Functional responses to anthropogenic disturbance and the importance of selected traits: A study case using dung beetles

Ecological Entomology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 47(4), P. 503 - 514

Published: Feb. 14, 2022

Abstract Functional diversity has been defined as the value, range, distribution, and relative abundance of functional traits individuals that belong to an ecosystem. Thus, response organisms environmental disturbances depends largely on their traits. Here, we evaluated dung beetle associated Atlantic Forest replacement using a matrix with 25 (10 morphological, four ethological, 11 physiological). We compared among native disturbed habitats multi single trait approach. Contrary previous studies, higher disturbance (open pasture) exhibited forests, which could be explained by incorporation physiological Species open showed extreme values such traits, explaining observed pattern. The inclusion several represent both species ecology morphology, physiology, generates different results those in studies. This highlights importance including large variety future propose must (1) carefully chosen according biological basis; (2) physiology; (3) include effect In addition, consider it is extremely relevant approach A combination all these considerations will provide more realistic complete overview patterns potential consequences human ecosystem functioning.

Language: Английский

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The effect of thermal microenvironment in upper thermal tolerance plasticity in tropical tadpoles. Implications for vulnerability to climate warming

Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A Ecological and Integrative Physiology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 337(7), P. 746 - 759

Published: June 8, 2022

Abstract Current climate change is generating accelerated increase in extreme heat events and organismal plastic adjustments upper thermal tolerances, (critical maximum ‐CT max ) are recognized as the quicker mitigating mechanisms. However, current research casts doubt on actual role of acclimation to face impacts, due its low magnitude weak environmental signal. Here, we examined these drawbacks by first estimating extent examining known sources variation affecting CT expression, such daily fluctuation heating rates. Second, whether pattern plasticity dependent environment comparing responses six species tropical amphibian tadpoles inhabiting thermally contrasting open shade habitats and, finally, their warming tolerances (WT = – temperatures) estimator risk. We found that improved exposed fluctuating regimens. Slow rates implying longer duration assays determined a depending environment. Shade habitat suffer decline whereas greatly it, suggesting an adaptive differential ability hot quick hardening adjustments. Open although overall acclimate more than species, cannot capitalize this beneficial max, because ambient temperatures very close critical limits, may not be large enough reduce acute stress under ongoing global warming.

Language: Английский

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Widespread amphibian Perkinsea infections associated with Ranidae hosts, cooler months and Ranavirus co‐infection

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 92(9), P. 1856 - 1868

Published: July 6, 2023

Abstract Amphibians suffer from large‐scale population declines globally, and emerging infectious diseases contribute heavily to these declines. Amphibian Perkinsea (Pr) is a worldwide anuran pathogen associated with mass mortality events, yet little known about its epidemiological patterns, especially in comparison the body of literature on amphibian chytridiomycosis ranavirosis. Here, we establish Pr infection patterns natural populations identify important covariates including climate, host attributes co‐infection Ranavirus (Rv). We used quantitative (q)PCR determine presence intensity Rv across 1234 individuals sampled throughout central Florida 2017–2019. then implemented random forest ensemble learning models predict both pathogens based physiological environmental characteristics. infected 32% all anurans, prevalence was significantly elevated Ranidae frogs, cooler months, metamorphosed frogs co‐infected Rv, while higher ranid collected dead. 17% overall individuals, locations average temperatures, Pr. than regions, life stages species. Among locations, negatively crayfish positively relative abundance microhylids, but did not associate any tested co‐variates. Co‐infections were more common single infections for pathogens, propose that may propel because seasonal peaks followed found leading factor explaining infections. Our study elucidates suggests be under‐recognized as cause declines, context co‐infection.

Language: Английский

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Climate and land‐use change severity alter trait‐based responses to habitat conversion

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 30(3), P. 598 - 610

Published: Jan. 17, 2021

Abstract Aim A major goal in modern ecology is understanding the source of variation species responses to anthropogenic change. Trait‐based approaches show promise, but traits found be predictive one study often fail others. We seek understand whether traits’ explanatory power comes about due interaction effects—between multiple and between environment. assess context‐dependence trait‐based habitat conversion by testing hypothesis that abundance converted habitats decreases with arboreality, while including interactions reproductive mode, a trait known importance, biologically relevant climate variables. Location Global tropical forest biomes. Time period 1997–2018. Major taxa studied Amphibians. Methods Using 18 studies amphibian communities from across globe, we evaluate role vertical niche position mode determining within primary forest, structurally complex agriculture, simple agriculture. examined traits, land‐use types Results Average steadily declined through was lowest Arboreality (high position) leads increased sensitivity terrestrial are more sensitive when no evidence trait‐by‐trait determined after conversion. However, effects can alter how species’ determine patterns—while lentic amphibians maintain regardless zone, direct developers lotic become increasingly modification warmer climates. conclusions Vertical acts as limiting axis modified environments, response dependent on availability vegetative strata. Interactions environment play strong underappreciated defining community composition habitats. Such may underlie difficulties past have had achieving generality locations faunas.

Language: Английский

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The multidimensional (and contrasting) effects of environmental warming on a group of montane tropical lizards

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 36(2), P. 419 - 431

Published: Oct. 15, 2021

Abstract Mountains are cradles for biodiversity and crucibles climate‐driven species loss, particularly tropical ectotherms. Constriction on activity amplified heat stress two key sources of warming‐driven vulnerability in montane These threats, however, might be counterbalanced if rising temperatures also release organisms from limits induced by cold stress. We used biophysical modelling to estimate patterns thermal under warming a group summit‐dwelling Anolis lizards ( A . armouri shrevei ) endemic the Caribbean island Hispaniola. Activity is currently constrained prevalence too activity. Under warming, our models predict expanded hours potential reduced stress, especially high emission scenario. Crucially, does not come at expense heightened exposure This result arises steep mismatch between these species’ warm‐adapted ecology surprisingly environments they occupy. Yet, resilience some dimensions belies along others, with regard critical macrohabitat. capitalized long‐term monitoring dataset forest distributions warming. Our upslope shifts cloud forests that may constrict high‐elevation pine which inexorably linked. Warming‐driven macrohabitat loss can ‘pin’ endemics into progressively shrinking ranges, since facilitates transport close relative, cybotes (a associated broadleaf forests). Many ectotherms (including anoles) adapted edges, feature often relatively ecophysiology. When such found cool environments, as those mountaintops, warming‐amplified limited. Therefore, direct effects quite broad, even include benefits fitness‐based activities. Rising present dual‐edged sword: simultaneously releases constraints while exposing them other threats. Whether due or indirect climate exceptional indeed reside where highest.

Language: Английский

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