35 research outputs found
Analyses of plumage coloration and genetic variation confirm the hybridization of Pipra fasciicauda and Pipra aureola in the Brazilian Amazon basin
The present study aimed to confirm the occurrence of a hybridization event between the band-tailed manakin (Pipra fasciicauda) and the crimson-hooded manakin (Pipra aureola), based on the existence of a specimen that presents morphological traits of both taxa. We analyzed 297 taxidermized skins of adult males of the two species, including the potential hybrid. We also analyzed the mitochondrial (ND2, ND3 e COI) and nuclear (FGB-I5, MB-I2 e GAPDH-I3) genes of 12 adult specimens of the two taxa, diagnosed phenotypically, in addition to the potential hybrid. The analyses of the plumage indicated that the potential hybrid has an intermediate pattern of white banding on the tail that is less extensive than that found in Pipra fasciicauda, but that its other phenotypic traits are characteristic of Pipra aureola. The molecular topologies revealed two clades, one that groups P. aureola together with the potential hybrid, and the other that corresponds to P. fasciicauda. These findings allowed us to confirm the occurrence of a process of hybridization and potential introgression through secondary events in the P. aureola lineage.Peer reviewe
Ultrasonication processing for the production of plant-based nanoemulsions
Plant-derived proteins have been emerging and growing in interest over the past few years, due to their interesting
properties and the trend to replace animal-derived proteins [1]. Ultrasonication processing can be used to develop
nanoemulsions based on plant proteins that are kinetically stabilized by their small dimension, unlike classic emulsions [2].
In this work, oil-in-water nanoemulsions were produced through high-speed homogenization, followed by ultrasonic
homogenization (US), using different plant-derived proteins, including potato (Solanum tuberosum), lupin (Lupinus
angustifolius), pea (Pisum sativum), chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and faba bean (Vicia faba) protein as emulsifiers. A central
composite rotatable experimental design was used to evaluate the influence of three independent variables: water/oil
ratio (65-75% of water), protein content (1-6%) and US time (1-7 min) on the size average (by intensity) and polydispersity
index (PDI) of the nanoemulsions. A total of 17 experiments were performed with 14 three-level experimental points, and
3 replicates at the central point. The effect of the US time (0, 3, 4.5 and 6 min) in the potato and lupin proteins primary
and secondary structures were analysed through SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and circular dichroism, respectively.
Results showed that the use of potato, lupin and pea proteins lead to the formation of stable nanoemulsions, while
chickpea and faba bean proteins resulted in non-stable nanoemulsions, with phase separation.
The smallest mean droplet size for potato protein was 439.9 nm and PDI value 0.464 [21:73 (w/w) oil/water ratio, 6% of
protein and 6 min of US]. The smallest mean droplet size for lupin protein was 505.5 nm and PDI value 0.434, and for pea
protein the droplet size was 551.3 nm and PDI value 0.249 [23.6:73 (w/w) oil/water ratio, 3.4% of protein and 6 min of US].
Electrophoresis results show that for native potato and lupin samples the ultrasonication did not induce significant
changes in the protein pattern, indicating that the US treatment did not modify the primary structure. Regarding the
second structure, US did not change the secondary structure of potato protein but induced a slight increase of -helix for
all US treatments for lupin protein.
Stable nanoemulsions can be developed using plant-derived proteins and ultrasonication, foreseeing different
applications in the food industry.This study was supported by the project cLabel+ (POCI-01-0247-FEDER-046080) cofinanced by Compete 2020, Lisbon
2020, Portugal 2020 and the European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Aves da Reserva Biológica do Gurupi: implementação de protocolo avançado de monitoramento e atualizações:
The advanced protocol for monitoring bird communities, which is part of the National Biodiversity Monitoring Program – Programa Monitora, began in 2017 at Gurupi Biological Reserve (REBIO do Gurupi), chosen due to its different forest succession stages and landscape context in which it is inserted. The results presented are partial and were obtained through six campaigns carried out between 2017-2023 in the application of the protocol and opportunistically. Accounting 414 species recorded, with Cercomacra cinerascens being the most abundant. In addition, recording three new species for the state of MaranhĂŁo, Agamia agami (first documented record for the state), Forpus passerinus and Leucopternis melanops. When the data is compiled with the Reserve's first bird inventory, the richness increases to 503 species, thus creating a greater richness of birds within Belem area of endemism (BAE). Of this total, 29 taxa are categorized as threatened (e.g.: Crax fasciolata pinima and Psophia obscura) and 18 are endemic to BAE. These results were also developed to update the ornithological scenario of the Amazon forest in MaranhĂŁo, which now has 583 species. In this way, the information generated here demonstrates the relevance and effectiveness of REBIO for bird conservation in MaranhĂŁo and BAE. Therefore, we recommend the continuity and expansion of Monitora program.– El protocolo avanzado de monitoreo de comunidades de aves, que forma parte del Programa Nacional de Monitoreo de la Biodiversidad - Programa Monitora, se iniciĂł en 2017 en la Reserva BiolĂłgica de GurupĂ (REBIO de GurupĂ), escogida por el contexto de degradaciĂłn en el que se encuentra. Los resultados presentados aquĂ son parciales y fueron obtenidos a lo largo de seis campañas realizadas entre 2017 y 2023, en la aplicaciĂłn del protocolo y oportunistamente. Se registraron 414 especies, siendo Cercomacra cinerascens la más abundante. Además, el monitoreo contribuyĂł con tres nuevas especies para el estado de MaranhĂŁo, Agamia agami (primer registro documentado para el estado), Forpus passerinus y Leucopternis melanops. Cuando se reĂşnen los datos con el primer inventario de aves de la Reserva de GurupĂ, la riqueza aumenta a 503 especies, convirtiĂ©ndose asĂ en la mayor riqueza de aves dentro del área de endemismo BelĂ©m (AEB). De este total, 29 taxones están categorizados como amenazados (por ejemplo: Crax fasciolata pinima y Psophia obscura) y 18 son endĂ©micos de la AEB. Estos resultados tambiĂ©n contribuyeron para la actualizaciĂłn del escenario ornitolĂłgico de la Amazonia de MaranhĂŁo, que ahora cuenta con 583 especies registradas. De esta manera, la informaciĂłn aquĂ generada demuestra la relevancia y efectividad de la REBIO de GurupĂ para la conservaciĂłn de las aves en MaranhĂŁo y la AEB, y la importancia del Programa Monitora, por lo que se recomienda su continuidad y ampliaciĂłn.O protocolo avançado de monitoramento de comunidades de aves, que faz parte do Programa Nacional de Monitoramento da Biodiversidade – Programa Monitora, teve inĂcio em 2017 na Reserva BiolĂłgica do Gurupi (REBIO do Gurupi), escolhida devido ao contexto de degradação em que está inserida. Os resultados aqui apresentados foram obtidos ao longo de seis campanhas realizadas entre 2017–2023 na aplicação do protocolo e oportunisticamente. Foram registradas 414 espĂ©cies, sendo Cercomacra cinerascens a mais abundante. O monitoramento contribuiu com trĂŞs espĂ©cies novas para o estado do MaranhĂŁo, Agamia agami (primeiro registro documentado para o estado), Forpus passerinus e Leucopternis melanops. Quando compilados os dados com o primeiro inventário de aves da REBIO do Gurupi, a riqueza aumentou para 503 espĂ©cies, passando a ser assim a área com a maior riqueza de aves dentro da área de endemismo de BelĂ©m (AEB). Desse total, 29 taxa estĂŁo ameaçados de extinção (e.g. Crax fasciolata pinima e Psophia obscura) e 18 sĂŁo endĂŞmicas da AEB. Esses resultados tambĂ©m contribuĂram para atualização do cenário ornitolĂłgico da AmazĂ´nia Maranhense, que agora conta com 583 espĂ©cies. Dessa forma, as informações aqui geradas indicam a relevância e efetividade da REBIO do Gurupi para a conservação de aves no MaranhĂŁo e na AEB, e a importância do Programa Monitora, sendo assim recomendada sua continuidade e expansĂŁo
Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research
Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear understanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5,6,7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8,9,10,11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepresented in biodiversity databases.13,14,15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may eliminate pieces of the Amazon's biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological communities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple organism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region's vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most neglected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lost
Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research
Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear understanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5,6,7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8,9,10,11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepresented in biodiversity databases.13,14,15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may eliminate pieces of the Amazon's biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological communities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple organism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region's vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most neglected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lost
Two intergeneric hybrids between motmots from the Amazon forest : Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii) x Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota)
Hybridization is a relatively common phenomenon in birds, but it is probably underestimated due to our poor knowledge on the reproductive biology of several species. Here, we present the second case of intergeneric hybrid in the family Momotidae and the first case between Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota) and Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii). In addition to the field record documented herein, we searched for possible hybrids among 57 study skins and 175 photographs and videos publicly available in online databases. The overall plumage pattern of the hybrid individual recorded in the field was similar to that of the Rufous Motmot, except for the following features, which appear to have been inherited from the Amazonian Motmot: two narrow blue lines in the facial mask; distinct blue feathers on the pectoral spot; and central rectrices with terminal racquets. Among the database photos examined, we found a second possible hybrid, with the same diagnostic features present in the hybrid recorded in the field. Similarities in behavior and vocalizations, in addition to the scarcity of mates in the limits of the distributions of Amazonian and Rufous Motmots, may explain the occurrence of hybrids between them.Peer reviewe
Integrative taxonomy of Flatbill Flycatchers (Tyrannidae) reveals a new species from the Amazonian lowlands
Integrative taxonomic studies continue to reveal that many current polytypic species of birds are in fact constituted by two or more species and therefore have been central in uncovering 'hidden' or 'cryptic' biodiversity. The Olivaceous Flatbill (Aves: Tyrannidae: Rhynchocyclus olivaceus) currently has nine recognized subspecies distributed throughout the Neotropics, but so far, no complete phylogenetic hypothesis exists to test the validity and evolutionary relationships among them. To remedy this, we conducted a multi-character integrative taxonomic revision of the genus Rhynchocyclus, focusing on the polytypic R. olivaceus. The combination of a taxonomically dense sampled multilocus phylogeny (including three mitochondrial and two nuclear genes) with phenotypic analyses including morphological and vocal characters pointed to several taxonomic inconsistencies within R. olivaceus. The analyses strongly support that R. olivaceus is paraphyletic, with an exclusively cis-Andean clade (where the topotypic R. olivaceus is found) clustering as sister to Rhynchocyclus fulvipectus, to the exclusion of a clade grouping trans-Andean and western Amazonian populations currently placed in R. olivaceus-one of which is unnamed and fully diagnosable based on vocal and genetic characters. Consistent with the phylogenetic results, our vocal analyses identified at least four morphologically cryptic lineages within R. olivaceus that can be mutually diagnosed from each other by different loudsongs and call parameters. Therefore, we provide evidence for splitting these four groups into separate species, two of which are sympatric but not syntopic in western Amazonia, including an unnamed species described herein-Rhynchocyclus cryptus, sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:2DC17190-2BDD-49EC-88E6-4CF2FC2562A3.Peer reviewe
The role of climate and environmental variables in structuring bird assemblages in the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs)
<div><p>Understanding the processes that influence species diversity is still a challenge in ecological studies. However, there are two main theories to discuss this topic, the niche theory and the neutral theory. Our objective was to understand the importance of environmental and spatial processes in structuring bird communities within the hydrological seasons in dry forest areas in northeastern Brazil. The study was conducted in two National Parks, the Serra da Capivara and Serra das Confusões National Parks, where 36 areas were sampled in different seasons (dry, dry/rainy transition, rainy, rainy/dry transition), in 2012 and 2013. We found with our results that bird species richness is higher in the rainy season and lower during the dry season, indicating a strong influence of seasonality, a pattern also found for environmental heterogeneity. Richness was explained by local environmental factors, while species composition was explained by environmental and spatial factors. The environmental factors were more important in explaining variations in composition. Climate change predictions have currently pointed out frequent drought events and a rise in global temperature by 2050, which would lead to changes in species behavior and to increasing desertification in some regions, including the Caatinga. In addition, the high deforestation rates and the low level of representativeness of the Caatinga in the conservation units negatively affects bird communities. This scenario has demonstrated how climatic factors affect individuals, and, therefore, should be the starting point for conservation initiatives to be developed in xeric environments.</p></div