Revista de Biología Tropical
type: channel
description: Revista de Biología Tropical / International Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation, es una revista de acceso abierto completo de la Universidad de Costa Rica centrada en la biología tropical y la conservación. Todos los números, desde 1953 hasta la actualidad, están disponibles para su descarga gratuita. aquí. NUESTRO ENFOQUE (Objetivo) Nuestra revista publica artículos científicos que aumentan nuestra comprensión de la biología, la conservación y las ciencias biomédicas de la vida en los trópicos. Los criterios de selección son la cantidad y calidad de la nueva información y su interés potencial tanto para el público en general como para los especialistas. Los ecosistemas estudiados, o al menos los organismos, deben ser tropicales. COBERTURA TEMÁTICA Números regulares Damos preferencia a artículos de fondo que incluyen preguntas de estudio comprobables, por ejemplo, estudios con un diseño experimental que evalúe factores que influyen en variables biológicas, o estudios que explican los mecanismos subyacentes a fenómenos biológicos o biomédicos como, por ejemplo, el comportamiento o la fisiología. Los estudios de campo deben presentar patrones temporales o espaciales. También damos la bienvenida a estudios sistemáticos o filogenéticos por encima del nivel de especies, metanálisis y estudios bibliométricos que examinan críticamente lo que se conoce y lo que queda por hacer en cualquier campo de la biología tropical. Los artículos de revisión se publican en su mayoría por invitación del Consejo Editorial a autoridades reconocidas. Otros especialistas interesados en enviar una revisión primero deben enviar un esquema de manuscrito titulado al correo biologia.tropical@ucr.ac.cr. Las propuestas aceptadas reciben la misma evaluación que los manuscritos regulares. Todas las revisiones y metanálisis deben identificar y llenar los vacíos en el conocimiento, presentar avances metodológicos y proponer futuras direcciones de investigación. Nota sobre datos antiguos: Si s…
publisher: Universidad de Costa Rica
language: en
publication name: Revista de Biología Tropical
issn: 0034-7744
copyright: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY 4.0) Attribution (BY) • (BY) You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work).
items: Pigmentation abnormality in the blotched round ray Urotrygon asterias (Myliobatiformes: Urotrygonidae): first case of partial xanthism within the family
items: Satellite and historical data, and statistical modeling to predict potential fishing zones for dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus (Perciformes: Coryphaenidae) in Colombian Pacific
items: Natural revegetation of areas impacted by gold mining in the tropical rain forest of Chocó, Colombia
items: Distribution, diversity, endemism, and ecology of Nymphalid butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in the Loxicha Region, Oaxaca, Mexico
items: Pheno-morphology of two paramo species of Miconia (Melastomataceae): optimization of flowering and fructification to enhance dispersal
items: Adaptation to the undergrowth of a community of Andean palms (Arecaceae) from the vital rates perspective
items: Basic ecology of ant gardens in a dry-premontane transitional forest
items: Diversity and genetic structure of natural populations of the palm tree Euterpe precatoria (Arecaceae)
items: First use of baited remote underwater video stations to assess fish diversity in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Northeastern Brazil
items: Effect of fires on vegetation cover, carbon storage and plant biomass in a coastal wetland
items: Size does matter! Incidence of bait size on the capture of dung beetles in the tropical dry forest
items: Seagrass density correlates with burrow abundance and size in the Zebra Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda: Lysiosquillidae)
items: Wasting disease in Thalassia testudinum (Hydrocharitaceae) meadows and its relationship with metabolic profile
items: Half a century of Sri Lanka research: Subjects, researchers, institutions, journals and impact (1973-2019)
items: Population genetics and molecular identification of Crocodylus acutus and C. moreletii (Crocodilia: Crocodylidae) in captive and wildlife populations
items: Altitudinal distribution of the functional feeding groups of aquatic macroinvertebrates using an ecological network in Andean streams
items: Effects of nutrient (N, P, K) fertilization on the dynamics of fine roots in tropical rain forests with different soil texture in the Colombian Pacific region
items: Reverse-Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification and alternative protocols for lower cost, large-scale COVID-19 testing: lessons from an emerging economy
items: Bibliometrics of Sudanese scientific publications: Subjects, institutions, collaboration, citation and recommendations
items: Diversity of birds along an elevation gradient in the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
items: Geographic distribution of the land snail family Spiraxidae (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) in Mexico
items: Seasonal droughts during the Miocene drove the evolution of Capparaceae towards Neotropical seasonally dry forests
items: Spatio-temporal distribution of planktonic cyanobacteria and environmental factors associated with their proliferation in the Cerrón Grande reservoir, El Salvador
items: Which variables influence the herbivory amount on Montrichardia spp. (Araceae) in aquatic ecosystems?
items: Predation, reproduction, and development of the lady beetle Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
items: Effect of vegetation cover on dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) and their ecological functions in an Andean forest of Colombia
items: Hematological reference values for Alouatta palliata (Primates: Atelidae) and Cebus imitator (Primates: Cebidae) from the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
items: Comparison of fish assemblages recorded by visual census and video census
items: Patterns of vertebrate biodiversity in a tropical dry and mangrove forest matrix
items: Internal ultrastructure of the planktonic larva of the coral Porites panamensis (Anthozoa: Scleractinia)

Pigmentation abnormality in the blotched round ray Urotrygon asterias (Myliobatiformes: Urotrygonidae): first case of partial xanthism within the family
type: item
description: Introduction: Malpigmentation or pigment disorders can result from either a deficiency or an excess of pigments and have been reported in a wide variety of fish taxa. Color abnormalities are rare among elasmobranchs. Among nearly 1 250 known species, only 22 cases of malpigmentations as albinism and leucism, have been reported, most involving sharks and rarely batoids. Xanthochromism is a rare pigmentation disorder characterized by a yellow-orange coloration caused by multiple factors. This condition has been scarcely reported in elasmobranchs, with only seven known cases, five of them in batoids. Objectives: Here, we present the first record of xanthochromism in the blotched round ray Urotrygon asterias, and the first within the family Urotrygonidae. Methods: One juvenile specimen was captured two times during a monitoring program at Playa Manzanillo, El Jobo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and photographic identification confirmed it was the same individual. Additionally, morphometric measurements of the individual were taken to assess whether it had grown. Results: The recapture of this specimen indicates that xanthochromism does not necessarily compromise short-term survival. Potential causes of the condition include genetic mutations, diet, gestation disorders, or environmental factors, such as contamination. Playa Manzanillo exhibits evidence of anthropogenic impacts, including fishing waste and pollutants, which may influence local ichthyofauna health. Conclusions: This finding expands the understanding of pigmentation anomalies in batoids and highlights the need for further research to assess the environmental drivers of morphological abnormalities, including pigmentation, in elasmobranchs. Such studies are crucial for evaluating the ecological and conservation implications of these disorders in the Ester Tropical Pacific.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: malpigmentación; aberración cromática; raya redonda; Centroamérica; anomalía xantocrómica.
  topic: keywords
creator: Sebastián Argüello-Rojas
creator: Arturo Angulo
creator: Verónica Valverde-Cantillo
creator: Diego Fallas-Madrigal
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Revista de Biología Tropical https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-08-21
publication date: 2026-08-21
starting page: e202611913
ending page: e202611913
doi: 10.15517/nv81th80

Satellite and historical data, and statistical modeling to predict potential fishing zones for dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus (Perciformes: Coryphaenidae) in Colombian Pacific
type: item
description: Introduction: The prediction of potential fishing areas is considered one of the most immediate and practical approaches in fisheries and is an essential technique for decision-making in managing fishery resources. It helps fishermen reduce their fuel costs and the uncertainty of their fish catches; this technique allows to contribute to national and international food security. In this study, we build different combinations of predictive statistical models such as Generalized Linear Models and Generalized Additive Models. Objective: To predict the spatial distribution of PFZs of the dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus L.) in the Colombian Pacific Ocean. Methods: We built different combinations of Generalized Linear Models and Generalized Additive Models to predict the Catch Per Unit Effort of C. hippurus captured from 2002 to 2015 as a function of sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentration, sea level anomaly, and bathymetry. Results: A Generalized Additive Model with Gaussian error distribution obtained the best performance for predicting PFZs for C. hipurus. Model validation was performed by calculating the Root Mean Square Error through a cross-validation approach. The R2 of this model was 50 %, which was considered suitable for the type of data used. January and March were the months with the highest Catch per Unit Effort values, while November and December showed the lower values. Conclusion: The predicted PFZs of C. hippurus with Generalized Additive Models satisfactorily with the results of previous research, suggesting that our model can be explored as a tool for the assessment, decision making, and sustainable use of this species in the Colombian Pacific Ocean.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: potential fishing zones
  topic: keywords
subject: General Additive Models (GAM)
  topic: keywords
subject: Geographic Information System (GIS)
  topic: keywords
subject: prediction models
  topic: keywords
creator: Adriana Martínez Arias
creator: Luis Octavio González Salcedo
creator: Iván Felipe Benavides Martínez
creator: John Josephraj Selvaraj
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
starting page: 576
ending page: 588
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.47375

Natural revegetation of areas impacted by gold mining in the tropical rain forest of Chocó, Colombia
type: item
description: Introduction: Ecological restoration is a strategy that allows recovering goods and services in disturbed ecosystems. One of the activities that generates greatest impact on forest ecosystems is open pit mining, as it causes strong changes in the structure and functioning of these systems. Objective: The aims of this work was to evaluate the effect of successional age and distance to the adjacent forest (reference forest) on the biological structure and composition of the plant community in abandoned gold mines in the tropical rain forest of Chocó in Colombia. Methods: Between June and December 2012, and June and October 2021, vegetation sampling was carried out in mines with 6, 10, 15, 19 and 24 years of abandonment and in the reference forest. In each mine of different ages and the reference forest, four 2×50 m plots were established and distributed perpendicularly to the edge of the forest, at 50 m and 100 m distance (two plots per distance) taking as a starting point split the forest-mine edge (ecotone). Results: 300 species, 193 genera and 75 families were identified. The richness, diversity, and evenness changes little with the time of abandonment in the mines but reaches higher values in the reference forest. Species composition is similar between mines but differs substantially from the reference forest (only 7% similarity). Conclusions: The results suggest that 24 years is a short time to appreciate a substantial recovery of the biological structure and composition of the vegetation in mines if it is compared with the reference forest where the richness, diversity, evenness are higher and the composition of species differs substantially. Although the distance to the adjacent forest seems to have no effect on these variables, it is clear that other factors such as the quality of the substrate and the reproductive strategies of some herbaceous species of the families Cyperaceae and Melastomataceae, as well as some trees such as Cespedesia spathulata and Micon…
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: ecological restoration;
  topic: keywords
subject: gold mining
  topic: keywords
subject: vegetal succession
  topic: keywords
subject: Colombian Pacific
  topic: keywords
subject: tropical rain forest
  topic: keywords
creator: Hamleth Valois-Cuesta
creator: Carolina Martínez-Ruiz
creator: Harley Quinto-Mosquera
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.50653

Distribution, diversity, endemism, and ecology of Nymphalid butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in the Loxicha Region, Oaxaca, Mexico
type: item
description: Introduction: An economic activity that has boomed in the last decade in Colombian highlands is the afforestation of anthropized savannas, but its role in the conservation of fruit-feeding butterflies of gallery forests within forest cores is unknown. Objective: To compare the diversity of fruit-feeding butterflies in eucalyptus plantations and gallery forests, and the role of environmental variables. Methods: We used Van Someren-Rydon traps, two replicates of four traps, on each of four habitats sampled simultaneously from December 2020 to July 2021: four-year-old eucalyptus plantation; six-year-old eucalyptus plantation; dry soil gallery forest and waterlogged gallery forest. We also recorded ten abiotic, structural, food and habitat variables. Results: We collected 227 specimens of fruit-feeding butterflies (30 species, 23 genera, and 5 subfamilies within the family Nymphalidae). There were more species in the forests. The butterfly species varied over 50 % between the habitats; Satyrinae were more diverse in plantations. Conclusion: Afforestation in this area provides habitats for some species of fruit-feeding butterflies from adjacent natural forest remnants. Afforestations represent an intermediate disturbance scenario between the two dominant landscape units in the region.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: Bioindicator, Biodiversity, Afforestation, Colombian Altillanura, land use change.
  topic: keywords
subject: afforestation
  topic: keywords
subject: biodiversity
  topic: keywords
subject: bioindicators.
  topic: keywords
subject: colombian altillanura
  topic: keywords
subject: land use change
  topic: keywords
creator: Iván Darío Rivera-Gallego
creator: Olga Patricia Pinzón Florián
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
doi: 10.15517/en0kaz38

Pheno-morphology of two paramo species of Miconia (Melastomataceae): optimization of flowering and fructification to enhance dispersal
type: item
description: Introduction: Paramos are among the ecosystems that are most affected by anthropic activities, increasing the need for phenological studies as a basis for management and conservation. Objective: To describe the pheno-morphology of Miconia ligustrina and Miconia elaeoides. Methods: From September 2019 to February 2020, and from April 2021 to August of the same year, the phenology of 12 individuals of each species was monitored. Additionally, phenological data of herbariums were linked to corroborate obtained results. In the two data sets, distribution of data was described using circular statistics; in addition, we recorded the precipitation and temperature in the area. Additionally, we described the morphometry of each species. Results: The flowering peak of M. ligustrina is in April, and fruiting concentrates between June and July; in M. elaeoides, flowering is massive in January, and the highest fruit production in May. The phenology was correlated with rainfall: flowering takes place in the dry season and fruiting in the rainy season. The species differ morphologically, but, as in other Miconia species, the flowers and fruits are small (approx. 5 mm). Conclusions: Flowering occurs in the dry season and fructification in the rainy season, when the photosynthetic rate is low and frugivory increases. This phenological pattern favors optimal seed dispersal.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: Phenology
  topic: keywords
subject: Flowering
  topic: keywords
subject: Fructification
  topic: keywords
subject: morphology
  topic: keywords
subject: Reproductive biology
  topic: keywords
creator: Angie Paola Carvajal Muñoz
creator: María Eugenia Morales Puentes
creator: Pablo Andrés Gil Leguizamón
creator: Andrea Camila Reyes Duarte
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.51043

Adaptation to the undergrowth of a community of Andean palms (Arecaceae) from the vital rates perspective
type: item
description: Introduction: Palms have adaptations to thrive in the limiting environment of the understory, which can be examined from studying their survival, growth and fecundity rates. However, studies that address the vital rates strategies developed by a community of palms to successfully inhabit the forest understory are scarce. Objective: To determine and compare the vital rates of survival, growth and fecundity in a community of Andean understory palms. Methods: The study was carried out in the Chicaque Natural Park, Colombia in an area occupying 0.07 ha, focused on the species Chamaedorea linearis, C. pinnatifrons, Geonoma orbignyana and G. undata. During 2018 and 2019, data corresponding to survival, growth and fecundity of these species were collected. The vital rates were estimated from their relationship with the size of the individuals. Results: A total of 597, 687, 453 and 690 individuals were registered in 0.1 ha of C. linearis, C. pinnatifrons, G. orbignyana and G. undata, respectively. The four species had high survival of seedlings, low growth rates in stemless individuals, low leaf production, few total leaves, a high longevity of the leaves and start of reproduction with low-height aerial stem. However, we found differences among species in which G. orbignyana and C. pinnatifrons demonstrated patterns commonly seen in understory palms. By contrast, C. linearis and G. undata had mixed growth strategies to cope with open spaces and understory conditions, as their leaves are larger, have larger stem growth rates and reproduction begins at a higher height. In terms of the genera, Chamaedoreas had fast growth and reproduction rates, spending most of their lives as adults. Meanwhile, Geonomas prioritizes the stasis of individuals, with its long-life cycles and lower growth rates. Conclusions: Chamaedoreas prioritizes growth and reproduction, while Geonomas prioritizes stasis. The limiting conditions of the understory seem to favor these two growth strategies in the…
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: cloud forest
  topic: keywords
subject: conservation
  topic: keywords
subject: demography
  topic: keywords
subject: life history
  topic: keywords
subject: Chamaedorea
  topic: keywords
subject: Geonoma
  topic: keywords
creator: Paula Cepeda
creator: Pedro Jiménez
creator: Carolina Isaza
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
starting page: 817
ending page: 835
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.51108

Basic ecology of ant gardens in a dry-premontane transitional forest
type: item
description: Introduction: Ant gardens are ant nests located at different heights on trees on which vascular epiphytic plants that have been transported and sown by ants have germinated. Although this mutualistic relationship has been studied in humid tropical ecosystems, information on other tropical and Colombian ecosystems is scarce. Objective: To characterize the spatial distribution, formation process, diversity, demography, and phenology of Ant gardens in a secondary dry premontane transitional forest in Colombia. Methods: We estimated the spatial distribution and formation process of ant gardens. Phenological and demographic monitoring of epiphytes plants of ant gardens was performed. The monitoring of the ant gardens was done in transects, every 15 days. Results: The ant gardens showed an aggregated distribution pattern relative to water bodies. The garden-forming ant species was identified as Azteca ulei. Ten species of epiphytes plants and 13 species of phorophytes trees related to ant gardens were identified. The behavior of A. ulei favored the formation and maintenance of the ant gardens. A positive relationship was found between epiphyte richness and ant garden size. Some epiphytes presented a bimodal phenological pattern. The demographic pattern of epiphytes suggests that in the dry season, the number of established seedlings is reduced, which reduces the number of adults that remain in ant gardens. Conclusions: Ant gardens are the microhabitat that allows the germination, establishment, and reproduction of diverse epiphytes in the studied dry-premontane transitional forest.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: Azteca ulei, dry forest, epiphytes, plant-animal interaction, premontane forest.
  topic: keywords
creator: Ángela Marcela Barrera-Bello
creator: Alba Marina Torres-González
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
starting page: 526
ending page: 540
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.41703

Diversity and genetic structure of natural populations of the palm tree Euterpe precatoria (Arecaceae)
type: item
description: Introduction: The natural ecosystems of northern Mato Grosso, Brazil, are in process of fragmentation, mainly due to population growth and the expansion of agriculture. This endangers the palm Euterpe precatoria (locally known as açaí), used for construction, palm hearts, juices and ice cream. Objective: To evaluate the local diversity and genetic structure in native populations of E. precatoria. Methods: We collected leaves from 106 fruiting palms from five populations in Mato Grosso State, for analysis of microsatellite markers with Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: The five SSR loci revealed a total of 30 alleles, ranging from 5 (EE23 and EE43) to 7 (EE2 and EE15), with an average of 6 alleles per locus. The mean PIC was 0.74 and confirmed low heterozygosity and inbreeding. The UPGMA dendrogram produced two groups and molecular variance revealed greater genetic differentiation within populations. The high levels of homozygous microsatellite loci indicate low genetic diversity. Conclusions: These populations have low gene diversity, high average number of alleles per locus, and rare and exclusive alleles. We recommend the establishment of permanent conservation units with corridors among them.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: acai
  topic: keywords
subject: microsatellite
  topic: keywords
subject: genetic resource
  topic: keywords
subject: Amazon
  topic: keywords
subject: conservation
  topic: keywords
creator: Jackeline dos Santos Cochev
creator: Juliana de Freitas Encinas Dardengo
creator: Ana Aparecida Bandini Rossi
creator: Alex Souza Rodrigues
creator: Auana Vicente Tiago
creator: Eliane Cristina Moreno de Pedri
creator: Kelli Evelin Muller Zortea
creator: Magali Gonçalves Garcia
creator: Sandra Mara Alves da Silva Neves
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-03-30
publication date: 2022-03-30
starting page: 213
ending page: 221
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.42942

First use of baited remote underwater video stations to assess fish diversity in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Northeastern Brazil
type: item
description: Introduction: Video techniques are used worldwide to study marine communities. As elsewhere, the use of remote underwater videos has recently increased in Brazil and there is a need for information about their advantages, disadvantages, and reliability in tropical habitats. Objective: To evaluate the use of baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) in fish diversity research in a tropical habitat. Methods: We used baited video stations to record the fishes and their relationship with habitat type, underwater visibility and depth, in 79 random sites in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Northeastern Brazil (11 days in November 2017). Results: We recorded 3 286 individuals (65 taxa, 29 families) along a 25 km section of the shoreline, 10.2 to 28.6 m depth. The Clupeidae dominated numerically, followed by Haemulidae, Carangidae, and Lutjanidae; by species, Haemulon aurolineatum, Ophistonema oglinum, Haemulon steindachneri, Lutjanus synagris and Caranx crysos. The highest mean number of species was detected over sediment close to shipwrecks, but we found no differences among the mean number of individuals between habitat types. More species and individuals were observed at a depth of 20-25 m depth. The highest mean number of species was in 2-3 m of visibility, and the highest number of individuals within 4-5 m. Conclusions: Video recording seemed to be a valid method, and indicated that —besides being relatively diverse— the local fish community is dominated by a few species of small and medium-sized mesopredators, and a few top predators.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: degraded reefs
  topic: keywords
subject: fish abundance
  topic: keywords
subject: ichthyofauna
  topic: keywords
subject: marine biodiversity
  topic: keywords
subject: BRUVS
  topic: keywords
creator: Natalia Priscila Alves Bezerra
creator: Ana Laura Tribst Corrêa
creator: Fabio Hissa Vieira Hazin
creator: Ricardo Clapis Garla
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-05-25
publication date: 2022-05-25
starting page: 332
ending page: 347
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.45915

Effect of fires on vegetation cover, carbon storage and plant biomass in a coastal wetland
type: item
description: Introduction: Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems, but currently are being degraded or eliminated at accelerated rates by multiple anthropic activities. In the central coast of Peru, wetlands suffer recurring fires, and the little-studied effects include the level of emissions and carbon sequestration by burning. Objective: To estimate carbon in aerial biomass affected by fire, and carbon recovered by the vegetation after one year. Methods: We worked in Los Pantanos de Villa (Lima, Peru) coastal wetland and compared burnt (32 quadrants, 1 m2) and unaffected areas (33 quadrants). Results: The vegetation affected was predominantly herbaceous and dominated by Phragmites australis, Schoenoplectus americanus, Typha dominguensis and Cladium jamaicense. Fire affected 1 147.0 t of plant biomass that stored 381.8 t of carbon, generating the emission of 1 397.1 t of CO2 into the atmosphere. After one year, 79 % of the vegetation cover had recovered, but only 26 % of the plant biomass and 12.8 % of vegetation carbon. Conclusions: Appropriate indicators of wetland fire resilience should consider that fire-impacted wetland rapidly recovers plant cover, but not carbon storage and plant biomass.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: coast
  topic: keywords
subject: fire
  topic: keywords
subject: wetland
  topic: keywords
subject: carbon
  topic: keywords
subject: vegetation
  topic: keywords
creator: Dámaso W. Ramirez
creator: Gustavo Lértora
creator: Raúl Vargas
creator: Héctor Aponte
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
starting page: 348
ending page: 362
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.46084

Size does matter! Incidence of bait size on the capture of dung beetles in the tropical dry forest
type: item
description: Introduction: Typically, research on dung beetles in the Tropical Dry Forests (TDF) of Colombian Caribbean region, have applied methodologies designed for wet or Andean areas of the country, which could be influencing the performance and efficiency of sampling. Objective: In order to contribute to this discussion, we analyzed how the bait amount and pitfall trap operating time influence the collection effectiveness of dung beetles in a TDF fragment at Reserva Campesina La Flecha, San Jacinto, Colombia. Methods: For the collection of beetles, we utilized pitfall traps baited with three different amounts of attractants: small (34.6 g), medium (53.8 g), and large (114.9 g), which remained active in the field for 48 h., 4 samplings between March and September 2015 were carried out, covering both, dry and rainy seasons. Results: A total of 4 563 individuals were recorded, grouped into 10 genera and 27 species of dung beetles. The highest values of richness, abundance and biomass were registered in the large bait, at 48 h, during the rainy season. However, the trap operating time had no effect on the estimation of beetles’ richness, abundance, and biomass, regardless of bait sizes. The three diversity orders (0D, 1D y 2D) showed similar values between the bait amounts during rainy season, but in the dry season, the largest baits displayed the highest diversity values. On the other hand, with the largest bait, significantly more richness, abundance, and biomass of small and large body beetles were registered, especially during the dry season. Conclusions: The results of this research show that, for the study of beetles’ assemblages in the BST, the use of a larger bait contributes to a better estimate of richness, abundance, diversity and biomass, especially during the dry season, when environmental conditions promote a more rapidly loss of baits attractiveness.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: diversity
  topic: keywords
subject: experimental design
  topic: keywords
subject: capture technique
  topic: keywords
subject: attractant size
  topic: keywords
subject: seasonal variation
  topic: keywords
creator: Neis José Martínez-Hernández
creator: Jorge Luis Rangel-Acosta
creator: Hernando Javier Beltrán-Díaz
creator: Carlos Andrés Daza-Guerra
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-25
publication date: 2022-01-25
starting page: 1
ending page: 19
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.46712

Seagrass density correlates with burrow abundance and size in the Zebra Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda: Lysiosquillidae)
type: item
description: Introduction: Mantis shrimps are ecologically and economically important organisms in marine ecosystems. However, there is still a lack of information about their habitat, in particular, their burrows. Objective: To analyze how dense and sparse mantis shrimp burrows differ in abundance, size, sediment grain size, and water quality. Methods: We counted burrows in 10 x 10 m2 random plots in sparse and dense seagrass (ten plots per density), around Barrang Lompo Island, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Sampling took place at spring low tide from August to September 2017. Results: Two mantis shrimp species were observed: Lysiosquillina maculate and L. sulcata. Dense and sparse seagrass burrows did not differ in wall grain size or water parameters, both inside and outside of the burrows (P > 0.05). Similarly, there was no correlation between burrow depth and diameter in either dense (P > 0.05; r= 0.27) or sparse (P > 0.05; r= 0.33) seagrass. However, larger burrows tend to occur in denser beds, but there were more burrows in denser seagrass (t-test, P < 0.05). Conclusions: There seems to be a preference for dense seagrass beds, especially by larger mantis shrimps. The correlation between shrimp burrow abundance and seagrass density highlights the importance of conserving the quality as well as the extent of seagrass habitat.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: Zebra mantis shrimp
  topic: keywords
subject: burrows
  topic: keywords
subject: seagrass
  topic: keywords
subject: intertidal
  topic: keywords
subject: Barrang Lompo Island
  topic: keywords
subject: Indonesia
  topic: keywords
creator: Nadiarti Nurdin Kadir
creator: Yayu Anugrah La Nafie
creator: Dody Priosambodo
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
starting page: 688
ending page: e46811
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.46811

Wasting disease in Thalassia testudinum (Hydrocharitaceae) meadows and its relationship with metabolic profile
type: item
description: Introduction: Protists of the genus Labyrinthula cause the so-called “Wasting Disease” in seagrass, Thalassia testudinum. Monitoring in the Colombian Caribbean since 2008 has shown spatial and temporal variation in the disease’s incidence, but without the high mortality observed in other regions of the world. Objective: To analyze some epidemiological parameters in T. testudinum and to compare metabolites between healthy and infected plants. Methods: We recorded severity, incidence and prevalence of this disease in Tayrona National Natural Park and Providencia Island, and we analyze water and sediment samples. Additionally, we applied gas and liquid chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry, to methanolic extracts from leaf and rhizome samples of healthy and infected shoots. Results: The meadows were in good condition, despite the scarce seagrass shoots in Tayrona and a high incidence (15 %) and severity (35.5 %) of the disease in Providencia. Infected plants had lower levels of phenols, flavonoids and sugars. Sulphated flavones with aglycone luteolin and diosmetin, sterols (sitosterol and stigmasterol) and volatile oxylipins are accumulated in leaves (3-hydroxy-2-isopentanone) and isopentaenoic and octadecatrienoic acids in rhizomes. Conclusions: These Colombian seagrasses have differential production of metabolites. Probably as a successful defense, even at low levels of severity (0.1 %) and incidence (1 %) of the disease.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: marine seagrasses
  topic: keywords
subject: metabolic profile
  topic: keywords
subject: protist
  topic: keywords
subject: pathosystem
  topic: keywords
subject: Labyrinthula spp
  topic: keywords
creator: Maribeb Castro-González
creator: Diana I. Gómez López
creator: Laura Sánchez Valencia
creator: Andrés Acosta Chaparro
creator: Ericsson Coy-Barrera
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-03-08
publication date: 2022-03-08
starting page: 149
ending page: 172
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.46183

Half a century of Sri Lanka research: Subjects, researchers, institutions, journals and impact (1973-2019)
type: item
description: Introduction: Bibliometric analyses of research in Sri Lanka, a lower-middle income island nation in South Asia, has focused mainly on medical research, concluding that there is a need for increased research productivity and impact, and for local solutions to health concerns. There has been no general bibliometric analysis across scientific disciplines in the nation, or any study that covers a long period of time to identify general time trends. Objective: To measure and analyse Sri Lankan research by focusing on subjects, authors, institutions, journals and citation for half a century. Methods: We used an advanced search method to extract publications with the word “Sri Lanka” in the SCI-EXPANDED, and calculated indicators such as total citations from Web of Science Core Collection since publication year to the end of 2019, citations in 2019, and mean citations per publication. Journal data were taken from 2019 Journal Citation Report. Affiliation re-classification was done to ensure consistency regarding the origin of all publications. Publications were further analysed based on collaboration, and first and corresponding authorship. Results: We retrieved 16 069 publications in 19 document types (77 % articles). Corrections had the highest number of authors per publication (616) followed by articles (116). Four articles had more than 5 000 authors and 593 articles had more than 1 000 authors. The highest citations in this database were for international megaprojects where Sri Lankan authors played minor roles. The UK had the most collaborative articles with Sri Lanka (19 %). The articles were published in 3 051 journals across 177 Web of Science categories. The category of Public, environmental and occupational health, with 193 journals, had 6.7 % of all articles, followed by environmental sciences (6.6 %). Conclusion: Sri Lanka has an unusually strong pattern of participating as small role players in international megaprojects about health and physics. Sri Lankan …
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: bibliometric analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: scientometrics
  topic: keywords
subject: Science Citation Index Expanded
  topic: keywords
subject: productivity
  topic: keywords
creator: Priyanga Ranasinghe
creator: Julián Monge-Nájera
creator: Chiranthi K. Liyanage
creator: Yuh-Shan Ho
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-27
publication date: 2022-01-27
starting page: 40
ending page: 52
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.46065

Population genetics and molecular identification of Crocodylus acutus and C. moreletii (Crocodilia: Crocodylidae) in captive and wildlife populations
type: item
description: Introduction: There is low evidence of genetic diversity and hybridization processes within Crocodylus acutus and C. moreletii populations. Objetive: To evaluate genetic diversity and some phylogenetic relationships in wild and captive populations of C. acutus and C. moreletii using the Barcode of Life Data System (COX1, cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene). Methods: 28 individuals phenotypically like C. acutus located in the state of Guerrero, Oaxaca and Quintana Roo were sampled, as well as animals belonging to C. moreletii located in the states of Tabasco, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. 641 base pairs of nucleotide sequence from COX1 were used to obtain the haplotype and nucleotide diversity per population, and a phylogenetic and network analysis was performed. Results: Evidence of hybridization was found by observing C. moreletti haplotypes in animals phenotypically determined as C. acutus, as well as C. acutus haplotypes in animals classified as C. moreletti. Low haplotypic diversity was observed for C. acutus (0.455 ± 0.123) and for C. moreletii (0.505 ± 0.158). A phylogenetic tree was obtained in which the sequences of C. acutus and C. moreletii were grouped into two well-defined clades. Organisms identified phenotypically as C. acutus but with C. moreletii genes were separated into a different clade within the clade of C. moreletii. Conclusions: There are reproductive individuals with haplotypes different from those of the species. This study provides a small but significant advance in the genetic knowledge of both crocodile species and the use of mitochondrial markers, which in this case, the COX1 gene allowed the detection of hybrid organisms in wild and captive populations. Conservation efforts for both species of crocodiles should prevent the crossing of both threatened species and should require the genetic identification of pure populations, to design effective conservation strategies considering the possibility of natural hybridization in areas of sympat…
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: mitochondrial DNA
  topic: keywords
subject: cytochrome C oxidase
  topic: keywords
subject: haplotype diversity
  topic: keywords
subject: nucleotide diversity
  topic: keywords
subject: hybridization
  topic: keywords
subject: barcode of life data system
  topic: keywords
creator: Alejandro Villegas
creator: Aliet Rojas-Santoyo
creator: Raúl Ulloa-Arvizu
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-30
publication date: 2022-01-30
starting page: 67
ending page: 81
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.46962

Altitudinal distribution of the functional feeding groups of aquatic macroinvertebrates using an ecological network in Andean streams
type: item
description: Introduction: Analysis of functional feeding groups (FFG) in aquatic macroinvertebrates is important in understanding the structure, function, and dynamics of ecological processes ecosystems. Modularity refers to the degree of compartmentalization of food webs and varies between -1 and 1. A network with a modularity value close to 1 is resilient to disturbances and can be interpreted as an indicating factor for the stability of communities. Objective: In this study, we analyzed the trophic structure of benthic macroinvertebrates in La Nitrera stream, the San Juan River, and the Cauca River. Methods: The study was supported by ecological networking techniques using Gephi software. We studied nine sites in dry, rainy, and transition seasons in 2017 and 2018, monitoring changes in the altitude gradient. At each of the sites, the organisms were captured and determined, and physicochemical and hydraulic information was obtained. Results: The variance component analysis allowed to explain the variability of the data by relating the following environmental variables: FFG, diversity, richness, modularity, season, and time. Simple multifactorial ANOVA indicated that significant changes in FFG were associated with altitude, and modularity to time. The allocation of the FFG was done by stomach analysis and secondary information. Conclusion: The transition season had the highest modularity, possibly due to the recolonization of some biotopes caused by the decrease in riverbed velocity. La Nitrera and San Juan presented higher values than the Cauca, which may indicate that the altitudinal change and velocity of water currents affects the compartmentalization of the network.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: modularity
  topic: keywords
subject: altitudinal gradient
  topic: keywords
subject: stomach analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: network analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: invertebrate trophic structure
  topic: keywords
creator: Juan Pablo Serna
creator: David Fernandez
creator: Fabio Velez
creator: Julián Ruiz
creator: Broder Breckling
creator: Néstor Aguirre
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-02-10
publication date: 2022-02-10
starting page: 82
ending page: 95
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.46904

Effects of nutrient (N, P, K) fertilization on the dynamics of fine roots in tropical rain forests with different soil texture in the Colombian Pacific region
type: item
description: Introduction: Fine root dynamics include production, turnover and decomposition; they are crucial to forest health, affect the entire biogeochemical complex of the ecosystem, and consequently, they substantially affect carbon balance. However, the influence of environmental factors and soil nutrient limitation on fine roots presents considerable uncertainties and has not been studied in tropical forests with more than 7 000 mm annual rainfall. Objective: To measure the effect of fertilization on fine roots in the high precipitation Chocó forest. Methods: We worked in two sites of the Chocó region, Colombia (August 2014-May 2015), where rainfall exceeds 10 000 mm per year. We applied five fertilization treatments (N, P, K, NPK and Control) to two soil type plots. Soil cylinders were removed at pre-established intervals to measure roots. Results: Phosphorus applications increased fined roots; and more fine roots were produced in sandy than in loam soil. The effects of fertilization were related, but not clearly determined by edaphic conditions. Conclusions: In this Chocó forest, the production of fine roots was higher in sandy and nutrient-rich soils but belowground net primary productivity was limited by the content of edaphic Phosphorus.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: nutrient limitation
  topic: keywords
subject: fine root production
  topic: keywords
subject: fine root decomposition
  topic: keywords
subject: fine root residence time
  topic: keywords
subject: tropical soils
  topic: keywords
creator: Harley Quinto Mosquera
creator: Flavio H. Moreno Hurtado
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
starting page: 482
ending page: 494
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.47351

Reverse-Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification and alternative protocols for lower cost, large-scale COVID-19 testing: lessons from an emerging economy
type: item
description: Introduction: Most successful cases of COVID-19 pandemic mitigation and handling have relied on extensive reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). However, many emerging economies have struggled with current molecular testing demands due to economic, technical and technological constraints. Objective: To define a potential diagnostic protocol to increase testing capacity in current and post-pandemic conditions. Methods: We reviewed the literature, patents and commercial applications, for alternatives. Results: We found a good potential in saliva samples, viral inactivation and quick RNA extraction by heating; the use of an isothermal technology such as loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and naked eye test-result visualization by in-tube colorimetry or turbidity. Conclusions: Saliva samples with quick RNA extraction by heating and colorimetric LAMP are promising options for countries with economic and infrastructure limitations.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: emerging economies
  topic: keywords
subject: molecular testing
  topic: keywords
subject: SARS-CoV-2
  topic: keywords
subject: saliva
  topic: keywords
subject: loop mediated isothermal amplification
  topic: keywords
creator: Ismael Segura-Ulate
creator: Alejandro Bolívar-González
creator: Germán Madrigal-Redondo
creator: Santiago Nuñez-Corrales
creator: Andrés Gatica-Arias
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-03-18
publication date: 2022-03-18
starting page: 173
ending page: 189
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.47407

Bibliometrics of Sudanese scientific publications: Subjects, institutions, collaboration, citation and recommendations
type: item
description: Introduction: Sudan is the third largest country in Africa and has rich reserves of petroleum and other ground resources, but its per capita Gross Domestic Product is only $808 and researchers work in insufficient institutional facilities and with little funding. Previous studies about its scientific productivity have been limited to specific subjects and relatively short periods, with no large analyses until now. Objective: To analyze the scientific output of Sudan in depth, considering all research areas and several decades of scientific activity. Methods: We retrieved the documents with “Sudan” in field country in the Science Citation Index Expanded for the period 1900-2019. Results: We retrieved over 9 000 publications and found that most were articles; that citation was higher for review articles and book chapters, and that this index mostly covered articles in English. Beginning in 1972, the number of publications in this database has increased rapidly. The citation lifespan indicates slow growth in the Sudanese scientific literature, and collaboration is frequent both nationally and internationally, possibly because the scarce resources make collaboration almost compulsory. Most external collaboration is done with Saudi Arabia but citation is higher for articles resulting from international megaprojects, led by Europe and the USA, in which Sudanese researchers play secondary roles. Research focusses on applied technological subjects with little innovation value. Women play a smaller role in Sudanese science. Conclusions: Our recommendations for Sudanese science include increasing the number of women in leading research positions; providing funding directly to researchers (i.e., bypassing bureaucratic bodies); increasing basic research to avoid stagnation; training Sudanese researchers for leading positions; and identifying specific research areas where Sudan can lead in its region.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: tropical science
  topic: keywords
subject: scientific productivity
  topic: keywords
subject: science in Sub-Saharan countries
  topic: keywords
subject: role of science in research and development
  topic: keywords
creator: Moawia Mohammed Ali Elhassan
creator: Julián Monge-Nájera
creator: Yuh-Shan Ho
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-27
publication date: 2022-01-27
starting page: 30
ending page: 39
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.47392

Diversity of birds along an elevation gradient in the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
type: item
description: Introducción: México concentra alrededor del 11 % de las especies de aves del mundo, de las cuales el 20 % son endémicas del país, concentrándose el mayor número en la región occidental. Objetivo: Analizar la composición, diversidad y distribución de la avifauna a lo largo de un gradiente altitudinal en el occidente de México. Métodos: La investigación se realizó en la Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra de Manantlán. Registramos especies de aves vistas o escuchadas en 28 puntos de conteo fijos a lo largo de un gradiente de elevación de 1 000 m. La comparación de la riqueza y la completitud del muestreo se determinaron con curvas de interpolación y extrapolación. Las franjas se compararon con un Procedimiento no Paramétrico de Permutación Multirespuesta. Se usaron correlaciones y ordenaciones indirectas para analizar cambios en la riqueza y abundancia. Resultados: Registramos 129 especies (estimado: 96 % de completitud): 19 endémicas de México, 13 en alguna categoría de riesgo y 21 consideradas indicadoras. La elevación determinó la distribución y abundancia de las especies, y las franjas altitudinales más bajas, tuvieron los valores más altos de riqueza y abundancia. Conclusión: La mayor riqueza y abundancia de especies se registró a menor altitud, con un cambio significativo en la composición y tipo de especies indicadoras por franja.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: birdlife
  topic: keywords
subject: environmental factors
  topic: keywords
subject: gradient analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: Hill’s numbers
  topic: keywords
subject: tropical deciduous forest
  topic: keywords
subject: vegetation
  topic: keywords
creator: Juan Loera-Casillas
creator: Sarahy Contreras-Martínez
creator: Fabiola Favela-García
creator: Ramón Cuevas-Guzmán
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-02-17
publication date: 2022-02-17
starting page: 114
ending page: 131
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.47684

Geographic distribution of the land snail family Spiraxidae (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) in Mexico
type: item
description: Introduction: Spiraxidae is the most diverse family of terrestrial gastropods in Mexico with a mainly neotropical distribution. However, the influence of environmental conditions in this region on its distribution is still poorly known. Objective: To determine zoogeographic affinities and the influence of environmental factors on the distribution of Spiraxidae in Mexico. Methods: We compiled museum distribution records and used models to establish areas with similar species composition, species concentration, affinities and relationship with environmental variables. Results: We found 231 species and subspecies, 96 in Veracruz state and 74 in Sierra Madre Oriental. The main zoogeographic affinity was neotropical. Mountain mesophyll forest had the most species and subspecies (93). Three of zone groups have a particular species composition and 67 % of the species are habitat specialists. Species presence follows an environmental gradient, with broadleaf evergreen tree cover and average annual precipitation as determining variables. Northern species had greater tolerance to aridity and reduced leaf cover. Conclusions: Spiraxidae has its greatest diversity in the Southern states of Mexico; however, the Northeastern zone has more species records. These snails mostly occur in mesophyll mountain forest and tropical evergreen forest. Species from Northern Mexico had greater tolerance to sites with low rainfall and less broadleaf evergreen tree cover than Southern species. Key words: Zoogeography; species richness; MaxEnt, multivariate analysis; spatial segregation
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: zoogeografía
  topic: keywords
subject: riqueza de especies
  topic: keywords
subject: MaxEnt
  topic: keywords
subject: análisis multivariados
  topic: keywords
subject: segregación espacial
  topic: keywords
creator: César Fabricio Maldonado-Sánchez
creator: Crystian Sadiel Venegas-Barrera
creator: Jorge Victor Horta-Vega
creator: Jorge Homero Rodríguez-Castro
creator: Alfonso Correa-Sandoval
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-02-25
publication date: 2022-02-25
starting page: 190
ending page: 212
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.47626

Seasonal droughts during the Miocene drove the evolution of Capparaceae towards Neotropical seasonally dry forests
type: item
description: Introduction: Neotropical seasonally dry forest (NSDF) climatic constraints increased endemism, and phylogenetic niche conservatism in species that are restricted to this biome. NSDF have a large number of endemic Capparaceae taxa, but it is unknown if phylogenetic niche conservatism has played a role in this pattern. Objective: We carried out an evolutionary analysis of the climatic niche of neotropical species of Capparaceae to identify whether the climatic constraints of NSDF have played a major role throughout the family’s evolutionary history. Methods: Using three chloroplastic (ndhF, matK, rbcL) and one ribosomal (rsp3) DNA sequences, we proposed a date phylogeny to reconstruct the evolutionary climatic niche dynamics of 24 Neotropical species of Capparaceae. We tested the relationship between niche dissimilarity and phylogenetic distance between species using the Mantel test. Likewise, we used a set of phylogenetic comparative methods (PGLS) on the phylogeny of Capparaceae to reconstruct the main evolutionary historic events in their niche. Results: Capparaceae originated in humid regions and subsequently, convergent evolution occurred towards humid and dry forest during the aridification phases of the Middle Miocene (16-11 Mya). However, adaptation towards drought stress was reflected only during the precipitation of the coldest quarter, where we found phylogenetic signal (Pagel ) for gradual evolution and, therefore, evidence of phylogenetic niche conservatism. We found convergent species-specific adaptations to both drought stress and rainfall during the Miocene, suggesting a non-phylogenetic structure in most climatic variables. Conclusions: Our study shows how the Miocene climate may have influenced the Capparaceae speciation toward driest environments. Further, highlights the complexity of climatic niche dynamics in this family, and therefore more detailed analyses are necessary in order to better understand the NSDF climatic constrictions affected the…
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: climate;
  topic: keywords
subject: comparative methods;
  topic: keywords
subject: Miocene;
  topic: keywords
subject: niche;
  topic: keywords
subject: phylogeny
  topic: keywords
creator: Jorge D. Mercado-Gómez
creator: María E. Morales-Puentes
creator: Mailyn A. Gonzalez
creator: Julián A. Velasco
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-03-02
publication date: 2022-03-02
starting page: 132
ending page: 148
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.47504

Spatio-temporal distribution of planktonic cyanobacteria and environmental factors associated with their proliferation in the Cerrón Grande reservoir, El Salvador
type: item
description: Introduction: The 135 km2 Cerrón Grande reservoir is the largest wetland in El Salvador, recognized as "Wetland of International Importance" by the Ramsar Convention. It is also one of the most polluted ecosystems nationwide, facing serious problems, among them, a proliferation of cyanobacteria. Objective: To assess the relationships among environmental factors and the spatial and temporary distribution of cyanobacteria in the reservoir throughout a hydrological year. Methods: We extracted water with cyanobacteria from six fixed sites, from October 2018 through September 2019. Results: We identified 16 genera, the most abundant Microcystis sp. And Dolichospermum sp.; Microcystis sp. reached 1.5 x 106 cells/ml in June 2019, mainly in the north-west sector, which is shallow and close to the confluence zones where highly polluted tributaries reach the reservoir. The deeper south-east sector had low concentrations of these organisms. The environmental factors mostly related to this behavior were: phosphorus, electrical conductivity and Secchi value, as expected from a eutrophic body. Conclusions: Variation in the cellular concentration of cyanobacteria in this reservoir is highly influenced by rain, water mixing and nutrient content.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: cyanobacteria
  topic: keywords
subject: tropical reservoir
  topic: keywords
subject: nutrients
  topic: keywords
subject: temporality
  topic: keywords
subject: spatiality
  topic: keywords
creator: Luis Ortez
creator: María Dolores Rovira
creator: Luis Morán
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-30
publication date: 2022-01-30
starting page: 250
ending page: 262
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.47625

Which variables influence the herbivory amount on Montrichardia spp. (Araceae) in aquatic ecosystems?
type: item
description: Introduction: The study of herbivory is fundamental in ecology and includes how plants invest in strategies and mechanisms to reduce herbivore damage. However, there is still a lack of information about how the environment, plant density, and functional traits influence herbivory in aquatic ecosystems. Objective: To assess if there is a relationship between herbivory, environmental variables, and plant traits two species of Montrichardia, a neotropical aquatic plant. Methods: In September 2018, we studied 78 specimens of Montrichardia arborescens and 18 of Montrichardia linifera, in 18 sites in Melgaço, Pará, Brazil. On each site, we measured water depth, distance to the margin, and plant density. From plants, we measured plant height and leaf thickness, and photographed the leaves to calculate the specific leaf area and percentage herbivory. To identify anatomical structures, we collected fully expanded leaves from three individuals per quadrat. Results: For M. arborescens, plants with thicker leaves and higher specific leaf area have less herbivore damage. For M. linifera, plants from deeper sites and with thicker leaves had more herbivore damage, while plants that grew farther from the margin had less damage. We found anatomical structures related to defense, such as idioblast cells with phenolic compounds, and cells with solid inclusions that can contribute to avoiding severe damage. Conclusions: Herbivory in these Montrichardia species canbe explained by a combination of plant and environmental traits (patch isolation and water depth). The main plant traits are leaf thickness and area, but chemical compounds and solid inclusions also help Montrichardia to sustain less damage than other macrophytes.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: aquatic plants
  topic: keywords
subject: functional traits
  topic: keywords
subject: chemical defense
  topic: keywords
subject: plant-herbivore interactions
  topic: keywords
subject: freshwater ecosystems
  topic: keywords
subject: Amazon
  topic: keywords
creator: Ana Luisa Biondi Fares
creator: Wendell Vilhena de Carvalho
creator: Thaisa Sala Michelan
creator: Grazielle Sales Teodoro
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-04-30
publication date: 2022-04-30
starting page: 263
ending page: 276
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.48076

Predation, reproduction, and development of the lady beetle Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
type: item
description: Introduction: Keeping populations of predatory insects in the agroecosystem by offering them prey, as well as food resources from plants, is important for enhancing conservation biological control. Objective: To determine if the consumption of prey and floral food resources enhances the biological attributes of the predator Hippodamia convergens. Methods: We fed the beetle larvae two species of aphids; and the adults were fed aphids, maize tassels, and two non-cultivated plant species. We checked gut sugar in the predator by the cold anthrone test and pollen presence by the acetolysis method. Demographic experiments were done in the first 40 days after female emergence, under controlled conditions (25 °C ± 0.5; 75 % ± 1.75 Relative Humidity; Light 12 h: Darkness 12 h). Results: H. convergens did not consume fructose, but only pollen from Sorghum halepense, Parthenium hysterophorus or Zea mays. Developmental time (egg-adult) of the predator was shorter (21.4 days) when it consumed Rhopalosiphum maidis than Uroleucon nigrotibium (24.6 days); survival (L1-adult) and sex ratio did not change. Average fecundity was higher (55.5 eggs / 40 days) when consuming U. nigrotibium with pollen from P. hysterophorus, than U. nigrotibium (22.5 eggs / 40 days) or R. maidis with pollen from Zea mays (11 eggs / 40 days). The intrinsic rate of natural growth was higher when consuming U. nigrotibium with pollen from P. hysterophorus (0.055), than U. nigrotibium (0.034) or R. maidis with pollen from Z. mays (0.019). Predation rate (L1-L5) was higher when consuming R. maidis (0.65) than U. nigrotibium (0.51). Conclusions: Aphid prey species and its combination with pollen from maize and non-cultivated plants affected development time, reproduction, and predation rate of H. convergens.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: acetolysis
  topic: keywords
subject: aphid
  topic: keywords
subject: anthrone
  topic: keywords
subject: biological control
  topic: keywords
subject: conservation
  topic: keywords
subject: pollen
  topic: keywords
creator: Jennifer Naranjo-Acosta
creator: Daniel Camilo Díaz-Mesa
creator: Clara Inés Melo-Cerón
creator: Maria R. Manzano
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
starting page: 621
ending page: e48371
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.48371

Effect of vegetation cover on dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) and their ecological functions in an Andean forest of Colombia
type: item
description: Introduction: Dung beetles perform important functions in terrestrial ecosystems, but anthropic pressures negatively affect them. These effects are well documented for Neotropical lowland forests, but have been little studied in Andean forests. Objectives: To evaluate how the attributes of dung beetle communities and three of their ecological functions differ in three land uses at the "Hacienda El Ocaso". Additionally, the relationships between attributes and functions, and among the tree different functions, were evaluated. Methodology: Using pitfall traps, dung beetles were sampled in three vegetation covers representing different land uses: secondary forest, mixed forest and livestock pastures (three independent sites per cover). The community attributes that were evaluated were abundance, number of species, biomass, and community weighted mean of body length; the functions that were measured were faeces removal, soil excavation, and secondary seed dispersal. Results: It was found that both community attributes and ecological functions are being negatively affected by the change in land use, mainly by livestock use. Most of the community attributes were positively correlated with functions; soil excavation and seed dispersal were strongly correlated with the removal of faeces. Conclusion: This study contributes to our understanding of the dung beetle fauna and its functional importance in the forests of the Andean region and how they are affected by land use change.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: Andean forests
  topic: keywords
subject: Scarabaeinae
  topic: keywords
subject: Fragmented landscape
  topic: keywords
subject: Dung removal
  topic: keywords
subject: Soil excavation
  topic: keywords
subject: Secondary seed dispersal.
  topic: keywords
creator: Gustavo Adolfo Arias-Álvarez
creator: David Andrés Vanegas-Alarcón
creator: Andrea Lorena García-Hernández
creator: Carolina Santos-Heredia
creator: Ellen Andresen
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-28
publication date: 2022-01-28
starting page: 53
ending page: 66
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.47849

Hematological reference values for Alouatta palliata (Primates: Atelidae) and Cebus imitator (Primates: Cebidae) from the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
type: item
description: Introduction: Wildlife hematological patterns are fundamental for health monitoring, and allows elucidating variations both within and between populations. Among these, hematological parameters are particularly valuable to evaluate the health status of neotropical primate species in the wild. Objective: To define hematological reference values for two species of monkeys in Costa Rica. Methods: During 2014, we collected blood samples from free-ranging mantled howler monkeys, Alouatta palliata (17 females, 18 males) and white-faced capuchin monkeys, Cebus imitator (5 females, 7 males) in seven localities of the Costa Rican Pacific coast. Results: For both species, the hematological values were higher in males, and howler monkey populations differed significantly except for platelets. Conclusions: These hematological values, which differ by sex and locality, will help evaluate the health status of these neotropical primate populations.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: Neotropical primates
  topic: keywords
subject: mantled howler monkey
  topic: keywords
subject: white-faced capuchin monkey
  topic: keywords
subject: hematology
  topic: keywords
subject: Costa Rica
  topic: keywords
creator: Andrea Chaves Ramírez
creator: Genuar Nuñez Vega
creator: Randall Arguedas Porras
creator: José Bonilla Vargas
creator: Sandra Silva de la Fuente
creator: María Arias-Echandi
creator: Gustavo Gutiérrez-Espeleta
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
starting page: 495
ending page: 503
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.48062

Comparison of fish assemblages recorded by visual census and video census
type: item
description: Introduction: Underwater visual censuses are the basis of many studies on fish ecology, however, a series of limitations and errors influence the traditional visual estimation of fish richness and abundance. Video techniques have been proposed to mitigate such errors, but there are few studies that compare the effectiveness of both methods. Objective: To compare the estimates obtained through the traditional census and the video census of the fish community of two localities in the central Mexican Pacific. Methods: We studied the fish community of two bays of Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico. We established sampling points in each bay and applied a traditional census and a diver-operated video census. We used comparison tests and analysis of similarity tests to compare richness, abundance and diversity by locality; and permutation tests for the same parameters at each sampling point. Results: Both censuses provide similar estimates regarding the richness, abundance, and diversity by locality and by sampling points. There were no statistically significant differences between traditional census and a diver-operated video census in terms of richness, abundance, and diversity. Conclusions: Video census using the diver-operated video technique can be used as a complement or as an alternative to traditional census. Its use can provide a more complete assessment, increase data acquisition, and implement long-term monitoring programs in areas where there are economic limitations for its operation.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: sampling methods
  topic: keywords
subject: Maguey
  topic: keywords
subject: Huatulco
  topic: keywords
subject: ichthyofauna
  topic: keywords
subject: Mexican Pacific
  topic: keywords
creator: Luis Gibran Juárez-Hernández
creator: María Guadalupe Sánchez-Vega
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
starting page: 541
ending page: 556
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.48420

Patterns of vertebrate biodiversity in a tropical dry and mangrove forest matrix
type: item
description: Introduction: Tropical dry forests and mangroves, two of the world’s most endangered ecosystems, each host a different set of environmental conditions which may support unique assemblages of species. However, few studies have looked at the unique vertebrate biodiversity in regions where both habitats occur side-by-side. Objective: To assess the vertebrate diversity and patterns of habitat usage in a mangrove and tropical dry forest matrix in an unprotected region of Northwestern Costa Rica. Methods: The study was conducted in a 7 km2 matrix of mangrove and tropical dry forests between Cabuyal and Zapotillal bays in Northwestern Costa Rica, South of Santa Rosa National Park. From September 2017 to March 2018, we used 13 automatic camera traps over 1 498 trap days to capture species utilizing the region and assess their patterns of habitat usage both spatially and temporally. Results: Seventy vertebrate species from 42 families in 27 orders were detected, including several globally threatened species. Over half of all species were detected in only one habitat, particularly amongst avian (78 %) and mammalian (42 %) species. Tropical dry forests hosted the greatest number of unique species and supported a greater percentage of herbivores than mangrove or edge habitats, which were dominated by carnivorous and omnivorous species. Mean detections per camera trap of all species increased significantly from the coldest and wettest month (Oct) to the hottest and driest months (Jan & Feb) in tropical dry forests. Sample-based rarefaction analysis revealed that survey length was sufficient to sample the tropical dry forest and edge habitats, though mangroves require further sampling. Conclusions: Taxa found to utilize different forest types may utilize each for different stages of their life cycle, moving between areas as environmental conditions change throughout the year. General patterns of global biodiversity favoring carnivore and omnivore usage of mangrove forests was con…
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: camera traps
  topic: keywords
subject: Costa Rica
  topic: keywords
subject: endangered ecosystems
  topic: keywords
subject: species richness
  topic: keywords
subject: Guanacaste
  topic: keywords
creator: Adam Yaney-Keller
creator: Pilar Santidrián Tomillo
creator: Mark A. Jordan
creator: Javier Francisco Lopez Navas
creator: Frank V. Paladino
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-01-24
publication date: 2022-01-24
starting page: 668
ending page: e48444
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.48444

Internal ultrastructure of the planktonic larva of the coral Porites panamensis (Anthozoa: Scleractinia)
type: item
description: Introduction: The scleractinian coral life cycle includes planktonic larvae that settle on the benthos, allowing the primary polyp to clone and build a sexually reproducing adult colony. The larval physiology and ecology of Eastern Tropical Pacific scleractinians needs the exploration of basic aspects such as the internal morphology of planulae. Objective: To describe histological and cytological characteristics of Porites panamensis larvae. Methods: During August-July 2019, at Islas Marias Biosphere Reserve, Central Mexican Pacific, we made 14 collections of coral larvae and identified the species with C cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene. We used a scanning electron microscope and other techniques. Results: The ectoderm was composed by heterogeneous, mono-ciliated, columnar epithelial cells. Nematocysts were clustered at the oral pole of the ectoderm, and cells were evident in the aboral pole of the ectoderm gland. The endoderm had secretory cells, lipids and symbionts. Conclusions: The abundance of secretory cells and nematocysts in the aboral pole suggests their importance in substrate exploration and larval settlement. Our results support previous descriptions of larval ultrastructure in other coral species.
subject: ARTICLE
  topic: section
subject: ultrastructure
  topic: keywords
subject: histology
  topic: keywords
subject: planulae
  topic: keywords
subject: larvae biology
  topic: keywords
subject: larvae settlement
  topic: keywords
subject: Eastern Pacific
  topic: keywords
creator: Jeimy D. Santiago-Valentín
creator: Alma P. Rodríguez-Troncoso
creator: Eric Bautista-Guerrero
creator: Andrés López-Pérez
creator: Amílcar L. Cupul-Magaña
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Biología Tropical http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2022-04-18
publication date: 2022-04-18
starting page: 222
ending page: 234
doi: 10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v70i1.48648