1. Crayfish pet trade as a pathway for the introduction of known and novel virusesKatarina Bačnik, Luka Kranjc, Leticia Botella, Ivana Maguire, Dora Pavić, Jiří Patoka, Paula Dragičević, Martin Blaha, Ana Bielen, Antonín Kouba, Denis Kutnjak, Sandra Hudina, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Expanding international pet trade has emerged as one of the main introduction pathways of aquatic invasive species, with ornamental crayfish species commonly available on the EU and global markets. Besides most frequently studied crayfish pathogens, such as Aphanomyces astaci and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), ornamental crayfish carry associated microbial communities, which may potentially lead to the emergence of known or even novel diseases following intentional or unintentional release of animals into the wild. This is especially problematic in the case of viruses, which represent an important, yet considerably understudied, group of crayfish pathogens. Here we analyzed viromes of hepatopancreas tissue of four crayfish species acquired in the international pet trade in Europe (Procambarus clarkii, Procambarus alleni, Cherax holthuisi, and Cherax quadricarinatus) using a high throughput sequencing based metagenomic approach. Seven different known viruses were identified, which were previously either directly associated with crayfish (WSSV, Cherax quadricarinatus reovirus, chequa iflavirus, athtab bunya-like virus) or with hosts from subphylum Crustacea or invertebrates associated with freshwater environment (Shahe ispoda virus 5, Dicistroviridae sp.). Additional sequences represented 8 potential novel and divergent RNA viruses, most similar to sequences belonging to members of Picornavirales, Elliovirales, Reovirales, Hepelivirales, Tolivirales and Ghabrivirales orders. We discuss our findings in relation to their phylogenetic relationships, geographical origins, and putative pathogenicity implications. The results highlight the need for further research into the risks related to disease emergence associated with the pet trade. Ključne besede: virome, RNA viruses, ornamental crayfish, pet-trade, high throughput sequencing, ecology, molecular biology, pathology, virology, environmental risk assessment Objavljeno v DiRROS: 23.05.2025; Ogledov: 250; Prenosov: 164
Celotno besedilo (14,36 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Diversity of the surface microbiome of canopy-forming brown macroalgae (Fucales) in the northern AdriaticNeža Orel, Ana Lokovšek, Martina Orlando-Bonaca, Tinkara Tinta, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Canopy-forming brown macroalgae (Fucales) offer numerous key ecosystem services in Mediterranean coastal areas. However, anthropogenic pressures and climate change have significantly impacted their habitats, leading to an extensive population decline. Interactions between algae and microbiota are a major ecological aspect, yet they represent a significant knowledge gap. In our baseline study, we describe the diversity and host specificity of the microbiome of two genetically identical but morphologically distinct populations of Gongolaria barbata from anthropogenically impacted northern Adriatic Sea. Our preliminary results showed that the microbiomes of G. barbata exhibited low host specificity, with 75% of the algae-associated amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) being part of the core coastal ecosystem microbiome. However, microbiomes of specific algal parts, ambient seawater, and sediment differed significantly in terms of alpha diversity and composition. In contrast, the holdfast and axis show higher similarity with sediment microbiomes, indicating potential horizontal transmission pathways. Microbiomes associated with deciduous parts of morphologically distinct G. barbata populations showed no difference in alpha diversity and composition. In contrast, higher variation in alpha diversity and lower sequence proportion of shared ASVs were observed in the holdfast and axis of the two distinct populations. Our observational study provides valuable new insights and baseline for future hypothesis-driven research on the interactions between algae and associated microbiota—a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed in the future for better understanding of the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of coastal ecosystems. Ključne besede: ecosystem services, anthropogenic pressures, microbiome, host specificity, alpha diversity, marine biology, ecology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 18.04.2025; Ogledov: 207; Prenosov: 162
Celotno besedilo (1,35 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Comprehensive insights into Pseudo-nitzschia research in the Adriatic Sea : diverse perspectives and emerging discoveriesTimotej Turk Dermastia, Janja Francé, Jasna Arapov, Francesca Neri, Stefano Accoroni, Cecilia Totti, Federica Cerino, Maria Immacolata Ferrante, Fabrizio Bernardi Aubry, Stefania Finotto, Jelena Godrijan, Dragana Drakulović, Patricija Mozetič, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Pseudo-nitzschia, a globally distributed diatom genus, dominates phytoplankton communities in biomass and abundance, with some species producing domoic acid (DA), the neurotoxin responsible for Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP). The Adriatic Sea has become a hub of Pseudo-nitzschia research over the past 15 years. This review synthesizes multidisciplinary research across Adriatic sub-basins, integrating morphological, genetic, and ecological data. While ASP has never been documented in the Adriatic, DA was occasionally detected in shellfish. The production was linked to toxic species such as P. multistriata, P. calliantha, and P. galaxiae, which were found to produce DA in cultures from Adriatic isolates. Despite progress, LM-based monitoring remains prevalent, underestimating species complexity and toxigenic potential. Electron microscopy and genetic barcoding have nonetheless revealed new insights into the species composition of this genus in Adriatic. A total of 14 species have been reported so far with prominent regional disparity: the northern and middle Adriatic host higher diversity, contrasting with the southern Adriatic, where only five species were confirmed, and research remains sparse. Seasonal dynamics show summer-autumn peaks in abundance, though interannual and regional variability is notable. We present recent advances from the Adriatic including the discovery of Pseudo-nitzschia-infecting viruses, population genomic insights in P. multistriata, and metabarcoding-driven revelations of cryptic diversity. Finally, we highlight critical knowledge gaps, including the ecological drivers of toxicity and the impacts of oligotrophication on community shifts. Collaborative, high-resolution methodologies (e.g., omics, automated imaging) are urged to address emerging challenges under climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Ključne besede: Adriatic, Pseudo-nitzschia, diversity, ecology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 14.04.2025; Ogledov: 264; Prenosov: 108
Celotno besedilo (2,55 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Dolomedes fishing spider biology: gaps and opportunities for future researchKuang-Ping Yu, Zita Roithmair, Jillian Kurovski, Simon J. Connolly, Cor J. Vink, James Chadwick Johnson, Simona Kralj-Fišer, Matjaž Kuntner, Eileen A. Hebets, Christina J. Painting, 2024, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Dolomedes may easily be considered to be among the most charismatic spider taxa. Known colloquially as fishing or raft spiders, this clade of dolomedid cursorial hunters is speciose with about 100 valid species names. Most Dolomedes are large spiders that inhabit water bodies across all continents except Antarctica and, interestingly, South America. Dolomedes have captured the attention of researchers and the public alike for their ability to walk on and submerge under water, fish for prey (including small vertebrates), and for their often-bizarre mating behavior that includes examples of male spontaneous death and sexual cannibalism. In this review, we critically evaluate what is known of Dolomedes biology, focusing on their systematics and morphology, ecology, behavior, and conservation. Given their close association with water, Dolomedes may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of anthropogenic change and provide an important group of indicator species for understanding the effect of pollution, habitat loss and climate change. We outline a roadmap for future studies that, in our view, will consolidate Dolomedes as an ideal model lineage among spiders for addressing a vast array of questions across multiple fields of biology. Ključne besede: raft spiders, behavioral ecology, diversity, physiology, evolution, conservation, Dolomedidae Objavljeno v DiRROS: 28.03.2025; Ogledov: 298; Prenosov: 170
Celotno besedilo (7,21 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. A preliminary life history traits analysis of sharks in the Sea of Marmara (Türkiye), where deoxygenation and habitat deterioration are raising concernsHakan Kabasakal, Serdar Sakinan, Lovrenc Lipej, Danijel Ivajnšič, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Life history traits of 17 species of sharks occurring in the Sea of Marmara were analysed based on Gower’s distances, Principal Coordinate Analyses, and hierarchical clustering. The analysis shows that the sharks of the Sea of Marmara can ecologically be divided into several clusters. The increasing occurrence of sharks on the Marmara continental shelf, especially in the last few years, suggests that the expected habitat compression due to deoxygenation has begun to take place. This situation, which can be considered as a “habitat trap” for sharks, should be considered as a threat that may lead to shark mortalities due to the intensification of bycatches or even the intentional killing of sharks. Available results are sufficient to predict a disturbing future for sharks of the Sea of Marmara if the factors (deoxygenation, habitat loss, bycatch, etc.) threatening the overall ecosystem do not improve. Ključne besede: PCoA, ecology, sharks, habitat compression, mortality Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.03.2025; Ogledov: 262; Prenosov: 133
Celotno besedilo (943,76 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Multiple glacial refugia of the low-dispersal ground beetle Carabus irregularis : molecular data support predictions of species distribution modelsKatharina Homburg, Claudia Drees, Martin M. Gossner, Laszlo Rakosy, Al Vrezec, Thorsten Assmann, 2013, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Classical glacial refugia such as the southern European peninsulas were important for species survival during glacial periods and acted as sources of post-glacial colonisation processes. Only recently, some studies have provided evidence for glacial refugia north of the southern European peninsulas. In the present study, we combined species distribution models (SDMs) with phylogeographic analyses (using mitochondrial DNA = mtDNA) to investigate if the cold-adapted, stenotopic and flightless ground beetle species, Carabus irregularis, survived the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in classical and/or other refugia. SDMs (for both a western European and for a Carpathian subgroup) were calculated with MAXENT on the basis of 645 species records to predict current and past distribution patterns. Two mtDNA loci (CO1 and ND5, concatenated sequence length: 1785 bp) were analyzed from 91 C. irregularis specimens to reconstruct the phylogeography of Central and eastern European populations and to estimate divergence times of the given lineages. Strong intra-specific genetic differentiation (inter-clade ΦST values ranged from 0.92 to 0.99) implied long-term isolation of major clades and subsclades. The high divergence between the nominate subspecies and the Carpathian subspecies C. i. montandoni points to two independent species rather than subspecies (K-2P distance 0.042 ± 0.004; supposed divergence of the maternal lineages dated back 1.6 to 2.5 million years BP) differing not only morphologically but also genetically and ecologically from each other. The SDMs also inferred classical as well as other refugia for C. irregularis, especially north of the Alps, in southeastern Europe and in the Carpathians. The coincidences between the results of both methods confirm the assumption of multiple glacial refugia for the studied species and the usefulness of combining methodological approaches for the understanding of the history of low-dispersal insect species.
Ključne besede: ecology, phylogeny, zoogeograpy Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.03.2025; Ogledov: 237; Prenosov: 167
Celotno besedilo (1014,09 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Perspectives and pitfalls in preserving subterranean biodiversity through protected areasStefano Mammola, Florian Altermatt, Roman Alther, Isabel R. Amorim, Raluca I. Băncilă, Teo Delić, Cene Fišer, Nataša Mori, Žiga Ogorelec, Maja Zagmajster, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Subterranean ecosystems (comprising terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic components) are increasingly threatened by human activities; however, the current network of surface-protected areas is inadequate to safeguard subterranean biodiversity. Establishing protected areas for subterranean ecosystems is challenging. First, there are technical obstacles in mapping three-dimensional ecosystems with uncertain boundaries. Second, the rarity and endemism of subterranean organisms, combined with a scarcity of taxonomists, delays the accumulation of essential biodiversity knowledge. Third, establishing agreements to preserve subterranean ecosystems requires collaboration among multiple actors with often competing interests. This perspective addresses the challenges of preserving subterranean biodiversity through protected areas. Even in the face of uncertainties, we suggest it is both timely and critical to assess general criteria for subterranean biodiversity protection and implement them based on precautionary principles. To this end, we examine the current status of European protected areas and discuss solutions to improve their coverage of subterranean ecosystems. Ključne besede: ecology, subterranean ecosystems, biodiversity, protected areas, environmental assessment, environmental indicators, environmental protection Objavljeno v DiRROS: 04.03.2025; Ogledov: 240; Prenosov: 119
Celotno besedilo (2,34 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Tracing the invasion of a leaf-mining moth in the Palearctic through DNA barcoding of historical herbariaNatalia I. Kirichenko, Evgeny V. Zakharov, Carlos Lopez-Vaamonde, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The lime leaf-miner, Phyllonorycter issikii is an invasive micromoth with an unusually higher number of haplotypes in the invaded area (Europe, Western Siberia) compared to its putative native region (East Asia). The origin of the genetic diversity in the neocolonized region remains unclear. We surveyed over 15 thousand herbarium specimens of lime trees (Tilia spp.) collected across the Palearctic over a period of 252 years (1764–2016) looking for preserved larvae within the archival leaf mines. We found 203 herbarium specimens with leaf mines of Ph. issikii collected in East Asia, one of them dating back to 1830, i.e. 133 years before the description of the species. In contrast, only 22 herbarium specimens collected in the West Palearctic in the last three decades (1987–2015) carried leaf mines. DNA barcoding of archival specimens revealed 32 haplotypes out of which 23 were novel (not known from modern populations) and found exclusively in East Asia. Six haplotypes are shared between both native and invaded areas and only two were responsible for the recent invasion of the Western Palearctic. The remarkable number of newly discovered haplotypes in archival populations supports East Asia as the native region and the source area of invasion. Ključne besede: ecology, entomology, genetics, next-generation sequencing, zoology, invasive species Objavljeno v DiRROS: 26.02.2025; Ogledov: 252; Prenosov: 126
Celotno besedilo (3,81 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Nephila spider male aggregation : preference for optimal female size and web clusteringMatjaž Kuntner, Maj Kuntner, Eva Kuntner, Irena Kuntner, Jana Faganeli Pucer, Erik Štrumbelj, Daiqin Li, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Sexual size dimorphism theory predicts biased operational sex ratios (OSRs) and an uneven distribution of males among certain females. We studied this phenomenon through a field census of the giant wood spider Nephila pilipes (family Nephilidae) in Singapore, a species where females are, on average, 6.9 times larger than males. Specifically, we tested two hypotheses concerning male distribution, given their tendency to aggregate in certain female webs. The optimal female size hypothesis predicts that males would predominantly occupy webs of intermediate-sized females. The web clustering hypothesis posits that more males would be found in webs closer together compared to those farther apart. Our snapshot census revealed a female-biased OSR (females: males = 1.85) with an uneven distribution of males in female webs. Most males were found in webs of intermediate-sized females aligning with the optimal female size hypothesis. Proximity among female webs was indicative of male presence, lending support to the web clustering hypothesis. While our study's limited sample size warrants caution, we conclude that in N. pilipes, male occupation of female webs is facilitated by the clustering of webs, and males prefer to cohabit with optimally sized, receptive females. Ključne besede: sexual size dimorphism, operational sex ratios (OSRs), male distribution, optimal female size hypothesis, web clustering hypothesis, female-biased OSR, intermediate-sized females, proximity of webs, male aggregation, arachnology, behavioral ecology, environmental zoology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.02.2025; Ogledov: 290; Prenosov: 151
Povezava na datoteko |
10. Effects of alpha-cypermethrin and difenoconazole on survival, growth and biomarkers in European green toad tadpoles (Bufotes viridis, Laurenti 1768)Bruno Bekić, Anamarija Žagar, Tatjana Simčič, Branimir Hackenberger Kutuzović, Olga Jovanović Glavaš, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: In recent decades, the decline of amphibian populations has become more pronounced and accelerated, with one of the contributing factors being the excessive use of pesticides. Alpha-cypermethrin, an insecticide, and difenoconazole, a fungicide, are widely employed pesticides globally. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the acute impact of these two pesticides on amphibians, we used European green toad (Bufotes viridis) tadpoles as our model organisms. We assessed mortality and mass as apical endpoints, and examined physiological biomarkers including electron transport system (ETS) activity, catalase activity, and carbonyl protein content. Tadpoles were exposed to varying concentrations of the two pesticides for 48 hours (0.2-10 µg/L for alpha-cypermethrin; 10-100 µg/L for difenoconazole). Our results indicate that the exposure of tadpoles to these pesticides significantly affected their physiology. Mortality was observed exclusively in tadpoles treated with difenoconazole (LC50 = 100.832 µg/L), while a decrease in mass occurred in tadpoles exposed to both pesticides. No significant differences across treatments were found for total ETS activity, catalase activity, or the presence of protein carbonyls. In conclusion, our findings suggest that alpha-cypermethrin at environmentally relevant concentrations poses a risk to European green toad tadpoles, while the effects of difenoconazole are become patent at higher concentrations than those recorded in natural aquatic environments. Ključne besede: amphibia, electron transport system, pesticide exposure, toxicology, zoology, ecology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 07.01.2025; Ogledov: 274; Prenosov: 167
Celotno besedilo (655,87 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |