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The objective of this work was to identify forest communities in the different physiographic units in the El Dorado-Tumeremo Forest, to evaluate its structure and its floristic composition. Nine 1 ha plots (three for each forest type) were selected and established according to a restricted random design. In each plot, all individuals of tree species with diameter at breast height (DBH ≥ 10 cm) were measured. Several diversity indexes were used to estimate the alpha and beta diversities, as well as the Importance Value Index (IVI). A cluster analysis was carried out to find out if there were floristic similitudes among the forest types. 5462 individuals were surveyed, 38 families, 77 genera and 95 species. The highest values of Fisher alpha (17,77), Shannon (3,44) and Simpson (0,95) index. The average forest density was 606 ind/ha The family Fabaceae was the most represented. In all physiographic units were identified Lepidocordia punctata, Peltogyne venosa and Spondias mombin. Comments about floristic and ecological aspects are included, and information where these species were found is also presented., El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar comunidades de bosques en las diferentes unidades fisiográficas en El Dorado-Tumeremo, para evaluar su estructura y su composición florística. Se seleccionaron nueve parcelas de 1 ha (tres por cada tipo de bosque) y se establecieron de acuerdo a un diseño aleatorio restringido. En cada parcela, se midieron todos los individuos de especies arbóreas con diámetro a la altura del pecho (DBH ≥ 10 cm). Se utilizaron varios índices de diversidad para estimar las diversidades alfa y beta, así como el Índice de Valor de Importancia (IVI). Se realizó un análisis de conglomerados para averiguar si había similitudes florísticas entre los tipos de bosques. Se evaluaron 5462 individuos, pertenecientes a 38 familias, 77 géneros y 95 especies. Los valores más altos del índice Fisher Alfa (17,77), Shannon (3,44) y Simpson (0,95). La densidad forestal promedio fue de 606 ind/ha. La familia Fabaceae fue la más representada. En todas las unidades fisiográficas se identificaron Lepidocordia punctata, Peltogyne venosa y Spondias mombin. Se incluyen comentarios sobre aspectos florísticos y ecológicos, también se presenta información del área donde se encontraron estas especies.

Purpose Understanding the impact of neighbor tree diversity on soil biodiversity at the individual tree scale and clarifying which facets of neighbor tree diversity have a decisive impact on soil biodiversity. Methods We collected and identified soil nematodes underneath 256 individual trees of 16 species at four species-richness levels (1, 2, 4, 8 species) in a large tree diversity experiment in southeast China. We analyzed how the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of the nematode community were influenced by neighbor tree diversity. Results Our analyses showed that nematode alpha diversity at the individual tree scale decreased with increasing neighbor tree richness while beta diversity increased at taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional levels. Nematode alpha diversity at the plot scale increased with increasing neighbor tree richness. Secondly, we found that reducing redundant species and increasing distinct species led to the differentiation of nematode communities under different individual trees in high-richness plots. Finally, our data revealed that the functional diversity of the neighbor tree community had the largest effects on the diversity of the local nematode community. Conclusion Our study emphasizes that there is a significant influence from neighboring trees, mainly the functional traits of the trees, even though they are spaced at distances multitudes greater than the distance over which soil nematodes can move. Hence it is important to consider these broader spatial aspects when examining the plant and soil biotic interactions.

The sustainability of mangrove ecosystems requires a knowledge of their spatiotemporal variability as a function of regional properties. The unique coastal ecosystems of the mangrove belt along the coast of the Guianas in South America are influenced by cycles of a massive accretion of mud supplied by the Amazon River and wave induced erosion. This study characterized, for the first time, how benthic infaunal assemblages, as proxies of mechanisms of mangrove resilience, were structured by the natural growth track of Avicennia germinans dominated mangroves in French Guiana. We sampled 4 mobile mud stations and 27 consolidated mud stations distributed over 9 tidal transects from bare to vegetated mudflats colonized by young mangroves during the dry season. We collected a complete dataset of sediment and vegetation variables together with the benthic meso- (>0.25 mm) and macrofauna (>1 mm). We used a combination of eigenvector based multivariate analyses and variance partitioning on this multiple set of variables to identify which environmental variables likely drive the benthic diversity patterns. Mangrove early development increased the alpha and beta diversities of the infaunal communities for the two size classes. A total of 20–30% and 7–12% of the beta diversity are explained by linear and nonlinear spatial variables, respectively. However, 7% to 9% of the variance partioning could be determined by other biotic/abiotic variables, biological interactions or neutral processes, not described here. This study has highlighted the necessity of taking into account mangrove dynamics at suitable spatial scales for benthic biodiversity evaluation and mangrove management or restoration plans

The sustainability of mangrove ecosystems requires a knowledge of their spatiotemporal variability as a function of regional properties. The unique coastal ecosystems of the mangrove belt along the coast of the Guianas in South America are influenced by cycles of a massive accretion of mud supplied by the Amazon River and wave induced erosion. This study characterized, for the first time, how benthic infaunal assemblages, as proxies of mechanisms of mangrove resilience, were structured by the natural growth track of Avicennia germinans dominated mangroves in French Guiana. We sampled 4 mobile mud stations and 27 consolidated mud stations distributed over 9 tidal transects from bare to vegetated mudflats colonized by young mangroves during the dry season. We collected a complete dataset of sediment and vegetation variables together with the benthic meso- (>0.25 mm) and macrofauna (>1 mm). We used a combination of eigenvector based multivariate analyses and variance partitioning on this multiple set of variables to identify which environmental variables likely drive the benthic diversity patterns. Mangrove early development increased the alpha and beta diversities of the infaunal communities for the two size classes. A total of 20–30% and 7–12% of the beta diversity are explained by linear and nonlinear spatial variables, respectively. However, 7% to 9% of the variance partioning could be determined by other biotic/abiotic variables, biological interactions or neutral processes, not described here. This study has highlighted the necessity of taking into account mangrove dynamics at suitable spatial scales for benthic biodiversity evaluation and mangrove management or restoration plans

Although we are currently experiencing worldwide biodiversity loss, local species richness does not always decline under anthropogenic pressure. This conservation paradox may also apply in protected areas but has not yet received conclusive evidence in marine ecosystems. Here, we survey fish assemblages in six Mediterranean no-take reserves and their adjacent fishing grounds using environmental DNA (eDNA) while controlling for environmental conditions. We detect less fish species in marine reserves than in nearby fished areas. The paradoxical gradient in species richness is accompanied by a marked change in fish species composition under different managements. This dissimilarity is mainly driven by species that are often overlooked by classical visual surveys but detected with eDNA: cryptobenthic, pelagic, and rare fishes. These results do not negate the importance of reserves in protecting biodiversity but shed new light on how under-represented species groups can positively react to fishing pressure and how conservation efforts can shape regional biodiversity patterns.

Although we are currently experiencing worldwide biodiversity loss, local species richness does not always decline under anthropogenic pressure. This conservation paradox may also apply in protected areas but has not yet received conclusive evidence in marine ecosystems. Here, we survey fish assemblages in six Mediterranean no-take reserves and their adjacent fishing grounds using environmental DNA (eDNA) while controlling for environmental conditions. We detect less fish species in marine reserves than in nearby fished areas. The paradoxical gradient in species richness is accompanied by a marked change in fish species composition under different managements. This dissimilarity is mainly driven by species that are often overlooked by classical visual surveys but detected with eDNA: cryptobenthic, pelagic, and rare fishes. These results do not negate the importance of reserves in protecting biodiversity but shed new light on how under-represented species groups can positively react to fishing pressure and how conservation efforts can shape regional biodiversity patterns.

Although we are currently experiencing worldwide biodiversity loss, local species richness does not always decline under anthropogenic pressure. This conservation paradox may also apply in protected areas but has not yet received conclusive evidence in marine ecosystems. Here, we survey fish assemblages in six Mediterranean no-take reserves and their adjacent fishing grounds using environmental DNA (eDNA) while controlling for environmental conditions. We detect less fish species in marine reserves than in nearby fished areas. The paradoxical gradient in species richness is accompanied by a marked change in fish species composition under different managements. This dissimilarity is mainly driven by species that are often overlooked by classical visual surveys but detected with eDNA: cryptobenthic, pelagic, and rare fishes. These results do not negate the importance of reserves in protecting biodiversity but shed new light on how under-represented species groups can positively react to fishing pressure and how conservation efforts can shape regional biodiversity patterns.

Although we are currently experiencing worldwide biodiversity loss, local species richness does not always decline under anthropogenic pressure. This conservation paradox may also apply in protected areas but has not yet received conclusive evidence in marine ecosystems. Here, we survey fish assemblages in six Mediterranean no-take reserves and their adjacent fishing grounds using environmental DNA (eDNA) while controlling for environmental conditions. We detect less fish species in marine reserves than in nearby fished areas. The paradoxical gradient in species richness is accompanied by a marked change in fish species composition under different managements. This dissimilarity is mainly driven by species that are often overlooked by classical visual surveys but detected with eDNA: cryptobenthic, pelagic, and rare fishes. These results do not negate the importance of reserves in protecting biodiversity but shed new light on how under-represented species groups can positively react to fishing pressure and how conservation efforts can shape regional biodiversity patterns.

The objective of this work was to identify different forest communities in the different physiographic units in the Caimital Forest, to evaluate its structure and its floristic composition. Nine 1 ha plots (three for each forest type) selected according to a restricted random design were established. In each plot, all individuals of tree species with dbh ≥ 10 cm were measured, and individuals with dbh < 2.5 were counted in a subsample. Several diversity indexes were used to estimate the alpha and beta diversities, as well as the Importance Value Index (IVI) and Importance Enlarged Index (IEI). A cluster analysis was carried out to find out if there were floristic similitudes among the forest types. 2235 individuals were surveyed, 27 families and 63 species. The index of Shannon-Wiener diversity was 3,33. The average forest density was 248 ind./ha. The family Fabaceae was the most represented. In all position were identified Attalea butyraceae, Calycophillum candidissimum and Piper sp. Comments about floristic and ecological aspects are included, and information where these species were found is also presented, El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar las comunidades boscosas en las diferentes unidades fisiográficas (UF) dentro del Bosque Universitario El Caimital (BUEC), evaluar su estructura y composición florística. Para ello se establecieron, nueve (9) parcelas de 1 ha (100x100m), tres (3) por cada unidad fisiográfica (banco, subbanco y bajío), ubicadas aleatoriamente bajo un diseño con restricciones. En cada parcela, se midieron todos los individuos de especies arbóreas con un DAP ≥ 10 cm y los individuos con DAP < 10 cm se evaluaron 3 transeptos en cada parcela de 2x10 m (20 m2). Se estimaron las diversidades alfa y beta, el Índice de Valor de Importancia (IVI), Índice de Importancia Ampliado (IIA). Se realizó un análisis de conglomerados para determinar si existían similitudes florísticas entre los tipos de bosque. Se registraron 2235 individuos, clasificados en 27 familias y 63 especies. El índice de diversidad de Shannon-Wiener fue 3,33. La densidad promedio del bosque fue 248 individuos/ha. La familia Fabaceae fue la más representada. En las tres unidades fisiográficas se identificaron Attalea butyraceae, Calycophillum candidissimum y Piper sp. Se discuten aspectos florísticos y ecológicos de las especies registradas y se presenta un listado.

Soil microbial communities are affected extensively by addition of amendments to their environment. Of particular concern is the addition of poultry litter, which contains a substantial C, energy, and nutrient supply, but also antibiotic resistance genes (ARG), antimicrobials, and a multitude of microbial species. This project seeks to primarily assess if there is a change in bacterial community structure in response to poultry litter amendments to pasture land across geographically independent land across northern Georgia. It may be that changes in the relative abundance of bacterial communities also result in alteration in ARGs, and the community resistance to antibiotics (“resistome”) which in turn increases the potential threat of antibiotic resistance genes. While another part of this study will determine changes in integrons and specific ARGs, this project will focus on changes in bacterial communities and the potential functional changes in the community, which in turn have consequences for ARG levels and its horizontal transfer to various members of the soil community. Addition of waste from livestock is a historical method for increasing nutrients needed in the soil for the cultivation of crops, and in turn causes pronounced shifts in soil microbial communities due to the addition of large amounts of carbon, nutrients, foreign microbes, and other material. This study is unique because it utilizes a novel and relatively large landscape-scale to determine if there are discernable and repeatable patterns of bacterial community structure change in response to amendment regardless of exact soil type or source of chicken litter amendment. In the future, these data can also provide insight into the changes in the relative abundance antibiotic related genes associated with community change.

The aim of this study was to reveal faunistic and diversity patterns and to assess the effects of environmental factors on the differentiation of leech communities. This study covers investigations of 82 karst springs in Montenegro from 2009–2017. The communities were analyzed in respect to five wellspring types – caves, sublacustrine, limnocrene, rheo-limnocrene and rheocrene. The percentage of substrate types and aquatic vegetation cover was recorded alongside water parameters. In total, 18 leech species were identified, of which two were recently described as new species for science ( Dina minuoculata Grosser, Moritz and Pešić, 2007 and Glossiphonia balcanica Grosser and Pešić, 2016). K -means clustering was used to classify leech assemblages into three homogenous groups. The patterns of leech communities and the components of both alpha and beta diversity were examined in identified groups of assemblages. The significance of environmental factors and the impact of selected factors were assessed through forward selection analysis, CCA and RDA. Our results indicate that the type of spring and the environmental variables, as well as the combination of biotic and abiotic factors in a microhabitat dictate the distribution of leeches.

The knowledge of the pteridophyta in flora of the northern zone of Veracruz is scarce, and ever more when it comes to species richness of ferns and lycopods in the elevational low zones. The aim of this research is to analyze the diversity of ferns and lycopods in a semideciduos forest. Were established 15 plots of 20 x 20 m in three habitats (semideciduos forest fragment, riparian vegetation and citrus cultivation) to analyze the richness, abundance and turnover of species of these groups in different habitats. In addition, the species present in areas bordering the reserve were registered. A total of 22 species of ferns and lycopods were recorded, of these, 17 correspond to the sampling plots and the rest were found in adjacent sites. The riparian habitat presented the highest specific richness, followed by the semideciduos forest fragment; these two habitats had a floristic similarity of 22%. Citrus cultivation had the lowest specific richness. The forest in the research area represents a refuge for the diversity of ferns, however the riparian vegetation was the one that presented the greatest diversity. The replacement of species in the different habitats is high, which has a value for conservation plans, since it is necessary to include landscape heterogeneity in the proposals for the preservation of ecosystems., RESUMEN El conocimiento de la pteridoflora de la zona norte de Veracruz es escaso, y más aún cuando se habla de la riqueza de helechos y licopodios en las zonas de baja altitud. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la diversidad de helechos y licopodios en un fragmento de selva mediana subperennifolia. Se establecieron 15 parcelas de 20 x 20 m, en tres hábitats (fragmento de selva, vegetación ribereña y cultivo de cítricos), para analizar la riqueza, abundancia y recambio de especies de estos grupos en distintos hábitats. Además, se determinaron las especies presentes en zonas aledañas a la reserva. Se registró un total de 22 especies de helechos y licopodios; 17 de ellas estaban presentes en las parcelas de muestreo y el resto se encontraron en sitios aledaños. El hábitat ribereño presentó la mayor riqueza específica, seguido del fragmento de selva; estos dos hábitats tuvieron una similitud florística de 22%. La zona de cultivo presentó la menor riqueza específica. La selva representa un refugio importante para la diversidad de helechos, sin embargo, la vegetación ribereña fue la que mayor diversidad presentó. El recambio de especies fue alto entre ambientes, lo cual tiene un valor para los planes de conservación, ya que es necesario incluir la heterogeneidad paisajística en las propuestas de preservación de los ecosistemas.

Esta investigación fue realizada en pinares en Alturas de Pizarra de la Empresa Agroforestal Minas, con el objetivo de determinar la estructura y composición de estos pinares, para el manejo de los mismos. Se seleccionaron dos áreas; en cada área fueron establecidas 30 parcelas circulares de 15 metros de radio; se consideraron tres estratos en la vegetación para cuantificar las especies presentes y hacer los análisis correspondientes. Se calculó la diversidad alfa y beta, se evaluó la estructura horizontal mediante el índice de importancia ecológica y la distribución por clases diamétricas, se describió la estructura vertical a través de la riqueza de especies en cada estrato, así como su posición sociológica. En ambos pinares se identificaron en total 36 familias, 47 géneros y 61 especies de plantas, 42 especies en el área de Pinus caribaea y 36 especies en el área de Pinus tropicalis, observándose diferencias en cuanto a la composición de la vegetación acompañante en sus estratos. Las especies que mayor valor de importancia ecológica alcanzaron en las áreas estudiadas fueron Pinus caribaea con 205.96 y Pinus tropicalis con 175.59, siendo la abundancia y la frecuencia relativas los parámetros que más influyeron. Las parcelas, según la composición de especies, se agruparon en cuatro grupos diferenciándose por la altitud, altura de los árboles, el área basal y la abundancia de árboles muertos presentes en las mismas. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, al precisar en algunos de los parámetros de esta formación vegetal en Cuba, constituyen un referente el manejo de estos pinares., This study was conducted in Alturas de Pizarra in the Minas Agroforestry Enterprise, in Cuba, in order to determine its composition and structure of the pine forest vegetation for future management. Two areas were selected: one corresponding to Pinus caribaea and the other to Pinus tropicalis. In each area, 30 circular plots of 15 m radius were established. Three strata were considered in the vegetation in order to quantify the species present and conduct the corresponding analyses. Alpha and beta diversity values were determined, the horizontal structure was evaluated by calculating the index of ecological importance and distribution by diametric classes. The vertical structure was described through the richness of species in each stratum as well as its sociological position. The two pine forests contained 36 families, 47 genera and 61 species of plants, with 42 species in Pinus caribaea area and 36 in the Pinus tropicalis area. Differences were observed in the composition of the accompanying vegetation in their strata. Pinus caribaea attained an importance value of 205.96 and Pinus tropicalis attained 175.59, relative abundance and relative frequency were the parameters that most influenced the index of ecological importance. Plots, according to the composition of species, were divided into groups of four, differing in altitude, tree height, basal area and number of dead trees found in each. By specifying some of the parameters of this vegetation type in Cuba, the results obtained in this study constitute a reference for the management of these pine groves.

This study was conducted in Alturas de Pizarra in the Minas Agroforestry Enterprise, in Cuba, in order to determine its composition and structure of the pine forest vegetation for future management. Two areas were selected: one corresponding to Pinus caribaea and the other to Pinus tropicalis. In each area, 30 circular plots of 15 m radius were established. Three strata were considered in the vegetation in order to quantify the species present and conduct the corresponding analyses. Alpha and beta diversity values were determined, the horizontal structure was evaluated by calculating the index of ecological importance and distribution by diametric classes. The vertical structure was described through the richness of species in each stratum as well as its sociological position. The two pine forests contained 36 families, 47 genera and 61 species of plants, with 42 species in Pinus caribaea area and 36 in the Pinus tropicalis area. Differences were observed in the composition of the accompanying vegetation in their strata. Pinus caribaea attained an importance value of 205.96 and Pinus tropicalis attained 175.59, relative abundance and relative frequency were the parameters that most influenced the index of ecological importance. Plots, according to the composition of species, were divided into groups of four, differing in altitude, tree height, basal area and number of dead trees found in each. By specifying some of the parameters of this vegetation type in Cuba, the results obtained in this study constitute a reference for the management of these pine groves., Resumen: Esta investigación fue realizada en pinares en Alturas de Pizarra de la Empresa Agroforestal Minas, con el objetivo de determinar la estructura y composición de estos pinares, para el manejo de los mismos. Se seleccionaron dos áreas; en cada área fueron establecidas 30 parcelas circulares de 15 metros de radio; se consideraron tres estratos en la vegetación para cuantificar las especies presentes y hacer los análisis correspondientes. Se calculó la diversidad alfa y beta, se evaluó la estructura horizontal mediante el índice de importancia ecológica y la distribución por clases diamétricas, se describió la estructura vertical a través de la riqueza de especies en cada estrato, así como su posición sociológica. En ambos pinares se identificaron en total 36 familias, 47 géneros y 61 especies de plantas, 42 especies en el área de Pinus caribaea y 36 especies en el área de Pinus tropicalis, observándose diferencias en cuanto a la composición de la vegetación acompañante en sus estratos. Las especies que mayor valor de importancia ecológica alcanzaron en las áreas estudiadas fueron Pinus caribaea con 205.96 y Pinus tropicalis con 175.59, siendo la abundancia y la frecuencia relativas los parámetros que más influyeron. Las parcelas, según la composición de especies, se agruparon en cuatro grupos diferenciándose por la altitud, altura de los árboles, el área basal y la abundancia de árboles muertos presentes en las mismas. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, al precisar en algunos de los parámetros de esta formación vegetal en Cuba, constituyen un referente el manejo de estos pinares.

This study was conducted in Alturas de Pizarra in the Minas Agroforestry Enterprise, in Cuba, in order to determine its composition and structure of the pine forest vegetation for future management. Two areas were selected: one corresponding to Pinus caribaea and the other to Pinus tropicalis. In each area, 30 circular plots of 15 m radius were established. Three strata were considered in the vegetation in order to quantify the species present and conduct the corresponding analyses. Alpha and beta diversity values were determined, the horizontal structure was evaluated by calculating the index of ecological importance and distribution by diametric classes. The vertical structure was described through the richness of species in each stratum as well as its sociological position. The two pine forests contained 36 families, 47 genera and 61 species of plants, with 42 species in Pinus caribaea area and 36 in the Pinus tropicalis area. Differences were observed in the composition of the accompanying vegetation in their strata. Pinus caribaea attained an importance value of 205.96 and Pinus tropicalis attained 175.59, relative abundance and relative frequency were the parameters that most influenced the index of ecological importance. Plots, according to the composition of species, were divided into groups of four, differing in altitude, tree height, basal area and number of dead trees found in each. By specifying some of the parameters of this vegetation type in Cuba, the results obtained in this study constitute a reference for the management of these pine groves., Resumen: Esta investigación fue realizada en pinares en Alturas de Pizarra de la Empresa Agroforestal Minas, con el objetivo de determinar la estructura y composición de estos pinares, para el manejo de los mismos. Se seleccionaron dos áreas; en cada área fueron establecidas 30 parcelas circulares de 15 metros de radio; se consideraron tres estratos en la vegetación para cuantificar las especies presentes y hacer los análisis correspondientes. Se calculó la diversidad alfa y beta, se evaluó la estructura horizontal mediante el índice de importancia ecológica y la distribución por clases diamétricas, se describió la estructura vertical a través de la riqueza de especies en cada estrato, así como su posición sociológica. En ambos pinares se identificaron en total 36 familias, 47 géneros y 61 especies de plantas, 42 especies en el área de Pinus caribaea y 36 especies en el área de Pinus tropicalis, observándose diferencias en cuanto a la composición de la vegetación acompañante en sus estratos. Las especies que mayor valor de importancia ecológica alcanzaron en las áreas estudiadas fueron Pinus caribaea con 205.96 y Pinus tropicalis con 175.59, siendo la abundancia y la frecuencia relativas los parámetros que más influyeron. Las parcelas, según la composición de especies, se agruparon en cuatro grupos diferenciándose por la altitud, altura de los árboles, el área basal y la abundancia de árboles muertos presentes en las mismas. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, al precisar en algunos de los parámetros de esta formación vegetal en Cuba, constituyen un referente el manejo de estos pinares.

Esta investigación fue realizada en pinares en Alturas de Pizarra de la Empresa Agroforestal Minas, con el objetivo de determinar la estructura y composición de estos pinares, para el manejo de los mismos. Se seleccionaron dos áreas; en cada área fueron establecidas 30 parcelas circulares de 15 metros de radio; se consideraron tres estratos en la vegetación para cuantificar las especies presentes y hacer los análisis correspondientes. Se calculó la diversidad alfa y beta, se evaluó la estructura horizontal mediante el índice de importancia ecológica y la distribución por clases diamétricas, se describió la estructura vertical a través de la riqueza de especies en cada estrato, así como su posición sociológica. En ambos pinares se identificaron en total 36 familias, 47 géneros y 61 especies de plantas, 42 especies en el área de Pinus caribaea y 36 especies en el área de Pinus tropicalis, observándose diferencias en cuanto a la composición de la vegetación acompañante en sus estratos. Las especies que mayor valor de importancia ecológica alcanzaron en las áreas estudiadas fueron Pinus caribaea con 205.96 y Pinus tropicalis con 175.59, siendo la abundancia y la frecuencia relativas los parámetros que más influyeron. Las parcelas, según la composición de especies, se agruparon en cuatro grupos diferenciándose por la altitud, altura de los árboles, el área basal y la abundancia de árboles muertos presentes en las mismas. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, al precisar en algunos de los parámetros de esta formación vegetal en Cuba, constituyen un referente el manejo de estos pinares., This study was conducted in Alturas de Pizarra in the Minas Agroforestry Enterprise, in Cuba, in order to determine its composition and structure of the pine forest vegetation for future management. Two areas were selected: one corresponding to Pinus caribaea and the other to Pinus tropicalis. In each area, 30 circular plots of 15 m radius were established. Three strata were considered in the vegetation in order to quantify the species present and conduct the corresponding analyses. Alpha and beta diversity values were determined, the horizontal structure was evaluated by calculating the index of ecological importance and distribution by diametric classes. The vertical structure was described through the richness of species in each stratum as well as its sociological position. The two pine forests contained 36 families, 47 genera and 61 species of plants, with 42 species in Pinus caribaea area and 36 in the Pinus tropicalis area. Differences were observed in the composition of the accompanying vegetation in their strata. Pinus caribaea attained an importance value of 205.96 and Pinus tropicalis attained 175.59, relative abundance and relative frequency were the parameters that most influenced the index of ecological importance. Plots, according to the composition of species, were divided into groups of four, differing in altitude, tree height, basal area and number of dead trees found in each. By specifying some of the parameters of this vegetation type in Cuba, the results obtained in this study constitute a reference for the management of these pine groves.

We determined the environmental correlates of vascular plant biodiversity in the Baetic-Rifan region, a plant biodiversity hotspot in the western Mediterranean. A catalog of the whole flora of Andalusia and northern Morocco, the region that includes most of the Baetic-Rifan complex, was compiled using recent comprehensive floristic catalogs. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) of the different ecoregions of Andalusia and northern Morocco were conducted to determine their floristic affinities. Diversity patterns were studied further by focusing on regional endemic taxa. Endemic and nonendemic alpha diversities were regressed to several environmental variables. Finally, semi-partial regressions on distance matrices were conducted to extract the respective contributions of climatic, altitudinal, lithological, and geographical distance matrices to beta diversity in endemic and nonendemic taxa. We found that West Rifan plant assemblages had more similarities with Andalusian ecoregions than with other nearby northern Morocco ecoregions. The endemic alpha diversity was explained relatively well by the environmental variables related to summer drought and extreme temperature values. Of all the variables, geographical distance contributed by far the most to spatial turnover in species diversity in the Baetic-Rifan hotspot. In the Baetic range, elevation was the most significant driver of nonendemic species beta diversity, while lithology and elevation were the main drivers of endemic beta diversity. Despite the fact that Andalusia and northern Morocco are presently separated by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Baetic and Rifan mountain ranges have many floristic similarities – especially in their western ranges – due to past migration of species across the Strait of Gibraltar. Climatic variables could be shaping the spatial distribution of endemic species richness throughout the Baetic-Rifan hotspot. Determinants o

We determined the environmental correlates of vascular plant biodiversity in the Baetic-Rifan region, a plant biodiversity hotspot in the western Mediterranean. A catalog of the whole flora of Andalusia and northern Morocco, the region that includes most of the Baetic-Rifan complex, was compiled using recent comprehensive floristic catalogs. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) of the different ecoregions of Andalusia and northern Morocco were conducted to determine their floristic affinities. Diversity patterns were studied further by focusing on regional endemic taxa. Endemic and nonendemic alpha diversities were regressed to several environmental variables. Finally, semi-partial regressions on distance matrices were conducted to extract the respective contributions of climatic, altitudinal, lithological, and geographical distance matrices to beta diversity in endemic and nonendemic taxa. We found that West Rifan plant assemblages had more similarities with Andalusian ecoregions than with other nearby northern Morocco ecoregions. The endemic alpha diversity was explained relatively well by the environmental variables related to summer drought and extreme temperature values. Of all the variables, geographical distance contributed by far the most to spatial turnover in species diversity in the Baetic-Rifan hotspot. In the Baetic range, elevation was the most significant driver of nonendemic species beta diversity, while lithology and elevation were the main drivers of endemic beta diversity. Despite the fact that Andalusia and northern Morocco are presently separated by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Baetic and Rifan mountain ranges have many floristic similarities – especially in their western ranges – due to past migration of species across the Strait of Gibraltar. Climatic variables could be shaping the spatial distribution of endemic species richness throughout the Baetic-Rifan hotspot. Determinants o

We determined the environmental correlates of vascular plant biodiversity in the Baetic-Rifan region, a plant biodiversity hotspot in the western Mediterranean. A catalog of the whole flora of Andalusia and northern Morocco, the region that includes most of the Baetic-Rifan complex, was compiled using recent comprehensive floristic catalogs. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) of the different ecoregions of Andalusia and northern Morocco were conducted to determine their floristic affinities. Diversity patterns were studied further by focusing on regional endemic taxa. Endemic and nonendemic alpha diversities were regressed to several environmental variables. Finally, semi-partial regressions on distance matrices were conducted to extract the respective contributions of climatic, altitudinal, lithological, and geographical distance matrices to beta diversity in endemic and nonendemic taxa. We found that West Rifan plant assemblages had more similarities with Andalusian ecoregions than with other nearby northern Morocco ecoregions. The endemic alpha diversity was explained relatively well by the environmental variables related to summer drought and extreme temperature values. Of all the variables, geographical distance contributed by far the most to spatial turnover in species diversity in the Baetic-Rifan hotspot. In the Baetic range, elevation was the most significant driver of nonendemic species beta diversity, while lithology and elevation were the main drivers of endemic beta diversity. Despite the fact that Andalusia and northern Morocco are presently separated by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Baetic and Rifan mountain ranges have many floristic similarities – especially in their western ranges – due to past migration of species across the Strait of Gibraltar. Climatic variables could be shaping the spatial distribution of endemic species richness throughout the Baetic-Rifan hotspot. Determinants o

We determined the environmental correlates of vascular plant biodiversity in the Baetic-Rifan region, a plant biodiversity hotspot in the western Mediterranean. A catalog of the whole flora of Andalusia and northern Morocco, the region that includes most of the Baetic-Rifan complex, was compiled using recent comprehensive floristic catalogs. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) of the different ecoregions of Andalusia and northern Morocco were conducted to determine their floristic affinities. Diversity patterns were studied further by focusing on regional endemic taxa. Endemic and nonendemic alpha diversities were regressed to several environmental variables. Finally, semi-partial regressions on distance matrices were conducted to extract the respective contributions of climatic, altitudinal, lithological, and geographical distance matrices to beta diversity in endemic and nonendemic taxa. We found that West Rifan plant assemblages had more similarities with Andalusian ecoregions than with other nearby northern Morocco ecoregions. The endemic alpha diversity was explained relatively well by the environmental variables related to summer drought and extreme temperature values. Of all the variables, geographical distance contributed by far the most to spatial turnover in species diversity in the Baetic-Rifan hotspot. In the Baetic range, elevation was the most significant driver of nonendemic species beta diversity, while lithology and elevation were the main drivers of endemic beta diversity. Despite the fact that Andalusia and northern Morocco are presently separated by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Baetic and Rifan mountain ranges have many floristic similarities – especially in their western ranges – due to past migration of species across the Strait of Gibraltar. Climatic variables could be shaping the spatial distribution of endemic species richness throughout the Baetic-Rifan hotspot. Determinants o

We determined the environmental correlates of vascular plant biodiversity in the Baetic-Rifan region, a plant biodiversity hotspot in the western Mediterranean. A catalog of the whole flora of Andalusia and northern Morocco, the region that includes most of the Baetic-Rifan complex, was compiled using recent comprehensive floristic catalogs. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) of the different ecoregions of Andalusia and northern Morocco were conducted to determine their floristic affinities. Diversity patterns were studied further by focusing on regional endemic taxa. Endemic and nonendemic alpha diversities were regressed to several environmental variables. Finally, semi-partial regressions on distance matrices were conducted to extract the respective contributions of climatic, altitudinal, lithological, and geographical distance matrices to beta diversity in endemic and nonendemic taxa. We found that West Rifan plant assemblages had more similarities with Andalusian ecoregions than with other nearby northern Morocco ecoregions. The endemic alpha diversity was explained relatively well by the environmental variables related to summer drought and extreme temperature values. Of all the variables, geographical distance contributed by far the most to spatial turnover in species diversity in the Baetic-Rifan hotspot. In the Baetic range, elevation was the most significant driver of nonendemic species beta diversity, while lithology and elevation were the main drivers of endemic beta diversity. Despite the fact that Andalusia and northern Morocco are presently separated by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Baetic and Rifan mountain ranges have many floristic similarities – especially in their western ranges – due to past migration of species across the Strait of Gibraltar. Climatic variables could be shaping the spatial distribution of endemic species richness throughout the Baetic-Rifan hotspot. Determinants o

Studies on island biogeography in the Pacific have shown a biodiversity gradient that decreases from west to east, a pattern followed by numerous land and marine organisms. Based on this gradient, it has been hypothesized that Scleractinian coral biodiversity should follow the same gradient and be considerably lower in Mo‟orea, French Polynesia, than in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Rapid ecological assessments on six barrier reef sites surrounding Mo‟orea, as well as transects following the line intercept method at one site, provided data on Scleractinian coral species richness and composition. A phylogenetic study of character evolution was also performed to examine the evolutionary history of four characters related to coral reproduction and dispersal. Results revealed site-to-site heterogeneity between the six Mo‟orea sites and a mean site species richness of 30 species. Alpha diversity of the Mo‟orea barrier reefs and the GBR were not found to be statistically different, but total diversity was found to be considerably higher in the GBR than in Mo‟orea, suggesting that beta diversity is what accounts for most of the difference in species richness. Phylogenetic character analysis revealed that the broadcast spawning character was highly conserved throughout evolutionary history, and that patterns in the other three characters, brooding, fragmentation, and rafting ability were not quite as clear. Increased knowledge on coral diversity patterns and dispersal can help focus conservation efforts to preserve maximum biodiversity and protect coral reefs from adverse human impact.

Studies on island biogeography in the Pacific have shown a biodiversity gradient that decreases from west to east, a pattern followed by numerous land and marine organisms. Based on this gradient, it has been hypothesized that Scleractinian coral biodiversity should follow the same gradient and be considerably lower in Mo‟orea, French Polynesia, than in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Rapid ecological assessments on six barrier reef sites surrounding Mo‟orea, as well as transects following the line intercept method at one site, provided data on Scleractinian coral species richness and composition. A phylogenetic study of character evolution was also performed to examine the evolutionary history of four characters related to coral reproduction and dispersal. Results revealed site-to-site heterogeneity between the six Mo‟orea sites and a mean site species richness of 30 species. Alpha diversity of the Mo‟orea barrier reefs and the GBR were not found to be statistically different, but total diversity was found to be considerably higher in the GBR than in Mo‟orea, suggesting that beta diversity is what accounts for most of the difference in species richness. Phylogenetic character analysis revealed that the broadcast spawning character was highly conserved throughout evolutionary history, and that patterns in the other three characters, brooding, fragmentation, and rafting ability were not quite as clear. Increased knowledge on coral diversity patterns and dispersal can help focus conservation efforts to preserve maximum biodiversity and protect coral reefs from adverse human impact.