scholarly journals Trigona branneri (Hymenoptera: Apidae) as a Collector of Honeydew from Aethalion reticulatum (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) on Bauhinia forficata (Fabaceae: Caesalpinoideae) in a Brazilian Savanna

Sociobiology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gudryan Baronio ◽  
Ana Carolina Vieira Pires ◽  
Camila Aoki
Keyword(s):  
Agonistic Behavior ◽  
Stingless Bees ◽  
Brazilian Savanna ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Bauhinia Forficata

The presence of aggregates of A. reticulatum on Bauhinia has been reported, but the insects were mainly attended by ants of the genus Camponotus, and stingless bees were not regularly recorded in aggregations. We observed a colony of thetreehopper A. reticulatum and stingless bees, Trigona branneri, interacting on Bauhinia forficata (Fabaceae). Agonistic behavior was observed in bees when another individual of the same species or ants approached. Although this is not proof that the interaction between stingless bees and treehoppers is mutualistic, the interactions between ants and this insect are common and mutualistic. Thus, if T. branneri effectively provides protection for the aphids, a new mutualism can be the focus of future research to determine if the bee-aphid interactions have same ecological functions as the ant-aphid interactions.

scholarly journals The Biodiversity of Water Mites That Prey on and Parasitize Mosquitoes

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 226
Author(s):  
Adrian A. Vasquez ◽  
Bana A. Kabalan ◽  
Jeffrey L. Ram ◽  
Carol J. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Biotic Interactions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Water Mites ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Parasitic Mite ◽  
Aquatic Food ◽  
Parasitic Interactions ◽  
Mite Predator

Water mites form one of the most biodiverse groups within the aquatic arachnid class. These freshwater macroinvertebrates are predators and parasites of the equally diverse nematocerous Dipterans, such as mosquitoes, and water mites are believed to have diversified as a result of these predatory and parasitic relationships. Through these two major biotic interactions, water mites have been found to greatly impact a variety of mosquito species. Although these predatory and parasitic interactions are important in aquatic ecology, very little is known about the diversity of water mites that interact with mosquitoes. In this paper, we review and update the past literature on the predatory and parasitic mite–mosquito relationships, update past records, discuss the biogeographic range of these interactions, and add our own recent findings on this topic conducted in habitats around the Laurentian Great Lakes. The possible impact on human health, along with the importance of water mite predator–prey dynamics in aquatic food webs, motivates an increase in future research on this aquatic predator and parasite and may reveal novel ecological functions that these parasitic and predator–prey relationships mediate.

scholarly journals Resin Use by Stingless Bees: A Review

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 719
Author(s):  
Maggie Shanahan ◽  
Marla Spivak
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Stingless Bees ◽  
Stingless Bee ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Tropical Ecosystems ◽  
Social Bees ◽  
Bee Colony ◽  
Chemical Profiles ◽  
Land Use Practices

Stingless bees (Meliponini) are highly social bees that are native to tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems. Resin use is vital to many aspects of stingless bee colony function. Stingless bees use resin to build essential nest structures, repel predators, and kill would-be invaders. Furthermore, resin-derived compounds have been found to enrich the cuticular chemical profiles of many stingless bee species, and resin may play an important role in shaping the microbial communities associated with stingless bees and their nests. Despite its importance for colony function, previous reviews of resin use by stingless bees are lacking. This topic grows increasingly urgent as changes in beekeeping and land use practices occur, potentially diminishing stingless bees’ ability to incorporate resin into the nest environment. In this article, we review existing literature on resin use by stingless bees and discuss potential areas of future research.

scholarly journals Behavioral Interactions between a Native and an Invasive Fish Species in a Thermally Heterogeneous Experimental Chamber

Fishes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Lindsy R. Ciepiela ◽  
Ryan M. Fitzpatrick ◽  
Samuel T. Lewis ◽  
Yoichiro Kanno
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Agonistic Behavior ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Native Fish ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Experimental Chamber ◽  
Thermal Preference ◽  
Agonistic Interactions ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Thermal Chamber

Mechanisms of the displacement of native fish by nonnative fish can include agonistic behaviors that push native fish species out of their preferred habitat, including their thermal optima. To examine these interactions, we built an experimental thermal preference chamber to evaluate: (1) the thermal preference of native, glacial relict northern redbelly dace Chrosomus eos; (2) if the thermal preference and movement changed in the presence of the invasive western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis; and (3) the direction of agonistic interactions. We hypothesized that G. affinis would express agonistic behavior toward C. eos, because G. affinis is widely recognized as an aggressive invader. Given the temperature range of the experimental chamber, i.e., 20–30 °C, C. eos selected an average of 24.3 °C as its thermal preference. After G. affinis’ introduction, the thermal preference of C. eos increased by 1.7 °C and the movement, given by distance (cm) travelled, increased by 21%. Contrary to our prediction, more agonistic interactions were observed in C. eos toward G. affinis. These results indicate that agonistic behavior of G. affinis toward native fish species may be species- and condition-specific, and may not always be the primary mechanism of native species’ displacement. Biological invasions are a global issue and altered thermal regimes are expected to continue. This study provided the novel approach using of a thermally heterogeneous thermal chamber to examine thermal preferences and aggressive interactions between a native and an invasive species. Future research should examine other life history traits that may be conveying the competitive advantage to G. affinis.

scholarly journals LIST OF MARINE ISOPODS RECORDED FROM INDONESIAN WATERS

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conni Margaretha Sidabalok
Keyword(s):  
Water Pollution ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Number Of Species ◽  
Polluted Waters ◽  
Potential Use

A list of marine isopods recorded from Indonesia has been compiled from the literature published between 1857 and 2012 as well as from Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense’s collections and current expeditions. To date, 225 marine species from 97 genera and 19 families have been recorded from Indonesia with two parasitic families Cymothoidae and Bopyridae showing the largest number of species: 63 and 41, respectively. As for the sampling sites, waters surrounding Java, Maluku and Sulawesi have been investigated most intensively with 55, 51, and 40records, respectively. The most comprehensive publication of marine isopods in Indonesia has been that by Nierstrasz (1931). In terms of role as bioindicators, Sphaeroma and Dynamenella have been discovered to survive in polluted waters in Jakarta Bay, suggesting their potential use as bioindicators of water pollution. Future research on basic taxonomy of isopods in Indonesia as well as their ecological functions are recommended.

scholarly journals Glow on Sharks: State of the Art on Bioluminescence Research

Oceans ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 822-842
Author(s):  
Laurent Duchatelet ◽  
Julien M. Claes ◽  
Jérôme Delroisse ◽  
Patrick Flammang ◽  
Jérôme Mallefet
Keyword(s):  
Deep Sea ◽  
Control Mechanism ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Histological Structure ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Physiological Control ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Dim Light

This review presents a synthesis of shark bioluminescence knowledge. Up to date, bioluminescent sharks are found only in Squaliformes, and specifically in Etmopteridae, Dalatiidae and Somniosidae families. The state-of-the-art knowledge about the evolution, ecological functions, histological structure, the associated squamation and physiological control of the photogenic organs of these elusive deep-sea sharks is presented. Special focus is given to their unique and singular hormonal luminescence control mechanism. In this context, the implication of the photophore-associated extraocular photoreception—which complements the visual adaptations of bioluminescent sharks to perceive residual downwelling light and luminescence in dim light environment—in the hormonally based luminescence control is depicted in detail. Similarities and differences between shark families are highlighted and support the hypothesis of an evolutionary unique ancestral appearance of luminescence in elasmobranchs. Finally, potential areas for future research on shark luminescence are presented.

Meloidogyne spp. populations from native Cerrado and soybean cultivated areas: genetic variability and aggressiveness

Nematology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 505-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa S. Mattos ◽  
Cleber Furlanetto ◽  
Joelma G.P. Silva ◽  
Danilo F. Dos Santos ◽  
Maria Ritta A. Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Genetic Variability ◽  
Brazilian Savanna ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Soybean Cultivars ◽  
Meloidogyne Spp ◽  
The One ◽  
Cultivated Soybean

A significant portion of the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) has been replaced by major crops such as soybean. This may reveal populations of nematodes with different genetic backgrounds compared to cultivated fields. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the genetic variability and aggressiveness of isolates ofMeloidogynespp., contrasting nematodes from preserved areas of the Cerrado with those originating from cultivated soybean fields. Cluster analysis separated isolates ofMeloidogynespp. and isolates from Cerrado and soybean but did not separate an aggressiveMeloidogyne morocciensisisolate. The aggressiveness of six selected populations ofMeloidogynespp. from Cerrado and soybean against soybean cultivars was evaluated. Results showed that populations ofM. javanicaandM. incognitafrom Cerrado and soybean showed similar aggressiveness. However, forM. morocciensis, the population from soybean was much more aggressive than the one from Cerrado. Aggressiveness is a very intriguing subject that needs special attention for future research in nematology.

scholarly journals The phylloplane yeast Pseudozyma: a rich potential for biotechnology

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroko Kitamoto
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Leaf Surface ◽  
Basidiomycetous Yeast ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Gene Manipulation ◽  
Leaf Surfaces ◽  
Pseudozyma Yeasts

ABSTRACT Basidiomycetous yeast Pseudozyma strains are often isolated from leaf surfaces. Here, we describe the sources of Pseudozyma yeasts and their useful secreted products, including enzymes and biosurfactants. We then outline the life of Pseudozyma on the leaf surface and introduce studies to verify ecological functions of their useful products. In addition, the function of Pseudozyma in maintaining the health of plants is briefly explained. Finally, the gene manipulation techniques necessary for future research and development of technological applications of Pseudozyma are described.

scholarly journals Research Progress in Transfer, Accumulation and Effects of Microplastics in the Oceans

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 433
Author(s):  
Michele Arienzo ◽  
Luciano Ferrara ◽  
Marco Trifuoggi
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Long Range Transport ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Marine Biota ◽  
Aquatic Habitats ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Human Health Risks ◽  
Range Transport ◽  
Organism Interactions

One of the major concerns regarding the presence of plastics in ocean environments are the effects on marine biota. Plastics can be distinguished in macro- (≥25 mm), meso- (<25 mm–5 mm) micro- (<5 mm–1µm), and nano-plastic (<1 µm) and are practically omnipresent in aquatic habitats and subject to long-range transport. The purpose of this review is to report the last findings on the release, transfer, accumulation, and effects of micro-plastics, MPs, in the oceans. MPs have the chance to adsorb different kind of organisms and compounds on their outer surface, including bacteria, viruses, algae, and abiotic substances. In this way, they can cause sever hazard once they enter the food chain. Their harm to higher organisms is discussed as well as main routes of MPs–organism interactions, i.e., ventilation, and ingestion. Potential effects on populations, communities, and ecosystems and uptake routes and transition into tissues are discussed. In consideration of the potential threats of plastic particles to ecological functions and human health risks, we recommend specific directions of future research approaches.

scholarly journals Hydrological Response to Drought Occurrences in a Brazilian Savanna Basin

Resources ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Rubens Junqueira ◽  
Marcelo R. Viola ◽  
Jhones da S. Amorim ◽  
Carlos R. de Mello
Keyword(s):  
Rainy Season ◽  
Standardized Precipitation Index ◽  
Meteorological Drought ◽  
Brazilian Savanna ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Pearson Coefficient ◽  
Average Annual Temperature ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Standardized Precipitation Index ◽  
Hydrological Droughts

The Brazilian savanna is one of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots. However, droughts can decrease water availability in this biome. This study aimed to analyze meteorological and hydrological droughts and their influence on the hydrological behavior in a Brazilian savanna basin. For that, hydrological indicators were calculated to analyze the hydrological behavior in the Pandeiros river basin (PRB). The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI) were calculated for the hydrological year and rainy season from 1977 to 2018. The propagation of the meteorological to hydrological drought was studied by means of the Pearson coefficient of correlation between the SSI and SPI with 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12-month lags. A longer meteorological drought was observed from 2014/15 to 2017/18 which caused a reduction in the groundwater recharge, besides potentially reducing the ecological functions of the Brazilian savanna. This drought was intensified by an increase in the average annual temperature, resulting in the increasing of evapotranspiration. Regarding drought propagation, there is no significant difference among the coefficients of correlation from 0 to 6-month lags. For the lags of 9 and 12 months, the correlation decreases, indicating a greater influence of the current rainy season than the past ones.

scholarly journals VASCULAR EPIPHYTES: THE UGLY DUCKLING OF PHENOLOGICAL STUDIES

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-261
Author(s):  
ADRIANA RAMÍREZ MARTÍNEZ ◽  
DEMETRIA MARTHA MONDRAGÓN CHAPARRO ◽  
RAÚL RIVERA GARCÍA
Keyword(s):  
Web Of Science ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Reproductive Phenology ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Vascular Epiphytes ◽  
Ugly Duckling ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Wet Forests ◽  
Management And Conservation ◽  
Epiphyte Species

The phenology of vascular epiphytes, which represent account for about 10 % of the world’s flowering plants and perform important ecological functions, has been just partially explored. Since phenology is a key tool for the management and conservation of species, the objective of this review was to synthesize the information published so far about the phenology of vascular epiphytes, detect gaps of knowledge, and suggest future lines of investigation to understand the underlying mechanisms. We conducted an online search for articles in Google Scholar and in the ISI Web of Science database from 1800 to 2020, with different combinations of keywords. 107 studies addressing the phenology of different holo-epiphyte species were found; 88 % of the studies were performed in the Neotropic, especially in tropical and subtropical wet forests. The phenology of only ca.2% (418 spp.) of all reported epiphyte species has been explored. There is a bias toward the study of the flowering and fruiting phenology in members of the Orchidaceae (192 spp.) and Bromeliaceae (124 spp.) families. In general, the vegetative and reproductive phenology of epiphytes tends to be seasonal; however, there is a huge gap in our understanding of the proximate and ultimate factors involved. Future research should explicitly focus on studying those factors.

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