A comparison of biotic groups as dry-phase indicators of ecological quality in intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams

Ecological Indicators, Год журнала: 2018, Номер 97, С. 165 - 174

Опубликована: Окт. 12, 2018

Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) are dynamic ecosystems that shift between aquatic terrestrial states. IRES widespread, abundant increasing in extent, but developing biomonitoring programmes to determine their ecological quality is challenging. To date, assessments have focused on the organisms present during wet phases, whereas dry-phase communities remain poorly characterized. We examined multiple biotic groups dry channels, compare assemblages at sites impacted unimpacted by human activity evaluate potential of each group as an indicator. explored existing, unpublished data for three groups: microflora (diatoms), fauna (the invertebrate 'seedbank'), a mixed flora (aquatic plants); notably, we did not source with high act indicators. Diatom plant assemblage composition differed sites, latter were more diverse included indicator taxa. Invertebrate seedbank taxa richness was higher compositional differences detected, probably due coarse taxonomic resolution which identified. Performance standard indices variable, identified conditions all groups. Our results can inform enhancement designed characterize relation legislative targets. highlight need integrate wet- survey holistic assessments. Although suggest diatoms, plants having assessment quality, research further these and, crucially, explore

Язык: Английский

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Community metabarcoding reveals the relative role of environmental filtering and spatial processes in metacommunity dynamics of soil microarthropods across a mosaic of montane forests

Molecular Ecology, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 32(23), С. 6110 - 6128

Опубликована: Ноя. 14, 2021

Disentangling the relative role of environmental filtering and spatial processes in driving metacommunity structure across mountainous regions remains challenging, as way we quantify connectivity topographically environmentally heterogeneous landscapes can influence our perception which process predominates. More empirical data sets are required to account for taxon- context-dependency, but relevant research understudied areas is often compromised by taxonomic impediment. Here used haplotype-level community DNA metabarcoding, enabled stringent amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), characterize soil microarthropod assemblages a mosaic five forest habitats on Troodos mountain range Cyprus. We found similar β diversity patterns at ASV species (OTU, operational unit) levels, pointed primary habitat resulting existence largely distinct metacommunities linked different types. Within-habitat turnover was correlated topoclimatic heterogeneity, again emphasizing filtering. However, when integrating landscape matrix information highly fragmented Quercus alnifolia habitat, also detected major isolation determined patch connectivity, indicating that stochastic niche-based synergistically govern assembly. Alpha varied between OTU with richness decreasing elevation following longitudinal gradient, potentially reflecting decline genetic eastwards due historical pressures. Our study demonstrates utility metabarcoding characterizing complex improving understanding biodiversity dynamics worldwide.

Язык: Английский

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Environmental filtration and dispersal limitation explain different aspects of beta diversity in desert plant communities

Global Ecology and Conservation, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 33, С. e01956 - e01956

Опубликована: Дек. 14, 2021

Environmental filtration and spatial processes are associated with variation in ecological communities biodiversity; however, their relative importance to species beta diversity at different sampling scales has not been fully explored desert plant communities. We examined the contribution of environmental factors its components Ebinur Lake Basin through variance partitioning multivariate analysis. Our results suggested that component values decreased increase scale. Differences contributions two were observed. dispersal limitation explain on scales, as well components: for a greater impact small medium while plays dominant role large scale; components, filtering better explained total turnover, had effect nestedness. study further confirmed quantitative evaluation pattern formation driving forces diversity. Moreover, it emphasized necessity integrating multiple aggregate community biodiversity studies.

Язык: Английский

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Water‐controlled ecosystems as complex networks: Evaluation of network‐based approaches to quantify patterns of connectivity

Ecohydrology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 17(7)

Опубликована: Июль 10, 2024

Abstract This study provides a new perspective on understanding the intricacies of water‐mediated connectivity in ecosystems, bridging landscape ecology and geomorphology through network science. We highlight dryland river‐floodplain ecosystems as distinct examples contrasting water‐controlled systems. (1) discuss central considerations developing structural functional networks connectivity; (2) quantify emergent patterns these networks; (3) evaluate capacity science tools for investigating characteristics. With focus strength (weights) direction, is quantified using seven parameters at both node levels. find that link density, betweenness centrality page rank are highly sensitive to directionality; global efficiency degree particularly weights; relative remains unaffected by weights directions. Our underscores how approaches can transform we understand connectivity, especially consideration role(s) directionality. interdisciplinary perspective, linking ecology, hydrology geomorphology, has implications theoretical insights practical applications environmental management conservation efforts.

Язык: Английский

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Habitat Fragmentation and Metapopulation, Metacommunity, and Metaecosystem Dynamics in Intermittent Rivers and Ephemeral Streams

Elsevier eBooks, Год журнала: 2017, Номер unknown, С. 377 - 403

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2017

Язык: Английский

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