Die Naturwissenschaften[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Exploring the morphology and taphonomy of Archaeoniscus brodiei-a gregarious, Early Cretaceous isopod.
Bicknell RDC, Klompmaker AA, Smith PM … +1 more , Hegna TA
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Feb · PMID 39928166 · Full text
Marine isopod fossils represent a small component of the crustacean fossil record, contrasting the exceptional modern diversity of marine representatives of Isopoda. Examination of previously documented isopod species th...
Marine isopod fossils represent a small component of the crustacean fossil record, contrasting the exceptional modern diversity of marine representatives of Isopoda. Examination of previously documented isopod species therefore presents an opportunity to derive additional paleobiological and taphonomic insight of these rare fossils. Here we consider two clusters of Archaeoniscus brodiei from the Lower Cretaceous (middle to upper Berriasian) Intermarine Member of the Durlston Formation, England. The individuals within the clusters are mostly complete, of similar size ranges, and are preserved on two different bedding planes. After examining these individuals, we illustrate, for the first time, appendages and eyes of A. brodiei. The appendage morphology supports the interpretation of A. brodiei as an isopod adapted to a benthic lifestyle. We propose that isopods from the Durlston Formation follow similar taphonomic pathways to arthropods preserved within plattenkalk-like deposits, resulting in enrichment in calcium carbonate and phosphate. Finally, the clusters reflect gregarious activities that were preserved during hypoxic events brought on by concurrent decay of algal blooms.
Correlation between pollen morphology, karyotype, floral pigments, and scent components and morphological classification of 15 species and hybrids of Syringa L.
Qian F, Zhai X, Cheng Z … +8 more , Yu Z, Chen G, Gao Y, Sun L, Fang L, Yang S, Xu S, Liu H
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Feb · PMID 39907770 · Publisher ↗
In this paper, the pollen morphology characteristics, chromosome karyotype characteristics, floral pigments, and scents components of 15 species and hybrids of Syringa L. were obtained by means of scanning electron micro...
In this paper, the pollen morphology characteristics, chromosome karyotype characteristics, floral pigments, and scents components of 15 species and hybrids of Syringa L. were obtained by means of scanning electron microscopy, root tips quash method, HPLC-MS, and GC-MS, and the 15 species and hybrids of Syringa L. were clustered separately with each index. Results show that the 15 species and hybrids of Syringa L. are clustered into four different groups separately by each index. In morphological taxonomy, S. microphylla Diels and S. microphylla 'ShuangJi', which belong to the Ser. Pubescentes family, original and hybrid species, most varieties of Ser. Syraega are basically cluster into the same group, which is consistent with morphological taxonomy. The findings indicate that the aforementioned four indicators are significantly related to the morphological classification of Syringa L. Among them, the clustering results of pollen morphology were the most consistent with morphological classification. The relationship between the above four aspects and the morphological classification of Syringa L. groups has not been reported in previous related researches, especially indicating the relationship between microscopic morphological indicators, specific physiological components and Syringa morphological classification. The research results have novelty, scientificity and comprehensiveness.
Direct repeats found in the vicinity of intron splice sites.
Rogers SO, Bendich AJ
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jan · PMID 39883174 · Full text
Four main classes of introns (group I, group II, spliceosomal, and archaeal) have been reported for all major types of RNA from nuclei and organelles of a wide range of taxa. When and how introns inserted within the geni...
Four main classes of introns (group I, group II, spliceosomal, and archaeal) have been reported for all major types of RNA from nuclei and organelles of a wide range of taxa. When and how introns inserted within the genic regions of genomes, however, is often unclear. Introns were examined from Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. Up to 80 bp surrounding each of the 5' and 3' intron/exon borders were compared to search for direct repeats (DRs). For each of the 213 introns examined, DNA sequence analysis revealed DRs at or near the intron/exon borders, ranging from 4 to 30 bp in length, with a mean of 11.4 bp. More than 80% of the repeats were within 10 bp of the intron/exon borders. The numbers of DRs 6-30 bp in length were greater than expected by chance. When a DNA segment moves into a new genomic location, the insertion involves a double-strand DNA break that must be repaired to maintain genome stability and often results in a pair of DRs that now flank the insert. This insertion process applies to both mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as transposons, and to introns as reported here. The DNA break at the insertion site may be caused by transposon-like events or recombination. Thus, introns and transposons appear to be members of a group of parasitic MGEs that secondarily may benefit their host cell and have expanded greatly in eukaryotes from their prokaryotic ancestors.
Morphological and DNA analysis of pollen grains on butterfly individuals reveal their flower visitation history.
Nammoku Y, Nikkeshi A, Terai Y … +2 more , Ushimaru A, Kinoshita M
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jan · PMID 39873746 · Publisher ↗
Many butterfly species are conspicuous flower visitors. However, understanding their flower visitation patterns in natural habitats remains challenging due to the difficulty of tracking individual butterflies. Therefore,...
Many butterfly species are conspicuous flower visitors. However, understanding their flower visitation patterns in natural habitats remains challenging due to the difficulty of tracking individual butterflies. Therefore, we aimed at establishing a protocol to solve the problem using the Common five-ring butterfly, Ypthima argus (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae). Focusing on the pollen grains attached the butterfly's body surface, we examined validities of two pollen analyses based on pollen morphology and DNA markers (ITS1 and ITS2), in addition to the classical route census method. We captured thirty-nine butterflies from mid-April to early July and collected pollen grains from each individual. Morphological and DNA analyses of collected pollens identified eighteen and thirty-four taxa of insect pollinated plants respectively, including woody plants such as Castanopsis. The DNA analysis detected as many as thirteen plant taxa from a single butterfly, indicating its high sensitivity for detecting flower visitation. We detected more plant taxa in May when many individuals were flying. This is assumingly related to the post emergence days of the butterflies with more foraging experience. We also found that fluctuations of pollen grain numbers of Leucanthemum vulgare and Erigeron philadelphicus on individual butterflies depend on their flowering periods overlapping partly. Consequently, we conclude that pollen morphology and DNA barcoding analysis, and field observations are mutually complementary techniques, providing an integrated pollen analysis method to study the pollination ecology of butterflies.
Developmental basis of natural tooth shape variation in cichlid fishes.
Bloomquist RF
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jan · PMID 39869142 · Full text
While most dentate non-mammalian vertebrates possess simple conical teeth, some demonstrate complex tooth shapes. Lake Malawi cichlid fishes are an extreme example of this, exhibiting a myriad of tooth shapes driven by a...
While most dentate non-mammalian vertebrates possess simple conical teeth, some demonstrate complex tooth shapes. Lake Malawi cichlid fishes are an extreme example of this, exhibiting a myriad of tooth shapes driven by an ecologically derived rapid evolution of closely related but distinct species. Tooth shape in mammals is generally considered to be established by signaling centers called primary and secondary enamel knots, which are not believed to be present in non-mammalian vertebrates. In this study, signaling centers of gene expression with epithelial folding with similar molecular patterns to that of mammalian enamel knots are identified, and differences of asymmetric gene expression are identified between fish that possess species specific polymorphisms of either bicuspid or tricuspid teeth. Gene expression is then manipulated indirectly using a small molecule inhibitor of the Notch pathway, resulting in phenotypical aberrations of tooth shape and patterning, including a mimic of a tricuspid tooth in a fish with a naturally occurring bicuspid dentition. This study provides insight into the evolutionary origins of tooth shape and advances our knowledge of the molecular determinants of dental morphology with translational utility in regenerative dentistry.
Discrepancies in the number of lines of arrested growth (LAG) in the tissues of the humerus and phalanx of sea turtles.
Sandık E, Sönmez B, Özdilek ŞY
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jan · PMID 39847104 · Full text
Information on the age of vertebrate species such as sea turtles is crucial for planning management and conservation actions. The age of sea turtles has been estimated by skeletochronological analysis using skeletal grow...
Information on the age of vertebrate species such as sea turtles is crucial for planning management and conservation actions. The age of sea turtles has been estimated by skeletochronological analysis using skeletal growth marks in different bones. This study focused on the consistency of the number of visible lines of arrested growth (LAG) observed from the humerus and phalanx bone used for age estimation in Chelonia mydas and Caretta caretta. We collected 67 humeri and phalanges of C. mydas (n = 47) and C. caretta (n = 20) from Samandağ beach, eastern Mediterranean in 2020-2022. LAG in the humerus and phalanx of the same individual were counted by two readers, and their consistency with each other was determined by percent agreement (PA), average percent error (APE), and coefficient of variation (CV). The significance of the difference between them was determined by the McNemar test. The mean number of visible LAG counted from the humerus is greater than the mean number of visible LAG counted from the phalanx, i.e., the humerus contains more growth marks than the phalanx. However, in individuals up to 15 LAG in C. mydas and 10 LAG in C. caretta, the mean number of visible LAG observed in both bone tissues is compatible. This was supported by the differences in the resorption rates calculated in both bones, indicating that the number of LAG lost due to resorption may also differ between these two bone types. It is recommended that the back calculation and/or correction factor applied for the humerus be avoided for the phalanx.
Polarized vision in the eyes of the most effective predators: dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata).
Cezário RR, Lopez VM, Datto-Liberato F … +3 more , Bybee SM, Gorb S, Guillermo-Ferreira R
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jan · PMID 39836264 · Full text
Polarization is a property of light that describes the oscillation of the electric field vector. Polarized light can be detected by many invertebrate animals, and this visual channel is widely used in nature. Insects rel...
Polarization is a property of light that describes the oscillation of the electric field vector. Polarized light can be detected by many invertebrate animals, and this visual channel is widely used in nature. Insects rely on light polarization for various purposes, such as water detection, improving contrast, breaking camouflage, navigation, and signaling during mating. Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are highly visual insects with polarization sensitivity for water detection and likely also navigation. Thus, odonates can serve as ideal models for investigating the ecology and evolution of polarized light perception. We provide an overview of the current state of knowledge concerning polarized light sensitivity in these insects. Specifically, we review recent findings related to the ecological, morphological, and physiological causes that enable these insects to perceive polarized light and discuss the optical properties responsible for the reflection of polarized light by their bodies and wings. Finally, we identify gaps in the current research and suggest future directions that can help to further advance our knowledge of polarization sensitivity in odonates.
Fingerprint resemblance amongst siblings and non-siblings - Forensic and anthropological implications.
Rana A, Siwan D, Meena R … +2 more , Verma R, Krishan K
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jan · PMID 39836247 · Publisher ↗
Fingerprints hold a crucial position in forensic science, primarily for identification purposes, with thumbprints emerging as the most frequently recovered evidence at crime scenes. The main purpose of the present study...
Fingerprints hold a crucial position in forensic science, primarily for identification purposes, with thumbprints emerging as the most frequently recovered evidence at crime scenes. The main purpose of the present study was to conduct a comparative analysis of thumbprints of siblings and non-sibling pairs to investigate resemblance and similarities in fingerprint patterns. Thumbprints of 144 individuals (72 siblings and 72 non-siblings) from 36 families were obtained. Jaccard Similarity Index was employed to analyse the similarity between the fingerprint patterns of siblings and non-siblings. The strength of association between the variables is evaluated by chi-square and Cramer's V tests. The results indicated a significant similarity (69.44%) in thumbprint patterns among sibling pairs, demonstrating congruence in their right thumbprints, while non-sibling pairs exhibited a mere 30.56% similarity in the right thumbprints. Statistical analyses revealed a significant association (p = 0.0002) between sibling pairs, indicating a strong correlation in right-hand thumbprint patterns. The study bears substantial implications across various fields, including anthropology, population genetics, medical genetics and forensic science. Moreover, it may facilitate the examination of population similarities and variations and may aid in enhancing forensic investigations by identifying familial resemblance and similarity.
Life in the dead shell: utilization of dead Pinna shells by the blenny fish Petroscirtes variabilis Cantor, 1849 (Blennidae).
Prakash S, Kumar A
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jan · PMID 39836170 · Publisher ↗
The seagrass ecosystem supports a diverse range of marine life, including fish, crabs, and seahorses. It plays a vital role in providing essential services such as habitat creation, nutrient cycling, and shoreline stabil...
The seagrass ecosystem supports a diverse range of marine life, including fish, crabs, and seahorses. It plays a vital role in providing essential services such as habitat creation, nutrient cycling, and shoreline stabilization. In the present study, we conducted line intercept transects to assess the abundance of Pinna shells in seagrass meadows of the Sangumal region in the Palk Bay, India. Among the 30 transects surveyed, we observed a total of 33 Pinna shells. Ten shells were found to be empty, while 6 hosted blenny fish. The fish were identified as saber-tooth blenny Petroscirtes variabilis Cantor, 1849, via integrative taxonomy (morphology + cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene phylogeny). The phylogenetic tree based on the maximum likelihood inference method indicated that P. variabilis clustered together with other sequences of P. variabilis available in the NCBI GenBank. We also revealed the importance of empty Pinna shells acting as refugia for blenny fish, which was evident from the presence of eggs attached to the shells.
Revisiting the neuroanatomy of Massetognathus pascuali (Eucynodontia: Cynognathia) from the early Late Triassic of South America using Neutron Tomography.
Medina TGM, Martinelli AG, Gaetano LC … +5 more , Roese-Miron L, Tartaglione A, Backs A, Novas FE, Kerber L
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jan · PMID 39821074 · Publisher ↗
This paper analyzes the paleoneurology (cranial endocast and maxillary canal) of Massetognathus pascuali, an iconic non-mammaliaform cynodont from the early Late Triassic of South America, using Neutron Tomography. The a...
This paper analyzes the paleoneurology (cranial endocast and maxillary canal) of Massetognathus pascuali, an iconic non-mammaliaform cynodont from the early Late Triassic of South America, using Neutron Tomography. The application of neutron tomography holds the potential for uncovering more refined anatomical and quantitative data. The newly examined cranial endocast shows a forebrain with a tubular shape without an interhemispheric fissure, presence of a pineal body (with a closed parietal foramen), and a marked unossified zone. In comparison with a smaller, putatively juvenile specimen previously studied (PVL 4016), the new endocast exhibits a similar degree of encephalization, indicating little change in relative brain size between both ontogenetic stages. In the context of cynognathian brain evolution, M. pascuali maintained a low encephalization quotient, typical of early cynognathians, contrasting with the higher values of some Late Triassic taxa. The maxillary canal of M. pascuali is described here for the first time. It is considerably ramified, although slightly less than in some early cynognathians, following the general pattern of non-probainognathians and suggesting the absence of a flexible rhinarium or mobile vibrissae. By integrating endocast data with the maxillary canal, this study offers enhanced insights into the neurosensory ecology of M. pascuali, thereby deepening our understanding of its biology and ecological interactions.
Mandibular anatomy of a new specimen of a prozostrodontian cynodont (Eucynodontia: Probainognathia) from the Upper Triassic of Brazil.
Dotto PH, Roese-Miron L, Cabreira SF … +3 more , Roberto-da-Silva L, Pretto FA, Kerber L
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jan · PMID 39808199 · Publisher ↗
Prozostrodontia is a clade of probainognathian cynodonts that exhibit several morphological innovations later inherited by mammals. The earliest representatives of this group have been found in the Upper Triassic deposit...
Prozostrodontia is a clade of probainognathian cynodonts that exhibit several morphological innovations later inherited by mammals. The earliest representatives of this group have been found in the Upper Triassic deposits of southern Brazil. In this study, we report the discovery of a probainognathian cynodont from the Buriol site (São João do Polêsine, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil), Hyperodapedon Assemblage Zone (Late Triassic). This site is well-known for its record of archosauromorphs. The specimen consists of a right dentary preserving one incisor, one canine, and seven postcanine teeth. Its morphology suggests a close relationship with early prozostrodonts, particularly Prozostrodon brasiliensis. Key traits supporting this affinity include the non-fused symphysis, a thin groove for the dental lamina, and distal postcanine with a central cusp slightly distally oriented and showing a lingual cingulum. Unusually, the incisor displays serrations on its mesial and distal margins and the canine on its distal margin, a rare feature among probainognathians. However, the fragmentary nature of the specimen and the limited comparative data preclude a more specific taxonomic assignment. Nevertheless, it contributes to our understanding of the morphological diversity within Carnian probainognathians. It also expands the known fauna of the Buriol site, which now includes cynodonts alongside rhynchosaurs, aetosaurs, early dinosaurs, and lagerpetids.
Unveiling a novel morphometric approach in claws and canines for species discrimination and age stratification in leopard (Panthera pardus fusca).
Pavithra R, Thunnisa AM, Vasanthakumari D … +1 more , Udhayan A
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jan · PMID 39775932 · Publisher ↗
Eurybiomic big cats are facing significant threats from poaching, which is driven by recreation, taxidermy and wildlife trade. Species identification and age estimation are important for effective conservation management...
Eurybiomic big cats are facing significant threats from poaching, which is driven by recreation, taxidermy and wildlife trade. Species identification and age estimation are important for effective conservation management and enforcement of wildlife protection regulations. In this study, we present novel comprehensive morphometric methods for species identification and age estimation in leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) using canine and claw, the major trade articles. The study included 42 canines and 135 claw samples from five known age groups collected during post-mortem examination from all over the state of Tamil Nadu in south India. The samples were visually examined, and key morphological traits were accurately examined. Radiographic assessment of canines revealed the chronological age estimation, and tooth wear observation afforded supportive insight and evidence for the standards. Micro-feature observations of canine and claw samples using a scanning electron microscope ascertained the credibility of the samples. Multi-dimensional assessment of species and age of the samples by morphometric method led to the development of a reliable and accessible tool for dealing with confiscated specimens or samples with limited DNA quality. Notably, our novel methodology demonstrates efficacy in identifying illegally traded leopard canines and claws without causing any damage to the sample, thereby fortifying legal efforts against wildlife trafficking. In conclusion, this research introduces a sophisticated framework for species discrimination and age stratification in Panthera pardus fusca, merging cutting-edge technologies with classical morphometric analyses. The derived insights not only advance our understanding of leopard ecology but also furnish critical tools for conservationists and law enforcement agencies combating the illicit wildlife trade.
Behavioral corroboration that Saitis barbipes jumping spiders cannot discriminate between males' red and black ornaments.
Plate J, Tedore C
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jan · PMID 39775916 · Publisher ↗
Physiological or genetic assays and computational modeling are valuable tools for understanding animals' visual discrimination capabilities. Yet sometimes, the results generated by these methods appear not to jive with o...
Physiological or genetic assays and computational modeling are valuable tools for understanding animals' visual discrimination capabilities. Yet sometimes, the results generated by these methods appear not to jive with other aspects of an animal's appearance or natural history, and behavioral confirmatory tests are warranted. Here we examine the peculiar case of a male jumping spider that displays red, black, white, and UV color patches during courtship despite the fact that, according to microspectrophotometry and color vision modeling, they are unlikely able to discriminate red from black. To test whether some optical or neurological component could have been missed using these methods, we conduct mate choice experiments. Some females are presented with a choice between males with their red leg coloration painted over with either red or black paint, while other females are presented with a choice between males with the same coloration painted over by either red or white paint. This latter pairing of red and white males should have been easily distinguishable to the spiders and served as a control to ensure our experimental setup was conducive to natural mating behavior. Red males were more likely to mate than white males (P = 0.035), whereas red and black males had identical mating success (P = 1.0). This suggests that previous physiological and computational work on these spiders was correct in concluding that they are unable to discriminate between red and black. Any functional significance of displaying both colors, rather than only black, remains unresolved.
Individual identity of alarm calls in wild-living Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii).
Volodin IA, Kirilyuk VE, Vasilieva NA … +1 more , Volodina EV
Naturwissenschaften · 2024 Dec · PMID 39706926 · Publisher ↗
We investigated acoustic variation responsible for the individuality of alarm calls produced by 50 Brandt's voles Lasiopodomys brandtii derived from 50 different wild-living colonies. For the first time, we described the...
We investigated acoustic variation responsible for the individuality of alarm calls produced by 50 Brandt's voles Lasiopodomys brandtii derived from 50 different wild-living colonies. For the first time, we described the calling pattern of Brandt's voles, producing a long series of short alarm calls with short inter-call intervals. The alarm calls displayed four different contours of fundamental frequency but were nevertheless strongly individually distinct within a series of 50 successive alarm calls per caller (2500 analyzed alarm calls). The average value of correct assignment of alarm calls to individuals with discriminant function analysis was 15 times higher than the value expected by chance and was robust, not decreasing with cross-validation. We discuss that the highly individualistic alarm calls provide a basis for individual recognition of callers by colony members. At the same time, heterogeneity of call contours makes the long call series less monotonous, potentially preventing habituation and promoting alertness of conspecific call recipients.
The first fossil longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Australia.
Hart LJ, Ślipiński A, Frese M … +2 more , Djokic T, McCurry MR
Naturwissenschaften · 2024 Dec · PMID 39680141 · Publisher ↗
Longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) are globally distributed insects with important ecological roles. Here we present the first discovery of fossil longhorn beetles from Australia. The two new taxa described, Ventiala...
Longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) are globally distributed insects with important ecological roles. Here we present the first discovery of fossil longhorn beetles from Australia. The two new taxa described, Ventiala beattiei gen. et sp. nov. and Ferrucornus gulgongensis gen. et sp. nov. are from McGraths Flat, New South Wales, a finely-layered (laminated) fossiliferous goethite deposit dated to the Miocene (11-16 million years ago). One specimen hosts a nematode, providing rare insight into ancient species interactions. These findings enhance our understanding of Miocene mesic ecosystems and underscore the importance of McGraths Flat as a crucial site for studying the evolutionary history of Australia's terrestrial arthropod biodiversity.
Hooding cobras can get ahead of other snakes in the ability to evoke human fear.
Frynta D, Štolhoferová I, Elmi HSA … +8 more , Janovcová M, Rudolfová V, Rexová K, Sommer D, Král D, Berti DA, Landová E, Frýdlová P
Naturwissenschaften · 2024 Dec · PMID 39630242 · Full text
Fear of snakes is common not only in humans but also in other primates. Consequently, snakes are salient stimuli associated with prioritized attention, early detection and emotional significance. This has been interprete...
Fear of snakes is common not only in humans but also in other primates. Consequently, snakes are salient stimuli associated with prioritized attention, early detection and emotional significance. This has been interpreted as an adaptive evolutionary response of the primate brain to a risk of envenoming by a hidden snake. However, the struggle between mammals and snakes is not one-sided. Humans and carnivores regularly kill snakes, and thus snakes develop deterring defensive behaviour that may directly evoke enhanced fear. Here, we show that snakes depicted in threatening posture evoked on average more fear than those in resting posture. Significantly, African (Somali) and European (Czech) respondents considerably agreed on the relative fear elicited by various snakes. Nonetheless, not all defensive postures are equally efficient. Threatening cobras were perceived as top fear-evoking stimuli, even though most of them are not considered very frightening in resting posture. This effect can be attributed to their conspicuous hooding posture which evolved into an efficient warning signal for mammalian predators. Our result demonstrates that cobras are more effective than other snakes in the ability to evoke human fear by a simple behavioural display-hooding. This can be primarily explained by the behavioural evolution of cobras which successfully exploited pre-existing cognitive mechanisms of mammals. Whether human ancestors cohabiting with deadly venomous cobras further improved their fear response to hooding is uncertain, but likely.
Using ensemble modeling to predict the current distribution of Pistacia atlantica Desf. in Algeria.
Aloui M, Neffar S, Chenchouni H
Naturwissenschaften · 2024 Nov · PMID 39560676 · Publisher ↗
To understand the distribution of Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) in Algeria, we analyzed the environmental factors influencing its habitat. This study employs an ensemble modelling (EM) approach, a robust pre...
To understand the distribution of Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) in Algeria, we analyzed the environmental factors influencing its habitat. This study employs an ensemble modelling (EM) approach, a robust predictive technique in ecological niche modelling that enables us to identify critical environmental drivers affecting plant distributions across different ecosystems' focal species. The EM incorporated four prediction algorithms (generalized linear model, boosted regression trees, random forest, and maximum entropy algorithms); we modelled Atlas pistachio's niche with 2810 occurrence points and 32 environmental variables, including climatic, edaphic, topographic, and anthropogenic factors. The model demonstrated high accuracy, with an AUC of 0.97 and TSS of 0.88. Key factors influencing distribution were precipitation in the driest month (Bio14), soil bulk density (BD), cation exchange capacity (CEC), human modification, and average diurnal amplitude (Bio2), with a relative importance of 20.1%, 12.7%, 6.7%, 4.9%, and 3.1%, respectively. These findings underscore the utility of ensemble modelling to pinpoint specific environmental variables critical to the species' presence and ecological adaptability, which has broader implications for other plant species in arid landscapes. Notably, the probability of Atlas pistachio occurrence increased with BD and decreased with CEC and human influence. Our results emphasize the EM approach as a versatile tool in ecological modelling, facilitating species-specific analyses that contribute to broader ecological restoration efforts, especially in degraded arid and semi-arid regions. This study advances our understanding of Atlas pistachio's environmental requirements and highlights the importance of EM in developing targeted programs to restore degraded ecosystems.
Discovering spider fly (Diptera: Acroceridae) hosts and their biology using citizen science.
Barahona-Segovia RM, Montenegro Vargas R, Rojas R … +2 more , Aguilera MA, González CR
Naturwissenschaften · 2024 Nov · PMID 39531088 · Publisher ↗
Acroceridae are active parasitoids of mygalomorph spiders. However, little is known of their interaction numbers and biology in the Neotropics. In this study, we present 15 new records of acrocerid-mygalomorph interactio...
Acroceridae are active parasitoids of mygalomorph spiders. However, little is known of their interaction numbers and biology in the Neotropics. In this study, we present 15 new records of acrocerid-mygalomorph interactions, adding new biological information about spider fly development. Mygalomorph spiders were captured in the field and maintained in captivity, and the development time of acrocerids was followed from the 4th instar to adulthood. Only seven acrocerid flies were able to complete their development. The acrocerids obtained were Arrhynchus stuardoi, Arrhynchus maculatus, and Archipialea sp. The total recorded development time (from the point where the larva leaves its host to the eclosion of the adult fly) of the spider flies was between 20 and 29 days. The collaboration of citizen scientists could be a useful alternative in the future to fill gaps in the biological and ecological information about these parasitoid flies.
Postdoctoral struggles in the Global South: insights from India.
Khadakkar S, van Nouhuys S
Naturwissenschaften · 2024 Nov · PMID 39527126 · Publisher ↗
The global postdoctoral community faces many challenges including low pay, irregular benefits, little job security amid cost-of-living hikes, challenges to mental health, and power imbalances. Conclusions from the 2020 a...
The global postdoctoral community faces many challenges including low pay, irregular benefits, little job security amid cost-of-living hikes, challenges to mental health, and power imbalances. Conclusions from the 2020 and 2023 global postdoctoral surveys by Nature highlighting these struggles are highly skewed towards respondents from the Global North, underrepresenting the Global South. Here, we address the postdoctoral struggles of scholars in the Global South who are more vulnerable due to low-income economy and patriarchal society that discriminates against women. We argue that neglecting postdoctoral researchers in basic science fields, women and scholars from local and regional universities will affect global academic and research outputs. We recommend sustainable, long-term solutions such as "Postdoc Representative Body" ensuring just and wider postdoctoral benefits at country level to secure postdoctoral benefits in the Global South.
Extracts from the leaves of knotweeds (Reynoutria spp.) have a stimulating effect on the germination and initial growth of wheat grains.
Šerá B, Doshi P, Věchet L
Naturwissenschaften · 2024 Nov · PMID 39499314 · Full text
Knotweed (Reynoutria sp.) plants are known in the world mainly as invasive plants. However, it is known that their rhizomes or leaves contain secondary metabolites with biological activity. Our goal was to determine whic...
Knotweed (Reynoutria sp.) plants are known in the world mainly as invasive plants. However, it is known that their rhizomes or leaves contain secondary metabolites with biological activity. Our goal was to determine which of the three knotweed plants (Reynoutria japonica, Reynoutria × bohemica, and Reynoutria sachalinensis) is most suitable for seed growth stimulation. We tested alcoholic extracts of all three knotweed species by seed priming method on wheat germination and seedling characteristics, when 12 measured characteristics were monitored. Extracts from all three species of Reynoutria sp. generally showed an improvement in wheat germination and growth compared to the control. R. × bohemica appears to be the best source for stimulating wheat growth, as seedling vigor indexes I and II, R/S dry weight, shoot and seedling lengths, root, shoot, and seedling dry weights were significantly different (ANOVA, Duncan's test, α < 0.05). The plants Reynoutria spp. seem to be possible sources for the protection and stimulation of agriculture crops.
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