The Climatic Niche Diversity of Malagasy Primates: A Phylogenetic Perspective

Background: Numerous researchers have posited that there should be a strong negative relationship between the evolutionary distance among species and their ecological similarity. Alternative evidence suggests that members of adaptive radiations should display no relationship between divergence time and ecological similarity because rapid evolution results in near-simultaneous speciation early in the clade\u27s history. In this paper, we performed the first investigation of ecological diversity in a phylogenetic context using a mammalian adaptive radiation, the Malagasy primates. Methodology/Principal Findings: We collected data for 43 extant species including: 1) 1064 species by locality samples, 2) GIS climate data for each sampling locality, and 3) the phylogenetic relationships of the species. We calculated the niche space of each species by summarizing the climatic variation at localities of known occurrence. Climate data from all species occurrences at all sites were entered into a principal components analysis. We calculated the mean value of the first two PCA axes, representing rainfall and temperature diversity, for each species. We calculated the K statistic using the Physig program for Matlab to examine how well the climatic niche space of species was correlated with phylogeny. Conclusions/Significance: We found that there was little relationship between the phylogenetic distance of Malagasy primates and their rainfall and temperature niche space, i.e., closely related species tend to occupy different climatic niches. Furthermore, several species from different genera converged on a similar climatic niche. These results have important implications for the evolution of ecological diversity, and the long-term survival of these endangered species

The climatic niche diversity of Malagasy primates: A phylogenetic approach

Background Numerous researchers have posited that there should be a strong negative relationship between the evolutionary distance among species and their ecological similarity. Alternative evidence suggests that members of adaptive radiations should display no relationship between divergence time and ecological similarity because rapid evolution results in near-simultaneous speciation early in the clade\u27s history. In this paper, we performed the first investigation of ecological diversity in a phylogenetic context using a mammalian adaptive radiation, the Malagasy primates. Methodology/Principal Findings We collected data for 43 extant species including: 1) 1064 species by locality samples, 2) GIS climate data for each sampling locality, and 3) the phylogenetic relationships of the species. We calculated the niche space of each species by summarizing the climatic variation at localities of known occurrence. Climate data from all species occurrences at all sites were entered into a principal components analysis. We calculated the mean value of the first two PCA axes, representing rainfall and temperature diversity, for each species. We calculated the K statistic using the Physig program for Matlab to examine how well the climatic niche space of species was correlated with phylogeny. Conclusions/Significance We found that there was little relationship between the phylogenetic distance of Malagasy primates and their rainfall and temperature niche space, i.e., closely related species tend to occupy different climatic niches. Furthermore, several species from different genera converged on a similar climatic niche. These results have important implications for the evolution of ecological diversity, and the long-term survival of these endangered species

Exploring the Entrepreneurial Jungle: Unicorns, Gazelles, Zebras, and Other Venture Species

This paper proposes pioneering the exploration of new entrepreneurial species as a novel and essential research avenue within the entrepreneurship domain. By likening entrepreneurial ventures to diverse species inhabiting a jungle, the study ventures into unexplored territories of entrepreneurial taxonomy. It advocates delving into distinct classifications such as unicorns, zebras, and gazelles, offering a fresh perspective on their impact on economies and societies. The research argues for the relevance of these unique ventures, emphasizing their significant influence on entrepreneurial thought and challenging traditional theories. By shedding light on uncharted species and their inter-relationships, the paper opens promising avenues for future research, contributing to the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship studies

Why are some people in the UK reluctant to seek support for their pets?

Drawing upon data from a study examining experiences of accessing support for pets from the UK animal welfare charity Blue Cross, this paper illuminates reasons why people might not seek support when they need it. This applies to those who are struggling financially and are eligible for, but do not take, free/reduced cost veterinary care, or are having other problems (e.g. the animal’s disruptive behaviour or ill health, struggling to care for the pet due to changing circumstances or health problems, or coping with pet loss). Twenty Blue Cross service users (15 female, five male, age 29–67) took part in individual online interviews using a semi-guided narrative approach, where they were encouraged to share their experiences of reaching out. They were also asked to reflect upon why others may not do the same, and if they had any recommendations for organisations to help them reach these people. Findings echo other studies that highlight a fear of being judged, disclosure and stigma. Guilt, shame, lack of awareness, financial concerns, and wanting to manage independently, all play important roles. These factors have implications for the way support services are advertised and delivered to ensure animals receive the care needed. We describe these reflections and recommendations and identify three broader ideological narratives underpinning participants’ stories: ‘giving back’; ‘equity’, and ‘sacrifice’. These reveal how wider societal attitudes and values shape identities and behaviours. It is vital that support on offer is reframed to explicitly counteract these influences to ensure optimal animal and human welfare

When having a pet becomes a luxury you can no longer afford

Drawing on data from a project examining experiences of accessing support for pets from the UK animal welfare charity Blue Cross, this paper illuminates the impact of financial hardship on pet owners. Twenty service users (15 female, 5 male, aged 29–67 years) took part in individual online semi-structured interviews. Sixteen were receiving free or reduced-cost veterinary care (eligibility is based on certain means-tested benefits and catchment area). Participants were encouraged to talk about their experiences with Blue Cross, with a set of key questions capturing the chronology of events employed as a guide. All participants (even when relatively financially secure) alluded to the expense of having a pet and the rising cost of all aspects of care. The majority had struggled financially in recent years due to changes in circumstances (reduced income or had to stop working due to illness, injury, or carer responsibilities). Others had been on a low income for the long term. Seeking support was often the result of a health issue or emergency with a pet, when unanticipated veterinary costs (operations, transporting animal, scans, treatment) were simply unaffordable. People were faced with the heart-wrenching dilemma of what to do to help their pet, describing these times as the most stressful in their lives, and with most only becoming aware of charitable support for pets via word-of-mouth. Two of our participants’ stories show how when you have limited financial resources, serious health problems, or complicated circumstances, life can spiral out of control and lead to difficult situations with pets. However, it also highlights how resilience and strategies are established in this process, mitigating to some extent the impact of future crises. We highlight the full range of issues experienced as a result of economic vulnerability and consider the implications for organizations providing support to people who are often struggling simultaneously with their finances and mental health.</p

Identifying optimal support for people and pets in Scotland

This collaborative research project, funded by the Scottish SPCA and the Blue Cross, aimed to examine challenges pet owners in Scotland were facing with their pets following Covid-19. The work involved an online survey of pet owners who were experiencing challenges caring for their pets. Results revealed a range of challenges from financial to behavioural, and also shone a light on the challenging issue of pet relinquishment, loss and bereavement. The results informed the creation of support for Scottish pet owners offered by the charities including the newly formed Scottish SPCA's Pet Aid Service

La supervisión del trabajo psicoterapéutico: una mirada reflexiva de la complejidad

El presente trabajo recupera el proceso de supervisión llevado a cabo en la Maestría en Psicoterapia del ITESO, desde un breve recorrido a los bemoles de su conceptualización; para tal efecto se aborda a la supervisión como un campo abierto a la complejidad, donde la interdisciplinariedad se hace tierra en cada uno de los procesos implicados. Se plantea que la supervisión, en congruencia con la propuesta de formación del programa, se lleva a cabo con base en el diálogo interdisciplinario, lo cual “ofrece un camino para superar y desafiar la fragmentación del conocimiento que viene con la especialización intensa”. Se pone a consideración, también, el recuento documentado del esquema de supervisión de referencia y se enriquece con la voz de algunos psicoterapeutas en formación, en torno a su valoración, a sus retos y a sus perspectivas. La supervisión en psicoterapia es un espacio privilegiado de encuentro con el otro y con lo otro, donde la voz del consultante marca la pauta de la formación de psicoterapeutas interdisciplinares, en el marco de la complejidad.ITES