Genetic structure of urban and non-urban populations differs between two common parid species

Landscape conversions induced by human activities can affect dispersal patterns of various bird species and, as a result, affect genetic structure of their populations. Genetic differentiation of bird populations may be enhanced by habitat variation, especially in urban-non-urban systems. The majority of population genetic studies focus on single species, which inflicts limitations for direct comparisons of genetic responses of avian populations to urbanization. Here, we used a set of microsatellite markers to examine genetic diversity, gene flow and population structure in two common parid species, great tits Parus major and blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus occupying three sites in habitats with contrasting urbanization level in central Poland. We found low but significant divergence of urban park population with both suburban and non-urban forest great tit populations, while no differentiation was found between suburban forest and non-urban forest populations. In contrast, no evidence for genetic differentiation was found between blue tit populations from the urban park, suburban forest and non-urban forest sites. We conclude that great tits and blue tits respond to urbanization-related changes in a different way, which may be a result of different rates of migration and/or dispersal, likely higher in blue tits. Some impact may be also induced by interspecific competition. We suggest that changing the focus of urban genetic research from single to multiple species may provide novel insights into how natural populations respond to the processes of urbanization.

MHC reflects fine-scale habitat structure in white-tailed eagles Haliaeetus albicilla

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes code for key immune receptors responsible for recognition of intra- and extra-cellular pathogens (MHC class I and class II, respectively). It was hypothesized that MHC polymorphism can be maintained via fluctuating selection resulting from between-habitat variation in pathogen regimes. We examined associations between MHC class I and class II genes and habitat structure in an apex avian predator, the white-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla. We genotyped MHC class I and class II genes in ca. 150 white-tailed eagle chicks from nearly one hundred nesting territories distributed across three distinct populations in Poland. Habitat structure was quantified at the levels of foraging territories and directly at the nest sites. We found strong support for associations of habitat traits with diversity and allelic composition at the MHC class II. Forest area within territory and forest productivity were identified as the major habitat predictors of MHC class II polymorphism, while other habitat traits (distance to nearest open water, grassland and water area within territory or understory presence) showed fewer associations with class II alleles. In contrast, there was little support for associations between MHC class I genes and habitat structure. All significant associations were apparent at the within- rather than between-population level. Our results suggest that extra-cellular (rather than intra-cellular) pathogens may exert much stronger selective pressure on the white-tailed eagle. Associations of habitat structure with MHC class II may reflect fluctuating (balancing) selection which maintains MHC diversity within populations.

Traditional Knowledge and Medicinal Importance of African Rosewood (Pterocarpus Erinaceus Poir, Fabaceae) Across Sociolinguistic Groups in Benin

Background Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. is a spontaneous species from the three ecological zones of Benin. It is multipurpose species integrated to the socio-economic and cultural livelihood of populations, especially in rural areas. This study examined the different uses made of the organs of Pterocarpus erinaceus in Benin in relation to sociolinguistic diversity with a view to highlighting the knowledge of local populations on Pterocarpus erinaceus and the threats to the species. Methods A total of 355 respondents, spread over 18 townships in Benin, were interviewed using a questionnaire. About 57 uses shared into 7 categories of use have been identified from the different sociolinguistic and socio-professional groups. Relative citation frequencies (FRC) of each habitat were then calculated for the description of habitat variation according to Ecological zones (EZ). In order to describe the diversification of the categories of uses and the organs / part of the tree, Principal component analyzes are carried out on the matrices comprising relative citation frequencies (FRC) grouping together the socio-demographic factors and the categories of use under the packages FactoMineR and factoextra Results This study revelated that the wood of Pterocarpus erinaceus is used (25.43%) in crafts, as charcoal, and service wood, while the leaves are mainly used (23.14%) as fodder and by traditional medecine. Concerning the roots and bark, they are used (27.14%) not only for evil spirits and bewitchment but also in animal medecine in cattle. About 60 diseases and symptoms are cured by the various organs of Pterocarpus erinaceus. These different uses of Pterocarpus erinaceus varied from one sociolinguistic group to another. Conclusion The study showed that all organs of Pterocarpus erinaceus are used in various forms of use for various purposes and make it an important species for rural communities. This result suggests the need to define conservation strategies for natural stands of Pterocarpus erinaceus for the sustainable management of the species.

Predicting Skipjack Tuna Fishing Grounds in The Western and Central Pacific Ocean Based on High-Spatial-Temporal-Resolution Satellite Data

Skipjack tuna are the most abundant commercial species in Taiwan’s pelagic purse seine fisheries. However, the rapidly changing marine environment increases the challenge of locating target fish in the vast ocean. The aim of this study was to identify the potential fishing grounds of skipjack tuna in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO). The fishing grounds of skipjack tuna were simulated using the habitat suitability index (HSI) on the basis of global fishing activities and remote sensing data from 2012 to 2015. The selected environmental factors included sea surface temperature and front, sea surface height, sea surface salinity, mixed layer depth, chlorophyll a concentration, and finite-size Lyapunov exponents. The final input factors were selected according to their percentage contribution to the total efforts. Overall, 68.3% of global datasets and 35.7% of Taiwanese logbooks’ fishing spots were recorded within 5 km of suitable habitat in the daily field. Moreover, 94.9% and 79.6% of global and Taiwan data, respectively, were identified within 50 km of suitable habitat. Our results showed that the model performed well in fitting daily forecast and actual fishing position data. Further, results from this study could benefit habitat monitoring and contribute to managing sustainable fisheries for skipjack tuna by providing wide spatial coverage information on habitat variation.

The sedimentary environment

This chapter introduces the roles of sediment properties and hydrodynamic conditions in influencing soft-sediment communities. It identifies environmental factors that are commonly used to characterise soft-sediment habitats and used to tease out the role of habitat variation from other factors that influence populations and communities. The differences between cohesive and non-cohesive sediments that profoundly influence ecosystem functions are described. Hydrodynamics particularly at the sediment–water interface are introduced as a critical factor affecting many ecosystem processes. The chapter introduces the differences in laminar and turbulent flows. Coastal soft sediments in particular are places of high organic matter remineralisation and thus critical for the recycling of primary nutrients and primary production, particularly by microphytobenthos. These factors underpin the important role of marine sediments in biogeochemistry and earth system processes.

Plant Evolution in the Mediterranean

Plant Evolution in the Mediterranean: Insights for conservation brings together a diverse literature on the Mediterranean flora in a detailed but synthetic account of plant evolutionary ecology. The central themes of ecological dynamics and evolutionary differentiation are developed at two spatial scales: habitat variation across the landscape and biogeographic processes across the Mediterranean. The history of the Mediterranean region is at the heart of this account and is described within a triptych that links geological and climatic history to the advent and history of human activities. The Mediterranean region is a hotspot of plant biodiversity, a key ingredient of which is its richness in endemic species. A primary question motivating this book concerns the role of historical factors and spatial environmental variation in the evolution of endemism. The Mediterranean landscape is a mosaic of ecological conditions, often with variation over short distances. A second focus is on the ecological and historical factors that mediate dispersal, reproduction, and adaptive trait variation in this mosaic landscape. With an ever-growing human footprint on the Mediterranean region, this book addresses a third major theme concerning the vulnerability and conservation of the flora. Alongside a traditional approach to rare species and protected area management, the book argues for the integration of the loss of evolutionary potential as a priority in conservation policy and practice. This accessible text is aimed at students and researchers in plant evolution, ecology, biogeography, and conservation science. It will be of interest to scientists and natural history societies worldwide.