Biogeographic Implications of Biodiversity Shortfalls in a Mid‐Altitude Desert Ecotone of the Arabian Peninsula

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(3)

Published: March 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Aim Macroscale biodiversity inferences are critical for spatial conservation planning, yet they affected by the limitations of global datasets and paucity genetic data. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive sampling campaign explored how shortfalls impact diversity metrics across mid‐altitude desert ecotone, where mega restoration projects underway. Location AlUla region (NW Arabian Peninsula). Taxa Terrestrial reptiles. Methods We generated DNA barcode library including 580 field‐collected samples to investigate species distributions, candidate intraspecific diversity. Species distributions were mapped using climatic envelopes, while assessed with phylogenetic methods. Patterns α β based on IUCN GARD expert maps (expected diversity) an integrative assessment combining field bibliographic occurrences (observed diversity). Topographic drivers nucleotide tested Generalised Linear Mixed Models. Results Over one‐third verified in ( n = 58) experienced Linnean, Wallacean or Darwinian shortfalls, 6 species, 11 new 7 harbouring significant Additionally, 13 predicted absent. Both projections showed mismatches observed diversity, though provided α‐diversity estimates closer patterns. Nucleotide increased absolute altitude. Main Conclusions Field genetic‐based data significantly enhance knowledge tools rapidly developing region. By addressing macroscale approaches undersampled diverse landscapes, demonstrate databases often overlook local community turnovers, misleading estimates. Thereby, highlight need fine‐scale research inform strategies power barcoding inter‐ assessments.

Language: Английский

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Nomenclatural stability and the longevity of helminth species names

Systematic Parasitology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 101(3)

Published: May 3, 2024

Abstract Although most Latin binomial names of species are valid, many eventually unaccepted when they found to be synonyms previously described species, or superseded by a new combination the denote moved different genus. What proportion parasite become over time, and how long does it take for incorrect unaccepted? Here, we address these questions using dataset comprising thousands parasitic helminths from four higher taxa (Acanthocephala, Nematoda, Cestoda, Trematoda). Overall, among proposed in past two-and-a-half centuries, nearly one-third have since been unaccepted, common reason being that combination. A greater older (proposed pre-1950) compared more recently, however taxonomic acts leading (through either synonymy reclassification) occurred few decades. average longevity helminth currently was 29 years; although remained use 100 years, about 50% total were invalidated within 20 years first proposed. The patterns observed roughly same all considered here. Our results provide quantitative illustration self-correcting nature taxonomy, can also help calibrate future estimates biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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The interaction between the Linnean and Darwinian shortfalls affects our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics driving diversity patterns of New World coralsnakes

Authorea (Authorea), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 11, 2024

In this study, we sought to understand how the Linnean shortfall (i.e., lack of knowledge about species taxonomy) interacts with Darwinian phylogenetic relationships among species), potentially jeopardizing geographical patterns in estimates speciation rates, using New World coralsnakes as a case study. For purpose, created an index taxonomic uncertainty that measures likelihood current being split after undergoing future revisions. Next, conducted simulations which branches high are trees generate new hypothetical along their geographic ranges. We found number coralsnake display substantial uncertainty, positively correlated latitude species’ range centroid. The estimated rates based on currently available data have weak relationship latitude. However, incorporating into phylogeny, detect higher positive correlation between rate and This shift demonstrates can undermine empirical evaluation pattern revealing interaction latitudinal gradient diversity gradient. Given changes alter recognized valid over time, our study highlights need incorporate macroecological macroevolutionary studies, enhancing robustness inferred from these data.

Language: Английский

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Challenges of molecular barcode-based identification of earthworm specimens for biodiversity assessment

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: July 8, 2024

Specimen identification at the species level is a critical challenge for understanding community structure and conserving biodiversity. The use of mitochondrial DNA barcodes, in addition to morphology, has proven be useful tool earthworm identification, but it also raised difficulties. Thus, approaches delineating molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) from cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) or 16S rDNA sequence data often reveal more lineages than morphospecies, raising question whether these MOTUs should used as entities studies. Here, we newly acquired dataset 576 COI barcodes earthworms Metropolitan France that were clustered 36 MOTUS, corresponding 21 morphospecies. We incorporated gathered literature investigate this question. In order match our with already-described lineages, downloaded reference sequences GenBank BOLD platforms. light difficulties encountered recovering sequences, recommend any new lineage described study named consistently previous works. Next, analyzed biological, ecological, available on different matched determine if there was consensus delimitation. Although specimens mainly belong Lumbricidae, which one most studied families earthworms, are missing correspond species. Pending revision taxonomy, divergence been confirmed by morphological differences considered distinct absence pending data, propose distinguish analyses, within sexually reproducing multilocus nuclear while case reproduction parthenogenesis, ecological between necessary consider them entities.

Language: Английский

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The Interaction Between the Linnean and Darwinian Shortfalls Affects Our Understanding of the Evolutionary Dynamics Driving Diversity Patterns of New World Coralsnakes

Journal of Biogeography, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 22, 2024

ABSTRACT Aim In this study, we sought to understand how the Linnean shortfall (i.e., lack of knowledge about species taxonomy) interacts with Darwinian phylogenetic relationships among species), which potentially jeopardises geographical patterns in estimates speciation rates. Location New World. Taxon Coralsnakes (Serpentes: Elapidae). Methods We created an index taxonomic uncertainty (ITU) that measures likelihood current being split after undergoing future revisions. The ITU was used simulations where higher had a having their branches split, generating new hypothetical along geographic ranges. estimated rates before and taxonomically uncertain species. Results found high number coralsnake display substantial uncertainty, positively correlated latitude species' range centroid. based on currently available data have weak relationship latitude. However, incorporating into phylogeny, detect positive correlation between rate Main Conclusions observed change following incorporation highlights such can undermine empirical evaluation rates, revealing interaction latitudinal gradient diversity gradient. Given changes alter recognised as valid over time, our study need incorporate macroecological macroevolutionary studies, enhancing robustness inferred from these data.

Language: Английский

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Rethinking nomenclatural acts: Questions in taxonomy by the dedications to mythology and fictional monsters

BioScience, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 10, 2024

Abstract In recent years, the practice of deriving new species names from celebrities, mythology, and popular culture has attracted significant attention. We argue that, although this can potentially enhance public interest in taxonomy conservation, it also raises important questions about biological nomenclatural systems since Linnaeus, by highlighting examples such as annelid Ramisyllis kingghidorahi, named after iconic monster King Ghidorah. that scientists should carefully consult International Code Zoological Nomenclature have a good understanding Latin Greek when conducting acts.

Language: Английский

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Temporal trends in global reptile species descriptions over three decades

Systematics and Biodiversity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 22(1)

Published: Nov. 28, 2024

Despite the urgency imposed by current biodiversity crisis, many species remain undescribed, facing extinction before their formal recognition science. Accelerating descriptions is thus imperative. However, should be robust and based on good taxonomic practice, which may enhance long-term nomenclatural stability that crucial for scientific research conservation planning. Yet, few studies have assessed robustness of description. Here, we evaluated temporal trends in nearly 4,000 squamate reptiles spanning more than three decades (from 1990 to 2023). We observed an average increase about 115% number lines evidence used descriptions, such as pholidosis, morphometrics, genes sequenced molecular analysis. Type-series size decreased half lizards but remained roughly constant snakes, while page length dedicated showed upward trajectory both taxa, increasing 42.7% over time. Furthermore, our study highlights positive correlation between (i.e. measured provided, type-series size, pages) reviews, well impact collaborative efforts, with authors associated greater pages. Overall, become thorough recent decades. The proportion included analysis has grown time, all described annually years having data. hundreds new reptile being annually, potential invalidation future jeopardise efforts. Therefore, thorough, accurate are important addressing crisis providing reliable data analyses

Language: Английский

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Pentagonia plicatifolia (Rubiaceae, Dialypetalantheae) a new species from the Middle Magdalena Valley of Colombia, with a key for the Colombian species of the genus

Brittonia, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 12, 2024

Abstract We describe and illustrate Pentagonia plicatifolia A.F.Majín-L. & M.A.Jaram , a new species from the foothills wet montane forest remnants (at elevations of 300–1,240 m) at Serranía de Las Quinchas, region located in Middle Magdalena Valley (the easternmost part Chocó Region), western slopes Eastern Cordillera Colombia (Boyacá department). compared this taxon with morphologically similar by leaf characters (color shape) flower size. is country largest number species, likely because three important centers diversification converge: tropical Andes, region, northwestern Amazon. A key to 22 occurring also presented.

Language: Английский

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