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opencc-by-nc-4.0Feb 2021View details →

Figure 3 in Ilha Grande, one of the locations with the most records of bat species (Mammalia, Chiroptera) in Rio de Janeiro state: results of a long-term ecological study

Figure 3. Relationship between number of species in the Phyllostomidae family (A) and number of captures in the Phyllostomidae family, (B) and capture effort (h.m²) in bat inventories in Rio de Janeiro state. Numbers correspond to locations listed in Table IV. Dots: cross = study 1 on Ilha Grande; square = study 2 on Ilha Grande; star = study 3 on Ilha Grande; triangle = study 4 on Ilha Grande; black circle = study 5 on Ilha Grande; grey circle = other studies in Rio de Janeiro state.

opencc-by-nc-4.0Feb 2021View details →

Figure 1 in Ilha Grande, one of the locations with the most records of bat species (Mammalia, Chiroptera) in Rio de Janeiro state: results of a long-term ecological study

Figure 1. Map of Ilha Grande with sampling points of the five studies described in this paper, conducted between 1998 and 2018 on Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. A map of South America is shown, detailing the location of the state of Rio de Janeiro, in southeastern Brazil, while in the enlargement is shown the state of Rio de Janeiro detailing the location of Ilha Grande.

opencc-by-nc-4.0Feb 2021View details →

Figure 2 in Ilha Grande, one of the locations with the most records of bat species (Mammalia, Chiroptera) in Rio de Janeiro state: results of a long-term ecological study

Figure 2. Locations in Rio de Janeiro state where bat inventories have been conducted. Numbers correspond to locations in Table 4. A map of South America is shown, detailing the location of the state of Rio de Janeiro in southeastern Brazil.

opencc-zeroDec 2018View details →

Data from: A new null model approach to quantify performance and significance for ecological niche models of species distributions

Aim: Ecological niche modelling requires robust estimation of model performance and significance, but common evaluation approaches often yield biased estimates. Null models provide a solution but are rarely used in this field. We implemented an important modification to existing null-model tests, evaluating null models with the same withheld records that were used to evaluate the real model. We built and evaluated models across a range of modelling scenarios and for various performance measures using the algorithm Maxent and the monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus). Location: Native range in Southern America and global invasions predominantly in North/Central America and Europe Methods: We tested the ability of models built under 15 scenarios (five sets of calibration records and three settings that varied the level of model complexity) to predict spatially independent evaluation data in the invaded range (in effect, testing the models under spatial transfer). We quantified performance with measures of discriminatory ability and overfitting based on AUC and the omission error rate. We estimated null distributions of these measures and calculated effect size and significance. We determined how these estimates varied across modelling scenarios, comparing with two tests existing in the literature. Results: Performance varied starkly across modelling scenarios. As expected, the measures of overfitting agreed with each other and provided different information than that of discriminatory ability. However, high performance per se did not show strong association with high effect size and significance. Main Conclusions: Ecological niche models should be assessed with measures of effect size and significance based on appropriate null distributions, in contrast to several approaches existing in the literature. The proposed approach using independent evaluation data, implemented with our accompanying code, allows such estimates for either the same or a different region/time period, and it merits use and continued development.

opencc-zeroDec 2018View details →

Data from: Genomic, ecological, and morphological approaches to investigating species limits: a case study in modern taxonomy from Tropical Eastern Pacific surgeonfishes

A wide variety of species are distinguished by slight color variations. However, molecular analyses have repeatedly demonstrated that coloration does not always correspond to distinct evolutionary histories between closely related groups, suggesting that this trait is labile and can be misleading for species identification. In the present study, we analyze the evolutionary history of sister species of Prionurus surgeonfishes in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP), which are distinguished by the presence or absence of dark spots on their body. We examined the species limits in this system using comparative specimen-based approaches, a mitochondrial gene (COI), more than 800 nuclear loci (Ultraconserved Elements), and abiotic niche comparisons. The results indicate there is a complete overlap of meristic counts and morphometric measurements between the two species. Further, we detected multiple individuals with intermediate spotting patterns suggesting that coloration is not diagnostic. Mitochondrial data recovered a single main haplotype shared between the species and all locations resulting in a complete lack of structure (ST = 0). Genomic analyses also suggest low levels of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.013), and no alternatively fixed SNPs were detected between the two phenotypes. Furthermore, niche comparisons could not reject niche equivalency or similarity between the species. These results suggest that these two phenotypes are conspecific and widely distributed in the TEP. Here we recognize Prionurus punctatus Gill 1862 as a junior subjective synonym of P. laticlavius (Valenciennes 1846). The underlying causes of phenotypic variation in this species is unknown. However, this system gives insight into general evolutionary dynamics within the TEP.

opencc-zeroJun 2021View details →

Genotypic variation in an ecologically important parasite is associated with host species, lake, and spore size

Genetic variation in parasites has important consequences for host-parasite interactions. Prior studies of the ecologically important parasite Metschnikowia bicuspidata have suggested low genetic variation in the species. Here, we collected M. bicuspidata from two host species (Daphnia dentifera and Ceriodaphnia dubia) and two regions (Michigan and Indiana, USA). Within a lake, outbreaks tended to occur in one host species but not the other. Using microsatellite markers, we identified six parasite genotypes grouped within three distinct clades, one of which was rare. Of the two main clades, one was generally associated with D. dentifera, with lakes in both regions containing a single genotype. The other M. bicuspidata clade was mainly associated with C. dubia, with a different genotype dominating in each region. Despite these associations, both D. dentifera- and C. dubia-associated genotypes were found infecting both hosts in lakes. However, in lab experiments, the D. dentifera-associated genotype infected both D. dentifera and C. dubia, but the C. dubia-associated genotype, which had spores that were approximately 30% smaller, did not infect D. dentifera. We hypothesize that variation in spore size might help explain patterns of cross-species transmission. Future studies exploring the causes and consequences of variation in spore size may help explain patterns of infection and the maintenance of genotypic diversity in this ecologically important system.

opencc-by-4.0Jul 2023View details →

Supplementary material for "Analyzing potential niche shifts in alien pairs of mantis species (Insecta, Mantodea), with comments on the current taxonomic and ecological knowledge"

###Supplementary data for "Analyzing potential niche shifts in alien pairs of mantis species (Insecta, Mantodea), with comments on the current taxonomic and ecological knowledge"angui_intra: intra-species analyses for Tenodera angustipennis, with both complete and trimmed dataset.contrhierodula: intra-species analyses for the Hierodula species with controversial status (H. transcaucasica/H. tenuidentata). It includes analyses between H. transcaucasica and H. tenuidentata sensu stricto and the populations treated as separated species.hierodula_europe: inter-species analysis with the two Hierodula present in Europe.kendall: scripts and table used for calculating Kendall's rank correlation.pate_intra: intra-species analyses for Hierodula patellifera, with both complete and trimmed (no India, Nepal and Philippines points) datasets. There is also the analyses between Asian distribution and India, Nepal and Philippines pointssinensis_intra: intra-species analyses for Tenodera sinesis, with both complete and trimmed datasets.tenodera_europe: inter-species analysis with the two Tenodera present in North America, with both complete and trimmed datasets.####NOTEI did not include the raw presence points (the elaborated ones are together with the values in a csv file per each folder) and the wordlclim variables. For the latter, you can get them from the WorldClim website. If you want the raw presence points, I will give them on requestWARNING: AN ITALIAN LOCALE HAS BEEN USED FOR THIS ANALYSES; IF YOU HAVE ANY FORMAT ISSUE WITH THE CSV, CONSIDER USING THIS FOR IMPORTING INTO R: read_csv("namefile.csv", locale = locale(decimal_mark = ",", grouping_mark = ".")) IF THAT DOES NOT WORK, PLEASE CONTACT ME

opencc-zeroDec 2023View details →

Morphological, ecological and territorial traits for 525 Hylinae frog species

This dataset includes data on 15 morphological, ecological and territorial variables (columns) for 525 Hylinae frog species (rows), as well as cites of the references from which data were retrieved, complete references and description of variables

opencc-zeroFeb 2024View details →

Integration of genomic and ecologic methods inform management of an undescribed, yet highly exploited, sardine species

Assessing genetic diversity within species is key for conservation strategies in the context of human-induced biotic changes. This is important in marine systems where many species remain undescribed while being overfished, and conflicts between resource-users and conservation agencies are common. Combining niche modelling with population genomics can contribute to resolving those conflicts by identifying management units and understanding how past climatic cycles resulted in current patterns of genetic diversity. We addressed these issues on an undescribed but already overexploited species of sardine of the genus Harengula. We find that the species distribution is determined by salinity and depth, with a continuous distribution along the Brazilian mainland and two disconnected oceanic archipelagos. Genomic data indicates that such biogeographic barriers are associated with two divergent intraspecific lineages. Changes in habitat availability during the last glacial cycle led to different demographic histories among stocks. One coastal population experienced a 3.6-fold expansion, whereas an island-associated population contracted 3-fold, relative to the size of the ancestral population. Our results indicate that the island population should be managed separately from the coastal population, and that a Marine Protected Area covering part of the island population distribution can support the viability of this lineage.

opencc-zeroApr 2024View details →

Data from: forest stand dynamics of a short-stature tree species: ecological knowledge for sustainable forest management

This data set is a forest inventory of Nothofagus antarctica in southern Chile. More than 20 sites were selected. In each site, parallel transects were set and every 30 m a sampling point was set where the distance to the nearest four trees (in accordance with the cardinal points) were measured.

opencc-by-4.0Apr 2024View details →

Database for "Ecological perspectives on female and male reproductive success with competition in two Serapias species" Annals of Botany 2024

Public data from the paper: Ecological perspectives on female and male reproductive success with competition in two Serapias species by J. Borràs, J. Cursach, C. Herrera, S. Perelló-Suau and M. Capó published in Annals of Botany 2024. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcae074">DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcae074</a>

opencc-zeroNov 2021View details →

Data from: Species Delimitation of Endemic Atlantic Forest Inga subnuda (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade) Subspecies Based on Morphological, Ecological and Palaeoecological Data

Inga subnuda Salzm. ex Benth. are one of 31 endemic species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Intermixed leaf and floral traits have made morphological distinctiveness difficult, and its current taxonomic treatment considers I. subnuda as one species with two subspecies. We aim to explore different lines of evidence to disentangle and clarify species boundaries in these two subspecies. Morphological variation and bioclimatic data of the two subspecies of the complex were assessed by using multivariate morphometric analyses and ecological niche modeling. Morphological quantitative characters allowed the recognition of different groups. The climatic space was similar but not identical, and the recent climatic cycles that could have shaped the current distribution are discussed. The results of our integrative study suggest regard both subspecies as two different species. Moreover, we propose a change in status of I. subnuda subsp. luschnathiana to the rank of species. The new up-ranked taxon is described and illustrated.

Fig. 1 in Desoria calderonis sp. nov., a new species of alpine cryophilic springtail (Collembola: Isotomidae) from the Apennines (Italy), with phylogenetic and ecological considerations

Fig. 1. Desoria calderonis sp. nov., general aspect.

Fig. 68 in The Phanaeus tridens species group (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea): a dung beetle group with genital morphological stasis but a changing ecological niche

Fig. 68. Predicted distribution of P. eximius Bates, 1887.

Fig. 66 in The Phanaeus tridens species group (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea): a dung beetle group with genital morphological stasis but a changing ecological niche

Fig. 66. Predicted distribution of P. furiosus Bates, 1887 and P. pseudofurcosus Balthasar, 1939.

Figs 8–9. Phanaeus balthasari Arnaud, 2001, stat. rev. 8 in The Phanaeus tridens species group (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea): a dung beetle group with genital morphological stasis but a changing ecological niche

Figs 8–9. Phanaeus balthasari Arnaud, 2001, stat. rev. 8 – male green phase; 9 – holotype

Fig. 67 in The Phanaeus tridens species group (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea): a dung beetle group with genital morphological stasis but a changing ecological niche

Fig. 67. Predicted distribution of P. nimrod Harold, 1863 and P. victoriae Moctezuma sp. nov.

opencc-zeroMay 2022View details →

Interpreting past trophic ecology of a threatened species, kea (Nestor notabilis), from museum specimens

When ecosystems are under severe pressure or environments change, trophic position and intraspecific niche width may decrease or narrow, signalling that conservation action is required. In New Zealand, alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems have been extensively modified through farming since 19th century European settlement, with consequences for indigenous species such as the kea (Nestor notabilis). We investigated feather stable isotope values in the kea and predicted a lower trophic position in modern kea populations, to reflect reduced lowland habitat and a mixed diet with more plant material. We predicted that size and sex would influence trophic values in this sexually dimorphic species, with larger birds more likely to have a high protein diet. We examined potential dietary changes in 68 museum collected kea from 1880s to 2000s, first recording accession details including provenance and sex, and measuring culmen length. We used bulk carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes analyses (BSIA) of feathers and a further feather subset using compound-specific stable isotopes analyses of amino acids (CSIA-AA) to obtain isotopic values and estimate trophic position. BSIA showed δ15N values in kea feathers declined through time, and could indicate that early century kea were highly omnivorous, with δ15N values on average higher than in modern kea. Variance in δ15N values was greater after 1950, driven by a few individuals. Few differences between males and females were evident, although females in the south region had lower δ15N values. There was a tendency for large male birds to have higher trophic values, perhaps reflecting dominant male bird behaviour noted in historical records. Nonetheless, CSIA-AA performed on a subset of the data suggested that variation in BSIA is likely due to baseline changes rather than relative trophic position which may be more homogenous than these data indicate. Although there was more variability in modern kea, we suggest caution in interpretation. Stable isotope data, particularly CSIA-AA, from museum specimens can reveal potential change in ecological networks, as well as sexually dimorphic feeding patterns within species. The data can reveal temporal and regional variation in species trophic position and changes in ecosystem integrity to inform conservation decision-making.

opencc-zeroJun 2022View details →

Ecological speciation by sympatric host shifts in a clade of herbivorous sea slugs, with introgression and localized mitochondrial capture between species

Host shifting in insect-plant systems was historically important to the development of ecological speciation theory, yet surprisingly few studies have examined whether host shifting drives the diversification of marine herbivores. When small-bodied consumers feed and also mate on a preferred host, disruptive selection can split a population into host races despite gene flow. Support for host shifts is notably lacking for invertebrates associated with macroalgae, where the scale of dispersal by planktonic larvae often far exceeds the grain of host patchiness, and adults are typically less specialized than terrestrial herbivores. Here, we present a candidate example of ecological speciation in a clade of sea slugs that primarily consume green algae in the genus Caulerpa, including highly invasive species. Ancestral character state reconstructions supported 'sea grapes' (C. racemosa, C. lentillifera) as the ancestral host for a tropical radiation of 12 Elysia spp., with one shift onto alternative Caulerpa spp. in the Indo-Pacific. A Caribbean radiation of three species included symaptric host shifts to Rhipocephalus brevicaulis in the ancestor of E. pratensis Ortea & Espinosa, 1996, and to C. prolifera in E. hamanni Krug, Vendetti & Valdes 2016, plus a niche expansion to a range of Caulerpa spp. in E. subornata Verrill, 1901. All three species are broadly sympatric across the Caribbean but are host-partitioned at a fine grain, and distinct by morphology and at nuclear loci. However, non-recombining mtDNA revealed a history of gene flow between E. pratensis and E. subornata: COI haplotypes from E. subornata were 10.4% divergent from E. pratensis haplotypes from four sites, but closely related to all E. pratensis haplotypes sampled from six Bahamian islands, indicating historical introgression and localized "mitochondrial capture." Disruptive selective likely fueled divergence and adaptation to distinct host environments, indicating ecological speciation may be an under-appreciated driver of diversification for marine herbivores as well as epibionts and other resource specialists.