Supporting Spartina: Interdisciplinary perspective shows Spartina as a distinct solid genus

In 2014, a DNA-based phylogenetic study confirming the paraphyly of the grass subtribe Sporobolinae proposed the creation of a large monophyletic genus Sporobolus, including (among others) species previously included in the genera Spartina, Calamovilfa, and Sporobolus. Spartina species have contributed substantially (and continue contributing) to our knowledge in multiple disciplines, including ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, biogeography, experimental ecology, biological invasions, environmental management, restoration ecology, history, economics, and sociology. There is no rationale so compelling to subsume the name Spartina as a subgenus that could rival the striking, global iconic history and use of the name Spartina for over 200 yr. We do not agree with the subjective arguments underlying the proposal to change Spartina to Sporobolus. We understand the importance of both the objective phylogenetic insights and of the subjective formalized nomenclature and hope that by opening this debate we will encourage positive feedback that will strengthen taxonomic decisions with an interdisciplinary perspective. We consider that the strongly distinct, monophyletic clade Spartina should simply and efficiently be treated as the genus Spartina

What global biogeochemical consequences will marine animal-sediment interactions have during climate change?

Benthic animals profoundly influence the cycling and storage of carbon and other elements in marine systems, particularly in coastal sediments. Recent climate change has altered the distribution and abundance of many seafloor taxa and modified the vertical exchange of materials between ocean and sediment layers. Here, we examine how climate change could alter animal-mediated biogeochemical cycling in ocean sediments.The fossil record shows repeated major responses from the benthos during mass extinctions and global carbon perturbations, including reduced diversity, dominance of simple trace fossils, decreased burrow size and bioturbation intensity, and nonrandom extinction of trophic groups. The broad dispersal capacity of many extant benthic species facilitates poleward shifts corresponding to their environmental niche as overlying water warms. Evidence suggests that locally persistent populations will likely respond to environmental shifts through either failure to respond or genetic adaptation rather than via phenotypic plasticity. Regional and global ocean models insufficiently integrate changes in benthic biological activity and their feedbacks on sedimentary biogeochemical processes. The emergence of bioturbation, ventilation, and seafloor-habitat maps and progress in our mechanistic understanding of organism-sediment interactions enable incorporation of potential effects of climate change on benthic macrofaunal mediation of elemental cycles into regional and global ocean biogeochemical models.SCOPUS: re.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Regulation of anti-herbivore defence by Fucus vesiculosus in response to various cues

1 We examined whether the marine macroalga Fucus vesiculosus induces defences herbivory and, if so, which factors trigger this induction. In addition, we assessed whether induced defences are reduced after consumption stops. 2 Induced effects were measured as changes in palatability rather than changes in the chemistry of the algae. We also tested for reductions in growth rate to determine whether induced defence incurs metabolic costs. 3 We tested whether direct grazing, feeding on neighbouring plants, clipping and pre- sence of a non-grazing herbivore could trigger induction. The isopod Idotea baltica and the gastropod Littorina littorea were used as herbivores. 4 Both direct feeding of I. baltica and feeding on neighbouring plants induced chemical defence in E vesiculosus, whereas the snail L. Iittorea only induced defence by direct grazing. Simulated herbivory (clipping), or the presence of herbivores without grazing, did not lead to defence induction. All induced defences were reversed within 2 weeks of consumption ending. 5 Thus, F. vesiculosus differentiates between physical damage and natural herbivory. Furthermore, feeding by I. baltica on F. vesiculosus releases signals that trigger neigh- bouring Fucus individuals to induce defence. 6 We found no evidence that metabolic costs incurred as a consequence of induced defence were sufficient to lead to growth reduction. 7 This algal species demonstrates defence plasticity (i.e. induction and reduction of anti-herbivore defences 'on demand'), with the response depending on both grazer identity and grazing pattern matter

Supporting Spartina: Interdisciplinary perspective shows Spartina as a distinct solid genus

In 2014, a DNA-based phylogenetic study confirming the paraphyly of the grass subtribe Sporobolinae proposed the creation of a large monophyletic genus Sporobolus, including (among others) species previously included in the genera Spartina, Calamovilfa, and Sporobolus. Spartina species have contributed substantially (and continue contributing) to our knowledge in multiple disciplines, including ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, biogeography, experimental ecology, biological invasions, environmental management, restoration ecology, history, economics, and sociology. There is no rationale so compelling to subsume the name Spartina as a subgenus that could rival the striking, global iconic history and use of the name Spartina for over 200 yr. We do not agree with the subjective arguments underlying the proposal to change Spartina to Sporobolus. We understand the importance of both the objective phylogenetic insights and of the subjective formalized nomenclature and hope that by opening this debate we will encourage positive feedback that will strengthen taxonomic decisions with an interdisciplinary perspective. We consider that the strongly distinct, monophyletic clade Spartina should simply and efficiently be treated as the genus Spartina