Artículos (Zoología)

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://hdl.handle.net/11441/10929

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Unraveling food web structure in alpine lakes: insights from stable isotope analysis
(Taylor & Francis, LTD, 2025-07-10) Carbonell Hernández, José Antonio; Donázar Aramendía, Iñigo Javier; Pallarés Párraga, Susana; Franco Fuentes, Eduardo; Abellán Ródenas, Pedro; Zoología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Understanding trophic relationships in alpine lakes is essential to explore ecosystem functioning in extreme habitats. This study analyzed aquatic food webs in 3 alpine lakes in the Sierra Nevada massif (southern Spain) using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N). Our main objectives were to examine the isotopic composition of food web components and trophic links between food sources and macroinvertebrates. Results showed niche overlap among macroinvertebrate species, leading to simple and short trophic relationships. Aguas Verdes lake showed a more complex food web and wider δ13C range because of its greater habitat diversity and primary source inputs, creating variability within the isotopic niche space. However, this complexity could increase vulnerability to environmental changes, affecting community composition and primary production. Conversely, La Caldera Lake had higher δ15N values, indicating more complex trophic structure. Its simpler food web was primarily based on particulate organic matter, with limited variability in consumer niches. Overlapping isotopic niches across lakes suggested shared resources, likely adaptations to oligotrophic conditions. High levels of intraguild predation and resource competition emphasise the stabilizing role of macroinvertebrates. Our findings advance understanding of alpine lake food web and support future ecological studies in these environments.
Response of peracarid assemblage (Crustacea: Malacostraca) to artificial light across different urban shallow habitats
(Elsevier, 2025-08) Sáenz Arias, Pablo; Lanza Arroyo, Pablo; Arellano Sánchez, Alejandro; Navarro Barranco, Carlos; Guerra García, José Manuel; Zoología; Ministerio de universidades
Artificial light at night (ALAN) has been revealed as an emergent stressor in the last decades. Currently, most of the coastline is globally exposed to this stressor, causing ecological alterations in many marine species and processes. In coastal habitats, diel vertical migration is a widespread behaviour whereby organisms remain in the bottom during day, and they ascend at night. ALAN has been reported to disrupt this behaviour, even in shallow waters. Since peracarids are dominant in these coastal habitats, it is mandatory to understand if their vertical migration is compromised by ALAN. To address this issue, peracarids from the water column were collected in three urban shallow habitats with different levels of human pressure: recreational marinas, breakwaters and beaches. In each habitat, sampling was conducted during daytime, night and night adding artificial light with two portables spotlights. Our results indicated that abundance, species richness, diversity, evenness and peracarid community structure varied across habitats and light treatments, but there were not differences between night and ALAN. However, at least six species showed positive or negative phototaxis, including the dominant species Cumella (Cumella) limicola. Our results also highlighted the plasticity of this behaviour even within the same species, which could mask the response of those migrants to ALAN and thus, underestimate its impact in the assemblage. Given the important role of peracarids in shallow ecosystems, our study may help in light pollution management, especially given the increasing lighting in coastal areas.
The role of marine debris as a vector, dispersal agent, and substrate for non-indigenous species on Oceanic Islands (Northeast Atlantic)
(Elsevier, 2025-05) Ramalhosa, Patrício; Monteiro, João Gama; Rech, Sabine; Gestoso, Ignacio; Álvarez, Soledad; Ros Clemente, Macarena; Canning-Clode, João; Zoología; Oceanic Observatory of Madeira - OOM Project. Portugal; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. Portugal
Marine debris (MD) can be a transport vector for diverse marine communities, including non-indigenous species (NIS). This study assessed MD potential role as a substrate for colonization and dispersal vector for NIS in the Madeira Archipelago (NE Atlantic) by examining three MD categories: floating (FMD), seafloor (SMD), and beached (BMD). Opportunistic sampling, conducted in collaboration with local maritime stakeholders, documented MD sightings with photographs and GPS coordinates. A total of 92 MD items were inspected, revealing 108 fouling species across 11 phyla, with 13 % identified as NIS. SMD exhibited the highest proportion of NIS (9.6 %), followed by BMD (4.4 %) and FMD (3.9 %). Notably, the study provides evidence that FMD functions as both a substrate and a dispersal vector for NIS in Madeira waters. Combining biogeographic analyses, oceanographic modelling, and MD identification marks, this study highlighted the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre's currents as key pathways, transporting MD items from the Wider Caribbean, the North American east coast, and the Iberian Peninsula to Madeira within 2–3 years. These findings emphasize Madeira's dual role as both a recipient and exporter of MD, with implications for NIS introductions and secondary spread. This study underscores the urgent need for standardized monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and proactive MD management strategies to mitigate NIS introductions and protect sensitive marine ecosystems like Macaronesia from the ecological risks of biological invasions.
Mapping the voices: Spanish boat owners and marina operators on non‑indigenous marine species—knowledge and key informants
(Springer Nature, 2025-04-27) Martínez Laiz, Gemma; Leonard, Kaeden; Le, Chi Thai‑Uyen; Le Hewitt, Chad Roy; Guerra García, José Manuel; Navarro Barranco, Carlos; Campbell, Marnie L.; Zoología; Universidad de Sevilla; Gobierno de España; European Union (UE); Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte (MECD). España; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España
The public need to be aware of nonindigenous species (NIS) and how they spread to effectively manage this marine biosecurity risk. In most countries, the management of biosecurity risks associated with recreational boating relies exclusively on vessel owners and marina managers engaging in pro-environmental behaviours. To understand if this management approach is feasible, stakeholders’ perceptions first need to be identified. Surveys assessed people’s knowledge, awareness about NIS and channels involved in risk communication in three countries with different management scenarios and marine biosecurity histories: Spain, Australia and New Zealand. There was a mismatch between perceived and actual knowledge of NIS among respondents, with clear significant differences in perceptions between countries and socio-demographic profiles. Spanish stakeholders are significantly unaware of this biosecurity risk, and inaccurate knowledge was associated with specific media channels of the risk communication network. We provide recommendations to assist policymakers and science communicators when implementing an early risk communication strategy for Spanish influencing stakeholder groups.
Changes in microbiome composition during ontogeny and dispersal of the coral boring sponge Thoosa mismalolli
(Springer Nature Limited, 2025-01-18) Bautista Guerrero, Eric; Carballo Cenizo, Juan José Luis; Rodríguez Zaragoza, Fabián Alejandro; Goméz-Gil, Bruno; García-Gasca, Alejandra; Rodríguez-Troncoso, Alma P.; González-Castillo, Adrián; Zoología; National Autonomous University of México (UNAM). Mexico; Universidad de Guadalajara. Mexico
Dispersal is an important life history trait that plays a key role in the demography and evolution of species. We employed a combined approach of DNA sequencing and transmission electron microscopy to examine the changes in the microbiome during the ontogeny and dispersal of the coral-excavating sponge Thoosa mismalolli. The results show that sponge can acquired their associated bacteria via both vertical (VT) and horizontal transmission (HT). Adult sponges, brooding larvae, and early free-swimming sponge larvae harbor a similar high-diversity microbial assemblage, dominated by Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi, which change throughout the larval dispersal phase. Larvae collected offshore showed a reorganization of their microbiome with a significant reduction of the dominance of inherited bacteria (Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi), and an enrichment of environmentally derived bacteria taxa (Bacteroidetes, Tenericutes, and Firmicutes). TEM confirmed a substantial change in cell structure and microbial composition, attributed to symbionts’ massive phagocytosis. This research provides information on microbiome dynamics through the sponge ontogeny and sheds on their possible role in the dispersal capacity of their larvae.
Bacterial density rather than diversity correlates with hatching success across different avian species
(Oxford University Press, 2018-02-09) Peralta Sánchez, Juan Manuel; Martin-Platero, A. M.; Wegener-Parfrey, L.; Martinez-Bueno, M.; Rodriguez-Ruano, S.; Navas-Molina, J. A.; Soler, J. J.; Zoología; Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (MEC). España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)
Bacterial communities within avian nests are considered an important determinant of egg viability, potentially selecting for traits that confer embryos with protection against trans-shell infection. A high bacterial density on the eggshell increases hatching failure, whether this effect could be due to changes in bacterial community or just a general increase in bacterial density. We explored this idea using intra- and interspecific comparisons of the relationship between hatching success and eggshell bacteria characterized by culture and molecular techniques (fingerprinting and high-throughput sequencing). We collected information for 152 nests belonging to 17 bird species. Hatching failures occurred more frequently in nests with higher density of aerobic mesophilic bacteria on their eggshells. Bacterial community was also related to hatching success, but only when minority bacterial operational taxonomic units were considered. These findings support the hypothesis that bacterial density is a selective agent of embryo viability, and hence a proxy of hatching failure only within species. Although different avian species hold different bacterial densities or assemblages on their eggs, the association between bacteria and hatching success was similar for different species. This result suggests that interspecific differences in antibacterial defenses are responsible for keeping the hatching success at similar levels in different species.
The gut microbiota of brood parasite and host nestlings reared within the same environment: disentangling genetic and environmental effects
(Oxford University Press, 2020-07-17) Lee, C. Y.; Peralta Sánchez, Juan Manuel; Martinez-Bueno, M.; Moller, A. P.; Rabelo-Ruiz, M.; Zamora-Munoz, C.; Soler, J. J.; Zoología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Junta de Andalucía
Gut microbiota are essential for host health and survival, but we are still far from understanding the processes involved in shaping their composition and evolution. Controlled experimental work under lab conditions as well as human studies pointed at environmental factors (i.e., diet) as the main determinant of the microbiota with little evidence of genetic effects, while comparative interspecific studies detected significant phylogenetic effects. Different species, however, also differ in diet, feeding behavior, and environmental characteristics of habitats, all of which also vary interspecifically, and, therefore, can potentially explain most of the detected phylogenetic patterns. Here, we take advantage of the reproductive strategy of avian brood parasites and investigate gut microbiotas (esophageal (food and saliva) and intestinal) of great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) and magpie (Pica pica) nestlings that grow in the same nests. We also estimated diet received by each nestling and explored its association with gut microbiota characteristics. Although esophageal microbiota of magpies and great spotted cuckoos raised within the same environment (nest) did not vary, the microbiota of cloacal samples showed clear interspecific differences. Moreover, diet of great spotted cuckoo and magpie nestlings explained the microbiota composition of esophageal samples, but not of cloaca samples. These results strongly suggest a genetic component determining the intestinal microbiota of host and parasitic bird species, indicating that interspecific differences in gut morphology and physiology are responsible for such interspecific differences.
Genetic variability, biomass parameters, elemental composition and energy content of the non-indigenous hydromedusa Craspedacusta sowerbii in North America
(Oxford University Press, 2023) Lüskow, F.; Boersma, M.; López González, Pablo José; Pakhomov, E. A.; Zoología
The freshwater hydrozoan Craspedacusta sowerbii was introduced to habitats around the world and they spread into the surrounding water bodies thereafter. Despite an increase in reported observations, little is known about its genetics, physiology and ecology. The present study examined the organic content, elemental composition and energy content of jellyfish collected in Canada and the USA and compared these metrics with their marine counterparts and other co-occurring zooplankton. Specimens from the sampled lakes were sexed and molecularly characterized. Molecular, stoichiometric and energetic information is critical in determining distribution pathways and trophic connections. Molecular analyses showed two closely related sequences in North America, one shared by the Canadian and Japanese specimens, while another one is widely present across the Americas. Organic and all elemental contents were higher compared to marine jellyfish species. Estimated energy content of C. sowerbii was 20–27 kJ g DW−1, which is 2-fold higher than for marine hydrozoans and compared well with cladocerans, copepods and rotifers. Estimated C/P values indicated that cladocerans and copepods are suitable prey for C. sowerbii and that jellyfish may compete with juvenile fish to fulfill similar nutrient demands. Freshwater jellyfish were stoichiometrically and energetically different from marine hydrozoans, indicating higher importance in freshwater food webs than previously thought.
Toxicological Efficiency Evaluation of the ASEC Technology for Contaminated Mining Water Using Lemna minor
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-05-25) Conradi Barrena, Mercedes; Sánchez Moyano, Juan Emilio; Zoología; European Union (UE)
The Adiabatic Sonic Evaporation and Crystallization (ASEC) technology was developed as a disruptive zero-liquid discharge system to treat contaminated mining effluents. This study evaluates its ecotoxicological efficacy using Lemna minor, a freshwater macrophyte, as a sensitive bioindicator. Acute growth inhibition tests were conducted using OECD Guideline 221. Lemna minor was exposed for 7 days to untreated and treated effluents from the Tharsis mine and the Tinto River in southern Spain. The results revealed 100% inhibition of frond growth and biomass in untreated samples (pH < 2.6), indicating acute toxicity. In contrast, effluents treated with ASEC showed growth and biomass accumulation statistically indistinguishable from the control, confirming the system’s efficiency in reducing toxicity and restoring water quality. These findings support the environmental viability of ASEC technology for mine and port effluent treatment.
Vessel -Induced Behavioural Changes in Striped and Bottlenose Dolphins in Southern Spain
(Wiley, 2025-07-16) Olaya Ponzone, Liliana; Espada Ruíz, Rocío; Martín Moreno, Estefanía; Patón Domínguez, Daniel; García Gómez, José Carlos; Zoología; Universidad de Sevilla; Diputación Provincial de Cádiz
The interactions of commercial vessels that operate by sighting dolphins and other types of vessels can have detrimental effects on cetacean populations. Dolphins may suffer short-term effects that could trigger other long-term and even irreversible effects. Behavioural changes in groups of striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, and bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, were analysed in the Bay of Algeciras, Gibraltar, southern Spain. The reactions (Approach, Elusive and Indifference) of the dolphins to the boats were observed before each sighting began. The data was analysed only when the dolphins interacted with the boat collecting the data (Control situation) and when they interacted with more than one boat (Impact Situation). We distinguished between the sightings that complied with the cetacean approach protocol (regulated) and those that did not (unregulated). The behavioural states were classified into 5 categories: Feeding (F), Milling (M), Socialising (S), Travelling (T) and Diving (D), although it was not always possible to observe them all. It was concluded that the presence of boats and the failure to comply with the protocol for approaching cetaceans were the main causes of the behavioural transitions that led to an absorbing diving state in the Markov chains. The results showed that feeding behaviour was significantly altered, which can have negative consequences for the dolphins. The results obtained highlight the importance of implementing conservation plans that regulate maritime traffic, establish protection zones, and develop continuous monitoring programmes to ensure the survival of these species in their natural habitat.
The impact of temperature on lithium toxicity in the gastropod Tritia neritea
(Springer Nature, 2022-04-27) Marín Rodríguez, Belén; Coppola, Francesca; Conradi Barrena, Mercedes; Freitas, Rosa; Zoología; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar
The most important use of lithium (Li) is in rechargeable batteries. The growing use of Li, incorrect disposal of Li-based applications, and inefficient recycling strategies for their elimination will result in the release of this metal into the aquatic systems. Alongside with the impacts caused by pollutants, organisms in coastal ecosystems are also facing environmental changes as those related with climate change scenarios, namely, seawater temperature rise. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of temperature on Li toxicity, using the Nassariid gastropod Tritia neritea as model species. Metabolism and oxidative stress related biomarkers were evaluated after a 28-day exposure period. The results demonstrated that temperature enhanced the toxic impacts of Li, most probably due to snail increased sensitivity when under warming conditions. As a consequence of inefficient antioxidant and biotransformation capacity, lipid peroxidation was observed in Li-contaminated snails at 21 ºC, demonstrating a significant interaction between both factors. Regarding snails’ metabolic capacity, Li did not affect snails, but a clear decrease on their metabolism was observed at increased temperature (with or without Li) which may limit snail defense capacity. Overall, the present findings demonstrated the impacts derived from Li towards marine intertidal gastropods, evidencing enhanced threats under predicted warming conditions. Considering the role of T. neritea in the ecosystem functioning, impacts on this species may greatly affect other populations and eventually the entire community.
Mission impossible: Reach the carrion in a lithium pollution and marine warming scenario
(Elsevier, 2021-08) Marín Rodríguez, Belén; Bhuiyan, Md Khurshid Alam; Freitas, Rosa; Conradi Barrena, Mercedes; Zoología; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar
In this study we investigated the independent and synergistic effects of lithium (Li, 0.08 mM) contamination and the rising seawater temperature (21 °C; control- 15 °C) on survival and trophic interactions (foraging behaviour, success, search time, carrion preference, feeding time, and tissue consumption-the dry weight basis) of the opportunistic intertidal scavenger Tritia neritea. Trophic interactions were assessed in a two-choice test using a Y-maze design using the same amount of two carrion species (Solen marginatus and Mytilus galloprovincialis) given to all snails simultaneously. Lithium pollution and synergestic warming have the effect of reducing the survival rate of T. neritea, triggering potential global change scenarios. The foraging behaviour of T. neritea under Li-contaminated conditions was characterised by a decrease in the snail's effectiveness in finding a carrion. Lithium changes the feeding behaviour as well as increasing the time it takes for snails to reach their food. T. neritea did not show preference for any of the carrion species offered in controls, but a shift in feeding behaviour towards more energetic carrion under Li contamination which may indicate a strategy to compensate for the greater energy expenditure necessary to survive. There were no differences in feeding time at the different treatments and regardless of the treatment tested T. neritea consumed more mussels tissue probably due to its greater palatability. Results showing foraging modifications in an intertidal scavenger mollusc in global change scenarios indicate potential changes in complex trophic interactions of marine food webs.
Experimental evidence of uncertain future of the keystone ragworm Hediste diversicolor (O.F. Müller, 1776) under climate change conditions
(Elsevier, 2021-01-01) Bhuiyan, Khurshid Alam; Marín Rodríguez, Belén; Pires, Adilia; Riba, Inmaculada; Dellvals, Ángel; Freitas, Rosa; Conradi Barrena, Mercedes; Zoología; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España
It is currently assumed that climate change related factors pose severe challenges to biodiversity maintenance. This paper assesses the multi-stressor effects of elevated temperature (15 °C as control, 25 °C as elevated) and CO2 levels (pH 8.1 as control, 7.5 and 7.0 representing acidifying conditions) on the physiological (survival and regenerative capacity), behavioral (feeding and burrowing activities), and biochemical changes (metabolic capacity, oxidative status and biotransformation mechanisms) experienced by the keystone polychaete Hediste diversicolor. Temperature rise enlarged the adverse effect of marine acidification on the survival of H. diversicolor, delayed the beginning of the excavation activity, enhancing the negative effects that pH decrease had in the burrowing behavior of this polychaete. Additionally, regardless of the temperature, exposure of H. diversicolor to acidification results in a reduction in the feeding rate. It is the first time that this decreased feeding capacity is found related to seawater acidification in this species. The healing of the wound and the blastemal formation were retarded due to these two climatic factors which hinder the regenerative process of polychaetes. These vital physiological functions of H. diversicolor can be related to the oxidative stress induced by climate change conditions since free radicals overproduced will impair cells functioning, affecting species biochemical and physiological performance, including feeding and tissue regeneration. The present results also demonstrated that although polychaetes' metabolic capacity was enhanced under stress conditions, organisms were still able to increase or maintain their energy reserves. Our findings are of major environmental relevance considering that predicted climate change conditions will affect species vital and ecological and physiological capacities. These can be translated into shrinking not only at the individual and population level but also in microbial and endofaunal diversities, in the detritus processing in estuaries and biogeochemical cycles at the ecosystem level. Thus the conservation of H. diversicolor populations is vital for the normal functioning of estuarine mudflat ecosystems.
Intergenerational effects of ocean acidification on reproductive traits of an estuarine copepod
(Elsevier, 2022-12) Bhuiyan, Md Khurshid Alam; Billah, Md Masum; DelValls, Tomás Ángel; Conradi Barrena, Mercedes; Zoología
Copepods are an important part of the marine food web because of their high biomass productivity and nutrient turnover rate compared to other zooplankton in the marine ecosystem. Despite their great ecological role in the ocean, there is only limited information available on the consequences of ocean acidification (OA) induced by the future increase in CO2 on the planet. More specifically, there is almost no information about the impact of OA on the European copepod Calanipeda aquaedulcis Kritschagin, 1873. Therefore, the present investigation hypothesized that OA would not produce negative multigenerational effects on the survival and reproductive performance of this copepod species. Here we assessed, the multigenerational (F1 and F2) effect of OA on eight important reproductive traits (maturity, prosome length, fertility, egg release, hatching success, survival rate, reproductive performance, and the total number of adults per generation). For this study, C. aquaedulcis were collected from the Guadalquivir River (southwest of Spain) and were exposed to four different pH gradients (pH 8.1 as control and pH 7.5, 7.0, 6.5 as acidified conditions) to mimic the future seawater acidification scenarios. The survival rate from nauplius to adult, C. aquaedulcis was significantly reduced by pHs and across generations. Besides, results also indicated that there were marked effects on fertility, reflected by a significantly lower number of eggs per female in each generation. Similarly, hatching success also showed a decreasing pattern towards low pH, and importantly, F1 females had lower hatching success than F0 females. While a beneficial parental effect was detected in the offspring in response to OA, it was insufficient to offset the negative effects caused by it. The findings presented here appear to have ecological significance, as decreasing the reproductive performance of copepods may have a negative impact on the marine food web, as ichthyofaunal feeding and growth are heavily reliant on this component of the food web.
Wintering areas predict age-related breeding phenology in a migratory passerine bird
(Wiley, 2017-05) López Calderón, Cosme; Hobson, K. A.; Marzal, A.; Balbontín Arenas, Javier; Reviriego, M.; Magallanes, Sergio; García-Longoria, Luz; Lope, Florentino de; Møller, Anders P.; Zoología; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Junta de Extremadura; Junta de Andalucía
Understanding connections between breeding, stopover and wintering grounds for long-distance migratory birds can provide important insight into factors influencing demography and the strength of carry-over effects among various periods of the annual cycle. Using previously described, multi-isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H) feather isoscapes for Africa, we identified the most probable wintering areas for house martins Delichon urbica breeding at Badajoz in southwestern Spain. We identified two most-probable wintering areas differing in isotopic signature in west Africa. We found that the probability to winter in the isotopic cluster two was related to age and sex of individuals. Specifically, experienced males (i.e. two years or older) winter in the isotopic cluster two with a greater probability than experienced females, whereas first-year females winter in the isotopic cluster two with a greater probability than first-year males. In addition, wintering area was correlated with breeding phenology, with individuals wintering in the isotopic cluster two initiating their clutches earlier than those wintering in the isotopic cluster one. For birds wintering in the isotopic cluster two, there was no relationship between age and clutch initiation date. In contrast, young birds wintering in the isotopic cluster one initiated their clutches earlier than experienced birds wintering in this area. There was no significant correlation between wintering area and clutch size or the number of fledglings produced. We hypothesize that the relationship among social status, population density and winter habitat quality should be the most important driver of the carry-over effect we found for this population.
Habitat use of bryozoans in marinas across multiple spatial scales: the case of the Canary Islands (North-Eastern Atlantic)
(Elsevier, 2025-10) Ruiz Velasco, Sofía; Guerra García, José Manuel; Ros Clemente, Macarena; López-Fé de la Cuadra, Carlos María; Izquierdo, Ángela; Pastor Montero, María; Clemente, Sabrina; Zoología; RNM136: Laboratorio de Biología Marina (Zoología); RNM937: Ecología Integrada y Cambio Global
Marinas, as other maritime transport hubs, act as reservoirs for the introduction and secondary spread of non-indigenous bryozoans, which are key components of fouling communities. Although understanding habitat use patterns of these organisms could be very useful for implementing management strategies, the ecology of bryozoans in marinas has been greatly overlooked. To explore this issue, we sampled a total of 12 marinas on four islands of the Canarian archipelago (North-Eastern Atlantic). The occurrence of bryozoans (both total species and non-indigenous ones) was compared in contrasting zones within the marinas (i.e. interior and exterior) and types of floating artificial substrates (i.e. floating pontoons, buoys and ropes). We recorded a total of 23 bryozoan species, including 12 non-indigenous species. Both the type of substrate and the singularity of the marinas were the main factors driving the structure of bryozoan assemblages in marinas of the Canary Islands, while the sampled island had only a very subtle influence. Buoys showed the highest number of total and non-indigenous species of bryozoans, with some being registered only on this substrate. This finding supports buoys as a priority substrate in strategies for monitoring and detecting non-indigenous bryozoans in marinas.
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; 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.; 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; 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; 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.

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