Kompetenzzentrum für Biodiversität und integrative Taxonomie (KomBioTa)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hohpublica.uni-hohenheim.de/handle/123456789/79

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Competitive hierarchies in bryozoan assemblages mitigate network instability by keeping short and long feedback loops weak
(2023) Koch, Franziska; Neutel, Anje-Margriet; Barnes, David K. A.; Tielbӧrger, Katja; Zarfl, Christiane; Allhoff, Korinna T.
Competitive hierarchies in diverse ecological communities have long been thought to lead to instability and prevent coexistence. However, system stability has never been tested, and the relation between hierarchy and instability has never been explained in complex competition networks parameterised with data from direct observation. Here we test model stability of 30 multispecies bryozoan assemblages, using estimates of energy loss from observed interference competition to parameterise both the inter- and intraspecific interactions in the competition networks. We find that all competition networks are unstable. However, instability is mitigated considerably by asymmetries in the energy loss rates brought about by hierarchies of strong and weak competitors. This asymmetric organisation results in asymmetries in the interaction strengths, which reduces instability by keeping the weight of short (positive) and longer (positive and negative) feedback loops low. Our results support the idea that interference competition leads to instability and exclusion but demonstrate that this is not because of, but despite, competitive hierarchy.
Complex European invasion history of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky): new insights in its population genomic differentiation using genotype-by-sequencing
(2024) Haeussermann, Iris; Hasselmann, Martin
Anthropogenic activities like trade facilitate increasing rates of biological invasions. Asian long-horned beetle (ALB), which is naturally distributed in eastern Asia (China, Korean peninsula), was introduced via wood packing materials (WPM) used in trade to North America (1996) and Europe (2001). We used 7810 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived by a genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) approach to decipher the introduction patterns into Europe. This is applied for the first time on European ALB outbreaks from Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, both from still active and already eradicated infestations. The genome-wide SNPs detected signs of small and highly structured populations within Europe, showing clear founder effects. The very high population differentiation is presumably derived from multiple independent introductions to Europe, which are spatially restricted in mating. By admixture and phylogenetic analyses, some cases of secondary dispersal were observed. Furthermore, some populations suggest admixture, which might have been originated by either multiple introductions from different sources into the new sites or recurrent introductions from an admixed source population. Our results confirmed a complex invasion history of the ALB into Europe and the usability of GBS obtained SNPs in invasion science even without source populations.
Echinococcus multilocularis and other taeniid metacestodes of muskrats in Luxembourg: prevalence, risk factors, parasite reproduction, and genetic diversity
(2022) Martini, Matilde; Dumendiak, Sonja; Gagliardo, Anna; Ragazzini, Francesco; La Rosa, Letizia; Giunchi, Dimitri; Thielen, Frank; Romig, Thomas; Massolo, Alessandro; Wassermann, Marion
Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) are competent intermediate hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis, are frequently infected with this zoonotic cestode, and have even been proposed as a target species to monitor endemicity levels of this parasite. However, their contribution to maintaining the parasitic lifecycle is still unclear. To obtain data on infection frequency and reproductive potential, 280 muskrats from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg were examined for cestode larvae in the years 2013–2017. Based on morphological and molecular identification, Echinococcus multilocularis was found at a prevalence of 14.6%. Other metacestodes were Hydatigera kamiyai, with a prevalence of 45.7%, Taenia martis with 8.9%, Taenia polyacantha with 5.0%, and Versteria mustelae, which was found in 0.7% of all muskrats. More than 80% of E. multilocularis-infected muskrats contained fertile metacestodes with a mean number of >300,000 (and up to 1,609,816) protoscoleces, which is by far the highest reproductive potential known from any intermediate host species in Europe. Temporal analysis of E. multilocularis prevalence within the study period (and in comparison with earlier data) strongly indicates a robust increase in the studied area. Host age seemed to be an important risk factor for infection, as well as co-infections with Hydatigera kamiyai. A preference for the right medial lobe of the liver as the location of E. multilocularis metacestode was observed. Intraspecific genetic variation among 89 discrete E. multilocularis metacestodes was non-existent based on 300–1590 bp sections of cox1. This is a stark contrast to H. kamiyai, of which nine haplotypes were found on a short 318 bp section of cox1, resulting in genetic diversity in the small country of Luxembourg at a similar level than previously reported from large stretches of Europe and northern Asia.
Eco-evolutionary dynamics in two-species mutualistic systems: one-sided population decline triggers joint interaction disinvestment
(2023) Weyerer, Franz; Weinbach, Avril; Zarfl, Christiane; Allhoff, Korinna T.
The interplay between ecological and evolutionary dynamics can create feedback that reinforces external disturbances and potentially threatens species’ coexistence. For example, plants might invest less into attracting insect pollinators (decreased flower or nectar production) and more into independence (increased selfing or vegetative reproduction) when faced with pollinator decline. This adaptive response saves plant resources at the cost of further threatening the pollinator population. We ask under which conditions such self-reinforcing feedback occurs in two-species mutualistic systems when considering one-sided population decline and whether it can be counteracted by self-dampening feedback if co-evolution of both interaction partners is considered. Based on a mathematical model and in line with previous studies, we find that the described pattern of accelerated population decline occurs for a wide range of parameter values if a concave allocation trade-off between independent growth and interaction investment is assumed. The undisturbed population typically disinvests first, which then forces the declining population to also disinvest, in favour of other energy sources. However, a decelerated population decline can occur if the adaptation of the undisturbed partner is relatively slow compared to environmental decay, reducing the speed of its disinvestment, or if the initial investment into the interaction was very high. Our results suggest that if actions are taken to save endangered populations, not only the evolution of the target species but also of their interaction partner, as well as the interaction between them should be considered.
Evolutionary genomics of socially polymorphic populations of Pogonomyrmex californicus
(2024) Errbii, Mohammed; Ernst, Ulrich R.; Lajmi, Aparna; Privman, Eyal; Gadau, Jürgen; Schrader, Lukas
Background: Social insects vary considerably in their social organization both between and within species. In the California harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex californicus (Buckley 1867), colonies are commonly founded and headed by a single queen (haplometrosis, primary monogyny). However, in some populations in California (USA), unrelated queens cooperate not only during founding (pleometrosis) but also throughout the life of the colony (primary polygyny). The genetic architecture and evolutionary dynamics of this complex social niche polymorphism (haplometrosis vs pleometrosis) have remained unknown. Results: We provide a first analysis of its genomic basis and evolutionary history using population genomics comparing individuals from a haplometrotic population to those from a pleometrotic population. We discovered a recently evolved (< 200 k years), 8-Mb non-recombining region segregating with the observed social niche polymorphism. This region shares several characteristics with supergenes underlying social polymorphisms in other socially polymorphic ant species. However, we also find remarkable differences from previously described social supergenes. Particularly, four additional genomic regions not in linkage with the supergene show signatures of a selective sweep in the pleometrotic population. Within these regions, we find for example genes crucial for epigenetic regulation via histone modification (chameau) and DNA methylation (Dnmt1). Conclusions: Altogether, our results suggest that social morph in this species is a polygenic trait involving a potential young supergene. Further studies targeting haplo- and pleometrotic individuals from a single population are however required to conclusively resolve whether these genetic differences underlie the alternative social phenotypes or have emerged through genetic drift.
Global biogeography of ant social parasites: Exploring patterns and mechanisms of an inverse latitudinal diversity gradient
(2022) Gray, Kyle W.; Rabeling, Christian
Aim: One of the most consistent global biogeographic patterns is the latitudinal diversity gradient where species richness peaks within the equatorial tropics and decreases towards the poles. Here, we explore the global biogeography of socially parasitic ant species, which comprises the most diverse group of social parasites in the Hymenoptera. We test the biogeographic hypothesis that ant social parasites are distributed along an inverse latitudinal diversity gradient (iLDG) by peaking in diversity outside of the equatorial tropics, which would contrast with the biogeographic pattern observed in free-living, non-parasitic ant species. Location: Global. Taxon: Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Methods: We assembled a comprehensive biogeographic dataset consisting of 6001 geographic distribution records for all 371 taxonomically described socially parasitic ant species. We used phylogenetic and taxonomic studies to estimate the number of independent evolutionary origins of ant social parasitism to directly compare species richness with the number of species representing independent evolutionary origins of social parasitism across a latitudinal gradient. In addition, we compared ant social parasite diversity across biogeographic regions using rarefaction to account for different sampling efforts. Finally, we tested for a correlation between latitude and the proportion of ant social parasite species within regional ant faunae. Results: The geographic distribution records and the inferred 91 independent evolutionary origins of socially parasitic life histories in ants show that both species richness and the number of species representing independent evolutionary origins of social parasitism peak in the northern hemisphere outside of the equatorial tropics. Based on rarefaction curves, northern latitude regions harbour the most ant social parasite species, but the diversity of independent evolutionary origins is not significantly different between northern and southern hemispheres. The proportion of ant social parasite species within regional faunae is tightly correlated with latitude only in the northern hemisphere. Main conclusions: The iLDG of ant social parasites contrasts with the biogeographic pattern observed in free-living, non-parasitic ant species and appears to be driven by large species radiations as well as by the presence of specialized life histories exclusive to the northern hemisphere.
Integrative description of Temnothorax siculus sp. n.: a new ant species from Sicily, Italy (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
(2025) Schifani, Enrico; Alicata, Antonio; Prebus, Matthew M.; Csősz, Sándor; Fernández, Fernando; Guerrero, Roberto José
The mostly Holarctic genus Temnothorax (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) is the most diverse ant genus in temperate regions. The Mediterranean, a biodiversity hotspot of rare ant species, hosts over 150 Temnothorax taxa, including several short-range endemics. Over the last few years, phylogenomic reconstructions and integrative taxonomy have significantly improved the understanding of global Temnothorax diversity, but much taxonomic work is still needed in the Mediterranean region. Here, we present the integrative description of a new species of the genus, discovered in the central Mediterranean island of Sicily: Temnothorax siculus sp. n. is defined and compared to congeneric species integrating morphometrics and phylogenomics. It is a ground-nesting, lowland species, of which workers were regularly observed foraging on bushes and small trees. In the global phylogeny, covering all the main lineages of the region, it belongs to the Palearctic clade and is related to the tuberum and unifasciatus complexes. Morphological separation from other Sicilian Temnothorax species can generally be achieved on qualitative characters, but we also provide morphometric discriminant functions to separate it from T. apenninicus and especially T. unifasciatus . Temnothorax siculus has been rarely collected but appears to be widespread in Sicily, and may occur in neighboring regions.
Market-based instruments for biodiversity in agricultural landscapes: An evaluation of quality criteria in a German case study
(2025) Streit, Lea; Feuerbacher, Arndt; Röhl, Markus
Market-based instruments (MBIs) for the protection and promotion of biodiversity have gained significant importance in recent years. The success of MBIs depends largely on the transparent presentation of their actual effects, which rely on the quality of implementation. Quality criteria can be used to evaluate this. To date, few studies have examined whether and how these criteria are applied. This study seeks to address this gap, by using MBIs in the German agricultural landscape as a case study. Quality criteria were defined on the basis of a literature review; then applied to MBIs identified through an internet search and finally analyzed. Quality criteria related to methodological approaches (implementation, maintenance, used seed mixtures) and quality control (monitoring, localization) are presented less frequently than information on rights and obligations or the use of financial funds. Among the 151 MBIs analyzed, 70% lack control mechanisms and monitoring systems, indicating unverified effectiveness. Additionally, MBIs financed through program approaches are more likely to have control mechanisms and include perennial measures than MBIs funded by direct payments of sponsors or consumers purchasing a product. The development of MBI offerings suggests that there is persistent and growing demand, as some programs have been running for several decades. However, without ecological monitoring, it is not possible to ascertain whether these measures benefit biodiversity. To establish standardized methods for comparing MBIs for biodiversity, policymakers must consider official guidelines and, where appropriate, implement regulatory frameworks.
The potential of farnesene isomer mixtures to support the control of aphids in the cultivation of lettuce crops
(2025) Kuhn, Denise; Bauer, Philipp; Tolasch, Till; Petschenka, Georg; Steidle, Johannes L. M.
(E)-ß-farnesene (EBF) acts as an alarm pheromone of many aphid species and is also used as an aphid repellent by plants. Upon perception of EBF, aphids exhibit avoidance behavior. They walk away, stop feeding or drop from leaves. Moreover, EBF is an attractant for natural enemies of aphids. However, EBF is not used in pest management because it is expensive in its pure form. Therefore, we assessed the effect of a less expensive farnesene isomer mixture (FIM) on Myzus persicae (Sternorrhyncha: Aphidiae) on lettuce ( Lactuca sativa var. Ulmo) in the laboratory and under field conditions. First, we tested under laboratory conditions if FIM has the same effect on M. persicae as it is described for pure EBF. The aphids were influenced by EBF. They stopped feeding, withdrew their stylets, went away from the danger zone, or developed and reproduced more slowly. Therefore, we studied the behavioral response of the aphids after FIM application and aphid reproduction under permanent exposure of FIM. Second, we tested in the field the reaction to FIM either directly applied to lettuce or released by dispensers. In the lab experiments, we found that M. persicae reacts to FIM by walking away and that reproduction tends to be reduced in the presence of FIM. In the field, we found lower numbers of aphids in the treatments with FIM. In particular, dispenser application caused higher aphid reduction compared to spray application on lettuce. In addition, more natural enemies of aphids could be found in dispenser-treated plots. Taken together, these results indicate that the use of FIM could contribute to insecticide-free aphid control in lettuce, but possibly also in other crops.
Rainforest fragmentation decreases the robustness of plant‐frugivore interaction networks
(2025) Becker, David; Li, Wande; Gurung, Ashtha; Rodriguez Martinez, Eduardo; Rojas, Emmanuel; Rodríguez‐Herrera, Bernal; Vollstädt, Maximilian G. R.; Grass, Ingo; Hiller, Thomas
Tropical rainforests are biodiversity hotspots that provide a variety of ecosystem functions and services. Seed dispersal by fruit‐eating birds is an important ecosystem process in the regeneration of tropical rainforests, which is increasingly threatened by widespread deforestation. In particular, the expansion of agricultural land often leads to forest fragmentation, which can have a negative impact on the interactions between plants and frugivores and thus on seed dispersal. However, little is known about how forest fragmentation affects the structure and robustness of plant–frugivore interaction networks. Here, we examined the effects of forest fragmentation on species richness of frugivorous birds interacting with focal tree species, and the structure and robustness of plant–frugivore interaction networks in the tropical lowland forests of northern Costa Rica. Species richness of frugivorous birds at the forest edges increased with fragment size and forest cover in the surrounding landscape as well as with local fruit availability. Modularity and robustness of plant–frugivore networks increased with enhanced fragment size and forest cover, while network specialization (H2′) increased only with greater forest cover. Additionally, the three common tanager species ( Ramphocelus passerinii , Thraupis palmarum , and Thraupis episcopus ) were identified as key bird species for network functioning by promoting among‐module and within‐module connectivity. Conservation measures should therefore not only focus on threatened specialist species, but more on the key species that enhance network structure and consequently increase the robustness of these trophic interaction networks. Ultimately, our study demonstrates that tropical forest fragmentation simplifies network structure, making these interactions more vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances.
Trade‐offs among restored ecosystem functions are context‐dependent in Mediterranean‐type regions
(2025) Fiedler, Sebastian; Perring, Michael P.; Monteiro, José A.; Branquinho, Cristina; Buzhdygan, Oksana; Cavieres, Lohengrin A.; Cleland, Elsa E.; Cortina‐Segarra, Jordi; Grünzweig, José M.; Holm, Jennifer A.; Irob, Katja; Keenan, Trevor F.; Köbel, Melanie; Maestre, Fernando T.; Pagel, Jörn; Rodríguez‐Ramírez, Natalia; Ruiz‐Benito, Paloma; Schurr, Frank M.; Sheffer, Efrat; Valencia, Enrique; Tietjen, Britta
Global biodiversity hotspots, including Mediterranean‐type ecosystems worldwide, are highly threatened by global change that alters biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and services. Some restoration activities enhance ecosystem functions by reintroducing plant species based on known relationships between plant traits and ecosystem processes. Achieving multiple functions across different site conditions, however, requires understanding how abiotic factors like climate and soil, along with plant assemblages, influence ecosystem functions, including their trade‐offs and synergies. We used the ModEST ecosystem simulation model, which integrates carbon, water, and nutrient processes with plant traits, to assess the relationships between restored plant assemblages and ecosystem functions in Mediterranean‐type climates and soils. We investigated whether maximised carbon increment, water use efficiency, and nitrogen use efficiency, along with their trade‐offs and synergies, varied across different abiotic contexts. Further, we asked whether assemblages that maximised functions varied across environments and among these functions. We found that maximised ecosystem carbon increment and nitrogen use efficiency occurred under moist, warm conditions, while water use efficiency peaked under drier conditions. Generally, the assemblage that maximised one function differed from those for other maximised functions. Synergies were rare, except between water and nitrogen use efficiencies in loam soils across most climates. Trade‐offs among maximised functions were common, varying in strength with abiotic context and plant assemblages, and were more pronounced in sandy loam soils compared to clay‐rich soils. Our findings suggest that due to variation in abiotic conditions within and across Mediterranean‐type regions at the global scale, site‐specific plant assemblages are required to maximise ecosystem functions. Thus, lessons from a single site cannot be transferred to another site, even where the same plant functional types are available for restoration. Our simulation results offer valuable insights into potential ecosystem performance under specific abiotic conditions following restoration with particular plant functional types, thereby informing local restoration efforts.

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