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As impervious cover increases with urban development, stream channels are degraded by increased stormwater runoff, which negatively impacts stream habitat quality and benthic macroinvertebrate diversity. We examined the relationship between stream habitat diversity and aquatic insect taxa and trait richness and diversity at the watershed scale in 30 streams, covering a gradient of stream habitat quality. We then quantified the relationship between taxa and trait richness and diversity and seven microhabitats at the reach scale in ten streams with high habitat quality. We found that both taxa richness and diversity declined at a greater rate than trait richness and diversity along an in-stream habitat diversity gradient. Taxa richness was positively correlated with pools, runs, backwater, leaf packs, and riffles, while trait richness was positively correlated with runs, small wood, and riffles. Taxa diversity was positively correlated with pools and leaf packs while trait diversity was positively correlated with runs, leaf packs, small wood, and riffles. An indicator species analysis revealed that specific taxa and traits were associated with specific microhabitats or combinations of microhabitats. By correlating the taxa in urban streams with specific microhabitats, we can better evaluate the success of stream restoration in restoring stream function and in stimulating benthic macroinvertebrate recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi are diverse organisms that occupy important niches in natural settings and agricultural settings, acting as decomposers, mutualists, and parasites and pathogens. Interactions between fungi and other organisms, specifically invertebrates, are understudied. Their numbers are also severely underestimated. Invertebrates exist in many of the same spaces as fungi and are known to engage in fungal feeding or mycophagy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive, global view of mycophagy in invertebrates to bring attention to areas that need more research, by prospecting the existing literature. Separate searches on the Web of Science were performed using the terms "mycophagy" and "fungivore". Invertebrate species and corresponding fungal species were extracted from the articles retrieved, whether the research was field- or laboratory-based, and the location of the observation if field-based. Articles were excluded if they did not list at least a genus identification for both the fungi and invertebrates. The search yielded 209 papers covering seven fungal phyla and 19 invertebrate orders. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota are the most represented fungal phyla whereas Coleoptera and Diptera make up most of the invertebrate observations. Most field-based observations originated from North America and Europe. Research on invertebrate mycophagy is lacking in some important fungal phyla, invertebrate orders, and geographic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperate reefs are increasingly affected by the direct and indirect effects of climate change. At many of their warm range edges, cool‐water kelps are decreasing, while seaweeds with warm‐water affinities are increasing. These habitat‐forming species provide different ecological functions, and shifts to warm‐affinity seaweeds are expected to modify the structure of associated communities. Predicting the nature of such shifts at the ecosystem level is, however, challenging, as they often occur gradually over large geographical areas. Here, we take advantage of a climatic transition zone, where cool‐affinity (kelp) and warm‐affinity (Sargassum) seaweed forests occur adjacently under similar environmental conditions, to test whether these seaweed habitats support different associated seaweed, invertebrate, coral, and fish assemblages. We found clear differences in associated seaweed assemblages between habitats characterized by kelp and Sargassum abundance, with kelp having higher biomass and seaweed diversity and more cool‐affinity species than Sargassum habitats. The multivariate invertebrate and fish assemblages were not different between habitats, despite a higher diversity of fish species in the Sargassum habitat. No pattern in temperature affinity of the invertebrate or fish assemblages in each habitat was found, and few fish species were exclusive to one habitat or the other. These findings suggest that, as ocean warming continues to replace kelps with Sargassum, the abundance and diversity of associated seaweeds could decrease, whereas fish could increase. Nevertheless, the more tropicalized seaweed habitats may provide a degree of functional redundancy to associated fauna in temperate seaweed habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Temperate reefs are increasingly affected by the direct and indirect effects of climate change. At many of their warm range edges, cool‐water kelps are decreasing, while seaweeds with warm‐water affinities are increasing. These habitat‐forming species provide different ecological functions, and shifts to warm‐affinity seaweeds are expected to modify the structure of associated communities. Predicting the nature of such shifts at the ecosystem level is, however, challenging, as they often occur gradually over large geographical areas. Here, we take advantage of a climatic transition zone, where cool‐affinity (kelp) and warm‐affinity (Sargassum) seaweed forests occur adjacently under similar environmental conditions, to test whether these seaweed habitats support different associated seaweed, invertebrate, coral, and fish assemblages. We found clear differences in associated seaweed assemblages between habitats characterized by kelp and Sargassum abundance, with kelp having higher biomass and seaweed diversity and more cool‐affinity species than Sargassum habitats. The multivariate invertebrate and fish assemblages were not different between habitats, despite a higher diversity of fish species in the Sargassum habitat. No pattern in temperature affinity of the invertebrate or fish assemblages in each habitat was found, and few fish species were exclusive to one habitat or the other. These findings suggest that, as ocean warming continues to replace kelps with Sargassum, the abundance and diversity of associated seaweeds could decrease, whereas fish could increase. Nevertheless, the more tropicalized seaweed habitats may provide a degree of functional redundancy to associated fauna in temperate seaweed habitats.

Fungi are diverse organisms that occupy important niches in natural settings and agricultural settings, acting as decomposers, mutualists, and parasites and pathogens. Interactions between fungi and other organisms, specifically invertebrates, are understudied. Their numbers are also severely underestimated. Invertebrates exist in many of the same spaces as fungi and are known to engage in fungal feeding or mycophagy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive, global view of mycophagy in invertebrates to bring attention to areas that need more research, by prospecting the existing literature. Separate searches on the Web of Science were performed using the terms “mycophagy” and “fungivore”. Invertebrate species and corresponding fungal species were extracted from the articles retrieved, whether the research was field- or laboratory-based, and the location of the observation if field-based. Articles were excluded if they did not list at least a genus identification for both the fungi and invertebrates. The search yielded 209 papers covering seven fungal phyla and 19 invertebrate orders. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota are the most represented fungal phyla whereas Coleoptera and Diptera make up most of the invertebrate observations. Most field-based observations originated from North America and Europe. Research on invertebrate mycophagy is lacking in some important fungal phyla, invertebrate orders, and geographic regions.

We document here the first confirmed report of the sipunculan worm Antillesoma antillarum (Grube, 1858) based on freshly collected, taxonomically verified specimens from the south-central Colombian Caribbean coast. This species was encountered on massive coralline rocks, coral rubble, and coral boulder at San Antero. We briefly describe and illustrate this species and provide notes on its distribution, ecology, and habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms have been reported to induce settlement in various marine invertebrate larvae but their specificity of inductive capacities for the settlement of coral larvae remains poorly understood. In this study, we isolated 56 microbial strains from the crustose coralline alga (CCA) Hydrolithon reinboldii using five different media either with or without additional antibiotics and/or spiked CCA extract. We tested the isolates for their potential to induce settlement behavior in larvae of the brooding scleractinian coral Leptastrea purpurea. From these 56 CCA-associated microbial strains, we identified six bacterial classes and 18 families. The culturable bacterial community associated with H. reinboldii was dominated by Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Alphaproteobacteria while the Illumina MiSeq analysis showed that the culture-independent bacterial community was dominated by Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Flavobacteria. Furthermore, we found no correlation between inductive settlement capacities and phylogenetic relationships. Instead, settlement behavior of L. purpurea larvae was induced by specific isolated species. Strains #1792 (Pseudovibrio denitrificans), #1678 (Acinetobacter pittii), #1633 (Pseudoalteromonas phenolica), #1772 (Marine bacterium LMG1), #1721 (Microbulbifer variabilis), and #1783 (Pseudoalteromonas rubra) induced settlement behavior in coral larvae at mostly high and significant levels (≥ 40%) but the remaining isolates strongly varied in their activity. Multispecies biofilms consisting of four strains (#1792, #1678, #1633, and #1721) were observed to synergistically increase settlement behavior levels (> 90%); however, the addition of #1772 to the multispecies biofilms negatively affected coral larvae and resulted in a total loss of inducing activity. The findings provide new insights into the role of bacteria in the settlement process of scleractinian corals and may help to identify the true nature of bacteria-derived morphogenic cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcyoniidae octocorals are represented by 405 species in India of which 154 are from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Surveys conducted in Havelock Island, South Andaman and Shark Island, North Andaman revealed the occurrence of Melithaea retifera and is reported herein as a new distributional record to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This species is characterised by the clubs of the coenenchyme of the node and internodes and looks like a flower-bud. The structural variations and length of sclerites in the samples are also reported in this manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • This study aimed to identify macroinvertebrate thresholds at catchment level. • Differences in the two neighbouring catchments are identified by macroinvertebrate change points. • Comparison of two threshold methods is likely to have different thresholds based on nature of data. • Overall results indicate that South Australian water quality guidelines for freshwater systems are too high. Abstract Catchment managers face complex decisions to balance between competing targets such as water quantity and quality, land use and biodiversity. To balance these targets satisfactorily, decisions need to be grounded in reliable information. The present study aimed to identify potential water quality drivers that may impact the sustainability of the River Torrens and the Onkaparinga River catchments in South Australia by means of the Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) and the Hybrid Evolutionary Algorithm (HEA). Fourteen years of data comprising abundance for 518 macroinvertebrate taxa and water quality variables were examined to determine possible stimulating and inhibiting effects of water quality conditions on macroinvertebrates at catchment and stream site level. When applied to the Torrens (n = 262) and Onkaparinga (n = 227), TITAN identified positive (z+) and negative (z−) responding species for both catchments and detected community change points in response to total nitrogen (Torrens: z+ = 305 µg L−1, z− = 277 µg L−1; Onkaparinga: z+ = 420 µg L−1, z− = 397 µg L−1), total phosphorus (Torrens: z+ and z− = 22 µg L−1; Onkaparinga: z+ = 73 µg L−1, z− = 71 µg L−1) and electrical conductivity (Torrens: z+ = 931 µS cm−1, z− = 407 µS cm−1; Onkaparinga: z+ = 951 µS cm−1, z− = 428 µS cm−1). These results suggested similar change points along electrical conductivity (EC) and total nitrogen (TN) gradients in both catchments, but three-times higher change points for total phosphorus (TP) in the Onkaparinga River catchment than in the Torrens catchment. Since TITAN identified the species Austrochiltonia australis as responding positively to TP, TN and EC increases, and Paramerina spp. as responding negatively, these taxa were selected for modelling by HEA. In contrast to TITAN, HEA used averaged data from 37 stream sites in each of the two catchments. Resulting models for A. australis revealed much higher change points for TN, TP and EC in the Torrens catchment compared to the TITAN results. Models for Paramerina spp. suggested twice as high thresholds for TN and EC in Onkaparinga as compared to the Torrens. Whilst TN and TP thresholds specified by HEA fall within the range identified by TITAN, thresholds for EC exceeded significantly those identified by TITAN. Overall, the study has shown that the nature of the data used in the two threshold approaches is likely to have resulted in differences in the derived thresholds. Importantly, despite the differences observed in thresholds based either on a catchment or the modelling technique, overall results indicate that South Australian water quality guidelines for freshwater systems are too high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Nutrients and endosulfan concentrations were higher in streams adjacent to crops. • Total invertebrate abundance and taxonomic richness were lower in cropped sites. • Shredders were dominant at the reserve and livestock streams. • Scrapers and predators were dominant at the cultivated sites. • Land use is causing change in functional feeding groups' composition. Abstract The use of agrochemicals in Argentina has increased over the last decades and may represent an environmental risk for adjacent water bodies. In this work we study the invertebrate assemblages in nine streams sampled at 11 sites with different land use on the adjacent plots in the years 2011–2014. Four sites were located inside a biosphere reserve, 4 sites were located adjacent to livestock plots and the other 3 sites were adjacent to cropped plots. The taxa composition was assessed and sorted into functional feeding groups: shredders, gatherers, filterers, scrapers and predators. Significant differences were detected among the functional feeding groups according to the use given to the adjacent land. Total density and taxonomic richness were significantly higher in the streams next to the reserve and livestock sites than in those adjacent to cropped plots; there were no differences between the first two. Gatherers and shredders density was significantly higher in the reserve and livestock than in the cropped sites. Scrapers and predators were the best represented at the cropped sites. Nutrient concentrations in water and endosulfan concentrations in the bottom sediments were also higher at the cultivated sites, suggesting that agrochemical loads from land cultivation caused the observed differences in composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Substantial congruence in results of two different taxonomic identification methods. • DNA metabarcoding of ethanol identified fewer taxa than did morphometrics. • Primary explanatory variables elucidated varied with identification method. • Differing conclusions could have consequences for forest management decisions. • With refinements, DNA metabarcoding of preservative ethanol shows promise. Abstract Aquatic macroinvertebrate communities are often used to assess the ecological integrity of streams. However, conventional methods involving morphometric identification of macroinvertebrates are usually costly and time-consuming. Here we compare stream macroinvertebrate community metrics based on conventional morphometrics vs. non-destructive DNA metabarcoding from storage ethanol to assess forest management impacts on headwater streams across a gradient of intensively managed forest catchments in eastern Canada. The two approaches demonstrated substantial congruence in the detection of taxa (81% and 69% at the family and genus level, respectively) and in the characterization of community composition and richness. However, DNA metabarcoding from preservative ethanol identified significantly fewer genera (3.3 on average, 15.9%) and families (2.0, 11.5%) than conventional morphometrics. Taxa missed by metabarcoding of storage ethanol were typically those low in proportional mass or poorly represented in the CO1 reference database. This led to some differences in the explanatory variables identified as being related to macroinvertebrate metrics, which could have implications on conclusions and management actions that might result therefrom. For example, the negative relationships between richness and reach-scale variables associated with forest management intensity were weaker when richness was based on metabarcoding as compared to conventional morphometrics. Discriminatory power was greater when data at the genus level were used. The congruence between functional feeding group results derived from morphometric (based on relative abundance) vs. metabarcoding (based on relative frequency and read abundance) identifications was group specific (r = 0.16–0.63), but low overall. We conclude that DNA metabarcoding of storage ethanol provides a promising approach for characterizing stream macroinvertebrate communities, but that its full deployment in biomonitoring projects requires developing more complete reference libraries and enhancing the sensitivity for detecting taxa with low sample biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Different responses of macroinvertebrate and diatom indices to human pressures. • Macroinvertebrate index was driven by multiple pressures, depending on seasonality. • Diatom index was driven by water chemistry, being independent of seasonality. • Selection of suitable biotic groups needed for monitoring seasonally variable rivers. Abstract Biotic indices based on macroinvertebrates and diatoms are regularly used for ecological status assessment in freshwaters, showing variable responses to anthropogenic pressures. In this work, we investigate the response of each biological quality element (BQE) index (i.e. diatoms and macroinvertebrates) to multiple stressors and compare their responses during ecological status assessments of seasonally variable river ecosystems. A total of 421 samples, collected during a four-year survey for the Greek National Water Monitoring Programme from 195 stream sites throughout Greece, were used. The correlation between macroinvertebrate (HESY2), diatom (IPS) and physicochemical (Ph) indices was tested and the environmental parameters affecting biotic indices were examined. All indices were positively intercorrelated, with IPS showing the highest correlation with the Ph index, confirmed by the fact that IPS was also driven by nutrient concentration and dissolved oxygen. HESY2 was driven by PO 4 , the extent of agriculture and urbanization, river typology, as well as sediment type and water temperature. The two BQEs, hence biological assemblages, respond differently to local and larger scale pressures; diatoms responded to reach-scale variations of water quality driven by large-scale drivers, such as land uses, to which macroinvertebrates responded. Moreover, macroinvertebrates depended on seasonality, whereas diatoms were independent of seasonality. Subsequently, when macroinvertebrates are absent, or haven't yet recolonize a stream after drought, diatoms can reflect disturbance as they respond to water quality, rather than seasonality. Thus, in Mediterranean rivers, where flow variability is pronounced, the complementary use of both BQEs, although important for ecological status assessment, it could rely solely on the use of diatoms when macroinvertebrates are absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In focusing on how organisms' generalizable functional properties (traits) interact mechanistically with environments across spatial scales and levels of biological organization, trait‐based approaches provide a powerful framework for attaining synthesis, generality and prediction. Trait‐based research has considerably improved understanding of the assembly, structure and functioning of plant communities. Further advances in ecology may be achieved by exploring the trait–environment relationships of non‐sessile, heterotrophic organisms such as terrestrial arthropods, which are geographically ubiquitous, ecologically diverse, and often important functional components of ecosystems. Trait‐based studies and trait databases have recently been compiled for groups such as ants, bees, beetles, butterflies, spiders and many others; however, the explicit justification, conceptual framework, and primary‐evidence base for the burgeoning field of 'terrestrial arthropod trait‐based ecology' have not been well established. Consequently, there is some confusion over the scope and relevance of this field, as well as a tendency for studies to overlook important assumptions of the trait‐based approach. Here we aim to provide a broad and accessible overview of the trait‐based ecology of terrestrial arthropods. We first define and illustrate foundational concepts in trait‐based ecology with respect to terrestrial arthropods, and justify the application of trait‐based approaches to the study of their ecology. Next, we review studies in community ecology where trait‐based approaches have been used to elucidate how assembly processes for terrestrial arthropod communities are influenced by niche filtering along environmental gradients (e.g. climatic, structural, and land‐use gradients) and by abiotic and biotic disturbances (e.g. fire, floods, and biological invasions). We also review studies in ecosystem ecology where trait‐based approaches have been used to investigate biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships: how the functional diversity of arthropod communities relates to a host of ecosystem functions and services that they mediate, such as decomposition, pollination and predation. We then suggest how future work can address fundamental assumptions and limitations by investigating trait functionality and the effects of intraspecific variation, assessing the potential for sampling methods to bias the traits and trait values observed, and enhancing the quality and consolidation of trait information in databases. A roadmap to guide observational trait‐based studies is also presented. Lastly, we highlight new areas where trait‐based studies on terrestrial arthropods are well positioned to advance ecological understanding and application. These include examining the roles of competitive, non‐competitive and (multi‐)trophic interactions in shaping coexistence, and macro‐scaling trait–environment relationships to explain and predict patterns in biodiversity and ecosystem functions across space and time. We hope this review will spur and guide future applications of the trait‐based framework to advance ecological insights from the most diverse eukaryotic organisms on Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a pressing need to develop simplified sampling protocols that allow invertebrates to be routinely incorporated into terrestrial faunal surveys for informing conservation planning. This study assesses the usefulness of sampling invertebrate by-catch from standard vertebrate bucket pitfall traps for documenting spatial patterns of terrestrial invertebrates. We compare among-site (N = 78) patterns of species richness and composition of ten invertebrate families (comprising ants, beetles and spiders) captured in vertebrate bucket traps with those captured in two different arrays of invertebrate-specific pitfall traps. For three families (Formicidae, Carabidae and Lycosidae) patterns of richness and composition captured in the vertebrate traps were comparable with those captured in the invertebrate-specific trap arrays. Thus, in some cases, vertebrate traps appeared to be as useful in detecting patterns of invertebrate diversity as were invertebrate-specific traps. Our findings show that sampling invertebrate by-catch from vertebrate bucket traps can be a reliable and robust simplified protocol for documenting biodiversity patterns for some key groups of terrestrial invertebrates. This simplified protocol can take terrestrial invertebrates out of the 'too-hard basket' for biodiversity assessment and monitoring, breaking the positive-feedback loop that currently maintains ignorance of invertebrate diversity and distribution and that prevents their inclusion in conservation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and predicting how biological communities respond to climate change is critical for assessing biodiversity vulnerability and guiding conservation efforts. Glacier‐ and snow‐fed rivers are one of the most sensitive ecosystems to climate change, and can provide early warning of wider‐scale changes. These rivers are frequently used for hydropower production but there is minimal understanding of how biological communities are influenced by climate change in a context of flow regulation. This study sheds light on this issue by disentangling structural (water temperature preference, taxonomic composition, alpha, beta and gamma diversities) and functional (functional traits, diversity, richness, evenness, dispersion and redundancy) effects of climate change in interaction with flow regulation in the Alps. For this, we compared environmental and aquatic invertebrate data collected in the 1970s and 2010s in regulated and unregulated alpine catchments. We hypothesized a replacement of cold‐adapted species by warming‐tolerant ones, high temporal and spatial turnover in taxa and trait composition, along with reduced taxonomic and functional diversities in consequence of climate change. We expected communities in regulated rivers to respond more drastically due to additive or synergistic effects between flow regulation and climate change. We found divergent structural but convergent functional responses between free‐flowing and regulated catchments. Although cold‐adapted taxa decreased in both of them, greater colonization and spread of thermophilic species was found in the free‐flowing one, resulting in higher spatial and temporal turnover. Since the 1970s, taxonomic diversity increased in the free flowing but decreased in the regulated catchment due to biotic homogenization. Colonization by taxa with new functional strategies (i.e. multivoltine taxa with small body size, resistance forms, aerial dispersion and reproduction by clutches) increased functional diversity but decreased functional redundancy through time. These functional changes could jeopardize the ability of aquatic communities facing intensification of ongoing climate change or new anthropogenic disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the present study, we assessed the potential of dipterans as functional indicators of extreme drought. Dipteran assemblages were sampled four times in 2014 and 2015 at 141 sites, from six reservoirs located in two semi-arid watersheds. Our results showed that dipteran functional traits changed over an extreme drought period (p < 0.0001) and were associated with different environmental variables. Body size, feeding group, feeding strategy, preferential habit and tubule positions changed in dominance over time. Small engulfers were more abundant in the driest period and significantly associated with water quality variables, such as chlorophyll- a , turbidity and total dissolved solids. In the driest months, negative correlations were found between smaller organisms, presence of hemoglobin, short pseudopods and sprawler habit and water and habitat parameters (e.g., organic matter). We found that during the study period, there was a decrease in functional richness and increase in functional evenness in communities, indicating functional loss and a greater biotic homogenization. Therefore, future management plans of reservoirs and other freshwater ecosystems, especially in areas with frequent drought events (such as arid and semi-arid areas), should consider the importance of maintaining a certain water quantity to guarantee ecosystem functioning during the dry season. Highlights • Dipteran functional traits changed over the extreme drought period. • In driest period the remaining traits are few influenced by degradation condition. • During drought period there was functional loss and highest biotic homogenization. • Extreme drought select species with resistance traits, even in drier regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Livestock breeding at confined areas is an emerging practice in Patagonia. • Environmental, riparian and habitat conditions at 11 sites along three streams were evaluated. • Electrical conductivity, ammonia, chlorophyll a and bacteria increased at impacted sites. • Macroinvertebrate sensible taxa eliminated at intensive managed areas. • Strong riparian ecosystem alteration and marginal habitat conditions associated with confined operation. Abstract Breeding of livestock in confined areas has recently become an alternative of production for farmers in Northwest Patagonia. Strong concern about how these practices can alter health and integrity of streams exists and mitigation measures from livestock impact have been recently incorporated to the legislation. We examined changes in water quality, riparian integrity, habitat conditions, and macroinvertebrates community at three low order streams having different modalities of animal production management. The general design included visits at 11 sites (comprising references sites) in a bimonthly scheme. We assessed hydrological and physicochemical features including oxygen, conductivity, nutrients and total suspended solids. Epilithic chlorophyll and bacteria (total coliforms and E. coli) were also measured. Integrity of each site was assessed by two adapted indexes for Patagonian streams: riparian ecosystem quality (QBRp) and habitat condition (HA). A suite of 12 qualitative bioindicator measures based on aquatic macroinvertebrates were utilized at two flow contrasting periods. Compared to reference sites, intensive and semi-intensive practices produced low to moderate impact regarding to oxygen saturation, conductivity and nutrient levels, but strong alteration of the riparian ecosystem and of the in-stream habitat condition were detected. E. coli counting resulted in declining of water quality at both intensive and semi-intensive management, and exceeded the recommended critical value for recreational purposes. Plecoptera and Trichoptera richness significantly diminished at most impacted sites during low water period. In addition, several macroinvertebrate metrics displayed negative and significant responses to ammonia level increases, evidencing a possible toxicity effect. Our findings suggest that these emergent practices, which are rapidly expanding in a relatively undeveloped area, might have negative impacts. Mitigation measures for stream protection should be recommended to landowners through conservation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gorgonians play an important structural and functional role promoting high diversity and biomass of associated fauna. Up to now, studies on gorgonian ecology in the Mediterranean Sea have been focused mainly on the SCUBA diving depth range. Although increased availability of remotely operated vehicles allowed access to the deeper areas, gorgonian assemblages located on continental shelf and slopes are still barely known. Gorgonian assemblages on continental shelves are extremely vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts, especially bottom trawling and longline fishing. To implement effective management and conservation policies it is crucial to understand patterns of genetic structure among populations since connectivity enhances the resilience of populations. Paramuricea macrospina is a key structuring gorgonian in the Menorca Channel's (Balearic Archipelago) outer continental shelf where it covers vast extensions, reaching very high densities. Combining two mitochondrial makers and 10 microsatellites, this study gives the first insight into the genetic diversity and population structure of P. macrospina between 60 and 100 m depth in the Menorca Channel and at a horizontal spatial scale of about 60 Km. Overall, we demonstrate a low genetic diversity and a lack of genetic structure among populations, which may be explained by the geomorphology and hydrodynamic features of the Menorca Channel (e.g. internal waves, high currents). Our study suggests some connectivity among P. macrospina populations in accordance with the high recruitment rates observed. This connectivity may increase the resilience and foster the recovery of impacted populations since the study area will become a Marine Protected Area of the Natura 2000 network in the near future. Nevertheless, complementary studies based on a larger sample size should be conducted to complement our results. In addition, temporal genetic monitoring of these populations should be envisaged to monitor the potential reduction of genetic diversity of this mesophotic species. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Paramuricea macrospina lives in the Menorca Channel between 60 and 100 m depth. • Genetic diversity and structure of P. macrospina have been explored. • Connectivity among Menorca Channel' populations of P. macrospina were observed. • No genetic differentiation was observed among morphotypes. • This is in accordance with the high recruitment rates observed in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • We studied interspecific variation in occupancy and abundance of freshwater species. • Occupancy and abundance correlated positively for both diatoms and macroinvertebrates. • Niche position had clearest effects on variation in occupancy and abundance. • The more marginal the niche position, the rarer a species is. Abstract We examined how niche position, niche breadth, biological traits and taxonomic relatedness affect interspecific variation in occupancy and abundance of two commonly-used biological indicator groups, i.e. diatoms and macroinvertebrates. We studied 291 diatom and 103 macroinvertebrate species that occupied the littoral zones of a large (305 km2) highly-connected freshwater system. We collated information on the biological traits and taxonomic relatedness of each species. Using principal coordinates analysis, we formed biological trait and taxonomic vectors describing distances between species and used the resulting vectors as predictor variables. As environmental data, we had site-specific physico-chemical variables, which were used in outlying mean index analyses to determine the niche position and niche breadth of each species. We used linear models to study if and how these two niche parameters and biological traits as well as taxonomic relatedness affected occupancy and abundance. We observed positive occupancy-abundance relationships for both diatoms and macroinvertebrates. We further found that, for both groups, occupancy was better explained by the predictor variables compared with abundance. We also observed that niche parameters, especially niche position, were the main determinants of variation in occupancy and abundance for both diatoms and macroinvertebrates. Local abundances of diatom and macroinvertebrate species were also, to a small degree, affected by biological traits or taxonomic relatedness. We further saw that the relationship between niche position and occupancy was negative, indicating that the more marginal the niche position, the rarer a species is. Our findings provide support for the use of diatoms and macroinvertebrates as ecological indicators as their occupancies and abundances were affected by niche parameters, which is not necessarily always clear in challenging study systems with high connectivity (i.e. high movement of material and species) among sites. These findings also suggest that indices using information on species' occupancy, abundance and niche requirements are useful in environmental assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crabs of the family Pseudothelphusidae are restricted to the Neotropical region and new species are described every year. They are threatened by habitat loss and knowledge of this family is almost limited to taxonomy and faunal surveys. Here, we investigate the presence of heterochely and laterality in Kingsleya castrensis , as a tool to infer ecological and behavioural aspects. Since most Pseudothelphusidae were described from a few individuals only, some aspects of morphological variation, sexual dimorphism, heterochely and laterality are confirmed herein for the first time for a species of Kingsleya. The sizes of dactylus and propodus of males, as well as the allometric growth of both sides of the chelipeds, were significantly larger and higher, respectively, when compared to females. The right side was significantly longer than the left and both sexes displayed right-handedness. These results are similar to those from other freshwater crab families, and provide a clue to a possible aggressive, display, and territorial behaviour in K. castrensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The response of estuarine invertebrates to the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid following field applications in Willapa Bay, Washington (U.S.A.) was examined using Principal Response Curve (PRC) Analysis. A total of 60 analyses was conducted to examine responses of six taxonomic assemblages (polychaetes, non-juvenile polychaetes only, mollusks, non-juvenile mollusks only, crustaceans, and all invertebrates combined). Eight trials were conducted among five sites over the course of three years. Five of the eight featured a liquid formulation of imidacloprid and three a granular formulation. Both the response and treatment effects were significant (p < 0.05) among 49 of the analyses, but pre-treatment differences in the abundance and composition of the assemblages at test and control plots often confounded interpretation of results. In the majority of analyses, the response of the treated assemblage relative to the control assemblage remained relatively stable over time, indicating a neutral treatment effect. Only six of the 60 PRCs indicated a negative effect from imidacloprid application. Five of the six were assemblages of mollusks and one was an assemblage of crustaceans. Polychaetes were never negatively affected. The low frequency of a negative effect was likely due to imidacloprid exposures that were limited to low concentrations and short time periods, low toxicological susceptibility to imidacloprid for many taxa, and natural resilience to disturbance and extreme environmental events. The long-term use of imidacloprid to suppress burrowing shrimp in Willapa Bay would likely increase the diversity of benthic invertebrates. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • We examined the Principal Response Curves of estuarine benthic invertebrates to imidacloprid. • The majority of Principal Response Curves showed a neutral treatment response. • Low numbers of negative responses were due in part to adaptions that allow recovery from disturbance. • Life-history strategies such as high mobility, high reproductive rates, and rapid growth contribute to recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Unbiased estimates of region wide ecosystem condition are key for setting policy targets. • Biological indices indicate up to 50% of wadeable stream length on developed land in the Waikato region is likely in a Poor ecological condition. • Region-wide extent of Poor ecological condition is most likely reduced by targeting improvements in deposited fine sediment and aquatic habitat. • To be effective at improving ecosystem health, policies and management interventions must address more than just water quality. Abstract Unbiased estimates of the current state of target ecosystems and identification of potential causal factors are key to managing stressors over large scales, and for guiding policy and decision makers to set realistic targets and expectations in light of economic pressures. A probability survey design for 176 target wadeable, perennial streams mapped on developed land in the Waikato Region, New Zealand, sampled over three austral summers (2013 to 2015), was used to i) estimate the extent to which "Poor" stressor and biological condition states occur, ii) determine the co-occurrence likelihood of "Poor" biological and environmental condition, and iii) identify and estimate the relative importance of key environmental stressors. The probability survey design also allowed the quantification of uncertainty around mean estimates of extent and risk. These analyses reveal that between 25 and 50% of mapped target stream length can be considered to be in "Poor" condition based on biological indices derived from macroinvertebrate and fish community data. For assessed stressors, Poor condition was estimated for 10 to 50% of the target stream network depending on the stressor. Poor biological condition was likely to co-occur with Poor stressor condition for 10 of the 12 assessed stressors for macroinvertebrate indices, and 5 of the 12 stressors for the fish index. These analyses identify that management actions targeted at improving instream habitat quality, particularly reducing fine sediment deposition, when applied across the entire stream network are likely to yield the most widespread improvement in biological condition indices. Our findings also highlight the importance of extending policy development beyond a singular focus on water quality if ecosystem health objectives are to be met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Tank bromeliads host diverse aquatic invertebrate communities in tropical forests. • Bromeliad features determine the functional trait composition of invertebrates. • Indicator ants and spiders predict aquatic invertebrate traits in tank bromeliads. • Surrogate species indicate pelagic, benthic and interstitial food webs in bromeliads. Abstract Epiphytes represent up to 50% of all plant species in rainforests, where they host a substantial amount of invertebrate biomass. Efficient surrogates for epiphyte invertebrate communities could reduce the cost of biomonitoring surveys while preventing destructive sampling of the plants. Here, we focus on the invertebrate communities associated to tank bromeliads. We ask whether the presence of particular ant and/or spider taxa (easily surveyed taxa) that use these plants as nesting and/or foraging habitats predicts functional trait combinations of aquatic invertebrate communities hosted by the plants. Functional community composition of invertebrates was predicted both by bromeliad habitat features and the presence of certain ant and spider species. The ant Azteca serica preferred wider bromeliad rosettes that trap large amount of detritus, indicating interstitial-like food webs dominated by deposit feeders that burrow in fine particulate organic matter. Leucauge sp. spiders preferred narrower bromeliad rosettes bearing smaller detrital loads, thereby indicating a dominance of pelagic filter-feeding and predatory invertebrates in the water-filled leaf axils. Both Neoponera villosa ants and Eriophora sp. spiders preferred rosettes at intermediate size bearing moderate amounts of detritus, indicating a benthic food web dominated by leaf shredders and gathering collectors. Owing to the animal diversity and biomass supported by rainforest epiphytes, our approach would deserve to be further tested on a range of epiphytes involved in tight interactions with invertebrates. In this context, surrogate species could serve both as indicators of functional diversity, and as early-warning indicators of network disassembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Global climate change is driving sea level rise and increasingly frequent storm events, which are negatively impacting rapidly-growing coastal communities. To mitigate these impacts, coastal infrastructure must be further protected by upgrading hard defences. We propose that incorporating pH-buffering materials into these upgrades could safeguard marine organisms from the adverse effects of ocean acidification and ocean warming during the vulnerable transition from planktonic larvae to benthic juveniles. To test this, we examined the effects of ocean warming (24 or 27 °C), ocean acidification (pH 8.1, 7.9, 7.7), and substratum (concrete, greywacke, granite) in all combinations on the settlement success of an ecologically and commercially important sea urchin, Tripneustes gratilla. Low pH (7.9, 7.7) generally reduced the quantity and size of juveniles four weeks post-settlement, although this was partially ameliorated by increased temperature (24 vs. 27 °C). In the warmed and acidified treatments, settlement rates were lower on concrete than granite or greywacke, but two weeks post-settlement, juveniles on concrete were larger, and had longer spines and higher survival rates than on greywacke or granite, respectively. The benefits provided by concrete to newly-settled juveniles may be related to alkali chemicals leaching from concrete buffering low pH conditions in surrounding seawater and/or increased availability of bicarbonate in the boundary layers around its surface. Our results highlight the potential for pH-buffering materials to assist marine organisms in coping with the effects of changing ocean conditions, but further research is required to understand the generality and mechanism(s) driving the beneficial effects of concrete and to test pH-buffering materials in the field. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Coastal protection structures need to be upgraded in response to rising sea levels. • Upgrades using pH-buffering concrete may shield colonizers from ocean acidification. • We settled sea urchins on concrete and rocks in ocean conditions predicted by 2100. • Concrete inhibited settlement, but had positive effects on growth and survival. • Concrete shows potential for responding to sea level rise and ocean climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two transects were established and sampled along altitudinal gradients on the slopes of Ariekammen (77°01′N; 15°31′E) and Rotjesfjellet (77°00′N; 15°22′E) in Hornsund, Spitsbergen. In total 59 moss, lichen, liverwort and mixed moss–lichen samples were collected and 33 tardigrade species of Hetero- and Eutardigrada were found. The α diversity ranged from 1 to 8 per sample; the estimated number of species based on all analysed samples was 52±17 for the Chao 2 estimator and 41 for the incidence-based coverage estimator. According to the results of detrended canonical correspondence analysis, altitude and type of substratum were the most important factors influencing tardigrade communities in the investigated area. Macrobiotus crenulatus, M. hufelandi hufelandi and Hypsibius pallidus dominated in the lower elevations, whereas Echiniscus wendti and E. merokensis merokensis prevailed in samples from higher plots. Macrobiotus islandicus islandicus was collected most often from mosses collected from rock whereas Isohypsibius coulsoni from mosses collected from soil. Analyses of covariance were employed to test for differences in species richness between the transects in relation to altitude. Contrary to expectations, there were significant differences in species richness between the transects, but richness was not significantly related to altitude. Interestingly, significant effects of colonies of seabirds, little auk (Alle alle), on the tardigrades communities were detected. Additionally, in one of the samples first ever males of Milnesium asiaticum were found. Their measurements and microphotographs are provided herein.

Globally, many ecosystems are exposed to artificial light at night. Nighttime lighting has direct biological impacts on species at all trophic levels. However, the effects of artificial light on biotic interactions remain, for the most part, to be determined.We exposed experimental mesocosms containing combinations of grassland plants and invertebrate herbivores and predators to illumination at night over a 3‐year period to simulate conditions under different common forms of street lighting.We demonstrate both top‐down (predation‐controlled) and bottom‐up (resource‐controlled) impacts of artificial light at night in grassland communities. The impacts on invertebrate herbivore abundance were wavelength‐dependent and mediated via other trophic levels.White LED lighting decreased the abundance of a generalist herbivore mollusc by 55% in the presence of a visual predator, but not in its absence, while monochromatic amber light (with a peak wavelength similar to low‐pressure sodium lighting) decreased abundance of a specialist herbivore aphid (by 17%) by reducing the cover and flower abundance of its main food plant in the system. Artificial white light also significantly increased the food plant's foliar carbon to nitrogen ratio.We conclude that exposure to artificial light at night can trigger ecological effects spanning trophic levels, and that the nature of such impacts depends on the wavelengths emitted by the lighting technology employed.Policy implications. Our results confirm that artificial light at night, at illuminance levels similar to roadside vegetation, can have population effects mediated by both top‐down and bottom‐up effects on ecosystems. Given the increasing ubiquity of light pollution at night, these impacts may be widespread in the environment. These results underline the importance of minimizing ecosystem disruption by reducing light pollution in natural and seminatural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is worldwide growing interest in the occurrence and diversity of metabolites used as chemical mediators in cross-kingdom interactions within aquatic systems. Bacteria produce metabolites to protect and influence the growth and life cycle of their eukaryotic hosts. In turn, the host provides a nutrient-enriched environment for the bacteria. Here, we discuss the role of waterborne chemical mediators that are responsible for such interactions in aquatic multi-partner systems, including algae or invertebrates and their associated bacteria. In particular, this review highlights recent advances in the chemical ecology of aquatic systems that support the overall ecological significance of signaling molecules across the prokaryote-eukaryote boundary (cross-kingdom interactions) for growth, development and morphogenesis of the host. We emphasize the value of establishing well-characterized model systems that provide the basis for the development of ecological principles that represent the natural lifestyle and dynamics of aquatic microbial communities and enable a better understanding of the consequences of environmental change and the most effective means of managing community interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species-area relationship (SAR) is a well-investigated subject raising questions nonetheless. We hypothesized that SAR can be modified by naturally extreme conditions (high pH, conductivity, and total phosphorus) in a small spatial scale. A bombing range was chosen as a sampling location with a densely scattered cluster of bomb crater ponds, which vary in size and in extremity to study the hypothesis. Macroinvertebrate communities from 25 bomb crater ponds were sampled, along with the macrophyte community, while pH, conductivity, total phosphorus, and area were also registered. A decision tree was used to separate extreme from normal ponds based on their chemical characteristics. SAR was found to be the dominant driving force, increasing species richness in the extreme ponds. However, in the normal ponds, the small island effect was observed. The macroinvertebrate communities and macrophyte community types are congruent in normal ponds. Our findings imply that rules in ecology cannot be handled rigidly and there are dynamics existing between the factors that influence the composition of a macroinvertebrate community that cannot be ignored at habitat restorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobscook Bay is an 11- km2 geographically complex, boreal, and macrotidal bay in eastern Maine. The physical environment, primary producers, and invertebrate assemblage of the bay are well-characterized, but no contemporary data exist on its finfish assemblage. We sampled the finfish assemblage of Cobscook Bay from 2011 to 2013 in May, June, August, and September to create a baseline dataset suitable for future comparisons. We also examined the composition, diversity, and annual changes in the assemblage. We sampled in the subtidal and intertidal zones using seines (n = 390), fyke nets (n = 72), and benthic (n = 112) and pelagic (n = 111) trawls; sampling was divided among the bay's 3 different sub-bays. We collected more than 60,000 individuals from 46 species. We employed species richness, Simpson's index of diversity, and non-metric multidimensional scaling (with the Bray—Curtis and Horn—Morisita indices) to examine spatial and temporal variation of finfish assemblages throughout the bay. Our analysis suggested that data collected in the subtidal pelagic were not a representative sample of that assemblage. Therefore, we considered 2 assemblages: the intertidal and subtidal benthic. Assemblage composition and species' relative abundances were different at diel, monthly, and annual timescales and were associated with changes in the catch rate of ubiquitous species. In the intertidal, these species included Gasterosteus aculeatus (Threespine Stickleback), Clupea harengus (Atlantic Herring), Alosa pseudoharengus (Alewife), and Menidia menidia (Atlantic Silverside). In the subtidal, the common species were Atlantic Herring and Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Winter Flounder). Statistical analyses indicated that both spatial and temporal factors were significant predictors of assemblage evenness. The sampling design, albeit complex, was sufficient to capture these differences and characterize these assemblages. Implications for future studies are that the study design must be sufficiently complex to capture the anticipated spatial and temporal variability inherent in such dynamic environments. Furthermore, given recent warming trends in the Gulf of Maine, this study's results suggest the importance of thoroughly understanding local temporal and ecosystem variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Effects of four instream measures were assessed in an agricultural headwater stream. • Artificial drop and boulder placement took significant positive effects on richness and diversity of zoobenthos. • Groin habitat exhibited outstanding durability and resilience during a flood. • Instream measures could exert positive effects on a medium time scale (six years). • Distribution density of instream measures was a key factor to restorative effect. Abstract The effectiveness of instream restoration measures in improving habitats has been extensively examined; however, the evidence is inadequate to infer that these measures have positive effects on benthic macroinvertebrates. In this study, we compared the effects of the instream wetland (IW), groin (GR), artificial drop (AD) and boulder placement (BP) measures on the physical habitat and benthic macroinvertebrates. On a five-year scale (two to six years after the implementation of the restoration project), the sample sites treated with the four restoration measures and the unrestored upstream control sample site were compared. The results show that the instream restoration measures had significant positive effects on the physical habitat and benthic macroinvertebrates in the agricultural headwater stream, that the physical habitat quality was a key factor affecting the restoration of the benthic macroinvertebrates, and that the restorative effects were affected by the interaction between the restoration measure and time. The five-year observation period showed continuous improvement in the habitat quality as well as a continuous increase in the taxon richness and diversity of the benthic macroinvertebrates at the restored sample sites. The AD and BP measures had the most significant positive effects on the richness and diversity of the benthic macroinvertebrates. The density of the benthic macroinvertebrates in the habitat at the sample site treated with the IW continuously remained at a high level. The benthic macroinvertebrates in the habitat at the sample site treated with the GR exhibited outstanding durability against and resilience to a flood. Schemes involving densely placed instream restoration measures had continuous positive effects on the physical habitat and benthic macroinvertebrates in agricultural headwater streams on a medium time scale (six years). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The field of eco-engineering has burgeoned in recent years in response to the proliferation of artificial structures. Adding water-retaining features to seawalls has been successful in increasing biodiversity relative to the surrounding structure. Artificial rock pools may not, however, completely mimic natural rock pools. Here, we compared natural colonisation, through dispersal and recruitment, of intertidal mobile species to water-retaining flowerpots on seawalls with that into rock pools. This represents the more usual 'passive' approach to eco-engineering where features are built to enhance biodiversity and are allowed to colonise naturally, as opposed to seeding or transplanting organisms to features. While flowerpots supported some mobile species not found on the seawall, other species common on natural shores did not recruit to flowerpots. Thus, in a second experiment we tested the effectiveness of an 'active' approach through transplanting mobile organisms to flowerpots to expedite the colonisation process. For the species examined, however, most individuals did not stay in the flowerpots for more than 24 h after being transplanted. Further understanding of the processes (e.g. dispersal distances, recruitment) influencing colonisation of eco-engineered habitats is needed to effectively inform management of marine infrastructure, particularly for projects targeted at restoration rather than enhancement. Highlights • Mobile invertebrates are ubiquitous in natural rock pools. • Water-retaining flowerpots were added to seawalls to enhance biodiversity. • Some mobile species found in rock pools do not colonise or recruit to flowerpots. • Seeding was tested as an active approach to increase flowerpot colonisation. • Most individuals transplanted did not stay in the flowerpots for more than 24 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River ecosystems are most often subject to multiple co-occurring anthropogenic stressors. Mediterranean streams are particularly affected by water scarcity and organic loads that commonly lead to a simultaneous reduction in flow and increasing depletion of dissolved oxygen. In the present study, the single and combined effects of water scarcity (flow velocity reduction) and dissolved oxygen depletion were used to evaluate alterations of drifting macroinvertebrates on a channel mesocosm system, by employing a multiple trait-based approach. Our main findings confirmed that the impact of the two combined stressors can be implicated in alterations of ecosystem functions as result of the changes in proportions of biological traits. Overall, our results showed that, individually, flow velocity reduction and a severe oxygen depletion promoted a shift in community traits. In more detail, biological traits describing the dispersal of organisms and their respiration showed the strongest responses. The respiration mode responded to low flow with drift increase of gill breathers and decrease of individuals with tegument, whereas dispersal was clearly affected by the combination of stressors. Resistance through eggs was higher with the single effect of flow reduction, while swimmers´ relative abundance increased in individuals that drift after exposure to the combination of stressors. Thus, while flow reduction alone is expected to specifically filter out the gill breathers and the egg producers, the combination of stressors will impact more drastically organism's dispersal and swimmers. Such changes in biological traits can result in variations in ecosystem functioning through, for example, local changes in biomass, secondary production, stream metabolism as well as resulting in biodiversity losses or alterations of its distribution patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa is faced with an increasing underrepresentation of her research progress in many fields of science including neuroscience. This underrepresentation stems from the very low investments directed towards research by African governments as these are thought to be high-priced. Scientists and researchers within the continent are left to compete highly for the very limited research grants or choose to fund research from their personal purse. Therefore, presenting a need for all possible strategies to make science and research approaches more affordable in Africa. This paper presents one of such strategy, which advocates the use of invertebrate animal models for neuroscience research in place of the commonly used vertebrate models. Invertebrates are cheaper, more available and easy to handle options and their use is on the rise, even in the developed societies of the world. Here, we investigate the current state of invertebrate neuroscience research in Africa looking at countries and institutions conducting neuroscience research with invertebrates and their publication output. We discuss the factors which impede invertebrate neuroscience research in Africa like lack of research infrastructure and adequate expert scientists and conclude by suggesting solutions to these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottom trawling and eutrophication are well known for their impacts on the marine benthic environment in the last decades. Evaluating the effects of these pressures is often restricted to contemporary benthic data, limiting the potential to observe change from an earlier (preimpact) state. In this study, we compared benthic species records from 1884 to 1886 by CGJ Petersen with recent data to investigate how benthic invertebrate species in the eastern Kattegat have changed since preimpact time. The study shows that species turnover between old and recent times was high, ca. 50%, and the species richness in the investigation area was either unchanged or higher in recent times, suggesting no net loss of species. Elements of metacommunity structure analysis of datasets from the 1880s, 1990s, and 2000s revealed a clear change in the depth distribution structure since the 1880s. The system changed from a Quasi‐nested/Random pattern unrelated to depth in the 1880s with many species depth ranges over a major part of the studied depth interval, to a Clementsian pattern in recent times strongly positively correlated with depth. Around 30% of the 117 species recorded both in old and in recent times, including most trawling‐sensitive species, that is large, semiemergent species, showed a decrease in maximal depth of occurrence from the deeper zone fished today to the shallower unfished zone, with on average 20 m. Concurrently, the species category remaining in the fished zone was dominated by species less sensitive to bottom trawling like infauna polychaetes and small‐sized Peracarida crustaceans, most likely with short longevity. The depth interval and magnitude of the changes in depth distribution and the changes in species composition indicate impacts from bottom trawling rather than eutrophication. Furthermore, the high similarity of results from the recent datasets 10 years apart suggests chronic impact keeping the system in an altered state. Because impacts of several threats to marine benthic habitats in recent times in eastern Kattegat are water depth dependent, we ask the question whether benthic invertebrate species depth distributions have changed since preimpact times in the late 1800s. EMS analyses suggest dramatic change in depth distribution structure in the eastern Kattegat from a quasi‐nested/random structure with great overlaps between species distributions in the 1880s, to Clementsian patterns in the 1990s and 2000s strongly correlated with water depth. These results suggest that some factor(s) has reinforced the influence of water depth on species distributions in the Kattegat since hypothetically pristine times and underpin suggestions that chronic fishing disturbance has changed benthic community structure over wide areas of the shelf seas using a temporal reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Coral reefs have long inspired marine ecologists and conservationists around the world due to their ecological and socioeconomic importance. Much knowledge on the anthropogenic impacts on coral species has been accumulated, but relevant research gaps on coral ecology remain underappreciated in human-modified seascapes. In this review we assessed 110 studies on coral responses to five major human disturbances– acidification, climate change, overfishing, pollution and non-regulated tourism –to identify geographic and theoretical gaps in coral ecology and help to guide further researches on the topic. We searched for papers in Web of Science published from 2000 to 2016 and classified them according to the ocean, ecoregion, human threat, level of biological organization, study approach, method of data collection, depth of data collected, and type of coral response. Most studies were carried out in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean (36.3 and 31.9%, respectively) and used observational approach (60%) with scuba diving (36.3%) to assess the impact of ocean warming (55.4%) on coral communities (58.2%). Only 37 of the 141 global ecoregions that contain coral reefs were studied. All studies were restricted to shallow waters (0.5–27 m depth) and reported negative responses of corals to human disturbance. Our results reinforce the notion that corals are sensitive to anthropogenic changes. They reveal the scarcity of information on coral responses to pollution, tourism, overfishing and acidification, particularly in mesophotic ecosystems (>30 m depth) and in ecoregions outside the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean. Experimental studies at the individual and population levels should be also encouraged. Highlights • Ocean warming, acidification, pollution, fishing, tourism threaten corals worldwide. • Coral responses to these threats are known in only 37 of 141 marine ecoregions. • Assessing human impacts in deeper zones (>30 m depth) are urgent anywhere. • Conservation actions should be fast in spite of the geographic and theoretical gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Meanders are complex aquatic environments exhibiting different flow and sediment characteristics that influence macroinvertebrate distribution. Differences in macroinvertebrate composition, freshwater mussel density (mainly Castalia ambigua Lamarck, 1819) and habitat variables were investigated, using uni‐ and multivariate analyses, in two zones, the margin and thalweg, of the meanders of a 7‐km stretch of a morphologically unaltered tropical alluvial lowland river. Clear differences were found between meander zones, with greater taxonomic and functional diversity of macroinvertebrates and greater freshwater mussel densities in the meander margin. A total of 12 families of macroinvertebrates were exclusive to the meander margin, and macroinvertebrate indicators of zones were Philopotamidae and Leptoceridae (meander margin) and Chironomidae and Elmidae (meander thalweg). In the meander margin, there were no differences in macroinvertebrate abundance, and taxonomic and functional group diversity among areas with low, medium and high mussel density. Macroinvertebrate abundance did not vary between zones, but in both, abundance was associated with lower pH and higher electrical conductivity. Low shear velocity, which stabilises the river bed, high organic matter content and percentage silt in the meander margin were associated with higher taxonomic and functional macroinvertebrate diversity, as well as the presence of freshwater mussels. Natural unaltered meanders are spatially heterogeneous in both habitat and biodiversity and, similar to restored meanders, support greater macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional diversity, as well as maintain freshwater mussel beds, mainly by stabilising the river bed. The meander margin may also be important for attracting mussel host fish that feed on macroinvertebrates and aid mussel dispersal. Thus, the meander margins, and other similar riparian habitats with low shear velocity, for example, side channels and pools, have potentially high conservation value and should be afforded due protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food availability is a key regulator of the distribution, metabolism, and success of benthic populations. In deep sea ecosystems, hydrodynamics and depth play fundamental roles in determining benthic food resources. Recent studies suggest that the Southern Ocean sub‐Antarctic front is shifting southward, with implications for primary production and food availability around the sub‐Antarctic Islands embedded in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. We used fatty acid (FA) and stable isotope (SI) analyses to investigate the trophic pattern of benthic invertebrates and suspended particulate matter (SPM) at three Depths (shallow: 100 m, middle: 300 m, and deep: 600 m) in three hydrographic regions with different flow and productivity regimes around the Prince Edward Islands. Both region and depth affected the SI values of SPM, while feeding guild was the key factor influencing consumer trophic values. Depth affected the δ15N of all trophic groups and the FA compositions of suspension feeders. Deeper samples had a higher δ15N and showed a greater proportion of mono‐ and saturated fatty acids, reflecting greater remineralization of SPM and of food reaching the seafloor. Region affected the δ13C and FA values of SPM, suspension feeders and deposit feeder/scavengers, with differences between the interisland and open ocean regions. This was probably linked to the retention of nutrients and phytoplankton between the islands. Critically, the effects of depth and hydrographic region were taxon specific, indicating that long‐term responses to environmental change may have complex consequences for the feeding ecology and viability of benthic populations, with implications for the higher trophic levels that these populations support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early life history of many marine organisms includes a dispersive planktonic larval phase which allows for the exchange of individuals among subpopulations. Knowledge of the degree of exchange, or connectivity, is critical to understanding the abundance and distribution of marine populations. Here, we applied geochemical tagging to assess estuarine‐scale larval connectivity among subpopulations of the commercially and ecologically important eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. To generate an "atlas" of geochemical signatures associated with spawning sites and potential dispersal pathways from spawning sites, we outplanted recently spawned oyster larvae to stationary moorings and surface drifters, respectively. Using the atlases generated from both outplant methods, we predicted natal origin, and thus larval connectivity, for newly settled oysters (spat) during three field trials over two summers (June 2013, June 2014, and August 2014), within three regions (∼ 35 km × 15 km quadrants) of Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, U.S.A. Patterns of larval connectivity varied both between months and annually but were predominately directed south to north following wind patterns. Predicted self‐recruitment was variable, as up to 100% of spat in a given region displayed signatures consistent with natal origin within that same region. Predicted connectivity patterns varied significantly based on atlases generated from outplanting on stationary moorings vs. surface drifters. For example, drifter‐predicted connectivity followed biophysical larval dispersal models more closely than mooring‐predicted connectivity, while mooring‐predicted connectivity displayed a higher diversity in larval sources. Both connectivity models highlight the need for resource management strategies such as reserve networks to incorporate designs that account for inherent variability in dispersal pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a growing understanding of the importance of mesophotic ecosystems, they remain relatively unexplored globally, and particularly in the Indian Ocean. The composition of benthic communities of the Ningaloo Marine Park in deeper water (> 20 m) was determined using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Environmental variables collected by the AUVs as well as geomorphological variables derived from high-resolution multibeam bathymetry were used to explain the distribution of these communities. Imagery was classified for benthic biota, and non-hierarchical k-means clustering was used to identify community groups. Overall, 12 community groups were identified which fell into three broad categories: (1) coral-dominated, (2) CCA-dominated; and (3) macroalgae- and filter-feeder-dominated. Specific deeper water communities (> 50 m) were characterised by the presence of sponges or other non-photosynthetic filter feeders. Corals were confined to depths < 40 m, and cover was high (29-40%). Generalised additive models identified the importance of substrate (cover of sand, rock, and gravel/pebbles), geomorphological variables (slope and bathymetric position index) and temperature in the distribution of communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Variation in behavioral traits among individuals within a population can have implications for food webs and ecosystems. Temperature change also alters food web structure and function, but potential interactions between warming and intraspecific behavioral variation are largely unexplored. We aimed to test how increased temperature, individual activity level of a predatory backswimmer (Anisops assimilis), and their interaction influenced the strength of top‐down control of zooplankton and phytoplankton. We used stable isotopes to support our assumption that the study population of A. assimilis is zooplanktivorous, and behavioral trials to confirm that activity level is a repeatable trait. We established freshwater microcosms to test for effects of warming, backswimmer presence, and backswimmer behavioral type on zooplankton density, zooplankton composition, and phytoplankton chlorophyll a. Top‐down control was present and was generally stronger at increased temperature. There was no indication that predator behavioral type influenced the strength of top‐down control either on its own or interactively with temperature. Predator behavioral type may not be associated with ecologically important function in this species at the temporal and spatial scales addressed in this study, but the links between behavior, temperature, and food web processes are worthy of broader exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Novel flow regimes resulting from dam operations and overallocation of freshwater resources are an emerging consequence of global change. Yet, anticipating how freshwater biodiversity will respond to surging flow regime alteration requires overcoming two challenges in environmental flow science: shifting from local to riverscape‐level understanding of biodiversity dynamics, and from static to time‐varying characterizations of the flow regime. Here, we used time‐series methods (wavelets and multivariate autoregressive models) to quantify flow‐regime alteration and to link time‐varying flow regimes to the dynamics of multiple local communities potentially connected by dispersal (i.e., a metacommunity). We studied the Chattahoochee River below Buford dam (Georgia, U.S.A.), and asked how flow regime alteration by a large hydropower dam may control the long‐term functional trajectory of the downstream invertebrate metacommunity. We found that seasonal variation in hydropeaking synchronized temporal fluctuations in trait abundance among the flow‐altered sites. Three biological trait states describing adaptation to fast flows benefitted from flow management for hydropower, but did not compensate for declines in 16 “loser” traits. Accordingly, metacommunity‐wide functional diversity responded negatively to hydropeaking intensity, and stochastic simulations showed that the risk of functional diversity collapse within the next 4 years would decrease by 17% if hydropeaking was ameliorated, or by 9% if it was applied every other season. Finally, an analysis of 97 reference and 23 dam‐affected river sites across the U.S. Southeast suggested that flow variation at extraneous, human‐relevant scales (12‐hr, 24‐hr, 1‐week) is relatively common in rivers affected by hydropower dams. This study advances the notion that novel flow regimes are widespread, and simplify the functional structure of riverine communities by filtering out taxa with nonadaptive traits and by spatially synchronizing their dynamics. This is relevant in the light of ongoing and future hydrologic alteration due to climate non‐stationarity and the new wave of dams planned globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the relationship between natural landscape characteristics and human activities is crucial to predicting conditions under which loss of freshwater biodiversity occurs. For example, region-specific human activities, like unconventional natural gas (UNG) development, are often absent from models because of their limited spatial extent, yet their effects may alter stream ecosystems. Unconventional natural gas development is an expanding human activity that requires land-clearing, water withdrawal, and chemicals for hydraulic fracturing that could alter stream habitat and water quality, yet the degree of alteration may depend on basin natural landscape characteristics. We modified a basin-specific multi-metric risk model and used it to predict differences in macroinvertebrate communities in small stream basins (range 5.71–90.96 km 2 ) in the Fayetteville Shale, Arkansas. We modeled basin risk as the interaction between basin natural sensitivity to alterations and basin exposure to human activities. We predicted that macroinvertebrate communities in 18 basins exposed to a gradient of unconventional natural gas (UNG) in a pasture-dominated landscape would experience greater differences in macroinvertebrate metrics across a risk gradient than 22 basins with a similar gradient of pasture land. Macroinvertebrate metrics of diversity declined by as much as 88% across the basin risk gradient. In contrast, macroinvertebrate metrics of biomass and density increased by 28% across the same basin risk gradient. Basin risk explained more variation in macroinvertebrate communities than sensitivity or exposure alone, suggesting an interaction between basin natural landscape characteristics and human activities. In contrast to our prediction, all macroinvertebrate metrics responded similarly in basins with and without UNG, which suggests either there was no added stressor-effect of UNG or UNG alterations resulted in the same biological effects as pasture. However, macroinvertebrate metrics in basins with and without UNG responded differently across a sediment-specific risk model where dams were modeled as sediment traps instead of structures that alter flow and temperature. As land alterations continue in the Fayetteville Shale, our basin-specific risk model can be used as a tool to identify at-risk stream communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a comprehensive literature review of Vertical Greenery System (VGS) in tropical areas, its benefits, its carbon sequestration potential and its calculation methodologies, and its potential for urban heat island (UHI) and climate change mitigation. The contemporary VGS has evolved from the seventh-century beginnings of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the vertical urban farms of today in Singapore and Japan. The VGS has demonstrated a significant role in mitigating urban climate change impacts by the potential use of carbon sequestration from vegetation. However, studies on carbon sequestration rate and the methodologies used for calculation are still rather vague. Therefore, this paper reviews existing methodologies for evaluating carbon sequestration rates in tropical climate plants and makes suggestions of potential plants for optimum carbon sequestering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ore mining is among the most environmentally destructive anthropogenic practices, particularly in developing countries. Correct assessment of its impacts on soil ecosystems requires an understanding of the response of soil food webs. Nematodes, often the most abundant invertebrates in soils, occupy various positions in food webs, and their assemblages are commonly used to reflect soil health. In October 2014, we collected soil samples from five sites of a small-scale mining area in Sibutad, southern Philippines, to assess the influence of mining activities on nematode assemblages. Two sites were considered undisturbed as there were no visible signs of mining, while the other three sites were disturbed. Nematodes were extracted live and identified to genus level using morphology-based identification. We analysed genus composition, genus and trophic diversity, and the life-history based maturity index. We measured soil environmental variables (pH, organic matter, granulometry and several heavy metals), and correlated variation in nematode genus composition to variation in these environmental factors. Small-scale mining activities had variable but generally non-significant impacts on soil properties, altered vegetation and caused increases in concentrations of Hg and Pb, but not consistently so in all impacted sites. The high patchiness in vegetation and heavy metal content were reflected in a high within-site variability of nematode assemblages. Total nematode abundance was significantly lowest in the most physically disturbed site, but not so in the most metal-polluted one, suggesting that abundance is not a good indicator of pollution status. Nematode genus composition significantly differed between disturbed and undisturbed sites. By contrast, only few differences between sites were found for diversity or maturity indices, demonstrating that genus composition was a better indicator of mining-related effects than many common indicator indices and highlighting that detailed assemblage analysis is required for a correct interpretation of moderate pollution effects on soil nematodes. Measured environmental variables together explained 60% of the variation in nematode assemblages in the area; the three ‘single best’ explanatory variables were the concentrations of Pb, Hg and N, but none of these by itself explained more than 8% of the variation in nematode data, while their combination explained 24%. Some genera of predacious and omnivorous nematodes, which are generally expected to be sensitive to both chemical pollution and physical disturbance (e.g., Ironus and Eudorylaimus ), were most abundant in sites with elevated heavy metal concentrations, which can have repercussions for the interpretation of nematode-based indices such as the MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinization of freshwaters threatens aquatic ecosystems globally via effects that include reductions in benthic macroinvertebrate diversity. Enhanced understanding of salinity effects in freshwater ecosystems could aid mitigation efforts. Salinization effects on benthic macroinvertebrate community structure were quantified in a 4.5-year study of 25 headwater streams spanning a gradient of salinity in the central Appalachian mountains of USA. Community structure as sampled was strongly seasonal, justifying treatment of Spring and Fall data separately. Stream communities became increasingly different from reference condition as salinity increased, with stronger relationships between biota and salinity in Spring than in Fall. Intra-seasonal variation in community structure was also revealed across sampling dates. Genera of the order Ephemeroptera appeared as most sensitive to salinity, as indicated by rapid declines in richness and relative abundance as salinity increased. Plecoptera and Trichoptera richness and relative abundance metrics appeared as less sensitive to salinity, and some Plecoptera genera exhibited increased relative abundance at elevated salinity. Other community metrics were weakly associated with salinity and exhibited greater variability than Ephemeroptera metrics, suggesting that Ephemeroptera richness and relative abundance are sensitive indicators with which to gauge onset of salinity effects. Declines in richness and relative abundance of non-Baetidae Ephemeroptera were associated strongly with increasing salinity, with effects observed at specific conductance levels as low as 200 μS/cm in Spring based on seasonal discrete conductivity sampling. Chronic salinization has persistent effects on community structure over multiple years, but those effects are not uniform among taxa or consistent across seasons. Our findings suggest that effective detection of the onset of community change in salinized streams is best accomplished using Spring data and focusing on community metrics that incorporate salt-sensitive Ephemeroptera taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of the European Environmental Quality Standards Directive, the biota was recognized as a suitable matrix for monitoring water quality. In the Nalón River basin (North Spain), a catchment subject to historical mining activities, ten macroinvertebrate taxa (4 mayflies, 1 perlid stonefly, 2 caddisflies, 2 oligochaete worms, and 1 blackfly) were collected from unpolluted reference sites in the study area, and the sites were assessed as having High or Good ecological status based on their macroinvertebrate communities to establish a metal bioaccumulation reference condition. For each taxon, tissue concentrations of seven metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Hg, and Zn) and two metalloids (As and Se) were measured and interpreted as natural baseline tissue concentrations that reflected the natural variability of the region. The taxa selected as biomonitors represented 5 different feeding styles in the benthic community: deposit-feeders, scrapers, filterers, generalists and predators, and bioaccumulation was analyzed both by taxon and feeding style as well as general habits (endo- vs epi-benthic) and river type. For each taxon, ecological threshold tissue concentrations (ETTC) were calculated as the 90th percentile (P90) of the baseline data distribution. In most instances, the deposit-feeders (aquatic lumbricid and microdrile oligochaetes) showed the highest ETTCs, except for Cu and Zn, which were mainly bioaccumulated by generalist Ephemerellidae, followed by scraper Heptageniidae in the case of Cu. The P90 values were derived from organisms in unaltered reference conditions as estimates of the no-observed-effect concentrations (NOEC), and should provide an approach to ETTCs for the field macroinvertebrate taxa of the region below which the alteration of the benthic community is unlikely. For each metal and metalloid, the P90s for the 10 taxa were entered in a species-sensitivity-distribution model, and the median hazard concentration (HC 50 ) for the macroinvertebrate community was calculated. The ecological threshold concentrations in the biota calculated in this study are proposed for use as a screening tool in the environmental risk assessment of the Nalón River basin and the Cantabrian region, allowing metal exceedance in the selected biomonitors to further research using other lines of evidence under the European Water Framework directive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Invertebrates are important providers of ecosystem services to orchards and the orchards may benefit where there is greater biodiversity. Previous research has shown that apple orchards using organic or integrated pest management support different invertebrate communities, as can different orchards within the same management system. In the present study, we examined the potential for agrichemical usage to explain inter‐orchard invertebrate community differences in 10 New Zealand apple orchards under integrated pest management. Multiple regression models were used to examine relationships between spray diary data and invertebrates collected by branch tapping, pitfall and sticky traps in 2011/2012. Insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators and fertilizers were used as explanatory variables in these models and the most parsimonious models were identified. Plant growth regulators were significant in most of the models for inter‐orchard variability in total invertebrate diversity. Insecticides featured strongly in models explaining pest assemblages, although not so strongly for models for their natural enemies. Fungicide and fertilizer use featured in models explaining communities of decomposers and fungivores. The results generated several hypotheses about the impacts of specific agrichemicals on invertebrate biodiversity, which, if tested, could establish the feasibility of customizing spray schedules to meet both biodiversity and production goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution has led to a decline of benthic invertebrate biodiversity of Narragansett Bay, raising questions about effects on ecosystem functions and services including shellfish production, energy flow to fishes, and biogeochemical cycles. Changes in community composition and taxonomic distinctness (biodiversity) were calculated from the 1950s—when quantitative benthic invertebrate data first became available—to 2015. Change in community composition of the bay was correlated with changes in dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, and sediment contaminants. A mid-bay reference site showed moderate changes in community composition but no change in biodiversity. In contrast, a more impacted site in the upper bay showed substantial differences in community composition over time and a decline in taxonomic distinctness. Bay-wide, as inputs of some stressors such as nutrients and sediment contaminants have declined, there are signs of recovery of benthic biodiversity but other stressors such as temperature and watershed development are increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]