Search

[ES] Con objeto de fomentar el interés por la botánica, surgió la idea de organizar el I Biomaratón de Flora Española: un evento de ciencia ciudadana en el que personas de todo el país salieron a fotografiar el mayor número posible de plantas. Se realizó utilizando la plataforma de ciencia ciudadana iNaturalist, y se vertebró por medio de coordinadores en todas las comunidades autónomas y de alrededor de 100 instituciones, que dieron apoyo y divulgación al evento. Del 21 al 23 de mayo de 2021, más de 1.000 participantes registraron unas 25.000 observaciones de más de 2.500 especies, aproximadamente el 25% de las especies documentadas en España. Además, se organizaron actividades asociadas, como charlas, paseos botánicos, talleres de manejo de la plataforma, etc. Posteriormente se realizó un datablitz, centrado en la identificación de grupos de plantas poco conocidos, complicados y/o atractivos, y en compartir las experiencias de las actividades realizadas, fomentando así la interacción entre botánicos y ciudadanos. Este ha sido el mayor evento de ciencia ciudadana centrado en la botánica organizado en España. Queda demostrado que la acción conjunta de aficionados y profesionales puede ayudar a fomentar la pasión por la biodiversidad., [EN] With the intention of fostering the interest in botany in the society, the idea of organizing the 1st Bioblitz of Spanish Flora arose: a citizen science event in which people from all over the country went out to register as many species of plants as possible through photographs. The event was organized throughout the iNaturalist citizen science platform, and later supported by coordinators in all the Spanish Autonomous Communities and around 100 institutions that gave support and dissemination of the event. From May 21st to 23rd of 2021, more than 1,000 participants recorded about 25,000 observations of more than 2,500 species, approximately 25% of the species documented in Spain. In addition, numerous associated activities were organized, such as talks, botanical walks, workshops, etc. Subsequently, a datablitz was held, focused on the identification of little-known, complicated and/or attractive plant groups, and to share the experiences of the activities carried out, thus promoting interaction between botanists and citizens. To conclude, some of the experiences of the Bioblitz were presented. This is the largest botanical-focused citizen science event ever organized in Spain. It has been proven that the cooperative action of amateurs and professionals might help foster the passion for biodiversity., Motivación y objetivos Resultados del I Biomaratón Evento datablitz para comunicar a científicos y ciudadanos Ciencia ciudadana como motor de interés botánico II Biomaratón de Flora Española Agradecimientos

To gain an evolutionary understanding of plant gypsophily, is essential to incorporate phylogeny in the analyses. Here we present an overview of three different approaches that we are currently undertaking to tackle this issue. (I) we have selected 5 Iberian genera with gysophite or gypsovag species in which a fairly complete and reliable phylogeny is published (Ononis, Helianthemum, Chaenorrhinum, Reseda and Teucrium). In each of these 5 lineages we plan to explore the events of gypsophily and to evaluate the existence of preadaptations along the clades in terms of ionome. (II) Within the Ononis tridentata-fruticosa-rotundifolia clade, we intend to carry out Hyb-Seq taking the leaf and soil chemical composition into account. Among other biogegraphic and phylogenetic inferences, we are particularly interested on the comparison of the ionome of O. fruticosa populations growing in and out gypsum. (III)We plan to reconstruct the phylogeny of the genus Frankenia based on HybSeq, which comprises a relevant amount of halophyte, gypso-halophyte and gypsum species, particularly in Australia. This worldwide distributed genus is crucial for the understanding of chemical adaptations of gypso-halophytes, a poorly described functional group, but requires a taxonomic and phylogenetic clarification before further analysis. Approaches II and III will use the Angiosperms-353 kit (myBaits), which will allow integrating the results in further studies beyond our current particular purposes.

Presentamos una experiencia exitosa de aprendizaje que partió de Criptogamia (asignatura optativa de segundo ciclo de Biología), que dio lugar a un proyecto de investigación gestionado por los propios alumnos. La iniciativa se consolidó estableciendo una Asociación de Estudiantes centrada en investigación y divulgación. En poco tiempo, los participantes han presentado comunicaciones científicas, y organizado actividades dirigidas a diversos públicos, dentro y fuera de la comunidad universitaria. Actualmente se plantea una colaboración multidisciplinar con otros organismos de investigación y la extensión de su ámbito de estudio. Abordamos su incidencia en el aprendizaje en varios aspectos: científico (técnicas específicas, rigor, búsqueda de información e interpretación de resultados), comunicativo (estructuración y presentación de la información obtenida, para diversos públicos), y organizativo, incluyendo el trabajo en equipo. Aunque de carácter espontáneo, esta experiencia muestra rasgos evaluables en cuanto a sus posibilidades para otras asignaturas. Analizamos las características y planteamiento de esta optativa, el perfil de sus alumnos, y el contexto universitario que la acoge. Detectamos como factores principales los aspectos participativos de la asignatura, la cohesión del grupo, el carácter voluntario de la implicación, los beneficios percibidos por los estudiantes, y la disponibilidad de recursos humanos (supervisión) y materiales (equipamiento y subvenciones) We present here a successful learning experience starting in Cryptogamy, an elective course in the final two years of the Biology degree. It resulted in a research project managed by the students themselves. The initiative grew and a students’ association focused on research and outreach was set up. Within a short time, the participant students have presented some scientific communications, and have also organized several outreach activities addressed to different publics, in and outside University. Currently, they are starting a multidisciplinary collaboration with other public research institutions, and extending their research scope. We approach the incidence of this experience in diverse learning aspects: scientific competence (specific techniques, rigorous standards, information searching and interpretation of results); communication skills (structuring and presenting the information obtained), and management, including working on a team. In spite of its spontaneity, the possibilities of this experience for other courses can be evaluated. We present an analysis of this elective subject, the profile of its students, and its University context. We identify the participative aspects of the subject, the benefits perceived by the students, and the availability of material equipment and financial support human resources, especially supervision, as the main factors contributing to the initiative

Floral nectar spurs are widely considered a key innovation promoting diversification in angiosperms by means of pollinator shifts. We investigated the macroevolutionary dynamics of nectar spurs in the tribe Antirrhineae (Plantaginaceae), which contains 29 genera and 300-400 species (70-80% spurred). The effect of nectar spurs on diversification was tested, with special focus on Linaria, the genus with the highest number of species. We generated the most comprehensive phylogeny of Antirrhineae to date and reconstructed the evolution of nectar spurs. Diversification rate heterogeneity was investigated using trait-dependent and trait-independent methods, and accounting for taxonomic uncertainty. The association between changes in spur length and speciation was examined within Linaria using model testing and ancestral state reconstructions. We inferred four independent acquisitions of nectar spurs. Diversification analyses revealed that nectar spurs are loosely associated with increased diversification rates. Detected rate shifts were delayed by 5-15 Myr with respect to the acquisition of the trait. Active evolution of spur length, fitting a speciational model, was inferred in Linaria, which is consistent with a scenario of pollinator shifts driving diversification. Nectar spurs played a role in diversification of the Antirrhineae, but diversification dynamics can only be fully explained by the complex interaction of multiple biotic and abiotic factors.

Trabajo fin de Máster defendido en el Real Jardín Botánico (RJB-CSIC) el 23 de septiembre de 2019- Curso 2018-2019 - Máster Universitario en Biodiversidad en Áreas Tropicales y su Conservación (UIMP-CSIC), [EN] Pinus occidentalis is a key endemic pine species of the Haitian and the Dominican forests on the island of Quisqueya also known as Hispaniola. This pine species is classified as endangered by IUCN because of anthropic threats, even though the main forests are located in protected areas. In order to have genetic information useful for its reintroduction in suitable areas in Haiti, a genetic diversity study was conducted with samples from four different Haitian regions, including three protected areas. The analyses were made both on nuclear and plastid DNA using ISSR markers and plastid sequencing. In addition, the results were omplemented with species distribution models based on bioclimatic variables. With the ISSR analyses, it appeared that the genetic variation within the populations studied is much higher than the variation among the populations. Based on the plastid sequencing analyses, a haplotype network was drawn that revealed a similar pattern of diversity distribution. The results show that the P. occidentalis populations in Haiti are genetically diverse but poorly differentiated, and that in the future, even in the worst-case scenarios, the ideal areas for the species are where present protected areas are established. Thus, in reintroduction or planting initiatives, we would recommend focusing on preserving genetic diversity, but not on maintaining a geographic genetic structure of pine populations in Haiti., [ES] Pinus occidentalis es una especie de pino endémica y clave de los bosques haitianos y dominicanos en la isla de Quisqueya, también conocida como Hispaniola. Esta especie de pino se clasifica como en peligro de extinción (EN) por la UICN debido a las amenazas antrópicas, a pesar de que los principales bosques se encuentran en áreas protegidas. Con el fin de tener información genética útil para su reintroducción en áreas adecuadas de Haití, se realizó un estudio de diversidad genética con muestras de cuatro regiones diferentes de Haití, incluidas tres áreas protegidas. Los análisis se realizaron tanto en ADN nuclear como plástidial usando marcadores ISSR y secuenciación de plastos, respectivamente. Además, los resultados se complementaron con modelos de distribución de especies basados en variables bioclimáticas. Con los análisis ISSR, parece que la variación genética dentro de las poblaciones estudiadas es mucho mayor que la variación entre las poblaciones. Sobre la base de los análisis de secuenciación plastidial, se reconstruyó una red de haplotipos que reveló un patrón similar de distribución de diversidad. Los resultados muestran que las poblaciones de P. occidentalis en Haití son genéticamente diversas pero poco diferenciadas. Las áreas ideales para la especie son aquellas donde se establecen las áreas protegidas actuales. Por lo tanto, en las iniciativas de reintroducción recomendamos preservar la diversidad genética, si bien la estructura genética geográfica de las poblaciones de pinos en Haití no aporta valor añadido en la conservación.

Floral nectar spurs are widely considered a key innovation promoting diversification in angiosperms by means of pollinator shifts. We investigated the macroevolutionary dynamics of nectar spurs in the tribe Antirrhineae (Plantaginaceae), which contains 29 genera and 300–400 species (70–80% spurred). The effect of nectar spurs on diversification was tested, with special focus on Linaria, the genus with the highest number of species. We generated the most comprehensive phylogeny of Antirrhineae to date and reconstructed the evolution of nectar spurs. Diversification rate heterogeneity was investigated using trait-dependent and trait-independent methods, and accounting for taxonomic uncertainty. The association between changes in spur length and speciation was examined within Linaria using model testing and ancestral state reconstructions. We inferred four independent acquisitions of nectar spurs. Diversification analyses revealed that nectar spurs are loosely associated with increased diversification rates. Detected rate shifts were delayed by 5–15 Myr with respect to the acquisition of the trait. Active evolution of spur length, fitting a speciational model, was inferred in Linaria, which is consistent with a scenario of pollinator shifts driving diversification. Nectar spurs played a role in diversification of the Antirrhineae, but diversification dynamics can only be fully explained by the complex interaction of multiple biotic and abiotic factors., This work was supported by the Marie Curie Intra‐European Fellowship LINARIA‐SPECIATION (FP7‐PEOPLE‐2013‐IEF, reference 624396), an Isaac Newton Trust Research Grant (Trinity College, Cambridge), a Juan de la Cierva fellowship to MF‐M (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity, reference IJCI‐2015‐23459) and a Generalitat Valenciana postdoctoral grant to AJ (Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, reference BEST/2014/264).