Journal Description

Diversity

Diversity is a peer-reviewed, open access journal on the science of biodiversity from molecules, genes, populations, and species, to ecosystems. Diversity is published monthly online by MDPI.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), AGRICOLA, GEOBASE, CAPlus / SciFinder, and many other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Biodiversity Conservation) / CiteScore - Q2 (Agricultural and Biological Sciences)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors approximately 14.1 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2021).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 2.465 (2020)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 1424-2818

Latest Articles

Open AccessArticle

How Can We Record Reliable Information on Animal Colouration in the Wild?

Enrico Lunghi

Francesco Bacci

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Yahui Zhao

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 356; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080356 (registering DOI) - 03 Aug 2021

Abstract

Animal colouration is a phenotypic trait that can provide important information on species ecology and adaptation. Describing animal colours can be very challenging, and digital images may help in this difficult task. Obtaining an image with colours similar to those observed in nature is not trivial, as many factors can alter the final result. Some studies highlighted the importance of a proper post-production and analysis of the images to obtain the best results, but unfortunately very little attention has been paid to how to obtain standardised images suitable to be employed in zoological and ecological studies. This study aims to give evidence about the importance of shooting pictures in standardised condition to obtain reliable data on animal colourations. We provide a method that allows to obtain standardised pictures with colours that are comparable to those observed on wild animals. We used a method that creates an in situ standardised environment to shoot photos of relatively small animals. Our method allows to fully control lights, the factor that affect pictures the most. We also provided a test on the efficiency of this method. Using a colour checker card as reference, we compared the divergence of the Red-Green-Blue channel values obtained from pictures shot in complete darkness with those read by a colorimeter. The average divergence in RGB values between the colorimeter and the RAW images was about 4%. This divergence increased when light disturbance occurred. Our method highlighted the importance of the moment in which pictures are taken, and demonstrated that a fully controlled method is essential for obtaining reliable information on animal colourations, data that can be employed in ecological and evolutionary studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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Open AccessArticle

Ganxiao Dong: A Hotspot of Cave Biodiversity in Northern Guangxi, China

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Diversity 2021, 13(8), 355; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080355 (registering DOI) - 02 Aug 2021

Abstract

Located in the core zone of Mulun National Nature Reserve in northern Guangxi, the limestone cave Ganxiao Dong harbours the richest cave fauna currently known in China. In total, 26 species of cave invertebrates have been recognized so far, in spite of limited sampling efforts. Of them, 20 are troglobionts or stygobionts, including one snail, four millipedes, three spiders, one harvestman, three isopods, two springtails, two crickets, one non-glowing sticky worm, and three trechine beetles. Six other species are troglophiles. The most remarkable characteristic of this fauna is its high number of troglomorphic species, especially among millipedes, crickets and beetles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity)

Open AccessReview

Cultivar-Groups in Cucurbita maxima Duchesne: Diversity and Possible Domestication Pathways

Fernando Sebastián López-Anido

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 354; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080354 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2021

Abstract

Domesticated Cucurbita has been remarked as one of the plant genera with the highest diversity in color, shape and fruit dimensions. Their economic and cultural values are related to the consumption of the mature or immature fruits, seeds, flowers, and to the use as decoration. The wild ancestor of C. maxima, the ssp. andreana has an actual scattered and disjointed distribution, associated with megafauna seed disperser syndrome. It was domesticated in South America around 9000–7000 years BP. The cultivar-group is a subspecific category for assembling cultivars on the basis of defined similarity. The work describes and pictures nine cultivar-groups for the species, Banana, Turban, Hubbard, Show, Buttercup, Zapallito, Plomo, Zipinka and Nugget. The molecular and a morphological join data analysis scatter biplot showed Turban and Buttercup in a central position, suggesting a first step in the domestication pathway associated with seed and immature fruit consumption; afterward, bigger bearing fruits groups were selected for their mature fruit flesh quality on one hand, and bush type, short day induction and temperate climate adaptation on the other hand. The striking domesticated Brazilian accession MAX24 intermediate between cultigens and ssp. andreana strengthens, in concordance with archeological remains, the possible domestication place of the species more easternward than previously believed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Plant Diversity)

Open AccessArticle

How Do Biological and Functional Diversity Change in Invaded Tropical Marine Rocky Reef Communities?

Larissa M. Pires-Teixeira

Vinicius Neres-Lima

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Joel C. Creed

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 353; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080353 - 31 Jul 2021

Abstract

Evidence so far shows that most alien species (AS) have negative impacts on native biodiversity and are changing biodiversity in almost all environments. Here, we study eight rocky shores at four sites containing reefs with invaded communities and other not-invaded (control) communities, to evaluate the effects of four marine invasive species on biological and functional diversity. We used the adjustment and selection approach of species abundance distribution models (SAD), taxonomic diversity indices and functional diversity indices based on hierarchical grouping matrices (FD—Functional Diversity). In addition to comparing invaded and not-invaded communities, we also performed the same analysis, but removed the invaders (AS removed) from the matrices. The geometric-series model was best adjusted to the majority of communities. The diversity indices suggest that the taxonomic diversity is lower in invaded communities, while the functional diversity indices suggest a change in the functional space of invaded and not-invaded communities, with a greater amount of functional space filled by species in the not-invaded communities. Taxonomic and functional diversity indices were successful in identifying processes that determine the biological diversity of invaded communities, as they seem to obey a pattern that reflects the reduced diversity of invaded communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Marine Invasive Species)

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Open AccessArticle

Bermuda’s Walsingham Caves: A Global Hotspot for Anchialine Stygobionts

Thomas M. Iliffe

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Fernando Calderón-Gutiérrez

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 352; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080352 - 30 Jul 2021

Abstract

Bermuda is an Eocene age volcanic island in the western North Atlantic, entirely capped by Pleistocene eolian limestone. The oldest and most highly karstified limestone is a 2 km² outcrop of the Walsingham Formation containing most of the island’s 150+ caves. Extensive networks of submerged cave passageways, flooded by saltwater, extend under the island. In the early 1980s, cave divers initially discovered an exceptionally rich and diverse anchialine community inhabiting deeper sections of the caves. The fauna inhabiting caves in the Walsingham Tract consists of 78 described species of cave-dwelling invertebrates, including 63 stygobionts and 15 stygophiles. Thus, it represents one of the world’s top hotspots of subterranean biodiversity. Of the anchialine fauna, 65 of the 78 species are endemic to Bermuda, while 66 of the 78 are crustaceans. The majority of the cave species are limited in their distribution to just one or only a few adjacent caves. Due to Bermuda’s high population density, water pollution, construction, limestone quarries, and trash dumping produce severe pressures on cave fauna and groundwater health. Consequently, the IUCN Red List includes 25 of Bermuda’s stygobiont species as critically endangered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity)

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Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of the Genetic Diversity of Local Steppe Cattle Breeds from Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan by Microsatellite Analysis of Museum and Modern Samples

Alexandra S. Abdelmanova

Veronika R. Kharzinova

Valeria V. Volkova

Arsen V. Dotsev

Alexander A. Sermyagin

Oksana I. Boronetskaya

Roman Yu. Chinarov

Evgeniya M. Lutshikhina

Johann Sölkner

Gottfried Brem

and

Natalia A. Zinovieva

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 351; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080351 - 30 Jul 2021

Abstract

The comparative molecular genetic study of museum and modern representatives of cattle breeds can help to elucidate the origin and maintenance of historical genetic components in modern populations. We generated the consensus genotypes for 11 microsatellite loci for 24 museum samples of Kalmyk, Kyrgyz, and Kazakh cattle, dated from the first quarter of the 20th century, and compared them with those of modern Kalmyk, Kyrgyz, and Kazakh white-headed breeds. The level of genetic diversity of the modern Kalmyk and Kyrgyz cattle (uHe = 0.771–0.778) was similar to those observed in the museum samples (uHe = 0.772–0.776), while a visible decrease in genetic variability in the modern Kazakh white-headed breed compared to museum Kazakh cattle was detected (uHe = 0.726 and 0.767, respectively). The PCA plot, F_ST- and Jost’s D-based networks, and STRUCTURE clustering provided strong evidence of the maintenance of the historical genetic background in modern populations of Kalmyk and Kyrgyz cattle. In spite of the allele pool of Kazakh white-headed cattle having undergone great changes compared to the museum Kazakh cattle, several animals still carry the visible aspect of the historical genetic components. Our results can be used for the selection of individuals for the creation of gene banks and may significantly improve the efficiency of conservation programs aimed at preserving genetic diversity in the national genetic resources of cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from 1st International Electronic Conference on Biological Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution (BDEE 2021))

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Open AccessArticle

Digital Droplet PCR-Based Environmental DNA Tool for Monitoring Cryptocaryon irritans in a Marine Fish Farm from Hong Kong

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Diversity 2021, 13(8), 350; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080350 - 29 Jul 2021

Abstract

The adoption of new investigative strategies based on environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used to monitor parasites, associated bacterial microbiomes, and physical-chemical parameters in fish farms. In this study, we used the economically important and globally distributed fish ciliate parasite Cryptocaryon irritans as a model to understand the parasite abundance and potential drivers of its presence in marine fish farms. Environmental (rainfall) and physical-chemical (temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH) data collected from a marine fish farm in Hong Kong were analyzed together with the eDNA approach targeting C. irritans abundance based on digital droplet PCR and 16S metagenomics to determine associations and triggers between parasites and specific bacterial groups. Rainfall and temperature demonstrated positive associations with high abundance of C. irritans (eDNA) at the studied marine fish cage farm. However, rainfall was the only parameter tested that demonstrated a significant association with parasite eDNA, indicating that the raining season is a risky period for fish farmers in Hong Kong. Coraliomargarita was the bacterial genus with the most significant relationship with low abundance of C. irritans in water. Understanding the environmental triggers of ciliate parasites propagation and associated bacterial microbiome could elucidate new insights into environmental control, microbial management, and promote the reduction of chemical use in marine fish farms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Using Environmental DNA as a Tool for Biomonitoring)

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Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) Hunting Behavior through Community Science

Emily R. Urquidi

and

Breanna J. Putman

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 349; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080349 - 29 Jul 2021

Abstract

It is increasingly important to study animal behaviors as these are the first responses organisms mount against environmental changes. Rattlesnakes, in particular, are threatened by habitat loss and human activity, and require costly tracking by researchers to quantify the behaviors of wild individuals. Here, we show how photo-vouchered observations submitted by community members can be used to study cryptic predators like rattlesnakes. We utilized two platforms, iNaturalist and HerpMapper, to study the hunting behaviors of wild Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes. From 220 observation photos, we quantified the direction of the hunting coil (i.e., “handedness”), microhabitat use, timing of observations, and age of the snake. With these data, we looked at whether snakes exhibited an ontogenetic shift in behaviors. We found no age differences in coil direction. However, there was a difference in the microhabitats used by juveniles and adults while hunting. We also found that juveniles were most commonly observed during the spring, while adults were more consistently observed throughout the year. Overall, our study shows the potential of using community science to study the behaviors of cryptic predators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Conservation and Ecology of Rattlesnakes)

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Open AccessArticle

Distinct Reproductive Strategy of Two Endemic Amazonian Quillworts

Vinnícius M. S. Gomes

Lísia M. S. Gestinari

Luis A. Prado

Fernando M. G. Santos

and

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 348; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080348 - 29 Jul 2021

Abstract

We examined the reproductive strategy of two Amazonian quillworts (Isoëtes cangae and Isoëtes serracarajensis), endemic and threatened species of canga ecosystems. Sexual propagation was examined by in vitro fertilization assays, while asexual propagation was examined by tiller emission. Isoëtes cangae is an outcrossing species that reproduces exclusively by spore germination and is able to propagate by self- and cross-fertilization. Isoëtes serracarajensis reproduces asexually by emitting tillers from the plant corm, despite producing male and female sporangia. These distinct reproductive strategies in the different species may be linked to their contrasting habitats. Isoëtes cangae inhabit a permanent oligotrophic lake with mild environmental changes, while I. serracarajensis are found in temporary ponds facing severe seasonal drought, where asexual propagation may represent an adaptive advantage to the short growth period during access to water. We also observed different relationships between plant growth and reproductive traits between the species, despite their common production of sporophytes with high survival rates. Together, these results are of paramount importance for establishing conservation plans for both species considering the advantages of sexual propagation to maintain the genetic diversity of I. cangae and the diligent management required to do the same with asexually propagated I. serracarajensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comparative and Functional Genomics of Land Plants)

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Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization of the Common Snook, Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch, 1792) in the Usumacinta Basin

Jazmín Terán-Martínez

Rocío Rodiles-Hernández

Marco A. A. Garduño-Sánchez

and

Claudia Patricia Ornelas-García

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 347; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080347 - 29 Jul 2021

Abstract

The common snook is one of the most abundant and economically important species in the Usumacinta basin in the Gulf of Mexico, which has led to overfishing, threatening their populations. The main goal of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity and structure of the common snook along the Usumacinta River in order to understand the population dynamics and conservation status of the species. We characterized two mitochondrial markers (mtCox1 and mtCytb) and 11 microsatellites in the Usumacinta basin, which was divided into three zones: rainforest, floodplain and river delta. The mitochondrial data showed very low diversity, showing some haplotypic diversity differences between the rainforest and delta zones. In contrast, we consistently recovered two genetic clusters in the Usumacinta River basin with the nuclear data in both the DAPC and STRUCTURE analyses. These results were consistent with the AMOVA analyses, which showed significant differences among the genetic clusters previously recovered by DAPC and STRUCTURE. In terms of diversity distribution, the floodplain zone corresponded to the most diverse zone according to the mitochondrial and nuclear data, suggesting that this is a transition zone in the basin. Our results support the relevance of the molecular characterization and monitoring of the fishery resources at the Usumacinta River to better understand their connectivity, which could help in their conservation and management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Organisms Research with DNA Barcodes)

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Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Diet Differences of Small Mammals in Commensal Habitats

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Diversity 2021, 13(8), 346; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080346 - 28 Jul 2021

Abstract

The stability of diversity of syntopic (inhabiting the same habitat in the same time) small mammals in commensal habitats, such as farmsteads and kitchen gardens, and, as a proxy of their diet, their isotopic niches, was investigated in Lithuania in 2019–2020. We tested whether the separation of species corresponds to the trophic guilds, whether their diets are related to possibilities of getting additional food from humans, and whether their diets are subject to seasonal trends. We analyzed diversity, dominance and distribution of hair δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values. Diversity and dominance was not stable and differed according to human influence. The highest small mammal species richness occurred in commensal habitats that provided additional food. The degree of separation of species was higher in homestead habitats than in kitchen gardens, where a 1.27% to 35.97% overlap of isotopic niches was observed between pairs of species. Temporal changes in δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values in the hair of the mammals were not equally expressed in different species. The isotopic overlap may depend on dietary plasticity, minimizing interspecific competition and allowing co-existence of syntopic species. Thus, small mammal trophic ecology is likely related to intensity of agricultural activities in the limited space of commensal habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity and Conservation of Terrestrial Small Mammals)

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Consumption Patterns of a Generalist Omnivore: Eastern Box Turtle Diets in the Long Island Pine Barrens

Miranda P. Figueras

Timothy M. Green

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Russell L. Burke

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 345; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080345 - 28 Jul 2021

Abstract

Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina) are diet generalists and as such are predicted to have diverse diets in which familiar, low-quality foods are eaten consistently at low levels, and high-quality foods are rare but eaten whenever available. Previous work showed that they feed opportunistically on seasonally available plants (shoots, leaves, flowers, and fruit), invertebrates, mushrooms, and occasionally carrion. We used fecal samples to test optimal foraging predictions relevant to diet generalists and also whether the Eastern Box Turtle diets varied seasonally in a northeastern U.S. pine-oak habitat. We found that in-depth prey species consumption patterns of six different individuals were similar to those of the sampled population overall. Leaf and stem material was consumed by 100% of the turtles in all months despite being lower-quality than other prey available. Invertebrates were consumed by at least 80% of turtles in every study period; Coleopterans were found more commonly than other invertebrates. Snails were not eaten by more than 20% of the turtles in any study period, and mushroom consumption varied from 31–75% of samples in different study periods. Monthly diet overlap was measured using both Pianka’s Index of Overlap (PIO) and the Morisita–Horn Index (MH). The PIO method indicated that the prey consumption patterns were broadly similar from June–October, while the M–H method showed that only the July vs. August comparison was highly similar. The turtle diets changed only slightly between seasons, and they conform to predictions of diet generalist models usually applied to mammals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reptile Community Ecology and Conservation)

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Open AccessArticle

Genome Sequence of Brevundimonas sp., an Arsenic Resistant Soil Bacterium

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Diversity 2021, 13(8), 344; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080344 - 27 Jul 2021

Abstract

Brevundimonas sp. is a bacteria able to grow in metal(loid) contaminated soil from Puchuncaví Valley, central Chile. This study has isolated a bacterial strain capable of growth under high doses of arsenic (As) (6000 mg L⁻¹), and a draft genome sequence was generated. Additionally, real-time PCR was performed to examine the effect of As on some genes related to As resistance. Results demonstrated a total of 3275 predicted annotated genes with several genes related to the ars operon, metal(loid) resistance-related genes, metal efflux pumps, and detoxifying enzymes. Real-time PCR showed that the arsB involved in the efflux of As was down-regulated, whereas arsR, arsH, and ACR3 did not show differences with the addition of As. Our study provides novel evidence of diverse As regulating systems in tolerant bacteria that will lead to a better understanding of how microorganisms overcome toxic elements and colonize As contaminated soils and to the possible use of their specific properties in bioremediation. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Integrative Taxonomy of New Zealand Stenopodidea (Crustacea: Decapoda) with New Species and Records for the Region

Kareen E. Schnabel

Qi Kou

and

Peng Xu

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 343; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080343 - 27 Jul 2021

Abstract

The New Zealand fauna of the crustacean infraorder Stenopodidea, the coral and sponge shrimps, is reviewed using both classical taxonomic and molecular tools. In addition to the three species so far recorded in the region, we report Spongicola goyi for the first time, and formally describe three new species of Spongicolidae. Following the morphological review and DNA sequencing of type specimens, we propose the synonymy of Spongiocaris yaldwyni with S. neocaledonensis and review a proposed broad Indo-West Pacific distribution range of Spongicoloides novaezelandiae. New records for the latter at nearly 54° South on the Macquarie Ridge provide the southernmost record for stenopodidean shrimp known to date. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Diversity of Marine Decapods)

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Open AccessReview

Insecticidal and Antiprotozoal Properties of Lichen Secondary Metabolites on Insect Vectors and Their Transmitted Protozoal Diseases to Humans

Arthur M. Muhoro

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Edit É. Farkas

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 342; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080342 - 26 Jul 2021

Abstract

Since the long-term application of synthetic chemicals as insecticides and the chemotherapy of protozoal diseases have had various negative effects (non-target effects, resistance), research on less harmful biological products is underway. This review is focused on lichens with potential insecticidal and antiprotozoal activity. Literature sources (27) were surveyed from five bibliographic databases and analyzed according to the taxonomic group of the insect, the protozoal disease and the lichen, the type of bioactive compounds (including method of application and mount applied), and the potential bioactivity based on mortalities caused after 24 h of exposure on insects and on parasitic protozoa. Six species of protozoa and five species of mosquitoes, three kinds of larval stages of insects and three protozoa stages were tested. Insecticidal and antiprotozoal effects of crude extracts and seven lichen secondary metabolites (mostly usnic acid) of 32 lichen species were determined. Physiological and morphological changes on parasitic protozoa were observed. Mortality rates caused by LSMs on insect vectors closer to (or somewhat above) the WHO threshold were considered to be insecticides. The results are based on laboratory experiments; however, the efficacy of metabolites should be confirmed in the field and on non-human primates to control the insect vectors and human protozoal diseases transmitted by insects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Lichens—Morphology, Anatomy, Physiology, Secondary Chemistry, Distribution and Their Use: Recent Aspects of Evergreen Topics)

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Open AccessArticle

Fishes of the Lower Lulua River (Kasai Basin, Central Africa): A Continental Hotspot of Ichthyofaunal Diversity under Threat

José J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene

Melanie L. J. Stiassny

Raoul J. C. Monsembula Iyaba

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Tobit L. D. Liyandja

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 341; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080341 - 26 Jul 2021

Abstract

The ichthyofauna of the Lulua River, a large right bank tributary of the Kasai River in central Africa, is among the most poorly documented in the Kasai ecoregion. To remedy this lack of knowledge, sampling was carried out between 2007 and 2014 along the main channel and in many tributaries. A total of 201 species distributed in 81 genera, 24 families, and 12 orders are reported from the lower reaches of the Lulua. The species richness reported in this study represents a substantially improved documentation of the Lulua ichthyofauna (historically estimated at only 79 species). Here, 129 species are recorded for the first time, bringing the total number of known species to 208. Among these, five have recently been described: Raiamas brachyrhabdotos Katemo Manda, Snoeks, Choca Manda, and Vreven 2018, Distichodus kasaiensis Moelants, Snoeks, and Vreven, 2018, Distichodus polli Abwe, Snoeks, Choca Manda, and Vreven 2019, Epiplatys atractus Van Der Zee, Mbimbi, and Sonnenberg 2013, and Hypsopanchax stiassnyae Van Der Zee, Sonnenberg, and Mbimbi 2015; numerous additional taxa are currently under investigation. Recognized here as a continental hotspot of ichthyofaunal diversity, the Lulua is under extreme threat from exploitation of forest products for building materials, deforestation for shifting agriculture and charcoal exploitation, destructive fishing practices, and mining, all of which are rapidly increasing in the watershed. The present study provides baseline documentation for use in conservation planning and future developmental projects in the Kasai ecoregion in general and Lulua River basin in particular. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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Microbial Community’s Dynamic Response to Fomesafen Usage in Chermozems of Northeast China

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Diversity 2021, 13(8), 340; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080340 - 26 Jul 2021

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to explore the effects of the recommended usage level and twice the recommended usage level of the long-acting herbicide fomesafen on the soil enzymes and microbial community structure in chernozems of soybean fields. Culturable microbial biomass and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) were used as the main references for this evaluation. The digestion curve of fomesafen in soil conforms to the law of a single exponential function. The activities of four soil enzymes decreased significantly when exposed to twice the recommended amount, and then returned to the control level. The inhibition of the fungal and bacterial biomass section of culturable microorganisms in soil at twice the recommended usage level was greater than that under the recommended usage level, and this dosage also stimulated the rapid recovery of the initial level of fungal biomass before the application of fomesafen. The PLFA analysis showed that the ratio of GN/GP decreased significantly, and soil pressure increased significantly. Compared with the recommended usage level, the effect of twice the recommended usage level of fomesafen on soil microbial community structures was more significant. This provides a reference for environmental location recommendations, environmental safety assessments, and the rational use of herbicides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Diversity and Culture Collections)

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Open AccessArticle

Transference of Citizen Science Program Impacts: A Theory Grounded in Public Participation in Scientific Research

Louise I. Lynch-O’Brien

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Diversity 2021, 13(8), 339; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080339 - 25 Jul 2021

Abstract

Citizen science is known for increasing the geographic, spatial, and temporal scale from which scientists can gather data. It is championed for its potential to provide experiential learning opportunities to the public. Documentation of educational outcomes and benefits for citizen scientists continues to grow. This study proposes an added benefit of these collaborations: the transference of program impacts to individuals outside of the program. The experiences of fifteen citizen scientists in entomology citizen science programs were analyzed using a constructivist grounded theory methodology. We propose the substantive-level theory of transference to describe the social process by which the educational and attitudinal impacts intended by program leaders for the program participants are filtered by citizen scientists and transferred to others. This process involves individual and external phases, each with associated actions. Transference occurred in participants who had maintained a long-term interest in nature, joined a citizen science program, shared science knowledge and experiences, acquired an expert role to others, and influenced change in others. Transference has implications for how citizen scientists are perceived by professional communities, understanding of the broader impacts and contributions of citizen science to wicked problems, program evaluation, and the design of these programs as informal science education opportunities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Citizen Science for Biodiversity Conservation: Harnessing the Power of the Public to Address Wicked Conservation Problems)

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Open AccessArticle

How Does Circadian Rhythm Shape Host-Parasite Associations? A Comparative Study on Infection Patterns in Diurnal and Nocturnal Raptors

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Diversity 2021, 13(8), 338; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080338 - 23 Jul 2021

Abstract

Infection patterns of parasites, including their prevalence, diversity and host specificity, can be impacted by many biological and environmental factors, but no study has focused on the circadian rhythms of vertebrate hosts, which may affect susceptibilities and encounter rates between hosts and vectors and further shape host-parasite associations. In this study, we focused on avian haemosporidians, a classical model in studies of host-parasite associations, and investigated the infection patterns in rescued raptors brought to the Beijing Raptor Rescue Center during 2007–2020. We first assessed the association between prevalence and host biotic traits; haemosporidian prevalence was higher in the nocturnal raptors than in the diurnal raptors, and the prevalence of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon in the nocturnal raptors was significantly higher than that in the diurnal raptors. Furthermore, we analysed the phylogenetic relationship and host-parasite network-level differences of haemosporidian parasites in diurnal and nocturnal raptors, and demonstrated that the lineages infecting the diurnal and nocturnal raptors were not clearly separated, but the nocturnal lifestyle led to a more specialized host-parasite network structure. These variations in host-parasite associations may be driven by different susceptibilities of the hosts and the diversity or abundance of vectors during the day and night. Our study provides new insight into host-parasite associations shaped by circadian rhythm and calls for more studies on the underlying mechanisms of parasite infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bird Parasites)

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Open AccessReview

COLMENA: A Culture Collection of Native Microorganisms for Harnessing the Agro-Biotechnological Potential in Soils and Contributing to Food Security

Sergio de los Santos-Villalobos

Alondra María Díaz-Rodríguez

María Fernanda Ávila-Mascareño

Andrea Denisse Martínez-Vidales

and

Fannie Isela Parra-Cota

Diversity 2021, 13(8), 337; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13080337 - 23 Jul 2021

Abstract

COLMENA is a microbial culture collection dedicated to the characterization, classification, preservation, and transferal of native microorganisms isolated from various agro-systems and other ecosystems in Mexico. This collection aims to protect microbial diversity, reducing soil degradation, but also exploiting its agro-biotechnological potential. So far, COLMENA has isolated and cryopreserved soil microorganisms from different crops in two major agricultural regions in Mexico, the Yaqui Valley, Sonora, and the Fuerte Valley, Sinaloa. COLMENA has specialized in the identification and characterization of microbial strains with metabolic capacities related to the promotion of plant growth and the biocontrol of phytopathogens. Thus, COLMENA has identified several promising plant growth-promoting microbial (PGPM) strains due to their metabolic and genetic potentials and their beneficial effects in vivo and field trials. These findings demonstrate the biotechnological potential of these strains for their future use in profitable agricultural alternatives focused on enhancing global food security. To share the knowledge and results of the COLMENA team’s scientific research, a virtual platform was created, where the database of the studied and preserved microorganisms is available to professionals, researchers, agricultural workers, and anyone who is interested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Culture Collections as Hidden Sources of Microbial Biomolecules and Biodiversity)

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