scholarly journals Introduced ant species occupy empty climatic niches in Europe

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Arnan ◽  
Elena Angulo ◽  
Raphaël Boulay ◽  
Roberto Molowny-Horas ◽  
Xim Cerdá ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Introduced Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Phylogenetic Signal ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Climatic Variables ◽  
Invasion Process ◽  
Phylogenetic Relatedness ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractExploring shifts in the climatic niches of introduced species can provide significant insight into the mechanisms underlying the invasion process and the associated impacts on biodiversity. We aim to test the phylogenetic signal hypothesis in native and introduced species in Europe by examining climatic niche similarity. We examined data from 134 ant species commonly found in western Europe; 130 were native species, and 4 were introduced species. We characterized their distribution patterns using species records from different databases, determined their phylogenetic relatedness, and tested for a phylogenetic signal in their optimal climatic niches. We then compared the introduced species’ climatic niches in Europe with their climatic niches in their native ranges and with the climatic niches of their closest relative species in Europe. We found a strong phylogenetic signal in the optimal climatic niches of the most common ant species in Europe; however, this signal was weak for the main climatic variables that affect the distributions of introduced versus native species. Also, introduced species occupied different climatic niches in Europe than in their native ranges; furthermore, their European climatic niches did not resemble those of their closest relative species in Europe. We further discovered that there was not much concordance between the climatic niches of introduced species in their native ranges and climatic conditions in Europe. Our findings suggest that phylogenetics do indeed constrain shifts in the climatic niches of native European ant species. However, introduced species would not face such constraints and seemed to occupy relatively empty climatic niches.

scholarly journals Diet composition of the invasive red-whiskered bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus in Mauritius

2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jannie Fries Linnebjerg ◽  
Dennis M. Hansen ◽  
Nancy Bunbury ◽  
Jens M. Olesen
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Introduced Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Ecological Perspective ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Invasional Meltdown ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Successful Establishment ◽  
The Impact

Disruption of ecosystems is one of the biggest threats posed by invasive species (Mack et al. 2000). Thus, one of the most important challenges is to understand the impact of exotic species on native species and habitats (e.g. Jones 2008). The probability that entire ‘invasive communities’ will develop increases as more species establish in new areas (Bourgeois et al. 2005). For example, introduced species may act in concert, facilitating one another's invasion, and increasing the likelihood of successful establishment, spread and impact. Simberloff & Von Holle (1999) introduced the term ‘invasional meltdown’ for this process, which has received widespread attention since (e.g. O'Dowd 2003, Richardson et al. 2000, Simberloff 2006). Positive interactions among introduced species are relatively common, but few have been studied in detail (Traveset & Richardson 2006). Examples include introduced insects and birds that pollinate and disperse exotic plants, thereby facilitating the spread of these species into non-invaded habitats (Goulson 2003, Mandon-Dalger et al. 2004, Simberloff & Von Holle 1999). From a more general ecological perspective, the study of interactions involving introduced and invasive species can contribute to our knowledge of ecological processes – for example, community assembly and indirect interactions.

Evaporite Palynology: a case study on the Permian (Lopgingian) Zechstein Sea

2021 ◽  
pp. jgs2020-174
Author(s):  
Martha E. Gibson ◽  
David J. Bodman
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Heat Flux ◽  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Thermal Maturity ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Terrestrial Environments ◽  
Insight Into

Evaporites characterize the Lopingian of Europe but present obstacles for biostratigraphic analysis. Here we present a case study for processing the Lopingian Zechstein Group evaporites of central-western Europe for the recovery of palynomorph assemblages. We demonstrate that full recovery is easily achieved with two main modes of palynomorph preservation observed; palynomorphs are either exceptionally well-preserved and orange-brown in colour, or poorly-preserved, brown-black, opaque and fragmented. The latter are reminiscent of palynomorphs of high thermal maturity. However, we propose that the intact nature of preservation is a result of the rapid growth of near-surface halite crystals, with their darkening a consequence of locally-enhanced heat flux due to the relatively high thermal conductivity of salt. This case study has enabled novel insight into an otherwise undescribed environment, and demonstrates the utility and possibility of extracting palynomorphs from a variety of rock salt types. This method should be applicable to a wide range of ancient evaporite and could also be applied to other Permian evaporite systems, which are used as analogues for extra-terrestrial environments.

An eco-evolutionary rationale to distinguish alien and native status: why the dingo is a native species on mainland Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 358-366
Author(s):  
Peter B. Banks
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Introduced Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Evolutionary Approach ◽  
Range Transport ◽  
The Status ◽  
Local Species ◽  
Natural Range ◽  
Native Status

Distinguishing between whether a species is alien or native can be problematic, especially for introduced species that are long-established in new areas outside of their natural range. Transport by humans is the criterion for alien status used by many definitions, whereas arbitrary time since arrival to a location is often used to define native status. Here I propose an eco-evolutionary approach to distinguish between alien and native status and use this to resolve uncertainty in the status of the dingo in Australia. Dingoes were transported to mainland Australia by humans, but more than 4000 years ago, and dingoes now interbreed with feral domestic dogs. Legally, this mix of events has the dingo classified as native in some jurisdictions and alien in others. I suggest that native status for introduced species should be based on (1) whether the species has evolved in their new environment; (2) whether local species recognise and respond to them as they do towards deep endemic native species, and; (3) whether their impacts benchmark against those of a native species or are exaggerated like those of other alien species. Dingoes are behaviourally, reproductively and morphologically different to close ancestors from south-east Asia, and this difference has a genetic basis indicative of evolution in Australia. There is abundant evidence that native prey species on mainland Australia recognise and respond to them as a dangerous predator, which they are. But there is strong evidence that dingo impacts on prey are not exaggerated, with effect sizes from mensurative experiments similar to those of experiments on native predators rather than alien predators. These three lines of evidence suggest dingoes should be considered native to mainland Australia. I suggest this eco-evolutionary approach to defining native status can be helpful in resolving the often-heated debates about when an alien species becomes native.

scholarly journals Taxonomic synopsis and analytical key for the genera of Solanaceae from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-362
Author(s):  
Edson Luís de Carvalho Soares ◽  
Márcia Vignoli-Silva ◽  
Lilian Auler Mentz
Keyword(s):  
Introduced Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
Identification Key ◽  
Rio Grande Do Sul ◽  
Number Of Species

This work consists of a taxonomic synopsis of the genera of Solanaceae in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Solanaceae is represented by 28 genera in this state: Acnistus Schott, Athenaea Sendtn., Aureliana Sendtn., Bouchetia Dunal, Browalia L., Brugmansia Pers., Brunfelsia L., Calibrachoa La Llave & Lex., Capsicum L., Cestrum L., Datura L., Dyssochroma Miers, Grabowskia Schltdl., Jaborosa Juss., Lycianthes (Dunal) Hassl., Melananthus Walp., Nicandra Adans., Nicotiana L., Nierembergia Ruiz & Pav., Petunia Juss., Physalis L., Salpichroa Miers, Schwenckia L., Sessea Ruiz & Pav., Solandra Sw., Solanum L. (including Cyphomandra Sendtn. and Lycopersicon Mill.), Streptosolen Miers and Vassobia Rusby. Of these, 23 consist of native species , while five are represented exclusively by introduced species. The total number of species is 149, of which 118 are native and 31 are introduced (adventitious or cultivated). An identification key for genera, and also comments on the most relevant taxonomic characters of each one are presented, plus comments on the species that occur in Rio Grande do Sul state.

scholarly journals Notes on distribution and relative abundances of some animal species, and on climate in the Kruger National Park during prehistoric times

Koedoe ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Plug
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Animal Population ◽  
Faunal Remains ◽  
The Past ◽  
Relative Abundances ◽  
Insight Into

Faunal remains obtained from archaeological sites in the Kruger National Park, provide valuable information on the distributions of animal species in the past. The relative abundances of some species are compared with animal population statistics of the present. The study of the faunal samples, which date from nearly 7 000 years before present until the nineteenth century, also provides insight into climatic conditions during prehistoric times.

scholarly journals Klimazeugen des periglazialen Dauerfrostbodens in Mittel- und Westeuropa: Ein Beitrag zur Rekonstruktion des Klimas der Glaziale des quartären Eiszeitalters

1960 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlheinz Kaiser
Keyword(s):  
Western Europe ◽  
Younger Dryas ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Border Zone ◽  
Patterned Ground ◽  
A Value ◽  
Outer Appearance ◽  
Glacial Periods ◽  
Glacial Time ◽  
Temperature Depression

Abstract. Certain periglacial phenomena (ice-wedges, cryoturbations, patterned ground, pingos) are critically investigated with respect to their outer appearance as well as to the causes of their formation, but especially how far they might be used as indicators of an old permafrost. The results for Central and Western Europe have been mapped according to our actual status of knowledge. The attempts hitherto made to reconstruct the climate of the Quaternary glacial periods, have been thoroughly checked. A new calculation of the maximum diminution of Pleistocene temperature gives a value of 15—16° C (bottom temperature) in Central and Western Europe. For the Younger Dryas we still have to expect a temperature depression of 11—12° C. Both values have been found by comparing mean annual temperatures in the border-zone of permafrost at the high-glacial time and during the Younger Dryas with the actual temperatures. This is true on the premise that the active permafrost area can be limited by the — 2° C annual isotherme, both under actual as well as under glacial climatic conditions.

scholarly journals Southeast Asia as One of World’s Primary Sources of Biotic Recolonization Following Anthropocene Extinctions

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Şerban Procheş ◽  
Syd Ramdhani ◽  
Alice C. Hughes ◽  
Lian Pin Koh
Keyword(s):  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
High Survival ◽  
The North ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Ancient Lineage ◽  
The Face ◽  
Lineage Diversity

The plight of Southeast Asia’s animals, plants and ecosystems in the face of unsustainable exploitation and habitat destruction has been illustrated in several recent studies, despite often falling outside the global discourse on global conservation priorities. Here, we collate biogeographic and phylogenetic information to argue that this beleaguered region is one of world’s primary macrorefugia, and possibly its best chance of regaining its natural biodiversity distribution patterns after the current Anthropocene upheaval. The region uniquely combines top diversity values in (a) ancient lineage diversity and (b) cosmopolitan lineage diversity, suggesting that it has acted in the past as a biodiversity museum and source of global colonization. This is at least partly due to the interplay between latitudinal diversity gradients and continental connectivity patterns. However, the peak values in South China/North Indochina for cosmopolitan tetrapods and their sister lineages suggest that a key feature is also the availability of diverse climatic conditions. In particular, the north-south orientation of the mountain ranges here has allowed for rapid recolonization within the region following past climatic changes, resulting in high survival values and overall exceptional relict lineage diversity. From this starting point, global colonization occurred on multiple occasions. It is hoped that, with urgent action, the region can once again fulfill this function.

scholarly journals A new Middle Pleistocene interglacial sequence from Måløv, Sjælland, Denmark

1969 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 29-32
Author(s):  
Ole Bennike ◽  
Esben Lindgård ◽  
Henrik Jønsson Granat ◽  
Richard C. Preece ◽  
Finn Viehberg
Keyword(s):  
Deep Sea ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Sediment Cores ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Middle Pleistocene ◽  
Arctic Species ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Quaternary Sequences ◽  
Animal Remains ◽  
North Western

Interglacial deposits in Denmark have traditionally been referred to the Cromerian complex (Hareskovian), Holsteinian or Eemian stages. However, based on studies of sediment cores from the deep sea many more than three Quaternary interglacials have been documented, and in other parts of north-western Europe it is becoming increasingly clear that the on-shore Quaternary sequences are much more complex than previously believed. Interglacial deposits are characterised by plant and animal remains indicating longer periods with climatic conditions similar to or warmer than today, whereas interstadial deposits were formed during shorter time spans and usually contain remains of relatively coldadapted, arctic or sub-arctic species. Interglacial and interstadial deposits can be dated more or less precisely, and thus provide information about the relative age of glacial deposits.

scholarly journals An insight into the polymeric structures in Asian Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer Linn)

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulraj Mosae Selvakumar ◽  
Rex Jeya Rajkumar Samdavid Thanapaul
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Palm Tree ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Medicinal Value ◽  
Native Tree ◽  
Polymeric Compounds ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Polymeric Structures ◽  
Insight Into

Palmyra Palm (Borassus flabellifer Linn) is a native tree with various ecological, medicinal, economic, and sociological benefits from Asian countries. Palmyra Palm tree-based self-reliant lifestyle and Eco-friendly community living which leads to sustainable development can be called as palmyraculture. For each component, it is the most beneficial species that has economic and medicinal value that could sustain adverse climatic conditions and resist natural calamities. Non-edible, edible, and value add-based uses could be widely categorized into the utility of the plant. Palmyra palm tree is working like a non-stop biochemical factory, creates sugars and many other useful chemicals. They also produce many useful polymeric compounds such as pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose, galactomannan, pentosan, polyphenols, and lignin. The current review gives an insight into the structural, biological and polymeric elements of Asian palmyra. . 

scholarly journals Representations of Hungary and Transylvania in John Paget’s Travelogue

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-98
Author(s):  
Borbála Bökös
Keyword(s):  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Political Climate ◽  
War Of Independence ◽  
Travel Guide ◽  
Hungarian Society ◽  
English Culture ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Travel Accounts

Abstract Hungary was an important destination for British travelers in the nineteenth century, whose travel accounts provide intriguing insights into the cultural and political climate of the period. John Paget’s journey was meticulously recorded in his extensive book entitled Hungary and Transylvania (1839) that served as a travel guide for other British visitors after him. Paget, who took part in the 1848/49 War of Independence, and became a “Hungarian,” opened Europe’s eyes to the Hungarian people and their country, destroying several false myths that existed about Hungarians in Western Europe, thus attempting to shape up a more favorable picture about them. The present paper examines a few questions regarding the representation of Hungary and of Transylvania in general in the travelogue: how did Paget describe particular cities and regions, the inhabitants, as well as their everyday life? I will attempt to look at the (changing) images of Hungary and Transylvania in Paget’s writing, as well as to offer an insight into Hungarian society and culture in the nineteenth century as contrasted to English culture and politics.

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