Dissolving morphological and behavioral traits of groundwater animals into a functional phenotype

Elsevier eBooks, Год журнала: 2023, Номер unknown, С. 415 - 438

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2023

Язык: Английский

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Advancing tourism sustainability in show caves

Cell Reports Sustainability, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 1(3), С. 100057 - 100057

Опубликована: Март 1, 2024

Show caves are important tourism attractions around the world, generating profits of approximately 850 billion dollars per year. However, touristic use may jeopardize conservation these fragile ecosystems. It is therefore crucial to examine tourism-related impacts on show and management measures needed preserve subterranean Here, we analyze literature published over last 30 years with a driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) approach, which includes 101 papers examining human ecosystem 67 actions. The introduction allochthonous microorganisms microclimate alterations emerged as most concerning impacts, given their cascading effects all components. Our analysis shows that actions directly address but multidisciplinary approach overlooked. As result, offer roadmap for sustainable scientifically sound usage caves.

Язык: Английский

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Unveiling the nature of a miniature world: a horizon scan of fundamental questions in bryology

Journal of Bryology, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 44(1), С. 1 - 34

Опубликована: Янв. 2, 2022

Introduction Half a century since the creation of International Association Bryologists, we carried out review to identify outstanding challenges and future perspectives in bryology. Specifically, have identified 50 fundamental questions that are critical advancing discipline.Methods We adapted deep-rooted methodology horizon scanning key research foci. An initial pool 258 was prepared by multidisciplinary international working group 32 bryologists. A series online surveys completed broader community researchers bryology, followed quality-control steps implemented group, were used create list top-priority questions. This final restricted with broad conceptual scope answerable through realistic approaches.Key results The top organised into four general topics: Bryophyte Biodiversity Biogeography; Ecology, Physiology Reproductive Biology; Conservation Management; Evolution Systematics. These topics included 9, 19, 14 8 questions, respectively.Conclusions Although many not newly conceived, our horizon-scanning exercise has established significant foundation for bryological research. suggest analytical strategies novel developments potential use agenda

Язык: Английский

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A trait database and updated checklist for European subterranean spiders

Scientific Data, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 9(1)

Опубликована: Май 26, 2022

Abstract Species traits are an essential currency in ecology, evolution, biogeography, and conservation biology. However, trait databases unavailable for most organisms, especially those living difficult-to-access habitats such as caves other subterranean ecosystems. We compiled expert-curated database spiders Europe using both literature data (including grey published many different languages) direct morphological measurements whenever specimens were available to us. started by updating the checklist of European spiders, now including 512 species across 20 families, which at least 192 have been found uniquely habitats. For each these species, we 64 traits. The encompasses measures, several related adaptation, ecological referring habitat preference, dispersal, feeding strategies. By making freely available, open up opportunities exploring research questions, from quantification functional dimensions adaptation study spatial patterns diversity caves.

Язык: Английский

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Fundamental Science and Engineering Questions in Planetary Cave Exploration

Journal of Geophysical Research Planets, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 127(11)

Опубликована: Май 4, 2022

Abstract Nearly half a century ago, two papers postulated the likelihood of lunar lava tube caves using mathematical models. Today, armed with an array orbiting and fly‐by satellites survey instrumentation, we have now acquired cave data across our solar system—including identification potential entrances on Moon, Mars, at least nine other planetary bodies. These discoveries gave rise to study caves. To help advance this field, leveraged expertise interdisciplinary group identify strategy explore beyond Earth. Focusing primarily astrobiology, environment, geology, robotics, human exploration, goal was produce framework guide subdiscipline through next decade. do this, first assembled list 198 science engineering questions. Then, series social surveys, 114 scientists engineers winnowed down top 53 highest priority This exercise resulted in identifying emerging crucial research areas that require robust development ultimately support robotic mission cave—principally Moon and/or Mars. With necessary financial investment institutional support, technological required achieve these advancements over decade are attainable. Subsequently, will be positioned robotically examine search for evidence life within Martian caves; turn, set stage exploration habitation both subsurface.

Язык: Английский

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Temperature variation in caves and its significance for subterranean ecosystems

Scientific Reports, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 13(1)

Опубликована: Ноя. 25, 2023

Climate change affects all ecosystems, but subterranean ecosystems are repeatedly neglected from political and public agendas. Cave habitats home to unknown endangered species, with low trait variability intrinsic vulnerability recover human-induced disturbances. We studied the annual cyclicity of temperatures in caves vis-à-vis surface different climatic areas. hypothesize that cave follow average temperature pattern at for each location a slight delay signal, we found three thermal patterns occurring caves: (1) high positive correlation similar surface, (2) signal (3) negative an extreme surface. daily cycles some caves, which may potentially control circadian rhythms organisms. Our results show had lower amplitude than averages within approximately correspond temperature. Caves buffer external act as refugia biota events. Likewise, increases will lead increment threatening ecosystem services.

Язык: Английский

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Towards invasion ecology for subterranean ecosystems

Biodiversity and Conservation, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 33(4), С. 1561 - 1569

Опубликована: Март 1, 2024

Abstract Invasive alien species (IAS) are widely recognized as a major threat to ecosystems globally. Despite the growing interest and research effort on biological invasions, impact of IAS both terrestrial aquatic subterranean habitats remains considerably under-studied in comparison other environments. The Convention Biological Diversity (CBD) has established global targets mitigate impacts IAS, emphasizing need for countries, organizations, scientific community identify gaps knowledge, monitoring, management strategies IAS. To this end, we mapped knowledge invasions that emerged from first systematic surveys available information. We suggest there five main restricting our ability understand tackle ecosystems. Given vulnerability lack attention they have received conservation policies, it is crucial increase emphasis This opinion paper aims stimulate such efforts contribute preservation these

Язык: Английский

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Stygofaunal diversity and ecological sustainability of coastal groundwater ecosystems in a changing climate: The Australian paradigm

Freshwater Biology, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 67(12), С. 2007 - 2023

Опубликована: Сен. 10, 2022

Abstract Coastal aquifers are vital water sources for humanity. Their quality and the ecosystem services they provide depend on integrity of their subterranean biota. However, current anthropogenic impacts such as climate change effects coastal population growth place enormous pressure sustainability these environments. Despite significance biota to function delivery services, stygofauna—groundwater‐dwelling aquatic animals—have until recently been largely ignored in aquifer monitoring management. This issue is importance both inland zones. Common threats areas extraction, reduced recharge caused by aridification, pollution, while, zones, additional complications arise from sea‐level salt ingress. review examines stygofaunal diversity, impacts, future conservation challenges aquifers. Focussing Australia, we a summary available data communities distributions; identify describe potential across diverse regions continent; propose research priorities with goal facilitating long‐term preservation ecosystems Australian continent. While focus this management issues discussed relevant globally. Recent studies Australia have primarily undertaken areas, while exist, ecological assessment incomplete, compromising efficacy plans. indicates that continent hosts five major biodiversity characterised heterogeneous community assemblages, involving total 17 taxonomic groups spanning microscopic invertebrates vertebrates. The most identified were size reduction, intrusion seawater, land clearing, contamination, mining. Given projections increasing development subsequent loss or degradation habitat during coming decades, it important improve our limited understanding ecology Future should include refinement biological tools systems, functional ecotoxicological studies, faunal surveys urban recommendations guidelines outlined applicable globally further step toward sustainable use groundwater resources maintenance healthy ecosystems.

Язык: Английский

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Environmental factors shaping copepod distributions in cave waters of the Lessinian unsaturated karst (NE-Italy)

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 11

Опубликована: Март 3, 2023

The unsaturated karst represents a transitional zone connecting the land surface to water table of underlying saturated through percolating and small perched aquifers. It constitutes significant groundwater reservoir hosts high biodiversity specialized endemic species. Whereas investigating this ecotone can shed light on invertebrate diversity whole system, ecological studies in have been hampered by access, mapping, sampling challenges. We studied 52 caves Lessinian Massif (NE-Italy), which is dominated carbonate rocks interspersed with spot areas composed mainly igneous rocks. Our aim was understand historical factors may shaped distribution crustacean copepods at regional spatial scale karst. collected 33 species belonging orders Harpacticoida Cyclopoida. Species richness estimators related accumulation curves suggest an exhaustive effort. A hydrologic analysis performed Geographic Information System environment divided study area three distinct drainage basins: Eastern Lessini, Core, Western Lessini. Regression analyses indicated that non-stygobitic (i.e., surface-water exploit for different purposes) driven inter-basin differences. Richness stygobitic obligate dwellers) instead strongly lithological features responded negatively thermal variability. Next, we used kernel density estimation spatially explore patterns area. highest harpacticoids identified basin, lithologically more heterogeneous surrounded practically non-aquiferous limit dispersal. Conversely, basin hosted cyclopoid This pattern suggests colonization pathways two taxa, strong effect hampering dispersal most harpacticoids. Lithological barriers seemingly did not affect copepods, were found across Altogether, these results emphasize key role played interaction hydrological features, climate, lithology determining copepod

Язык: Английский

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Oxygen Consumption and Carbon Budget in Groundwater-Obligate and Surface-Dwelling Diacyclops Species (Crustacea Copepoda Cyclopoida) Under Temperature Variability

Environments, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 12(1), С. 32 - 32

Опубликована: Янв. 20, 2025

This study explores the metabolic response and carbon budget of two cyclopoid copepod species, Diacyclops belgicus Kiefer, 1936 (a stygobitic, groundwater-adapted species) crassicaudis (Sars G.O., 1863) stygophilic, predominantly surface-associated species). We measured oxygen consumption rates (OCRs), requirements (CRs), ingestion (I) rates, egestion (E) at 14 °C 17 °C, representing current predicted future conditions in collection habitats species. displayed OCRs (28.15 18.32 µL O2/mg DW × h respectively) (CR: 0.14 0.10 µg C/mg d °C) lower than those D. (OCR: 55.67 47.93 °C; CR: 0.3 0.27 °C). However, exhibited comparable to other epigean challenging assumption that low are universal among stygobitic Temperature variations did not significantly affect responses suggesting they may cope with moderate temperature increases.

Язык: Английский

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