Publications
Equilibrium and non‐equilibrium dynamics simultaneously operate in the Galápagos islands
Avian diversity in the Galápagos Islands is not at equilibrium but continues to rise, challenging long-held assumptions about insular biotas. Unlike most terrestrial birds, which diversify slowly without ecological constraints, Darwin's finches rapidly reach a carrying capacity and follow a coalescent-like diversification process. This dual dynamic—simultaneous operation of both non-equilibrium (ascending diversity) and equilibrium (carrying capacity) processes—was revealed using a novel phylogenetic method that estimates biota assembly rates for entire communities. The findings suggest remote islands like the Galápagos may experience persistent biodiversity increases, complicating traditional ecological paradigms.
Invaders of pollination networks in the Galápagos Islands: emergence of novel communities
Alien species, particularly insects, are significantly reshaping pollination networks in the Galápagos Islands, increasing network stability while potentially introducing vulnerabilities. The study found that 20% of species (60 plants and 220 pollinators) were aliens, involved in 38% of interactions, with alien insects like dipterans, hymenopterans, and lepidopterans forming more links than native or non-endemic species. These invaders acted as 'island hubs,' infiltrated all network modules, and accounted for 38% of connectors, enhancing network cohesiveness. While this may increase resistance to species loss, it could also heighten susceptibility to diseases. The research analyzed data from five Galápagos islands, revealing profound structural changes in pollination networks due to invasions.
Archipelago-Wide Island Restoration in the Galápagos Islands: Reducing Costs of Invasive Mammal Eradication Programs and Reinvasion Risk
Eradicating invasive species from entire archipelagos, not just individual islands, significantly reduces the risk of reinvasion and lowers costs. This approach is demonstrated by the Galápagos Islands' efforts to remove feral goats, which involved removing over 140,000 goats from more than 500,000 hectares at a cost of US$10.5 million. The study highlights that bureaucratic processes, financing, political will, and stakeholder approval are now the primary challenges rather than island size. Complementing this technical approach with long-term social strategies focused on education and governance can further mitigate reinvasion risks and enhance biodiversity benefits.
Phylogenetic analysis of the fecal microbial community in herbivorous land and marine iguanas of the Galápagos Islands using 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing
Diet significantly shapes the gut microbial communities of herbivorous iguanas in the Galápagos Islands, with marine and land iguanas exhibiting distinct bacterial compositions. Marine iguanas, which consume algae, show higher abundances of Bacteroides spp., Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridiaceae, while land iguanas, feeding on terrestrial vegetation, harbor a greater diversity of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and a fivefold increase in Ruminococcaceae. Archaea were uniquely detected in land iguanas, suggesting their role in breaking down recalcitrant polysaccharides. The study used 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing to analyze fecal samples from both species across the archipelago, revealing novel microbial diversity that could lead to discoveries of enzymes capable of degrading complex polysaccharides.
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