Biology subjects

Vernon, P.

Publications and source records attributed to Vernon, P..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Spiders bring new insight into the eco-evolutionary drivers of body size variation and sexual size dimorphism in arthropods

Body size has been used thoroughly in arthropod ecology as a reliable trait to assess fitness responses to changes in environmental factors. Among these, spiders represent a large and diverse group, colonizing almost all terrestrial habitats. Here, we propose a review on intraspecific body size variation in arthropods over two main macroecological spatial gradients--latitude and elevation--both of high interest in a global warming context. We found that more species with a direct than with an indirect development present a converse Bergmann cline along both gradients. Focusing on spiders, we propose that life history traits such as voltinism, mobility, and brood care influence intraspecific body size patterns--potentially hiding large-scale patterns. Further, we assessed interspecific sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in spider species. We found that extreme SSD--the most original feature in spider biometry--is influenced by hunting guild rather than phylogeny of spider families, suggesting that ecological factors prevail over evolutionary drivers in shaping SSD.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2023

Biodiversity in mountain soils above the treeline

Despite the importance of healthy soils for human livelihood, wellbeing, and safety, current gaps in our knowledge and understanding of biodiversity in soil are numerous, undermining conservation efforts. These gaps are particularly wide in mountain regions where healthy soils are especially important for human safety and yet evidence is accumulating of ongoing degradation, posing significant threats to ecosystem functioning and human settlements. To analyse these gaps in detail, we synthesise current research on the global diversity of microorganisms, cryptogams, and invertebrates in mountain soils above the treeline. This synthesis is based on a semi-quantitative survey of the literature and an expert-based analysis. Our work reveals not only deficiencies in geographic cover but also significant gaps in taxonomic coverage, particularly among soil protists and invertebrates, and a lack of (functional and ecological) description of the uncultivated majority of prokaryotes, fungi, and protists. We subsequently build on this overview to highlight opportunities for research on mountain soils as systems of co-occurring species that interact in complex environmental matrices to fulfil critical functions and make essential contributions to life on land. Closing gaps in biodiversity research in mountain soil is crucial to enhance our understanding and to promote laws and guidelines advancing international soil biodiversity conservation targets in mountains. Addressing sparse and biased data, recognizing the impact of environmental changes on mountain ecosystems, and advocating dedicated policies are essential strategies to safeguard mountain soils and their biodiversity. GLOSSARY O_TBL View this table: org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16682fdorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@121b9feorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@139eadeorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16abd74org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@bc3da9_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_TBL C_TBL

ecology↗

bioRxiv2019

Spotlight on the monitoring of the invasion of a carabid beetle on an oceanic island over a 100 year period

The flightless beetle Merizodus soledadinus, originating from the Falkland Islands, was introduced to the sub-Antarctic Kerguelen Islands. We compiled the existing information on ship visits and landings on these islands to confirm the introduction date of M. soledadinus. Using data available in the literature, in addition to collecting more than 2000 presence/absence records of M. soledadinus over the 1991-2018 period, we tracked changes of its abundance and geographical distribution. The range expansion of this nonflying insect was initially slow, but has accelerated over the past two decades in parallel to local increased abundances of the insects populations. Human activities may have facilitated colonization of some localities by M. soledadinus which is now widely present in the eastern part of the Kerguelen archipelago. This predatory insect represents a major threat for the native invertebrate fauna; in particular, the wingless flies Anatalanta aptera and Calycopteryx moseleyi which are locally displaced and/or eliminated by the beetle. If no control measures, let alone eradication, are practicable, it is essential to limit the transport of this invasive insect along with human activities. Since 2006, the Kerguelen Islands have had the status of a nature reserve, making these results of significant interests for the management of this archipelago, and more generally, emphasizing the importance of long-term biomonitoring programmes for assessing and predicting changes in the distribution of invasive organisms. Strict biosecurity measures have now been established at the Kerguelen Islands, with even greater attention paid to visits to remote sites not yet colonized by M. soledadinus.

ecology↗