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Variation in species richness across the tree of life, accompanied by the incredible variety of ecological and morphological characteristics found in nature, has inspired many studies to link traits with species diversification. Angiosperms are a highly diverse group that has fundamentally shaped life on earth since the Cretaceous, and illustrate how species diversification affects ecosystem functioning. Numerous traits and processes have been linked to differences in species richness within this group, but we know little about how these interact and their relative importance. Here, we synthesized data from 152 studies that used state-dependent speciation and extinction (SSE) models on angiosperm clades. Intrinsic traits related to reproduction and morphology were often linked to diversification but a set of universal drivers did not emerge as traits did not have consistent effects across clades. Importantly, dataset properties were correlated to SSE model results - trees that were larger, older, or less well-sampled tended to yield trait-dependent outcomes. We compared these properties to recommendations for SSE model use and provide a set of best practices to follow when designing studies and reporting results. Finally, we argue that SSE model inferences should be considered in a larger context incorporating species’ ecology, demography and genetics.

The present study analyzes the biodiversity\ of staphylinid beetles in the Daroca region (Zaragoza), within the framework of a project for the study of saproxylic beetles associated with heads of poplars or pollarded poplars (Populus nigra L. 1753). The differences in biodiversity between poplar heads located in a traditional agricultural matrix and a forest matrix are also studied. The study area corresponds to two zones, separated from each other by 15 Km, in the fluvial channel of the Huerva River, one in the municipality of Badules, with poplar heads with rainfed agricultural matrix, and another in the municipal term of Herrera de Los Navarros, with fields of headland poplars With a forest matrix. Two replicates were used per area: Molino de las Saladas and La Paridera in Herrera de los Navarros and Badules-I and Badules-2, corresponding to Badules. In each of them two traps of each type were used. The specimens were sampled using three types of traps, commonly used for the collection of xylophagous insects: bottle trap, multi-funnel or Lindgren trap, and window trap or flight interceptor. The field work was carried out between May 13 and November 3, 2019, coinciding With the maximum activity\ of the species. A total of 288 traps were placed, in Which 994 specimens were collected, belonging to 65 species distributed in seven subfamilies, Aleocharinae, Omaliinae, Oxytelinae, Paederinae, Staphylininae, Steninae and Tachyporinae, Of the 65 species, only three can be considered very abundant and four very frequent.Of the three types of traps used, the most effective was the multi-funnel trap with 553 specimens captured, the second was the bottle trap with 298 and the window trap with 143 specimens. in the Badules area, more specimens were collected, 718 and 56 species, than in Herrera de los Navarros, 276 specimens of 33 species. This draws attention because it was expected to find less biodiversity in Badules, with a rainfed agricultural matrix.This fact could be justifed by the fact that in agricultural environments there is more heterogeneity of habitats than in a forest environment, which is more uniform. 24 species of staphylinids were common in both study areas, suggesting that they have broader ecological valences. Geographically, species with wide, cosmopolitan, subcosmopolitan and palearctic distributions predominate, and very few species are Iberian/Hispanic endemics. Faunistically of the 65 species studied, 39 were new records for the province of Zaragoza,23 new records for the Aragonese community This result shows how little known certain regions of the Iberian Peninsula are in terms of insect diversity. El presente estudio analiza]a la biodiversidad de coleypteros estaflínidos en la comarca de Daroca (Zaragoza), en el marco de un proyecto para el estudio de coleypteros saproxílicos asociados a chopos cabeceros o chopos trasmochos (Populus nigra L.1753). También se estudian las diferencias de biodiversidad entre chopos ubicados en una matriz agrícola tradicional y una matriz forestal. El área de estudio han sido dos zonas, separadas entre sí por 15 Km, en el cauce fluvial del río Huerva, una en el término municipal de Badules, con chopos cabeceros con matriz agrícola de secano, y otra en el término municipal de Herrera de los Navarros, con campos de chopos cabeceros con matriz forestal. Se utilizaron dos réplicas por zona: Molino de las Saladas y La paridera en Herrera de los Navarros y Badules-I y Badules-2, correspondientes a Badules. En cada uno de ellos se utilizaron dos trampas de cada tipo. Los ejemplares se muestrearon utilizando tres tipos de trampas, utilizadas comúnmente para la recolección de insectos xilófagos: trampa de botella, trampa multiembudo o Lindgren y trampa de ventana o interceptación de Vuelo. El trabajo de campo se llevó a cabo entre el 13 de mayo y el3 de noviembre de 2019, coincidiendo con la máxima actividad de la especie. En total se colocaron 288 trampas, en las que se colectaron 994 ejemplares, pertenecientes a 65 especies distribuidas en siete subfamilias, Aleocharinae,Omaliinae, Oxytelinae,Paederinae, Staphylininae, Steninae y Tachyporinae. De las 65 especies, solo tres pueden considerarse muy abundantes y cuatro muy frecuentes. De los tres tipos de trampas utilizadas, la más efectiva fue la trampa multiembudo con 553 ejemplares capturados, la segunda fue la trampa botella con 298 y la trampa ventana con 143 ejemplares. En la zona de Badules se recolectaron más ejemplares,718 y 56 especies, que en Herrera de los Navarros, 276 ejemplares de 33 especies. Esto llama la atención porque se esperaba encontrar menor biodiversidad en Badules, con una matriz agrícola de secano. Este hecho se podría justificar que en ambientes agrícolas hay más heterogeneidad de hábitats que en un ambiente forestal, más uniforme. 24 especies de estaflínidos eran comunes en ambas áreas de estudio, lo que sugiere que tienen valencias ecológicas más amplias. Geográficamente predominan especies con distribuciones amplias, cosmopolita, subcosmopolita y paleártica, y muy pocas especies son endémicas ibéricas/hispánicas. Faunísticamente de las 65 especies estudiadas, 39 resultaron nuevas citas para la provincia de Zaragoza, 23 nuevas citas para la Comunidad de Aragón. Este resultado muestra lo poco conocidas que son ciertas regiones de la Península, Ibérica en cuanto a la diversidad de insectos.

Legumes are one of the main sources of vegetable protein, and it has also been shown that, after consumption, beneficial effects can be obtained for human health, since they can help reduce blood glucose levels, as they are considered a low glycemic index food, promote bone health, and contain bioactive compounds with different biological activities such as hypotensive or hypocholesterolemic, among others. This group of foods are considered complete foods since they contain proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, among other nutritional components; however, they also have antinutritional factors (ANF), which are defined as non-fibrous natural substances that can cause a negative effect on the nutritional value of some foods, as well as on health since they hinder or inhibit the assimilation of some nutrients. For this reason, it is of great importance to apply processing methods to reduce or eliminate the presence of these ANF in legumes.

Reliable information for the conservation of many insects is lacking due to a poor knowledge of their ecology. Here, we review the biological knowledge about the European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), in which recent advances are improving the basis for successful conservation. A review of the biological and ecological literature about this species identified an exponential increase in both total and peer‐reviewed articles after Natura 2000 regulations. Recent progress in the last two decades has been made in solving taxonomic problems, as well as in habitat description through radiotelemetry and habitat models. Dependence on large old‐growth forest has given place to a more complex picture of habitat use along the distribution range of this species. Monitoring protocols have been developed that will allow to assess conservation status and actual decline. Stag beetle conservation would benefit from a better understanding of larval demography, quantification of microhabitat requirements, landscape genetics and quantification of historical and current threats. Lessons learned include the need to solve taxonomic problems and to target methodological bottlenecks. The stag beetle is one of the few European saproxylic organisms that can engage the broad public through outreach activities and therefore its role as an umbrella species should be promoted.

Here, we review the literature on sexual lability in dioecious angiosperm species with well-studied sex chromosomes. We distinguish three types of departures from strict dioecy, concerning either a minority of flowers in some individuals (leakiness) or the entire individual, which can constantly be bisexual or change sex. We found that for only four of the 22 species studied, reports of lability are lacking. The occurrence of lability is only weakly related to sex chromosome characteristics (number of sex-linked genes, age of the non-recombining region). These results contradict the naive idea that lability is an indication of the absence or the recent evolution of sex chromosomes, and thereby contribute to a growing consensus that sex chromosomes do not necessarily fix sex determination once and for all. We discuss some implications of these findings for the evolution of sex chromosomes, and suggest that more species with well-characterized lability should be studied with genomic data and tools.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Sex determination and sex chromosome evolution in land plants’.

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is one of the most serious health problems worldwide since 25% of the population suffers from it and 80% of these are at risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. MS is defined as a series of metabolic abnormalities constituted by arterial hypertension (HTN), abdominal obesity, dyslipidemias, glucose intolerance and/or insulin resistance (IR). Proteins are long chains of amino acids and have a characteristic three-dimensional structure that is essential for their specific function. These are a source of bioactive peptides that can have beneficial effects on health. Bioactive peptides are small peptide chains composed of 2 to 15 amino acid residues, obtained by industrial food processing or during gastrointestinal digestion; after oral administration, they exert their beneficial effect on the cardiovascular, digestive, immune, and nervous systems. Therefore, the objective of this review is to describe investigations about the positive effects of different kinds and sources of protein, fractions, or peptides in MS.

La presencia del Síndrome Metabólico (SM) en personas con discapacidad es preocupante y poco estudiada. Determinar los factores de riesgo para SM en estudiantes de educación especial. Estudio multicéntrico descriptivo, transversal y observacional realizado en Centros de Atención Múltiple. Diagnósticos: Discapacidades Motriz, Intelectual (DI), Múltiple (DMO), Síndrome de Down (SD), Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA), Retraso psicomotor (RPM) y de adquisición del lenguaje. Total 48 estudiantes, promedio de edad: 11.0 años, peso: 39.3 kg y talla: 1.3 m; 54.2% de la población con DI; 45% presentó peso normal, 15.3% bajo peso, 39.6% exceso de peso; las principales alteraciones clínicas fueron en dientes (35.4%); 14.6% presentó 3 o más factores de riesgo para SM; y 47.9% consumo energético elevado. Los estudiantes de educación especial presentaron factores de riesgo para SM, aumentando las complicaciones propias de su discapacidad y afectando más su salud.Palabras clave: síndrome metabólico; factores de riesgo; discapacidad; educación especial; estudiantes. AbstractMetabolic Syndrome (MS) in people with disabilities is worrying and little studied. This paper describes MS risk factors in students with special needs. Multicentric descriptive, transversal and observational study, carried out in Multiple Care Centers. Diagnostics: Disabilities Motor, Intelectual (ID), Multiple, Down Syndrome, Autism spectrum disorder, Psychomotor retardation and language delay. A total of 48 students took part of the study. The mean of age: 11.0 years, weight: 39.3 kg, height 1.3 m; 54.2% of students presented ID; 45% with normal weight; 15.3% with low weight and 39.6% with overweight; principal clinical alterations were in teeth (35.4%); 14.6% presented 3 or more MS risk factors; and 47.9% with a high energy intake. Students with special needs had MS risk factors, which increase the number of complications of their disabilities, affecting more their health.Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, risk factors, discapacity, special education, students

Resumen: La gran diversidad biológica con la que cuenta México es un factor esencial para la riqueza en cuanto corresponde al reino fungi, la Sierra y Huasteca Hidalguense cuenta con ecosistemas muy diversos que permiten una mayor diversidad de hongos. El objetivo principal del presente estudio es conocer el uso que los habitantes le dan a los hongos en cinco localidades de la Huasteca, Hidalguense. Se realizaron visitas durante el mes de septiembre del 2017, efectuando un total de 52 entrevistas abiertas en total a personas adultas mayores de 40 años. El único uso que se encontró es alimenticio, presentándose siete diferentes maneras de guisado. El hongo más utilizado es el llamado amarillo o Chiquinte. Los pobladores hacen referencia a los hongos un agradable sabor similar al pescado. De acuerdo con la información recabada, se obtuvieron un total de tres géneros (Cantharellus, Pleurotus y Auricularia) y dos especies de hongos (Ustilago maydis y Agaricus bisporus). Se obtuvieron nueve nombres locales para los hongos. Algunos nombres hacen referencia a la misma especie. En cuanto a su temporada, son obtenidos en época de lluvias y en diferentes sustratos. La diferenciación de los hongos comestibles y no comestibles fue en base a los colores mencionados por los pobladores. Comestibles: morado, blanco y amarillo, no comestibles: rojo y gris. Es importante mencionar que los pobladores de las cinco localidades aún conservan conocimiento sobre los hongos silvestres comestibles.

The dataset presented in this data paper supports “Breaking down insect stoichiometry into chitin-based and internal elemental traits: Patterns and correlates of continent-wide intraspecific variation in the largest European saproxylic beetle” (Orlowski et al. 2020). Here we present the supplementary data and description of methods on the following: (1) mass of elytra and abdomens across 28 local Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus populations in Europe. (2) Population origin and coverage of six major land-cover types, including transport infrastructure, measured in three radii (500 m, 1000 m and 5000 m) around the sampling sites of these populations. (3) The relationship between the mass and concentrations of elements measured in abdomens and elytra in 28 Stag Beetle populations and major land-cover types around the sampling sites.

Stoichiometric, trophic and ecotoxicological data have traditionally been acquired from patterns of variation in elemental traits of whole invertebrate bodies, whereas the critical issue of the extracellular origin of some portion of elements, such as those present in ingested food and internal organs, has been ignored. Here we investigated an unexplored, yet crucial, question relating to whether, and to what degree, metals from two major body fractions: exoskeleton (elytra) and internal (body organs with gut material present in abdomens), are correlated with each other in wild populations of the largest European saproxylic insect, the Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus, and how metals from these two fractions vary with insect size and local habitat conditions. We examined the continent-wide variation in the concentrations of 12 chemical elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, As, Cd, Pb and Ni) measured in the elytra and abdomen of specimens from 28 populations inhabiting an urban-woodland habitat gradient across the species’ entire distributional range from Spain to Russia. Across populations, elemental concentrations (except Ni and Pb) were 2–13 times higher in abdominal samples than in elytra, and the magnitude of these differences was related to both insect size and local habitat conditions. Smaller individuals from both woodland and urban habitat tended to have higher concentrations of trace elements (Zn, As, Cd, Pb and Ni). The concentration of only six elements (Mg, K, Na, Mn, Cd and Ni) was correlated in the elytra and abdomen at the individual and population levels, implying a limitation to the broader applicability of elytra as a surrogate for internal elemental pools. We highlight that in non-feeding adult saproxylic beetles, minerals, acquired during the larval stage, may be concentrated in the large quantities of residual body fat.

La homogeneización antrópica de los hábitats reduce la biodiversidad, pero se desconoce su efecto sobre la ocurrencia y frecuencia de interacciones planta-visitante floral. Aquí exploramos cómo la heterogeneidad ambiental a pequeña escala (decenas de metros) contribuye a la diversidad de interacciones planta-visitante floral en dos ecosistemas alpinos. Para ello, obtuvimos redes de interacciones planta-visitante floral en mosaicos de hábitat de ambos ecosistemas y calculamos la importancia de dos fuentes de reemplazo de interacciones entre hábitats: cambios de identidad de especies (reemplazo de especies); y diferencias en las interacciones entre las especies compartidas por los hábitats, i.e. las especies interaccionan solo en un subconjunto de los hábitats en los que coexisten. La heterogeneidad aumentó la diversidad de interacciones, las diferencias en las interacciones entre especies compartidas contribuyeron considerablemente a la diversidad de interacciones y las plantas interaccionaron con más visitantes florales donde eran más abundantes. Las interacciones variaron más de lo predicho por la variación de especies, así que el reemplazo de especies no predice bien el reemplazo de interacciones. Nuestros resultados apoyan el importante papel de la heterogeneidad espacial para mantener una elevada diversidad de interacciones planta-visitante floral.

The Mediterranean Red List assessment is a review of the conservation status at regional level of approximately 6,000 species of animals and plants. This report summarizes the results for a key group of Mediterranean biodiversity: saproxylic beetles. Despite their key role in the ecosystem´s health and food chain, saproxylic beetles are still largely misunderstood and the current information gaps on these species´ population status, trends, and distribution are a reflection on how little we still know about them. The geographical scope followed for this assessment is the Mediterranean region according to the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot, with the exception of the Macaronesian islands, which have not been included in this study. All the obligate saproxylic beetles endemic or almost endemic to the Mediterranean region – 320 species and 1 subspecies – are included.

Male and female unisexual flowers have repeatedly evolved from the ancestral bisexual flowers in different lineages of flowering plants. This sex specialization in different flowers often occurs within inflorescences. We hypothesize that inflorescence architecture may impose a constraint on resource availability for late flowers, potentially leading to different optima in floral sex allocation and unisexuality. Under this hypothesis we expect that inflorescence traits increasing the difference in resource availability between early and late flowers would be phylogenetically correlated with a higher level of sexual specialization. To test this hypothesis, we performed a comparative analysis of inflorescence traits (inflorescence size, number of flowers and flower density) in the sunflower family, which displays an extraordinary variation in floral sexual specialization at the inflorescence level, i.e. hermaphroditic, gynomonoecious and monoecious species. We found that species with a complete sex separation in unisexual flowers (monoecy) had significantly denser inflorescences. Furthermore, those species arranging their flowers in denser inflorescences also showed greater differences in the size of early and late fruits, a proxy of resource variation between flowers. Our findings support the idea that floral sexual specialization and consequently sexual segregation may be the consequence of different floral sex allocation optima driven by the sequential development of flowers that results in a persistent resource decline from earlier to later flowers.

Background and aims Onset of reproduction and reproductive allocation patterns are key components of plant reproductive strategies. Life history theory predicts that plants in adverse environments for juvenile performance start reproduction at smaller sizes and exhibit higher reproductive allocation compared to their counterparts in favourable environments. Life history theory will gain in generality if its predictions are shown to apply to a broad range of organisms and modes of reproduction. This study tested whether the asexual reproductive strategy of a lichenized fungus changed along a climatic gradient. Methods The variation in threshold size for asexual reproduction and asexual reproductive allocation of the lichen Lobarina scrobiculata was assessed in 18 populations (9665 individuals) along a climatic gradient spanning 800 km in latitude in Southern Europe. Using generalized linear models and standardized major axis regressions, the allometric relationships and the associated variation in climatic factors according to the changes in the threshold size for reproduction and reproductive allocation patterns were assessed. Key Results The onset of reproduction was size-dependent and the reproductive allocation increased with individual size. Both the threshold size for reproduction and the reproductive allocation varied along the rainfall gradient. A lower threshold size for reproduction and higher reproductive allocation in drier, adverse locations were found. Therefore, populations in drier locations fitted the predictions of life history theory for sexually reproducing organisms in adverse environments for juvenile performance. Conclusions This study highlights the applicability of the life history theory to fungi and to modes of reproduction other than sexual reproduction. Based on the intraspecific variation in the asexual reproductive strategy of a fungal organism with climatic factors, these findings expand the scope of life history theory predictions and increase our understanding of life history diversity and reproductive strategies across environments.

Global threats to plant-pollinator interactions are potentially serious in alpine ecosystems, which combine great diversity with particular fragility. We utilized tools from complex network theory to assess the robustness to species extinction of two Spanish alpine pollination networks. A comparison with ten additional alpine and subalpine pollination (ASP) networks allowed us to give our assessment a broader scope and provide a general view of ASP network robustness. We found a broad range of robustness among ASP networks. The two Spanish pollination networks ranked intermediate to high in robustness. This could be due to two of their structural features, connectance (proportion of potential interactions actually observed) and asymmetry (normalized difference between pollinator and plant richness), which showed a positive relationship with network robustness. A finer-scale focus on the two Spanish networks did not reveal differences between endemic and nonendemic plants in their functional role ...

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Two, nonmutually exclusive, mechanisms-competition for resources and architectural constraints-have been proposed to explain the proximal to distal decline in flower size, mass, and/or femaleness in indeterminate, elongate inflorescences. Whether these mechanisms also explain unusual positional effects such as distal to proximal declines of floral performance in determinate inflorescences, is understudied. METHODS We tested the relative influence of these mechanisms in the andromonoecious wild olive tree, where hermaphroditic flowers occur mainly on apical and the most proximal positions in determinate inflorescences. We experimentally increased the availability of resources for the inflorescences by removing half of the inflorescences per twig or reduced resource availability by removing leaves. We also removed the apical flower to test its inhibitory effect on subapical flowers. KEY RESULTS The apical flower had the highest probability of being hermaphroditic. Further down, however, the probability of finding a hermaphroditic flower decreased from the base to the tip of the inflorescences. An experimental increase of resources increased the probability of finding hermaphroditic flowers at each position, and vice versa. Removal of the apical flower increased the probability of producing hermaphroditic flowers in proximal positions but not in subapical positions. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate an interaction between resource competition and architectural constraints in influencing the arrangement of the hermaphroditic and male flowers within the inflorescences of the wild olive tree. Subapical flowers did not seem to be hormonally suppressed by apical flowers. The study of these unusual positional effects is needed for a general understanding about the functional implications of inflorescence architecture.

Changes in vegetative and reproductive phenology rank among the most obvious plant responses to climate change. These responses vary broadly among species, but it is largely unknown whether they are mediated by functional attributes, such as size or foliar traits. Using a manipulative experiment conducted over two growing seasons, we evaluated the responses in reproductive phenology and output of 14 Mediterranean semiarid species belonging to three functional groups (grasses, nitrogen-fixing legumes and forbs) to a ~3°C increase in temperature, and assessed how leaf and size traits influenced them. Overall, warming advanced flowering and fruiting phenology, extended the duration of flowering and reduced the production of flowers and fruits. The observed reduction in flower and fruit production with warming was likely related to the decrease in soil moisture promoted by this treatment. Phenological responses to warming did not vary among functional groups, albeit forbs had an earlier reproductive phenology than legumes and grasses. Larger species with high leaf area, as well as those with small specific leaf area, had an earlier flowering and a longer flowering duration. The effects of warming on plant size and leaf traits were related to those on reproductive phenology and reproductive output. Species that decreased their leaf area under warming advanced more the onset of flowering, while those that increased their vegetative height produced more flowers. Our results advance our understanding of the phenological responses to warming of Mediterranean semiarid species, and highlight the key role of traits such as plant size and leaf area as determinants of such responses.

The psychological, sociological and evolutionary roots of conspecific violence in humans are still debated, despite attracting the attention of intellectuals for over two millennia. Here we propose a conceptual approach towards understanding these roots based on the assumption that aggression in mammals, including humans, has a significant phylogenetic component. By compiling sources of mortality from a comprehensive sample of mammals, we assessed the percentage of deaths due to conspecifics and, using phylogenetic comparative tools, predicted this value for humans. The proportion of human deaths phylogenetically predicted to be caused by interpersonal violence stood at 2%. This value was similar to the one phylogenetically inferred for the evolutionary ancestor of primates and apes, indicating that a certain level of lethal violence arises owing to our position within the phylogeny of mammals. It was also similar to the percentage seen in prehistoric bands and tribes, indicating that we were as lethally violent then as common mammalian evolutionary history would predict. However, the level of lethal violence has changed through human history and can be associated with changes in the socio-political organization of human populations. Our study provides a detailed phylogenetic and historical context against which to compare levels of lethal violence observed throughout our history.

High robustness of complex ecological systems in the face of species extinction has been hypothesized based on the redundancy in species. We explored how differences in network topology may affect robustness. Ecological bipartite networks used to be small, asymmetric and sparse matrices. We created synthetic networks to study the influence of the properties of network dimensions asymmetry, connectance and type of degree distribution on network robustness. We used two extinction strategies: node extinction and link extinction, and three extinction sequences differing in the order of species removal (least-to-most connected, random, most-to-least connected). We assessed robustness to extinction of simulated networks, which differed in one of the three topological features. Simulated networks indicated that robustness decreases when (a) extinction involved those nodes belonging to the most species-rich guild and (b) networks had lower connectance. We also compared simulated networks with different degree- distribution networks, and they showed important differences in robustness depending on the extinction scenario. In the link extinction strategy, the robustness of synthetic networks was clearly determined by the asymmetry in the network dimensions, while the variation in connectance produced negligible differences.

This study examines the seed dispersal spectrum of the tropical dry forests of Southern Ecuador, in an effort to contribute to the knowledge of the complex dynamics of tropical dry forests. Seed dispersal spectrum was described for a total number of 160 species. Relationships of dispersal syndromes with plant growth form and climatic seasonality were explored. For a subset of 97 species, we determined whether dispersal spectrum changes when species abundance, in addition to species number, is taken into account. The same subset was used to relate dispersal syndromes with the environmental conditions. Zoochorous species dominated in the studied community. When considering the individual abundance of each species, however, anemochory was the prevalent dispersal syndrome. We found a significant difference in the frequency of dispersal syndromes among plant growth forms, with epizoochory only occurring in shrub species. The dispersal spectrum was dependent on climatic seasonality. The largest proportion of anemochorous species fructified during the dry season, while zoochorous diaspores dominated during the rainy season. A fourthcorner analysis indicated that the seed dispersal spectrum of Southern Ecuador dry forests is controlled by environmental conditions such as annual precipitation, annual temperature range or topography. Our results suggest that spatio-temporal changes in the environmental conditions may affect important ecological processes for dispersal. Thus, the predominance of one syndrome or another may depend on the spatial variation of environmental conditions.

A range of hypothesized evolutionary pathways has been proposed for describing the evolution of dioecy. However, the evolutionary links between other sexual systems not directly involved in dioecy evolution remain largely unexplored, and hence, a comprehensive picture of evolutionary transitions between sexual systems is still lacking. Here, we explored the diversity and evolution of sexual systems in Asteraceae, the largest family of flowering plants, where almost all sexual systems are present. We used a phylogenetic approach to build a model of evolutionary transitions between sexual systems. The best model involved nine transitions, including those from hermaphroditism to andromonoecy, gynomonoecy and gynodioecy, those from gynomonoecy to monoecy and trimonoecy, two transitions to dioecy -one through gynodioecy and the other through monoecy - and reversals from monoecy to gynomonoecy and from gynomonoecy to hermaphroditism. Our reconstruction of the evolution of sexual systems in Asteraceae provided, for the first time, a joint view of the evolutionary transitions between seven sexual systems, unveiling the evolutionary links between monomorphic sexual systems. A pathway from hermaphroditism to monoecy through gynomonoecy, instead of from andromonoecy, was highly supported, which was consistent with a gradient of floral gender specialization.

Phenotypic variation of traits can reflect the ability of plants to adjust to particular environments, but how much of this variation is heritable is not frequently analyzed in natural populations. In the present paper, we investigated the patterns of phenotypic expression in light-related leaf traits of Olea europaea subsp. guanchica, a woody sclerophyllous species endemic to the Canary Islands. We explored phenotypic differentiation and heritable variation across several island populations differing in light environment. A suite of morpho-functional (leaf size, SLA and leaf angle) and physiological (pigment pools: Chl a/b ratio, xantophyll cycle and β-carotene) traits was measured in six populations on three islands. In addition, we estimated heritabilities for these traits following Ritland's method. Variation in morpho-functional, but not in physiological, traits was observed across the islands and was significantly related to the amount of diffuse light experienced by each population. In addition, significant heritabilities were found for morpho-functional traits, whereas expression of similar phenotypes among populations was accompanied by a lack of heritable variation in physiological traits. Most recently established populations did not exhibit lower heritabilities in quantitative traits than older populations, and apparently displayed congruent phenotypes under the local conditions. Our results strongly support the idea that different types of traits show contrasted levels of genetic and phenotypic variation in populations experiencing marked environmental differences.

According to life-history theory, reproductive investments involve costs in terms of growth, future fecundity, and/or survival. However, studies to date have often failed to detect costs of reproduction, with survival costs among the less documented. We investigated the cost of reproduction in Helianthemum squamatum (Cistaceae), a short-lived perennial of semiarid Mediterranean environments. After experimental fl ower removal, we evaluated next season ’ s growth, reproduction, and survival of the plants. We also monitored an indicator of plant physiological status ( F v / F m ) and leaf nutrient concentration at key phenological stages during reproduction. Survival rate in deblossomed plants was signifi cantly higher than in control plants. As far as we know, this is the fi rst experimental evidence of a survival cost of reproduction in a perennial plant. In contrast, no cost to growth or reproduction was found during the next season, and no signifi cant differences in F v / F m or leaf nutrients were found between control and deblossomed plants. Helianthemum squamatum ’ s success in semiarid Mediterranean ecosystems seems to rely on a persistent seed bank, combined with a sustained high reproductive output at the expense of survival. We conclude that this strategy might be more common than previously thought among short-lived shrubby plants growing in stressful Mediterranean areas.

Summary 1. In environmental sex determination (ESD) gender is decided after conception, depending on the environment, rather than being genetically fixed. ESD in plants has been mainly studied in angiosperms, where the dominant form of ESD is sexual lability. Surprisingly, ESD has rarely been studied in homosporous ferns, the only plants in which ESD is the rule, rather than the exception. 2. Here, we address the mechanism underlying ESD for the fern Woodwardia radicans by experimentally manipulating nutrient availability and gametophyte density. 3. Stress (limited nutrient supply, crowding) affected sexual expression in W. radicans gametophytes in a way compatible with ESD. Under good growth conditions (low density or high nutrient), gametophytes matured sexually at a relatively large size and turned into females and subsequently into bisexuals. Under harsh growth conditions, gametophytes matured sexually at a smaller size and turned into males. 4. Interestingly, gametophyte sexual expression was consistent with the size-advantage model, because the number of archegonia increased with gametophyte size, but not the number of antheridia. 5. The sex switch threshold size was variable and decreased with increasing stress, as predicted by age and size to maturity models. 6. Synthesis. Sexual expression in fern gametophytes can be fruitfully studied within the ESD theoretical framework. Stress induced male expression in gametophytes in a way compatible with ESD. In addition, size-related patterns of sexual expression were consistent with the size-advantage model, because female function benefited more from a larger size than did male function. Finally, the sex switch threshold size was variable and decreased with increasing stress, a result predicted by age and size to maturity models but seldom empirically tested before.

Developing protocols for threatened invertebrates is often challenging, because they are not only rare but also elusive. This is the case with the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), a protected and flagship species for the saproxylic beetle fauna in Europe. We applied a standard transect walk at a European scale (8 countries, 29 transects) to test its practicability and reliability as survey design. A total of 533 sightings were recorded throughout the sampling period, but detection probability changed as the season progressed. Considering the observed activity pattern, occupancy models showed that a short period of three consecutive weeks, between the middle of June and the first week of July, resulted in a high probability of detection (P > 0.7). As time of the peak of activity varies from year to year and between sites, we propose to extend the sampling period to five weekly surveys. Detailed information on the transect characteristics and the optimal time for surveying were analysed. The data indicate that a weekly transect at dusk provides a reliable method for monitoring this species throughout its distributional range. No correlation was found between latitude, longitude and phenology of sightings, however. However, a standard method such as the one presented, allows broadening the scale of monitoring studies, provinding data to evaluate the efficacy of conservation measures. © 2016 The Royal Entomological Society

Angiosperms show an evolutionary trend from an indefinite to a fixed number of floral organs. When floral formula inconstancy in recent angiosperms is reported, it is often considered as a byproduct of stress and its fitness consequences remain mostly unexplored. We report substantial nonhomeotic meristic variation in stamen number (0-10 stamens per flower) in two populations of Hormathophylla spinosa during four years. This variation was plastic, suggesting its functional role in the adjustment of phenotypic gender. However, no correlations were found between phenotypic gender and plant size, pollinator or herbivore abundance. Effects on female reproductive success were inconsistent on a per-flower and on a per- plant basis, rendering adaptive explanations in terms of selfing or resource adjustment unsatisfac- tory with the data available. Nevertheless, individ- uals showing larger interannual variation in phenotypic gender showed higher female reproduc- tive success, suggesting an advantage for gender modification. Although our results do not easily conform to any adaptive explanation, this remark- able example of breakdown of trait canalization should stimulate the study of the mechanisms and ultimate causes responsible for the maintenance of fixed floral traits.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of treatment with our locally produced P-32 colloidal suspension on knee synovitic inflammations of hemophilic and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, as well as to compare results with chemical synovectomy or corticoid intra-articular injections and evaluate the cost-benefit ratio.Thirty-six hemophilic male patients, 4-28 years of age and sent by the Hemophilic Foundation (Buenos Aires, Argentina), were enrolled for knee radiosynovectomy (RS) with P-32 colloid (26 patients), or the antibiotic rifampicin with the cooperation of orthopaedists (10 patients). Parents' informed consent was obtained. The following procedures were performed: routine blood tests, X-ray, ultrasound, a 3-phase bone scan, plus monthly methylene diphosphonate (MDP) controls. Patients were included in this study only if several knee episodes had occurred. Exclusion criteria included bone destruction and big Baker's cyst. Twelve RA patients were included, with similar selection criteria: 6 RA patients received P-32 therapy, and the other 6 patients intra-articular corticoids. Clinical, blind evaluation (state of joint involvement, pain, motility, requirements of antihemophilic factors, corticoids, or analgesics) was registered in follow-up charts. If required, joint aspiration was carried out. Intra-articular instillation of saline plus flushing was done before the needle was withdrawn. P- 32 Bremsstrahlung emission was used in the gamma camera for early and late imaging to confirm the absence of leakage. For intra-articular chemical injections therapy, 4 MBq of Tc-99m MAA (macroaggregates) was used. Immobilization and relative rest for 72 hours followed the procedures.There were neither local or systemic effects, nor leakage during P-32 treatment. Intra-articular rifampicin and corticoids procedures required frequent injections. Comparison of regions of interest (ROIs) in treated knees during soft-tissue scintigraphies in pre- and post-third MDP control showed knee improvement. The follow-up evaluation demonstrated an increase in joint motion, diminished volume, and less requirement and frequency of the use of antihemophilic factors (AHF) in 80% of the radiosynovectomies (21 of 26), thus lowering health costs. Five female RA patients (5 of 6) had decreased joint swelling and pains, resulting in increased joint motion.Radiosynovectomy in RA showed a 3-month pain palliative effect. One intra-articular knee radiosynoviorthesis in haemophilic patients provides a more than 3- month relief of symptoms after treatment with locally produced P-32 (11 patients). This turned out to be a safe, economic alternative procedure in emerging nations where the availability of AHF is difficult and expensive.

Current understanding of the extent, causes for, and consequences of variation in nutrient composition in plants is limited. Important questions to be addressed include to what extent nutrients covary, how flexible nutrient ratios are within a population or species, how reproduction influences nutrient ratios, and how much the ratios of nutrients to mass and nutrients to each other change through ontogeny. This information is needed to assess the physiological and ecological consequences of plant nutrient composition and to what extent plants function as balanced systems in acquisition and allocation of resources. We studied the variation in nutrient stoichiometry (i.e., the ratio between contents of different nutrients within a plant) in relation to three factors: (1) environmental availability of nitrogen, (2) plant size, and (3) reproductive status. We investigated these questions in 11 populations of the carnivorous plant Pinguicula vulgaris in northern Scandinavia. Dry mass and N and P content were measured for reproductive and vegetative portions of flowering individuals and for winter buds corresponding to four reproductive states: control reproductive individuals, experimentally vegetative individuals (from which flower buds were removed), adult vegetative individuals, and individuals below the threshold size for reproduction. (N), (P), and to a lesser extent, N and P content were positively related to soil N, but not to prey capture. Nutrient stoichiometry was also size dependent; in general, small plants were relatively enriched in N and relatively depleted in P compared to larger plants. Re- productive status affected not only size, but also nutrient stoichiometry of the resulting winter bud. Winter buds derived from reproductive individuals had a higher (N) and lower (P) than those of the different types of nonreproductive individuals. Our findings indicate that studies of nutrient stoichiometry in plants must go beyond links between environmental and plant nutrient concentrations to consider internal processes such as growth and repro- duction.

Several important fitness components in herbaceous perennial plants are commonly related to plant size: flowering probability, reproductive allocation and fecundity. However, evidence for such size-dependence of fitness components is mostly anecdotal and unconnected to other life history traits. Here we report size-dependence for flowering probability and reproductive allocation in 11 populations of Pinguicula vulgaris and relate it to environmental factors. Flowering probability was size-dependent in all populations of P. vulgaris, and indicated the existence of a threshold size for reproduction. Populations at low altitudes and in wet soils showed a significantly higher threshold size for reproduction. Reproductive mass was also size-dependent in all populations. We found considerable between-population differences in the slope and the intercept of the regression between plant size and reproductive mass. This variation was weakly related to the environmental factors measured. In general, relationships between different size-dependent fitness components were low. Instead of showing a covariation of traits, in line with interpretations in terms of life history “tactics”, P. vulgaris seemed to independently vary each size-dependent fitness component in each locality. In particular, no significant relationship was found between threshold size for reproduction and the slope of size-dependent reproductive allocation, as predicted by previous authors. Neither we found a significant influence of somatic cost of reproduction on size-dependent fitness components.

Spatial patterns of adult plants are a consequence of several ecological processes related to seed dispersal and recruitment. Dispersal limitation, mediated by dispersal syndrome, is considered a key factor in the formation of adult plant spatial patterns. Although this initial pattern determined by dispersal has been thoroughly studied, the subsequently modification by the effect of additional ecological factors, such as habitat heterogeneity is less understood. We explored the relative importance of dispersal syndrome and spatial heterogeneity on the realization of spatial patterns of adult trees in an Ecuadorian tropical dry forest. The spatial distribution of 28 species was modeled with four different spatial point processes each: homogeneous Poisson (HPP), inhomogeneous Poisson (IPP), homogeneous Poisson cluster (HPCP), and inhomogeneous Poisson cluster process (IPCP). These models allowed us to discern between effects of random processes, habitat heterogeneity, limited dispersal, and joint effects of habitat heterogeneity and limited dispersal. We employed Akaike's information criterion (AIC) to select the model which best fit the spatial pattern of each species. The best model of each species was used to analyze differences in cluster size and degree of aggregation, between dispersal syndromes. Seventy-five percent of the species showed inhomogeneous patterns. IPCP yielded the best fit for the spatial distribution of 50% of species in the studied forest and was the prevalent model for the three dispersal syndromes. Thus, the effect of spatial heterogeneity was prevalent in the distribution of most species in this dry tropical forest. Only 21% of species had spatial patterns compatible with random mechanisms associated to limited dispersal around parent sources. Clearly, ignoring habitat heterogeneity could bias the analysis of relationships between dispersal syndrome and species patterns.

The effects of enhanced UV-B radiation were investigated in the carnivorous plant Pinguicula vulgaris in a field experiment performed in Abisko, North Sweden (68° 21′ N, 18° 49′ E, 380 m above sea level). Potted plants were exposed to either ambient or ambient plus supplemental UV-B radiation, simulating a 15% ozone depletion. No effect was observed on either the epicuticular (external) or cellular (internal) UV absorbing capacity of the leaves. However, the anthocyanin content was more than doubled by supplemental UV-B radiation. In laboratory experiments, the anthocyanin rich, UV-B treated leaves were less susceptible to a low temperature/high light photoinhibitory treatment, as judged by in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. Yet, this potential benefit did not considerably affect the growth of the plant in the field (leaf area and dry mass, reproductive dry mass, flowering frequency, senescence rates, dry mass of winter buds). However, there was a marginally significant increase in root dry mass and in the root to shoot ratio, which may underlie the significant increase in the nitrogen content of the leaves. We suggest that P. vulgaris is resistant against UV-B radiation damage and that the possible negative effects of additional UV-B radiation on the growth of these plants may have been effectively counterbalanced by the lower risk of photoinhibition, due to the concomitant increase in anthocyanins.

Models on seed size/number trade-off predict a uniform size of seeds and a decrease in seed size with an increase in seed number. However, substantial between- and within-plant variation in seed size has been found. This study examined the accommodation of Arum italicum to predictions of models. Seed mass variation at population, plant, fruit and within-fruit levels and the existence of a size/number trade-off were examined. Considerable within-plant variation was found in seed mass. Seeds in upper fruits were smaller than seeds in lower fruits and caused variation in seed size. An unequal mass partition between seeds in multiseeded fruits was another source of within-plant variation in seed size. Seed number per fruit is likely to be determined by resource or pollen limitation, not by seed-packaging costs. No size/number trade-off was found at the single plant level. Seedling performance was positively related to seed size. Nevertheless, a maximum seed size seems to exist in this species, instead of a mi...

II Premi del CAATEEB al millor Projecte Fi de carrera del curs 2012/13. limitació de la demanda com a eina fonamental en la intervenció d’edificis existents, combinant la metodologia d’anàlisi in-situ, recollida de dades, termografia i simulació tridimensional amb eines informàtiques, per tal d’obtenir dades objectives a l’hora de crear propostes de millora que cerquin la resolució de les problemàtiques diagnosticades i que amb aquestes es fomenti minimitzar l’impacte negatiu intrínsec dels processos constructius salvaguardant el medi ambient. L’edifici objecte d’estudi, actualment i des de la seva construcció a Esplugues de Llobregat el 1975 ha estat dedicat a l’ús docent (sector terciari). El Centre escolar Isabel de Villena du 37 anys d’exercici i encara que per diferents motius ha tingut varies reformes(1) podem dir que no progressa adequadament, ja que les deficiències analitzades obstaculitzen la qualitat del propòsit lectiu. Edifici aïllat a parcel·la, va ésser concebut per poder aprofitar al màxim la il·luminació i ventilació natural mitjançant la seva forma i orientació, fins i tot al soterrani. D’altra banda, la construcció tradicional emprada, les tècniques, procediments i sistemes resolts d’ençà, avui originen greuges i disconformitats, sobretot quan volen continuar desenvolupant l’activitat docent amb normalitat i assolir estàndards de baix consum energètic, contribuint en el propòsit comú de la reducció d’emissions de gasos d’efecte hivernacle com el CO2. Aquest estudi és un clar exemple de que la manca de previsió en fase de projecte i construcció vers les posteriors etapes de manteniment i ús de les instal·lacions desemboca en problemàtiques de caire decisiu durant l’etapa d’explotació de l’edifici i les possibles rehabilitacions escaients. Estalviant en partides importants com l’aïllament, s’augmenta la demanda, la ineficiència i substancialment els costos energètics, i d’altra banda afavorim l’augment de la contaminació al dependre de fonts energètiques no renovables. Amb el desig de guiar el procés de transformació cap a un centre escolar més sostenible, millorant la vida útil de l’edifici i el confort dels usuaris, plantegem aquest projecte que es centrarà en: · L’estudi previ de l’edifici i la seva tipologia constructiva, creant i actualitzant la documentació gràfica que fins ara era inexacta o inexistent. · Anàlisi dels paràmetres d’ús de les instal·lacions, de consum i de demanda energètica. · Estudi dels paràmetres de confort acústic i tèrmic. · Propostes de rehabilitació energètica, acondicionament acústic – tèrmic i manteniment Award-winning

For many plants, sex is not fixed by genotype but determined by environmental conditions during development. In homosporous pteridophytes, sex is environmentally determined by the presence or absence of antheridiogens, maleness-inducing pheromones. It has been proposed that antheridiogens primarily reduce growth rate, with small gametophyte size responsible for maleness. To test this hypothesis, the effects of antheridiogen and intergametophytic competition on gender expression and gametophyte size were studied in a culture experiment with Woodwardia radicans. We found that (1) antheridiogen inhibited growth of gametophytes; and (2) slow growth favored maleness, whereas fast growth favored femaleness, irrespective of the presence or absence of antheridiogen. Both conclusions are consistent with the hypothesis that, in W. radicans, antheridiogen effect is mediated by size. They also agree with the ‘‘size-advantage’’ hypothesis in which energetic limitations associated with relatively small individual size impose a less severe limitation for male reproductive success than for female reproductive success. The results are also discussed with regard to a genetic sex-determining pathway that has recently been identified.

Frequency-dependent processes are relevant for flowering plant reproduction, especially for species with disassortative mating. In an individual-based study, we tested not only the effects of local density on reproductive success at small spatial scales, but also those of neighborhood quality. To test the neighborhood effects on the reproduction of Armeria caespitosa, a dimorphic Mediterranean high-mountain endemic, we introduce a novel pollination context (PC) index that considered the distance, floral display, and floral morph of neighbors at small scales (within 2 m from the focal plant), studying rock and pasture populations at both edges of the species altitudinal distribution. Reproductive success depended significantly on PC only at the low populations, suggesting that the PC effects are population-dependent and supporting the hypothesis that the neighborhood quality influences the reproductive success of A. caespitosa at least in stressful conditions. Moreover, fruit set was morph-dependent in the high-pasture population. The specific role of the spatial structure of compatible vs. incompatible morphs at small scales of the dimorphic self-incompatibility system in Armeria deserves further attention. Parameters other than plant density are useful for the study of small-scale density-dependent processes that affect pollination and other reproductive components, especially if they integrate neighborhood quality information at adequate spatial scales.

A-10-19; International audience; Documenting nonhermaphroditic sexual systems, a task of major interest for evolutionary biology, is particularly problematic in rare or remote species, for which field sampling is difficult or field specimens or herbarium material is scarce. In addition to hermaphroditism, monoecy and dioecy have been reported in the family Sapotaceae. Nevertheless, the sexual system of some New Caledonian taxa currently included in the genus Planchonella remains vaguely characterized as having “bisexual and female flowers.” In the present study we investigate the significance of female flowers in Planchonella endlicheri, P. laetevirens, and P. latihila. We confirmed that P. endlicheri and P. laetevirens are gynomonoecious in nature, and that P. latihila is gynomonoecious at least when growing in a greenhouse. In addition, we found sexual dimorphism in floral size in P. endlicheri, namely a lower corolla length in female compared to bisexual flowers. Two kinds of position effects on floral sex were present in P. endlicheri. At the twig level, upper flowers had an increased probability of being female and at the inflorescence (fascicle) level, central flowers were predominantly female while lateral flowers were mainly bisexual. Our study illustrates how observational studies on rare or remote species can improve our knowledge of sexual systems in plants and document relevant evolutionary patterns in sexual dimorphism and position effects of floral sex

Plants produce repeated structures, such as leaves, flowers, and fruits, which differ in size and shape. One example of this is fruit size, which is commonly observed to decrease from proximal to distal positions within an inflorescence. The resource limitation hypothesis proposes that because proximal fruits usually develop first, they have temporal priority on access to resources over distal fruits. The non-mutually exclusive architectural effects hypothesis suggests that these position effects in fruit size may also be due to inherent architectural variation along infructescence axes. We separated out the effects of resource competition and inflorescence architecture by removing the outer or the inner flowers within capitula of Tragopogon porrifolius. We also studied if fruit position influenced germination and seedling performance in order to assess fitness consequences of position effects. Inner fruits were significantly heavier when outer flowers were removed. However, outer fruits did not significantly increase when inner flowers were removed, suggesting later fruits were limited by the development of early fruits. Our findings also suggest that architectural constraints restricted the size of inner fruits in comparison with outer ones. We found that both resource competition and inflorescence architecture affected the fruit size of T. porrifolius, even though this species does not have linear, indeterminate inflorescences. We advance the hypothesis that, when such effects on fitness occur, resource competition-mediated position effects could turn, in evolutionary time, into architectural position effects.

Monoecy allows high plasticity in gender expression because the production of separate female and male flowers increases the ability to respond to specific environmental circumstances. We studied variation in sexual expression and its correlates in the monoecious shrub Buxus balearica, for two years, in six populations in the Balearic Islands and four in the Iberian Peninsula. Phenotypic gender varied among populations; while island populations showed slight variations around an average gender, mainland populations showed a broad range of variation in gender among individuals, always biased towards increasing maleness compared with the other populations. Within populations, gender was not related to plant size. Between-year changes were slight and mainly consisted of an increase in relative maleness in the mast year. Reproduction did not affect gender in the next year, as assessed by either observational or experimental methods. Most variation in gender expression occurred among individuals within populations (83.6%), followed by variation among populations (13.6%) and years (2.8%). Our results suggest that male-biased gender at population and plant levels was related to stressful conditions and resource limitation, because: (1) maleness was higher in mainland populations, where summer drought was stronger; (2) maleness increased with elevation; (3) fruit set was positively correlated with femaleness; (4) the percentage of male inflorescences increased over the flowering period; and (5) male inflorescences were preferentially in lower parts of the branch nodes. Higher maleness in mast years, however, could be related to increased male success under synchronic flowering. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart., This study was supported by a FPU grant from the Spanish Ministry of Education to A. L. M.M thanks Anna Traveset and IMEDEA for their hospitality during his fieldwork period in Mallorca