The spatial and temporal distributions of arthropods in forest canopies: uniting disparate patterns with hypotheses for specialisation

Arguably the majority of species on Earth utilise tropical rainforest canopies, and much progress has been made in describing arboreal assemblages, especially for arthropods. The most commonly described patterns for tropical rainforest insect communities are host specificity, spatial specialisation (predominantly vertical stratification), and temporal changes in abundance (seasonality and circadian rhythms). Here I review the recurrent results with respect to each of these patterns and discuss the evolutionary selective forces that have generated them in an attempt to unite these patterns in a holistic evolutionary framework. I propose that species can be quantified along a generalist–specialist scale not only with respect to host specificity, but also other spatial and temporal distribution patterns, where specialisation is a function of the extent of activity across space and time for particular species. When all of these distribution patterns are viewed through the paradigm of specialisation, hypotheses that have been proposed to explain the evolution of host specificity can also be applied to explain the generation and maintenance of other spatial and temporal distribution patterns. The main driver for most spatial and temporal distribution patterns is resource availability. Generally, the distribution of insects follows that of the resources they exploit, which are spatially stratified and vary temporally in availability. Physiological adaptations are primarily important for host specificity, where nutritional and chemical variation among host plants in particular, but also certain prey species and fungi, influence host range. Physiological tolerances of abiotic conditions are also important for explaining the spatial and temporal distributions of some insect species, especially in drier forest environments where desiccation is an ever‐present threat. However, it is likely that for most species in moist tropical rainforests, abiotic conditions are valuable indicators of resource availability, rather than physiologically limiting factors. Overall, each distribution pattern is influenced by the same evolutionary forces, but at differing intensities. Consequently, each pattern is linked and not mutually exclusive of the other distribution patterns. Most studies have examined each of these patterns in isolation. Future work should focus on examining the evolutionary drivers of these patterns in concert. Only then can the relative strength of resource availability and distribution, host defensive phenotypes, and biotic and abiotic interactions on insect distribution patterns be determined.     

塔里木河上游天然胡杨林种群空间分布格局与动态研究

以新疆塔里木河上游阿瓦提县天然胡杨林为研究对象,采用相邻格子法进行实地调查,应用方差/均值比率法和5种聚集度指标研究了塔里木河上游天然胡杨林主要种群的空间分布格局与动态特征.结果显示:胡杨群落中除草本西北天冬种群空间分布格局呈随机分布外,其它主要种群均呈聚集分布;拟合检验表明,胡杨、灰叶胡杨种群为聚集分布.种群空间分布动态分析表明,灰叶胡杨在小树、中树与大树阶段均为聚集分布;胡杨种群在小树与中树阶段为聚集分布,但聚集强度减弱,到大树阶段为随机分布.研究表明,物种分布格局主要与物种本身的生物生态学特性和生境有关.     

具休眠体淡水水生生物分布假说的研究进展

淡水水生生物的分布模式一直是进化和生物地理学研究中的热点问题, 特别是对具休眠体水生生物的研究, 早在达尔文时代就开始探讨具休眠体淡水水生生物分布的原因。根据对文献的整理, 可以将具休眠体淡水水生生物分布模式归纳为三种假说: 随机分布(Everything is Everywhere, EIE)假说、独占(Monopolisation)假说和局域特有(Moderate Endemicity, ME)假说。通过对三种假说的定义, 研究进展和形成不同模式的原因等进行分析, 提出了在研究时需注意是否存在隐存种、季节变化引起基因型变化、研究区域是否覆盖了本物种的所有分布范围、地理环境及地质事件与分布模式之间的关系等问题, 以便更准确的研究具休眠体淡水水生生物分布模式。     

Ecological application of wavelet analysis in the scaling of spatial distribution patterns of Ceratoides ewersmanniana

Ecological experiments are usually conducted on small scales, but the ecological and environmental issues are usually on large scales. Hence, there is a clear need of scaling. Namely, when we deal with patterns and processes on larger scales, a special connection needs to be established on the small scales that we are familiar with. Here we presented a wavelet analysis method that could build relationships between spatial distribution patterns on different scales. With this method, we also studied how spatial heterogeneity and distribution patterns changed with the scale. We investigated the distribution and the habitat of C. ewersmanniana in two plots (200 m × 200 m; the distance between these two plots is 15 km) at Mosuowan desert. The results demonstrated that spatial heterogeneity and distribution patterns were incorporated into larger scales when the wavelet scale varied from one (5 m) to four (20 m). However, if the wavelet scale was above five (25 m), the spatial distribution patterns varied placidly, the oscillation frequency of landforms stabilized at 110 m, and the dynamic quantity period of C. ewersmanniana stabilized at 115–125 m. We also identified signal mutation points with wavelet analysis and verified the heterogeneity degree of local space with position variance. We found that position variance decomposed the distribution patterns on large scales into small sampling plots, and the position with the largest variance also had the strongest heterogeneity. In a word, the wavelet analysis method could scale-up spatial distribution patterns and habitat heterogeneity. With this method and other methods derived from this one, such as wavelet scale, wavelet variance, position variance and extremely direct-viewing graphs, wavelet analysis could be widely applied in solving the scaling problem in ecological and environmental studies.     

Ontogeny of limb mass distribution in infant baboons (Papio cynocephalus)

Primates have more distally distributed limb muscle mass compared to most nonprimate mammals. The heavy distal limbs of primates are likely related to their strong manual and pedal grasping abilities, and interspecific differences in limb mass distributions among primates are correlated with the amount of time spent on arboreal supports. Within primate species, individuals at different developmental stages appear to differ in limb mass distribution patterns. For example infant macaques have more distally distributed limb mass at young ages. A shift from distal to proximal limb mass concentrations coincides with a shift from dependent travel (grasping their mother's hair) to independent locomotion. Because the functional demands placed on limbs may differ between taxa, understanding the ontogeny of limb mass distribution patterns is likely an essential element in interpreting the diversity of limb mass distribution patterns present in adult primates. This study examines changes in limb inertial properties during ontogeny in a longitudinal sample of infant baboons (Papio cynocephalus). The results of this study show that infant baboons undergo a transition from distal to proximal limb mass distribution patterns. This transition in limb mass distribution coincides with the transition from dependent to independent locomotion during infant development. Compared to more arboreal macaques, infant baboons undergo a faster transition to more proximal limb mass distribution patterns. These results suggest that functional demands placed on the limbs during ontogeny have a strong impact on the development of limb mass distribution patterns.     

小波分析方法在心叶驼绒藜(Ceratoides ewersmanniana)空间格局尺度推绎研究中的应用

以古尔班通古特沙漠南缘莫索湾沙地选取相隔15km的两个200m×200m样地,以建群种心叶驼绒藜(Ceratoides ewersmanniana)及其生境地形为研究对象,应用小波分析定量研究了多尺度上空间格局的推绎以及空间异质性、空间格局依赖于尺度的变化关系。研究发现：小波分析尺度由1(5m)变化到4(20m)时,两个样地小尺度上的异质性和格局被合并到更大的尺度上,当小波分析的尺度大于等于5(25m)时,两个样地的格局变化平稳,对应地形（丘顶、丘坡、丘底）的基频稳定在110m左右,心叶驼绒藜的数量动态变化周期稳定在115～125m之间。结果表明：小波分析对信号整体特征的提取作用实现了小尺度上的信息到大尺度上的聚合。结合小波分析对信号突变点的检测,利用位置方差检验局部空间异质性程度,发现位置方差将大尺度上的格局分解到每个取样小样方,位置方差最大的地点对应的异质性也最强,实现了大尺度上的信息到小尺度上的分解。总结认为应用小波分析可以实现对空间格局的尺度推绎,具有对植被、环境的分布格局以及异质性有双重度量作用,由小波系数以及由其衍生的小波方差、位置方差来实现这种度量,图形表现直观,优越性明显。     

Scale-free foraging by primates emerges from their interaction with a complex environment

Scale-free foraging patterns are widespread among animals. These may be the outcome of an optimal searching strategy to find scarce, randomly distributed resources, but a less explored alternative is that this behaviour may result from the interaction of foraging animals with a particular distribution of resources. We introduce a simple foraging model where individual primates follow mental maps and choose their displacements according to a maximum efficiency criterion, in a spatially disordered environment containing many trees with a heterogeneous size distribution. We show that a particular tree-size frequency distribution induces non-Gaussian movement patterns with multiple spatial scales (Lévy walks). These results are consistent with field observations of tree-size variation and spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) foraging patterns. We discuss the consequences that our results may have for the patterns of seed dispersal by foraging primates.     

Movements of wintering surf scoters: predator responses to different prey landscapes

The distribution of predators is widely recognized to be intimately linked to the distribution of their prey. Foraging theory suggests that predators will modify their behaviors, including movements, to optimize net energy intake when faced with variation in prey attributes or abundance. While many studies have documented changes in movement patterns of animals in response to temporal changes in food, very few have contrasted movements of a single predator species naturally occurring in dramatically different prey landscapes. We documented variation in the winter movements, foraging range size, site fidelity, and distribution patterns of a molluscivorous sea duck, the surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), in two areas of coastal British Columbia with very different shellfish prey features. Baynes Sound has extensive tidal flats with abundant clams, which are high-quality and temporally stable prey for scoters. Malaspina Inlet is a rocky fjord-like inlet where scoters consume mussels that are superabundant and easily accessible in some patches but are heavily depleted over the course of winter. We used radio telemetry to track surf scoter movements in both areas and found that in the clam habitats of Baynes Sound, surf scoters exhibited limited movement, small winter ranges, strong foraging site fidelity, and very consistent distribution patterns. By contrast, in mussel habitats in the Malaspina Inlet, surf scoters displayed more movement, larger ranges, little fidelity to specific foraging sites, and more variable distribution patterns. We conclude that features associated with the different prey types, particularly the higher depletion rates of mussels, strongly influenced seasonal space use patterns. These findings are consistent with foraging theory and confirm that predator behavior, specifically movements, is environmentally mediated.     

Lasting effects of maternal behaviour on the distribution of a dispersive stream insect

1. Predicting population dynamics at large spatial scales requires integrating information about spatial distribution patterns, inter-patch movement rates and within-patch processes. Advective dispersal of aquatic species by water movement is considered paramount to understanding their population dynamics. Rivers are model advective systems, and the larvae of baetid mayflies are considered quintessential dispersers. Egg laying of baetids along channels is patchy and reflects the distribution of oviposition sites, but larvae are assumed to drift frequently and far, thereby erasing patterns created during oviposition. Dispersal kernels are often overestimated, however, and empirical tests of such assumptions are warranted because of the pivotal role distribution patterns can have on populations. 2. We tested empirically whether the egg distribution patterns arising from oviposition behaviours persisted and were reflected in the distribution patterns of larval Baetis rhodani. In field surveys, we tested for associations between egg mass and larval densities over 1 km lengths of four streams. A control species, the mayfly Ephemerella ignita, was employed to test for covarying environmental factors. We estimated drift rates directly to test whether larvae dispersed between riffles (patches of high egg mass density) and whether drift rates were density-dependent or density-related - expected outcomes if drift erases patterns established by maternal behaviours. 3. Positive associations between egg masses and larval benthic densities were found for neonate and mid-stage larvae of Baetis, but not the control species, suggesting persistence of the patchy distribution patterns established at oviposition. Drift rates were high, and riffles were net exporters of neonate and mid-stage larvae, but drift rates were unrelated to benthic densities and few drifters reached the next riffle. Riffles were sinks for large larvae, suggesting ontogenetic shifts in habitat use, but little long-distance dispersal. 4. Overall, the results suggest that most neonate and mid-stage larvae of B. rhodani remain close to the natal riffle, and late-stage larvae disperse shorter distances than routinely assumed. The persistence of maternal effects on distribution patterns well into juvenile life of an allegedly iconic disperser suggests that traditional models of how dispersal influences the population dynamics of many lotic invertebrates may be incorrect.     

湘黔桂三省区交界地带茧蜂种类调查和区系研究

湘黔桂三省区交界地带27县市的年平均气温17℃,降水量达1500mm,植被丰富,调查其茧蜂种类,计13亚科44属84种。分析该地区的茧蜂区系成份,发现属以世界分布属和以纯东洋界分布或东洋界与其它陆地动物区系共有分布为主,种则以古北界分布（14种）或古北界和古北界共有分布（47种）为多,特有种20种,东亚分布型8种。从该特殊小区的温度、植被、地型地貌等因子分析了此类区系成份的成因。     

Distribution patterns of some subterranean Crustacea in the territory of the former Yugoslavia

A selection of the most representative distribution patterns of stygobiont animals is presented. The range of a genus may extend beyond the Dinaride karst, while some species exhibit a holo-Dinaric distribution. The mero-Dinaric distribution is organised in two vicarious centres (in the NW and SE) as well as an epilittoral and a paralittoral belt. The paralittoral distribution is a result of paleogeographic rather than present-day ecological conditions. Important differences between the interstitial faunas of Slovenia (and NE Italy) and Macedonia are probably the result of their different sources. Some other distribution patterns are discussed or summarized from the existing literature. The distribution patterns of this stygobiont fauna are extremely diverse, and are influenced by the geological complexity of the territory as well as by the richness of the fauna concerned. New distribution data for some Copepoda, Thermosbaenacea, and Amphipoda are appended.     

叶蜂总科昆虫生物地理研究I叶蜂总科科级阶元的地理分布分析(膜翅目)

本文在科级阶元水平分析了叶蜂总科的地理分布特征。叶蜂总科在科、亚科和族级水平上可分为３种,９种和１６种分布型。在各级水平上,全北界分布型均占有绝对优势,其中东亚地区中南部是主要分布中心。文中还简要阐述了世界膜翅目广腰类群的分布特性;提出了一个简明实用的“类元分布指数Ｉｔ”,用于表示特定地区某一或全部生物类群的各级阶元的分布数量与世界已知阶元总数之比值。此指数稍作修改提出一个类群起源可能性指数Ｉｏ,用于表示某一类群在一特定区域起源的可能性大小。     

The Force Synergy of Human Digits in Static and Dynamic Cylindrical Grasps

This study explores the force synergy of human digits in both static and dynamic cylindrical grasping conditions. The patterns of digit force distribution, error compensation, and the relationships among digit forces are examined to quantify the synergetic patterns and coordination of multi-finger movements. This study recruited 24 healthy participants to perform cylindrical grasps using a glass simulator under normal grasping and one-finger restricted conditions. Parameters such as the grasping force, patterns of digit force distribution, and the force coefficient of variation are determined. Correlation coefficients and principal component analysis (PCA) are used to estimate the synergy strength under the dynamic grasping condition. Specific distribution patterns of digit forces are identified for various conditions. The compensation of adjacent fingers for the force in the normal direction of an absent finger agrees with the principle of error compensation. For digit forces in anti-gravity directions, the distribution patterns vary significantly by participant. The forces exerted by the thumb are closely related to those exerted by other fingers under all conditions. The index-middle and middle-ring finger pairs demonstrate a significant relationship. The PCA results show that the normal forces of digits are highly coordinated. This study reveals that normal force synergy exists under both static and dynamic cylindrical grasping conditions.     

Spatial structure and dynamics of breeding bird populations at a distribution margin,southern California

Aim Local‐scale processes at species distribution margins can affect larger‐scale distribution dynamics, but are rarely studied. The objective of this research was to elucidate the nature of distribution limits by studying the comparative structure, dynamics and environmental associations of breeding bird populations at their distribution margin. We hypothesized that climate is principally responsible for setting distribution limits, whereas biotic habitat features are more strongly associated with distribution patterns within the range. Location Southern California, USA. Methods During 2005–2007 we studied the distribution patterns of breeding birds in three study areas, each spanning a low‐elevation (200–1800 m) desert scrub‐to‐chaparral gradient. We used logistic regression with hierarchical partitioning to assess the independent effects of environmental variables (e.g. climate versus habitat) on distributions. We tested for shifts in the relative importance of these environmental variables in determining distribution limits versus within‐range patterns, and we also compared higher‐ and lower‐elevation groups of species. Results Distribution patterns were highly variable among species, but were remarkably static over the three study areas and 3‐year study period. Across species, habitat floristic variables performed relatively well at explaining distribution patterns. For higher‐elevation species (chaparral birds), climate was relatively important in setting their lower distribution limits, and there was a shift to a greater importance of biotic habitat (mainly habitat structural variables) for determining within‐range patterns. Relationships were more mixed for lower‐elevation species (desert scrub birds), but with respect to distribution limits, biotic habitat variables tended to be more important relative to climate than we observed for chaparral birds. Main conclusions Along this warm, arid elevational gradient, higher‐elevation chaparral birds are more limited by climate at their lower margin than are lower‐elevation desert birds at their upper margin, suggesting that climate plays a strong role (relative to other values) in excluding non‐desert birds from desert. However, given the strong differences among species, predictive distribution models will need to be individually tailored, and for most species biotic habitat variables were of greater importance than climate in determining limits. This research highlights the usefulness of studying environmental relationships at distribution margins and the importance of considering biotic relationships in forecasting distribution shifts under changing climates.     

Density distribution of human lymphocytes. I. Results of research on normal lymphoid tissue

The aim of this study was to analyze the density distribution patterns of subsets of normal human lymphocytes. Density distribution was assessed by equilibrium centrifugation on linear polysucrose-metrizoat gradients. Results of the analyses of various subsets of lymphoid cells differing in their degree of cellular maturation and functional activation suggested that their distribution patterns are determined by three independent factors: the derivation, the stage of differenciation and the functional activity.     

Historical Biogeography: Evolution in Time and Space

Biogeography is the discipline of biology that studies the present and past distribution patterns of biological diversity and their underlying environmental and historical causes. For most of its history, biogeography has been divided into proponents of vicariance explanations, who defend that distribution patterns can mainly be explained by geological, tectonic-isolating events; and dispersalists, who argue that current distribution patterns are largely the result of recent migration events. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of the discipline from methods focused on finding general patterns of distribution (cladistic biogeography), to those that integrate biogeographic processes (event-based biogeography), to modern probabilistic approaches (parametric biogeography). The latter allows incorporating into biogeographic inference estimates of the divergence time between lineages (usually based on DNA sequences) and external sources of evidence, such as information on past climate and geography, the organism fossil record, or its ecological tolerance. This has revolutionized the discipline, allowing it to escape the dispersal versus vicariance dilemma and to address a wider range of evolutionary questions, including the role of ecological and historical factors in the construction of biomes or the existence of contrasting patterns of range evolution in animals and plants.     

我国栗属物种(Castanea millissima)地理分布及其空间特征分析

在广泛收集我国栗属3个物种板栗(C.mollissimaBl.)、茅栗(C.seguinii)和锥栗(C.Henryi(skan)Rehd.etWils.)地理分布资料的基础上,利用地统计学方法对它们的上限和下限的分布幅度进行了分析,给出了分布高度的插值结果,并对其估值结果进行了分析。结果表明,板栗和茅栗的分布上限和下限呈现出由东向西逐渐升高的趋势。而且越向西其变化趋势越为明显;锥栗则表现出由东南向西北逐渐升高的趋势,其变化幅度也相对较小。对3种植物分布高度插值结果进行的误差分析表明茅栗和锥栗的估测值和实际值非常吻合,茅栗误差较小,大都在4%以下锥栗误差在6%以下;而板栗由于多为人工栽培,受人为因素影响大,因此,其估测值的误差相对较大,在0～20%之间波动,但其大部分误差也都小于10%。这些结果说明,地统计学方法能够良好地拟合自然条件下物种的地理分布规律,而人为因素影响强烈下的物种由于其分布的规律性受到破坏而影响了预测效果。     

Flavonoids and the evolution of the angiosperms

Data on the distribution of flavonoids in the angiosperms are summarized and patterns of occurence are shown to be related to plant evolution. Different flavonoid types are regarded as primitive or advanced characters on the basis of biosynthetic complexity and on correlated frequencies of occurrence with morphological and anatomical features. The evolutionary significance of distribution patterns of proanthocyanidins, glycosylflavones, biflavonoids, 6- and 8-hydroxyflavonoids and anthocyanins is discussed in turn. The importance of these various distribution patterns is considered in relation to an ecological function for these flavonoids.     

Spatial pattern of standing timber value across the Brazilian Amazon

The Amazon is a globally important system, providing a host of ecosystem services from climate regulation to food sources. It is also home to a quarter of all global diversity. Large swathes of forest are removed each year, and many models have attempted to predict the spatial patterns of this forest loss. The spatial patterns of deforestation are determined largely by the patterns of roads that open access to frontier areas and expansion of the road network in the Amazon is largely determined by profit seeking logging activities. Here we present predictions for the spatial distribution of standing value of timber across the Amazon. We show that the patterns of timber value reflect large-scale ecological gradients, determining the spatial distribution of functional traits of trees which are, in turn, correlated with timber values. We expect that understanding the spatial patterns of timber value across the Amazon will aid predictions of logging movements and thus predictions of potential future road developments. These predictions in turn will be of great use in estimating the spatial patterns of deforestation in this globally important biome.     

黄河流域被子植物和陆栖脊椎动物丰富度格局及其影响因子

生物多样性的大尺度空间分布格局及其形成机制一直是生态学和生物地理学的核心内容。黄河流域是我国重要的生态屏障, 明确该区域动植物多样性分布格局及其影响因素, 对我国黄河流域生态保护和高质量发展具有重要意义。本研究通过收集黄河流域被子植物和陆栖脊椎动物分布数据, 结合气候、环境异质性和人类活动等信息, 探讨了黄河流域被子植物和陆栖脊椎动物物种丰富度格局及其主要影响因素。结果表明, 黄河流域被子植物和陆栖脊椎动物物种丰富度在区域尺度具有相似的分布格局: 南部山地动植物物种丰富度最高, 而东部高寒区和北部干旱区物种丰富度最低。回归树模型表明, 冠层高度范围和净初级生产力范围分别是黄河流域被子植物和陆栖脊椎动物物种丰富度最重要的预测因子; 当移除空间自相关影响后, 环境异质性和气候因子依然对区域尺度的动植物物种丰富度具有较高且相似的解释度。表明环境异质性和气候共同决定了黄河流域被子植物和陆栖脊椎动物物种丰富度格局, 而人类使用土地面积并不是影响黄河流域动植物物种丰富度格局的主要因子。因此, 在未来的研究中若针对不同区域筛选出更精准的环境驱动因子或选用更多不同类别的环境异质性因子进行分析, 将有助于更深入理解物种多样性格局的成因。