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- The Role of Functional Traits in Structuring Fish Assemblages Across the Four Macaronesia ArchipelagosPublication . Barcelos, Luís; Anderson, Antônio; Freitas, Rui; Barreiros, João PedroABSTRACT: Aim: To investigate how functional traits shape the composition and functional structure of coastal fish assemblages across the four North-East Atlantic archipelagos, providing insights into the ecological drivers of species distributions and trait patterns in oceanic island systems. Location: Four North-East Atlantic oceanic archipelagos within Macaronesia: the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands and Cabo Verde. Taxon: Coastal marine fishes occurring up to 200 m depth, comprising 682 species. Methods: We compiled a validated checklist of coastal fish species (≤ 200 m depth) for each archipelago and integrated these data with a functional trait matrix comprising size category, trophic category, habitat affinity, milieu and climatic affinity. Generalised Linear Models (GLMs) were used to assess the influence of traits on species occurrences. Functional community structure was quantified using six functional diversity indices: functional richness (FRic), evenness (FEve), divergence (FDiv), dispersion (FDis), Rao's quadratic entropy (RaoQ) and FRic intersection (FRic Inter). Model performance was evaluated using AIC, BIC, pseudo R² and post hoc comparisons. Trait-based GLMs were complemented with assemblage-level RLQ ordination and fourth-corner tests to evaluate trait–environment coupling while accounting for species co-occurrence. Results: Species richness followed a clear latitudinal gradient, peaking in the Canary Islands and declining towards higher latitudes. RLQ revealed strong global trait–environment co-structure (Axis 1 = 91.7% of projected inertia), whereas Fourth-Corner tests detected no individually significant trait–environment associations after Holm correction. RV tests indicated a significant link between trait structure and species composition (Q–L), but not between environmental context and species composition (R–L). Among traits, body size and habitat affinity were the strongest predictors of species occurrences, with larger-bodied and reef-associated species more frequent in the southern archipelagos. Functional richness was highest in the Azores, indicating functional distinctiveness despite comparatively low species richness. Incorporating functional diversity indices into GLMs did not improve explanatory power beyond species-level traits. Main Conclusions: Body size and habitat affinity are key determinants of coastal fish assemblages across the Macaronesia archipelagos. Functional diversity peaks in the Azores, while Madeira exhibits intermediate trait compositions between temperate and tropical systems. These patterns provide insight into community assembly mechanisms and may inform predictions of species turnover under future climate change scenarios.
- Global insular leaf size shifts follow the island rule, independently of insect herbivory and macroclimatePublication . Moreira, Xoaquín; Abdala-Roberts, Luis; Amorim do Rosário, Isabel; Baider, Claúdia; Burns, Kevin; Caujapé-Castells, Juli; Cubas, Jonay; Dean, Lydia; Domínguez-Lapido, Paula; Endara, María-José; Florens, F. B. Vincent; Galmán, Andrea; Guevara-Andino, Juan Ernesto; Hutton, Ian; Lago-Núñez, Beatriz; Mooney, Kailen; Larrinaga, Asier; Pereira, Fernando; Randimbiarison, Finaritra; Razafindratsima, Onja; Rivas-Torres, Gonzalo; Vázquez-González, Carla; de Lafontaine, GuillaumeABSTRACT: The island rule, originally formulated for animals, predicts that small-bodied mainland species evolve larger body sizes on islands (gigantism), but that this effect weakens with increasing mainland body size, ultimately reversing and leading to dwarfism for the largest species. This dynamic is expected to produce a positive, saturating relationship between island and mainland body size, with insular size increases at small sizes and reductions at large sizes. Despite extensive support in animals, this prediction has rarely been tested in plants. Consequently, it remains unclear whether the island rule applies to plants, whether it operates consistently across evolutionary scales, and how biotic and abiotic drivers jointly shape insular size shifts. We tested the island rule in plants by examining leaf size variation—an organ-level analogue of body size—across 48 island species from six oceanic systems and their mainland counterparts. We conducted both conspecific comparisons (same species on islands and the mainland; n = 19 pairs) and congeneric comparisons (island endemics paired with closely related mainland species; n = 29 pairs) to assess patterns across evolutionary scales. We also measured insect herbivory and recorded climatic variables to explore ecological correlates of island–mainland variation in leaf size. Although mean leaf size did not differ significantly between island and mainland populations for either conspecific or congeneric comparisons, we detected a non-linear, positive saturating relationship between mainland and island leaf sizes, consistent with an island rule-like pattern. Small-leaved mainland species tended to evolve larger leaves on islands, whereas this effect diminished for larger leaved species, a pattern observed in both conspecific and congeneric comparisons. Insect herbivory and climate did not explain these relationships. Synthesis: These findings demonstrate that plants follow the island rule for leaf size and suggest that mainland-to-island shifts at opposite ends of the mainland leaf size spectrum offset one another, possibly explaining no overall difference in leaf size between island and mainland populations.
- Subterranean environments contribute to three-quarters of classified ecosystem servicesPublication . Mammola, Stefano; Brankovits, David; Di Lorenzo, Tiziana; Amorim do Rosário, Isabel; Bancila, Racula; Bellvert, Adrià; Bernard, Enrico; Blomberg, Anna; Borges, P.A.V.; Cappelletti, Martina; Ferreira, Rodrigo; Gabriel, Rosalina; Galassi, Diana M.P.; Garzoli, Laura; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Hose, Grant; Korbel, Kathryn; Martino, Simone; Miller, Ana; Mori, Nataša; Nanni, Veronica; Nicolosi, Giuseppe; Saccò, Mattia; Sakihara, Troy; Silva, Marconi; Tamalavage, Anne; Zagmajster, Maja; Chávez, Efraín; Griebler, Christian; Cardoso, Pedro; Serrano Martínez, AlejandroABSTRACT: Beneath the Earth's surface lies a network of interconnected caves, voids, and systems of fissures forming in rocks of sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic origin. Although largely inaccessible to humans, this hidden realm supports and regulates services critical to ecological health and human well-being. Subterranean ecosystems are integral to major biogeochemical cycles, sustain diverse surface habitats, and serve as the primary source of irrigation and drinking water. They also offer non-material benefits, including scientific discovery, education, and cultural practices. Yet, these contributions often go unrecognised, partly due to the lack of a unified synthesis of ecosystem services across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine subterranean compartments. This gap limits effective communication of their value to scientists, practitioners, and the public. Through a systematic expert-based review, we show that subterranean ecosystems contribute to up to 75% of classified ecosystem services. Notably, many of these contributions are described only qualitatively, lacking numerical or economic quantification. Next, we list examples of the main ecosystem services provided by subterranean systems to offer a global overview of their multifaceted value and vulnerability to environmental change. We believe this synthesis provides researchers and practitioners with concrete examples to communicate more effectively the importance of subterranean ecosystems to diverse audiences.
- Monitoring agroforest plots under the scope of the COMCHA project. 1. Baseline data for the vascular plants and arthropods of "Vale da Fonte Plot" in Pico Island (Azores Archipelago)Publication . Lago, Alexandra; Petrone, Andrea; Costa Miranda Soares, António Onofre; Canelas Boieiro, Mário Rui; Horta Lopes, David; Freitas, Tiago; Lhoumeau, Sébastien Georges André; Wallon, Sophie; Borges, Paulo; Mologni, FabioABSTRACT: Agroforestry is increasingly promoted as a nature-based solution (NbS) capable of reconciling production with biodiversity conservation, particularly in island landscapes, where endemism and fragmentation heighten conservation stakes. We established a permanent agroforest monitoring plot at Vale da Fonte (Pico Island, Azores) to generate baseline data on vascular plants and terrestrial arthropods and to evaluate whether a structurally complex orchard embedded in native coastal forest can support native and endemic biotas and key ecosystem functions. We used a modified COBRA framework integrating complementary active protocols (nocturnal aerial searching, day/night beating and day sweeping), together with pollinators time transects, pan traps and targeted pest traps. We collected 69 standardised samples (5 plant, 64 arthropod) and made the dataset publicly available in Darwin Core format via the GBIF IPT for long-term use.
- Ineffective marine protected areas in AzoresPublication . Barreiros, João Pedro; Aguilar-Perera, Alfonso; Barcelos, Luís; Anderson, Antônio; Beheregaray, Anderson; Díaz-Ferguson, EdgardoABSTRACT: On 13 November 2025, Science published the Research Article “Integrative phylogenomics positions sponges at the root of the animal tree” by Jacob L. Steenwyk and Nicole King (1). The authors alerted us that errors in the analysis pipeline had affected the results to an extent that they are no longer reliable. Two aspects of the data analysis introduced artifacts. First, an imbalance between the number of sponges and ctenophores in the dataset biased one of the scoring metrics, thereby influencing the outcomes. Second, part of the analysis involved collapsing internal nodes, which was not properly accommodated by the software used. The authors thank Casey W. Dunn and colleagues for bringing this to their attention, as detailed in an eLetter and in Steenwyk and King’s eLetter Response, both available at https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science. adw9456#elettersSection. Given these issues, both authors have requested a Retraction. Science is therefore retracting the Research Article.
- Histological Evidence of Thyroid Disruption in Wild Mice from Conventional and Organic Farming EnvironmentsPublication . Coelho, Nádia; Carminho, Ricardo; Garcia, Patrícia; Bernardo, Filipe; dos Santos Rodrigues, Armindo; Fortin, ClaudeABSTRACT: The main objective of this work is to assess the potential negative impact of organic farming on the thyroid gland and compare it with the negative impact of conventional farming on this organ. Previous studies have linked exposure to conventional farming with thyroid disruption; relatively less is known about effects of exposure to organic farming on the thyroid. Mus musculus were the bioindicators in this work, captured in a conventional farm (CF), an organic farm (OF), and two reference areas (RF’) without agriculture. Histomorphometric and histomorphological measurements of the thyroid were performed. Hypothyroidism signs were observed in mice exposed to either farming system, being less pronounced in organic farming-exposed mice: epithelium thickness and the epithelial cells’ area and volume were lower than in non-exposed mice [epithelium thickness (µm): 4.16 ± 0.51 (CF); 6.28 ± 0.19 (OF); 7.46 ± 0.25 (RF’)]. Histomorphologic alterations included decreased follicular sphericity, increased epithelium irregularity, increased exfoliation into the colloid, and increased inflammation of thyroid tissue. Results suggest that, while organic farming might be a better alternative to conventional farming, it is not completely free of health hazards. Exposure to an organic farming environment can cause thyroid disruption, although with less pronounced effects than conventional farming. Despite there being risks to be considered, results support the benefit of transitioning from conventional farming systems towards organic farming systems.
- Why are so few island bryophytes endemic?Publication . Mirolo, Sébastien; Ledent, Alice; González-Mancebo, Juana; Gabriel, Rosalina; Sim-Sim, Manuela; Collart, Flavien; Patiño, Jairo; Vanderpoorten, AlainABSTRACT: Endemism, a hallmark of island biodiversity, reaches its lowest levels among bryophytes compared with other land plants. Whether this pattern reflects low diversification rates, and why, or whether it is a result of loss of endemicity due to extinctions or subsequent continental (back-)colonization, is examined here through a review of available evidence in the Macaronesian flora. Significant genetic differentiation (GST, based on allele frequencies) was consistently found between Macaronesian and continental populations, ruling out the hypothesis that intense migrations necessarily hamper differentiation. A significant phylogeographical signal in the data (NST > GST; where NST is a GST analog incorporating phylogenetic relationships among alleles), involving higher mutation rates than dispersal rates and evidencing incipient speciation, was further found in more than 1/3 of the species investigated. The significantly higher average NST between extra-European regions and Macaronesia compared to Europe and Macaronesia suggests, however, that incipient speciation is more likely to occur between distant (Macaronesian versus extra-European) than closer (Macaronesian versus European) populations. In line with this, ancestral area estimations in Macaronesian endemic bryophyte species revealed that at least 50% of them have an extra-European origin, in contrast with the almost exclusively (>90%) European/Mediterranean origin of Macaronesian endemic spermatophytes. Allopatric speciation via long-distance dispersal and subsequent divergence of a single endemic species prevails in island bryophytes, wherein sympatric radiations virtually never occur. Such a speciation mode does not trigger high rates of endemism, in contrast to radiations in Macaronesian spermatophytes, which contribute to 56% of the total number of endemics. Several mechanisms may explain the failure of island bryophytes to diversify in situ, including the fact that oceanic islands are too small or insufficiently isolated from each other or from continents to promote sympatric speciation, the lack of key innovations, and phylogenetic niche conservatism for stable habitats not prone to trigger radiations. In comparison with spermatophytes, continental (back-)colonization further largely prevails in bryophytes and, unlike in many instances in angiosperms, is not followed by in situ speciation on the mainland. The consequent loss of the endemic status of species that did speciate on islands but subsequently enlarged their range further accounts for the low rates of endemism among island bryophyte floras and invalidates the use of endemism rates as a proxy of speciation rates in this group.
- The proper middle class: assessing the importance of subordinate species on plant community assembly and functional diversityPublication . Ulrich, Werner; Matthews, Thomas; Biurrun, Idoia; Aleksanyan, Alla; Borovyk, Dariia; Burrascano, Sabina; Campos, Juan Antonio; Chusova, Olha; Czarniecka-Wiera, Marta; Czortek, Patryk; Dembicz, Iwona; Essl, Franz; Janišová, Monika; Labadessa, Rocco; Napoleone, Francesca; Pielech, Remigiusz; Vynokurov, Denys; Puchałka, Radosław; Peres-Neto, PedroABSTRACT: The local species abundance distribution (SAD) and the associated distributions of species functional traits (TADs) both result from the process of plant community assembly. Community assembly has been extensively studied for dominant and rare plants, while subordinates, the species of intermediate abundance in a community, have received less research attention although this group is comparatively species rich and important for community functioning. Here, we study the functional role of subordinate species (those covering the intermediate 50% of abundance ranks) using a large data set of Palearctic dry and semi-dry grassland plant communities and data on specific leaf area, seed mass and plant height. Our findings indicate that species rank orders of SADs and TADs tend to be negatively correlated, causing the TAD to have higher evenness than the associated SAD. Subordinate species represented on average less than 15% of total plant abundance and trait space. Functional diversity of subordinates was lower than expected by a null model that assumed an equiprobable random distribution of trait values among plant species. Climate seasonality and elevation appeared to be the most important drivers of subordinate abundance and functional diversity. We conclude that subordinates differ from dominants in trait composition, leading to their partial functional independence from dominants.
- Heightened extinction risk due to tropical cyclones in insular biodiversity hotspotsPublication . Valle, Simon; Pereira, David; Matthews, Thomas; Martin, ThomasABSTRACT: Tropical Cyclones (TCs) represent a serious and potentially growing threat to global biodiversity, although spatial patterns in the severity of this threat are poorly explored. We provide the first global-scale analysis of TC-related extinction risk by examining both their frequency and the number of species they directly threaten in insular biodiversity hotspots; widely recognized spatial units representing both exceptional biodiversity and elevated threat. We first identified which insular hotspots possessed a theoretically high TC-related extinction risk by plotting 50 years of storm tracks for severe (category 4 and 5) TCs (STCs) and determined the frequency with which they occur within each insular hotspot. We then used IUCN Red List data to determine numbers of terrestrial vertebrates in each ‘high risk’ insular hotspot considered to be directly threatened with extinction by STCs. Five insular hotspots (Japan, Polynesia-Micronesia, Philippines, Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands, Caribbean Islands) were identified as being ‘high risk’, together accounting for >95 % of STCs falling within insular hotspots. However, the numbers of TC-threatened species in these hotspots varied greatly, from 128 in the Caribbean Islands (which encountered the fewest STCs of all ‘high risk’ hotspots) to eight in Japan (which received the most STCs). Results therefore indicate that TC-related extinction risk is not related to STC frequency, and other ecological and geographical factors are likely to be important drivers of risk. Regardless, our results show that several insular hotspots, particularly the Caribbean Islands, support many species at immediate risk of TC-driven extinction, and these require urgent conservation action. We advocate for the creation of an IUCN task force to oversee conservation strategies aimed at preventing extinctions of severely range-restricted storm-threatened species. We provide a watchlist of 60 such species with a particularly high risk of extinction which should be the initial focus for such a working group.
- BioTIME 2.0: Expanding and Improving a Database of Biodiversity Time SeriesPublication . Dornelas, Maria; Matthews, Thomas; Zvuloni, Assaf; Davies, JonathanABSTARCT: Motivation - Here, we make available a second version of the BioTIME database, which compiles records of abundance estimates for species in sample events of ecological assemblages through time. The updated version expands version 1.0 of the database by doubling the number of studies and includes substantial additional curation to the taxonomic accuracy of the records, as well as the metadata. Moreover, we now provide an R package (BioTIMEr) to facilitate use of the database. Main Types of Variables Included - The database is composed of one main data table containing the abundance records and 11 metadata tables. The data are organised in a hierarchy of scales where 11,989,233 records are nested in 1,603,067 sample events, from 553,253 sampling locations, which are nested in 708 studies. A study is defined as a sampling methodology applied to an assemblage for a minimum of 2 years. Spatial Location and Grain - Sampling locations in BioTIME are distributed across the planet, including marine, terrestrial and freshwater realms. Spatial grain size and extent vary across studies depending on sampling methodology. We recommend gridding of sampling locations into areas of consistent size. Time Period and Grain - The earliest time series in BioTIME start in 1874, and the most recent records are from 2023. Temporal grain and duration vary across studies. We recommend doing sample-level rarefaction to ensure consistent sampling effort through time before calculating any diversity metric. Major Taxa and Level of Measurement - The database includes any eukaryotic taxa, with a combined total of 56,400 taxa. Software Format - csv and. SQL.