Disproportionate declines of formerly abundant species underlie insect loss

Nature, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 628(8007), P. 359 - 364

Published: Dec. 20, 2023

Abstract Studies have reported widespread declines in terrestrial insect abundances recent years 1–4 , but trends other biodiversity metrics are less clear-cut 5–7 . Here we examined long-term 923 assemblages monitored 106 studies, and found concomitant abundance species richness. For studies that were resolved to level (551 sites 57 studies), observed a decline the number of initially abundant through time, not very rare species. At population level, most at start time series showed strongest average (corrected for regression-to-the-mean effects). Rarer were, on average, also declining, these offset by increases Our results suggest decreases total 2 can mostly be explained formerly This counters common narrative loss is characterized 8,9 Although our fundamental changes occurring assemblages, it important recognize they represent only from those locations which sufficient data available. Nevertheless, given importance ecosystems 10 their general likely broad repercussions food webs ecosystem functioning.

Language: Английский

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Looking back on biodiversity change: lessons for the road ahead

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 378(1881)

Published: May 29, 2023

Estimating biodiversity change across the planet in context of widespread human modification is a critical challenge. Here, we review how has changed recent decades scales and taxonomic groups, focusing on four diversity metrics: species richness, temporal turnover, spatial beta-diversity abundance. At local scales, all metrics includes many examples both increases declines tends to be centred around zero, but with higher prevalence declining trends (increasing similarity composition space or biotic homogenization) The exception this pattern changes through time observed most assemblages. Less known about at regional although several studies suggest that richness are more prevalent than declines. Change global scale hardest estimate accurately, extinction rates probably outpacing speciation rates, elevated. Recognizing variability essential accurately portray unfolding, highlights much remains unknown magnitude direction multiple different scales. Reducing these blind spots allow appropriate management actions deployed. This article part theme issue ‘Detecting attributing causes change: needs, gaps solutions’.

Language: Английский

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Land conversion to agriculture induces taxonomic homogenization of soil microbial communities globally

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: April 29, 2024

Abstract Agriculture contributes to a decline in local species diversity and above- below-ground biotic homogenization. Here, we conduct continental survey using 1185 soil samples compare microbial communities from natural ecosystems (forest, grassland, wetland) with converted agricultural land. We combine our results global meta-analysis of available sequencing data that cover more than 2400 across six continents. Our combined demonstrate land conversion taxonomic functional homogenization bacteria, mainly driven by the increase geographic ranges taxa croplands. find 20% phylotypes are decreased 23% increased conversion, croplands enriched Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadota, Planctomycetota, Myxcoccota Latescibacterota . Although there is no significant difference composition between land, genes involved nitrogen fixation, phosphorus mineralization transportation depleted cropland. provide insight into consequences land-use change on diversity.

Language: Английский

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Biotic homogenisation and differentiation as directional change in beta diversity: synthesising driver–response relationships to develop conceptual models across ecosystems

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 98(4), P. 1388 - 1423

Published: April 18, 2023

ABSTRACT Biotic homogenisation is defined as decreasing dissimilarity among ecological assemblages sampled within a given spatial area over time. differentiation, in turn, increasing Overall, changes the dissimilarities (termed ‘beta diversity’) an increasingly recognised feature of broader biodiversity change Anthropocene. Empirical evidence biotic and differentiation remains scattered across different ecosystems. Most meta‐analyses quantify prevalence direction beta diversity, rather than attempting to identify underlying drivers such changes. By conceptualising mechanisms that contribute or composition space, environmental managers conservation practitioners can make informed decisions about what interventions may be required sustain predict potential outcomes future disturbances. We systematically reviewed synthesised published empirical for terrestrial, marine, freshwater realms derive conceptual models explain diversity. pursued five key themes our review: ( i ) temporal change; ii disturbance regime; iii connectivity alteration species redistribution; iv habitat v trophic interactions. Our first model highlights how occur function local (alpha) diversity regional (gamma) independently invasions losses due occurrence assemblages. Second, magnitude depends on interaction between variation (patchiness) (synchronicity) events. Third, context redistribution, divergent have dispersal characteristics, associated with also strongly alpha gamma prior invasion. Fourth, positively linked variability, when heterogeneity decreases increases, respectively. Fifth, interactions influence via modification, disease, consumption (trophic dynamics), competition, by altering ecosystem productivity. synthesis multitude cause more less spatially similar (taxonomically, functionally, phylogenetically) through consider studies should aim enhance collective understanding systems clarifying driving focusing only reporting per se .

Language: Английский

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Toward a world that values insects

Science, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 364(6447), P. 1230 - 1231

Published: June 27, 2019

Rapid adoption of conservation measures is key to protecting insect populations

Language: Английский

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Conservation of Tropical Forests in the Anthropocene

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 29(19), P. R1008 - R1020

Published: Oct. 1, 2019

Language: Английский

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Determinants of geographic range size in plants

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 226(3), P. 650 - 665

Published: Jan. 4, 2020

Geographic range size has long fascinated ecologists and evolutionary biologists, yet our understanding of the factors that cause variation in among species across space remains limited. Not only does geographic inform decisions about conservation management rare nonindigenous due to its relationship with extinction risk, rarity, invasiveness, but it also provides insights into fundamental processes such as dispersal adaptation. There are several features unique plants (e.g. polyploidy, mating system, sessile habit) may lead distinct mechanisms explaining size. Here, we highlight key studies testing intrinsic extrinsic hypotheses under contrasting scenarios where species' ranges static or change over time. We then present results from a meta-analysis relative importance commonly hypothesized determinants plants. show ability infer these is limited, particularly for ability, ploidy, environmental heterogeneity. avenues future research merge approaches macroecology ecology better understand how adaptation interact facilitate niche evolution expansion.

Language: Английский

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Human activities have opposing effects on distributions of narrow-ranged and widespread plant species in China

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 116(52), P. 26674 - 26681

Published: Dec. 16, 2019

Human activities have shaped large-scale distributions of many species, driving both range contractions and expansions. Species differ naturally in size, with small-range species concentrated particular geographic areas potentially deviating ecologically from widespread species. Hence, species' responses to human may be influenced by their sizes, but if how this happens are poorly understood. Here, we use a comprehensive distribution database modeling examine affected the extent which 9,701 vascular plants fill climatic potential ranges China. We find that narrow-ranged lower filling higher human-dominated southeastern part China, compared counterparts distributed less human-influenced northwestern part. Variations across space strongly associated indicators (human population density, footprint, proportion cropland) even after controlling for alternative drivers. Importantly, show negative positive range-filling relationships these indicators, respectively. Our results illustrate floras risk biotic homogenization as consequence anthropogenic activities, becoming replaced Because more numerous than nature, impacts will prevalent. findings highlight importance establishing protected zones reduced safeguard rich flora

Language: Английский

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Range size predicts the risk of local extinction from habitat loss

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 29(1), P. 16 - 25

Published: Sept. 12, 2019

Abstract Aim The geographical range size of species is a strong predictor vulnerability to global extinction. However, it remains unclear whether also good extinction risk at much smaller scales. Here, we reconstruct biodiversity time series ask with small ranges have declined preferentially habitat loss the local scale. Location Global. Time period 1500–2015. Major taxa studied Vascular plants. Method We collated 70 million occurrence records 180,000 vascular plants from three data‐sharing networks. combined these data on changes in land use find locations (0.25° grid cells) before and after natural habitat. First, examined change community median loss. Second, quantified probabilities persistence small‐ large‐ranged different levels Results Community was higher loss, average. Species had lower than large already moderate (≤50%). Main conclusions has differential effect sizes. Given that decline preferentially, can create linkage between temporal spatial turnover, within communities decrease compositional differences communities.

Language: Английский

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Global gaps in trait data for terrestrial vertebrates

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 29(12), P. 2143 - 2158

Published: Oct. 11, 2020

Abstract Aim Trait data are increasingly being used in studies investigating the impacts of global changes on structure and functioning ecological communities. Despite a growing number trait collations for terrestrial vertebrates, there is to date no assessment gaps biases present. Here, we assess whether vertebrate taxonomically, spatially phylogenetically biased. Location Global. Time period Present. Major taxa studied Terrestrial vertebrates. Methods We compile seven traits quantify coverage as proportion species which an estimate available. For species, define completeness non‐missing values across traits. differ classes examine phylogenetic data. To investigate spatial biases, test wider‐ranging have more complete than narrow‐ranging species. Additionally, species‐rich regions, most concern conservation, less well sampled species‐poor regions. Results Mammals birds even reptiles amphibians (herptiles), only body size presents high (>80%), addition habitat‐related variables (amphibians). Herptiles poorly other The shortfalls particularly acute some regions certain clades. Across all classes, geographically rarer information. Main conclusions information available average diverse areas both crucial biodiversity conservation. Gaps might impede our ability conduct large‐scale analyses, whereas can impact validity extrapolations. A short‐term solution problem missing using imputation techniques, longer‐term robust filling existing requires continued data‐collection efforts.

Language: Английский

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