Dietary shifts in pollen-feeding lacewings (Nemopteridae) in relation to vegetation, biome and phylogeny

Includes bibliographical references.The spoon-winged and threadwinged lacewings are a diverse nemopterid family that have flourished in the winter rainfall region of South Africa. Their diversity is thought to be linked to the radiation of Aizoaceae, a member of the Ruchioideae subfamily that radiated at the same time as the recently diversified nemopterids in the Succulent Karoo. Phylogenetic data supported this assertion, and seperated the family into two distinct lineages, a recently diversified Aizoaceae-dependent Succulent Karoo lineage and a basal Aizoaceae-independent Fynbos lineage. This study aimed to determine if the nemopterid diet is phylogenetically contrained or if diet was mearely a reflection of plant availability. This was investigated by carrying out a dietary analysis of the gut contents of nemopterids from different biomes, vegetation and localities. It was hypothesised that diet would be phylogenetically constrained and dietary grouping would reflect phylogeny. In addition, the derived nemopterid lineage thought to have co-evolved with Aizoaceae, (Palmipenna, Nemopterella, Nemia, and Knersvlaktia) would reflect this in its diet. The older lineage (Nemeura, Sicyoptera, Semirhynchia, and Derhynchia) was hypothesised to have its phylogenetic grouping reflected in its diet by having very little to no Aizoaceae in its diet. The results showed that dietary groupings did not reflect phylogenetic groupings and dietary similarities were shared across most genera, including subfamilies, with Lauhervasia, a member of the Crocinae subfamily sharing 80% of its pollen sources with Semirhynchia, of the Nemopterinae subfamily. Aizoaceae reliance was only consistantly present in Nemia, which belonged to the phylogenetic lineage expected to rely on Aizoacea. All the members of the phylogenetic lineage not expected to rely on Aizoaceae, did not have any Aizoaceae in their diet. The diet of the nemopterids was very diverse across all vegetation types and biomes. The study suggests that spoon-winged and threadwinged lacewings are generalist pollinators and recent diversification was most likely linked to their ability to utilise the large range of available resources and not linked to a single plant family that radiated around the same time

The diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large plant clades: Apocynaceae as a case study

Large clades of angiosperms are often characterized by diverse interactions with pollinators, but how these pollination systems are structured phylogenetically and biogeographically is still uncertain for most families. Apocynaceae is a clade of >5300 species with a worldwide distribution. A database representing >10 % of species in the family was used to explore the diversity of pollinators and evolutionary shifts in pollination systems across major clades and regions.The database was compiled from published and unpublished reports. Plants were categorized into broad pollination systems and then subdivided to include bimodal systems. These were mapped against the five major divisions of the family, and against the smaller clades. Finally, pollination systems were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction that included those species for which sequence data are available, and transition rates between pollination systems were calculated.Most Apocynaceae are insect pollinated with few records of bird pollination. Almost three-quarters of species are pollinated by a single higher taxon (e.g. flies or moths); 7 % have bimodal pollination systems, whilst the remaining approx. 20 % are insect generalists. The less phenotypically specialized flowers of the Rauvolfioids are pollinated by a more restricted set of pollinators than are more complex flowers within the Apocynoids + Periplocoideae + Secamonoideae + Asclepiadoideae (APSA) clade. Certain combinations of bimodal pollination systems are more common than others. Some pollination systems are missing from particular regions, whilst others are over-represented.Within Apocynaceae, interactions with pollinators are highly structured both phylogenetically and biogeographically. Variation in transition rates between pollination systems suggest constraints on their evolution, whereas regional differences point to environmental effects such as filtering of certain pollinators from habitats. This is the most extensive analysis of its type so far attempted and gives important insights into the diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large clades

Global South leadership towards inclusive tropical ecology and conservation

Strengthening participation of Global South researchers in tropical ecology and conservation is a target of our scientific community, but strategies for fostering increased engagement are mostly directed at Global North institutions and researchers. Whereas such approaches are crucial, there are unique challenges to addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the Global South given its socio-economic, cultural and scientific contexts. Sustainable solutions protecting biodiversity in the tropics depend on the leadership of Global South communities, and therefore DEI improvements in the Global South are paramount in our field. Here, we propose ten key actions towards equitable international collaborations in tropical ecology, which, led by Global South researchers, may improve DEI at institutional, national and international levels. At an institutional level, we recommend (1) becoming role models for DEI, (2) co-developing research with local stakeholders, and (3) promoting transparent funding management favouring local scientists. At a national level, we encourage (4) engagement in political actions protecting scientists and their research in tropical countries, (5) participation in improving biodiversity research policies, and (6) devising research that reaches society. At an international level, we encourage Global South researchers in international collaborations to (7) lead and direct funding applications, (8) ensure equitable workloads, and (9) procure equal benefits among national and foreign collaborators. Finally, (10) we propose that Global South leadership in DEI efforts has the most potential for worldwide improvements, supporting positive long-lasting changes in our entire scientific community. Supplementary materials provide this abstract in 18 other languages spoken in the Global South

The diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large plant clades: Apocynaceae as a case study

Background and Aims Large clades of angiosperms are often characterized by diverse interactions with pollinators, but how these pollination systems are structured phylogenetically and biogeographically is still uncertain for most families. Apocynaceae is a clade of >5300 species with a worldwide distribution. A database representing >10 % of species in the family was used to explore the diversity of pollinators and evolutionary shifts in pollination systems across major clades and regions. Methods The database was compiled from published and unpublished reports. Plants were categorized into broad pollination systems and then subdivided to include bimodal systems. These were mapped against the five major divisions of the family, and against the smaller clades. Finally, pollination systems were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction that included those species for which sequence data are available, and transition rates between pollination systems were calculated. Key Results Most Apocynaceae are insect pollinated with few records of bird pollination. Almost three-quarters of species are pollinated by a single higher taxon (e.g. flies or moths); 7 % have bimodal pollination systems, whilst the remaining approx. 20 % are insect generalists. The less phenotypically specialized flowers of the Rauvolfioids are pollinated by a more restricted set of pollinators than are more complex flowers within the Apocynoids + Periplocoideae + Secamonoideae + Asclepiadoideae (APSA) clade. Certain combinations of bimodal pollination systems are more common than others. Some pollination systems are missing from particular regions, whilst others are over-represented. Conclusions Within Apocynaceae, interactions with pollinators are highly structured both phylogenetically and biogeographically. Variation in transition rates between pollination systems suggest constraints on their evolution, whereas regional differences point to environmental effects such as filtering of certain pollinators from habitats. This is the most extensive analysis of its type so far attempted and gives important insights into the diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large clades

The pollination and scent ecology of selected Cape milkweeds (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae)

Milkweeds (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae) possess a complex floral morphology that has made them prime candidates for investigating the evolution of plant-pollinator relationships. In South Africa, the pollination ecology of this diverse group has largely been focused in the summer rainfall region. This study focused on Western Cape species in the winter and summer-winter rainfall transition zones. The aim was to determine the pollinators of the study species and assess, describe and quantify their floral attractants. Thus offering a basis of comparison with the previously studied summer rainfall species. The pollination systems of seven milkweed species occurring in the Western Cape were investigated by determining floral visitors and several floral traits that may act as attractants of these visitors. For each study species an attempt at pollinator observations was carried out in several sites across the Cape; floral scent samples were collected through headspace sampling and analysed using GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry); floral colour was analysed using spectral reflectance measurements; and nectar was measured to quantify floral rewards. Some Cape milkweeds displayed a more generalized pollination system compared to their summer rainfall congeners. A diverse range of visitors were observed on two Gomphocarpus species, Gomphocarpus cancellatus and G. filiformis in the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo biomes respectively, in contrast to their summer rainfall congeners, which are exclusively wasp pollinated or much less generalized. These two Gomphocarpus species offered floral visitors nectar as a reward with a concentration of 53% in G. cancellatus and a lower 15% in G. filiformis. The species emitted very different scents, G. cancellatus produced a scent dominated by irregular terpenes while G. filiformis scent largely consisted of benzenoid compounds. Although visited by a variety of different insect families and lesser-double collared sunbirds, honeybees and Balbyter ants were found to be the most efficient at removing pollinaria from G. cancellatus and G. filiformis respectively. Eustegia minuta, a Cape endemic, is almost exclusively pollinated by bibionid flies. This is the first record of the pollinators for this monotypic genus, as well as the first for the tribe Eustegieae. Additionally, this study is the first record of a milkweed-bibionid pollination system. The flowers produced very low nectar volumes, displayed minimal visual cues but produced a strong pungent odour dominated by an unidentified compound. This strong scent is thought to play an important role in attracting bibionids while also deterring other potential visitors. The scent profiles of four other previously unstudied Cape milkweeds, namely Cynanchum obtusifolium, C. zeyheri, Fockea capensis and Secamone alpinii were also analysed and shown to be mainly dominated by monoterpenes and benzenoids. Their scent profiles differed markedly from each other as well as to their congeners. The presence of skatole in S. alpinii suggests that it may attract coprophagic flies, small Nematoceran flies were observed drinking nectar from its flowers. While F. capensis produced scent associated with moths. Further observations are needed to confirm true pollinators for both species. The two Cynanchum species produced scent that was very different to each other as well as their congeners. Cynanchum obtusifolium is known to be bee pollinated however its scent profile did not align with this. While C. zeyheri produced a benzenoid-dominated scent with compounds associated with moths. Scent appears to be the most prominent pollinator attractant in the study species compared to floral colour. The concentration and volume of nectar rewards may also be significant. The structural complexity of the flowers is suggestive of a strong floral filter in some species (e.g. Eustegia minuta). Morphologically similar species were found to employ vastly different floral chemical strategies to attract but possibly also deter and filter out floral visitors. The Cape milkweeds therefore offer many opportunities for further pollination studies

The diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large plant clades: Apocynaceae as a case study

Background and Aims: Large clades of angiosperms are often characterized by diverse interactions with pollinators, but how these pollination systems are structured phylogenetically and biogeographically is still uncertain for most families. Apocynaceae is a clade of \u3e5300 species with a worldwide distribution. A database representing \u3e10 % of species in the family was used to explore the diversity of pollinators and evolutionary shifts in pollination systems across major clades and regions. Methods: The database was compiled from published and unpublished reports. Plants were categorized into broad pollination systems and then subdivided to include bimodal systems. These were mapped against the five major divisions of the family, and against the smaller clades. Finally, pollination systems were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction that included those species for which sequence data are available, and transition rates between pollination systems were calculated. Key Results: Most Apocynaceae are insect pollinated with few records of bird pollination. Almost three-quarters of species are pollinated by a single higher taxon (e.g. flies or moths); 7 % have bimodal pollination systems, whilst the remaining approx. 20 % are insect generalists. The less phenotypically specialized flowers of the Rauvolfioids are pollinated by a more restricted set of pollinators than are more complex flowers within the Apocynoids + Periplocoideae + Secamonoideae + Asclepiadoideae (APSA) clade. Certain combinations of bimodal pollination systems are more common than others. Some pollination systems are missing from particular regions, whilst others are over-represented. Conclusions: Within Apocynaceae, interactions with pollinators are highly structured both phylogenetically and biogeographically. Variation in transition rates between pollination systems suggest constraints on their evolution, whereas regional differences point to environmental effects such as filtering of certain pollinators from habitats. This is the most extensive analysis of its type so far attempted and gives important insights into the diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large clades

Academic leaders must support inclusive scientific communities during COVID-19

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Academic leaders must support inclusive scientific communities during COVID-19

CITATION: Maas, B. et al. 2020. Academic leaders must support inclusive scientific communities during COVID-19. Nature Ecology and Evolution, doi:10.1038/s41559-020-1233-3.The original publication is available at https://www.nature.comThe COVID-19 pandemic poses major challenges for all sectors of society, including scientists faced with abrupt disruptions and redirections of research and higher education1. The consequences of this crisis will disproportionately impact early-career scientists; especially those from communities historically underrepresented, disadvantaged and/or discriminated in the fields of environmental sciences, including women, researchers from the Global South and persons with disabilities2. We call for a collective effort by the entire scientific community, especially those in leadership positions, to respond to the short- and long-term challenges of this crisis and to protect decades of efforts to build an inclusive scientific community3.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-020-1233-3Publisher's versio

The diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large plant clades: Apocynaceae as a case study

• Background and Aims Large clades of angiosperms are often characterized by diverse interactions with pollinators, but how these pollination systems are structured phylogenetically and biogeographically is still uncertain for most families. Apocynaceae is a clade of >5300 species with a worldwide distribution. A database representing >10 % of species in the family was used to explore the diversity of pollinators and evolutionary shifts in pollination systems across major clades and regions. • Methods The database was compiled from published and unpublished reports. Plants were categorized into broad pollination systems and then subdivided to include bimodal systems. These were mapped against the five major divisions of the family, and against the smaller clades. Finally, pollination systems were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction that included those species for which sequence data are available, and transition rates between pollination systems were calculated. • Key Results Most Apocynaceae are insect pollinated with few records of bird pollination. Almost threequarters of species are pollinated by a single higher taxon (e.g. flies or moths); 7 % have bimodal pollination systems, whilst the remaining approx. 20 % are insect generalists. The less phenotypically specialized flowers of the Rauvolfioids are pollinated by a more restricted set of pollinators than are more complex flowers within the Apocynoids + Periplocoideae + Secamonoideae + Asclepiadoideae (APSA) clade. Certain combinations of bimodal pollination systems are more common than others. Some pollination systems are missing from particular regions, whilst others are over-represented. • Conclusions Within Apocynaceae, interactions with pollinators are highly structured both phylogenetically and biogeographically. Variation in transition rates between pollination systems suggest constraints on their evolution, whereas regional differences point to environmental effects such as filtering of certain pollinators from habitats. This is the most extensive analysis of its type so far attempted and gives important insights into the diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large clades.Fil: Ollerton, Jeff. University of Northampton; Reino UnidoFil: Liede Schumann, Sigrid. University of Bayreuth; AlemaniaFil: Endress, Mary E.. Universitat Zurich; SuizaFil: Meve, Ulrich. University of Bayreuth; AlemaniaFil: Rech, André Rodrigo. Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri; BrasilFil: Shuttleworth, Adam. University of KwaZulu-Natal; SudáfricaFil: Keller, Hector Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste; ArgentinaFil: Fishbein, Mark. Oklahoma State University; Estados UnidosFil: Alvarado Cárdenas, Leonardo O.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Amorim, Felipe W.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Bernhardt, Peter. Saint Louis University; Estados UnidosFil: Celep, Ferhat. No especifíca;Fil: Chirango, Yolanda. University of Cape Town; SudáfricaFil: Chiriboga Arroyo, Fidel. Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich; SuizaFil: Civeyrel, Laure. Université de Toulouse; FranciaFil: Cocucci, Andrea Aristides. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Cranmer, Louise. University of Northampton; Reino UnidoFil: Da Silva Batista, Inara Carolina. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: De Jager, Linde. University of the Free State; SudáfricaFil: Deprá, Mariana Scaramussa. Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro; BrasilFil: Domingos Melo, Arthur. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; BrasilFil: Dvorsky, Courtney. Saint Louis University; Reino UnidoFil: Gorostiague, Pablo. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales. Escuela de Agronomía. Laboratorio de Investigaciones Botánicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta; ArgentinaFil: Galetto, Leonardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Torres, Carolina Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Wiemer, Ana Pia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Yamashiro,Tadashi. Tokushima University; JapónFil: Nadia,Tarcila. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; BrasilFil: Queiroz, Joel. Universidade Federal da Paraiba; BrasilFil: Quirino, Zelma. Universidade Federal da Paraiba; Brasi

The diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large plant clades: Apocynaceae as a case study.

Background and aimsLarge clades of angiosperms are often characterized by diverse interactions with pollinators, but how these pollination systems are structured phylogenetically and biogeographically is still uncertain for most families. Apocynaceae is a clade of >5300 species with a worldwide distribution. A database representing >10 % of species in the family was used to explore the diversity of pollinators and evolutionary shifts in pollination systems across major clades and regions.MethodsThe database was compiled from published and unpublished reports. Plants were categorized into broad pollination systems and then subdivided to include bimodal systems. These were mapped against the five major divisions of the family, and against the smaller clades. Finally, pollination systems were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction that included those species for which sequence data are available, and transition rates between pollination systems were calculated.Key resultsMost Apocynaceae are insect pollinated with few records of bird pollination. Almost three-quarters of species are pollinated by a single higher taxon (e.g. flies or moths); 7 % have bimodal pollination systems, whilst the remaining approx. 20 % are insect generalists. The less phenotypically specialized flowers of the Rauvolfioids are pollinated by a more restricted set of pollinators than are more complex flowers within the Apocynoids + Periplocoideae + Secamonoideae + Asclepiadoideae (APSA) clade. Certain combinations of bimodal pollination systems are more common than others. Some pollination systems are missing from particular regions, whilst others are over-represented.ConclusionsWithin Apocynaceae, interactions with pollinators are highly structured both phylogenetically and biogeographically. Variation in transition rates between pollination systems suggest constraints on their evolution, whereas regional differences point to environmental effects such as filtering of certain pollinators from habitats. This is the most extensive analysis of its type so far attempted and gives important insights into the diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large clades