- Department:(Dept. 2) Community and Ecosystem Ecology
Incongruent latitudinal patterns of taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity reveal different drivers of caddisfly community assembly across spatial scales
The authors explored the contributions of local vs regional processes and historical vs contemporary factors in establishing macroecological patterns, by assessing the distribution of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of caddisfly across the latitudinal gradient in Europe. This shows the importance of regional environmental filtering and the origin of northern communities.
Antecedent lake conditions shape resistance and resilience of a shallow lake ecosystem following extreme wind storms
The goal was to develop a systematic, standardized and quantitative methodology for the synthesis of resistance and resilience relative to short-term lake and extreme storm conditions. Resistance and resilience following extreme storms are primarily shaped by antecedent turbidity and thermal conditions. Increased storm intensity and duration diminish resistance and resilience of the lake.
Warming alters juvenile carp effects on macrophytes resulting in a shift to turbid conditions in freshwater mesocosms
The authors tested the single and combined effects of warmer water (+4.5°C) and benthivorous juvenile common carp on aquatic macrophytes in 24 mesocosms (2500 L). Our study provides evidence for a regime shift from clear-water conditions dominated by submerged or floating-leaved macrophytes to a turbid state triggered by warming impacts on benthivorous fish rather than on macrophytes.
From meta-system theory to the sustainable management of rivers in the Anthropocene
Most existing river conservation, restoration, and biomonitoring practices focus on local-scale strategies and measures. To improve the management of river networks in the Anthropocene, the authors suggest additional metrics and assessment approaches that incorporate regional processes more effectively.
A global agenda for advancing freshwater biodiversity research
Researchers from 90 scientific institutions worldwide have stated that freshwater biodiversity research and conservation lag far behind the efforts in terrestrial and marine environments. They propose a research agenda with 15 priorities aimed at improving research on biodiversity in lakes, rivers, ponds and wetlands. This is urgently needed as the loss of biodiversity there is dramatic.
PhyloFisher: a phylogenomic package for resolving eukaryotic relationships
The authors developed a user-friendly software tool (“PhyloFisher”) for phylogenomic analyses of eukaryotes. This software package aids in the construction and curation of protein sequence-based datasets, conducts post-assembly analyses, and allows visualisation of the results.
Phylogenomic insights into the origin of primary plastids
Did primary plastids originate by a single or multiple endosymbiosis events between a heterotrophic host eukaryote and cyanobacteria? By using a phylogenomic approach to untangle the diversification of the primary plastid-bearing lineages (Archaeplastida), the authors propose a single endosymbiosis but highlight and discuss the affiliation of the plastid-lacking Picozoa to the Archaeplastida.
Increased sediment deposition triggered by climate change impacts freshwater pearl mussel habitats and metapopulations
The authors investigated the influence of climate change on the river pearl mussel through a coupled, complex model cascade in the catchment area of the Aist (Austria). Discharge changes might lead to reduced sediment transport capacity and to increased fine sediment input. As a consequence the mussel's dispersal probability decreases to up to 76% of the maximum theoretical value.
A plea for a worldwide development of dark infrastructure for biodiversity: practical examples and ways to go forward
The authors advocate the worldwide development of a dark infrastructure. This refers to areas and corridors without excessive artificial light at night that protect biodiversity from light pollution. A guide to getting there.
Spatial and local environmental factors outweigh geo-climatic gradients in structuring taxonomically and trait-based β-diversity of benthic algae
The authors examined different facets of β-diversity of stream benthic algae in northeastern China. They found that local environmental and spatial factors are more important than geo-climatic variables in structuring taxonomically and trait-based β-diversity of benthic algae.