds were exposed to a short light stimulus (30′) and finally to a continued light stimulus (48h). β-carotene, xanthophylls, chlorophylls, de-epoxidation status of xanthophyll cycle (DPS), germination rate, and sprouts fresh weight were analysed. The results show that sprouts treated with methyl salicylate in-creased 2,35 fold their β-carotene content when they were exposed to light for 30’+48h. Sprouts fresh weight and germination were not affected by methyl salicylate. Although more research is needed before industrial application, it is concluded that methyl salicylate can be used to improve β-carotene contents in chia sprouts.
A closer look to medium-sized and large sharks in the northern Catalan coast (north-western Mediterranean): Evidence of an ongoing decline?
(John Wiley & Sons, 2021-06-29) Nuez, Ignasi; Gazo i Pérez, Manel; Cardona Pascual, Luis
1. Historically, the Mediterranean Sea supported a rich shark fauna. Presently, however, populations of most shark species have significantly declined, largely due to intense fishing pressure. 2. Interviews with crew members of bottom trawlers, drifting longliners and bottom longliners operating off the Costa Brava (Catalonia, NE Spain) were conducted between October 2016 and July 2017 in order to gather information on the current bycatch rate of several shark species. 3. Interviews covered 41.2% of the fleet and respondents were asked for the bycatch of selected shark species¿Alopias vulpinus, Cetorhinus maximus, Galeorhinus galeus, Hexanchus griseus, Isurus oxyrinchus, Mustelus spp., Prionace glauca, and Squalus acanthias¿in two distinct time periods. 4. Bottom trawlers captured the highest diversity of species (eight) followed by bottom longliners (seven), and drifting longliners (three). Most respondents (89.7%) declared having captured at least one shark from 2006 to 2016 but only 56.4% declared having captured at least one shark from 2016 to 2017. 5. From 2016 to 2017, the whole fleet captured 89 specimens of H. griseus (95% confidence interval (CI) = 145, 34), 14 of G. galeus (95% CI = 30, 0), 3 of A. vulpinus (95% CI = 8, 0), 3 of I. oxyrinchus (95% CI = 8, 0), 3 of C. maximus (95% CI = 6, 0), and no Mustelus spp. The total bycatch of P. glauca and S. acanthias was uncertain due to extremely loose confidence intervals. 6. A significant decline was perceived by fishermen in the bycatch of C. maximus and S. acanthias, whereas the bycatch of H. griseus was considered to have remained stable. 7. This study suggests a dramatic reduction in the abundance of most of the medium-sized and large sharks of the Costa Brava and the likely disappearance of Mustelus spp. from the area. Only H. griseus, S. acanthias, and P. glauca are still being bycaught frequently.
Reserve effect': An opportunity to mitigate human-wild boar conflicts
(Elsevier B.V., 2021) Colomer, Joana; Rosell, Carme; Rodríguez Teijeiro, José Domingo; Masseid, Giovanna
Wild boar growth in numbers and range is associated with increasing economic and environmental impact. Hunting has been traditionally used to reduce wild boar numbers. Areas where hunting is not allowed may attract wild boar from neighbouring hunting grounds. This phenomenon is called ‘reserve effect’ and could cause temporarily localised, high densities of wild boar in areas where hunting is banned. To investigate the occurrence of ‘reserve effect’, this study was conducted in two natural reserves of 400 and 250 ha inside the Montseny Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain where regular hunting of wild boar is not permitted, and only sporadic driven hunts/year are authorised for population control. The aims of the study were to evaluate if wild boar use these reserves as a refuge when hunting is carried out in the surrounding areas and to assess the effects that occasional drive hunts inside these reserves may have on wild boar numbers and social organization. From 2012 to 2015 camera traps were placed in the two reserves without using any bait. Cameras operated for 1.759 days, including hunting and non-hunting seasons, and 37.574 wild boar images were obtained. A ‘reserve effect’ was detected, as following hunting in the surroundings grounds, the number of wild boar increases inside reserves. Occasional driven hunts conducted in the reserves are effective in reducing the number of individuals and the effects persist for at least 45 days. Hunting disrupts wild boar social organization, as group size was significantly reduced. These results suggested that targeting refuge areas, once hunting in the surroundings causes wild boar to concentrate in these areas, is effective for population control. These findings could also be used to design trategies to optimise population control and offer opportunities for disease management such as vaccination, or to facilitate eradication in areas affected by disease outbreaks.
Vitamin E protects from lipid peroxidation during winter stress in the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa
(Springer Verlag, 2022-02-01) Munné Bosch, Sergi; Puig i Sardà, Susana; Fenollosa, Erola; Casadesús Cabral, Andrea; Fernández Muñoz, Esteve
Despite low temperatures can adversely affect the proper growth and development of marine angiosperms, by, among other processes, increasing reactive oxygen species production and causing oxidative damage to lipid membranes, the role of vitamin E in seagrasses, such as Cymodocea nodosa has not been explored thus far. Here, we aimed to better understand the possible role of this chain-breaking (peroxyl radical-trapping) antioxidant in response to low temperatures, and most particularly in relation to the occurrence of photo-inhibition and lipid peroxidation. Low temperatures caused an important desiccation of leaves, but not of rhizomes, which were much more tolerant to cold stress than leaves. Cold stress during winter was associated with chlorophyll loss and transient photo-inhibition, as indicated by reversible reductions in the Fv/Fm ratio. Adjustments in pigment antenna size and vitamin E contents per unit of chlorophyll during winter may help protect the photosynthetic apparatus from sustained photo-inhibitory damage and lipid peroxidation events in leaves. Rhizomes also accumulated significant amounts of vitamin E, although to a much lesser extent than leaves, and kept protected from lipid peroxidation during winter, as indicated by malondialdehyde contents, a product from secondary lipid peroxidation. It is concluded that vitamin E can help protect both leaves and rhizomes from lipid peroxidation, although cold stress during winter can cause transient photo-inhibition of the photosynthetic apparatus, in C. nodosa.
Impact of mechanized clam dredging on the discarded megabenthic fauna on the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean)
(Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2021-06-02) Baeta Alacio, Marc; Rubio, Carolina; Breton, Françoise
There is an important small-scale fishery using mechanized dredges and targeting clams (mainly wedge clam Donax trunculus and striped venus clam Chamelea gallina) along the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean Sea). This study evaluated for the first time the discards and impact of mechanized clam dredging on the Catalan coast. To this end, three surveys were performed on board standard clam vessels (September and November 2016 and January 2017). Surveys were conducted in the three main clam fishing areas (Rosas Bay, South Barcelona and Ebro Delta). The composition of discards and the impact caused to discarded species was assessed using a three-level scale (undamaged; minor or partial damage; and lethal damage). Our study revealed that a large proportion of the catch (between 67–82% weight) is discarded. Even though about 63% of the discarded species were undamaged, 11% showed minor or partial damage and 26% lethal damage. Infaunal and epifaunal species with soft-body or fragile shells were the most impacted by the fishing activity (e.g. the sea urchin Echinocardium mediterraneum (∼89%) and the bivalve Ensis minor (∼74%)). Our results showed different levels of impact by target species and fishing area.
Assessment of land-based threats to Atlantic pelagic seabirds
(Wiley, 2026-03-17) Kalaitzakis, Ioannis; Rodrigues, Ana S. L.; Dias, Maria P.; Davies, Tammy E.; Baran, Mark A.; Bhola, Nina; Boulinier, Thierry; Bried, Joel; Campioni, Letizia; Ceia, Filipe R.; De Pascalis, Federico; Dehnhard, Nina; Fagundes, Ana Isabel; Gilg, Olivier; González-Solís, Jacob; Grémillet, David; Hernández-Montero, Marcos; Krüger, Lucas; Kuepfer, Amanda; Major, Heather L.; Mallory, Mark L.; Militão, Teresa; Oliveira, Nuno; Oppel, Steffen; Paiva, Vitor H.; Pereira, Jorge M.; Phillips, Richard A.; Pollet, Ingrid L.; Ponchon, Aurore; Raine, André F. ; Ramos i Garcia, Raül; Ramos, Jaime A.; Robertson, Gregory J.; Vicente-Sastre, Diego; Shutler, Dave; Silva, Mónica C.; Wanless, Sarah; Zenatello, Marco; Rouyer, Marie-Morgane
Seabirds are exposed to numerous threats throughout their life-cycles, includingland-based threats during their breeding season such as invasive species,diseases, or light pollution. Here we assess the timing, scope, and severity ofland-based threats to populations of highly mobile petrels, albatrosses, stormpetrels,and alcids in the Atlantic Ocean, to guide priorities for their conservationacross their mostly island-breeding areas. By combining our own fieldexpertise of these species with a literature review, we built a dataset characterizing18 threats for 49 species across 38 Large Marine Ecosystems. We analyzethis dataset by highlighting the most impactful threats and the most impactedregions. Addressing invasive alien species on Tristan da Cunha & Gough andon the islands of the Canary Current are the interventions with the greatestpotential to stimulate seabird population recovery across the Atlantic Ocean.Our results highlight priorities for targeted management actions that can supportseabird conservation.
Assessing the role of habitat, climate, and anthropizationgradients on terrestrial mammal diversity in the western Mediterranean basin
(Wiley, 2024-07-14) Fernández Cabello, Ignasi; Franch, Marc; Vilella, Marc; Fernandez Arrieta, Nerea; Rota, Marc; Sanglas Oliva, Ariadna; Baqué Díaz, Eric; Gallardet, Marc; Federico, Pau; Peris, Albert; Serratosa, Eric; Real, Joan; Sayol, Ferran; Puig-Gironès, Roger
Mammal species globally exhibit distribution patterns conditioned by environmental conditions and human impact. The Mediterranean basin provides an ideal system to study these effects due to its diverse climate, and habitat conditions. In this work, we aim to assess the impact of landscape heterogeneity and anthropization degree on terrestrial mammal diversity in this region. Accordingly, we deployed over 300 camera traps across 28 sites for 3 months. Detected mammal species (weighing more than 1kg) were classified as domestic carnivores, domestic ungulates, wild carnivores, wild ungulates, lagomorphs, and large rodents. Alpha and beta diversity were calculated for each group and all wild mammals. Simple linear regressions and multimodal analysis were conducted between mammal diversities and climate, environmental conditions, landscape heterogeneity, and anthropization degree variables. Redundancy analyses were performed to identify variables and species determining the mammalian community composition. Indexes measuring landscape heterogeneity, anthropization degree, and its 30-year change did not correlate with mammal diversity. However, the difference in elevation within sites and domestic carnivore abundance showed a significant positive correlation with some of the diversity indexes. Nonetheless, rainfall and mean elevation factors generally showed the highest correlation with mammal diversity. Instead, a few influential species, including generalists and open-habitat specialists, highlighted the importance of conserving open areas, as well as the importance of the Pyrenees region as a key habitat for certain species. Therefore, climatic variables emerged as the key determinants of mammal diversity, highlighting climate change as a potential threat to mammal diversity in this area.
From Purpose to Persistence: How Intentional Introductions by Humans Influence Ecological Niches of Non‐Native Plants
(John Wiley & Sons, 2026-05-14) Riera, Marc; Chytrý, Milan; Melero Cavero, Yolanda; Sáez, Llorenç; Attorre, Fabio; Axmanová, Irena; Biurrun, Idoia; Bonari, Gianmaria; Buldrini, Fabrizio; Delbosc, Pauline; Dengler, Jürgen; Jandt, Ute; Jansen, Florian; Jiménez-Alfaro, Borja; Pielech, Remigiusz; Pyšek, Petr; Šibíková, Maria; Pino, Joan
Aim: The intentional or unintentional transport of non-native plants is key to overcoming geographic barriers. However, it remains unclear whether such introduction pathways associate with overcoming environmental barriers, which is key for successful invasion. Here, we test how intentionality of introduction associates with niche breadth and niche harshness. Location: Europe. Time Period: 1914–2020. Major Taxa Studied: 220 plant species. Methods: Across >60,000 invaded vegetation plots, we tested whether intentionality of introduction (intentional, unintentional, or both) and characteristics of non-native plants (native climatic niche breadth, growth form, dispersal syndrome, height, residence time) were associated with their niche breadth, quantified through habitats, climate, and co-occurring flora. We tested how the intentionality of introduction was associated with environmental harshness (drought, salinity, oligotrophy, and elevation), while accounting for land-cover and habitat types. Results: Non-native plants introduced both intentionally and unintentionally had a broader habitat range, compared to nonnative plants introduced only unintentionally. A broad climatic niche in the native range was associated with a broader invaded climatic niche, while a long residence time was associated with broader habitat and biotic niches. Intentional introduction was associated with the invasion of dry habitats and forests, whereas unintentional introduction was linked to the invasion of saline, high-elevation, and disturbed environments. Main Conclusions: In addition to triggering invasions, the type of process responsible for introduction can partly explain how non-native plants overcome environmental barriers in the invaded range. The intentionality of introduction was associated with niche breadth only in terms of habitat range, while the association with niche harshness depended on the type of stress, which highlights the importance of integrative niche assessments. The relationship between intentionality of introduction and the invaded niche could relate to intentionality-specific differences in biological attributes (environmental tolerance, dispersal capacity, and preference for disturbance) and the introduction process (propagule pressure and residence time).
Timing and direction of faunal exchange between the Nearctic and the Palaearctic in Odonata
(John Wiley & Sons, 2024-05-31) Pàmies‐Harder, Maria; Múrria i Farnós, Cesc; Abbott, John C.; Abbott, Kendra; Kalkman, Vincent J.
Aim Species have different distribution patterns across the globe and among biogeographical regions. The Nearctic and Palaearctic regions share lineages because of their parallel biogeographic histories and ecological conditions. As the number of phylogenetic studies increases, there are more insights into past exchange events between these two regions and their effects on the current distribution of diversity. However, several groups have not been tested and an overall generalization is still missing. Here, we analyse the biogeographic history across multiple genera of odonates to elucidate a general process of species exchange, vicariance and species divergence between these two regions. Location The Holarctic, including the entire Nearctic and the East and West Palaearctic. Taxon 14 genera of Odonata (Insecta). Methods We reconstructed a time-calibrated phylogenetic tree for each genus to determine species relationships and divergence time using 3614 COI sequences of 259 species. Biogeographic ancestral range estimation was inferred for each phylogeny using BioGeoBEARS. Preferred habitat (lotic versus lentic) was established for each species. Results Exchange events were not restricted in time, direction or either lentic habitat or lotic habitat. Most genera crossed between both regions only once, and it was mainly across the Beringia, while three diverse anisopteran genera revealed multiple exchanges. Recent exchanges during the Pleistocene were associated with cold-dwelling and lentic species. Main Conclusions Our finding reveals the absence of a generalizable pattern of species exchange and divergence between the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions; instead, we found lineage-specific biogeographic patterns. This finding highlights the complexity of drivers and functional traits that shaped current diversity patterns. Moreover, it emphasizes that general conclusions cannot be formulated based on one single clade.
Temporal and spatial variation in trophic scenarios affects population demographic heterogeneity in Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata)
(Wiley, 2024-08-21) Hernández Matías, Antonio, 1974-; Peragon, Iván; Resano Mayor, Jaime; Moleón, Marcos; Virgós, Emilio; Real, Joan
The recognition of individual variation has fundamental implications for ecological, evolutionary and biodiversity conservation. There is increasing theoretical interest in how spatial and temporal variation in the environment can create differences in the demographic contribution of individuals over space and time. However, empirical information about the characteristics of the environmental drivers of key vital rates and their spatiotemporal variation is still scarce. Here, we used data generated by a monitoring scheme (1990–2015) of a population of a long-lived territorial avian predator, Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata, which included estimations of individuals’ diet through stable isotope analysis (2008–15), to evaluate whether temporal consistency in spatially structured dietary patterns affects key demographic parameters, namely productivity and survival, at territory scales. We found strong within-population heterogeneity in survival and reproduction rates associated with Eagle territories, with territory average values ranging, respectively, from 0.58 to 1.00 and from 0 to 1.71 for the overall study period. Reproduction and survival were predictable over, respectively, 4- and 3-year periods for the bulk of the population, which suggests that the environmental drivers of these vital rates changed at these temporal scales. Interestingly, the characteristics of and the temporal variation in the diets of territorial individuals during these periods were associated with their survival and reproduction. Based on these findings, we suggest that spatial and temporal variations in trophic scenarios potentially act as meaningful drivers of intrapopulation demographic heterogeneity.
Tempo and mode of diversification of the red devil spiders (Araneae: Dysderidae) of the Canary Islands.
(Wiley, 2024-11-27) Bellvert Bantí, Adrià; Pollock, Laura J.; Kaliontzopoulou, Antigoni; Arnedo Lombarte, Miquel Àngel
The study of adaptive radiations has shed light on our current understanding of evolution. However, previous studies examining the mode in which species diversified, how diversification rates varied, and how ecological specialisation affected these processes have found few different results across different taxa and geographic and ecological systems, showing how complex this process is. To gain a more complete picture of how species evolve, additional model systems that encompass alternative ecological requirements are needed. Here, we present the results of a study aimed at unravelling the diversification mode and evolutionary drivers of the spider genus Dysdera, the red devil spiders, endemic to the Canary Islands. These species exhibit remarkable phenotypic variability in their mouthparts, which has been related to different levels of specialisation in the predation of isopods. We explored patterns of lineage diversification and assessed the role of trophic specialisation as a driver of species diversification. Additionally, we used climatic variables, occurrence data and morphological information to unravel the underlying mode of speciation by means of joint species distribution models and age-range correlation methods. Our results reveal that red devil spiders underwent an early burst of diversification, followed by a slowdown of diversification rates, which is a hallmark of adaptive radiation. We also found evidence that the trophic morphology shaped diversification, with specialist species exhibiting higher rates of diversification. Finally, our analyses suggest that speciation occurred mostly in allopatry, with subsequent secondary sympatry following range expansión.
Spatio-temporal patterns of carnivore guild related to theirprey in a Mediterranean landscape
(Wiley, 2024-12-10) Peris, Albert; Mampel, Toni; Vilella, Marc; Pons i Julià, Daniel; Real, Joan; Puig-Gironès, Roger
Small mammal populations fluctuate significantly in abundance over time, affecting the entire food web. However, changes in their occupancy across a landscape receive less attention. While habitat features are relevant for some predators, diet specialization and prey distribution and abundance might play an important role in shaping predator populations. Using a multi-season occupancy analysis, we examined the spatio-temporal patterns of Mediterranean mesocarnivores—common genet, stone marten and red fox—focusing on the factors that influence their occupancy dynamics, particularly small mammal occupancy as a prey resource. Data was collected from December 2020 to May 2021 in the Sant Llorenc del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park using a camera-trap grid. We analysed small mammal occupancy dynamics and used these as covariates in predator occupancy models to explore predator–prey relationships. Additionally, we included the occurrence of each carnivore as a predictor for interspecific analysis, and kernel density functions were used to assess daily activity overlaps. Results showed that interspecific competition</p><p>significantly affected mesocarnivore occupancy, as genet occupancy was negatively correlated with the red fox occupancy. Although prey occurrence did not influence mesocarnivore occupancy, it did affect detectability, with genet and stone marten detectability being positively related to small mammal presence and high daily activity overlap between predators and prey. This suggests that mesopredators respond rapidly to prey abundance, highlighting the intricate temporal dependence between predator activity and prey occupancy. Dynamic occupancy and activity models provide a deeper understanding of predator–prey relationships at the local scale.
Modelling the Distribution of Key Mediterranean Gorgonians: An Ensemble Approach to Unravel Broad-Scale Patterns and Guide Conservation Efforts
(John Wiley & Sons, 2024-11-22) Amblàs i Novellas, David; Matos, Fábio L.; Linares Prats, Cristina; Figuerola-Ferrando, Laura; Zentner, Yanis; Garrabou, Joaquim
Aim Determining the species distribution and factors shaping it is a major challenge for conservation planning. Ecological niche models (ENMs) facilitate the comprehension of how environmental factors may influence species occurrence, providing spatially explicit information relevant to conservation. Therefore, our aim was to estimate the potential distribution of key habitat-forming Mediterranean gorgonians, whose conservation would protect many co-occurring species. Location Mediterranean Sea. Methods We modelled the potential distribution of the Mediterranean gorgonians Eunicella singularis, Eunicella cavolini, Paramuricea clavata and Corallium rubrum, using an ensemble ENM that combines nine algorithms. An extensive dataset of presence records (> 4378) collected through scientific surveys and citizen-science was intersected with oceanographic and topographic information within the coralligenous habitat depth range (< 150 m). This approach was used to map the habitat suitability of the study area for each species, assess related uncertainty, identify the most important factors shaping their distribution, and evaluate the overlap with the current network of Marine Protected Areas. Results The model identified higher habitat suitability for the occurrence of each gorgonian species in the NW Mediterranean, with roughness and temperature as the main drivers of their distribution. Conversely, the poorly sampled SE Mediterranean showed low habitat suitability, although there is a greater uncertainty associated with this estimate. The combined potential distribution of the four species is estimated to cover a quarter of Mediterranean shallow and mesophotic waters, but only 19% was included within protected areas. Main Conclusions The habitat suitability and uncertainty maps provide a valuable tool for the conservation and management of Mediterranean gorgonian species by offering spatially explicit information critical for marine spatial planning. The model estimates of habitat suitability showed low uncertainty for most of the study area, with few exceptions in the SE Mediterranean. Further studies, particularly in the SE Mediterranean will contribute to validate these results and will provide new information to improve future modelling efforts.
Mediterranean octocoral populations exposed to marine heatwaves are less resilient to disturbances
(Wiley, 2024-09-14) Capdevila Lanzaco, Pol; Zentner, Yanis; Rovira Mestres, Graciel·la; Garrabou, Joaquim; Medrano Cuevas, Alba; Linares Prats, Cristina
[eng] The effects of climate change are now more pervasive than ever. Marine ecosystems have been particularly impacted by climate change, with marine heatwaves (MHWs) being a strong driver of mass mortality events. Even in the most optimistic greenhouse gas emission scenarios, MHWs will continue to increase in frequency, intensity and duration. For this reason, understanding the resilience of marine species to the increase of MHWs is crucial to predicting their viability under future climatic conditions. In this study, we explored the consequences of MHWs on the resilience (the ability of a population to resist and recover after a disturbance) of a Mediterranean key octocoral species, Paramuricea clavata, to further disturbances to their population structure. To quantify P. clavata's capacity to resist and recover from future disturbances, we used demographic information collected from 1999 to 2022, from two different sites in the NW Mediterranean Sea to calculate the transient dynamics of their populations. Our results showed that the differences in the dynamics of populations exposed and those not exposed to MHWs were driven mostly by differences in mean survivorship and growth. We also showed that after MHWs P. clavata populations had lower resistance and slower rates of recovery than those not exposed to MHWs. Populations exposed to MHWs had lower resistance elasticity to most demographic processes compared to unexposed populations. In contrast, the only demographic process showing some differences when comparing the speed of recovery elasticity values between populations exposed and unexposed to MHWs was stasis. Finally, under scenarios of increasing frequency of MHWs, the extinction of P. clavata populations will accelerate and their capacity to resist and recover after further disturbances will be hampered. Overall, these findings confirm that future climatic conditions will make octocoral populations even more vulnerable to further disturbances. These results highlight the importance of limiting local impacts on marine ecosystems to dampen the consequences of climate change.
Interactive effects of Orobanche latisquama parasitism and drought stress in Salvia rosmarinus plants growing under Mediterranean field conditions
(Wiley, 2024-12-06) Jené Vinuesa, Laia; Massó Rodríguez, Marcel; Munné Bosch, Sergi
Mediterranean-type ecosystems are recognized as critical hotspots for both biodiversity and climate change. Within these environments, plants often interact with diverse species, including holoparasitic plants, while simultaneously facing increasing episodes of precipitation shortages and rising temperatures. Here, we investigated the impact of Orobanche latisquama Reut. ex Boiss infestation on the Mediterranean shrub Salvia rosmarinus (L.) Spenn (rosemary) across three populations along an altitudinal gradient, focusing on its effects on host tolerance and resilience to severe summer drought in its natural habitat. Results showed no major physiological impact of the parasite on the host during spring but revealed an enhanced photo- and antioxidant-protective response during the summer drought in rosemary plants infested with O. latisquama. Infested plants showed elevated contents of α-tocopherol and a shift in the ascorbate ratio towards its oxidized state during the summer, particularly in upper and sun-exposed leaves. This was accompanied by elevated malondialdehyde content, indicating enhanced lipid peroxidation. However, despite the heightened photo-oxidative stress observed in leaves from infested plants, no damage to photosystem II was observed, indicating a good tolerance of rosemary to the interaction between parasitism and drought. By autumn, all plants displayed similar recovery patterns, and the differences between infested and non-infested plants disappeared, thus indicating a high resilience to the combination of these biotic and abiotic stresses. Overall, these findings underscore the great adaptive mechanisms S. rosmarinus plants have evolved to endure severe summer drought, even when challenged by holoparasitic plant infestation, and provide new insights into plant-parasite interactions in Mediterranean-type ecosystems.

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