scholarly journals A review of the relation between species traits and extinction risk

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipe Chichorro ◽  
Aino Juslén ◽  
Pedro Cardoso
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Biogeographical Regions ◽  
Habitat Breadth ◽  
The Many ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTBiodiversity is shrinking rapidly, and despite our efforts only a small part of it has been assessed for extinction risk. Identifying the traits that make species vulnerable might help us to predict the outcome for those less known. We gathered information on the relations of traits to extinction risk from 173 publications, across all taxa, spatial scales and biogeographical regions, in what we think it is the most comprehensive compilation to date. Vertebrates and the Palaearctic are the most studied taxon and region because of higher accumulation of data in these groups. Among the many traits that have been suggested to be good predictors, our meta-analyses were successful in identifying two as potentially useful in assessing risk for the lesser-known species: regardless of the taxon, species with small range and habitat breadth are more vulnerable to extinction. On the other hand, body size (the most studied trait) did not present a consistently positive or negative response. In line with recent research, we hypothesize that the relationship between body size and extinction risk is shaped by different aspects, namely body size is a proxy for different phenomena depending on the taxonomic group.

scholarly journals Biological and extrinsic correlates of extinction risk in Chinese lizards

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuxi Zhong ◽  
Chuanwu Chen ◽  
Yanping Wang
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Habitat Specialization ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Extrinsic Factors

Abstract China is a country with one of the most species rich reptile faunas in the world. However, nearly a quarter of Chinese lizard species assessed by the China Biodiversity Red List are threatened. Nevertheless, to date, no study has explicitly examined the pattern and processes of extinction and threat in Chinese lizards. In this study, we conducted the first comparative phylogenetic analysis of extinction risk in Chinese lizards. We addressed the following three questions: 1) What is the pattern of extinction and threat in Chinese lizards? 2) Which species traits and extrinsic factors are related to their extinction risk? 3) How can we protect Chinese lizards based on our results? We collected data on ten species traits (body size, clutch size, geographic range size, activity time, reproductive mode, habitat specialization, habitat use, leg development, maximum elevation, and elevation range) and seven extrinsic factors (mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, mean annual solar insolation, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), human footprint, human population density, and human exploitation). After phylogenetic correction, these variables were used separately and in combination to assess their associations with extinction risk. We found that Chinese lizards with small geographic range, large body size, high habitat specialization, and living in high precipitation areas were vulnerable to extinction. Conservation priority should thus be given to species with the above extinction-prone traits so as to effectively protect Chinese lizards. Preventing future habitat destruction should also be a primary focus of management efforts because species with small range size and high habitat specialization are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.

scholarly journals Substantial hysteresis in emergent temperature sensitivity of global wetland CH4 emissions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuang-Yu Chang ◽  
William J. Riley ◽  
Sara H. Knox ◽  
Robert B. Jackson ◽  
Gavin McNicol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Sensitivity ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Biogeochemical Model ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variability ◽  
Biogeochemical Models ◽  
Model Parameterization ◽  
Machine Learning Model ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Global Carbon

AbstractWetland methane (CH4) emissions ($${F}_{{{CH}}_{4}}$$ F C H 4 ) are important in global carbon budgets and climate change assessments. Currently, $${F}_{{{CH}}_{4}}$$ F C H 4 projections rely on prescribed static temperature sensitivity that varies among biogeochemical models. Meta-analyses have proposed a consistent $${F}_{{{CH}}_{4}}$$ F C H 4 temperature dependence across spatial scales for use in models; however, site-level studies demonstrate that $${F}_{{{CH}}_{4}}$$ F C H 4 are often controlled by factors beyond temperature. Here, we evaluate the relationship between $${F}_{{{CH}}_{4}}$$ F C H 4 and temperature using observations from the FLUXNET-CH4 database. Measurements collected across the globe show substantial seasonal hysteresis between $${F}_{{{CH}}_{4}}$$ F C H 4 and temperature, suggesting larger $${F}_{{{CH}}_{4}}$$ F C H 4 sensitivity to temperature later in the frost-free season (about 77% of site-years). Results derived from a machine-learning model and several regression models highlight the importance of representing the large spatial and temporal variability within site-years and ecosystem types. Mechanistic advancements in biogeochemical model parameterization and detailed measurements in factors modulating CH4 production are thus needed to improve global CH4 budget assessments.

Measuring insect rarity: practical issues, pragmatic approaches

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (10) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Fattorini ◽  
Andrea Di Giulio ◽  
Leonardo Dapporto
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Literature Information ◽  
Invertebrate Conservation ◽  
Species Vulnerability ◽  
Museum Data ◽  
Data Field

Rarity is often considered an indication of species extinction risk, and rarity measures are used as important tools to predict species vulnerability and hence to establish conservation priorities. For these reasons, rarity is among the most important issues involved in conservation programs. A number of studies have attempted to investigate relationships between rarity and extinction risk in plants and vertebrates, whereas only few papers have investigated similar issues in invertebrate taxa. This has limited the use of standardized rarity measures in invertebrate conservation studies. Assessing rarity is especially important when other pieces of information are difficult, or even definitively impossible, to obtain, as commonly found for most insects. Four broad categories of rarity are commonly recognized: geographical, ecological, population and phylogenetic rarity. On the basis of this framework, we present here a short review of the rarity forms most frequently investigated in insect studies, and their relationships with the main species traits related to extinction risk (such as body size, mobility, trophic level, host specificity, larval and adult behaviours, etc.). We discuss what they mean, how they can be measured, which type of data (field collections, museum data, literature information) are needed and how to avoid the most common pitfalls associated with rarity studies, with indications for pragmatic approaches in data analysis.

Maternal fitness consequences of interactions among agents of mortality in early life of salmonids

2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (9) ◽  
pp. 1539-1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Mogensen ◽  
Jeffrey A. Hutchings
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Salmonid Fishes ◽  
Allee Effects ◽  
Functional Relationships ◽  
Fitness Consequences ◽  
Dependent Sources ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Offspring Mortality

Maternal effects can be key determinants of female fitness through their influence on survival in early life. In salmonid fishes, three density-dependent sources of offspring mortality are redd superimposition, predation, and starvation. An individual-based model was developed to explore how these sources of mortality can affect functional relationships among maternal fitness, maternal phenotype (body size), spawner density, and spawning timing. We found that the strength of the relationship between maternal size and fitness was highly context-dependent, differing with the source of offspring mortality and with interactions among the mortality agents. Component Allee effects at low spawner densities were also detected in some simulations. The results reveal unanticipated interactions among offspring mortality sources, maternal body size, and fitness. Given the high probability that these mortality sources differ considerably across variable temporal and spatial scales, there would be considerable value in obtaining field-based empirical data to test the predictions proffered here to better understand the correlates of maternal fitness in salmonid fishes.

scholarly journals Species traits predict extinction risk across the Tree of Life

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipe Chichorro ◽  
Fernando Urbano ◽  
Dinarte Teixeira ◽  
Henry Väre ◽  
Tiago Pinto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Diet Breadth ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Tree Of Life ◽  
Offspring Size ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dispersal Ability ◽  
Human Footprint ◽  
Habitat Breadth

SummaryBiodiversity is eroding at unprecedented rates due to human activity1. Species’ trajectories towards extinction are shaped by multiple factors, including life-history traits2 as well as human pressures3. Previous studies linking these factors to extinction risk have been narrow in their taxonomic and geographic scope4, thus limiting the ability for identifying global predictors. We studied the relation between 12 traits and the extinction risk of almost 900 species representing 15 groups across the tree of life (vertebrates, invertebrates and plants) at a global scale. We show that threatened species share narrow habitat breadth, poor dispersal ability, low fecundity, small altitudinal range, and are affected by a large human footprint. Other traits either show contrasting responses among groups (body size, offspring size, and change in human footprint), or relations were found for only a limited number of taxa (generation length, diet breadth, microhabitat). Our study suggests that in the absence of data on the precise distribution and population trends of species, traits can be used as predictors of extinction risk and thus help guide future research, monitoring and conservation efforts.

scholarly journals Body size and extinction risk in Brazilian carnivores

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 45-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
German Forero-Medina ◽  
Marcus Vinícius Vieira ◽  
Carlos Eduardo de Viveiros Grelle ◽  
Paulo Jose Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Phylogenetically Independent Contrasts ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Natural Reserves

Because extinctions are not random across taxa, it is important for conservation biologists to identify the traits that make some species more vulnerable. Factors associated with vulnerability include small geographical ranges, low densities, high trophic level, "slow" life histories, body size, and tolerance to altered habitats. In this study we examined the relationship of body size, reproductive output, longevity, and extinction risk for carnivores occurring in Brazil. We used generalized linear models analyses on phylogenetically independent contrasts to test the effect of body size alone, and the combined effect of body size, litter size and longevity on extinction risk. Body size appeared in the two best models according to the selection criteria (AIC), and it was the most plausible bionomic variable associated with extinction risk. Litter size and longevity, bionomic traits previously associated with threat risk of Brazilian carnivores, were implausible. The higher extinction risk for larger species could result from body size influencing vulnerability to different human activities, such as killing, habitat destruction and fragmentation, and the small size of natural reserves.

scholarly journals Scale dependencies and generalism in host use shape virus prevalence

2017 ◽  
Vol 284 (1869) ◽  
pp. 20172066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael McLeish ◽  
Soledad Sacristán ◽  
Aurora Fraile ◽  
Fernando García-Arenal
Keyword(s):  
Host Range ◽  
Spatial Scale ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Biotic Interactions ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Host Use ◽  
Virus Prevalence ◽  
Model Predictions ◽  
The Relationship

Processes that generate the distribution of pathogens and their interactions with hosts are not insensitive to changes in spatial scale. Spatial scales and species traits are often selected intentionally, based on practical considerations, ignoring biases that the scale and type of observation may introduce. Specifically, these biases might change the interpretation of disease–diversity relationships that are reported as either ‘dilution’ or ‘amplification’ effects. Here, we combine field data of a host–pathogen community with empirical models to test the effects that (i) spatial scale and (ii) host range have on the relationship between plant–virus infection prevalence and diversity. We show that prevalence–diversity relationships are scale-dependent and can produce opposite effects associated with different habitats at sub-ecosystem scales. The total number of host species of each virus reflected generalism at the ecosystem scale. However, plasticity in host range resembled habitat-specific specialization and also changed model predictions. We show that habitat heterogeneity, ignored at larger (ecosystem) spatial scales, influences pathogen distributions. Hence, understanding disease distributions and the evolution of pathogens requires reconciling specific hypotheses of the study with an appropriate spatial scale, or scales, and consideration of traits, such as host range, that might strongly contribute to biotic interactions.

A Meta-Analysis of Interviews and Cognitive Ability

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 157-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip L. Roth ◽  
Allen I. Huffcutt
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Incremental Validity ◽  
Employment Interviews ◽  
Moderator Analysis ◽  
The Future ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Relationship

The topic of what interviews measure has received a great deal of attention over the years. One line of research has investigated the relationship between interviews and the construct of cognitive ability. A previous meta-analysis reported an overall corrected correlation of .40 ( Huffcutt, Roth, & McDaniel, 1996 ). A more recent meta-analysis reported a noticeably lower corrected correlation of .27 ( Berry, Sackett, & Landers, 2007 ). After reviewing both meta-analyses, it appears that the two studies posed different research questions. Further, there were a number of coding judgments in Berry et al. that merit review, and there was no moderator analysis for educational versus employment interviews. As a result, we reanalyzed the work by Berry et al. and found a corrected correlation of .42 for employment interviews (.15 higher than Berry et al., a 56% increase). Further, educational interviews were associated with a corrected correlation of .21, supporting their influence as a moderator. We suggest a better estimate of the correlation between employment interviews and cognitive ability is .42, and this takes us “back to the future” in that the better overall estimate of the employment interviews – cognitive ability relationship is roughly .40. This difference has implications for what is being measured by interviews and their incremental validity.

The impact of cultural factors on attachment dynamics: a view from Irish society

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-223
Author(s):  
Michael O’Toole
Keyword(s):  
Significant Role ◽  
Emotional Development ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
Seamus Heaney ◽  
Irish Society ◽  
Irish Context ◽  
Key Points ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

In this article I examine aspects of the relationship between mothers and sons from an attachment perspective in an Irish context. Through the works of Irish writers such as Seamus Heaney, John McGahern, and Colm Tóibín, I focus on particular aspects of this relationship, which fails to support the developmental processes of separation and individuation in the many men who come to me for psychotherapy. I illustrate key points concerning this attachment dynamic through the use of clinical examples of my work with two men from my practice. While acknowledging that many other cultural factors play a significant role in the emotional development of children, integrating the work of our poets, novelists, and scholars with an attachment perspective

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