Jackman, A. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2025

Dispersal transiently modifies the temperature dependence of ecosystem productivity after an extreme thermal fluctuation

Effects of warming on ecosystem productivity are typically summarized over broad time scales, yet they emerge from communities that can reorganize in a matter of days. Temperature accelerates ecosystem productivity through predictable effects on metabolic rates, but dispersal across thermally heterogeneous metacommunities may modify this effect by redistributing communities and their underlying thermal phenotypes. Using multi-trophic freshwater mesocosm communities in which warming and dispersal were manipulated, we tested the hypothesis that increasing dispersal modifies the thermal sensitivity of gross primary productivity (GPP) through the redistribution of phytoplankton biomass, size spectra, and thermal phenotype composition along spatial thermal gradients. High dispersal temporarily weakened the thermal sensitivity of GPP after an unplanned heatwave. This effect was caused by reduced mass-specific GPP in the warmest mesocosms accompanied by regional homogenization of phytoplankton communities and the spread of poorly adapted thermal phenotypes under the highest dispersal treatments. Except immediately post-heatwave, the thermal sensitivity of GPP was robust to dispersal, despite evidence of metacommunity dynamics. These findings suggest that the temperature dependence of ecosystem metabolism can be briefly modified by dispersal after a perturbation, but remains robust under steady-state conditions.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2024

Capacity building needed to reap the benefits of access to biodiversity collections

SummaryO_LIThis research examines biodiversity specimens from two areas of the Caribbean to understand patterns of collection and the roles of the people involved. Using open data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and Wikidata, we aimed to uncover geographic and historical trends in specimen use. This study aims to provide concrete evidence to guide collaboration between collection-holding institutions and the communities that need their resources most. C_LIO_LIWe analysed biodiversity specimens from Montserrat and the Cayman Islands in three steps. First, we extracted specimen data from GBIF, disambiguated collector names, and linked them to unique biographical entries. Next, we connected collectors to their publications and specimens. Finally, we analysed the modern use of these specimens through citation data, mapping author affiliations and research themes. C_LIO_LISpecimens are predominantly housed in the Global North and were initially used by their collectors, whose focus was largely on taxonomy and biogeography. With digitisation, use of these collections remains concentrated in the Global North and covers a broader range of subjects, although Brazil and China stand out as significant users of digital collection data compared to other similar countries. C_LIO_LIThe availability of open digital data from collections in the Global North has led to a substantial increase in the reuse of these data across biodiversity science. Nonetheless, most research using these data is still conducted in the Global North. For the non-monetary benefits of digitisation to extend to the countries of origin, capacity building in the Global South is crucial, Open Data alone are insufficient. C_LI Societal Impact StatementDigital biodiversity data from herbaria and museums hold significant potential for nature conservation in the Global South, yet many regions, like Montserrat and the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean, are, for multiple reasons, unable to fully leverage this information. This lack of skills and resources limits local conservation efforts, showing the need for more investment in training, facilities, and expertise. Although past funding has helped improve coordination and build skills, our findings show that more work is needed to make sure conservation in these biodiverse areas can continue in the long term.

scientific communication and education↗