Structural and functional diversity of EF‐hand proteins: Evolutionary perspectives

We have classified 865 sequences of EF‐hand proteins from five proteomes into 156 subfamilies. These subfamilies were put into six groups. Evolutionary relationships among subfamilies and groups were analyzed from the inferred ancestral sequence for each subfamily. CTER, CPV, and PEF groups arose from a common EF‐lobe (pair of adjacent EF‐hands). They have two or more EF‐lobes; the relative positions of their EF‐lobes differ from each other. Comparisons of the ancestral sequences and the inferred structures of the EF‐lobes of these groups indicate that the mutual positions of EF‐lobes were established soon after divergence of an EF‐lobe for each group and before the duplication and fusion of EF‐lobe gene(s). These ancestral sequences reveal that some subfamilies in low similarity and isolated groups did not evolve from the EF‐lobe precursor, even if their conformations are similar to the canonical EF‐hand. This is an example of convergent evolution.     

Involvement of endotoxin in the mortality of mice with gut‐derived sepsis due to methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus

MRSA causes a wide diversity of diseases, ranging from benign skin infections to life‐threatening diseases, such as sepsis. However, there have been few reports of the pathophysiology and mechanisms of sepsis resulting from the gut‐derived origin of MRSA. Therefore, we established a murine model of gut‐derived sepsis with MRSA and factors of MRSA sepsis that cause deterioration. We separated mice into four groups according to antibiotic treatment as follows: (i) ABPC 40 mg/kg; (ii) CAZ 80 mg/kg; (iii) CAZ 80 mg/kg + endotoxin 10 μg/mouse; and (iv) saline‐treated control groups. Gut‐derived sepsis was induced by i.p. injection of cyclophosphamide after colonization of MRSA strain 334 in the intestine. After the induction of sepsis, significantly more CAZ‐treated mice survived compared with ABPC‐treated and control groups. MRSA were detected in the blood and liver among all groups. Endotoxin levels were significantly lower in the CAZ‐treated group compared to other groups. Inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum were lower in the CAZ‐treated group compared to other groups. Fecal culture showed a lower level of colonization of E. coli in the CAZ‐treated group compared to other groups. In conclusion, we found that CAZ‐treatment ameliorates infection and suppresses endotoxin level by the elimination of E. coli from the intestinal tract of mice. However, giving endotoxin in the CAZ‐treated group increased mortality to almost the same level as in the ABPC‐treated group. These results suggest endotoxin released from resident E. coli in the intestine is involved in clinical deterioration resulting from gut‐derived MRSA sepsis.     

REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION BY SEX PHEROMONES IN THE CLOSTERIUM PERACEROSUM–STRIGOSUM–LITTORALE COMPLEX (ZYGNEMATALES,CHAROPHYCEAE)1

The Closterium peracerosum–strigosum–littorale (C. psl.) complex consists of unicellular algae and is known to be composed of several reproductively isolated mating groups of heterothallic strains. Group I‐E is completely isolated from mating groups II‐A and II‐B, groups II‐A and II‐B are partially isolated from each other, and only mating‐type plus (mt⁺) cells of group II‐A and mating‐type minus (mt^?) cells of group II‐B form zygotes. Based on the alignment of 1506 group I introns, significant phylogenetic relationships were observed among mating groups II‐A and II‐B, while mating group I‐E was distant from groups II‐A and II‐B. Sexual cell division in both mating‐type cells of group II‐A was stimulated in conditioned media in which cells of group II‐B had been cultured. When mt^? cells of group II‐B were stimulated in conditioned medium derived from group II‐A, mt⁺ cells of group II‐B did not respond to the conditioned medium. Conditioned media derived from group I‐E did not exhibit sexual cell division (SCD)–inducing activity against any strain except those within its own group. From the alignment of deduced amino acid sequences from orthologous protoplast‐release‐inducing protein (PR‐IP) Inducer genes, we detected a significant similarity among groups II‐A and II‐B, and mating group I‐E had low similarity to other mating groups. The existing degree of reproductive isolation can be partially explained by differences in molecular structures and physiological activities of sex pheromones of these heterothallic mating groups.     

Effects of Single‐ and Mixed‐Species Group Composition on the Flight Initiation Distances of Plains and Grevy's Zebras

Zebras, as prey species, attend to the behavior of nearby conspecifics and heterospecifics when making decisions to flee from predators. Plains zebras (Equus quagga) and Grevy's zebras (E. grevyi) frequently form mixed‐species groups in zones where their ranges overlap in Kenya. Although anecdotal observations suggest that Plains zebras are more flighty around humans than Grevy's zebras are, this has not been empirically confirmed, and relatively little is known about how they may influence each other's flight behavior. We addressed these questions by examining the flight initiation distances (FIDs) of Plains and Grevy's zebras in single‐species and mixed‐species groups from an approaching human. One target individual per group was approached steadily on foot, with start distance, alert distance, and FID recorded from this target. Using start distance and alert distance separately as covariates, 22 Plains zebras in single‐species groups exhibited a significantly longer mean FID than 15 Grevy's zebras in single‐species groups. The FIDs of 7 Plains zebras and 5 Grevy's zebras tested in mixed‐species groups were virtually equivalent and intermediate to those of Plains and Grevy's zebras in single‐species groups, suggesting a bidirectional moderating influence of heterospecifics on risk assessment. This effect was most pronounced for Plains zebras in mixed‐species groups that exhibited an FID that was significantly shorter than that of Plains zebras in single‐species groups. Our findings underscore the importance of recognizing that related equids may be differently impacted by anthropogenic stress.     

mtDNA and Y-chromosome variation in the Talysh of Iran and Azerbaijan

The Northern Talysh from Azerbaijan and the Southern Talysh from Iran self‐identify as one ethnic group and speak a Northwestern Iranian language. However, the Northern and Southern Talysh dialects are so different that they may actually be separate languages. Does this linguistic differentiation reflect internal change due to isolation, or could contact‐induced change have played a role? We analyzed mtDNA HVI sequences, 11 Y‐chromosome bi‐allelic markers, and 9 Y‐STR loci in Northern and Southern Talysh and compared them with their neighboring groups. The mtDNA data show a close relatedness of both groups with each other and with neighboring groups, whereas the Northern Talysh Y‐chromosome variation differs from that of neighboring groups, probably as a result of genetic drift. This genetic drift most likely reflects a founder event in the male gene pool of Northern Talysh: either fewer males than females migrated to Azerbaijan, or there was a higher degree of relatedness among the male migrants. Since we find no evidence of substantial genetic contact between either Northern or Southern Talysh and neighboring groups, we conclude that internal change, rather than contact‐induced change, most likely explains the linguistic differentiation between Northern and Southern Talysh. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Factors influencing the formation and maintenance of all‐male gorilla groups in captivity

The social housing of males is of particular importance for captive managers of polygynous species. In this work, we highlight nine areas we believe are important to the successful formation and maintenance of all‐male gorilla groups. Although more data are still needed to complete our understanding of these groups, the general picture that emerges is that all‐male groups can be a functional social unit for male gorillas, the longevity of which might be improved by careful planning. It appears that the best time to form all‐male groups is when the animals are still immature, as males in this age class have been observed to form some of the most stable groups. Efforts should be made to diversify the groups in terms of rearing history, particularly with respect to hand‐reared males, and to limit the amount of hand rearing experienced by males. Groups probably should contain no more than three or four adult males. Exhibits should be designed to provide visual barriers, refuges for subordinate animals, the means to separate individuals, and possibly the means to isolate all‐male groups from mixed‐sex groups. Additionally, because it is likely that some males will have to be removed from all‐male groups, zoos need to design facilities that provide state‐of‐the‐art housing for solitary individuals. It is hoped that by identifying bachelor males early in life and establishing cooperative management plans across institutions, zoos will be able to provide beneficial, long‐term social situations for all male gorillas in captivity. Zoo Biol 23:189–203, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Bemisia tabaci

Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a haplo‐diploid species with a global distribution demonstrating strong geographical structure with eight recognizable genetic groups. Fifteen microsatellite loci (335 alleles, 6–44 alleles per locus) were derived from four of the eight groups and were then screened across 33 populations. These loci clearly differentiate the populations. The microsatellites amplified best in individuals from genetic groups rep‐resenting the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia (three groups) and Australasia/Oceania and amplified less well with populations from sub‐Saharan Africa and the New World. This differential amplification pattern is a direct result of the relatedness to the microsatellite source material.     

Mitochondrial DNA diversity in two ethnic groups in Southeastern Kenya: Perspectives from the northeastern periphery of the bantu expansion

The Bantu languages are widely distributed throughout sub‐Saharan Africa. Genetic research supports linguists and historians who argue that migration played an important role in the spread of this language family, but the genetic data also indicates a more complex process involving substantial gene flow with resident populations. In order to understand the Bantu expansion process in east Africa, mtDNA hypervariable region I variation in 352 individuals from the Taita and Mijikenda ethnic groups was analyzed, and we evaluated the interactions that took place between the Bantu‐ and non‐Bantu‐speaking populations in east Africa. The Taita and Mijikenda are Bantu‐speaking agropastoralists from southeastern Kenya, at least some of whose ancestors probably migrated into the area as part of Bantu migrations that began around 3,000 BCE. Our analyses indicate that they show some distinctive differences that reflect their unique cultural histories. The Taita are genetically more diverse than the Mijikenda with larger estimates of genetic diversity. The Taita cluster with other east African groups, having high frequencies of haplogroups from that region, while the Mijikenda have high frequencies of central African haplogroups and cluster more closely with central African Bantu‐speaking groups. The non‐Bantu speakers who lived in southeastern Kenya before Bantu speaking groups arrived were at least partially incorporated into what are now Bantu‐speaking Taita groups. In contrast, gene flow from non‐Bantu speakers into the Mijikenda was more limited. These results suggest a more complex demographic history where the nature of Bantu and non‐Bantu interactions varied throughout the area. Am J Phys Anthropol 150:482–491, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Amniocentesis use and risk awareness: Comparison of knowledge and beliefs among older Gravida

Abstract

A secondary analysis of public‐health survey data collected from 298 women, age 40 or older, delivering a live‐bom child in Michigan distinguished four respondent groups: those exposed to medical advice about amniocentesis and their decision about the procedure (Medically‐informed Tested vs. Medically‐informed Untested) and those unexposed to medical advice who reported being either aware or unaware of the procedure (Medically‐uninformed Aware vs. Medically‐uninformed Unaware). The two medically‐informed groups differed in their estimates of risk for Down syndrome (DS), risk of test injury to the fetus, and aversion to the risk of birth defects. A regression analysis determined that perceived risk for DS due to maternal age best distinguished between the two groups. The tested women differed from the other three groups on several sociodemographic variables. The discussion draws from the Health Belief Model to identify strategies for creating a risk awareness in the target population.     

Using null model analysis of species co-occurrences to deconstruct biodiversity patterns and select indicator species

Aim Using total species richness to characterize biodiversity may mask multiple response patterns of species. We propose a null model analysis of species co‐occurrence‐based classification to identify sets of species that may have similar (within‐groups) and distinct (between groups) response patterns to their environment. The classification should also provide an explicit framework for selecting indicator species with characteristic co‐occurrence patterns to predict overall species richness. Location Côte‐Nord, Québec, Canada. Methods We combined null‐model of species co‐occurrence and cluster analysis to identify species groups within diverse assemblages of ground‐dwelling and flying beetles of stands in a boreal forest mosaic; we then examined their co‐occurrence and response patterns to habitat characteristics. Best subset regressions were used to select indicator species of richness within each group, from which indicators of total species richness were selected. Results The identified species groups appeared to display contrasting co‐occurrence and response patterns to at least one of the stand‐level habitat characteristics. Among flying beetles, for example, richness increased with stand‐level heterogeneity for two groups and decreased for two other groups, but the relationship was non‐significant for the total richness. We identified 28 indicator species that explained > 80% (validated by bootstrap analysis) of the variation in total species richness. Predictive performance of indicators was higher than when their co‐occurrence were reshuffled, even under a highly constrained null model, indicating that co‐occurrence patterns contributed to their predictive performance. Main conclusions Co‐occurrence‐based classification appears as a promising and effective tool for deconstructing biodiversity into species groups which reflect their ecological commonalities and differences, thus reducing the risk of making faulty inferences about the causes underlying overall diversity patterns. The method provides an explicit framework for selecting indicator species representing different species groups that may reflect the multiple responses of species co‐occurring with them. Indicator species can be effective for predicting overall species richness.     

Social organization of white‐headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) in the Nongguan Karst Hills,Guangxi, China

The number of males per group is the most variable aspect of primate social organization and is often related to the monopolizability of females, which is mainly determined by the number of females per group and their reproductive synchrony. Colobines show both inter‐specific and intra‐specific variations in the number of males per group. Compared with other colobine species, little is known about the social organization of white‐headed langur (Trachypithecus leucocephalus), despite its endangered status and unusual limestone habitat. As a part of a long‐term study of the white‐headed langurs in the Nongguan Karst Hills, Guangxi, China, we quantitatively investigated their social organization by analyzing census data from 1998 to 2003. The population censuses revealed that the predominant social organization of bisexual groups was the one‐male group, similar to a previous report on this species and many other Asian colobines. In such groups, one adult male associated with 5.1 adult females, 0.1 sub‐adult males, 2.6 juveniles and 2.9 infants on average, with a mean group size of 11.7 individuals. In addition, three multi‐male groups were recorded, consisting of 2–3 adult males, 1–5 adult females, 0–2 sub‐adult males, 0–7 juveniles and 0–2 infants. They did not contain more adult females than the one‐male groups and were unstable in group membership. The langurs outside bisexual groups were organized into small nonreproductive groups or lived as solitaries. The nonreproductive groups averaged 1.3 adult males, 1.3 sub‐adult males and 2.6 juveniles. Juvenile females were present in such groups on 52.4% of all occasions. As predicted by the monopolization model, the prevalence of the one‐male pattern in this species may mainly be attributed to the small number of females in the group. The possible reasons for the occurrence of multi‐male groups and the presence of juvenile females in nonreproductive groups are also discussed. Am. J. Primatol. 71:206–213, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Cutinase promotes dry esterification of cotton cellulose

Cutinase from Thermobifida fusca was used to esterify the hydroxyl groups of cellulose with the fatty acids from triolein. Cutinase and triolein were pre‐adsorbed on cotton and the reaction proceeded in a dry state during 48 h at 35°C. The cutinase‐catalyzed esterification of the surface of cotton fabric resulted in the linkage of the oleate groups to the glycoside units of cotton cellulose. The superficial modification was confirmed by performing ATR‐FTIR on treated cotton samples and by MALDI‐TOF analysis of the liquors from the treatment of the esterified cotton with a crude cellulase mixture. Modified cotton fabric also showed a significant increase of hydrophobicity. This work proposes a novel bio‐based approach to obtain hydrophobic cotton. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:60–65, 2016     

Establishment and Management of Native Functional Groups in Restoration

The limiting similarity hypothesis predicts that communities should be more resistant to invasion by non‐natives when they include natives with a diversity of traits from more than one functional group. In restoration, planting natives with a diversity of traits may result in competition between natives of different functional groups and may influence the efficacy of different seeding and maintenance methods, potentially impacting native establishment. We compare initial establishment and first‐year performance of natives and the effectiveness of maintenance techniques in uniform versus mixed functional group plantings. We seeded ruderal herbaceous natives, longer‐lived shrubby natives, or a mixture of the two functional groups using drill‐ and hand‐seeding methods. Non‐natives were left undisturbed, removed by hand‐weeding and mowing, or treated with herbicide to test maintenance methods in a factorial design. Native functional groups had highest establishment, growth, and reproduction when planted alone, and hand‐seeding resulted in more natives as well as more of the most common invasive, Brassica nigra. Wick herbicide removed more non‐natives and resulted in greater reproduction of natives, while hand‐weeding and mowing increased native density. Our results point to the importance of considering competition among native functional groups as well as between natives and invasives in restoration. Interactions among functional groups, seeding methods, and maintenance techniques indicate restoration will be easier to implement when natives with different traits are planted separately.     

Re‐colonization by common eiders Somateria mollissima in the Aleutian Archipelago following removal of introduced arctic foxes Vulpes lagopus

Islands provide refuges for populations of many species where they find safety from predators, but the introduction of predators frequently results in elimination or dramatic reductions in island‐dwelling organisms. When predators are removed, re‐colonization for some species occurs naturally, and inter‐island phylogeographic relationships and current movement patterns can illuminate processes of colonization. We studied a case of re‐colonization of common eiders Somateria mollissima following removal of introduced arctic foxes Vulpes lagopus in the Aleutian Archipelago, Alaska. We expected common eiders to resume nesting on islands cleared of foxes and to re‐colonize from nearby islets, islands, and island groups. We thus expected common eiders to show limited genetic structure indicative of extensive mixing among island populations. Satellite telemetry was used to record current movement patterns of female common eiders from six islands across three island groups. We collected genetic data from these and other nesting common eiders at 14 microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial DNA control region to examine population genetic structure, historical fluctuations in population demography, and gene flow. Our results suggest recent interchange among islands. Analysis of microsatellite data supports satellite telemetry data of increased dispersal of common eiders to nearby areas and little between island groups. Although evidence from mtDNA is suggestive of female dispersal among island groups, gene flow is insufficient to account for recolonization and rapid population growth. Instead, near‐by remnant populations of common eiders contributed substantially to population expansion, without which re‐colonization would have likely occurred at a much lower rate. Genetic and morphometric data of common eiders within one island group two and three decades after re‐colonization suggests reduced movement of eiders among islands and little movement between island groups after populations were re‐established. We predict that re‐colonization of an island group where all common eiders are extirpated could take decades.     

Tree and bird functional groups as indicators of recovery of regenerating subtropical coastal dune forests

Functional diversity indicators are increasingly used to monitor forest function recovery because they connect biodiversity to ecosystem functions. However, identifying which functions deviate from a reference forest has not received much attention, despite its potential to inform restoration interventions. In this study, we used functional groups to assess the recovery of ecosystem functions in regenerating coastal dune forests. We surveyed birds and trees in forest of different ages and a reference old‐growth forest in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. We classified species into functional groups for each taxa based on functional traits or a priori defined categories (i.e. guilds) and quantified the number of species within functional groups as a proxy of function stability. Bird species density followed an asymptotic trajectory, reaching old‐growth forest values after 25 years. Insectivores and granivores showed saturating trajectories, whereas small frugivores and generalists increased linearly. With the exception of large frugivores, relative abundances of bird functional groups progressed towards old‐growth forest values as the forest aged. Tree species density increased linearly with forest age. In contrast to old‐growth forests, large‐canopy trees and understory shrubs were under‐represented, while mid‐canopy trees dominated regenerating forests. Our result suggests that most bird, but not tree, functions may have been restored. The trend in large frugivore numbers may warrant further investigation, as their low numbers may have hampered the recovery of tree functions. We conclude that functional group trajectories can track functions that deviate from a benchmark, and may therefore direct adaptive actions to recover the stability of regenerating forest.     

Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Studies of the Development of Group Differences in Acoustic Features of Coo Calls in Two Groups of Japanese Macaques

Japanese macaques, Macaca fuscata, frequently utter coo calls to maintain vocal contact. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal comparisons were conducted on the acoustic features of coo vocalizations of two groups of M. fuscata, Yakushima and Ohirayama groups, to explore the possibility of vocal plasticity. These two groups derive from the same local population but have been separated for more than 34 yr. The Yakushima group is non‐provisioned, while the Ohirayama group is provisioned. Initially, coo calls in the two groups were compared cross‐sectionally in females ranging from 0 to 18 yr. Mean values of the four variables studied (start, end, maximum, and minimum frequencies) were consistently lower in all age groups of the Ohirayama individuals compared with the Yakushima individuals. Secondly, longitudinal comparisons were conducted on individuals in the 1–4 yr after birth. Mean values of the five frequency variables studied (start, end, maximum, minimum and average frequencies) were again consistently lower in all age groups of Ohirayama compared with Yakushima individuals, although mean values of both groups gradually declined with an increase in age. Inter‐group differences were significant at all ages in minimum frequency and at the first, second and third years in start frequency. Longitudinal comparisons of individuals aged 4–11 mo were also conducted. Regarding the four variables that differed between the two groups in the cross‐sectional study, the mean values of minimum and start frequency did not differ significantly between the two groups at 4–5 mo, but were significantly lower in Ohirayama individuals aged 7–8 and 9–11 mo. Although provisioning may have had an effect on the weight difference between the groups, and consequently on vocalization frequency, these results suggest that the inter‐group differences in coo call features form approximately 6–7 mo after birth as a result of vocal plasticity.     

On the Advantages of Mixed‐Species Groups: Impalas Adjust Their Vigilance When Associated With Larger Prey Herbivores

Prey can obtain valuable benefits from associating with other species if heterospecifics help to detect predators or locate good food patches. In mixed‐species groups, how species respond to the presence of other species remains a poorly explored question although it might give crucial insights into mechanisms underlying the interspecific coexistence. We studied temporary mixed‐species groups of large herbivores in Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) between the common impala (Aepyceros melampus), the focal species here, and bigger species including the plains zebra (Equus quagga), the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) or the blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). In the Hwange savanna, the focal and smaller species are exposed to a larger range of predators than the associated species. In this context, we investigated how impalas adjusted their vigilance with group size comparing impala‐only and mixed‐species groups and whether the identity of heterospecifics affected vigilance of impalas. Our study showed that the time impalas spent in vigilance significantly decreased with group size when they formed impala‐only groups, whereas it did not significantly vary with group size in mixed‐species groups. Moreover, in mixed‐species groups, impalas did not adjust their time spent in vigilance with the proportion of conspecifics and the identity of the associated species. Thus, the mechanism underlying the difference of impalas' behavioural adjustment of vigilance with group size between single‐ and mixed‐species groups seemed to be related to the presence but not to the number and the identity of heteropecifics. Finally, we discuss the concept that larger and dominant heterospecifics were likely to increase competition for food access, thereby forcing higher vigilance of impalas, outweighing any reduction from collective vigilance.     

Accounting for imperfect detection of groups and individuals when estimating abundance

If animals are independently detected during surveys, many methods exist for estimating animal abundance despite detection probabilities <1. Common estimators include double‐observer models, distance sampling models and combined double‐observer and distance sampling models (known as mark‐recapture‐distance‐sampling models; MRDS). When animals reside in groups, however, the assumption of independent detection is violated. In this case, the standard approach is to account for imperfect detection of groups, while assuming that individuals within groups are detected perfectly. However, this assumption is often unsupported. We introduce an abundance estimator for grouped animals when detection of groups is imperfect and group size may be under‐counted, but not over‐counted. The estimator combines an MRDS model with an N‐mixture model to account for imperfect detection of individuals. The new MRDS‐Nmix model requires the same data as an MRDS model (independent detection histories, an estimate of distance to transect, and an estimate of group size), plus a second estimate of group size provided by the second observer. We extend the model to situations in which detection of individuals within groups declines with distance. We simulated 12 data sets and used Bayesian methods to compare the performance of the new MRDS‐Nmix model to an MRDS model. Abundance estimates generated by the MRDS‐Nmix model exhibited minimal bias and nominal coverage levels. In contrast, MRDS abundance estimates were biased low and exhibited poor coverage. Many species of conservation interest reside in groups and could benefit from an estimator that better accounts for imperfect detection. Furthermore, the ability to relax the assumption of perfect detection of individuals within detected groups may allow surveyors to re‐allocate resources toward detection of new groups instead of extensive surveys of known groups. We believe the proposed estimator is feasible because the only additional field data required are a second estimate of group size.     

Effects of extreme drought on specific leaf area of grassland species: A meta‐analysis of experimental studies in temperate and sub‐Mediterranean systems

Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis of experimental drought manipulation studies using rainout shelters in five sites of natural grassland ecosystems of Europe. The single studies assess the effects of extreme drought on the intraspecific variation of the specific leaf area (SLA), a proxy of plant growth. We evaluate and compare the effect size of the SLA response for the functional groups of forbs and grasses in temperate and sub‐Mediterranean systems. We hypothesized that the functional groups of grasses and forbs from temperate grassland systems have different strategies in short‐term drought response, measured as adjustment of SLA, with SLA‐reduction in grasses and SLA‐maintenance in forbs. Second, we hypothesized that grasses and forbs from sub‐Mediterranean systems do not differ in their drought response as both groups maintain their SLA. We found a significant decrease of SLA in grasses of the temperate systems in response to drought while SLA of forbs showed no significant response. Lower SLA is associated with enhanced water‐use efficiency under water stress and thus can be seen as a strategy of phenotypic adjustment. By contrast, in the sub‐Mediterranean systems, grasses significantly increased their SLA in the drought treatment. This result points towards a better growth performance of these grasses, which is most likely related to their strategy to allocate resources to belowground parts. The observed SLA reduction of forbs is most likely a direct drought response given that competitive effect of grasses is unlikely due to the scanty vegetation cover. We point out that phenotypic adjustment is an important driver of short‐term functional plant response to climatic extremes such as drought. Differential reactions of functional groups have to be interpreted against the background of the group's evolutionary configuration that can differ between climatic zones.