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Macro-Ecology, Macro-Evolution and Conservation of Animals and Plants
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Macro-Ecology, Macro-Evolution and Conservation of Animals and Plants

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Evolutionary Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 17228

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Youhua Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
Interests: biodiversity conservation; ecological modeling; statistical inference; macroecology; phylogeny
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Kaiwen Pan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
Interests: biodiversity conservation; ecological modeling; forest ecology; ecosystem ecology; ecosystem management; soil food web
Prof. Dr. Xiaohong Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
Interests: species and speciation; molecular systematics; adaptive evolution of amphibians

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Over the past two decades, ecological and evolutionary research has been booming because of the integration of different disciplines, such as geography, computer science, and big data science. Macro-ecology and macro-evolution are sprouting because of these interdisciplinary studies. However, they can become even more prosperous in the light of conservation, as human society and Nature are now in an unprecedented era with extraordinary changes. Toward this end, in this Special Issue we welcome the submission of papers that address relevant conservation issues from the macro-ecological and macro-evolutionary perspectives. Interested authors are not necessarily required to submit their papers with sufficiently large spatial scales or long-term experimental periods. The submitted manuscripts should fit our Special Issue as long as the ideas and results convey take-home messages regarding the conservation, resilience or mitigation of biodiversity under global change and human influence.

Prof. Dr. Youhua Chen
Prof. Dr. Kaiwen Pan
Prof. Dr. Xiaohong Chen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biodiversity conservation
  • global change biology
  • species extinction risk
  • plant ecology
  • animal ecology
  • geographic information system
  • macrogenetics

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 10585 KiB  
Article
Testing the Role of Natural and Sexual Selection on Testes Size Asymmetry in Anurans
by Shengnan Chen, Ying Jiang, Long Jin and Wenbo Liao
Biology 2023, 12(2), 151; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology12020151 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1423
Abstract
Directional asymmetry in testes size is commonly documented in vertebrates. The degree of testes size asymmetry has been confirmed to be associated with natural and sexual selection. However, the role of natural and sexual selection driving variations in testes size asymmetry among species [...] Read more.
Directional asymmetry in testes size is commonly documented in vertebrates. The degree of testes size asymmetry has been confirmed to be associated with natural and sexual selection. However, the role of natural and sexual selection driving variations in testes size asymmetry among species of anurans are largely unknown. Here, we studied the patterns of variations in testes size asymmetry and the factors shaping its variations among 116 anuran species. The results indicated that the left size-biased testes in 110 species (94.83% of 116 species) is more common than the right size-biased testes in six species. For all studied species, the degree of testes size asymmetry was positively associated with relative livers and body fat mass, following the prediction of the packaging hypothesis. We also found that the postcopulatory sperm competition (e.g., residual testes size) was positively associated with the degree of testes asymmetry. However, environmental stress (e.g., high latitude, precipitation seasonality and temperature seasonality) did not promote more symmetrical testes for all species. Our findings suggest that both natural selection for larger livers in body space and sexual selection for rapid increase in testis mass for most species during the breeding season can play key roles in driving in testes size asymmetry across anuran species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Macro-Ecology, Macro-Evolution and Conservation of Animals and Plants)
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23 pages, 4815 KiB  
Article
The Delineation and Ecological Connectivity of the Three Parallel Rivers Natural World Heritage Site
by Hui Li, Wanqi Guo, Yan Liu, Qiman Zhang, Qing Xu, Shuntao Wang, Xue Huang, Kexin Xu, Junzhi Wang, Yilin Huang and Wei Gao
Biology 2023, 12(1), 3; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology12010003 - 20 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1722
Abstract
Landscape connectivity refers to the degree of continuity between the spatially structured units of a landscape. Ecological connectivity can characterise the degree to which ecological functional areas are connected in terms of function and ecological processes. In this study, the landscape pattern index [...] Read more.
Landscape connectivity refers to the degree of continuity between the spatially structured units of a landscape. Ecological connectivity can characterise the degree to which ecological functional areas are connected in terms of function and ecological processes. In this study, the landscape pattern index and ecosystem service values were used to evaluate the ecological functional resistance of each landscape type, taking the Three Parallel Rivers Natural World Heritage Site as an example and the habitat distribution and population size of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey as a reference. The minimum cost distance model, combined with the barrier impact index (BEI) and ecological connectivity index (ECI), was used to determine the degree of barrier impact on the study area and the ecological connectivity of the core reserve of the heritage site in both 2000 and 2020. The resistances of the different land types and landscape heterogeneity to the ecological function of species migration between the core protected areas of the heritage site were, in descending order, those of the forest, shrubs and grass, water, unused land, cultivated land, and built-up land. In 2020, the study area had a large BEI, with areas such as built-up areas, major roads, the sides of large rivers, and arable land being significant contributors to the blockage of landscape connectivity. The overall landscape connectivity in the study area was generally low, with clear spatial differentiation and a three-column parallel distribution pattern influenced by the topography and landscape. With the adjustment of the core reserve boundaries of the heritage site, the proportion of areas with high connectivity (ECI = 4–5) increased from 11.31% in 2000 to 34.36% in 2020. This increased landscape connectivity was conducive to the migration and reproduction of large terrestrial animals, such as the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, with increasing numbers of populations and individuals. This study provides theoretical and methodological insights into the delineation and conservation of natural heritage sites and landscape connectivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Macro-Ecology, Macro-Evolution and Conservation of Animals and Plants)
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14 pages, 801 KiB  
Article
Geographical Variation in Body Size and the Bergmann’s Rule in Andrew’s Toad (Bufo andrewsi)
by Ying Jiang, Li Zhao, Xiaofeng Luan and Wenbo Liao
Biology 2022, 11(12), 1766; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology11121766 - 06 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1617
Abstract
Environmental variation likely modifies the life-history traits of vertebrates. As ectothermic vertebrates, it is possible that the body size of amphibians is impacted by environmental conditions. Here, we firstly quantified age and body size variation in the Andrew’s toad (Bufo andrewsi) [...] Read more.
Environmental variation likely modifies the life-history traits of vertebrates. As ectothermic vertebrates, it is possible that the body size of amphibians is impacted by environmental conditions. Here, we firstly quantified age and body size variation in the Andrew’s toad (Bufo andrewsi) across the Hengduan Mountains. Then, we examined the environmental correlates of this variation based on the literature and our unpublished data on the age and body size of the Andrew’s toad from 31 populations distributed in southwestern China. Although our analysis revealed significant variations in age and body size across B. andrewsi populations, neither latitude nor altitude correlated with this variability in age and body size. We found that age at sexual maturity, mean age, and longevity increased with decreasing annual mean temperature, whereas age at sexual maturity increased with decreasing temperature seasonality, implying that temperature was a crucial habitat characteristic that modulated age structure traits. Moreover, we revealed positive associations between age structure and UV-B seasonality, and negative relationships between both mean age and longevity and precipitation seasonality. We also found that body size increased with increasing precipitation in the driest month and UV-B seasonality. However, body size did not covary with temperature, signifying no support for Bergmann’s rule. These findings help us to understand amphibians’ abilities to adapt to environmental variation, which is particularly important in order to provide a theorical basis for their conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Macro-Ecology, Macro-Evolution and Conservation of Animals and Plants)
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16 pages, 3530 KiB  
Article
The Evolutionary Dynamics of the Mitochondrial tRNA in the Cichlid Fish Family
by Yosur G. Fiteha and Mahmoud Magdy
Biology 2022, 11(10), 1522; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology11101522 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1612
Abstract
The mitochondrial transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) attract more attention due to their highly dynamic and rapidly evolving nature. The current study aimed to detect and evaluate the dynamics, characteristic patterns, and variations of mitochondrial tRNAs. The study was conducted in two main parts: [...] Read more.
The mitochondrial transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) attract more attention due to their highly dynamic and rapidly evolving nature. The current study aimed to detect and evaluate the dynamics, characteristic patterns, and variations of mitochondrial tRNAs. The study was conducted in two main parts: first, the published mitogenomic sequences of cichlids mt tRNAs have been filtered. Second, the filtered mitochondrial tRNA and additional new mitogenomes representing the most prevalent Egyptian tilapiine were compared and analyzed. Our results revealed that all 22 tRNAs of cichlids folded into a classical cloverleaf secondary structure with four domains, except for trnSGCU, missing the D domain in all cichlids. When consensus tRNAs were compared, most of the mutations were observed in the trnP at nucleotide levels (substitutions and indels), in contrast to trnLUAA. From a structural perspective, the anticodon loop and T-loop formations were the most conserved structures among all parts of the tRNA in contrast to the A-stem and D-loop formations. The trnW was the lowest polymorphic unneutral tRNA among all cichlids (both the family and the haplotilapiine lineage), in contrast with the neutral trnD that was extremely polymorphic among and within the haplotilapiine lineage species compared to other cichlids species. From a phylogenetic perspective, the trnC was extremely hypervariable and neutral tRNA in both haplotilapiine lineage and cichlids but was unable to report correct phylogenetic signal for the cichlids. In contrast to trnI and trnY, less variable neutral tRNAs that were able to cluster the haplotilapiine lineage and cichlids species as previously reported. By observing the DNA polymorphism in the coding DNA sequences (CDS), the highest affected amino acid by non-synonymous mutations was isoleucine and was equally mutated to valine and vice versa; no correlation between mutations in CDS and tRNAs was statistically found. The current study provides an insight into the mitochondrial tRNA evolution and its effect on the cichlid diversity and speciation model at the maternal level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Macro-Ecology, Macro-Evolution and Conservation of Animals and Plants)
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9 pages, 950 KiB  
Article
Impact of Global Climate Change on the Distribution Range and Niche Dynamics of Eleutherodactylus planirostrish in China
by Chaosheng Mu, Xuecheng Guo and Youhua Chen
Biology 2022, 11(4), 588; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology11040588 - 13 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1877
Abstract
Species distribution models (SDMs) have become indispensable tools in risk assessment and conservation decision-making for invasive species. Eleutherodactylus planirostris has a strong dispersal ability, and the main route of introduction to new regions is likely transport via seedlings. This species is understood as [...] Read more.
Species distribution models (SDMs) have become indispensable tools in risk assessment and conservation decision-making for invasive species. Eleutherodactylus planirostris has a strong dispersal ability, and the main route of introduction to new regions is likely transport via seedlings. This species is understood as one of the foremost successful invasive amphibian species with direct or indirect negative impacts in multiple regions. In this study, we used MaxEnt to assess suitable areas for this species under current and future climates globally and in China. We considered seven climatic variables, three timepoints (current, 2050, and 2070), and three CO2 emission scenarios. Annual mean temperature, precipitation of the driest month, and annual precipitation were the most important variables predicting E. planirostris occurrence. This species has a much larger suitable habitat area in China than reflected by the current distribution, so the species is likely to spread from the Pearl River Delta to surrounding areas. Under future warming, its invasive range will expand northward in China. In conclusion, this study assessed the risk of invasion of this species and made recommendations for management and prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Macro-Ecology, Macro-Evolution and Conservation of Animals and Plants)
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18 pages, 2379 KiB  
Article
Insights into the Divergence of Chinese Ips Bark Beetles during Evolutionary Adaptation
by Huicong Du, Jiaxing Fang, Xia Shi, Chunmei Yu, Mei Deng, Sufang Zhang, Fu Liu, Zhen Zhang, Fuzhong Han and Xiangbo Kong
Biology 2022, 11(3), 384; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology11030384 - 28 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2504
Abstract
Many bark beetles of the genus Ips are economically important insect pests that cause severe damage to conifer forests worldwide. In this study, sequencing the mitochondrial genome and restriction site-associated DNA of Ips bark beetles helps us understand their phylogenetic relationships, biogeographic history, [...] Read more.
Many bark beetles of the genus Ips are economically important insect pests that cause severe damage to conifer forests worldwide. In this study, sequencing the mitochondrial genome and restriction site-associated DNA of Ips bark beetles helps us understand their phylogenetic relationships, biogeographic history, and evolution of ecological traits (e.g., pheromones and host plants). Our results show that the same topology in phylogenetic trees constructed in different ways (ML/MP/BI) and with different data (mtDNA/SNP) helps us to clarify the phylogenetic relationships between Chinese Ips bark beetle populations and Euramerican species and their higher order clades; Ips bark beetles are polyphyletic. The structure of the mitochondrial genome of Ips bark beetles is similar and conserved to some extent, especially in the sibling species Ips typographus and Ips nitidus. Genetic differences among Ips species are mainly related to their geographic distribution and different hosts. The evolutionary pattern of aggregation pheromones of Ips species reflects their adaptations to the environment and differences among hosts in their evolutionary process. The evolution of Ips species is closely related to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and host switching. Our study addresses the evolutionary trend and phylogenetic relationships of Ips bark beetles in China, and also provides a new perspective on the evolution of bark beetles and their relationships with host plants and pheromones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Macro-Ecology, Macro-Evolution and Conservation of Animals and Plants)
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Review

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20 pages, 1165 KiB  
Review
Environmental DNA Metabarcoding: A Novel Contrivance for Documenting Terrestrial Biodiversity
by Shahnawaz Hassan, Sabreena, Peter Poczai, Bashir Ah Ganai, Waleed Hassan Almalki, Abdul Gafur and R. Z. Sayyed
Biology 2022, 11(9), 1297; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology11091297 - 31 Aug 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5205
Abstract
The dearth of cardinal data on species presence, dispersion, abundance, and habitat prerequisites, besides the threats impeded by escalating human pressure has enormously affected biodiversity conservation. The innovative concept of eDNA, has been introduced as a way of overcoming many of the difficulties [...] Read more.
The dearth of cardinal data on species presence, dispersion, abundance, and habitat prerequisites, besides the threats impeded by escalating human pressure has enormously affected biodiversity conservation. The innovative concept of eDNA, has been introduced as a way of overcoming many of the difficulties of rigorous conventional investigations, and is hence becoming a prominent and novel method for assessing biodiversity. Recently the demand for eDNA in ecology and conservation has expanded exceedingly, despite the lack of coordinated development in appreciation of its strengths and limitations. Therefore it is pertinent and indispensable to evaluate the extent and significance of eDNA-based investigations in terrestrial habitats and to classify and recognize the critical considerations that need to be accounted before using such an approach. Presented here is a brief review to summarize the prospects and constraints of utilizing eDNA in terrestrial ecosystems, which has not been explored and exploited in greater depth and detail in such ecosystems. Given these obstacles, we focused primarily on compiling the most current research findings from journals accessible in eDNA analysis that discuss terrestrial ecosystems (2012–2022). In the current evaluation, we also review advancements and limitations related to the eDNA technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Macro-Ecology, Macro-Evolution and Conservation of Animals and Plants)
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