搜索结果：Trends in ecology & evolution

The acceleration of urbanization and the expansion of population scale have led to increasingly prominent PM2.5 pollution. Taking the urban agglomeration in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River within the Yangtze River Delta as the study area, this research innovatively constructs a 1D-2D-3D multi-dimensional urban form indicator system. By integrating spatial autocorrelation analysis, hot spot analysis, the Optimal parameters-based geographical detector (OPGD) model, and the Geographically Weighted eXtreme gradient boosting (GW-XGBoost) model, this study systematically reveals the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of PM2.5 concentration from 2014 to 2022 and the global and local driving mechanisms of multi-dimensional urban form on PM2.5 concentration. This study aims to fill existing research gaps and provide scientific support for the precise prevention and control of PM2.5 pollution in urban agglomerations. The results indicate that: Multi-dimensional urban form exhibits significant spatial differentiation, with high values of 1D and 2D forms concentrated east of Nanjing, while high values of 3D forms are distributed west of Nanjing. The correlation coefficients of Building density (BD) with Mean building height (MBH) and Floor area ratio (FAR) reach 0.78 and 0.85, respectively, indicating a distinct characteristic of urban vertical expansion. The regional annual average PM2.5 concentration shows a continuous downward trend (decreasing from 60.77 μg/m3 in 2014 to 29.52 μg/m3 in 2022), with reductions ranging from 29.55% to 40.61% across individual cities. Spatially, a hot spot area at the 99% confidence level, centered around Nanjing and Ma'anshan, is formed, presenting a stable pattern of "high in the middle and low on both sides." Regarding the global driving mechanisms, River density (RD), Digital elevation model (DEM), and Road network density (RND) are the core factors influencing PM2.5 concentration (with q-values of 0.3232, 0.2604, and 0.1852, respectively). Pollution risk is highest when DEM is in the 19-34 m elevation zone (concentration reaching 30.06 μg/m3), and all factor interactions exhibit nonlinear enhancement effects. Significant spatial non-stationarity exists in the local driving mechanisms. The regulatory effects of urban form are stronger in core cities (Nanjing, Shanghai), with local R2 values ranging from 0.30 to 0.35. Specifically, RD exhibits a significant positive driving effect in the central region of Nanjing-Ma'anshan-Wuhu (coefficient 0.80-1.00). In key transportation areas such as northern Shanghai, the coefficient of RND reaches 0.50-0.70. The positive effect of Proportion of transportation land (PTL) is prominent along expressways and around logistics hubs (coefficient 0.30-0.50). In contrast, in peripheral cities (Anqing, Chizhou), the local coefficients of determination (R2) are only 0.16-0.20. The mitigating negative effect of the Proportion of water body (PWB) exhibits a "water-adjacent attenuation" characteristic. This study effectively compensates for the shortcomings of traditional research in the systematic integration and methodological applications of characterizing nonlinear relationships, accounting for spatial heterogeneity, and analyzing multi - dimensional urban form systems. It provides scientific support and specific pathway references for the precise prevention and control of PM2.5 pollution and urban form optimization at the urban agglomeration scale. The findings carry important practical value for air quality improvement and sustainable development in similar high - density urban agglomerations.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen with clinically important multidrug resistance, yet large-scale genome-based analyses integrating population structure, resistance determinants, and epidemiological metadata remain limited. We analyzed 2,419 publicly available genomes retrieved from NCBI GenBank. After quality control with CheckM, 2,389 assemblies passed filtering criteria, and species identity was further evaluated by average nucleotide identity using FastANI. A final curated dataset of 1,240 confirmed S. maltophilia genomes was retained for downstream analyses. Antimicrobial resistance determinants were identified using AMRFinderPlus, sequence types were assigned by multilocus sequence typing, and temporal, geographic, host-associated, and gene co-occurrence analyses were performed. The 1,240 genomes represented isolates collected between 1900 and 2025 from 40 countries. Geographic metadata were available for 1,239 isolates, host source for 1,239 isolates, and collection year for 1,105 isolates. Human-derived isolates predominated, whereas animal-derived isolates were rare and environmental isolates were absent. MLST assigned 876 isolates to 97 sequence types, with ST5, ST4, ST1, ST31, and ST162 as the most prevalent lineages. The resistome comprised 69 unique resistance-associated genes across 12 functional classes and showed a bimodal structure, with a highly conserved intrinsic core and a sparse accessory component. Core genes included emrA, emrB, emrC, smeF, blaL1, aac(6')-Iz, aph(6), aph(3')-IIc, ermB, and ermC, most of which occurred at very high prevalence. In contrast, acquired determinants such as sul2, tet(G), aadA2, blaNDM-1, blaGES-1, and blaOXA-74 were infrequent. Plasmid replicons were also uncommon, supporting a predominantly chromosomal resistance architecture. Temporal analyses showed that intrinsic genes were present in the earliest available isolates, whereas acquired genes appeared only in recent decades and generally remained rare. Several acquired genes, including floR, aph(3'')-Ib, aph(6)-Id, and aac(6')-Ib4, declined over time, while no acquired resistance determinant showed a significant increasing trend. Gene presence pattern and co-occurrence analyses identified dominant conserved resistome configurations and a smaller set of variable accessory modules associated with putative mobile genetic elements. Comparative analysis further showed enrichment of intrinsic efflux-associated determinants in clinical isolates, whereas non-clinical isolates carried a broader diversity of acquired aminoglycoside resistance genes. These findings indicate that the global resistome of S. maltophilia is dominated by conserved intrinsic, chromosomally encoded resistance determinants, whereas acquired resistance genes remain rare, sporadic, and lineage-associated. This curated genome-scale framework provides a resource for surveillance and for future studies linking resistome evolution, mobile genetic elements, and genotype-phenotype relationships.

Genome size (GS) is known to be highly variable among angiosperm species. However, this variation can also occur within species. Both interspecific and intraspecific variations in GS have been often found to be linked to phenotypic traits. Therefore, selective pressures acting on these target traits may indirectly shape GS evolution within and among species. However, the processes linking selective pressures to GS evolution are typically studied at broad phylogenetic scales, often overlooking how these processes operate at the microevolutionary level, where selection acts on standing variation within species. Recently diverging species or independently evolving lineages offer ideal settings to test whether selection shaping GS variation within lineages is reflected in patterns of GS variation among them, thereby linking microevolutionary and macroevolutionary processes. Here, we combined flow cytometric estimates of GS with measurements of leaf and floral traits, known to be targets of selective pressures, in both common garden and wild populations of two recently diverged Dianthus rupicola lineages. Then, we tested for an allometric relationship between GS and such phenotypic traits. Finally, we characterized the biotic and abiotic environment of wild populations and quantified plant reproductive success to identify selective pressures acting on traits showing an allometric relationship with GS. We found substantial GS variation, primarily driven by differences between the two lineages, but also occurring within lineages. GS showed a strong allometric relationship with two leaf traits, that is, stomata area and epidermal cell dimension, and one floral trait, that is, style length, in both lineages. Leaf traits reflected similar patterns of local adaptation to the edaphic environment in the two lineages, whereas divergent biotic pressures between lineages were associated with variation in style length. Our selection analysis revealed that style length was negatively associated with plant reproductive success in the lineage interacting with the pre-dispersal seed predator Hadena, while the opposite trend was observed in the lineage where this interaction is absent. By demonstrating how ecological factors shape traits covarying with GS both within and between lineages, this study provides a valuable framework to bridge micro- and macroevolutionary processes in GS evolution.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Helicobacter pylori is increasingly compromising eradication therapies worldwide. Despite growing concern, comprehensive global genomic analyses integrating resistance determinants, geographic distribution, and evolutionary patterns remain limited. A total of 6876 high-quality H. pylori genomes collected from 85 countries between 1900 and 2024 were analyzed. Resistance determinants were identified using AMRFinderPlus, followed by lineage profiling, geographic mapping, temporal trend analysis, and resistome characterization. The distribution of virulence-associated genes and resistance gene presence patterns was also evaluated. Twenty-two AMR determinants were identified, predominantly chromosomal mutations. The most prevalent mutation was pbp1a S543R, associated with amoxicillin resistance, detected in 24.03% (1652/6876) of genomes across 63 countries since 1983. Fluoroquinolone resistance-associated gyrA N87K demonstrated a marked temporal increase, reaching approximately 50% prevalence by 2023. Additional gyrA and pbp1a variants were widely distributed globally. Acquired resistance genes, including blaTEM,aph(3')-IIIa, and catA1, were rare and primarily confined to sequence type 181. Among 2877 resistant isolates, 103 distinct resistance profiles were observed, with single-mutation patterns predominating. Geographic analysis revealed pbp1a S543R prevalence exceeding 40% in multiple Asian and African countries, while gyrA N87K exceeded 30% in parts of Asia and South America. The resistome exhibited an open structure, whereas 134 virulence-associated genes remained highly conserved. This large-scale global genomic study demonstrates the extensive dissemination and ongoing evolution of AMR in H. pylori, particularly against amoxicillin and fluoroquinolones. The findings indicate that empirical treatment strategies based on these agents are becoming increasingly unsustainable worldwide. Implementation of susceptibility-guided therapy, rapid molecular diagnostics, and international genomic surveillance programs is urgently required to preserve eradication efficacy and limit further resistance expansion.

Groundwater plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining ecosystem stability and supporting production and daily life. Its extensive and long-term development and utilization have attracted increasing academic attention to groundwater research. In this study, we employed bibliometric analysis of 3514 graduate dissertations published between 1988 and 2024, extracted from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), examining their quantitative output, institutional affiliations, research fields, and keywords to explore groundwater research trends. The analysis indicates a growing focus on groundwater research, with 1066 (30%) graduate dissertations published in the past 5 years. North China, East China, and Northwest China were identified as the primary regions hosting groundwater research institutions. As a typical interdisciplinary field, "Earth Sciences," "Industrial Technology," and "Environmental Science" emerged as active intersecting disciplines. Moreover, keywords such as "numerical simulation," "hydrochemical characteristics," and "isotopes" were identified as high-frequency terms. Despite some progress, groundwater research continues to face challenges in several areas, including but not limited to the characterization of complex media, the integration of multi-source data, and the understanding of hydrogeochemical mechanisms. Based on keyword co-occurrence network and burst analysis, we predict future primary research directions. The integration of traditional disciplines such as hydrology, biology, and geochemistry is becoming increasingly prominent, while convergence with emerging fields like machine learning, big data, and artificial intelligence represents a frontier trend. The combined application of multiple technologies is becoming the optimal choice for addressing complex groundwater issues. In summary, this study provides a new perspective and offers broader insights for the research and development in the field of groundwater.

The genus Salix comprises approximately 450 species that are known for rich and distinctive specialized chemistry, dominated by phenolic compounds such as salicinoids, flavonoids, and tannins, as well as diverse volatile organic compounds. These metabolites mediate interactions with herbivores, pathogens, mutualists, and the abiotic environment. Owing to their species richness, frequent hybridization, polyploidy, and diverse ecological interactions, willows represent an exceptional model for studying the evolution and ecological functions of plant specialized metabolites. We synthesize current knowledge on the ecological and evolutionary roles of willow specialized metabolites, integrating evidence from chemical ecology, metabolomics, phylogenetics, and evolutionary biology. We examine how non-volatile and volatile chemistry shapes willow interactions with antagonists and mutualists, and how these interactions vary across environmental gradients. We focus on evolutionary trends in willow chemistry in response to various selection pressures and explore the effects of hybridization, introgression, and polyploidization on willow metabolomic profiles. We discuss emerging insights into chemical trait syndromes, metabolic constraints, and the role of abiotic filtering versus biotic selection in shaping phytochemical variation in willows. Willows combine extraordinary chemical diversity with high evolutionary flexibility, which likely drives their success across contrasting environments. Variation in their specialized chemistry emerges from the interplay between selection imposed by herbivores, pathogens, and mutualists, and environmental filtering along climatic and resource gradients. These selective forces act on both metabolite concentration and structural variation in willow metabolomes, while hybridization, polyploidy, and constraints within metabolic pathways modulate both the evolutionary trajectories and the impact of willow chemistry on their ecological interactions. Advances in untargeted metabolomics and phylogenomics now enable a more holistic understanding of willow chemical strategies beyond a small set of canonical compounds. As such, willows remain a powerful model system for uncovering general principles governing the evolution, function, and diversification of plant specialized metabolites.

Critical ecological areas (CEAs) are essential for maintaining resilient ecosystems by providing vital services and regulatory functions. However, existing approaches for identifying CEAs predominantly rely on historical patterns, often overlooking their dynamic evolution under future climate scenarios, which limits the development of proactive adaptation strategies. To address this gap, this study develops a forward-looking assessment by exploring the future evolution of CEAs in the Yellow River Basin under four representative Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), within the Ecosystem Integrity-Multifunctionality-Stability framework. Results demonstrate that by 2050, the spatial patterns of ecosystem integrity (EII) and multifunctionality (EMI) are projected to remain relatively stable. In contrast, areas of high ecosystem stability (ESI) expand as emission intensity increases, shifting towards the central basin and extending northward. Consequently, CEAs are also concentrated in the midstream region, exhibiting a northward trend under future climate scenarios. Lower emission scenarios, such as SSP126, are associated with the conversion of other areas into CEAs, while SSP245 plays a more significant role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of existing CEAs. Therefore, balancing ecological protection and economic development is crucial in future climate scenarios. Additionally, high-quality CEAs are most strongly associated with EII, although this relationship weakens as emission intensity increases. In regions showing consistent improvement across multiple scenarios, higher ESI is observed, with EMI being the second strongest association, while EII is generally lower compared to other areas. These findings emphasize that improving CEA quality is not dependent solely on enhancing a single attribute but requires a comprehensive strategy that safeguards landscape integrity while enhancing stability. Improving high-quality CEAs will promote sustainable ecosystem functions and meaningfully contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.

Quantifying the magnitude and spatial variability of soil erosion and identifying its dominant controls are essential for understanding erosion processes and designing suitable conservation strategies, particularly in fragile mountain ecosystems. Despite extensive research, the relative importance of controlling factors remains insufficiently resolved in complex Himalayan terrains. In this study, soil erosion rates across major land-use systems in the Himalayas were quantified using the fallout radionuclide 137Cs technique and integrated with RUSLE modelling to assess present and future dynamics. The mean soil erosion rate was estimated at 21.4&#xa0;t&#xa0;ha-1&#xa0;yr-1 (137Cs) and 27.1&#xa0;t&#xa0;ha-1&#xa0;yr-1 (RUSLE), exhibiting a clear gradient across land uses (forest < grassland < scrubland < agriculture < barren land). Model validation showed close agreement between observed sediment yield in the Tehri Dam Reservoir (Bhagirathi River) catchment (10.23-13.05&#xa0;t&#xa0;ha-1&#xa0;yr-1) and the RUSLE-derived sediment yield estimate (11.91&#xa0;t&#xa0;ha-1&#xa0;yr-1), supporting the reliability of the erosion predictions. Topographic attributes, especially support practice factor (P factor) and slope, emerged as the primary determinants of spatial erosion patterns, highlighting the dominant role of terrain in regulating soil redistribution. Climatic drivers, predominantly rainfall erosivity, were identified as the most dynamic factors influencing temporal variability and future trends. Soil organic carbon, vegetation cover, and anthropogenic disturbances further modulated erosion responses. Climate projections based on IPCC SSP scenarios indicate a consistent increase in soil erosion under moderate- to high-emission pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5), driven by intensified precipitation regimes, whereas a comparatively low increase is projected under the low-emission scenario (SSP1-2.6). Under the high-emission SSP5-8.5 scenario, future precipitation is projected to increase by an average of 27.3%, resulting in a corresponding mean increase of up to 37.1% in soil erosion rates. Among land-use systems, forests demonstrated greater resilience to future erosion, while barren lands remained highly vulnerable. The findings establish that while topography governs the baseline spatial distribution of soil erosion in the Himalayas, climate change acts as a critical amplifier of future risks. The findings underscore the need for climate-adaptive erosion control strategies tailored to topographically sensitive areas to mitigate future soil degradation risks and promote sustainable soil and water conservation. Our study serves as a valuable reference for future research on the long-term evolution of soil erosion in subtropical hilly and mountainous regions, especially in the context of climate change.

To investigate the level of functional coupling and coordination among the Production-Living-Ecological Space (PLES) in rural counties of Southern Xinjiang, as well as the classification of rural functions and pathways for enhancing their configurations, this study took 42 counties (cities) in Southern Xinjiang from 2010 to 2022 as research units. A multidimensional evaluation index system for rural production, living, and ecological functions was constructed, and analysis was conducted using a combination of methods, including the entropy method, horizontal and vertical comparisons, and fuzzy&#x2011;set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The results indicate that: (1) The degree of functional coupling and coordination among the PLES in Southern Xinjiang has shown a steady, stepwise increase. Overall, functional values exhibit an upward trend, with rural production functions showing a marked improvement, living functions improving more rapidly, and ecological functions improving more slowly. Spatially, the distribution follows a "higher in the north, lower in the south" pattern, with high-value areas concentrated in the Aksu Prefecture. The scope of high-high clusters has shrunk, forming a pattern of "localized clustering and overall dispersion." (2) Based on the functional values of PLES, rural areas in Southern Xinjiang counties were classified into four types: weakly integrated, dual-function coordinated, single-function dominant, and multifunctional. Among these, the dual-function coordinated (production-ecology coordinated) type has the widest geographical distribution. (3) Diverse configuration pathways, such as scale-driven and density-optimized models, were identified, with analysis revealing that fixed-asset investment and the value added from the secondary and tertiary industries are the core factors driving these patterns. In summary, the findings of this study can support the formulation of targeted policies for PLES functions in Southern Xinjiang's counties, thereby promoting comprehensive rural revitalization and accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas in the region.

Against the backdrop of global warming and frequent extreme weather&#xff0c; reducing carbon emissions has become an international focus. As a crucial ecological barrier and energy base in Northwest China&#xff0c; the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region urgently needs clarification regarding the spatiotemporal trends of its carbon storage and the driving factors behind its spatial distribution differences under various future development scenarios. To address this&#xff0c; the PLUS model was employed to simulate and predict land use patterns in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region for 2040 under four scenarios&#xff1a; natural development&#xff0c; cultivated land protection&#xff0c; ecological protection&#xff0c; and urban development. Subsequently&#xff0c; the InVEST model was used to quantitatively assess carbon storage during historical periods and under these future scenarios. Furthermore&#xff0c; the optimal geographical detector model was applied to analyze the dominant factors influencing the spatial distribution of carbon storage in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and their interactive effects. The results indicate&#xff1a; &#x2460; Between 1990 and 2020&#xff0c; grassland area in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region significantly decreased &#xff08;a total reduction of 2 751.56 km2&#xff0c; with 2 372.55 km2 occurring between 1990 and 2000&#xff09;&#xff0c; while construction land continuously expanded &#xff08;by 117.61&#xff0c; 683.66&#xff0c; and 641.54 km2 from 1990 to 2000&#xff0c; 2000 to 2010&#xff0c; and 2010 to 2020&#xff0c; respectively&#xff09;. &#x2461; Carbon storage slightly increased from 1990 to 2000 &#xff08;an increase of 0.778&#xd7;106 t&#xff09; and then continuously decreased thereafter. &#x2462; By 2040&#xff0c; carbon storage under all four development scenarios was projected to be lower than the 2020 level. Among these&#xff0c; the ecological protection scenario showed the smallest reduction in carbon storage &#xff08;a decrease of 4.057&#xd7;106 t&#xff09;&#xff0c; while the urban development scenario exhibited the largest reduction. &#x2463; Annual precipitation &#xff08;with the strongest single-factor explanatory power&#xff09;&#xff0c; DEM &#xff08;elevation&#xff09;&#xff0c; and annual average temperature were the main natural factors affecting the spatial distribution of carbon storage. All two-factor interactions demonstrated an enhancing effect&#xff0c; with the interaction between normalized difference vegetation index &#xff08;NDVI&#xff09; and DEM having the strongest explanatory power. This study suggests that implementing an ecological protection pathway in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in the future can most effectively mitigate carbon storage loss. The spatial differentiation of carbon storage was primarily dominated by annual precipitation&#xff0c; and the interaction between DEM and NDVI was the strongest.

Microbiomes are important to the ecology and evolution of their associated animal hosts. These important functions range broadly from individual animal health to population-level adaptations. Turtle-associated microbiomes are under increasing investigation, given turtles' conservation status and the unique natural history of the shell as an evolutionary-developmental novelty. Many components of the turtle-microbiome interaction remain understudied, including how microbial communities assemble based on host and environmental factors. Here, we hypothesized that age, habitats, and body sites would exhibit significant differential effects on bacterial microbiomes in the Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, USA. We also hypothesized there would be differential abundance of specific bacterial taxa associated with a recently described, algae-mediated shell disease. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of 64 turtle samples, we found bacterial community differences among body sites (cloaca, carapace, plastron, and skin), but weaker trends associated with habitat types (ephemeral or permanent-water ponds), and over age gradients (age 4-12+ years). Specifically, the carapace and plastron hosted high bacterial richness compared to the skin and cloaca, and all body sites differed in their bacterial composition across habitat sites. In many individuals, including those with advanced stages of the algae-mediated shell disease (Stage 3 or 4; 25% of sampled turtles), we detected significant differential abundance of specific bacterial taxa, including Cyanobacteria strains. These results are important for informing sampling regimes in long-term studies related to K. flavescens ecology and evolution, and for continuing conservation and natural history work associated with turtles broadly.IMPORTANCEThis research addresses the role of host and environmental factors in shaping bacterial communities in turtles. Specifically, this study is the first to test the hypothesis that body and habitat sites drive microbial community structure and enrichment patterns in the Yellow Mud Turtle, Kinosternon flavescens. Turtle body site is shown to be a significant contributor to turtle bacterial community structure and enrichment. This includes the presence of specific taxa that may have a role in a specific algae-mediated shell disease, which is of interest to conservation efforts. Taxa associated with the cloaca across individuals are also identified, as these may have important evolutionary implications. This work will be important to generating hypotheses and guiding methods in future turtle microbiome studies and will also serve as important background information for turtle conservation efforts.

The evolutionary transformation of the hominin hand is of central interest due to its critical role in mediating interaction with both the physical and cultural environments. Beyond its functional significance, however, hand morphology can also reflect broader anatomical trends at the organism level. This study analyzes 31 metacarpal remains from the Neandertal site of El Sidr&#xf3;n (Asturias, Spain), using a combination of discrete morphological traits, linear measurements, and three-dimensional geometric morphometrics based on a 32-landmark template. The dataset is examined within a broad comparative and evolutionary framework. Our results confirm that Neandertal metacarpals differ markedly from those of modern Homo sapiens. They display increased robustness, more strongly developed muscle attachment sites, and enlarged heads, resulting in the characteristic 'lollipop' morphology. Significant differences are also observed in the carpometacarpal joint complex, including a flattened proximal articular facet on the first metacarpal, a reduced styloid process on the third metacarpal, and the absence of torsion in the fifth metacarpal, which also affects its articulation with the fourth metacarpal. Although these traits have often been interpreted as localized functional adaptations related to grip strength, joint loading, and manipulative performance, our results support a complementary anatomical interpretation. Comparable patterns of skeletal hypertrophy and joint reorganization (e.g., articular surface flattening and surface rotation) have been described in other Neandertal anatomical regions (including the clavicle, elbow, sacrolumbar spine, wrist, and femur), suggesting that metacarpal morphology may form part of a broader systemic pattern of skeletal organization. We therefore interpret the Neandertal metacarpals as compatible with an organism-level perspective, while emphasizing that behavioral and functional inferences require additional lines of evidence.

Long-term, individual-level studies can provide valuable insights into the effects of climate and landscape change on the ecology and population dynamics of wild animals. However, many such studies lack environmental data collected at the spatial and temporal resolutions needed to determine how populations respond to changing conditions. In these cases, the retrospective use of satellite-derived data can provide a way to recover past environmental information. Using a 27-year dataset of an Australian insectivorous passerine, the superb fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus, we assessed how climate variation influences vegetation productivity and, indirectly, superb fairy-wren life history traits through potential changes in trophic interactions. Specifically, we combined long-term, individual-level monitoring of superb fairy-wrens and local weather records with Landsat satellite imagery, from which we derived measures of vegetation productivity using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as a proxy for food availability through arthropod abundance. We found a complex set of associations between NDVI and different components of weather, when considering both concurrent and lagged effects. Our analyses of the causes of seasonal variation in superb fairy-wren life history traits demonstrated that NDVI was associated with: (i) temporal variation in breeding success, with years with high spring and summer NDVI values having relatively high average breeding success; and (ii) spatial variation in adult mortality in autumn and winter, with superb fairy-wren territories with low autumn-winter NDVI values having higher average mortality rates. Notably, autumn-winter NDVI values were found to have remained relatively consistent over time, indicating that vegetation productivity cannot explain recently observed increases in adult autumn-winter mortality. Our study illustrates the potential of using long-term Landsat satellite imagery to investigate whether associations between animal life history traits and climate are mediated by vegetation productivity and to what extent temporal trends are influenced by climate change.

Movement ecology-the study of how and why animals move within their environments-stands to offer transformative insights into our rapidly changing world, with benefits for both nature and people. Here, we present the first global horizon scan for movement ecology, engaging leading experts to identify innovations likely to shape the field over the next two decades. These include: engineering breakthroughs, such as long-lived miniature tags with enhanced sensing capacities, non-invasive attachment mechanisms and real-time data processing; analytical advances to predict movement trajectories and scale individual data to population-level patterns; and targeted coordination to mobilize data, scale collaborative infrastructure and expand participation in underrepresented regions. Strategic investment in these priorities would advance understanding of wildlife biology and ecosystem functions, providing mechanistic insights that could help address planetary-scale challenges from biodiversity loss to global health. To highlight these opportunities, we map alignment between identified innovations, movement ecology applications and key multilateral environmental frameworks, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals. Our analyses fill a gap at a critical juncture in the evolution of movement ecology as a discipline, offering a community-driven agenda that calls attention to the wide-reaching implications of the advancements on the horizon today.

The monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia Lesson, 1831) is a medically important elapid snake with substantial geographic variation across South and Southeast Asia. Throughout its broad distribution, spanning various major ecoregions and habitat types, N. kaouthia displays a great amount of phenotypic variation. Recent taxonomic developments in the Asiatic cobras (Naja, subgenus Naja), namely the description of a new species (Naja fuxi Shi et al. 2022), have resulted in confusion regarding the affinities of non-spitting cobras across Indochina. Due to close morphological resemblances and poorly resolved phylogenetic relationships among three sympatric and/or parapatric taxa (N. atra, N. fuxi, and N. kaouthia), additional research is needed to disentangle species limits, evolutionary history, ecology, and distribution of these species from one another. A long history of taxonomic confusion and ambiguity in this group, combined with the suggestion of additional cryptic and unrecognized diversity, underscores a need for continued study of the Asiatic cobras. Consequently, we summarize information on N. kaouthia, compiling data on geographic distribution, phylogenetic relationships, phenotypic variation, venom variation, and venom spitting behavior. While distribution-wide trends do appear to be present for some characteristics (i.e., regional trends in venom spitting behavior, body coloring and patterns), they are apparently lacking or poorly defined for others (i.e., trends in venom composition). In view of future study on N. kaouthia, and accounting for the missing holotype, we designate a neotype for the species, thereby restricting the type locality to 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India, within the original ambiguous type locality of "Bengale, Inde". Future taxonomic treatments resulting in the recognition of additional diversity within N. kaouthia will thus require that the name be maintained for snakes from the newly restricted type locality. We encourage detailed investigation on the Asiatic cobras using integrative lines of evidence combining mitochondrial, nuclear, and morphological datasets, but emphasize that nomenclatural decisions should only be made with a large body of supporting evidence.

Under global warming, the expansion and structural reorganization of drylands have become increasingly evident, reflecting major shifts in terrestrial hydroclimatic conditions. However, the evolutionary characteristics of different dryland subtypes and their risk differentiation remain insufficiently understood. Using global aridity index data for 1981-2020 together with future scenario data from CMIP 6, this study examined changes in dryland extent, subtype evolution, and drought risk patterns at global and continental scales. The Results global drylands expanded overall during 1981-2020 and are likely to continue expanding in the future. This expansion was driven mainly by increases in semiarid and dry subhumid zones, particularly the latter, suggesting that current global aridification is expressed more through the outward growth of wet-dry transition zones than through uniform intensification of hyperarid cores. Between 1981 and 2000 and 2041-2060, total global dryland area increased by 9.78&#xd7;106 km2 at a rate of 1.63&#xd7;105 km2 yr-&#x2009;1, including increases of 4.71&#xd7;106 km2 in semiarid zones and 5.57&#xd7;106 km2 in dry subhumid zones, whereas hyperarid zones decreased by 9.33&#xd7;105 km2. At the continental scale, Asia contributed most to net global dryland expansion, whereas Africa accounted for the largest shares of permanent dryland and high-risk dryland zones. Risk zoning based on drought frequency and maximum consecutive drought years revealed a clear spatial gradient from permanent drylands to high-risk and then low- to medium-risk dryland zones, with Africa and Asia forming the core regions of persistent dryland zones and the main frontiers of future expansion. Overall, global dryland evolution shows pronounced structural and intercontinental heterogeneity. High-risk dryland zones and dry subhumid zones should therefore be prioritized in future drought monitoring, early warning, ecological restoration, and region-specific management. This study provides a scientific basis for dynamically identifying global drylands, managing vulnerable areas, and developing sustainable land-management strategies under climate change.

The colorful and charismatic flamingos (Phoenicopteridae) have long been the focus of conservation studies, particularly because many of them are currently threatened. Additionally, they serve as flagship species, underscoring the importance of protecting and sustainably using the unique wetlands they inhabit. Although genome-wide genetic data have proven invaluable for both taxonomy and conservation, its application in this context remains limited, primarily due to restricted access to reference genomes of non-model species. In this study, we performed the first genome-wide analysisof thephylogeneticrelationships, introgression, demographic history, and current genomic diversity of all living flamingo species. Our phylogenomic analysis, utilizing mitogenome and nuclear autosomal genomes, confirms the existence of two main clades within the flamingo species tree: the deep-keeled clade (Phoenicopterus) and the shallow-keeled clade (Phoenicoparrus and Phoeniconaias), as previously proposed based on mandibular morphology. Furthermore, our study suggests that the well-supported shallow-keeled clade warrants the synonymization of Phoeniconaias under Phoenicoparrus. Next, we recovered divergence timing that places flamingo origins during the Pliocene between 3.7 and 4.1 Mya, which is substantially more recent than previously estimated. We also detected widespread historical gene flow across flamingo lineages, including signatures consistent with deep ancestral introgression. Our results further suggest that physical and behavioral barriers are important in maintaining species boundaries within the shallow-keeled clade. Next, genome-wide diversity, assessed by nucleotide diversity and runs of homozygosity, was consistent with the current threat status based on census size. More specific trends of genetic diversity were obtained through demographic analyses that revealed species-specific expansion and contraction events that correlate with the glacial-interglacial cycles of the Pleistocene, occurring during the last 0.5 to 2 Mya, which alternated between globally cooler/drier and warmer/wetter climates. Given evident declines in effective population sizes during historical periods of very warm temperatures, the flamingos will likely require additional conservation efforts with predicted warming climates in the Anthropocene.

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an important tick-borne zoonosis and an emerging public health threat across Africa. Although evidence of viral circulation is mounting, information remains fragmented, limiting a comprehensive understanding of transmission ecology, regional hotspot heterogeneity, and preparedness needs across the continent. Methods: This narrative review critically synthesized published literature on CCHFV in Africa, identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar and supplemented by citation tracking and authoritative public health reports. Evidence from epidemiological, ecological, molecular, surveillance, and One Health studies was integrated to examine transmission dynamics, geographic hotspot distribution, viral diversity, risk factors, diagnostic and surveillance challenges, and preparedness strategies. Results: Available evidence shows marked geographic heterogeneity in CCHFV transmission across Africa, with hotspot regions shaped by ecological suitability, Hyalomma tick distribution, livestock-human interactions, and health system capacity. Livestock consistently show higher exposure than humans, underscoring their role as key indicators of viral circulation. Diagnostic limitations, passive surveillance, ecological variability, and serological cross-reactivity contribute to substantial under recognition of disease burden, while molecular studies reveal considerable viral diversity and ongoing evolution across African regions. Conclusions: CCHFV remains underdiagnosed and underreported in many African settings because of limited surveillance and diagnostic capacity. Strengthening integrated One Health surveillance, expanding laboratory and genomic capacity, utilizing livestock as sentinel populations, and improving cross-sectoral collaboration are critical for enhancing early detection, outbreak preparedness, and effective public health response across the continent.

Plant chemical diversity is commonly assessed using abundance-based metrics that treat metabolites as independent components, although these approaches do not explicitly represent how compounds are organized across biosynthetic routes. Here, we present a proof-of-concept application of the General Biosynthetic Diversity Index (GBDI), a pathway-informed descriptor of plant chemical mixtures that integrates relative metabolite abundance with biosynthetic-route attribution. The index was evaluated using hypothetical mixtures and essential oil datasets from Piper rivinoides Kunth (Piperaceae), including organ-level and ontogenetic comparisons. Limiting scenarios distinguished internally branched mono-pathway mixtures, balanced multi-pathway allocation, and ultra-dominated canalized profiles, supporting the use of GBDI as a descriptor of abundance-weighted biosynthetic architecture rather than pathway richness alone. In P. rivinoides, leaves showed the highest organ-level architectural diversity, branches showed focused monoterpene branching, and stems and roots showed more canalized arylpropanoid-rich architectures. Across ontogenetic stages, GBDI increased from juvenile to mature phases; however, this trend was interpreted descriptively because only five ordered phases were available. These findings position GBDI as a complementary metric for describing pathway-informed chemical organization and for generating testable ecological, evolutionary, and bioprospecting analyses.