Artículos (Zoología)

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New findings and two new species of the genus Pallenopsis (Pycnogonida: Pallenopsidae) from the Southern Ocean
(Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 2024-12) Cano Sánchez, Esperanza; López González, Pablo José; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (MEC). España
Pycnogonid specimens of the genus Pallenopsis collected during the Antarctic Polarstern XXIII/8 cruise (23 No-vember 2006 to 30 January 2007) were studied. Seven species are recognized in this collection and two of them are proposed as new species: Pallenopsis tuberculan. sp., P. elephantensis n. sp., P. gracilis Cano-Sánchez and López-González, 2019, P. hodgsoniGordon, 1938, P. macronyx Bouvier, 1911, P. spicata Hodgson, 1914 and P. aff.vanhoeffeni Hodgson, 1915. Palle-nopsis gracilis is reported for the first time since its original description. The new species are described, illustrated and com-pared with their closest congeners, and their morphological variability is discussed. A cluster analysis (Euclidean distance) including our Pallenopsis specimens and the holotype of P. gracilis is carried out, based on 24 morphological characters. Finally, an updated key to the Southern Ocean species is presented.
Bacteriocin‑Producing Enterococci Modulate Cheese Microbial Diversity
(Springer, 2024-01-22) Teso Pérez, Claudia; López Gazcón, Areli; Peralta Sánchez, Juan Manuel; Martínez Bueno, Manuel; Valdivia, Eva; Fárez Vidal, María Esther; Martín Platero, Antonio M.; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; Junta de Andalucía
Cheese production involves various lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that break down lactose, milk proteins, and fats, producing,key nutrients and infuencing the cheese’s favor. They form communities that play a crucial role in determining the cheese’s,organoleptic properties. The composition of cheeses’ microbial communities is shaped by physicochemical factors (e.g., temperature, pH, and salinity) and biological factors (i.e. microbial interactions). While starter cultures are introduced to control,these communities, non-starter LAB represent a signifcant portion of the fnal microbial assemblage, but their interactions,remain unclear. LAB often produce bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides that antagonize other bacteria, but their role within,LAB communities is not fully understood. This study aimed to assess the impact of bacteriocin production on LAB diversity,in cheese, using Enterococcus as a model organism, a common bacteriocin producer. We analyzed enterocin production of,enterococcal isolates by antimicrobial assays and microbial diversity diferences in raw milk cheeses by two approaches: 16S,RNA gene amplicon metagenomic sequencing for the whole microbial community and multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA),for the enterococcal diversity. Our results revealed that LAB communities were dominated by lactococci, lactobacilli, and,streptococci, with enterococci present in lower numbers. However, cheeses containing bacteriocin-producing enterococci,exhibited higher microbial diversity. Interestingly, the highest diversity occurred at low levels of bacteriocin producers, but,this efect was not observed within enterococcal populations. These fndings suggest that bacteriocin production plays a,key role in shaping LAB communities during cheese ripening, although further research is needed to understand its broader,implications in other microbial ecosystems.
The role of the hydroid Eudendrium racemosum (Cavolini, 1785) (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) as basibiont for exotic species in marinas
(Elsevier, 2025-06) Guerra García, José Manuel; Navarro Barranco, Carlos; Vázquez Luis, Maite; Moreira Da Rocha, Juan; Megina Martínez, César; Márquez, M. E.; Sáenz Arias, Pablo; Ros Clemente, Macarena; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; European Union (UE)
Effective management of non-indigenous species (NIS) in marinas requires accurate knowledge of their biodiversity. A temporal study of macrofaunal assemblages associated to the native arborescent hydroid Eudendrium racemosum was conducted in two marinas with intense maritime traffic on the Spanish Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. While only 7 (all peracarid crustaceans) of the 52 species were NIS, they frequently dominated macrofaunal assemblages in abundance. Factors affecting these assemblages were primarily hydroid density and water turbidity, and secondarily water salinity and temperature. The relative contribution of NIS to the community, both in number of species and abundance, was significantly higher in Palma (Mediterranean) than in Cádiz (Atlantic) during the entire year. The structure of the total and NIS community also differed between marinas, highlighting the local singularity of these human-made environments. Despite the lack of basibiont specificity of most exotic epibionts, E. racemosum seems to facilitate the proliferation of the exotic amphipod Paracaprella pusilla compared with other hosts, probably due to mutualistic relationships.
Genetic and Phenotypic Evidence Reveals a Complex Evolutionary History within the Amazonian Allobates juami/insperatus Clade (Anura, Aromobatidae), with the Description of a New Species
(American Museum of Natural History, 2025-03-21) Jaramillo Martínez, Andres F.; Vilà, Carles; Guayasamin, Juan M.; Gagliardi Urrutia, Giussepe; Rojas Runjaic, Fernando J. M.; Simões, Pedro I.; Castroviejo Fisher, Santiago; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
Amazonia is a great natural laboratory, allowing the study of complex evolutionary mechanisms that promote diversification associated with dynamic geomorphological, climatic, and ecological processes, which often generate fuzzy species boundaries. We investigated the evolutionary history of two sister species of nurse frogs distributed in northwestern Amazonia, Allobates insperatus and A. juami, which have been considered as different entities based on molecular evidence, despite the absence of substantial phenotypic differences. We obtained morphological, osteological, and acoustic data, and DNA sequences of one mitochondrial and six nuclear gene fragments across the species distribution. The mitochondrial tree and species delimitation methods suggest the existence of at least four main evolutionary lineages; however, the signal of the nuclear markers is discordant among some groups, showing the admixture of those lineages that may reflect introgression and/or incomplete lineage sorting. Considering all sources of evidence, we confirm A. insperatus and A. juami as valid species and redescribe the former. In addition, we recognize and describe a new species supported by all data and analyses. Our findings suggest that speciation of Allobates, and perhaps of other sympatric anurans, in western Amazonia may have been influenced by the Pebas megawetland, with subsequent dispersion through the Andean foothills before the formation of the main Amazonian rivers, followed by colonization of the emerging northwestern Amazonian lowlands and secondary contact of newly diverged sister lineages.
Mating from a female perspective: Do brown bear females play an active role in mate searching?
(BioMed Central, 2025-06-03) Penteriani, Vincenzo; Delgado, María del Mar; Kojola, Ilpo; Heikkinen, Samuli; Fedorca, Ancuta; García Sánchez, Pino; Balbontín Arenas, Javier; Swenson, Jon E.; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE); Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Finland
Background Limited information exists on the active role of females during mate searching. Theory primarily focuses,on male reproductive behaviours, suggesting male distribution follows that of females, while female distribution,is infuenced by food resources and habitat. This approach might underestimate the females’ role in shaping mating,strategies. Incorporating a female perspective into mating studies can enhance our understanding of evolutionary,factors.,Methods Using GPS data from brown bears Ursus arctos across Finland, Romania and Slovakia, we explored female,movement behaviour during the mating period. First, we estimated movement speed, total distance and net distance,at a daily scale. Then, we quantitatively described when the movement peaks occur by estimating two critical points,of the functions described by each of the aforementioned movement parameters: (1) the point in time when the rate,of change in brown bear movement behaviour is the highest; and (2) the point in time when each aspect,of brown bear movement is most pronounced. We quantifed temporal variations in male and female movements,throughout the year using generalized additive mixed models, while we used linear mixed models to assess the,relationship between peak movement parameters, bear sex and population.,Results Our fndings identifed two overlooked behaviours: (1) male and female movement parameters showed,the highest rate of change during the mating season, challenging the notion of male roaming as the primary mating,strategy; and (2) females travelled the longest distances during the mating season, potentially seeking high-quality,mates. This behaviour aligns with the strategy of engaging in copulations with multiple males to avoid infanticide.,Conclusions Our study reveals novel insights into the active role of female brown bears in mating strategies,,challenging traditional male-centric views. These results support the need for detailed investigations into female,behaviours across mammalian taxa, which ofer potential to advance our understanding of mammalian social,and mating systems. Local diferences also underscore the importance of social and ecological conditions to explain,variation in the female role in mating strategies.
Playing with the rope: a house sparrow behaviour related to its breeding activity
(Springer, 2025-12-24) Huertas Gómez, José Ignacio; Peralta Sánchez, Juan Manuel; Soler, Manuel; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a gregarious generalist species, which makes it a good model for studying,play. However, play has not been described for this species so far. We describe play behaviour in house sparrows for the,first time, quantifying all play and play-related behaviours, searching for differences between the different sexes and ages,,the possible association with reproductive success and the diffusion of this behaviour in the population. All behaviours,were recorded from the end of 2018 breeding season to the start of the new one in 2019. Behaviours were classified into,four levels of interaction of increasing complexity and intensity. Results showed that play behaviour was restricted to,the breeding season, adult males played more often than the rest of the groups, and their behaviours correlated with the,number of recruits they produced. Moreover, “Maximum Level” of play of the mothers significantly and positively correlated with that of their offspring, and the “Maximum Level” of an individual with the proportion of playing siblings.,Despite the limitations of the present study, our results point out the existence of benefits for the reproductive success of,playing individuals.
Integrating Gammarus insensibilis in biofloc systems: A sustainable approach to nutrient enrichment and waste valorisation in aquaculture
(Elsevier, 2025-02-15) Castilla Gavilán, Marta; Guerra García, José Manuel; Hachero Cruzado, Ismael; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; European Union (UE)
This research addresses the cultivation of Gammarus insensibilis in biofloc systems. The aim of the work was to,valorise and to bioremediate aquaculture effluents while enhancing the nutritional value of bioflocs through the,introduction of amphipods, which can be grown in close aquaculture systems. Two experimental diets (aquaculture waste detritus and commercial fish feed) were tested for amphipods in triplicated biofloc systems, against,three control tanks without biofloc. The experiment was conducted over a six-week period at a temperature of,20 ◦C in the absence of light. The water quality, the survival, lipid profile and fatty acid composition of the,amphipods and the bioflocs produced were studied. Significant differences were observed in the water quality,between the treatment groups and the control, since nitrifying bacteria were present in the bioflocs formed in the,treatment tanks. Indeed, 100 % mortality was reached in the control tanks from the second week of the,experiment. The fish pellets diet and the pellet-based biofloc resulted in a significantly higher total lipid content,than the detritus diet and biofloc. However, no differences were found in the essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) content (ARA, EPA and DHA) between the commercial pellets and the,detritus-based biofloc, thus justifying the enrichment of the biofloc with amphipods. Indeed, the wild amphipods,displayed higher levels of saturated fatty acids and omega-6 PUFAs compared to the experimental groups, which,demonstrated higher omega-3 PUFAs content, particularly DHA. The study highlights the nutritional advantages,of pellet-based diets for amphipods, including improved survival and lipid content, while also emphasising the,enhanced nutritional profile of the enriched detritus-based biofloc. We suggest that the integration of aquaculture detritus with supplemental aquafeed in BFT systems will support both the bioflocculation process and the,nutritional needs of the amphipods, thereby creating a sustainable and efficient cycle of waste valorisation and,live food production. Further research is required in order to study the complete life cycle of amphipods and their,reproductive capacity in these systems. A lower water temperature and the inoculation of microalgae should be,considered in order to achieve higher survival rates and PUFAs content.
First assessment of biofouling assemblages in the northern Red Sea, an important region for marine non-indigenous species transfer
(Frontiers Media, 2024-02-13) Sempere Valverde, Juan; Aylagas, Eva; Syomin, Vitaly; Teixeira, Marcos A. L.; Kolbasova, Glafira D.; Ruiz Velasco, Sofía; Carvalho, Susana; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología
Introduction: Maritime traffic and coastal urbanisation significantly contribute to,the introduction and proliferation of non-indigenous species (NIS). However, the,lack of information might prevent effective monitoring in data-limited regions,,particularly in areas experiencing demographic growth, where monitoring,biofouling communities could offer crucial insights into the dynamics of NIS,invasions. This study represents a baseline characterization of the biofouling,communities in the northern Saudi Arabian Red Sea (NEOM region) prior to,extensive urban, industrial, and commercial development.,Methods: Samples were collected in November 2023 and February 2024 from,seven sites within the region. At each site and time, three settlement structures,,each with a PVC panel attached to a brick and rope, were sampled after 3-,months deployment. Panels were analysed with photo quadrat analysis (PhQd),,examined to manually collect sessile macroinvertebrate specimens for,taxonomic identification using morphological and DNA barcoding analysis, and,scraped for bulk DNA analyses using DNA metabarcoding. Five water samples,were also collected for environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. The environmental,characteristics of each site were obtained by deploying temperature data loggers,and through an environmental risk assessment.,Results: Community patterns observed from the PhQd and bulk DNA datasets,revealed a clear separation of two sites within Sharma lagoon from the remaining,sites. The eDNA analysis of seawater confirmed these spatial differences, also,detecting a variation between sampling times that was not observed with the other,approaches. A total of 20 NIS and 18 cryptogenic species were recorded, from which,12 were identified morphologically and the remaining detected with molecular,methods only. The generally low NIS coverage confirms that the NEOM region is,less affected by marine biological invasions compared to other anthropized habitats,within the Red Sea. However, sites in the Sharma lagoon showed high human pressure,levels and comparatively higher coverage of cryptogenic bryozoans on panels.,Discussion: This study provides the first detailed assessment of biofouling,communities in NEOM, establishing a baseline and contributing to a regional,species reference library for non-indigenous and cryptogenic species. As coastal,development spreads, it presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting,the need for sustainable, ecosystem-based approaches to protect valuable,natural areas. This baseline is essential for future monitoring of biofouling,dynamics as the region develops.
Evaluating Environmental Programs: Long‑Term Monitoring of Crustacean Assemblages in a Polluted Estuary
(Springer, 2024-10-22) Sánchez Moyano, Juan Emilio; Rodríguez Muñoz, Daniel; García Asencio, Isabel; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología
We assessed the environmental quality of the Odiel-Tinto estuary, one of the most polluted in the world, by analysing the spatial variation of subtidal soft-bottom crustacean assemblages from 2000 to 2016. Our primary goal was to evaluate whether corrective measures implemented since 1986 have resulted in significant ecological improvement. The assemblages were structured according to the natural gradient from the estuary to the marine environment. Throughout the study, the assemblages exhibited low species richness and abundance (e.g., over 3 species and 180 individuals/m2 in the inner areas; 19 species and 510 individuals/m2 in the mouth zone). However, 2016 saw an increase in both species number and total abundance (e.g., over 5 and 24 species in the inner and mouth areas, respectively). Despite these observations, the Odiel- Tinto system harboured fewer species (24 species) compared to nearby estuaries like the Guadiana and Guadalquivir (over 50 species). Although there were signs of changes in the estuary over the sampling periods (e.g., a slight increase in richness and diversity in 2016 compared to 2002 and 2004), these fluctuations are likely characteristic of a highly dynamic environment rather than indications of genuine ecological recovery. These findings highlight the need for a long-term monitoring program, which should also encompass intertidal mudflats due to their higher density and biomass, easy accessibility, and reduced exposure to the impacts of recurrent maintenance dredging of the navigation channel.
Effects of vessels on common dolphin activity patterns in a critical area for the species. Conservation implications
(Elsevier, 2025-05) Olaya Ponzone, Liliana; Espada Ruíz, Rocío; Martín Moreno, Estefanía; Patón Domínguez, Daniel; García Gómez, José Carlos; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología
Although whale-watching tourism makes it easier for humans to learn about these animals in the wild, interactions with boats can trigger temporary or even permanent behavioural changes in their populations. In this work we studied the potential effect of boats on the welfare of common dolphins, Delphinus delphis, a protected species in the Mediterranean, as well as a female bottlenose dolphin (Billie-Tursiops truncatus) that coexists with them in the bay of Algeciras-Gibraltar (BA-G), Southern Spain and that gave birth to the first known hybrid between both species in the wild. First, the reaction of the animals (Approach, Elusive and Indifference) to the presence of boats was observed. Subsequently, we have classified the sightings into four situations: Control (C) and Impact (I) with Regulated (RS) and Unregulated (US) sightings. In each situation, six behavioural states were distinguished: Feeding (F), Resting (R), Milling (M), Socialising (S), Travelling (T) and Diving (D). It was concluded that the presence of boats and non-compliance with the protocol for approaching cetaceans were the main causes of the behavioural transitions and that they led to an absorbing D state in the Markov chains. The results showed that the feeding and resting behaviours of the dolphins were significantly altered. Possible alteration of these behaviours may have negative effects on the animals. Our results are further evidence of the need to regulate and monitor vessel activities to protect common dolphins in BA-G, a critical area for this species, which still lacks specific conservation plans.
Ecological alterations of promenade lighting on crustacean assemblage: A real-scale study
(Elsevier, 2025-07) Sáenz Arias, Pablo; Irazabal, Alejandro; Reyes Martínez, María José; Guerra García, José Manuel; Moreira, Juan; Navarro Barranco, Carlos; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología
Coastal shallow habitats are greatly exposed to artificial light at night (ALAN). Although the ecological impacts of light pollution have been tested in some marine species, few studies have been conducted at assemblage level. Our study is a real-scale approach to the effects of ALAN from seaside promenade lighting to the crustacean assemblage of the water column. Beach lighting of a coastal town remained on and off and samples were collected both at night and day on each scenario. There was a significant biomass reduction in certain crustacean taxa in ALAN presence. Moreover, some species were particularly sensitive to light pollution, such as the copepod Acartia (Acartiura) clausi or the mysid Mesopodopsis slabberi. Changes in crustacean parameters were detected although nights with the lighting on and off were very close, highlighting the potential recovery capacity. These results are proposed for light pollution management in coastal shallow habitats dominated by crustaceans.
Shell sclerochronology of the limpet Patella ferruginea Gmelin, 1791: Implications for growth patterns and reconstruction of past sea surface temperatures
(Elsevier, 2025-07-15) Gutiérrez Zugasti, Igor; Suárez-Revilla, Roberto; García-Escárzaga, Asier; Clarke, Leon J.; Schöne, Bernd R.; Pascual-Revilla, Jara; García Gómez, José Carlos; Zilhão, João; Zapata, Josefina; Marín, Arnaldo; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Understanding the environmental conditions faced by past human populations is essential to understand their behaviour, and the subsistence strategies that they adopted for survival. The study of oxygen isotope ratios in limpet shells (δ18Oshell) can provide important information on sea surface temperature (SST), shell growth patterns and the season of shell collection by human populations. Following this approach, in this paper, we assessed δ18Oshell values of three modern limpets Patella ferruginea Gmelin, 1791 collected alive in Ceuta (northern Africa) as proxies for past SST and to determine the season of shell collection at archaeological sites. Studied shells showed fast growth rates without long periods of growth stops. However, results suggested that the shells did not grow during all tidal immersions. Results also showed higher growth rates between winter and summer, although each shell exhibited its own distinctive patterns. According to the isotope data, studied limpets deposited calcium carbonate to form their shells with an average offset of +0.34 ‰ from expected equilibrium. This offset was higher in summer (0.56 ‰) and lower in winter (0.18 ‰). Reconstructed sea surface temperature (SSTδ18O) exhibited high correlation with satellite temperature. Considering the variability of the oxygen isotope composition of the seawater (δ18Osw), past SSTδ18O can be calculated with an uncertainty of +2 °C and −1.4 °C. Our study demonstrates that δ18O values of P. ferruginea can be used to reconstruct SST provided that the δ18Osw is known. Furthermore, the season of shell collection can be estimated from δ18Oshell curves, which has deep implications for future archaeological investigations.
Characterization of Rugulopteryx okamurae algae: A source of bioactive peptides, omega-3 fatty acids, and volatile compounds
(Elsevier, 2025-05-01) Rivero Pino, Fernando; González de la Rosa, Teresa; Torrecillas López, María; Barrera Chamorro, Luna; Río-Vázquez, José Luis del; Márquez Parada, Elvira; Fernández Prior, África; Garcáa-Vaquero, Marco; García Gómez, José Carlos; Montserrat de la Paz, Sergio; Claro Cala, Carmen María; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Bioquímica Médica y Biología Molecular e Inmunología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Farmacología, Pediatría y Radiología
This study provides a detailed characterization of the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae, highlighting its nutritional composition, mineral content, and potential bioactive compounds. This biomass contains 14.18 % protein, 21.29 % lipids (with a high omega-3 content), fibre (31.32 %), and significant amounts of minerals like calcium, sodium, potassium, sulphur, and iron. Phenolic compounds (0.74 %) and volatile compounds, such as retinol, were also identified. Peptidome analysis revealed 626 unique peptides, with 21 low molecular weight peptides showing potential activity against angiotensin converting enzyme and dipeptidyl peptidase IV when assessed using in silico tools and using molecular docking. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of the alga was demonstrated with a significant free radical inhibition (EC50: 2.09 mg/mL). Overall, this study provides initial evidence on the nutritional potential of R. okamurae, which may have potential for future applications in food and biotechnology fields.
Assessing the effects of electromagnetic fields generated by submarine power cables on the soft-bottom community: An ecological in-situ study
(Elsevier, 2025-02-01) Donázar Aramendía, Iñigo Javier; Reyes-Martínez, M. J.; Megina Martínez, César; Florido Capilla, Marta; García Gómez, José Carlos; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; Fundación de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla (FIUS)
This study represents the first in situ investigation into the effects of magnetic fields (MFs) on soft-bottom macrofauna communities, laying the groundwork for further studies to better understand their potential consequences on marine ecosystems. Conducted in the Natural Park of the Strait (Southern Iberian Peninsula), the study measured MFs generated by HVAC cables and assessed their impact on soft-bottom macrofauna communities by comparing areas exposed to MFs with two control areas at different depths. Measured MF intensities were relatively low, with a maximum deviation from background levels of 34 nT near the cable, decreasing to 1 nT at 250 m distance. These intensities are considerably lower than those typically used in laboratory experiments inducing physiological effects (0.1–30 mT). Results revealed an increasing pattern of species richness (S) with depth, associated with sediment stability and different sediment characteristics. While analyses did not show significant effects of the magnetic field on macrobenthic communities overall, some indications were observed, such as decreased species richness at the deepest station and community homogenization across depths in the cable area compared to control zones. However, the varying patterns observed across different sites and depths necessitate further investigation, particularly considering the differences in MF intensities between field settings and controlled laboratory environments.
Isopods in the Bioremediation of Invasive Seaweeds? First Experience with the Seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae Mass Dumped on Beaches
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024-12-26) Patón, Daniel; García Gómez, José Carlos; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología
Since 2015, the invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae has triggered the most serious marine macrophyte invasion in Europe. Its huge coastal biomass dumped on beaches generates health problems, strong odors, impacts on tourism, and high clean-up costs, but it also constitutes a new potential marine resource that offers significant prospects for exploitation. In this sense, as a circular economy strategy, seaweed bioremediation with isopods (Isopoda, Crustacea, Arthropoda) was experimented on for the first time. Specimens of Porcellio laevis (native terrestrial isopod) were obtained from urban parks and kept in terrariums with adequate humidity and temperature control. A sample of 150 adult specimens was divided into six batches of 25 animals. Three batches were fed with 100 g of mulch of Quercus pyrenaica leaves (control) and three with a diet composed of 100 g of mulch of algae (treatment). P. laevis consumed up to 1.5 times their weight per day on the algae diet, with little or no weight loss and adequate reproduction rates. The weight of the isopods averaged 1.6 g in the seaweed group and 2.5 g in the control group. However, high mortality was observed in both mancas and adults in the treatment group. In this sense, the average number of mancas per cm2 was 0 in the algae group and 325 in the control group. Despite this, the results are promising, and consequently, we propose to encourage research with isopods due to their high voracity, high prolificacy, and resistance to invasive algal recycling. Future work should explore what percentage of R. okamurae prevents diterpene mortality of isopods and other invertebrates. This is a preliminary step towards the massive bioremediation of spring and summer blooms of R. okamurae. This work contributes to highlighting this abundant marine resource.
Effects of Artificial Illumination on Intertidal Communities As A Consequence of Coastal Urbanisation
(Juniper Publishers, 2019) Sempere Valverde, Juan; Espinosa Torre, Free; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología
Coastal urbanization is often accompanied by the replacement of natural substrata by artificial structures, which causes coastal habitat modifications, losses of species richness, diversity and microhabitats diversity and favours the settlement of non-native species. The impact that coastal defence structures cause in the intertidal community is further favoured by the anthropic pressures produced in heavily populated areas (such as pollution or the collection of intertidal organisms). Among these, the effect of artificial lights on intertidal communities is practically unknown, even though that the behaviour of many intertidal vagile organisms is synchronized with circatidal and circadian rhythms. Considering that large areas of natural and artificial habitats are exposed to artificial illumination, this review exposes the current knowledge in this matter in order to evaluate the importance of this disregarded impact. Nocturnal lighting can increase stress in intertidal communities, modifying the predation rates and community dynamics. Likewise, lights may favour visual foragers and favour crepuscular behaviours. In consequence, light pollution should be considered in future conservation strategies and more ecological coastal structure designs
Genomic, Phenotypic and Environmental Correlates of Speciation in the Midwife Toads (Alytes)
(Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2025-03-25) Ambu, Johanna; Litvinchuk, Spartak N.; Caballero-Díaz, Carlos; Nicieza, Alfredo; Velo-Antón, Guillermo; Gonçalves, Helena; Martínez-Freiría, Fernando; Martínez-Gil, Helena; Beltrán Gala, Juan Francisco; Dufresnes, Christophe; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; National Natural Science Foundation of China; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Speciation, i.e., the formation of new species, implies that diverging populations evolve genetic, phenotypic or ecological factors that promote reproductive isolation (RI), but the relative contributions of these factors remain elusive. Here we test which of genomic, bioacoustic, morphological, and environmental differences best predicts RI across a continuum of divergence in the midwife toads (genus Alytes), a group of Western Mediterranean amphibians, using a total evidence approach. We found that, without strong geographic barriers to dispersal, the extent of introgression across hybrid zones between phylogeographic lineages, which should reflect the strength of RI, predominantly covaries with genomic divergence. Overall phenotypic differentiation becomes substantial only between well established, fully isolated species. These results suggest that speciation in midwife toads initially involve cryptic lineages, which probably evolve RI through intrinsic (genetic) hybrid incompatibilities. As they continue to diverge, these nascent species eventually differentiate externally, which potentially enforces pre-mating barriers and facilitates sympatry. This speciation scenario has practical implications for species delimitation, notably when using hybrid zones and divergence thresholds as proxies for reproductive isolation.
Invertebrate composting quality of the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae, prospects for its bio-recycling, management and circular economy
(Public Library of Science, 2024-10-23) Patón, Daniel; García Gómez, José Carlos; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología
In recent decades, the invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae has had a huge environmental impact on marine biodiversity, fisheries, GHG emissions and public health along much of the Iberian Peninsula and islands coastline. Due to the enormous amount of algae biomass that is expelled to the beaches where it slowly rots, some circular economy business initiatives, such as composting, are emerging. In the present study, we compared the quality of compost obtained from earthworms (Dendrobaena veneta), cockroaches (Eublaberus sp.), mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). Batches fed with 100% organic kitchen waste (control group) were compared with batches fed with 50% algae and 50% kitchen waste (treatment group). Our results show that the most sensitive species (D. veneta and T. molitor) to R. okamurae toxins compost adequately. The C/N ratio, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total organic matter (TOM), C, K, K2O, Mg, MgO, N, P, P2O5, B, Cu, Ni and Zn of the compost obtained were determined. A high quality compost was obtained in which only the EC values are slightly elevated. Particularly good was the compost obtained with H. illucens and Eublaberus sp. This quality is in agreement with previous research on the mass balance of composting. Therefore, both species offer, in the field of circular economy, encouraging prospects for the development of composting enterprises
Allometric Constraint Predominates Over the Acoustic Adaptation Hypothesis in a Radiation of Neotropical Treefrogs
(Willey, 2024-12-10) Escalona, Moisés; Simoes, Pedro Ivo; González Voyer, Alejandro; Mendoza Henao, Ángela M.; Bezerra, Anressa de Mello; Pinheiro, Paulo D. P.; Castroviejo Fisher, Santiago; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología; Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico. Brasil; Society of Systematic Biologists (SSB); Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP); Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation. UU.EE; Junta de Andalucía
Male frogs emit stereotypical advertisement calls to attract mates and deter conspecific rivals. The evolution of these calls is thought to be linked to anatomical constraints and the acoustic characteristics of their surroundings. The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) posits that species evolve calls that maximize propagation distance and reduce signal degradation in the environment where they are emitted. We applied phylogenetic comparative analyses to study the association of body size, vegetation density, type of aquatic ecosystem, and calling site on the evolution of acoustic traits in Cophomantini, a large radiation of Neotropical treefrogs (Hylidae). We obtained and analyzed body size, acoustic, and habitat data from a total of 112 species (58% of Cophomantini), using the most inclusive available phylogeny. We found a significant negative correlation between peak frequency, body size, and calling site, but contrary to the predictions of the AAH, we did not find support for associations among call traits and environmental characteristics. Although spectral allometry is explained by an anatomical constraint, it could also be maintained by female choice. We recommend that future studies strive to incorporate factors such as female mate preferences, eavesdropping by predators or parasites, and genetic drift.
A Revision of Dispersal Strategies in Freshwater Sponges: The Journey of the Ponto-Caspian Sponge Rosulaspongilla rhadinaea (Porifera: Spongillidae), a New Alien Species for Europe
(MDPI, 2024-12-03) Carballo Cenizo, Juan José Luis; Cruz Barraza, José Antonio; García Gómez, José Carlos; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Zoología
Alien species constitute one of the main threats to freshwater ecosystems, negatively impacting biodiversity, economy, and ecosystem services. Here, we use morphological and genetic data to show the presence of a new alien freshwater sponge in Europe, Rosulaspongilla rhadinaea, a Ponto-Caspian species which recently has been found in the fluvial port of Seville (Guadalquivir River, Spain). We also reviewed the mechanisms and adaptations of freshwater sponges for dispersal. The gemmule is the key structure for understanding their life history, evolution, and dispersal capacity, since their high salinity tolerance may have made possible the spreading of these sponges on the hulls of ocean-going ships that frequent freshwater ports. Once established, they are dispersed via river currents and intraregional boat traffic through the network of interconnected channels, which act as invasion corridors. Transport via phoresy attached to mobile animal vectors such as birds (especially migrating birds) has also been demonstrated in several sponge species. Gemmules may be attached on the feathers and scales, or even to be transported in the guts of these animals, followed by defecation of viable gemmules. Transport associated with other invasive freshwater species, such as mussels, cannot be ruled out. The scarcity of taxonomic studies of freshwater sponges in the Iberian Peninsula might explain why the species had not been recorded.

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