scholarly journals Interpretation of patterns of genetic variation in endemic plant species of oceanic islands

2013 ◽  
Vol 174 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tod F. Stuessy ◽  
Koji Takayama ◽  
Patricio López-Sepúlveda ◽  
Daniel J. Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Oceanic Islands ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

scholarly journals Endemic plant species are more palatable to introduced herbivores than non-endemics

2019 ◽  
Vol 286 (1900) ◽  
pp. 20190136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonay Cubas ◽  
Severin D. H. Irl ◽  
Rafael Villafuerte ◽  
Víctor Bello-Rodríguez ◽  
Juan Luis Rodríguez-Luengo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Oceanic Islands ◽  
European Rabbit ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Introduced Herbivores ◽  
Specific Vulnerability ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

Islands harbour a spectacular diversity and unique species composition. This uniqueness is mainly a result of endemic species that have evolved in situ in the absence of mammal herbivores. However, island endemism is under severe threat by introduced herbivores. We test the assumption that endemic species are particularly vulnerable to generalist introduced herbivores (European rabbit) using an unprecedented dataset covering an entire island with enormous topographic, climatic and biological diversity (Tenerife, Canary Islands). With increasing endemism, plant species are more heavily browsed by rabbits than non-endemic species with up to 67% of endemics being negatively impacted by browsing, indicating a dramatic lack of adaptation to mammal herbivory in endemics. Ecosystems with high per cent endemism are most heavily browsed, suggesting ecosystem-specific vulnerability to introduced herbivores, even within islands. Protection of global biodiversity caused by disproportionally high endemism on oceanic islands via ecosystem-specific herbivore control and eradication measures is of utmost importance.

scholarly journals Conserving Endemic Plant Species in Oceanic Island’s Protected Areas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Mouga
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Oceanic Islands ◽  
Endemic Plants ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Rapid Speciation ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Limited Dispersal ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

Oceanic islands are known for their high levels of plant diversity, due to disjunct geographical distribution that leads to speciation. The main factors contributing to genetic speciation includes the creation of a barrier within a previously widely distributed taxon and the limited dispersal of seeds, which favours genetic differentiation and, thus, fosters rapid speciation. Plant survival and population fitness vary according to environmental factors and to human interference. This chapter depicts the importance of oceanic islands as biodiversity hotspots, discusses the threats to which endemic plants on islands are exposed, namely climate change, invasive alien species, urbanisation, touristic activities, fire, changes in agriculture practices and collecting pressure. The best practices worldwide to protect endemic plant species in protected areas are also addressed, namely the implementation of prevention and mitigation actions, the programs executed to protect endemic species, and management plans to avoid future threats.

scholarly journals Mauritian coloured nectar no longer a mystery: a visual signal for lizard pollinators

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis M Hansen ◽  
Karin Beer ◽  
Christine B Müller
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Evidence ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Flowering Plants ◽  
Visual Signal ◽  
Honest Signal ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Floral Trait ◽  
Flower Visitation ◽  
Artificial Flowers ◽  
Endemic Plant Species

Most floral nectars are clear as water, and the enigmatic coloured nectar in three endemic plant species in Mauritius has puzzled scientists studying it. One hypothesis about the possible ecological function of coloured nectar is that it serves as a visual signal for pollinators. Recent studies have shown that at least two of the three Mauritian plant species with coloured nectar are visited and pollinated by endemic Phelsuma geckos. We here provide experimental evidence for the visual signal hypothesis by showing that Phelsuma ornata geckos prefer coloured over clear nectar in artificial flowers. In flowering plants, coloured nectar could additionally function as an honest signal that allows pollinators to assert the presence and judge the size of a reward prior to flower visitation, and to adjust their behaviour accordingly, leading to increased pollinator efficiency. Our study provides a first step in understanding this rare and intriguing floral trait.

scholarly journals Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids and Fatty Acids from the Endemic Plant Species Rindera umbellata and the Effect of Lindelofine-N-oxide on Tubulin Polymerization

Molecules ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 10694-10706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Mandić ◽  
Milena Simić ◽  
Ivan Vučković ◽  
Ljubodrag Vujisić ◽  
Miroslav Novaković ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ◽  
Tubulin Polymerization ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Endemic Plant Species
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