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    Invasion patterns of seven alien plant species along roadsides in southern mountainous areas of Yunnan Province
    Jinli Zhao, Youxin Ma, Hua Zhu, Hongmei Li, Wenjun Liu, Zengjia Li
    Biodiv Sci    2008, 16 (4): 369-380.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2008.08001
    Abstract6584)   HTML4)    PDF (777KB)(3572)       Save

    Roads serve multiple functions that enhance exotic species invasion. In this paper, we examined the roles of disturbance, light availability, slope aspect, and climate in explaining density and frequency of exotic invasive plants. We analyzed the effect of main environmental factors along 13 roads with different levels of anthropological disturbances (heavy, moderate, and light) in the north tropical and south subtropical mountainous zones in Yunnan Province. The results demonstrated that density of four species, Eupatorium adenophorum, E. odoratum, Ageratum conyzoides and Tithonia diversifoli, and frequency of E. adenophorum were significantly associated with distance from roads. The curves of these four alien plants all presented a single-peak pattern, and their maximum abundance occurred within 4 m of roads. These four alien plants invaded native plant communities from primary colonization points along road margins. Density of E. adenophorum, E. odoratum, A. conyzoides, T. diversifoli and Synedrella nodiflora and frequency of E. adenophorum, E. odoratum, A. conyzoides and T. diversifoli tended to be significantly higher along highly disturbed roads than moderately and lightly disturbed roads, indicating that plant communities adjacent to highly disturbed roads might be more prone to invasion. Density of E. adenophorum, E. odoratum and A. conyzoides and frequency of E. adenophorum, A. conyzoidesand S. nodiflora were significantly higher in areas with high light level than those that had medium or low light levels. E. adenophorum, E. odoratum and A. conyzoides might obviously invade farther in habitats along roads that had high light level. Density of E. adenophorum, A. conyzoides and S. nodiflora were significantly higher on warm aspects than on cool aspects. E. adenophorum and T. diversifoli were mainly distributed in the south subtropical mountainous zones, while E. odoratum and S. nodiflora were mainly in the north tropical mountainous zones. A. conyzoides and Malvastrum coromandelianum were distributed in both zones. Tridax procumbens were very few along roadsides, which had no statistical significance. Management of roadside habitats should be considered a key to preventing and controlling alien plant invasion, and the maintenance of a dense canopy of native vegetation would benefit control of alien invasive plants.

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    Cited: CSCD(12)
      
    Vegetative propagation characteristics of Alternanthera philoxeroides in response to disturbances
    Xin Jia, Xingzhong Yang, Xiaoyun Pan, Bo Li, Jiakuan Chen
    Biodiv Sci    2008, 16 (3): 229-235.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2008.08046
    Abstract4476)   HTML4)    PDF (386KB)(3443)       Save

    In the context of increasing anthropogenic activities, nutrient enrichment and physical disturbances are among the most important environmental factors influencing biological invasions. On the other hand, clonal growth and vegetative propagation are considered important life history traits promoting the invasiveness of plants in high-resource and disturbed habitats. Alternanthera philoxeroides, endemic to South America, is an amphibious clonal weed invading areas worldwide. It is widely distributed in warm-temperate and subtropical regions, and tends to invade nutrient-rich and disturbed habitats such as riparian zones, wetlands, and arable areas. Throughout its introduced range, A. philoxeroides rarely produces viable seeds and reproduces mainly by vegetative propagation via storage roots and stems. Therefore, formation of storage roots, sprouting of root buds, and growth of new ramets are crucial characteristics in the life history of A. philoxeroides. We conducted three container experiments to examine the responses of vegetative propagation characteristics of A. philoxeroides to two factors—nutrient addition and physical disturbance (two types of physical disturbance: fragmentation and burial of storage roots). Nutrient addition increased total biomass and mean length of storage roots 1.5-fold, and biomass allocation to storage roots by 15% (i.e., vegetative reproductive allocation). Number of root buds increased by approximately 15 sprouts per g (dry mass) of storage root. Burial depth had no effect on number of sprouts per root fragment. Neither storage root size nor burial depth affected main stem length or mean relative growth rate of ramets. Our results suggest that adaptation of vegetative propagation characteristics to nutrient enrichment and physical disturbances may enable localA. philoxeroides populations to grow rapidly, and contribute greatly to the persistence of metapopulations at the watershed scale.

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    Cited: CSCD(7)
      
    Predation impact ofProcambarus clarkii on Rana limnocharis tadpoles in Guilin area
    Zhengjun Wu, Fengjin Cai, Yunfeng Jia, Jianxin Lu, Yongfu Jiang, Chengming Huang
    Biodiv Sci    2008, 16 (2): 150-155.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2008.07223
    Abstract3861)   HTML8)    PDF (217KB)(4392)       Save

    Procambarus clarkiihas invaded many provinces in China, such as Jiangsu, Hubei, and Anhui. In order to evaluate its effect onRana limnocharis, we investigated the population density of P. clarkii and R.limnocharis in their natural habitat in Guilin between May and June in 2006. As a comparison, we also carried out indoor experiments to study P. clarkii predation on the tadpole of R. limnocharis and Microhyla ornata. The field investigation showed that there was a significantly negative correlation between the density of P. clarkii and that of R. limnocharis tadpoles, while indoor experiments showed that the number of R. limnocharis tadpoles preyed by Procambarus clarkii was positively correlated with P. clarkii’s body length, and moreR. limnocharis tadpoles were preyed than M. ornata tadpoles. Our results suggest that P. clarkii is likely to endanger amphibian larva, therefore, it should be monitored and controlled.

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    Cited: CSCD(7)
      
    Soil seed bank traits in an area invaded by Eupatorium adenophorum
    Weiguang Dang, Xianming Gao, Jinfang Wang, Aifang Li
    Biodiv Sci    2008, 16 (2): 126-132.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2008.06232
    Abstract3804)   HTML10)    PDF (302KB)(3331)       Save

    Soil seed banks are potential plant populations; therefore, their temporal and spatial patterns affect future plant community dynamics and stability. In the regions invaded by Eupatorium adenophorum, soil seed bank traits can play a key role in construction and function of future ecosystems. We studied the vegetation and soil seed banks in an area invaded by E. adenophorum in Panzhihua, Sichuan Province using a combination of field work and germination trails. We explored seed density and species composition in soil seed banks before and after a seed rain of E. adenophorum. The results showed that: (1) The experimental sites were so heavily damaged byE. adenophorum that the vegetation was simple; in shrub layers, mean coverage and frequency of Coriaria nepalensis, Ficus tikoua, Desmodiunm elegans, Abelia parvifolia and Pistacia weinmannifolia were higher than other shrubs. In herb layer, E. adenophorum, ranging in age between 0 and 4 years, was the most abundant as its Drude abundance was Soc and the frequency was 100%. (2) Seeds of 13 species were found in soil seed banks. The similarity index for species in the vegetation and in the soil seed bank was 0.31. The density ofE. adenophorum seeds was 1,950/m2, accounting for 61.3% of total storage in the soil seed bank (3,180/m2), and there were not significantly (P>0.05) fewer seeds in upper layer than other layers. (3) Total seed storage before the seed rain ofE. adenophorum (1,950 seeds/m2) accounted for 41.2% of the storage after the seed rain (4,733 seeds/m2). After the seed rain, germination of E. adenophorum seeds from the soil showed two peaks at the 9th and 17th day, implying that seeds could periodically break dormancy. Our results indicated that E. adenophorum played a priority role in the soil seeds. The scarcity of other species in the seed banks was the main reason that E. adenophorum population regenerated and flourished continuously, and the invasion of E. adenophorum was hard to control.

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    Cited: CSCD(14)
      
    Growth pattern of alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) in terres-trial habitats
    Xin Jia, Dongjing Fu, Xiaoyun Pan, Bo Li, Jiakuan Chen
    Biodiv Sci    2007, 15 (3): 241-246.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.060300
    Abstract4663)      PDF (349KB)(4034)       Save
    Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) is a notorious invasive alien species worldwide. How to limit its population expansion in terrestrial habitats has long been an intractable problem. To predict growth of alligator weed in local patches, a field planting experiment was performed. Using harvesting data, we established growth models of different growth variables; meanwhile, the allometric relationships of these variables were determined. The growth models of main stem length, biomass, leaf area and patch area all in-creased in an exponential pattern with growth period, and the daily growth rates (%) of main stem length, to-tal biomass, leaf area and patch area were 4.28, 11.27, 11.59 and 8.67, respectively. The result of allometric analysis showed that it was significantly correlated between all the growth variables. The allometric exponent b of shoot mass (x) vs. root mass (y) indicated that the root/shoot ratio decreased with the growth of the plant. From the allometric exponent b of main stem length vs. total biomass and of main stem length vs. leaf area, we could deduce that the total biomass and leaf area increased quadratic relative to main stem length, and in-creased proportionally to patch area. As for variables of biomass vs. leaf area, an isometric relationship was found, i.e. the canopy size kept relatively constant when plant size increased. Based on the relation between leaf area and biomass, leaf area ratio (LAR) and specific leaf area (SLA) of the alligator weed in terrestrial habitat were calculated, being 88.24 cm2/g and 287.97 cm2/g, respectively. These results provide basic data for future growth modeling further to effective and economical control.
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    Cited: CSCD(8)
      
    A risk analysis system for alien species in urban green spaces and application to the 2010 Expo, Shanghai
    Ruiting Ju, Bo Li
    Biodiv Sci    2012, 20 (1): 12-23.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2012.12139
    Abstract3472)   HTML13)    PDF (718KB)(2668)       Save

    Invasive species pose risks to regional economies and public health as well as imposing serious damage to natural ecosystems. Urban ecosystems are more susceptible to biological invasions than other ecosystems because they are subjected to more frequent human disturbances. Green space acts as important channels for the spread of alien species into urban ecosystems. Risk analysis can be an effective tool used for preventing invasion of alien species. Although various risk analysis systems have been developed for agricultural and forest ecosystems or nature reserves, the domestic effort to manage risks associated with invasive species in urban green spaces has been limited in China. Therefore, there is a pressing need for formulating scientifically sound methods and approaches for risk analysis in this emerging field. Here, we presented a risk analysis system including risk identification, assessment and management for biological invasions in urban green spaces. Based on risk identification for alien species, we established a risk assessment index that consisted of 4 different layers, i.e. object, item, factor, index layers. A total of 26 index parameters were proposed to assess the risk level, which originated from the risks involved in introduction, colonization, spread and damage of alien species in urban green spaces. In addition, methods for index quantification, weight setting, modeling and risk grading were presented. Applying this system, we analyzed the risks of alien pest species potentially attached to trees brought from Japan to China to green landscapes for the 2010 Expo in Shanghai. Our results showed that 7 species posed a high risk (4 insects, 2 plant pathogens, and 1 plant nematode), 10 species a moderate risk (3 insects, 4 plant pathogens and 3 plant nematodes), and other 2 species (1 insect and 1 nematode) a low or extremely low risk. Based on this analysis, risk management measures were suggested to help local policy-makers set priorities for the management of these alien pests. Monitoring did not reveal the presence of any invasive pests during or after the Expo, suggesting that the risk analysis system may have provided an effective tool for preventing the introduction of invasive alien species and effectively ensuring the ecological security of the 2010 Expo, Shanghai, China.

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    Cited: CSCD(7)
      
    The importance of classical biological control to biodiversity protection
    Lu Qingguang
    Biodiv Sci    1997, 05 (3): 224-230.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.1997038
    Abstract4070)      PDF (147KB)(4701)       Save
    Exotic pests under certain conditions are able to threaten a native biodiversity, breaking down the ecological balance and bringing great economic losses. The science of classical biological control (or the Classical Biocontrology) has been demonstrated that the sustainable pest control can be obtained by the introduction of natural enemies from the pest home region into  its invaded region. This is one of the strategy and tactics on biodiversity protection, it is: from biodiversity to biodiversity.
    A general situation on classical biocontrol in China, including summary of the research history, current studies and discussions are presented in this paper.
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    Cited: CSCD(16)
      
    Avian community response to vegetation succession caused by the pine wood nematode in Zhejiang, China
    Keyi Jiang, Mingjian Yu, Ping Ding Xuehong Xu, Ping Jiang, Chengmei Zhou, Gao Lu
    Biodiv Sci    2005, 13 (6): 496-506.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.050068
    Abstract4547)      PDF (369KB)(3641)       Save
    The pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilis) has been causing widespread losses to pines in China since it was first found in 1982. It can bring about forest degradation. To study the effect of  nematode-induced forest succession on avian communities, we chose three forest types at different seral stages, including evergreen broad-leaved coppice infested by the pine wood nematode for five years and ev-ergreen broad-leaved forest infested for 12 years, both from Xiangshan County, Zhejiang, and one 40-year-old evergreen broad-leaved forest from Tiantong National Forest Park, Zhejiang. The results showed that bird species richness and diversity were significantly greater in the two infested evergreen broad-leaved forest types with little difference between them, while there existed little difference in bird abundance and evenness in the three types. It suggested that the evergreen broad-leaved forests at early successional stage had higher bird species richness and diversity. Stepwise multiple regression models of bird community vari-ables indicated that microhabitat feature such as stand age was an important predictor of bird community composition.
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    Cited: CSCD(5)
      
    Species composition of alien invasive plants in Heilongjiang Province
    Baojiang Zheng, Lei Pan
    Biodiv Sci    2012, 20 (2): 231-234.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2012.04154
    Abstract3558)   HTML25)    PDF (274KB)(2177)       Save

    The number of alien invasive plant species in Heilongjiang Province has increased in recent years due to frequent economic and cultural exchanges with the outside world. To understand the current status of invasive plants, we carried out field surveys for invasive plant species between June 2008 and October 2010. Integrating field and literature data, we compiled a checklist of 41 species of alien invasive plants from 35 genera and 17 families found in this region. Of them, 39 species (95.1%) are herbs. Compositae contains the largest number of species, i.e.12 species (29.3%). Further analysis showed that 22 species (53.7%) have a geographical origin in the Americas, and 14 species (34.2%) in Europe. In relation to introduction pathways, 40 species (97.6%) were intentionally or unintentionally introduced. Floristic analysis of the genera showed that the temperate element, containing 17 genera (68.0%), dominated among nine areal-types. Finally, we discuss the management, monitoring and control of these invasive species and suggest that a specific risk assessment system should be used in Heilongjiang Province.

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    Cited: CSCD(11)
      
    A literature review on biotic homogenization
    Guangmei Wang, Jingcheng Yang, Chuangdao Jiang, Hongtao Zhao, Zhidong Zhang
    Biodiv Sci    2009, 17 (2): 117-126.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2009.08273
    Abstract5105)   HTML25)    PDF (459KB)(4241)       Save

    Biotic homogenization is the process whereby the genetic, taxonomic and functional similarity of two or more biotas increases over time. As a new research agenda for conservation biogeography, biotic homogenization has become a rapidly emerging topic of interest in ecology and evolution over the past decade. However, research on this topic is rare in China. Herein, we introduce the development of the concept of biotic homogenization, and then discuss methods to quantify its three components (genetic, taxonomic, and functional homogenization), and their driving mechanisms. Species invasions and extinctions are the root cause of biotic homogenization, whilst other habitat alterations that facilitate these two processes, such as environment degradation and disturbance, urbanization, and habitat homogenization, also influence biotic homogenization. Biotic homogenization was tempo-spatial-scale dependant. The homogenization degree differed between various ecosystems and taxa, as well as in different regions. We also reviewed ecological and evolutionary consequences and effects on human dimension (economics and biodiversity conservation) due to biotic homogenization. Considering the distinctness of China’s biodiversity, we suggest that it is time to strengthen research on biotic homogenization in China. In our view, the most fundamental need is to establish open, reliable databases to foster biotic homogenization research. We hope this review will stimulate biotic homogenization research in China.

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    Cited: CSCD(11)
      
    Physiological functions of the red leaves of Wedelia trilobata induced by high irradiance in summer
    Liying Song, Lanlan Sun, Zhan Shu, Weihua Li, Changlian Peng
    Biodiv Sci    2009, 17 (2): 188-194.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2009.09007
    Abstract3879)   HTML4)    PDF (1303KB)(3775)       Save

    Wedelia trilobata, a creeping herb native to Central and South America, is one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. It was introduced into South China and has become a noxious invasive weed in agricultural fields, plantations and natural forests. In natural communities, it is observed that the leaves of W. trilobata turn from green to red under high irradiance in summer. The aims of this study were to explore what causes the leaf color change in W. trilobata and what the physiological consequences are. Anthocyanin content was significantly higher in red than in green leaves of W. trilobata, suggesting that the accumulation of anthocyanin at high irradiance was related to the leaf color change. The increased content of anthocyanin contributed to a higher total antioxidant capability in red W. trilobata leaves . Consistent with the higher antioxidant capability, decreases in maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry and the effective PSII quantum yield caused by artificial photo-oxidative stress were respectively smaller in red (28.2% and 79.1%) than in green leaves of W. trilobata (70.9% and 93.8%). Leaf color change was not observed in native W. chinensis. Our results suggest that the color change may be a physiological mechanism employed by the invasive W. trilobata to acclimate to high irradiance in summer.

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    Cited: CSCD(6)
      
    Roles of vector-virus-plant interactions in biological invasions
    Junbo Luan, Shusheng Liu
    Biodiv Sci    2010, 18 (6): 598-604.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.2010.598
    Abstract3631)   HTML5)    PDF (188KB)(4023)       Save

    Interactions between vector insects, plant viruses and host plants are complex and diverse. Although much work has been done to study the tripartite relationships, their roles in biological invasions have been rarely explored. The limited case studies available indicate that the interactions may be mediated by the host plant susceptibility to viruses, the suitability of host plants to vector insects, and the insects’ capacity to utilize host plants. When a host plant is highly susceptible to the virus but shows a low level of suitability to the insect, and the insect has a strong capacity to use different host plants, an indirect mutualistic relationship is likely to occur between vector insect and plant virus via their shared host plants. This kind of mutualism can contribute to the widespread invasion of vector insects as well as the epidemics of plant viruses. In view of the significance of the tripartite interactions in biological invasions, future effort should be made to investigate comparatively many more combinations of different species, and various technologies can be used to reveal the physiological and molecular mechanisms of the interactions.

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    Cited: Baidu(4) CSCD(4)
      
    The population genetic consequences of range expansion: a review of pattern and process, and the value of oak gallwasps as a model system
    Graham N. Stone, Rachel J. Atkinson, Gordon Brown, Antonis Rokas
    Biodiv Sci    2002, 10 (1): 80-97.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2002010
    Abstract3798)      PDF (872KB)(2719)       Save
    Biological invasions are a continuous feature of a non equilibrium world, ever more so as a result of accidental and deliberate introductions by mankind. While many of these introductions are apparently harmless, others have significant consequences for organisms native to the invaded range, and entire communities may be affected. Here we provide a survey of common models of range expansion, and outline the consequences these models have for patterns in genetic diversity and population structure. We describe how patterns of genetic diversity at a range of markers can be used to infer invasion routes, and to reveal the roles of selection and drift in shaping population genetic patterns that accompany range expansion. We summarise a growing range of population genetic techniques that allow large changes in population size (bottlenecks and population expansions) to be inferred over a range of timescales. Finally, we illustrate some of the approaches described using data for a suite of invasions by oak gallwasps (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae, Cynipini) in Europe. We show that over timescales ranging from 500~10000 years, allele frequency data for polymorphic allozymes reveal (a) a consistent loss of genetic diversity along invasion routes, confirming the role of glacial refugia as centres of genetic diversity over these timescales, and (b) that populations in the invaded range are more subdivided genetically than those in the native range of each species. This spatial variation in population structure may be the result of variation in the patchiness of resources exploited by gallwasps, particularly host oak plants.
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    Conservation of wild rice genetic resources in China and their utilization in breeding
    FAN Shu-Guo, ZHANG Zai-Jun, LIU Lin, LIU Hong-Xian, LIANG Cheng-Ye
    Biodiv Sci    2000, 08 (2): 198-207.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2000028
    Abstract3624)      PDF (304KB)(3165)       Save
    Three species of wild rice , i.e. ,Oryza rufipogon , Oryza of ficinalis and Oryza meyeriana , were found in China , and had been listed as the national second-grade protected plants ( gradually endangered species) of China. It was investigated that Chinese wild rice have been in imminent danger due to rapid loss of their natural community. Oryza rufipogon is in most imminent danger , while Oryza officinalis and Oryza meyeriana are less imminent . The main cause is economic activities which led to the loss of habitat , continuous deterioration of habitat quality , sustained reduction of habitat and invasion of exotic species. At present , some measures have been taken to protect Chinese wild rice , such as in situ conservation (on-site maintenance) and ex situ conservation (off-site maintenance) . Ex situ conservation includes seed-preserved genebank ,whole plant-preserved field genebank and callus-conserved cryopreservation. Chinese wild rice species possess many excellent characteristics , such as extreme cold-tolerance , high resistance to diseases and pests , good quality and high content of protein , senescence-tolerance of functional leaves , strong regenerating capability , good quality of lush growth , good growing dominance , which have been widely used in conventional rice breeding and hybrid rice breeding , and huge social and economic benefits have been achieved. Rapid progress has been made in biotechnology of Chinese wild rice , especially in anther culture , protoplast culture , somatic cell hybridization and gene transfer. It can be expected that Chinese wild rice resources will play more and more important role in rice breeding.
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    Cited: CSCD(15)
      
    Effects of different nitrogen regimes on competition betweenAmbrosia artemisiifolia, an invasive species, and two native species, Artemisia annua and Artemisia mongolica
    Jinping Wang, Lijia Dong, Weiguo Sang
    Biodiv Sci    2012, 20 (1): 3-11.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2012.09077
    Abstract3807)   HTML7)    PDF (567KB)(3016)       Save

    Evidence suggests that increased nitrogen levels heighten exotic species’ invasiveness and reduce the competitive potential of native species. To reveal the impact of nitrogen deposition on competition between invasive and native species, we compared the growth ofAmbrosia artemisiifolia, an invasive species, and two native species, Artemisia annua and Artemisia mongolica under three nitrogen regimes through replacement series experiments in a greenhouse at the Chinese Academy of Science’s Beijing Forest Station. Our results showed that heights of the three species significantly increased, but total biomass did not respond to the enhancement of nitrogen levels in monoculture plantings. When planted in mixtures, however, the heights and total biomass of some species responded to increasing nitrogen levels;Ambrosia artemisiifolia significantly increased, Artemisia annua exhibited no difference, and Artemisia mongolica first increased and then decreased with the increase of nitrogen levels. The growth response of Ambrosia artemisiifolia led to a competitive advantage over two native species. The dynamics of this competition differed at different nitrogen levels: Ambrosia artemisiifolia was a weaker competitor than native species at low level of nitrogen availability, but was a stronger competitor under high nitrogen level. Moreover, the competitive effects of Ambrosia artemisiifolia on Artemisia annua were stronger than on Artemisia mongolica. Nitrogen addition significantly enhanced the competitive ability of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and altered the competition relationship between these species, tipping the scales in favor of the Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Our study indicated that nitrogen deposition associated with global change may facilitate the invasion of Ambrosia artemisiifolia, and may enhance the vulnerability of native communities to invasion.

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    Cited: CSCD(18)
      
    Ecological niche modeling and its applications in biodiversity conservation
    Gengping Zhu,Guoqing Liu,Wenjun Bu,Yubao Gao
    Biodiv Sci    2013, 21 (1): 90-98.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2013.09106
    Abstract9710)   HTML209)    PDF (308KB)(8624)       Save

    Based on the environmental variables that associated with species’ occurrence records, ecological niche modeling (ENM) seeks to characterize environmental conditions suitable for a particular species and then identify where suitable environmental habitats are distributed in the space. Recently, ENM has been used increasingly in biological invasion, conservation biology, biological responses to climate change, disease spatial transmission, and variety aspects of ecology and evolutionary biology research. However, the theoretical background of these applications is generally poorly understood, leading to artifactual conclusions in some studies (e.g. niche differentiation during species’ invasion). In this paper we discuss the relationship between niche and geographic distribution and introduce the theoretical basis of ENM, along with relationships between the niche and ENM. Abiotic/biotic, historical and dispersal factors are three key elements that determine species’ geographic distributions at different scales. By using environmental variables derived from distributional records, ENM is based on observations that already include effects of biotic interactions, therefore ENM is used to characterize somewhere between the realized niche and potential niche, not the fundamental niche. Grinnellian and Eltonian niches are both manifested in ENM calibration, depending on the types of variables used to fit model, the natural spatial scale at which they can be measured, and the dispersal of individuals throughout the environment. Applications of ENM in understanding ecological requirements of species, discovery of new species or populations, nature reserve design, predicting potential invasion, modeling biological responses to climate change, niche conservatism, and species delimitation are discussed in this paper.

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    Cited: CSCD(166)
      
    Research and practice on biodiversity in situ conservation in China: progress and prospect
    Jianzhang Ma, Ke Rong, Kun Cheng
    Biodiv Sci    2012, 20 (5): 551-558.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2012.08118
    Abstract3738)   HTML28)    PDF (377KB)(4618)       Save

    Although China has a very rich biodiversity, it is also part of a region where biodiversity resources have declined rapidly. Threats to biodiversity in China include a large human population, economic and industrial development, climate change, and exotic invasive species. In situ conservation of biodiversity is needed for sustainable development and natural resource management in China. We provide a summary of results of in situ conservation research and use these data to develop future research directions. The focal areas of in situ conservation research over the last 6 decades focused on biodiversity resource investigation, endangered species management, and the construction of nature reserves. Large efforts including a series of protection action plans were implemented by the Chinese government to improve biodiversity conservation. Future research on in situ biodiversity conservation in China should focus on: (1) the mechanisms of the formation and maintenance of biodiversity; (2) identify the major threats to the conservation of biodiversity; (3) be coupled with long-term monitoring for the effective management and (4) legislation of natural resources.

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    Cited: CSCD(33)
      
    Some growth characteristics and relative competitive ability of invasive Spartina alterniflora and native Scirpus mariqueter
    Zhongyi Chen, Bo Li, Jiakuan Chen
    Biodiv Sci    2005, 13 (2): 130-136.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.040122
    Abstract6975)      PDF (613KB)(52804)       Save

    Spartina alterniflora,originating in North America, has been introduced to China and has now invaded many inter-tidal zones of gulfs and estuaries in China. With its spread, Scirpus mariqueter,a native grass species, has experienced a concurrent decrease in area. Based on field investigation at Chongming Dongtan Wetland and potted plant competition experiments at Fudan University, we compared growth characteristics and relative competitive ability between the two species. The results indicated that in terms of height, coverage, above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, and mean seed number per spike, values for Spartina alterniflora were all significantly higher than those of Scirpus mariqueter.However, the density and number of flowering tillers per square meter for Spartina alterniflora were significantly lower than those of Scirpus mariqueter.In terms of seed output per square meter and seed germination rate, there were no significant differences between the mature populations of the two species. Both interspecific and intraspecific competition between Spartina alterniflora and Scirpus mariqueter remarkably reduced the number of ramets, the proportion of fruiting ramets, the above-ground biomass and the number of corms (only Scirpus mariqueter has corms). The interspecific relative competitive ability (measured as relative neighbour effect index, RNE) of Spartina alterniflora was significantly greater than that of Scirpus mariqueter. The obvious growing advantage of Spartina alterniflora compared with Scirpus mariqueter might explain its greater interspecific competitive ability, which might explain its successful invasiveness into the native Scirpus mariqueter community in the Yangtze River estuary.

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    Competition between the B biotype and a non-B biotype of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in Zhejiang, China
    Liansheng Zang, Shusheng Liu, Yinquan Liu, Yongming Ruan, Fanghao Wan
    Biodiv Sci    DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.040202
    Abstract4496)      PDF (248KB)(4037)       Save
      
    Biodiversity and ecosystem stability
    Biodiv Sci    1995, 03 (1): 31-37.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.1995006
    Abstract4260)      PDF (640KB)(5923)       Save
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    Cited: Baidu(32)
      
    Harmfulness of exotic weeds in China and for their management
    QIANG Sheng, CAO Xue-Zhang
    Biodiv Sci    2001, 09 (2): 188-195.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2001029
    Abstract4021)      PDF (263KB)(4490)       Save
    Exotic weeds have caused serious harm to crop production , orchards , lawns , natural environment and biodiversity in China. This is closely related to certain characteristics of the exotic weeds and to lack of environmental resistance. To manage exotic weeds , measures should be taken in two aspects : one is prevention of int roduction of exotic weeds , and the other is control of existing ones. In the former aspect , measures that should be taken include : 1) reinforcing plant quarantine ; 2) establishing a risk assessment system for int roduction of exotic plants , and 3) encouraging the utilization of native plant s. In the latter aspect , the following comprehensive measures should be taken : 1) cont rolling ecological dest ruction ; 2) conducting biological cont rol of exotic weeds ; 3) using economic plants as habitat displacement cont rol agent s , and 4) conducting utilization of exotic weeds.
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    Cited: CSCD(63)
      
    On the validity of the species Phenacoccus solenopsis based on morphological and mitochondrial COI data, with the description of a new body color variety
    Zhe Chen, Jiang Zhang, Hangfei Fu, Zhengzheng Xu, Kunzheng Deng, Jiayong Zhang
    Biodiv Sci    2012, 20 (4): 443-450.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2012.08202
    Abstract3047)   HTML8)    PDF (409KB)(2769)       Save

    Phenacoccus solenopsis, an exotic invasive species, was firstly reported in 2008 in Guangdong, China. Since it’s discovery, P. solenopsis has been observed in Zhejiang, Guangxi and Yunnan provinces. To discuss whether two cryptic evolutionary lineages or the P. solenopsis complex species existed, we surveyed and sequenced P. solenopsis in Zhejiang Province. During surveys for P. solenopsis in Zhejiang Province, we found P. solenopsis individuals with yellowish color on the body and three pairs of yellow spots on the back. To evaluate potential genetic divergence among these phenotypes, we sequenced mtDNA COI gene sequences (694 bp) of 25 individuals from seven host plants in six locations. We analyzed these sequences and the known sequences of P. solenopsis from GenBank and discovered three haplotypes. Additionally, we calculated intra-species genetic distance of P. solenopsis and inter-species genetic distance of the genus Phenacoccus and constructed phylogenetic trees of P. solenopsis. We found that genetic divergence of P. solenopsis was 0-1.0% compared to samples from Chinese provinces (i.e., Zhejiang, Hainan, Guangdong), the United States (i.e., California), and Pakistan, and varied from 3-3.6% to samples collected from other areas of the United States (i.e., Florida). Further, intra-species genetic distance was obviously smaller than inter-species genetic distance in Phenacoccus(13.0-17.2%). Based on the morphological characters and mt COI gene sequence analysis, these individuals with phenotypic differences are likely true P. solenopsis. However, two distinct evolutionary lineages appear to exist in P. solenopsis, and further evidence is necessary to draw reliable conclusions on the existence of a P. solenopsis complex species.

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    Cited: CSCD(7)
      
    Pollination biology of an invasive weed Ipomoea cairica
    Xiaocheng Jia, Xinliang Li, Yang Dan, Guohui Lu, Yingqiang Wang
    Biodiv Sci    2007, 15 (6): 592-598.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.070156
    Abstract4452)      PDF (339KB)(3390)       Save
    During May to July, 2006 and April to May, 2007, we studied pollination biology in Ipomoea cairica, an invasive weed in Guangdong Province, China. Ipomoea cairica is a perennial creeping or climbing herbaceous vine, blooming all year round in Guangdong. The flowers gathered in cymes, with a purple or bluish purple bell-formed corolla. The petals unfolded at about 4:30–5:20 and closed at 17:40, lasting for about 12 hours. The proximity of the stigma and anthers during flowering period facilitated the transfer of self-pollen. The mean volume of nectar per flower was 5.82 ± 2.47 μL (n = 10), with a sugar concentration of 41.03 ± 6.52% and an amino acid concentration of ca. 0.042 mg/mL. During anthesis, both pollen viability and stigma receptivity remained at a high level (>90%). The mean P/O ratio was 4,778.18 ± 264.58 (n = 10). Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa sp.) were considered as effective pollinators, while flies and butterflies were occa-sional visitors. Ipomoea cairica is self-incompatible as determined by an absence of fruit set in the flowers following controlled hand self-pollination, producing fruits and viable seeds only after cross-pollination.
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    Cited: CSCD(2)
      
    Vegetation and plant species richness on six pre-islands, the Three Gorges Reservoir
    Gaoming Xiong, Zongqiang Xie, Jiangshan Lai, Guozhen Shen, Changming Zhao
    Biodiv Sci    2007, 15 (5): 533-541.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.070085
    Abstract3796)      PDF (310KB)(2998)       Save
    We studied the vegetation on six pre-islands (land areas which will become islands as a result of flooding) in the Three Gorges Reservoir with a focus on plant species richness for each community. A total of 28 community types were found on these pre-islands, comprising of 12 hassocks, 7 shrubs, and 9 forests. The results showed that natural vegetation was characterized by intense degradation, implied low vegetation cov-erage, restricted distribution of forests, low community diversity and high ratio of ruderal community types. The species richness of wild vascular plants on the six pre-islands was 126, 157, 175, 189, 242, and 254, re-spectively. The average species richness was 42.9 for forest, 15.96 for shrub, and 17.89 for hassock commu-nities. In all hassock communities, species richness was high in ruderals but was low in typical degraded hassocks. Species richness was generally low in all shrub communities. In the process of secondary succes-sion from conifer-broadleaf forest to broadleaf forest, species richness fluctuated remarkably. Exotic plants significantly impacted the landscape, resulting in degradation of the natural vegetation. These pre-islands are valuable for scientific research, we suggest establishing some nature reserves on them.
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    Cited: CSCD(8)
      
    Allelopathic effects of Eupatorium adenophorum on five species of the family Gesneriaceae
    Yuanbo Li, Han Xu, Lei Shi, Zhenyu Li
    Biodiv Sci    2007, 15 (5): 486-491.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.060213
    Abstract4422)      PDF (244KB)(3898)       Save
    Eupatorium adenophorum (Compositae), a highly invasive plant in southwestern China, has increasingly invaded the habitats of the gesneriaceous plants. All species of Gesneriaceae in China have been listed in China’s Red List and some of them have been categorized as the National Key Protected Species. To examine the possible allelopathic effect of E. adenophorum on Gesneriaceae, five species in three genera of Gesneriaceae (Chirita spinulosa, C. heterotricha,C. liboensis, Aeschynanthus acuminatus, and Titanotrichum oldhamii) were treated with three parts of E. adenophorum, i.e., aqueous root, stem, and leaf extracts (8%), respectively. The results indicated that aqueous leaf extracts of E. adenophorum had very different impacts on C. spinulosa, C. liboensis and C. heterotricha, of which it was the most obvious on C. spinulosa. Seedling growth of C. spinulosa were totally inhibited when aqueous leaf extracts 2.4%, 3.2% and 4.0%. The aqueous stem extracts of E. adenophorum showed some impacts on T. oldhamii. Seedling growth of T. oldhamii were inhibited 40% when the stem extracts of E. adenophorum was 1.6% . Aqueous leaf and stem extracts of E. adenophorum had little effect on seedling growth of A. acuminatus. However, aqueous root extracts of E.adenophorum also had no significant suppression on these five species. Therefore, our experiments con-firmed allelopathy of E. adenophorum on Chirita and Titanotrichum but not so much on Aeschynanthus. The gesneriaceous species on rocks seemed more susceptible to allelopathy of E. adenophorum than their allied species on trees.
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    Growth trends of Crofton weed (Eupatorium adenophorum) seedlings in different habitats
    Aifang Li, Xianming Gao, Weiguang Dang, Jinfang Wang
    Biodiv Sci    2007, 15 (5): 479-485.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.060231
    Abstract4022)      PDF (356KB)(3354)       Save
    Crofton weed () seeds took a speculative strategy to germinate, and its seeds would germinate at any time all the year round as long as the conditions were suitable. The peak of the seeds’ germination occurred in the rainy season while few seeds germinated during the dry seasons. The un-flowering individuals of Crofton weed keep growing all year, and its growth rate would be influenced by the illumination intensity, humidity and temperature distinctly. The results showed that all of the growth pa-rameters of seedlings germinating during autumn changed slowly in the dry season. The optimum habitat was the sunny sites, then entirely shaded ones, and the shrub habitats were the last. The fastest growth of the seedlings period began in June and ended in October. Usually the seedling would flower and seed during the first dry season, but those germinated later or did not develop well would keep vegetative growth without flowering. The growth dynamic of un-flowering seedlings was similar to those flowering and seeding, but the life history periods between them were different: only those crossing two or enven more winters could the former seedlings bloom and fructify to finish their life history circle. The result of this study further indicated that reinforcement each other of both sexual reproduction and clone would promote the renewal and spread of their population increase of Crofton weed.
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    DNA barcoding and its application to marine zooplankton ecology
    Chaolun Li, Minxiao Wang, Fangping Cheng, Song Sun
    Biodiv Sci    2011, 19 (6): 805-814.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2011.10173
    Abstract3807)   HTML17)    PDF (358KB)(4256)       Save

    As the main components of marine biota, zooplankton play vital roles in the marine biodiversity, trophic relationships and ecosystem dynamics. However, morphological identification of zooplankton is time-consuming and even impossible for some taxa, especially for pelagic larvae. Diversity of marine zooplankton is believed to be underestimated. DNA Barcodes (short DNA sequences for species recognition and discrimination) provide powerful tools for rapid species identification and are quickly applied in marine zooplankton ecological researches. Here we give a general introduction on the concept, advantages, and limitations of DNA barcoding. We review the multiple applications of DNA barcodes (mainly focused on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene) in the marine zooplankton ecological researches, which include rapid species identification, cryptic species reveal, trophic relationship analysis, invasive species monitoring, historical range expansion, population genetic and biogeographic analysis. We anticipate that DNA barcoding techniques will be increasingly used by marine ecologists. With the DNA barcode reference libraries completing and new high-throughput tools such as next generation sequencing developing, DNA barcoding will provides more information that, not only for species identification and discovery, but also help to improve our understanding of zooplankton biodiversity and their functions in marine ecosystems.

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    Cited: CSCD(17)
      
    Actions, progress and prospects in implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity during the past 20 years in China
    Dayuan Xue, Jianyong Wu, Fuwei Zhao
    Biodiv Sci    2012, 20 (5): 623-632.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2012.10131
    Abstract3856)   HTML29)    PDF (382KB)(4775)       Save

    The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted by United Nations Conference of Environment and Development (UNCED) in June 1992 as a milestone event. During the past 20 years, China established the national coordination mechanisms for CBD implementation in 1993, conducted a country study for biodiversity conservation during 1995-1997, formulated China National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan during 2007-2010, founded the National Committee for Biodiversity Conservation in 2011, and, aiming to CBD’s objectives, implemented a lot of researches and actions for biodiversity conservation, including: protection of ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands and marine areas; investigations, inventory and databases for species; increased protection of rare and endangered species; control of alien invasive species; and risk assessment for genetically-modified organisms. Challenges to biodiversity conservation include, establishment of biodiversity monitoring system, in situ conservation, access and benefit sharing of genetic resources, and protection and application of traditional knowledge. Lastly, we report potential research topics for biodiversity conservation.

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    Cited: CSCD(28)
      
    Application of ROC curve analysis in evaluating the performance of alien species’ potential distribution models
    Yunsheng Wang, Bingyan Xie, Fanghao Wan, Qiming Xiao, Liangying Dai
    Biodiv Sci    2007, 15 (4): 365-372.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.060280
    Abstract6455)      PDF (442KB)(6588)       Save
    Ecological niche models (ENMs), which are widely employed to predict the potential geographic distribution of species, provide an important tool to quantify the risks imposed by invasive alien species. The problem of how to evaluate the performance of different models has attracted more and more attention. In the present paper, we introduced the principle of the method of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in assessing the accuracy of different ENMs. We predicted the suitable distribution area of Radopholus similis, an important banana toppling disease nematode, with five widely used ENMs and evaluated the performance of different models by ROC curve analysis. The area under ROC curve (AUC) for BIOCLIM, CLIMEX, DOMAIN, GARP, and MAXENT models was 0.810, 0.758, 0.921, 0.903, and 0.950, respectively. Among these, the biggest value of AUC was assigned to MAXENT, indicating that the result gained by MAXENT should be better than the other four models. According to the results of analysis of variance (ANOVA), there was a remarkable difference in AUC between each model except for DOMAIN and GARP.
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    Progress of biological invasions research in China over the last decade
    Ruiting Ju, Hui Li, Chengjen Shih, Bo Li
    Biodiv Sci    2012, 20 (5): 581-611.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2012.31148
    Abstract5317)   HTML83)    PDF (737KB)(9659)       Save

    As one of the five major global environmental problems, invasive species have posed serious threats to native ecosystems, public health, and regional economies. Although much progress has been made in the field of biological invasions research in China over the last decade, there are still large knowledge gaps. This paper reviews progress in the field of biological invasions research since 2000 as it relates to China, covering the diversity, colonization and immigration patterns of invasive species, mechanisms and ecological effects of biological invasions, and management and control of invasive species. In China, 529 invasive alien species have been identified, which originated primarily from South and North America, and the major taxa included terrestrial plants, terrestrial invertebrates, and microorganisms. We found a higher prevalence of invasive species in the eastern and southern provinces, compared to the western and northern provinces in China. This pattern is likely due to the differences in the level of economic development and environmental suitability between the two regions. Moreover, with further economic development, China may face more serious biological invasions in the future. These invasions of alien species are largely the combined results of the interactions between the intrinsic traits of these species along with resource opportunities and disturbances by human beings. Many mechanisms are responsible for successful invasions of alien species, but phenotypic plasticity, adaptive evolution, enemy release, interspecific mutualism or commensalism, and new allelochemicals may be primary causative factors. Biological invasions in China have caused serious impacts on native ecosystems, including biodiversity and ecosystem services, alteration of biogeochemical cycles, threats to agricultural and forestry production, traffic and shipping, environmental safety, and public facilities. China has also made progress in the detection and monitoring of invasive species, risk analysis, biological control, radical elimination, and ecological restoration of degraded ecosystems. We suggest several issues that need to be addressed in invasive species research in the future, including territory-wide inventories, evolutionary ecology and genomics, direct and indirect ecosystem-level consequences, interactions between major components of global change and biological invasions, and management and control technologies.

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    A retrospective evaluation of Biodiversity Science over the past 20 years
    Keping Ma, Yurong Zhou
    Biodiv Sci    2012, 20 (5): 535-550.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2012.16156
    Abstract3540)   HTML14)    PDF (742KB)(3378)       Save

    Since Biodiversity Science (formerly Chinese Biodiversity) was founded in October 1993 by the Biodiversity Committee of Chinese Academy of Sciences, it has been well received by authors and readers in China. The scope and focus of the journal that put forward by the first Editor-in-chief, Prof. Yingqian Qian have been well carried out by his successors. As the only nationwide academic journal in China, the Journal specifically addresses the major issues of biodiversity, and comprehensively reports on achievements in the field of biodiversity research. To gain an overview of the Journal, we analyzed publication trends including study organisms and subject areas, authors and affiliation, funding agency, and citation frequency based on data from the database CNKI and the Journal’s website. Major research topics included biological invasion, biodiversity and global change, DNA barcoding, biodiversity monitoring, phylodiversity, biodiversity informatics, along with research regarding the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Overall, 13 special issues/special features were published since 2000. Among 1,189 papers (excluding four English supplements), 149 papers were on species diversity, 113 papers on genetic diversity, and 38 papers on ecosystem diversity. Studies on plant diversity and animal diversity represented a significant proportion of the publications, whereas few papers were published on microbial diversity. Among all the authors, Fang Jingyun ranked first with 41 papers, followed by Ma Keping (31 papers), and Chen Jiakuan (22 papers). The top 10 authors in terms of number of published papers came from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, and Fudan University. The mean number of authors per paper was ~1.5 in 1993 and increased to ~4 in 2011, showing increased collaboration in the study work. Concordantly, the mean number of pages per paper increased from 5 pages of 1993 to ~10 pages of 2011. There were more than 200 papers that were cited >400 times, with the largest up to 970 (as of August 10, 2012). This resulted in two peaks of papers with high citation numbers in 1993-1994 (50 times per paper) and 1998-2004 (40 times per paper). Papers were mainly from projects financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The Journal has been ranked one of the leading scientific journals in the field of biology in the country. However, the Journal faces strong competition from international journals. Based on our findings, we provide corresponding countermeasures and suggestions.

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    Cited: Baidu(3) CSCD(2)
      
    Functions of earthworm in ecosystem
    Weixin Zhang, Dima Chen, Cancan Zhao
    Biodiv Sci    2007, 15 (2): 142-153.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.060294
    Abstract10560)      PDF (565KB)(7240)       Save
    As one of the key soil invertebrates, earthworms can greatly impact soil processes, and thus was named as “ecosystem engineer”. Earthworm activities such as feeding, digestion, excretion, and burrowing, facilitate the formation of various drilosphere in their guts or soils around, through which they alter the biological, chemical and physical processes of the ecosystem. Earthworms act as consumer, decomposer and modulator in ecosystem. The ecological functions of earthworm include: (1) effects on key soil ecosystem processes such as decomposition of soil organic matters and nutrient cycling; (2) effects on soil chemical and physical properties; and (3) interaction with plants, microorganisms and other animals. Earthworm activities and their functions in ecosystem are determined by various factors such as ecological groups of earthworms, population size, vegetation, parent materials of soil, climate, time scale, and history of soil utilization. The development of earthworm ecology was constrained by the complex feature of soil, the scarce knowledge of natural history and biogeography of earthworms, and the low efficiency of approaches in field manipulation of earthworm community. We suggest that new technologies such as the C and N isotope technique for nu-trient cycling and the image analysis approaches for soil micro-structure should be applied on earthworm ecological research in order to better understand the functions of earthworms.
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    Cited: CSCD(57)
      
    Research progress in effects of urbanization on plant biodiversity
    Yu Peng, Xuehua Liu
    Biodiv Sci    2007, 15 (5): 558-562.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.070058
    Abstract5571)      PDF (177KB)(4777)       Save
    An overview of research progress of urbanization impacts on plant biodiversity was given. With a worldwide expanding of urbanization, especially in developing countries, effects of urbanization on biodiversity are attracting more attention. Urbanization reduces native plant species whilst increases introduced plant species. As for distribution of plant species, richness of native plant decreases along rural, rural-urban fringe and urban gradient. However, richness of introduced plant species increases, which results in increasing of total plant species richness along the same gradient. Urbanization also produces the great influence on plant species composition and makes the dominant species varying along the gradient. The mechanism of urbani-zation affecting plant biodiversity mainly lies on three aspects, i.e., introduction of exotic species, change of microhabitat, and altering of landscape pattern. Concerning further researches, four main trends will become more and more important: (1) systematical integration of different regions, various methods and multi-disciplines, (2) long-term site monitoring the urban expanding and plant biodiversity changing, (3) re-search on interior mechanism of native plant species’ loss and characteristics’ change, especially the in-ter-actions between the exotic and native plant species, and (4) urban plant biodiversity conservation.
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    The ecological effects of biological invasions on birds
    Xiaojing Gan, Bo Li, Jiakuan Chen, Zhijun Ma
    Biodiv Sci    2007, 15 (5): 548-557.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.070010
    Abstract4916)      PDF (452KB)(3859)       Save
    Biological invasion is recognized as one of the greatest threats to the global biodiversity because invasive exotic species not only alter the local environments but also have serious ecological effects on native species. Birds are positioned at high trophic level within the food web in the ecosystem, and thus any changes within the system can affect the birds in one way or another. The ecological effects of different exotic taxa like mammals, birds, invertebrates and plants on native birds are reviewed in this paper. In summary, the exotic species can affect native bird species in four main ways, 1) predation of birds or eggs by the exotic mammals; 2) competition for habitats and foods with exotic birds, and loss of genetic diversity by hybridization with the closely-related exotic species; 3) direct and indirect alterations of native habitats and food resources, and predation by the exotic invertebrates; and 4) loss and fragmentation of habitats for native birds through altering species composition and structure of native plant communities by exotic plants. The unsolved questions and future research directions in this field are also addressed.
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    Impact of Spartina alterniflora invasion on the macrobethos community of Jiuduansha’s intertidal mudflat in the Yangtze River estuary
    Xiao Zhou, Tianhou Wang, Zhenming Ge, Wenyu Shi, Lichen Zhou
    Biodiv Sci    2006, 14 (2): 165-171.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.050073
    Abstract4823)      PDF (373KB)(3913)       Save
    In order to reveal the impacts of Spartina alterniflora invasion on macrobethos communities, during October 2004 to January 2005, we studied the distribution pattern of macrobenthos and its correlation with soil factors in Jiuduansha intertidal mudflat of the Yangtze River estuary. We selected 57 sample sites representing six habitat types, i.e., Phragmites australis, Scirpus mariqueter, S. triqueter, and Spartina alterniflora plant communities, and low tidal and high tidal mudflats. A total of 28 macrobethos species were found, consisting of Mollusca, Annelida, Crustacea, and Insect larva, with the dominant species being Stenothyra glabra, Assiminea violacea, A. latericea, Limnodriu hoffmeisteri, and Ilyrplax deschampsi. The low tidal mudflat supported more species abundance of macrobenthos, but low density, whereas the habitat of Scirpus mariqueter held the highest density. Statistical analysis demonstrated that Pielou evenness index significantly differed between bulrush areas (Scirpus mariqueter) and other habitat types. Further analysis revealed that habitat dominated by the invasive species Spartina alterniflora supported average species richness and density of macrobenthos, although some species were absent.
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    Effects of nutrient levels on growth characteristics and competitive abil-ity of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an aquatic invasive plant
    Yueqin Zhao, Jianbo Lu, Lei Zhu, Zhihui Fu
    Biodiv Sci    2006, 14 (2): 159-164.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.050243
    Abstract6165)      PDF (157KB)(4533)       Save
    Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), a noxious invasive species, has infested vast aquatic ecosystems. Besides its extraordinary adaptive ability and clonal growth, the eutrophication of water bodies also account for its rapid spread. Based on a series of pot experiments, we examined the growth characteristics of water hyacinth at three different nutrient levels, as well as its competitive effects on two native plants Ludwigia peploides ssp. stipulacea and Hydrilla verticillata. Our results showed that the mean number of ramets, mean height and total biomass of water hyacinth significantly increased with increase of nutrient level, indicating that nutrient-enriched water accelerated the growth and propagation of water hyacinth, which, as a result, reduced the growth of L. peploides ssp. stipulacea and H. verticillata. This suggests that eutrophication further boosts the competitive advantages of water hyacinth over native plants, and thus facilitates the invasion of this weed in water bodies. Thus, alleviating water pollution is a key method for controlling the spread of water hyacinth in order to protect native biodiversity and ecosystem function.
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    Cited: CSCD(10)
      
    Fish resources around Fanjing Mountain, Guizhou
    Yinggui Dai, Min Li
    Biodiv Sci    2006, 14 (1): 55-64.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.050057
    Abstract4793)      PDF (653KB)(4069)       Save
    Fanjing Mountain is situated in Guizhou Province, southwestern China. Having the best preserved ecological system in the region, it has been designated as a national nature reserve. From 2001 to 2003, to explore the status and dynamics of the species diversity of fishes, we conducted three surveys in both the Wujiang River and the Yuanjiang River systems in the area around Fanjing Mountains. A total of 3,614 specimen were collected from 19 sites, belonging to 85 species/subspecies, 61 genera, 14 families, and 5 orders. Of these, Clarias fuscus is an introduced species while the others are indigenous. Pseudohemiculter hainanensis, Metahomaloptera omeiensis omeiensis, and Glyptothorax fukiensis fukiensis were newly recorded in this area. The fish fauna mainly comprised members of the family Cyprinidae of the order Cypriniformes, and fishes living in swift-flowing streams and small-sized species were dominant. Our study, combined with literature review, showed that indigenous fish species had decreased. Additionally, the species in Cypriniformes decreased much more than those in other orders in the area. The rapid decrease of species richness of indigenous fishes probably resulted from over-fishing and destruction of the river environment. Measures for protection of indigenous fish in this area are also discussed.
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    Molecular identification of invasive golden apple snails in Zhejiang Province based on DNA barcoding
    Qianqian Yang, Suwen Liu, Weidong Ru, Guangfu Liu, Xiaoping Yu
    Biodiv Sci    2016, 24 (3): 341-350.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2015260
    Abstract1856)   HTML14)    PDF (829KB)(1616)       English Version    Save

    Golden apple snails seriously damage crops and aquatic ecosystem in China. Two invasive apple snail species, Pomacea canaliculata and P. maculata, have been reported in China since 2010. Only the distribution of P. canaliculata was reported in Zhejiang Province. It is difficult to distinguish the two species due to their close morphological characteristics and high diversity of shell morphology, which are influenced by both environmental factors and food types. We collected samples from seven localities from Zhejiang Province and sequenced 101 individuals of mitochondrial COI fragments of the DNA barcode region. We also downloaded 55 sequences of five species of the P. canaliculata group, which included all public sequences of P. lineata, P. dolioides, and P. paludosa, and South American sample sequences of P. canaliculata and P. maculata. Analyses including similarity alignments, DNA barcoding gaps, and phylogenetic relationships, revealed that COI sequences were effective to distinguish apple snail species. We detected P. canaliculata and P. maculata distributed in the Jianggan region of Hangzhou, while only P. canaliculata was distributed in the Putuo region of Zhoushan, the Shanyu and Xinchang regions of Shaoxing, the Ouhai region of Wenzhou and the Xihu regoin of Hangzhou. P. canaliculata revealed a much wider distribution range. P. canaliculata and P. maculata were collapsed into 4 haplotypes and 2 haplotypes, respectively. There were 1 to 3 haplotypes in each locality, which indicated a low genetic diversity. The phylogenetic analyses deduced that P. canaliculata and P. maculata were probably introduced from Argentina and Brazil, respectively.

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    Impacts of exotic plant invasions on soil biodiversity and ecosystem processes
    Huili Chen, Yujuan Li, Bo Li, Jiakuan Chen, Jihua Wu
    Biodiv Sci    2005, 13 (6): 555-565.   DOI: 10.1360/biodiv.050058
    Abstract6713)      PDF (151KB)(6242)       Save
    As increasing attention has been paid to below-ground ecosystems in recent years, the impact of exotic plant invasions on soil ecosystems has emerged as a central issue in invasion ecology. In this paper, effects of exotic plant invasions on soil biota and soil nutrient cycling processes are reviewed, and the mechanisms that underlie these impacts are discussed. The available literature suggests that no consistent pattern exists on the impacts of exotic plant invasions on soil microbes, soil animals, soil carbon cycling and nitrogen cycling. The mechanisms underlying the impacts of exotic plant invasions are also complex and diverse. The discrepancies most likely arise from the differences between invasive and native plants in a variety of physiological and ecological traits, such as litter quality and quantity, root distribution, and phenology. Future studies are recommended to (a) compare the impacts across multiple scales and multiple ecosystems; (b) intensify mechanical studies of the impacts; (c) link the impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem processes; and (d) explore the mutualistic interactions between soil ecosystems and exotic plants.
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    The butterfly Pieris rapae resulting in the reproductive success of two transplanted orchids in a botanical garden
    Hongfang Zhang, Liqiang Li, Zhongjian Liu, Yibo Luo
    Biodiv Sci    2010, 18 (1): 11-18.   DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2010.011
    Abstract3837)   HTML12)    PDF (377KB)(3960)       Save

    Ex-situ conservation is an effective measure to prevent extinction of species. In order to learn the plant-pollinator relationship in ex situ habitat and shed insights into the ex situ conservation, we studied the pollination system and reproductive strategy of two orchids Ludisia discolor from Wutong Mountains, Shenzhen and Calanthe argenteo-striata from Malipo, Yunnan in the Botanical Garden of the National Orchid Conservation Center (NOCC), Shenzhen, southeastern China in 2007 and 2008. Both species have inflorescences with many white flowers which have spur with a narrow entrance. The butterfly, Pieris rapae, was their solely legitimate pollinators. The pollinaria of L. discolor were carried on the legs of butterflies, while that of C. argenteo-striata on the proboscis. The pollination efficiency in both orchids was high, and the ratio of pollinaria removal to massulae deposition was 1.14:1 and 0.74:1 in L. discolor and C. argenteo-striata, respectively. In 2007 and 2008, fruit set of open pollination in L. discolor was higher than that in C. argenteo-striata, which could be explained by that the former provides rewards to its pollinators while the latter is deceptive, as well as by that the flowering period of L. discolor was synchronized with the abundance of butterflies, which favored the orchid to exploit its pollinators, whereas the flowering period of C. argenteo-striata was lagged behind the outbreak period of butterflies, which made the flowers suffer insufficient pollinator visitation. Both species were self-compatible but there were no spontaneous autogamy or apomixes. The fruit sets of cross-pollination and self-pollination showed no significant difference. Ludisia discolor and C. argenteo-striata grow well after being transplanted to NOCC, and new seedlings were found near parent plants, indicating the population tended to expand, and the ex situ conservation was feasible. It could be predicted that these two orchids have the potential to establish stable populations in NOCC in the future.

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    Cited: CSCD(10)