Search

Epiphyte communities comprise important components of many forest ecosystems in terms of biomass and diversity, but little is known regarding trade-offs that underlie diversity and structure in these communities or the impact that microclimate has on epiphyte trait allocation. We measured 22 functional traits in vascular epiphyte communities across six sites that span a microclimatic gradient in a tropical montane cloud forest region in Costa Rica. We quantified traits that relate to carbon and nitrogen allocation, gas exchange, water storage, and drought tolerance. Functional diversity was high in all but the lowest elevation site where drought likely limits the success of certain species with particular trait combinations. For most traits, variation was explained by relationships with other traits (trait co-variance), rather than differences in microclimate across sites. Although there were significant differences in microclimate, epiphyte abundance, and diversity, we found substantial overlap in multivariate trait space across five of the sites. We found significant correlations between functional traits, many of which related to water storage, drought tolerance, and carbon allocation. This suite of trait correlations suggests that the epiphyte community has evolved functional strategies along a drought avoidance versus drought tolerance continuum where leaf succulence emerged as a pivotal overall trait.

Similar to plants in many other families, members of the Hymenophyllaceae use numerous substrates for growth, e.g., soil, rocks or tree bark. However, substrate preference does not only differ among species but can also vary among members of the same species. There have been several attempts in the past to appropriately capture this variation, but none proved feasible or was replicated in any subsequent work. In our approach, we use textual information from numerous sources like checklists, floras and species descriptions to come up with a quantitative index of the preference of 450 species of filmy ferns (=c. 75% of all species of the family) for epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial growth. We show that the majority of species have clear habitat preferences, while strict habitat specificity is rather uncommon. Our compilation will be an important input for future ecological and phylogenetic studies in this family, but the presented approach is of much more general interest: it is immediately applicable to other taxonomic groups and should eventually allow us to replace the current approach of assigning species to distinct categories (epiphyte, lithophyte or terrestrial) by one that finally reflects biological variability more appropriately.

Vascular epiphytes are one of the most important forest components, contributing to microclimatic maintenance. These plants find ideal conditions for development in the Amazon due to the spatial heterogeneity and high temperature and humidity typical of this biome. In recent years, the Brazilian Amazon has undergone dramatic changes in its landscape, mainly due to the increase in deforestation and fire rates. We present here the floristic composition and analyze the community structure of epiphytic angiosperms of an urban forest fragment in Eastern Amazon. A total of 71 epiphytic individuals were recorded belonging to eight species and four families. Orchidaceae was the most representative family, corroborating the pattern for surveys of epiphytic diversity in the Neotropical region. Epiphytic species were found on 24 individuals of 10 tree species. The epiphytic importance value (IVe) was low for all species, except for Aechmea tocantina and Rhipsalis baccifera. Cactaceae was the family with the highest IVe. Most epiphytes were found in the crown of trees (83.1%). The diversity index of the fragment was H’ = 1.80 and the equity index was J= 0.87, reflecting the absence of highly dominant species. Conservation of urban forest fragments is necessary for the maintenance of epiphytic flora and ecosystem services.

With the increased planting of non-native trees within urban environments there is a need for investigating the impacts they may have on the indigenous biodiversity. In this study, we explored the diversity of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes as well as the tree-related microhabitats on planted, non-native green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica and compared it to that of indigenous Fraxinus excelsior and Quercus robur. We conducted sampling on trees of similar growing conditions and size within two cities of eastern Germany (Dresden and Dessau-Roslau). In our analysis we did not find any significant differences in epiphyte diversity and abundance. By contrast, microhabitat diversity was significantly higher on F. pennsylvanica than on the indigenous tree species, which we attribute to the pioneer character of F. pennsylvanica with faster ageing. Our results underline a low impact of F. pennsylvanica on epiphytic lichen and bryophyte diversity, while indigenous animals might even benefit from the higher diversity and frequency of microhabitats on trees of this species. Therefore, its use as an ornamental tree should not be generally rejected in urban environments.

Since the nineteenth century, a ring-forming disease attacking Antarctic mosses has been reported. However, to date, only the effects on the mosses themselves are known. In this study, we used DNA metabarcoding to investigate the effects on the moss epiphytic algal community at different stages of disease progression. As the disease progressed, algal species richness decreased, although overall abundance was not significantly affected. Prasiolales appeared unaffected, whereas Ulotrichales were more sensitive. Trebouxiales dominated the advanced disease stage, suggesting a possible benefit from the disease, either through the elimination of competition or creation of new niches. Infection is responsible for moss death, leading to habitat loss for other organisms, but pathogenic effects on algae cannot be ruled out. Our data indicate that the disease not only impacts mosses but also other groups, potentially resulting in loss of Antarctic biodiversity. This study provides the first report of the disease effects on epiphytic algal communities of Antarctic bryophytes.

Farming of fungi by ants, termites, or beetles has led to ecologically successful societies fueled by industrial‐scale food production. Another type of obligate insect agriculture in Fiji involves the symbiosis between the ant Philidris nagasau and epiphytes in the genus Squamellaria (Rubiaceae) that the ants fertilize, defend, harvest, and depend on for nesting. All farmed Squamellaria form tubers (domatia) with preformed entrance holes and complex cavity networks occupied by P. nagasau. The inner surface of the domatia consists of smooth‐surfaced walls where the ants nest and rear their brood, and warty‐surfaced walls where they fertilize their crop by defecation. Here, we use RNA sequencing to identify gene expression patterns associated with the smooth versus warty wall types. Since wall differentiation occurred in the most recent common ancestor of all farmed species of Squamellaria, our study also identifies genetic pathways co‐opted following the emergence of agriculture. Warty‐surfaced walls show many upregulated genes linked to auxin transport, root development, and nitrogen transport consistent with their root‐like function; their defense‐related genes are also upregulated, probably to protect these permeable areas from pathogen entry. In smooth‐surfaced walls, genes functioning in suberin and wax biosynthesis are upregulated, contributing to the formation of an impermeable ant‐nesting area in the domatium. This study throws light on a number of functional characteristics of plant farming by ants and illustrates the power of genomic studies of symbiosis., We performed the first transcriptomic analysis of the newly discovered obligate farming symbiosis involving ants farming plants. Our analyses reveal a number of candidate genes associated with the differentiation of the plant tissue for ant nesting and fertilization.

Vascular epiphytes represent almost 10% of all terrestrial plant diversity. Despite the extensive research on the functional ecology and challenges of epiphytic growth, there is still very little known on how exposure to mechanically induced stress affects the growth and development of epiphytes. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of such mechanical stress on the growth and biomass allocation of epiphytic bromeliads. Juvenile plants of two species were subjected to two types of mechanical stress in the greenhouse—permanent displacement and temporary, recurring mechanical flexing. ANOVAs were used to test possible treatment effects on growth, root–shoot ratio, root diameter, and root area distribution ratio. Contrary to previous studies on herbaceous plants, these bromeliads showed little to no change in root and shoot properties in either species. The root–shoot ratio increased in disturbedGuzmania lingulataplants, but not inVrieseasp. Treatment effects on growth were inconsistent: a stress effect on growth was significant only in the first 2 months of the experiment inG. lingulata, whilst none of the stress treatments negatively affected growth inVrieseasp. All disturbed plants showed some degree of curvature on their stems and leaves against the area of stress to obtain an upright position. This was probably related to the maintenance of a functional tank. This study provides quantitative and qualitative data to understand thigmomorphogenic responses of bromeliads to mechanical stress. Future studies could include field surveys to quantify on-site mechanical stresses and the corresponding morphological changes in vascular epiphytes.

Phyllosphere microbial communities have received considerable attention given their important influence on their plant hosts and on ecosystem functioning. In a context where climate change threatens the sustainability of ecosystems, it is important to understand how phyllosphere microbes will respond to changes in their environment. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to quantify phyllosphere bacterial communities of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) exposed to nitrogen canopy enrichment and soil warming in the boreal forest of Quebec, Canada. The treatments were applied from April to September 2015 and the sampling was done in September. Neither treatment influenced the overall community structure and diversity of black spruce phyllosphere bacterial communities. However, some bacterial taxa and inferred microbial functions did differ among treatments, revealing in particular a stronger response of some bacteria to soil warming rather than nitrogen enrichment. Our results suggest that soil warming could potentially induce more changes in phyllosphere bacterial taxa abundances and functions than could nitrogen addition, with potential consequences for microbial diversity and boreal forest ecosystem function under likely climate change scenarios. Our study suggests avenues for further research to integrate a more mechanistic understanding of the importance of phyllosphere microbes for black spruce and boreal forest ecosystems.

The need for monitoring Asian dust is increasing owing to concerns about its harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. Strontium isotope ratios of mosses can be used to monitor Asian dust because of the traceability of these ratios and nutrient uptake by mosses from atmospheric deposition. Hence, the present study examined the suitability of strontium isotope ratios of mosses for monitoring Asian dust. Given the higher strontium isotope ratios of Asian dust than those of domestic origins, these ratios of mosses would be higher in areas with Asian dust. Moss samples were collected from 13 sites across Japan. The strontium isotope ratios of mosses in all study sites were lower than those of Asian dust. Although western Japan is more strongly influenced by Asian dust than eastern Japan, there were no significant differences in the strontium isotope ratios between these regions. Notably, the strontium isotope ratios of mosses significantly and positively correlated with those of the local soil across the study sites. These results indicate that strontium in mosses was derived from the local soil, and this uptake pattern may be attributed to a considerable supply of soil-derived strontium. In conclusion, the strontium isotope ratio of mosses is not a suitable indicator for the influence of Asian dust in Japan. Future studies should investigate whether these results could be applied to epiphytic mosses as potential indicators for Asian dust because epiphytes are less influenced by soil-derived minerals than terrestrial mosses.

Orchids are the largest and diverse families of flowering plants. Orchids are found growing mostly in tropical climates affecting various communities socio-economically. Among many protected areas in Bhutan, Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary (JWS) is the least explored in terms of flora and fauna. The study was carried out to assess diversity, host tree preferences and to determine the growth zone of epiphytic orchids along the altitudinal gradient in Langchenphu gewog in JWS. Transect technique was used in which three trails transect were laid out with 10 sampling plots in each transect. Plots size of 20 m × 20 m along the altitudinal gradients were established maintaining an altitudinal interval of 100 meters between each sample plot. A total of 42 species of epiphytic orchids from 20 genera was recorded of23 host tree species under 15 families were recorded. A significant correlation between diversity of orchid and altitude was observed (r = .927, p < .05). Myrtaceae and Theaceae were the most preferred host tree families (14%) followed by Bignoniaceae (13%) and others respectively. The Study concludes that 57% of total species encountered prefers higher canopy & on a tree with rough bark, Pearson chi-square test (X2(1) = 4.7, p< .05) showed a significant difference between trunk, branches, and canopy. Many epiphytic orchids prefer dense canopy (n = 73, 47%) and living trees (99%). Future studies should be focused more on the flowering season for obtaining better information on orchid diversity in the study area.

Broad-leaved trees play an important role in supporting epiphyte richness in deciduous forests. In this study we tested which broad-leaved forest stands in terms of tree composition best predicted biodiversity in regard to bryophyte species number and their functional traits. The bryoflora was surveyed in 70 stands differing in dominant broad-leaved tree species. One circular plot with diameter 30 meters was established in each stand situated in different parts of Latvia. Fifty-three of the plots were located in stands identified as protected habitats of the European Union. In total, 82 bryophyte species were recorded. At plot level the total number of species ranged between 6 and 38 species. Using principal component analysis (PCA), the ordination axes explained 41% of the variation in composition of bryophytes. The PCA axes were related to tree species composition. The presence of broad-leaved trees, especially ash, lime, and oak, was connected with higher species richness. Generalised linear models confirmed that epiphyte richness, both at the total and indicator species levels, was higher in ash stands. From the functional traits, all expected life-strategy and life-form categories were recorded. The most represented life-forms were smooth mats, tall turfs, and rough mats, while the dominant life-strategy was perennial stayers, followed by competitive perennials and long-lived shuttles. Functional trait richness was highest in Fraxinus excelsior, Tilia cordata, and Quercus robur forest stands.

Urban trees provide multiple benefits for the citizens such as shadow provision and climate regulation. In addition, it can contribute to the conservation of native plants from the ecoregion where the city is located, although there is not much information about it. In this study, species richness, cover and composition of vascular epiphytes were analyzed in urban trees of Gran San Miguel de Tucuman. We sampled epiphytes over 240 trees in 24 sites located in the localities of Horco Molle, El Corte, Yerba Buena and San Miguel de Tucuman. We recorded characteristics of trees (i.e., diameter at breast height [DBH], bark type and number of pruned branches) and sites (distance from the nearest source of epiphyte propagules such as sierra San Javier and urban green spaces, temperature and humidity using satellite images). Significant increases of species richness and cover of epiphytes were recorded with tree DBH and rough barks. Both features are important for vascular epiphyte establishment because they allow more surface and time available for colonization and a rough bark accumulates water and organic matter. In addition, epiphyte richness increased in trees closer to Sierra de San Javier, and in sites with lower temperature and higher humidity. The locality of Horco Molle, closer to sierra de San Javier, had a different composition of epiphytes compared to the other localities. Interactions between host trees and vascular epiphytes were similar to those observed in pristine forests of sierra de San Javier. These results are relevant for urban vegetation management because they allow us to consider urban trees as an important contribution to the conservation of native Yungas epiphytes.

To contribute to what is known about involvement of vegetation dynamics in Neotropical speciation, we used the Epidendrum latilabre complex, a taxonomically well-defined species group, to investigate past connections between Amazonian (AM) and Atlantic (AF) forests and address the following topics: (1) divergence times between sister species currently distributed in AM and AF; (2) distribution patterns of ancestral species of the E. latilabre complex and (3) potential routes connecting ancestral ranges between AM and AF. We developed a robust phylogenetic estimate for species of the E. latilabre complex by sequencing two nuclear and six plastid loci. Then, we combined divergence time estimation, ancestral range reconstruction and ecological niche modelling. Our biogeographic reconstruction exhibits a complex pattern of connections among tropical forests east of the Andes in South America. The AM and AF species of the E. latilabre complex are intermixed in the results, and climatic shifts during the Pleistocene (Chibanian) are suggested here as a major force promoting speciation. Sister species tend to be ecologically distinct in their climate niche spaces, and vicariance and peripheral isolation are reconstructed as the main drivers of speciation. There is evidence to suggest that the south-east/north-west bridge and the northern/north-eastern coastal route have been occupied by the ancestors of the E. latilabre complex, and alternative routes across the South American dry diagonal were unlikely. Further studies on Neotropical epiphytic taxa are still necessary for understanding the dynamics of historical connections between AM and AF.

Moss-associated N2 fixation by epiphytic microbes is a key biogeochemical process in nutrient-limited high-latitude ecosystems. Abiotic drivers, such as temperature and moisture, and the identity of host mosses are critical sources of variation in N2 fixation rates. An understanding of the potential interaction between these factors is essential for predicting N inputs as moss communities change with the climate. To further understand the drivers and results of N2 fixation rate variation, we obtained natural abundance values of C and N isotopes and an associated rate of N2 fixation with 15N2 gas incubations in 34 moss species collected in three regions across Alaska, USA. We hypothesized that δ15N values would increase toward 0‰ with higher N2 fixation to reflect the increasing contribution of fixed N2 in moss biomass. Second, we hypothesized that δ13C and N2 fixation would be positively related, as enriched δ13C signatures reflect abiotic conditions favorable to N2 fixation. We expected that the magnitude of these relationships would vary among types of host mosses, reflecting differences in anatomy and habitat. We found little support for our first hypothesis, with only a modest positive relationship between N2 fixation rates and δ15N in a structural equation model. We found a significant positive relationship between δ13C and N2 fixation only in Hypnales, where the probability of N2 fixation activity reached 95% when δ13C values exceeded − 30.4‰. We conclude that moisture and temperature interact strongly with host moss identity in determining the extent to which abiotic conditions impact associated N2 fixation rates.

Species diversity and abundance patterns of epiphytic orchids were studied in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Western Ghats of northern Kerala. Habitats sampled were wet evergreen (EVEG), montane wet evergreen (MEVG), moist deciduous (MDEC), and semi evergreen (SEVG), on a gradient of altitude from 60 to 1,589 m. Selective tree scanning on linear line transects was deployed (n= 40) across spatial units. A total of 39 orchid species were recorded. Rarefied species richness was maximum in the EVEG (20) habitat. Best suited rank abundance models were analysed for epiphytic orchids in each habitat and checked for significant differences. Bootstrap and Jackknife-1 estimators and species accumulation curves suggested higher species richness than observed, therefore more effort in sampling was needed in order to record all epiphytic orchids of the area. The difference in species richness between habitat types was not statistically significant (ANOVA). 38% of recorded epiphytic orchid species were endemic.

Production forestry is known to reduce the naturally variable microhabitat pools in live trees and their biodiversity by tree removal and broad indirect effects of silviculture. However, the tree-scale processes are not known well enough for microhabitat management for the future. This study investigates how tree age affects the microhabitat occurrence in live trees, its effect modifiers, and explanatory value compared with tree diameter. We inventoried tree-related microhabitats on 879 live aspens (Populus tremula) and Norway spruces (Picea abies) of known age in 141 forests representing contrasting productive site conditions in Estonia. We analysed microhabitat incidence using logistic mixed models for significant tree-scale and stand-scale factors. Most microhabitat types appeared rare even in old trees, and the age effects had various patterns. Only 2% of trees bore five or more microhabitat types. Aspens and spruces had a similar microhabitat diversity before 80 years of age. Stand-level effects varied among microhabitat types but were less significant than tree-level effects; interactions were even rarer. Most effects found could be interpreted through known ecological processes; for example, humidity-dependent epiphytic growth; bark stripping by herbivores; pathogen effects in forests with distinct histories. In contrast, a reliable tree-scale prediction of microhabitat occurrence appears rarely possible; and depending on microhabitat type, either tree age or diameter can be a better predictor. We suggest that managing for tree-related microhabitats in production forests should combine facilitating ecological conditions for microhabitat formation, and early detection and retention of the trees with high microhabitat potential.

Establishment of new populations is contingent on overcoming abiotic and biotic barriers. While this applies to all species, these hurdles are at the forefront of invasion biology where prediction, prevention, eradication, and control strategies depend on an understanding of these processes. Terrestrial Arundina graminifolia and epiphytic Dendrobium crumenatum are two non-indigenous orchids spreading throughout Puerto Rico. The two species have acquired a native herbivore and seed predator, the orchid-specialist weevil, Stethobaris polita. With recently acquired presence records of the three species, land cover data and downscaled climate variables, we modeled their potential distributions under current conditions and also those projected under the least and most extreme climate scenarios for 2050 and 2070. We show that D. crumenatum flourishes in urban environments which also provide refugia from S. polita, whereas there is currently limited refugia for A. graminifolia from S. polita attack, as this orchid has similar climatic niches as the weevil. Projections into all climate scenarios suggest range retractions for all species, with a decreased extent of both orchid populations subject to S. polita attack. Thus, we illustrate for island invasions how climate change will likely alter the distribution of acquired biotic interactions.

Diatoms (Bacillariophyta) are one of the major biological components in all kinds of aquatic ecosystems both in freshwater and marine ones. The nature reserve fund of Ukraine includes 52 national parks, in the vast majority of which Bacillariophyta have not been studied. This investigation presents first data on the diatoms in Yavorivsky National Park located in Lviv region. The material consists of the epiphytic samples of microalgae that were collected from different substrates in aquatic ecosystems of the Yavorivsky National Park in 2014. In the hydrotopes of the park 180 diatom species from 56 genera were found, among them Achnanthidium catenatum (Bily & Marvan) Lange-Bertalot, Cymbopleura apiculata Krammer, Fallacia sublucidula (Hustedt) D. G. Mann in Round, Crawford & Mann, Gomphonema lagenula Kützing, G. supersedens Reichardt, G. pseudopusillum Reichardt, Paraplaconeis minor (Grunow) Lange-Bertalot, Placoneis constans (Hustedt) E. J. Cox, Psammothidium bioretii (Germain) Bukhtiyarova & Round, P. vernadskyi Bukhtiyarova et Stanislavskaya, Sellaphora gracillima Zidarova, Kopalová & Van de Vijver, S. insolita (Manguin) Hamilton et Antoniades, Stauroneis fluminopsis Van de Vijver et Lange-Bertalot were recorded for the first time in Ukraine. Besides that, Amphora hemicycla Stoermer & J. J. Yang and Sellaphora bacilloides (Hustedt) Levkov, Krstic & Nakov also were new findings in the country from the Broadleaf Forest Zone of Ukraine. Many species rare in the world flora and in Ukraine were found. A new diatom species Сaloneis albus-columba Bukhtiyarova, sp. nov., was described from the pond in stationary recreation area Kozulka. This new species possesses strongly three-undulate valves with three rhombic segments, which in morphology is most similar to Caloneis lamella Zakrzewski, however it differs from it by having rhombic distal valve segments instead of oval ones as well as noticeably smaller width of the central valve segment. The morphology of other similar species is discussed. For proper description of the new species new definitions for the raphe system morphology were grounded on functional morphology of the diatom frustule. New combinations Iconella alaskaensis (Foged) Bukhtiyarova, comb. et stat. nov., Iconella baltica (Schumann) Bukhtiyarova, comb. nov., Iconella brebissonii (Krammer & Lange-Bertalot) Bukhtiyarova, comb. nov., Iconella brightwellii (W. Smith) Bukhtiyarova, comb. nov., Iconella constricta (Grunow) Bukhtiyarova, comb. et stat. nov., Iconella didyma (Kützing) Bukhtiyarova, comb. nov. and Iconella elegans (Ehrenberg) Bukhtiyarova, comb. nov. were formally proposed. The lectotype for Eunotia glacialis F. Meister was designated here. Illustrations with light and scanning electron microscopy are presented. A primary inventory of Bacillariophyta and their subsequent study on protected territories in Ukraine is still an important task in the context of preservation of biodiversity of the country.

Airborne volcanic ejecta (tephra) can strongly influence forest ecosystems through initial disturbance processes and subsequent ecological response. Within a tephra-disturbed forest, large trees may promote plant growth and create favorable sites for colonization. Three primary ways trees can influence posteruption vegetation response include: (1) amelioration of volcanic substrates, (2) providing source propagules from the tree or from associated epiphytes, and (3) sheltering understory vegetation, thereby increasing the rate of recovery near tree bases. Here, we evaluate Valdivian temperate rainforest understory vegetation responses in close proximity to large trees that survived the 2015 eruption of Calbuco Volcano. Understory vegetative cover was higher near the base of trees for mosses, many epiphytes, and some herbaceous, shrub, and trees species. However, significant interactions with year of measurement, and individualistic responses by many species made generalizations more difficult. Shrubs and trees in particular demonstrated patterns of recovery that were frequently independent of distance. In some cases, percent cover of colonizing vegetation actually increased away from trees by 2019. The soil surface was similarly variable where bare soil cover was associated with locations proximal to tree bases, but material shed from living and dead standing vegetation increased wood and litter abundances on the soil surface away from the base of trees. Soils near trees had lower pH, elevated organic matter, and higher nitrogen and carbon. Our results support the assertion that in this temperate rainforest ecosystem large trees may provide important early refugia for vegetative regrowth following a tephra-fall event with altered edaphic conditions. Nevertheless, individualistic dynamics of different species and growth forms suggest the influence of large trees on nearby understory plants is more complex than a simple facilitative model might suggest.

Epiphytes as the important features in the seagrass ecosystems have been studied widely, and their functions as a primary producer, influence rates of herbivory grazer, and prevent seagrass leaf from desiccation is well known. However, patterns and distribution among seagrasses especially in Indonesia, which was known as hotspot marine biodiversity is not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to examined epiphytic assemblages on two seagrass species with different morphological and longevity, Enhalus acoroides and Cymodocea rotundata, in two different meadows (conservation area and non-conservation area) in Lesser Sunda Islands (Bali and Lombok). A total of 22 taxa of microalgae epiphytes species were identified from eight sites and 2 different species of seagrass. The highest number of collected species between class was from Bacillariophyceae (18), followed by Cyanophyceae (3) and Fragilariophyceae (1). Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) revealed a significant difference of microalgae epiphytes assemblages between sites and seagrasses. Epiphytes assemblages in conservation area were more abundant than non-conservation area, both in Bali and Lombok. On seagrass comparison, Enhalus acoroides showed higher abundance of epiphytes assemblages than those on Cymodocea rotundata. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), this study highlights the microalgae epiphytic communities strongly influenced by seawater temperature, phosphate’s concentration, and pH in sediment. This study also demonstrated that the assemblages of microalgae epiphytic communities affected by differences of seagrass morphological and longevity.

Mountains provide a timely opportunity to examine the potential effects of climate change on biodiversity. However, nature conservation in mountain areas have mostly focused on the observed part of biodiversity, not revealing the suitable but absent species—dark diversity. Dark diversity allows calculating the community completeness, indicating whether sites should be restored (low completeness) or conserved (high completeness). Functional traits can be added, showing what groups should be focused on. Here we assessed changes in taxonomic and functional observed and dark diversity of epiphytic lichens along elevational transects in Northern Italy spruce forests. Eight transects (900–1900 m) were selected, resulting in 48 plots and 240 trees, in which lichens were sampled using four quadrats per tree (10 × 50 cm). Dark diversity was estimated based on species co-occurrence (Beals index). We considered functional traits related to growth form, photobiont type and reproductive strategy. Linear and Dirichlet regressions were used to examine changes in taxonomic metrics and functional traits along gradient. Our results showed that all taxonomic metrics increased with elevation and functional traits of lichens differed between observed and dark diversity. At low elevations, due to low completeness and harsh conditions, both restoration and conservation activities are needed, focusing on crustose species. Towards high elevations, conservation is more important to prevent species pool losses, focusing on macrolichens, lichens with Trentepohlia and sexual reproduction. Finally, dark diversity and functional traits provide a novel tool to enhance nature conservation, indicating particular threatened groups, creating windows of opportunities to protect species from both local and regional extinctions.

The first complete checklist of the Mexican vascular epiphytes is presented, accompanied by data relating to its geographical distribution by state, elevational range, endemism, life form and type of vegetation in which each species can be found. Based on the review of herbarium specimens and specialized literature, as well as in the collection of botanical material in several regions of the country, we determined that the vascular epiphytes of Mexico are integrated by 24 orders, 37 families, 253 genera, and 1,813 species, of which 583 are endemic to the country. The families with the highest specific richness are Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae, Polypodiaceae, and Piperaceae, while the genera with the highest number of taxa are Tillandsia, Epidendrum, and Peperomia. Only one gymnosperm, Ceratozamia tenuis, was registered as epiphyte. The types of vegetation that harbor the greatest richness are the cloud forest with 1,079 species and the Quercus forest with 837. One hundred eighty-six species are found in some category of the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010.

Bird‐mediated dispersal is presumed to be important in the dissemination of many different types of organisms, but concrete evidence remains scarce. This is especially true for biota producing microscopic propagules. Tree‐dwelling birds, such as woodpeckers, would seem to represent ideal dispersal vectors for organisms growing on standing tree trunks such as epiphytic lichens and fungi. Here, we utilize bird natural history collections as a novel source of data for studying dispersal ecology of plants, fungi, and microorganisms. We screened freshly preserved specimens of three Finnish woodpecker species for microscopic propagules. Samples were taken from bird feet, and chest and tail feathers. Propagules were extracted using a sonication–centrifugation protocol, and the material obtained was studied using light microscopy. Diverse biological material was recovered from all specimens of all bird species, from all positions sampled. Most abundant categories of discovered biological material included bryophyte fragments, fungal spores, and vegetative propagules of lichens. Also, freshwater diatoms, bryophyte spores, algal cells, testate amebae, rotifers, nematodes, pollen, and insect scales were identified. The method developed here is applicable to living specimens as well, making it a versatile tool for further research. Our findings highlight the potential of bird‐mediated dispersal for diverse organisms and showcase the use of natural history collections in ecological research., Woodpeckers are ideal candidates for bird‐mediated dispersal for a diverse set of organisms, especially epiphytes. We report high loads of diverse biological propagules extracted from feathers and feet of woodpecker specimens from natural history collections. The study highlights the potential of birds as dispersal vectors of lichens, fungi, bryophytes, and more.

Bacteria are essential in the maintenance and sustainment of marine environments (e.g., benthic systems), playing a key role in marine food webs and nutrient cycling. These microorganisms can live associated as epiphytic or endophytic populations with superior organisms with valuable ecological functions, e.g., seagrasses. Here, we isolated, identified, sequenced, and exposed two strains of the same species (i.e., identified as Cobetia sp.) from two different marine environments to different nutrient regimes using batch cultures: (1) Cobetia sp. UIB 001 from the endemic Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica and (2) Cobetia sp. 4B UA from the endemic Humboldt Current System (HCS) seagrass Heterozostera chilensis. From our physiological studies, both strains behaved as bacteria capable to cope with different nutrient and pH regimes, i.e., N, P, and Fe combined with different pH levels, both in long-term (12 days (d)) and short-term studies (4 d/96 h (h)). We showed that the isolated strains were sensitive to the N source (inorganic and organic) at low and high concentrations and low pH levels. Low availability of phosphorus (P) and Fe had a negative independent effect on growth, especially in the long-term studies. The strain UIB 001 showed a better adaptation to low nutrient concentrations, being a potential N2-fixer, reaching higher growth rates (μ) than the HCS strain. P-acquisition mechanisms were deeply investigated at the enzymatic (i.e., alkaline phosphatase activity, APA) and structural level (e.g., alkaline phosphatase D, PhoD). Finally, these results were complemented with the study of biochemical markers, i.e., reactive oxygen species (ROS). In short, we present how ecological niches (i.e., MS and HCS) might determine, select, and modify the genomic and phenotypic features of the same bacterial species (i.e., Cobetia spp.) found in different marine environments, pointing to a direct correlation between adaptability and oligotrophy of seawater.

In recent decades, multipartite mutualisms involving microorganisms such as fungi have been discovered in associations traditionally thought of as bipartite. Ant-plant mutualisms were long thought to be bipartite despite fungi being noticed in an epiphytic ant-plant over 100 years ago. We sequenced fungal DNA from the three distinct domatium chambers of the epiphytic ant-plant Myrmecodia beccarii to establish if fungal communities differ by chamber type across five geographic locations spanning 675 km. The three chamber types serve different ant-associated functions including ‘waste’ chambers, where ant workers deposit waste; ‘nursery’ chambers, where the brood is kept; and ‘ventilation’ chambers, that allow air into the domatium. Overall, fungi from the order Chaetothyriales dominated the chambers in terms of the proportion of operational taxonomic units (OTUs; 13.4%) and sequence abundances of OTUs (28% of the total); however a large portion of OTUs (28%) were unidentified at the order level. Notably, the fungal community in the waste chambers differed consistently from the nursery and ventilation chambers across all five locations. We identified 13 fungal OTUs as ‘common’ in the waste chambers that were rare or in very low sequence abundance in the other two chambers. Fungal communities in the nursery and ventilation chambers overlapped more than either did with the waste chambers but were also distinct from each other. Differences in dominance of the common OTUs drove the observed patterns in the fungal communities for each of the chamber types. This suggests a multipartite mutualism involving fungi exists in this ant-plant and that the role of fungi differs among chamber types.

In Ant-gardens, ants build nests with organic materials and take specific seeds of some species of epiphytes which germinate. In this mutualistic interaction, a variety of other epiphytes could colonize the nests and develop, but it doesn't happen. We assume that there is chemical allelopathy with epiphytes inhibiting the germination and growth of other species of epiphytes, and with ants cutting off non-mutualistic epiphyte species. To investigate this, we performed chemical and prune tests which determine the composition of the epiphyte species of Ant-Gardens of parabiotic ants, Camponotus femoratus (Fabricius, 1804) and Crematogaster levior Longino, 2003. For the chemical allelopathic test, we administered the extract of the stem and leaves of Peperomia macrostachya (Vahl) A. Dietr. and Codonanthe calcarata (Miq.) Hanst. (the most common species in parabiotic AGs) in different concentrations. For the prune test, we used seedlings of the mutualistic plant Peperomia macrostachya and non-mutualistic plant Cucumis sativus as a control, then we inspected the nests to evaluate the ants pruning the seedlings. In the chemical allelopathy tests, the species Codonanthe calcarata decreased the germination speed indexes in relation to the control (distilled water). On the contrary, the length and weight of the seedlings were positively influenced by epiphyte extract. In the prune test, most of the plants pruned were non-mutualistic. The results of the chemical allelopathy and prune experiments showed that both mutualistic epiphytes and ants play a decisive role in the composition of epiphytes in Ant-Gardens.

Little is known about vertical patterns of leaf characteristics for submerged macrophytes in freshwater ecosystems. Here, after sampling Ceratophyllum demersum and Hydrilla verticillata in deep (3.8 m) and shallow areas (1.0 m) in a shallow subtropical lake, we cut the individuals into segments along the vertical direction, and measured leaf biofilm and physiology characteristics. In the deep area, leaf pigment concentrations showed declining trends with an increasing water depth, but the enzymatic specific activity of peroxidase (POD-ESA) was precisely the opposite. Moreover, the amount of attached biofilm matter and epiphyte biomass were greatest on leaves of upper middle segments, and lowest on bottom segments. In the shallow area, bottom leaves of C. demersum had more attached biofilm matter and epiphyte biomass, but the opposite was true for H. verticillata. Additionally, leaf chlorophyll-a concentration was higher on the bottom segments for H. verticillata, and C. demersum had a higher POD-ESA in bottom leaves. Our analysis found that vertical pattern of leaf physiology was closely related to light intensity, and biofilms played an auxiliary role. Our study highlighted vertical patterns of leaf biofilm and physiology for submerged macrophytes, and suggested that such patterns are generally species-specific, especially in shallow areas.

Mapping diversity patterns is important to clarify its causes and is essential information for conservation policies. We map the distribution of vascular epiphytes from the Southern block of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (SBAF) to understand the main factors responsible for the richness and species turnover, as well as to generate information for the conservation of this functional group. We gathered a data set of vascular epiphytes, mapping the richness and weighted endemism using cells of 0.5° × 0.5°, and performed two Generalized Dissimilarity Models (GDM) using a filter of 18 and 54 species in cells of 5 km × 5 km to evaluate the species turnover and correlation with the climatic and topographic factors. We found four sites presenting both a high richness and endemism. A gradient of richness and species turnover between the coastal and inland regions was confirmed, as well as between the lowlands and the mountainous regions. The main predictors obtained from GDM were geographic distance, cloud cover, and temperature seasonality. The topographic heterogeneity and the resulting climate changes are responsible to enhance the richness and species turnover of vascular epiphytes in the SBAF. It is important to conserve the coastal areas and the mountainous gradients due to the high richness and strong species turnover, but also the inland areas since their composition is quite distinct from previous environments.

Cymodocea nodosa, a typical marine angiosperm species in the Mediterranean Sea, hosts a range of epiphytic algae. Epiphyte abundance varies at different spatial scales, yet epiphyte diversity and community composition are poorly understood. This study explores the epiphytes on C. nodosa from two reference meadows (Thasos, Vrasidas) and one anthropogenically stressed meadow (Nea Karvali) in the northern Aegean Sea (Kavala Gulf, Greece). A nested destructive sampling design at three spatial scales (metres, hundreds of metres, kilometres) and stereoscopic/microscopic observations were used. Light microscopy revealed a total of 19 taxa of macroalgae populating the leaves of C. nodosa. The most commonly encountered taxa with highest cover (%) were Hydrolithon cruciatum and Feldmannia mitchelliae. DNA sequencing (18S rDNA) confirms the presence of a number of dinoflagellate and red algal epiphytes, and this represents the first application of DNA metabarcoding to study the diversity of seagrass epiphytes. Epiphytic communities studied at species/taxon and functional (Ecological Status Groups) levels separated the reference low-stressed meadows from the degraded one, with the functional approach having higher success. The ecological evaluation index classified the studied meadows into different Ecological Status Classes according to anthropogenic stress.

Epiphytic lichens are sensitive to deteriorating air quality, but levels of nitrogen and especially sulphur deposition have been in decline over most of Europe in recent decades. We assessed the response of epiphytic lichens to this decline, using data from long-term monitoring sites in Sweden. We analyzed 20 years of data to investigate temporal trends in lichen communities’ sensitivity to sulphur, nitrogen preference, species richness and alpha and beta diversity. We found only limited and partial evidence of recovery in the area that previously had high levels of deposition, and a decline in mean sulphur sensitivity at a northern site with low deposition levels throughout the monitoring period. The slow recolonization of sensitive species, even where environmental conditions are now suitable, is probably a result of impoverished regional species pools and the inherent limited dispersal capacity of many lichen species. We suggest due consideration of these factors in the use of epiphytic lichens as environmental indicators in a period of improving air quality.