scholarly journals Species from the viewpoint of biocoenology

2021 ◽  
pp. 86-96
Author(s):  
Alexander Protasov
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Species Concept ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Species Structure ◽  
Higher Taxa ◽  
Species Population ◽  
Niche Concept ◽  
Goals And Objectives

Some questions of the use of the “species” concept in biocoenology and hydrobiology are considered. The existence of certain difficulties and ambiguities in the use of this concept is shown. It is proposed to clarify the goals and objectives of identifying the species structure of biocoenoses. The examples show that ecomorphs and coeno-ecomorphs are not less important elements of a biocenotic system and require thorough research. The question of the possibility and feasibility of definitions "to species level" of all members of the community is considered. The ecological niche concept is associated with species, although there is also the guild concept that unites species according to the principle of convergent similarity of trophic, topical, or other preferences. Various systems of bioindication have become widespread, which are based on the principle of compliance of a particular species population to certain conditions. First of all, we are talking about disturbed conditions, including various impacts by pollution. It was shown that not only species, but also more easily identifiable higher taxa could be used as bioindicators of certain conditions.

scholarly journals Defining the niche for niche construction: evolutionary and ecological niches

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Trappes
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Biology ◽  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Niche Construction ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Niche Concept ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Compare And Contrast ◽  
Extreme Habitat

AbstractNiche construction theory (NCT) aims to transform and unite evolutionary biology and ecology. Much of the debate about NCT has focused on construction. Less attention has been accorded to the niche: what is it, exactly, that organisms are constructing? In this paper I compare and contrast the definition of the niche used in NCT with ecological niche definitions. NCT’s concept of the evolutionary niche is defined as the sum of selection pressures affecting a population. So defined, the evolutionary niche is narrower than the ecological niche. Moreover, when contrasted with a more restricted ecological niche concept, it has a slightly different extension. I point out three kinds of cases in which the evolutionary niche does not coincide with realized ecological niches: extreme habitat degradation, commensalism, and non-limiting or super-abundant resources. These conceptual differences affect the role of NCT in unifying ecology and evolutionary biology.

scholarly journals Neelipleona and Symphypleona (Collembola) from a Sampling in the Mesovoid Shallow Substratum of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park (Madrid and Segovia, Spain): Taxonomy and Biogeography

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 266
Author(s):  
Enrique Baquero ◽  
Rafael Jordana ◽  
Vicente M. Ortuño
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Surface Sampling ◽  
Mesovoid Shallow Substratum ◽  
The Mediterranean

Megalothorax minimus (Neelidae) and Sphaeridia pumilis (Sminthurididae) had already been identified in surface sampling from Sierra de Guadarrama. In Europe, Sminthurinus gisini (Katiannidae) seems to be associated with environments at specific altitudes, and has little representation in this sampling. Pygmarrhopalites custodum Baquero and Jordana sp. nov. (Arrhopalitidae) coexists with two previously identified surface occurring species of the same family (P. elegans and Arrhopalites caecus). However, P. custodum is more abundant, indicating that it occupies an ecological niche tending to troglophile in the mesovoid shallow substratum (MSS). Moreover, it is also more abundant in the MSS of higher altitude corresponding to the bioclimatic zones cryo-oro-Mediterranean and oro-Mediterranean supra forest. Allacma cryptica Baquero and Jordana sp. nov. (Sminthuridae), is another species that had not been previously detected on the surface in the study area. A. cryptica is an addition to a genus which has eight described species. Gisinurus malatestai (Sminthuridae) appears well represented in the MSS, being a species present very occasionally in the Mediterranean area. Two species of the genera Sminthurides (Sminthurididae) and Fasciosminthurus (Bourletiellidae) have been found, but they could not have been identified to the species level. Finally, a few specimens of Dicyrtomina minuta (Dicyrtomidae), an abundant species on the surface, have been captured.

Taxonomic survivorship curves and Van Valen's Law

Paleobiology ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Raup
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Record ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Extinction Rate ◽  
Survivorship Analysis ◽  
Survivorship Curve ◽  
Extinction Rates ◽  
Higher Taxa ◽  
Total Life ◽  
Adaptive Zone

As Van Valen has demonstrated, the taxonomic survivorship curve is a valuable means of investigating extinction rates in the fossil record. He suggested that within an adaptive zone, related taxa display stochastically constant and equal extinction rates. Such a condition is evidenced by straight survivorship curves for species and higher taxa. Van Valen's methods of survivorship analysis can be improved upon and several suggestions are presented. With proper manipulation of data, it is possible to pool the information from extinct and living taxa to produce a single survivorship curve and therefore a single estimate of extinction rate. If extinction rate is constant at the species level (producing a straight survivorship curve), higher taxa in the same group should be expected to have convex survivorship curves. The constancy of extinction rates (here termed Van Valen's Law) can and should be tested rigorously. Several methods are available, of which the Total Life method of Epstein is particularly effective.

scholarly journals Group selection and the development of the biological species concept

2010 ◽  
Vol 365 (1547) ◽  
pp. 1853-1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Mallet
Keyword(s):  
Species Concept ◽  
Biological Species ◽  
Second World War ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Biological Species Concept ◽  
Ernst Mayr ◽  
World War ◽  
Mutualistic Interaction ◽  
Theodosius Dobzhansky ◽  
Second World

The development of what became known as the biological species concept began with a paper by Theodosius Dobzhansky in 1935, and was amplified by a mutualistic interaction between Dobzhansky, Alfred Emerson and Ernst Mayr after the second world war. By the 1950s and early 1960s, these authors had developed an influential concept of species as coadapted genetic complexes at equilibrium. At this time many features of species were seen as group advantages maintained by selection to avoid breakdown of beneficial coadaptation and the ‘gene pool’. Speciation thus seemed difficult. It seemed to require, more so than today, an external deus ex machina , such as allopatry or the founder effect, rather than ordinary within-species processes of natural selection, sexual selection, drift and gene flow. In the mid-1960s, the distinctions between group and individual selection were clarified. Dobzhansky and Mayr both understood the implications, but their views on species changed little. These group selectionist ideas now seem peculiar, and are becoming distinctly less popular today. Few vestiges of group selectionism and species-level adaptationism remain in recent reviews of speciation. One wonders how many of our own cherished views on evolution will seem as odd to future biologists.

scholarly journals Integrative revision of the Caryocolum schleichi species group – a striking example of a temporally changing species concept (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 39-63
Author(s):  
Peter Huemer
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Species Concept ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Dna Barcodes ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Alps ◽  
Three New Species

The taxonomy of the Palaearctic Caryocolum schleichi species group is revised, leading to a largely new species concept. Initially described as four different species (C. schleichi, C. arenariella, C. dianthella, C. improvisella), these taxa were later considered as subspecies. Recently the taxon C. arenariella was re-instated to species level without, however, revision of the remaining three subspecies. Analysis of DNA barcodes of the mtCOI (Cytochrome c Oxidase 1) gene of all four validly described taxa showed an unexpected pattern of genetic diversity. Careful re-examination of morphological traits, particularly male and female genitalia, fully supported this pattern, leading to the re-instatement of C. dianthellasp. rev. and C. improvisellasp. rev. as valid species and the description of three new species, all of them occurring in the Alps: C. messnerisp. nov. (Italy, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Greece), C. lamaisp. nov. (Italy, France) and C. habelerisp. nov. (France, Switzerland, Germany). All species are described in detail and the adults and genitalia of both sexes are illustrated.

The Nutritional Ecology of Marine Apex Predators

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 361-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel E. Machovsky-Capuska ◽  
David Raubenheimer
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Nutritional Ecology ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Multidimensional Approach ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Marine Predator ◽  
Marine Predators ◽  
Nutritional Geometry ◽  
Niche Concept

Apex predators play pivotal roles in marine ecosystems, mediated principally through diet and nutrition. Yet, compared with terrestrial animals, the nutritional ecology of marine predators is poorly understood. One reason is that the field has adhered to an approach that evaluates diet principally in terms of energy gain. Studies in terrestrial systems, by contrast, increasingly adopt a multidimensional approach, the nutritional geometry framework, that distinguishes specific nutrients and calories. We provide evidence that a nutritional approach is likewise relevant to marine apex predators, then demonstrate how nutritional geometry can characterize the nutrient and energy content of marine prey. Next, we show how this framework can be used to reconceptualize ecological interactions via the ecological niche concept, and close with a consideration of its application to problems in marine predator research.

Current spread of Crataegus klokovii on Right–bank Ukraine

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-111
Author(s):  
O Shevchyk ◽  
I Solomakha
Keyword(s):  
Species Concept ◽  
Left Bank ◽  
Rosaceae Species ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Current Spread ◽  
The Family ◽  
New Locations ◽  
Species Population ◽  
Herbarium Collections ◽  
The Right

This study is about the new Crataegus klokovii Ivaschin locations on the territory of Right-Bank Ukraine. Depending on the species concept, the genus Crataegus L. includes about 150–1200 species and it is one of the most systematically complicated plants group of the family Rosaceae. Species often crossed, forming viable but difficult to identify hybrids. The taxonomy of this genus is periodically critical. Its current distribution is analyzed based on literary data and herbarium collections. As a result it can be argued that species is heterogeneous and sporadic distributed on the middle Dnieper mainly on the valleys territory of its left bank tributaries. According to the literary data, herbarium collections and original researches it is possible to state attraction of this species to high cliffs, slopes, and also the indigenous banks of rivers. The new locations data of this species on Right–Bank Ukraine are given. The first Crataegus klokovii finding dated to Right–Bank Ukraine was discovered within the right steep bank of the Dnieper River between the villages of Stajki and Grebeni Kagarlyk district, Kyiv region in the suburb area “Dniprovski Kruchi”. We have identified five separate localities at this point. The next habitat was found at a previously explored locality. Territorially, it is located in the northern outskirts of Rzhyshchiv town. Based on the discovery of identified population the authors argue for the optimality and long duration of this species existence in the area. The population is viable and able to recover due to the high number of fruits. The optimum existence of this species corresponds to certain stages of succession, in particular from the stage of the terrophy groups to the shrub stage. The optimum of the species population is meadow and outskirts growth.

Are higher taxa adequate surrogates for species-level assemblage patterns and species richness in stream organisms?

2007 ◽  
Vol 137 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jani Heino ◽  
Janne Soininen
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Higher Taxa

scholarly journals Potential distribution and conservation of the Colobosauroides carvalhoi Soares and Caramaschi, 1998: a rare and endemic lizard of Northeast Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 686-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. C. Magalhães-Júnior ◽  
G. J. B. Moura ◽  
L. B. Ribeiro ◽  
S. M. Azevedo-Júnior
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Ecological Niche Modeling ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Ecological Niche Model ◽  
Niche Model ◽  
Species Population ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Occurrence Records

Abstract Ecological niche modeling has contributed to the investigation of the geographical distribution and conservation of rare or little recorded species. Therefore, we studied the known and potential distributions of Colobosauroides carvalhoi Soares and Caramaschi 1998 and discuss the implications for its conservation. Data were obtained by manual collections made in quarterly samplings in three different regions, considering the regions with occurrence records and surrounding areas. The known distribution was determined by occurrence records and literature data, and potential distribution was estimated with an ecological niche model by the MaxEnt algorithm. Twenty-five specimens were collected exclusively in forest formations of Caatinga and Caatinga-Cerrado. Our data corroborated the relative rarity of C. carvalhoi and reflected the biogeographical history of the group, where it is restricted to forest formations with milder environmental conditions. The occurrence records indicated new records of C. carvalhoi, but the known distribution value is compatible with a restricted distribution. The ecological niche model estimated few areas with environmental suitability for the species and corroborated the restricted and relict distribution patterns. Finally, the known and potential distribution values were compatible with criteria for threatened species. These results suggest a worrisome scenario for C. carvalhoi conservation. However, the limited data about the species population do not allow the proper definition of its conservation status. Therefore, we suggest using potential distribution values with alternative criteria for redefining the conservation status of C. carvalhoi and the development of new studies that support a better assessment of its conservation aspects.

scholarly journals To what degree are philosophy and the ecological niche concept necessary in the ecological theory and conservation?

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rogério Parentoni Martins
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Conceptual Structure ◽  
Ecological Models ◽  
Niche Theory ◽  
Niche Modelling ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Classical Physics ◽  
Causal Processes ◽  
Niche Concept ◽  
Definition Of

AbstractEcology as a field produces philosophical anxiety, largely because it differs in scientific structure from classical physics. The hypothetical deductive models of classical physics are simple and predictive; general ecological models are predictably limited, as they refer to complex, multi-causal processes. Inattention to the conceptual structure of ecology usually imposes difficulties for the application of ecological models. Imprecise descriptions of ecological niche have obstructed the development of collective definitions, causing confusion in the literature and complicating communication between theoretical ecologists, conservationists and decision and policy-makers. Intense, unprecedented erosion of biodiversity is typical of the Anthropocene, and knowledge of ecology may provide solutions to lessen the intensification of species losses. Concerned philosophers and ecologists have characterised ecological niche theory as less useful in practice; however, some theorists maintain that is has relevant applications for conservation. Species niche modelling, for instance, has gained traction in the literature; however, there are few examples of its successful application. Philosophical analysis of the structure, precision and constraints upon the definition of a ‘niche’ may minimise the anxiety surrounding ecology, potentially facilitating communication between policy-makers and scientists within the various ecological subcultures. The results may enhance the success of conservation applications at both small and large scales.

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