Comparison of Morphological and DNA‐Based Identification Methods to Assess Earthworm (Clitellata: Lumbricidae) Diversity at 25 Permanent Soil Monitoring Sites in Germany

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(4)

Published: March 30, 2025

ABSTRACT The most important reason for the lack of a German nationwide and standardised survey soil organisms is probably time‐consuming expensive identification invertebrates. present contribution should contribute to solving this problem. Earthworms were sampled at 25 sites, animals identified morphologically by community DNA (comDNA) environmental (eDNA) metabarcoding. comparison results showed that comDNA detected more species (3.6 on average) than eDNA (3.0) morphological (2.8). In contrast, eDNA, average, similar number as identification. However, some appear have different probability being others, depending their abundance, behaviour, biology or body size. All three methods can differentiate between sites with composition, degree separation vary method. relative proportion reads shows potential surrogate abundance/biomass endogeic but not anecic species. overall aim ‘MetaSOL’ project (which originated from) was develop recommendations efficient routinely implementable monitoring fauna. genetic are suitable earthworms. Before be introduced into official practice, key preconditions such comprehensive, well‐curated quality‐controlled reference databases method standardisation must addressed. Robust indices health based organism data need developed. inclusion further groups in addition earthworms examined.

Language: Английский

Unexpected microbial diversity in new Caledonia’s ultramafic ecosystems with conservation implications in a biodiversity hotspot

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: April 4, 2025

Soils harbour an incredible diversity of microorganisms that play crucial roles in ecosystem functioning. However, this biodiversity remains largely overlooked, with a poor understanding how patterns form across landscapes. An eDNA metabarcoding approach was used to identify potential overarching fungal and bacterial communities from ultramafic ecosystems New Caledonia, renowned hotspot. Our comprehensive analysis revealed several key findings, notably important microbial the extreme environments iron crust soils. Clear tendencies phyla composition were also observed, groups Ascomycota Mucoromycota acting as indicators land degradation (only lateritic soils for Mucoromycota). For bacteria, Chloroflexi characteristic open vegetation, while Proteobacteria Cyanobacteria observed higher relative abundances closed vegetation. The ectomycorrhizal functional group found be rich unique, hypothetical endemism rate 87%, over-represented by Cortinarius genus rainforests maquis (shrublands) dominated plants. Finally, each Massif demonstrated unique community. Thus, our findings provide valuable insights into ecology emphasize need tailored conservation strategies

Language: Английский

A Multimarker Approach to Identify Microbial Bioindicators for Coral Reef Health Monitoring—Case Study in La Réunion Island

Microbial Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 87(1)

Published: Dec. 1, 2024

Language: Английский