scholarly journals The Role of Phytodiversity in Riparian Alder Forests in Supporting the Provision of Ecosystem Services

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-51
Author(s):  
Patrícia Mariničová ◽  
Pavol Eliáš
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Functional Groups ◽  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Woody Plants ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Human Society

Abstract Nature, ecosystems and biodiversity provide human society with many benefits known as ecosystem services. Functional diversity is an important aspect of biodiversity. In this paper, we applied inductive approach to the identification, mapping and evaluation of ecosystem services of the Aegopodio-Alnetum glutinosae community in Tribeč Mts. The results from 2015 show that the alder floodplain forest represents one of the most productive forest ecosystems with seasonal maximum production of 59.03 g m−2, species diversity of N0 = 40 and functional diversity of FD = 10. The forage potential of this community is medium, the melliferous potential is high and the therapeutic potential was estimated as extremely rich in medicinal plants. From the functional groups for providing ecosystem services, woody plants and hemicryptophytes play the most significant role.

Environmental DNA for functional diversity

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Taberlet ◽  
Aurélie Bonin ◽  
Lucie Zinger ◽  
Eric Coissac
Keyword(s):  
Functional Groups ◽  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Soil Organisms ◽  
Meaningful Information ◽  
Dna Metabarcoding ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Target Community

Chapter 10 “Environmental DNA for functional diversity” discusses the potential of environmental DNA to assess functional diversity. It first focuses on DNA metabarcoding and discusses the extent to which this approach can be used and/or optimized to retrieve meaningful information on the functions of the target community. This knowledge usually involves coarsely defined functional groups (e.g., woody, leguminous, graminoid plants; shredders or decomposer soil organisms; pathogenicity or decomposition role of certain microorganisms). Chapter 10 then introduces metagenomics and metatranscriptomics approaches, their advantages, but also the challenges and solutions to appropriately sampling, sequencing these complex DNA/RNA populations. Chapter 10 finally presents several strategies and software to analyze metagenomes/metatranscriptomes, and discusses their pros and cons.

First comparison of quantitative estimates of termite biomass and abundance reveals strong intercontinental differences

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia A.L. Dahlsjö ◽  
Catherine L. Parr ◽  
Yadvinder Malhi ◽  
Homathevi Rahman ◽  
Patrick Meir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Groups ◽  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Ecosystem Processes ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Species Density ◽  
Abundance Data ◽  
Standardized Protocol ◽  
Biogeographical Distribution ◽  
Belt Transect

Abstract:Termite species and functional groups differ among regions globally (the functional-diversity anomaly). Here we investigate whether similar differences in biomass and abundance of termites occur among continents. Biomass and abundance data were collected with standardized sampling in Cameroon, Malaysia and Peru. Data from Peru were original to this study, while data from Cameroon and Malaysia were compiled from other sources. Species density data were sampled using a standardized belt transect (100 × 2 m) while the biomass and abundance measurements were sampled using a standardized protocol based on 2 × 2-m quadrats. Biomass and abundance data confirmed patterns found for species density and thus the existence of the functional diversity anomaly: highest estimates for biomass and abundance were found in Cameroon (14.5 ± 7.90 g m−2 and 1234 ± 437 ind m−2) followed by Malaysia (0.719 ± 0.193 g m−2 and 327 ± 72 ind m−2) and then Peru (0.345 ± 0.103 g m−2 and 130 ± 39 ind m−2). The biomass and abundance for each functional group were significantly different across sites for most termite functional groups. Biogeographical distribution of lineages was the primary cause for the functional diversity anomaly with true soil-feeding termites dominating in Cameroon and the absence of fungus-growing termites from Peru. These findings are important as the biomass and abundance of functional groups may be linked to ecosystem processes. Although this study allowed for comparisons between data from different regions further comparable data are needed to enhance the understanding of the role of termites in ecosystem processes on a global scale.

scholarly journals Therapeutic potential of medicinal plants against COVID-19: The role of antiviral medicinal metabolites

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 101890
Author(s):  
Tariq Khan ◽  
Mubarak Ali Khan ◽  
Zia-ur-Rehman Mashwani ◽  
Nazif Ullah ◽  
Akhtar Nadhman
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Therapeutic Potential

scholarly journals Functional diversity: a key aspect in the provision of ecosystem services

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
JESÚS BALLESTEROS CORREA ◽  
JAIRO PÉREZ TORRES
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Relationship

 Functional diversity is one of the crucial aspects of the functioning of ecosystems and the provision of ecosystem services. In this review paper, we analyze how biodiversity contributes to human well-being through the provision of goods and ecosystem services, and related aspects of ecological processes and their relationship with the functional diversity of ecosystems are presented. It aims to explain in a simple way, the concepts related to functional diversity, the importance of the functional groups and the role of functional traits of the species as a key element in the responses of organisms to environmental changes. Understanding the relationship between ecosystem processes, functional diversity of species and providing ecosystem services, allow better management of natural ecosystems and their biodiversity, enabling conservation and sustainable use of different types of services provided by ecosystems.

Ecological and economic mapping the Republic of Tatarstan

2019 ◽  
Vol 943 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-155
Author(s):  
A.A. Pakina ◽  
N.I. Tulskaya ◽  
A.A. Karnaushenko
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Industrial Production ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Economic Welfare ◽  
Agricultural Lands ◽  
Human Wellbeing ◽  
The Republic

The world’s economic welfare is supported by its natural resources. Mapping ecosystem services (ES) is essential to understand how ecosystems contribute to human wellbeing and to support policies, which have an impact on nature. Mapping (ES) is an important tool in their assessment. ES mapping and assessment include ecosystem properties and conditions, ES potential, supply, flow and demand. Approaches to the assessment and mapping the role of Tatarstan’s natural and transformed ecosystems in the carbon dioxide’s balance are presented. The contribution of forest ecosystems to the species’ balance composition and age of forests are estimated. The crop photosynthesis and soils’ respiration are used for agricultural lands. Emissions from industrial production are considered. Fuel combustion and other processes contribute to the balance of carbon dioxide as well. Maps compiled for these purposes prove to be an important tool to assess carbon capacity.

scholarly journals The Role of Macrophages in Kidney Fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoling Wang ◽  
Jianwei Chen ◽  
Jun Xu ◽  
Jun Xie ◽  
David C. H. Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Phenotypic Heterogeneity ◽  
Kidney Fibrosis ◽  
Direct Contribution ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

The phenotypic heterogeneity and functional diversity of macrophages confer on them complexed roles in the development and progression of kidney diseases. After kidney injury, bone marrow-derived monocytes are rapidly recruited to the glomerulus and tubulointerstitium. They are activated and differentiated on site into pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, which initiate Th1-type adaptive immune responses and damage normal tissues. In contrast, anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages induce Th2-type immune responses, secrete large amounts of TGF-β and anti-inflammatory cytokines, transform into αSMA+ myofibroblasts in injured kidney, inhibit immune responses, and promote wound healing and tissue fibrosis. Previous studies on the role of macrophages in kidney fibrosis were mainly focused on inflammation-associated injury and injury repair. Apart from macrophage-secreted profibrotic cytokines, such as TGF-β, evidence for a direct contribution of macrophages to kidney fibrosis is lacking. However, under inflammatory conditions, Wnt ligands are derived mainly from macrophages and Wnt signaling is central in the network of multiple profibrotic pathways. Largely underinvestigated are the direct contribution of macrophages to profibrotic signaling pathways, macrophage phenotypic heterogeneity and functional diversity in relation to kidney fibrosis, and on their cross-talk with other cells in profibrotic signaling networks that cause fibrosis. Here we aim to provide an overview on the roles of macrophage phenotypic and functional diversity in their contribution to pro-fibrotic signaling pathways, and on the therapeutic potential of targeting macrophages for the treatment of kidney fibrosis.

scholarly journals Basketry as an ecosystem service of wetlands: traditional crafts in central Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. e115
Author(s):  
José Fajardo ◽  
Alonso Verde ◽  
Diego Rivera ◽  
Alejandro Del Moral ◽  
Emilio Laguna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Central Spain ◽  
The Past ◽  
Different Types

Ecosystem services from wetlands include products such as food, water, fibers, timber, medicinal plants, and genetic resources for agriculture. One of the most abundant supplies is the raw material for basketry. In this study we aim to document the role of wetland plants as resources for basketry and broom-making in the Guadiana river basin and to analyze the local traditional knowledge of the species used in the area. We describe different types of baskets and other artifacts, and document basketry techniques. We found 30 species belonging to 12 families, 18 of them occurring in wetlands, four in irrigated fields, and seven in the adjacent dry territories. Twenty species are used in the manufacture of brooms. Twenty two types of basketry artifacts are described with their uses. The area shows a relevant cultural heritage, not merely as it was in the past, but also adapted to the new cultural and social contexts. The degradation and loss of wetlands in central Spain threatens these ecosystems and their associated cultural heritage. We suggest the declaration of this intangible human heritage as the “Culture of the Mediterranean Wetlands” before it disappears.

scholarly journals Extent of similarity between agricultural and natural land covers shapes how biodiversity responds to agricultural expansion at landscape scales

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Wilson ◽  
Niloofar Alavi-Shoushtari ◽  
Darren Pouliot ◽  
Gregory W. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Functional Groups ◽  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Natural Ecosystem ◽  
Land Covers ◽  
Landscape Scales ◽  
Context Shapes ◽  
Prairie Ecosystem

AbstractThe impact of agriculture on biodiversity depends on the extent and types of agriculture and the degree to which agricultural land contrasts with the natural ecosystem. Most research on the latter comes from studies on the influence of different agricultural types within a single ecosystem with far less study on how the natural ecosystem context shapes the response of biodiversity to agricultural production. We used citizen science data from agricultural areas in Canada’s Eastern Hardwood-Boreal (forest ecosystem, n=108 landscapes) and Prairie Pothole (prairie ecosystem, n=99) regions to examine how ecosystem context shapes the response of avian species diversity, functional diversity and abundance to the amount of arable crop and pastoral agriculture at landscape scales. Avian surveys were conducted along 8km transects of Breeding Bird Survey routes with land cover assembled within a 20km2 landscape around each transect. The amount of agriculture at which species diversity peaked differed between the forest (15%) and prairie (51%) ecosystems, indicating that fewer species tolerated the expansion of agriculture in the former. In both ecosystems, functional diversity initially increased with agriculture and peaked at higher amounts (forest: 42%, prairie: 77%) than species diversity suggesting that functional redundancy was lost first as agriculture increased. Species turnover with increasing agriculture was primarily among functional groups in forest where a shift from a low to a high agriculture landscape led to a decline in the percent of the community represented by Neotropical migrants, insectivores, upper foliage gleaners and bark foragers, and an increase in the percent of the community represented by short-distance migrants, granivores, omnivores and ground gleaners. There were few distinct shifts in the percent of the community represented by different functional groups in the prairie ecosystem. Total abundance was the least sensitive measure examined in both ecosystems and indicated that species losses with agriculture are likely followed by numerical compensation from agriculture tolerant species. Our results highlight the importance of ecosystem context for understanding how biodiversity is affected by agricultural production with declines in diversity occurring at lower agricultural extents in ecosystems with lower similarity between natural and agricultural land covers. These findings allow for more specific conservation recommendations including managing for species intolerant to agriculture in prairie ecosystems and limiting the expansion of high contrast agriculture and the loss of semi-natural habitat, such as hedge rows, in historically forested ecosystems.

scholarly journals Woody plant species diversity as a predictor of ecosystem services in a social–ecological system of southwestern Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Girma Shumi ◽  
Patrícia Rodrigues ◽  
Jan Hanspach ◽  
Werner Härdtle ◽  
Kristoffer Hylander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Woody Plants ◽  
Woody Plant ◽  
Land Uses ◽  
Woody Plant Species ◽  
Southwestern Ethiopia ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Context Human-dominated landscapes in the tropics need to be managed for biodiversity and the maintenance of ecosystem services (ES). Nevertheless, integrating both biodiversity conservation and ES management remains a challenge. Objectives This study aimed to quantify woody plant species diversity and associated ES in farmland and forests, and investigate the relationship between species and ES diversity. Methods The study was conducted in southwestern Ethiopia. We surveyed woody plants in 181 20 m by 20 m plots in farmland, forest with, and forest without coffee management. We also interviewed 180 randomly selected households about woody plant benefits. We then (a) quantified species and ES diversity; and (b) investigated the relationship between species and ES diversity. Results We recorded 128 woody plant species in total. Most ES were available in all land uses, although they differed in their mean availability. ES composition was significantly different among land uses. ES diversity was positively related with species diversity in all land uses. Conclusions Our findings suggest that all examined land-use types were multifunctional in terms of key ES provided by woody plants and that maintaining high species diversity also benefits ES diversity. Given these findings, we suggest to: (1) strengthen landscape multifunctionality by drawing on the positive relationship between biodiversity and ES diversity; (2) devise conservation policies that encompass entire landscape mosaics and enhance co-benefits of conservation and ES provision across land uses; and (3) conduct further social–ecological studies that use mixed data to elicit socially relevant relationships between biodiversity and ES diversity.

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