Propuesta metodológica para el diseño de itinerarios didácticos de Ciencias de la Naturaleza

Las salidas de campo ofrecen incontables ventajas desde el punto de vista educativo, promoviendo el aprendizaje significativo de los alumnos. Sin embargo, éstas se realizan de manera poco habitual por parte de la mayoría de los docentes debido a las dificultades de planificación. Este trabajo ofrece una metodología sencilla que puede servir de referencia a los docentes de educación secundaria para organizar itinerarios didácticos en el campo. Dicha metodología se basa fundamentalmente en la selección y valoración del grado de adecuación de puntos de interés didáctico en base a una serie de indicadores relevantes desde el punto de vista de la educación formal. Se ofrecen también los resultados obtenidos de la puesta en práctica en el término municipal de Patones (Madrid)Field trips provide countless advantages in educational terms, promoting the student´s significant learning. However, field trips are commonly unusual due to its arduous planning for instructors. This paper provides a straightforward methodology that may serve as a reference for Secondary School teachers to organize their educational itineraries in the field. This methodology is based primarily on the selection and assessment of the proper degree of Didactic Interest Points founded on a series of relevant indicators from the formal education point of view. This paper also offers the results of its implementation in the municipality of Patones (Madrid

Strong conservatism of floral morphology during the rapid diversification of the genus Helianthemum

Premise: Divergence of floral morphology and breeding systems are often expected to be linked to angiosperm diversification and environmental niche divergence. However, available evidence for such relationships is not generalizable due to different taxonomic, geographical and time scales. The Palearctic genus Helianthemum shows the highest diversity of the family Cistaceae in terms of breeding systems, floral traits, and environmental conditions as a result of three recent evolutionary radiations since the Late Miocene. Here, we investigated the tempo and mode of evolution of floral morphology in the genus and its link with species diversification and environmental niche divergence. Methods: We quantified 18 floral traits from 83 taxa and applied phylogenetic comparative methods using a robust phylogenetic framework based on genotypingby‐ sequencing data. Results: We found three different floral morphologies, putatively related to three different breeding systems: type I, characterized by small flowers without herkogamy and low pollen to ovule ratio; type II, represented by large flowers with approach herkogamy and intermediate pollen to ovule ratio; and type III, featured by small flowers with reverse herkogamy and the highest pollen to ovule ratio. Each morphology has been highly conserved across each radiation and has evolved independently of species diversification and ecological niche divergence. Conclusions: The combined results of trait, niche, and species diversification ultimately recovered a pattern of potentially non‐adaptive radiations in Helianthemum and highlight the idea that evolutionary radiations can be decoupled from floral morphology evolution even in lineages that diversified in heterogeneous environments as the Mediterranean Basin.Spanish Government CGL2014-52459-P CGL2017-82465-PNext Generation funds of the European Union through a Margarita Salas postdoctoral contractSpanish Sistema Nacional de Garantia Juvenil y del Programa Operativo de Empleo Juvenil 2014-202

Genetic diversity and differentiation in narrow versus widespread taxa of Helianthemum (Cistaceae) in a hotspot: The role of geographic range, habitat, and reproductive traits

We thank the authorities of the Sierra Nevada National Park and the Junta de Andalucía (Andalusian Regional Government) for granting permission to collect samples even of species under protection. We also thank the Centro de Investigación Tecnología e Innovación de la Universidad de Sevilla (“Celestino Mutis” CITIUS-2 center) for facilities to use the Coulter Multisizer 3. This research was supported by grants from the Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente (National Parks Authority ref. 296/2011) and by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (CGL2014-52459-P and partially CGL2013-45037-P and CGL2017-82465-P). S. MartínHernanz was supported by a fellowship from the Spanish Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (FPI 2015, BES-2015-073314). All samples in this study were collected under permission by the Sierra Nevada National Park and the Andalusian Regional GovernmentUnraveling the relationships between ecological, functional traits and genetic diversity of narrow endemic plants provide opportunities for understanding how evolutionary processes operate over local spatial scales and ultimately how diversity is created and maintained. To explore these aspects in Sierra Nevada, the core of the Mediterranean Betic‐Rifean hotspot, we have analyzed nuclear DNA microsatellite diversity and a set of biological and environmental factors (physicochemical soil parameters, floral traits, and community composition) in two strictly endemic taxa from dolomite outcrops of Sierra Nevada (Helianthemum pannosum and H. apenninum subsp. estevei ) and two congeneric widespread taxa (H. cinereum subsp. rotundifolium and H. apenninum subsp. apenninum ) that further belong to two different lineages (subgenera) of Helianthemum . We obtained rather unexpected results contrasting with the theory: (a) The narrow endemic taxa showed higher values of genetic diversity as well as higher average values of pollen production per flower and pollen‐to‐ovule ratio than their widespread relatives; and (b) the two taxa of subg. Helianthemum , with larger corollas, approach herkogamy and higher pollen production than the two taxa of subg. Plectolobum , displayed lower genetic diversity and higher values of inbreeding. Altogether, these results disclose how genetic diversity may be affected simultaneously by a large number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, especially in Pleistocene glacial refugia in mountains where the spatial context harbors a great ecological heterogeneity. On the other hand, differences in mating system and the significant effect of the substrate profile, both being highly diverse in the genus Helianthemum , in the genetic variability illustrate about the importance of these two factors in the diversification and species differentiation of this paradigmatic genus in the Mediterranean and open the field to formulate and test new hypotheses of local adaptation, trait evolution, and habitat diversification.Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Grant/Award Number: BES-2015-073314; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Grant/Award Number: CGL2013-45037-P, CGL2014- 52459-P and CGL2017-82465-P; Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente, Grant/Award Number: 296/201

Tracking gypsophily across the phylogeny: 3 study cases

To gain an evolutionary understanding of plant gypsophily, is essential to incorporate phylogeny in the analyses. Here we present an overview of three different approaches that we are currently undertaking to tackle this issue. (I) we have selected 5 Iberian genera with gysophite or gypsovag species in which a fairly complete and reliable phylogeny is published (Ononis, Helianthemum, Chaenorrhinum, Reseda and Teucrium). In each of these 5 lineages we plan to explore the events of gypsophily and to evaluate the existence of preadaptations along the clades in terms of ionome. (II) Within the Ononis tridentata-fruticosa-rotundifolia clade, we intend to carry out Hyb-Seq taking the leaf and soil chemical composition into account. Among other biogegraphic and phylogenetic inferences, we are particularly interested on the comparison of the ionome of O. fruticosa populations growing in and out gypsum. (III)We plan to reconstruct the phylogeny of the genus Frankenia based on HybSeq, which comprises a relevant amount of halophyte, gypso-halophyte and gypsum species, particularly in Australia. This worldwide distributed genus is crucial for the understanding of chemical adaptations of gypso-halophytes, a poorly described functional group, but requires a taxonomic and phylogenetic clarification before further analysis. Approaches II and III will use the Angiosperms-353 kit (myBaits), which will allow integrating the results in further studies beyond our current particular purposes

A comparative karyological study of Helianthemum (Cistaceae): karyotype size, karyotype symmetry and evolution of chromosome number

In this study we assessed karyotype size and symmetry for a comprehensive taxonomic and geographic representation of Helianthemum and reconstructed chromosome number evolution in the genus. Using root tips, we photographed mitotic metaphase spreads to obtain chromosome number, total haploid (monoploid) length of the chromosome set (THL), karyotype formula, Stebbins’ classification of karyotype asymmetry, interchromosomal coefficient of variation of chromosome length (CVCL) and intrachromosomal mean centromeric asymmetry (MCA) using MATO (Measurement and Analysis Tools). We found that shifts in chromosome number are not a major driver in the evolution of Helianthemum, whose chromosome number evolved at a constant rate of single chromosome gain or loss. Karyotype asymmetry is very low and little variable in all taxonomic categories studied, with a predominance of metacentric and submetacentric small to medium-sized chromosomes about 3 μm at the genus level. However, total karyotype length varies from 16.91 μm to 47.84 μm at the species level, with a cytogenetic signature that is not conserved within subgenera and most sections. Overall, H. subg. Plectolobum shows both the longest and the most symmetrical karyotypes. We hypothesize that the variation in karyotype size in Helianthemum is likely a consequence of chromosome rearrangements that have occurred under selective pressures

Desentrañando la historia y evolución en el principal «hotspot» de biodiversidad vegetal ibérica. Una aproximación multiescalar en el Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada

Dadas las amenazas actuales sobre la biodiversidad del planeta, es crítico desentrañar los mecanismos evolutivos responsables de la formación de los puntos calientes de biodiversidad («hotspots»). Sierra Nevada es un «hotspot» en la cuenca mediterránea, donde una compleja historia geológica y climática ha creado diversos hábitats a los que las plantas se han adaptado, dando lugar a distintas comunidades locales y una flora regional peculiar. En este contexto, las relaciones evolutivas entre las especies son un factor clave para entender la composición final de estas comunidades. En este proyecto se ha desarrollado una aproximación filogenética al estudio de comunidades y la flora leñosa de Sierra Nevada dentro del «hotspot» de rango superior en el que se incluye (el arco Bético-Rifeño, entre el sur de España y el norte de África). Se usan datos florísticos de todo el «hotspot» Bético-Rifeño, de las sierras Béticas y de comunidades leñosas de Sierra Nevada en diferentes altitudes y sustratos, así como megafilogenias regionales de todo el «hotspot» o específicamente elaboradas para Sierra Nevada. En particular, se proporciona información para contestar las siguientes cuestiones: (i) ¿Cómo se distribuye la diversidad filogenética alfa y beta en la región Bético-Rifeña y cuál es la posición de Sierra Nevada en este contexto? (ii) ¿Cómo es la estructura filogenética y funcional de las comunidades de plantas leñosas y cómo varia dicha estructura en los gradientes altitudinales bajo diferentes sustratos? (iii) ¿Cuáles son los correlatos biológicos de estos procesos de adaptación y diferenciación? Además, para comprender mejor los mecanismos del cambio adaptativo que originan diversidad, se estudian (iv) las relaciones filogenéticas y genéticas de un género muy diverso en Sierra Nevada: Helianthemum (Cistaceae). De esta forma se ensamblan los mecanismos macro y microevolutivos que han determinado la alta biodiversidad vegetal de Sierra Nevada dentro de la región donde se encuadra.Given current threats of global change on biodiversity, it is of outstanding importance to unravel the mechanisms that allowed the evolutionary construction of biodiversity hotspots. Sierra Nevada is a hotspot within the Mediterranean basin, where a complex geological and climatic history have promoted a high diversity of habitats, moulding different plant communities and assemblages. In this context, the evolutionary history of species is critical to understand the current composition of communities. In this project, we have developed a phylogenetic approach using the woody flora of Sierra Nevada, which is nested within the Baetic-Rifan hotspot. We use floristic data for the whole Baetic-Rifan hotspot, the Baetic sierras and woody plant communities at different elevations and substrates in Sierra Nevada, as well as regional megaphylogenies for the whole hotspot and phylogenies specifically developed for Sierra Nevada. We specifically address the following key questions: (i) How is alpha and beta phylogenetic diversity distributed in the Baetic-Rifan hotspot and what is the position of Sierra Nevada within this context? (ii) What is the phylogenetic and functional structure of woody plant communities, and how does community structure vary along elevation gradients and different substrates? (iii) What are the biological correlates of these adaptive and differentiation processes? Besides, in order to get a better understanding of the mechanisms driving adaptive change and originating diversity and endemism, we study (iv) the phylogenetic and genetic relationships of a key genus of high diversity in Sierra Nevada, Helianthemum (Cistaceae). Thus, we jointly address the macro- and microevolutionary mechanisms determining the high plant biodiversity of Sierra Nevada and surrounding regions.Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente de España (MAGRAMA)Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico de España (MITECO)Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Medio Rural de España 296/201

El Biomaratón de Flora Española: un evento de participación ciudadana para reconectar a la ciudadanía con la diversidad vegetal

Póster presentado en el XI Congreso de Biología de la Conservación de Plantas (SEBiCoP) celebrado del 17 al 21 de julio de 202

I Biomaratón de Flora Española: ciencia ciudadana para visibilizar la biodiversidad vegetal

[ES] Con objeto de fomentar el interés por la botánica, surgió la idea de organizar el I Biomaratón de Flora Española: un evento de ciencia ciudadana en el que personas de todo el país salieron a fotografiar el mayor número posible de plantas. Se realizó utilizando la plataforma de ciencia ciudadana iNaturalist, y se vertebró por medio de coordinadores en todas las comunidades autónomas y de alrededor de 100 instituciones, que dieron apoyo y divulgación al evento. Del 21 al 23 de mayo de 2021, más de 1.000 participantes registraron unas 25.000 observaciones de más de 2.500 especies, aproximadamente el 25% de las especies documentadas en España. Además, se organizaron actividades asociadas, como charlas, paseos botánicos, talleres de manejo de la plataforma, etc. Posteriormente se realizó un datablitz, centrado en la identificación de grupos de plantas poco conocidos, complicados y/o atractivos, y en compartir las experiencias de las actividades realizadas, fomentando así la interacción entre botánicos y ciudadanos. Este ha sido el mayor evento de ciencia ciudadana centrado en la botánica organizado en España. Queda demostrado que la acción conjunta de aficionados y profesionales puede ayudar a fomentar la pasión por la biodiversidad.[EN] With the intention of fostering the interest in botany in the society, the idea of organizing the 1st Bioblitz of Spanish Flora arose: a citizen science event in which people from all over the country went out to register as many species of plants as possible through photographs. The event was organized throughout the iNaturalist citizen science platform, and later supported by coordinators in all the Spanish Autonomous Communities and around 100 institutions that gave support and dissemination of the event. From May 21st to 23rd of 2021, more than 1,000 participants recorded about 25,000 observations of more than 2,500 species, approximately 25% of the species documented in Spain. In addition, numerous associated activities were organized, such as talks, botanical walks, workshops, etc. Subsequently, a datablitz was held, focused on the identification of little-known, complicated and/or attractive plant groups, and to share the experiences of the activities carried out, thus promoting interaction between botanists and citizens. To conclude, some of the experiences of the Bioblitz were presented. This is the largest botanical-focused citizen science event ever organized in Spain. It has been proven that the cooperative action of amateurs and professionals might help foster the passion for biodiversity.Motivación y objetivos Resultados del I Biomaratón Evento datablitz para comunicar a científicos y ciudadanos Ciencia ciudadana como motor de interés botánico II Biomaratón de Flora Española Agradecimiento

Identification of genetic variants associated with Huntington's disease progression: a genome-wide association study

Background Huntington's disease is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene, HTT. Age at onset has been used as a quantitative phenotype in genetic analysis looking for Huntington's disease modifiers, but is hard to define and not always available. Therefore, we aimed to generate a novel measure of disease progression and to identify genetic markers associated with this progression measure. Methods We generated a progression score on the basis of principal component analysis of prospectively acquired longitudinal changes in motor, cognitive, and imaging measures in the 218 indivduals in the TRACK-HD cohort of Huntington's disease gene mutation carriers (data collected 2008–11). We generated a parallel progression score using data from 1773 previously genotyped participants from the European Huntington's Disease Network REGISTRY study of Huntington's disease mutation carriers (data collected 2003–13). We did a genome-wide association analyses in terms of progression for 216 TRACK-HD participants and 1773 REGISTRY participants, then a meta-analysis of these results was undertaken. Findings Longitudinal motor, cognitive, and imaging scores were correlated with each other in TRACK-HD participants, justifying use of a single, cross-domain measure of disease progression in both studies. The TRACK-HD and REGISTRY progression measures were correlated with each other (r=0·674), and with age at onset (TRACK-HD, r=0·315; REGISTRY, r=0·234). The meta-analysis of progression in TRACK-HD and REGISTRY gave a genome-wide significant signal (p=1·12 × 10−10) on chromosome 5 spanning three genes: MSH3, DHFR, and MTRNR2L2. The genes in this locus were associated with progression in TRACK-HD (MSH3 p=2·94 × 10−8 DHFR p=8·37 × 10−7 MTRNR2L2 p=2·15 × 10−9) and to a lesser extent in REGISTRY (MSH3 p=9·36 × 10−4 DHFR p=8·45 × 10−4 MTRNR2L2 p=1·20 × 10−3). The lead single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in TRACK-HD (rs557874766) was genome-wide significant in the meta-analysis (p=1·58 × 10−8), and encodes an aminoacid change (Pro67Ala) in MSH3. In TRACK-HD, each copy of the minor allele at this SNP was associated with a 0·4 units per year (95% CI 0·16–0·66) reduction in the rate of change of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) Total Motor Score, and a reduction of 0·12 units per year (95% CI 0·06–0·18) in the rate of change of UHDRS Total Functional Capacity score. These associations remained significant after adjusting for age of onset. Interpretation The multidomain progression measure in TRACK-HD was associated with a functional variant that was genome-wide significant in our meta-analysis. The association in only 216 participants implies that the progression measure is a sensitive reflection of disease burden, that the effect size at this locus is large, or both. Knockout of Msh3 reduces somatic expansion in Huntington's disease mouse models, suggesting this mechanism as an area for future therapeutic investigation