- Programme area:Biodiversity in a Changing World
Mesopelagic microbial carbon production correlates with diversity across different marine particle fractions
The vertical flux of marine snow reduces atmospheric CO2. In particular, particle associated prokaryotes are responsible for organic C-loss. Analysis of prokaryotic heterotrophic production a. species richness in the North Atlantic reveal that C- loss a. associated microbial richness are different with particle fractions. Especially large, fast-sinking particles drive C-flux a. -sequestration.
Zooplankton carcasses stimulate microbial turnover of allochthonous particulate organic matter
This study investigated whether the microbial degradation of more refractory organic matter (OM) is stimulated by the addition of well available OM from dead zooplankton. A significantly higher respiration was measured when zooplankton-derived OM was added to ratio of 1:1. Stimulation was stronger in a complex microbial community with eukaryotes than just bacteria.
A probabilistic approach to dispersal in spatially explicit meta‑populations
The authors developed a new, probability-based formalism for modeling species distribution.The Network-based Probabilistic Connectivity (NPC) can provide predictions about the distribution and persistence of species at different time scales, and their dependence on patch distribution and patch density in the landscape.
Biodiversity policy beyond economic growth
The authors call the attention of researchers and policy makers to two immediate steps: acknowledge the conflict between economic growth and biodiversity conservation in future policies; and explore socioeconomic trajectories beyond economic growth in the next generation of biodiversity scenarios.
Scientists' warning on invasive alien species
Scientists warn of increasing threats posed by invasive alien species. More effort is needed to prevent, detect and control invasive alien species – this is emphasized by researchers from 13 countries.
How biological invasions affect animal behaviour: a global, cross-taxonomic analysis
In interaction, invasive and native species can change their behaviour. This is a meta-analysis, led by IGB, of which changes in behaviour are studied in invasions, and what is known about the types of behaviour that change, the underlying mechanisms and the speed of behavioural changes.
Species distribution models have limited spatial transferability for invasive species
In this synthesis study, a research team led by IGB shows that species distribution models have limited spatial transferability for invasive species and how this relates to species characteristics and model parameterization.
Most invasive species largely conserve their climatic niche
In this synthesis study on the niche conservatism hypothesis of invasive species, a research team led by IGB found that invasive species occupy similar niches between their native and exotic ranges and show only limited niche expansion, supporting this hypothesis.
The sterlet sturgeon genome sequence and the mechanisms of segmental rediploidization
Researchers have succeeded in sequencing the sturgeon genome, delivering a missing piece of the puzzle essential to understanding the ancestry of vertebrates. The genetic material of the sterlet has undergone very little change over the past 300 million years or more.