Austral Ecology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 49(7)
Опубликована: Июль 1, 2024
Язык: Английский
Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 13(10)
Опубликована: Окт. 1, 2023
There is a contemporary trend in many major research institutions to de-emphasize the importance of natural history education favor theoretical, laboratory, or simulation-based programs. This may take form removing biodiversity and field courses from curriculum sometimes subtle maligning as "lesser" branch science. Additional threats include massive funding cuts museums maintenance their collections, extirpation taxonomists across disciplines, critical under-appreciation role that data (and other forms observational data, including Indigenous knowledge) play scientific process. In this paper, we demonstrate knowledge integral any competitive science program through comprehensive review ways which they continue shape modern theory public perception We do so by reviewing how has guided disciplines ecology, evolution, conservation are crucial for effective programs policy. underscore these insights with case studies, including: understanding dynamics evolutionary radiation relies on data; methods extracting novel museum specimens; provided multi-decade programs; most logical venue creating an informed scientifically literate society. conclude recommendations aimed at students, university faculty, administrators integrating supporting mandates. Fundamentally, all interested world, but can often fall into habit abstracting our away its contexts complexities. Doing risks losing sight entire vistas new questions over-emphasis simulated overly controlled studies.
Язык: Английский
Процитировано
21
New Phytologist, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 242(6), С. 2394 - 2398
Опубликована: Апрель 21, 2024
'I would rather discover one cause than gain the kingdom of Persia'. Democritus (460–370 bc) 'Data do not understand causes and effects; humans do'. Pearl & Mackenzie (2018) The increasing availability global-scale data on plant traits (e.g. Kattge et al., 2020), species distribution GBIF.org), climate variables Fick Hijmans, 2017), sophisticated numerical methods machine learning tools, R packages) computing power cloud computing) has enabled researchers to our biosphere in an unprecedented manner (Farley 2018). However, these techno-scientific advances come with a cost. Researchers sufficient technical skills management can now study global patterns produce numerically apparently robust papers, without clear hypothesis test nor attempt interpret any from mechanistic perspective. In addition, broad-scale analyses tend use most readily available necessarily relevant data. This is further fuelled by growing culture that values 'fast' science over research may take years complete (the publish-or-perish culture; Sarewitz, 2016). As consequence, there increase based correlating 'everything' see if emerge, instead hypothesis-driven approach (see Calude Longo, 2017 for examples spurious correlations). An outcome ecology key factors determining fitness, such as fire regime, light availability, herbivory, pollinator other biotic interactions, are underconsidered studies, they less information, particular. exacerbated long-standing belief major factor shaping ecological (Pausas Bond, 2019; Brown 2023). Studying also tends hide biological mechanisms, act at local scales vary across environments; thus, broad-brush approaches mask processes. this letter, we highlight potential correlative studies ignore mechanisms hinder progress ecology. We specifically focus seed dormancy, but provide few recent illustrate currently general problem studies. Recent using thousands millions records have concluded dormancy adaptive strategy plants living under seasonal climates (Rubio de Casas 2017; Wyse Dickie, 2018; Zhang 2022; Rosbakh 2023 – all published New Phytologist). Note here information large databases types reflect prolonged (multi-year) (inherent or true dormancy; Baskin Baskin, 2014) temporary be imposed within-year adverse environmental conditions. These consistently emphasized physical (hard seeds) linked strong fluctuations. conclusion derived correlations between species-specific annual climatic (precipitation temperature seasonality maps) locations (from GBIF.org). problems expecting selected response solely (i.e. predictable intra-annual variation). question arises why seeds adapt survive many soil bank (seed dormancy) variation? They could simply germinate once mild temperatures moisture were restored next favourable season (environmentally induced Pausas Lamont, 2022) not. Seed adaptation variability presence unpredictable inter-annual (Cohen, 1966; Philippi, 1993; Venable, 2007). case, functions bet-hedging mechanism allows remain dormant number years, reducing year-to-year variation fitness should germination every year, taking advantage exceptionally good seedling recruitment. Since correlation no causal basis, must consider what might drive relationship. For example, ecosystems fire-prone. Fire provides both release (via heat smoke) creates conditions (postfire) optimal establishment (low competition, high resource minimal predation, low pathogen load). There much experimental evidence show fire-type greatly exceeding summer temperatures) whereas hot summers (Fig. 1). Experimental shows scarification (simulating heat) increases compared changes (Ruiz-Talonia 2023; Supporting Information Fig. S1). Thus, fire-induced it uniquely synchronized (best-bet strategy; 2022). Therefore, underlying driver because vegetation strongly fire-prone (Keeley 2012; 2022); more plausible select seasonality. By contrast, regime little macroclimate (statistically) significant (Rosbakh several conceptual drawbacks. Specifically, variable considered single parameter, length (PFSL, defined average months prone fire, obtained Senande-Rivera 2022), standard descriptor indirect. It unclear which components supposed represent; furthermore, correlated, preventing (Archibald 2013; Pausas, Potential clues about important frequency occurs, postfire fitness. authors linking PFSL release. term 'fire regime' title al. (2023) misleading; range known describe used wide regime. analysis then developed their contention areas longest tropical ecosystems, S2). fires grasslands so frequent fire-released almost redundant, common Mediterranean shrublands where highly stochastic guaranteed within lifespan (Keeley, 1991; type (crown surface) after dry winter savannas; wet spring regions) likely season, related intensity; matches phenology corresponding floras (Lamont note different strategies surviving reproducing given site. instance, fact (causally, just statistically) high-intensity does mean possess dormancy. Only subset trait, dealing smoke-released resprouting, thick bark, serotiny). need dominant only trait adapted historical Of course, selecting longevity generally ensuring survival frost, exceptional heat, digestion), well fail capture variable. But explains selection intense crown fires: hot, create huge swathes colonizable patches, whose broken clearly against synthesis, essential first step research, when results lack basis inherent climates) impede identification overemphasis testing alternative hypotheses exclusive diversity often (Currie 2004; Peters 2016; Coelho despite possible candidates, correlated climate, directly affect disturbances, fertility, physiographic features, mutualists herbivores) contribute explaining richness (Huston, 1994; He 2019) broad Ribeiro, Brundrett, 2021; Moritz Trait pitfalls S3). wood density trees shaped multiple factors; increased strength cyclonic winds, some regions (Curran 2008; Dantas role dense tolerance epicormic bud insulation appears among lineages (Burrows, 2002). (based 36 000 samples methods) failed disturbance-related 79 examined (Yang 2024). Species distributions typically explained scale only, existence drivers (Schwilk Keeley, 2021). A example prediction African growth model applied (Higgins While correctly predict current vegetation, fails incorporate herbivores (Bond, Owen-Smith, Exclusion experiments massive consumers drastically change composition structure (Venter Pellegrini Beckett models understanding how work order useful predictive tools. Global ambitious endeavour find universal rules, needs appreciated rules identifying included place, factors. Most critically, even processes S3); integration description hypothesis-based needed. Furthermore, cannot replaced computer mining immense databases; scientific method enriched it. If aims science, describing vast amounts And technologies become accessible everyone. rise artificial intelligence (AI) tools exacerbate through illusion (Messeri Crockett, Alternatively, AI help investigate critical differ soils overcome biases. carefully crafted, comparatively field observations natural phenomena fully promoted (Nanglu thank Robin Stewart Tom Parker comments manuscript. been performed framework projects FocScales (Promteo/2021/040, Generalitat Valenciana) DISTEPIC (PID2022-141530NB-C21, Ministerio Ciencia e Innovación, Spain). Any trade, product firm names descriptive purposes imply endorsement USA Government. None declared. JGP initiated project, analysed data, wrote version BBL, JEK WJB contributed ideas, edits final text. S1 Germination six hard-seeded Australian control scarification. S2 Relationship latitude Northern Southern hemispheres. S3 Many depend scale. Please note: Wiley responsible content functionality supplied authors. queries (other missing material) directed Phytologist Central Office. publisher supporting content) author article.
Язык: Английский
Процитировано
4
Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 15(1)
Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025
ABSTRACT Parasitic plants are a diverse and unique polyphyletic assemblage of flowering that survive by obtaining resources via direct vascular connections to host plant. Ecologically important in their native ecosystems, these typically cryptic remain understudied fundamental knowledge the biology, ecology, evolution most species is lacking. This gap limits our understanding ecosystems conservation management. We established multistep protocol conduct first investigation reproductive life history root parasite genus Balanophora , testing hypotheses perenniality, plasticity across five geographically isolated populations Taiwan. A review 123 publications found contradictory determinations, including no determination (87%), perennial (9%), annual (1%), biennial or combination (2%). No primary study investigated question, was accompanied reference. Between 2021 2024, we tested hypothesis perenniality (109 individuals, 135 patches) (73 samples), monitored population dynamics (whole population), potential for endophytic/dormant haustorial tissue (101 roots) fungosa ssp. Our results support semelparous annuality. After reproduction, individuals senesce die, following year's recruited from newly germinated which together develop size number during vegetative growth period, undergo then themselves die. Each cycle completed within 12‐month period. Synthesis: provides quantitative life‐history strategy any . progress toward better species—and parasitic general—as well as ecological roles further template future work expand plants.
Язык: Английский
Процитировано
0
Integrative Conservation, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown
Опубликована: Фев. 26, 2025
ABSTRACT Ongoing biodiversity loss has far‐reaching implications for human well‐being and survival. To address the accelerating rate of loss, 15th meeting Conference Parties to United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) prioritized “Strengthening Biodiversity Publicity Education” as a key agenda item throughout its process, both during initial phase in Kunming, China, 2021 second held Montreal, Canada, 2022. Nature education, which emerged useful approach toward achieving sustainable development goals, is intrinsic raising public awareness about importance conservation. Despite many countries employing this kind strategy, nature education was introduced relatively late role conservation remains underexplored. Few studies have proposed frameworks integrating into efforts. This study aims fill gap by establishing framework China that incorporates education. It also examines how supports conservation, clarifies relationship between two, analyzes current practices challenges China. The findings provide reference developing an efficient system fosters interactions beings nature.
Язык: Английский
Процитировано
0
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 97(1)
Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025
Abstract Although the geographic distribution, phylogeny and natural history of Psomophis genimaculatus, a snake that inhabits diverse environments, such as Chiquitana Forest, Cerrado, Pantanal, Chaco, have been investigated in several studies, reproductive biology assessments are still lacking for this species. In sense, research sexual dimorphism, maturity, cycle P. specimens from Brazil. Sexually females display longer body lengths, while males possess tails, although similar head lengths widths noted females. The female exhibits prolonged seasonal pattern, with secondary vitellogenesis taking place September to June oviductional eggs appearing between July September. Follicular length, however, was not correlated seasonality. Fecundity associated length but closely aligned potential fecundity. Histological indicate beginning at follicle 7.6 mm. Ductus deferens testicular volume influenced by size or season. A spermatogenesis peak is early autumn, residual activity observed throughout winter. This study contributes novel data on aiding species conservation efforts.
Язык: Английский
Процитировано
0
Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 10(5), С. 2211 - 2219
Опубликована: Май 25, 2024
Technology in the 5.0 revolution is developing very rapidly so it necessary to prepare student face challenges of 21st century by having skills, namely critical thinking Having a low category because teacher using media has not facilitated students think critically tends be monotonous and boring. The purpose this experiment establish effective AR improving learners' skills on IPAS material. study used quantitative research methods with type true pretest-posttest control group design. data collection are test instrument. results were tested Independent T-Test find out enhancing students' then conducted an effectiveness determine application Augmented Reality-based learning improve average value experimental class 58.92 75.98 while conventional 58.80 63.56. Sample obtained 0.000 provisions decision if significant less than 0.05 there sig. effects among posttests. N-Gain result 56.52 which was categorized as sufficient. It synthesized that AR-based improves use test.
Язык: Английский
Процитировано
3
Birds, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 5(2), С. 265 - 277
Опубликована: Июнь 7, 2024
Bird identification is a necessary skill for citizen science projects, and teaching learning about species essential to halt the decline in biodiversity. Here, we investigated bird knowledge case study of Michigan high school students using an online survey. Participants were asked identify 21 common species, covering wide range orders families. On average, achieved correct score 35%. The most well-known American Robin, Blue Jay, Cardinal Turkey Vulture. We found no difference between boys girls, but scores declined with increasing age. Interest was important predictor knowledge, as activities (field trips, outings) both out class. Among traits, positively related number eBird entries (as proxy year-round population size), body mass (heavier better known) internet presence. suggest expanding this other states, encourage educators teachers improve through birding field trips.
Язык: Английский
Процитировано
3
Journal of Orthoptera Research, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 34(1), С. 31 - 38
Опубликована: Янв. 7, 2025
The blaberids Parahormetica hylaeceps Miranda-Ribeiro, 1936 and Bion mastrucatus Rehn, 1937 were described in the 1930s from single males collected by José Pinto da Fonseca (JPF) 1910s. Both specimens came region of Mariana municipality, Minas Gerais State, an ecotonal formation between Atlantic Forest Cerrado domains southeastern Brazil. Recently, P. was transferred to Bionoblatta 1940, its strong morphological similarity with (already ) highlighted, indicating need investigate validity these names. Here, we addressed this question analyzing photos type material, comparing original descriptions, examining data on both collecting site collector’s history. We conclude that should be considered a senior synonym syn. nov. ; hence, valid name (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1936). also provide new diagnosis, synonymy, review distribution species, finding endemic Itacolomi Peak region. present short account work JPF, including his relevance Brazilian entomology itinerary for specimens. have five poorly known species that, despite recent advances genus taxonomy, are still pending review.
Язык: Английский
Процитировано
0
Journal of Crustacean Biology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 45(1)
Опубликована: Янв. 10, 2025
Abstract The land crab Gecarcinus ruricola (Linnaeus, 1758) inhabits coastal forests in Puerto Rico. It is rarely seen, and was designated as a vulnerable species by the Government of Despite its vulnerability, there are no previous empirical or natural history studies this We studied demography offer recommendations for conservation management population at Reserva Natural Hacienda La Esperanza (RNHLE) Manatí, northern monitored two sampling periods between 2016 2020. captured, sexed, measured carapace width, marked released crabs to estimate sex ratio, size distribution, abundance, movement, viable size, well making observations nature. 305 captured presented 1:0.3 which biased toward males. Male larger than females, difference width areas within reserve. Population abundance estimation 608 individuals, most exhibiting site fidelity. indicates reduction after hurricanes 2017. Even though RNHE any other area Caribbean, small risk extirpation, given number females low size. G. protected Rico, study’s findings suggest that classification Rico Department Environmental Resources needs be revised.
Язык: Английский
Процитировано
0
Northeastern Naturalist, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 31(sp12)
Опубликована: Авг. 8, 2024
I studied population demography and life-history trait variation of Terrapene ornata (Ornate Box Turtle) from 1981 to 2019 on near the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Sandhills western Nebraska. Most captures were made along drift fences (∼1200 m) between wetland upland habitats (609 individually marked turtles captured 2684 times), supplemented by data telemetry 37 females, dissections road-killed animals. The adult sex ratio was 1.5 females per male. Recapture histories for 2000 indicated annual female survival rates 0.932. Survival juveniles (based actual captures) 0.86 first year after spring emergence, 0.932/ yr next 2 years, 0.99/yr 8 activity seasons. Based recaptures, reach maturity 12–16 years (14 being typical) at ∼110 mm plastron length (100 carapace length). Long-term capture (12–37 yrs) full adults nearly all showed positive slopes, 14 had slopes significantly greater than zero, suggesting indeterminate growth. Some telemetered appeared nest within their home ranges, but some undertook forays over 1 km away. All observed nesting (n = 22; 28 May–17 June) overnight into early morning. Clutch size varied 6 eggs (mean 3.6) tended increase with body size, egg 11.9 g) not related size. mass averaged 11.3% gravid mass. Individual produced 0–2 clutches/year. Upon hatching, neonates buried below or site descended m surface winter. 21 nests hatching 57.1%, only 7 hatchlings an estimated 75 (9.4%) recovered those following spring. analyses that increased about 22% generation (∼28 yr). importance permanent hydration associated summer estivation clear based my recapture data.
Язык: Английский
Процитировано
1