Latest Articles from Subterranean Biology Latest 7 Articles from Subterranean Biology https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:23:32 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Subterranean Biology https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/ Aquatic microdiversity from urban cenotes in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/108082/ Subterranean Biology 46: 129-145

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.46.108082

Authors: Job Alí Díaz-Hernández, Paul Ugalde-Silva, Christian Berriozabal-Islas, Alejandro Novelo, Jaqueline Hernández-Uc, Abigail Arana-May, Sheila Denisse Pech-Patrón, Iris Aurora Nava-Jiménez, Jessica Borbolla-Vázquez

Abstract: The microdiversity of cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico has been little studied, with the phytoplankton and protists being the most representative species. However, all previous studies have been focused on cenotes associated with touristic activities, leaving a gap in the understanding of cenotes located within urban areas. The present study is dedicated to the identification of phytoplankton and protists in the cenotes of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. We conducted our research in four urban cenotes, collecting samples using a 150 µm plankton net, filtering them with a 45 µm membrane, and examining them under optical microscopy. Subsequently, we calculated the abundance, richness, and completeness of the samples. Our findings revealed a total of 6 phyla, 4 subphyla, 10 classes, 8 subclasses, 15 orders, 15 families, 18 genus, and 17 species and 4 species indeterminata in the cenotes of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Among these, there were 8 species of phytoplankton and 1 species indeterminata, while 9 species of protists and 3 species indeterminata. These results highlight the remarkable species richness and the complex structure and composition of urban cenotes, suggesting that some species may be unique to this particular ecosystem. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the behavior of these aquifers (urban cenotes), and a comprehensive inventory or characterization of their microdiversity is lacking. Such information could be instrumental in the management, conservation, and sustainable use of these valuable aquifers.

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Research Article Thu, 9 Nov 2023 10:43:19 +0200
Yearly microbial cycle of human exposed surfaces in show caves https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/34490/ Subterranean Biology 31: 1-14

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.31.34490

Authors: Silviu Bercea, Ruxandra Năstase-Bucur, Oana Teodora Moldovan, Marius Kenesz, Silviu Constantin

Abstract: The human impact upon the subterranean microbiomes is not only a peril to the cave environment but might also affect future visitors. We focused on the changes that humans induced on the surfaces they came in direct or indirect contact with inside two intensely visited Romanian show caves, by means of commercially available microbial rapid test kits and molecular identification. Overall culturable bacteria abundance in the caves maintained high levels year-round while Enterobacteriaceae, coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli levels peaked during the touristic season, reaching levels that could pose a threat to the health of the visitors. Culturable fungi abundance usually peaked in the spring, remained at a high level in the summer and started to slowly decrease towards the winter months. Differences were observed between the direct and indirect exposed surfaces, as the later had lower overall levels of bacteria and fungi, with increased Enterobacteriaceae loads. Most of the taxa identified are known biodeteriorants of subterranean surfaces and were previously associated with human altered caves. A Dothideomycete sp. previously unknown to the cave environments was detected. This was the first study to analyse the dynamics of the microbial communities of delicate subterranean surfaces in show caves through the use of commercially available test kits. We revealed that exposed surfaces in show caves, in direct or indirect contact with tourists, are host to high concentrations of cultivable microbes. The touristic activity was shown to influence the abundance and dynamics of the microbial communities inhabiting surfaces of show caves.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Jul 2019 13:48:45 +0300
24th International Conference on Subterranean Biology https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/30244/ Subterranean Biology 27: 75-77

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.27.30244

Authors: Ana Sofia P. S. Reboleira, Fernando J.M. Gonçalves

Abstract: The 24thedition of the biennial Conference on Subterranean Biology was held on the campus of the University of Aveiro in Portugal from 20th to 24thAugust, following the previous edition held in USA (Culver, 2016). These conferences are organized under the auspices of the International Society for Subterranean Biology, founded in 1979. It was the first meeting held in Portugal and in the Iberian Peninsula.

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Forum Paper Wed, 31 Oct 2018 09:12:02 +0200
Towards a biologically meaningful classification of subterranean organisms: a critical analysis of the Schiner-Racovitza system from a historical perspective, difficulties of its application and implications for conservation https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/9759/ Subterranean Biology 22: 1-26

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.22.9759

Authors: Eleonora Trajano, Marcelo R. de Carvalho

Abstract: Subterranean organisms always attracted the attention of humans using caves with various purposes, due to the strange appearance of several among them and life in an environment considered extreme. According to a classification based on the evolutionary and ecological relationships of these organisms with subterranean habitats, first proposed by Schiner in 1854 and emended by Racovitza in 1907, three categories have been recognized: troglobites, troglophles and trogloxenes. The Schiner-Racovitza system has been discussed, criticized, emended, the categories have been redefined, subdivided, original meanings have changed, but it is used until now. Herein we analyze in a conceptual framework the main ecological classifications of subterranean organisms, from Schiner to Trajano, in 2012, so far the last author to introduce a relevant conceptual change on the categories definitions, incorporating the source-sink population model. Conceptual inconsistencies are pointed, especially with regards to the generally ill-defined trogloxene category, and the correspondence between categories according to the original sense and in alternative classifications is discussed. Practical criteria for distinction between these categories and difficulties for their application are presented. The importance of rightly classifying subterranean populations according to the Schiner-Racovitza system for conservation of these fragile and mostly threatened habitats is discussed.

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Review Article Tue, 28 Feb 2017 10:34:14 +0200
Food sources of selected terrestrial cave arthropods https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/5607/ Subterranean Biology 16: 37-46

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.16.8609

Authors: Jaroslav Smrž, Ľubomír Kováč, Jaromír Mikeš, Vladimír Šustr, Alena Lukešová, Karel Tajovsky, Alena Nováková, Petra Režňáková

Abstract: As caves represent an extreme biotope with limited food sources, one might expect cave animal communities to exhibit low feeding specialization and to consume generally whatever organic matter is available. To test this hypothesis, we studied the feeding habits of several arthropod species in Slovakian and Romanian caves. A microanatomical approach utilizing histological methods was selected for this study. While saprophagous animals dominated, our study revealed variability within this nutritional group. Preferences ranged from fungal propagules (for the millipede Trachysphaera costata) to bacteria on bat guano (for the oribatid mite Pantelozetes cavaticus) and to cyanobacteria (for the microwhip scorpion Eukoenenia spelaea). The terrestrial isopod Mesoniscus graniger consumed a mixture of organic and inorganic substrates with plant material in various caves. These findings confirm an adaptability and phenoplasticity and, hence, a variability of characteristics developing under the pressure of extreme environmental factors.

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Research Article Wed, 8 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Epigean and hypogean Palaemonetes sp. (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) from Edwards Aquifer: An examination of trophic structure and metabolism https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/4249/ Subterranean Biology 14: 79-102

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.14.8202

Authors: Renee Bishop, William Frank Humphreys, Glenn Longley

Abstract: This study addresses the causes of the metabolic depression observed when examining the metabolism of hypogean versus epigean organisms. We examined the two current hypotheses regarding the cause of metabolic cave adaptation, a paucity of food and low oxygen availability, both necessary for ATP production, by first determining if the hypogean environment examined, Edwards Aquifer, was resource limited. Stable isotope analyses indicate that there is extensive microbial chemolithoautotrophic production providing resources for the hypogean organisms. δ13C values (≤30‰ )were well below that of terrestrial biome indicating that C in the aquifer originates from chemolithoautotrophic inorganic carbon fixation, not photosynthetically derived material resulting from terrigenous sources. Data suggest the artesian system is a complex geochemical ecosystem providing inorganic energy sources from both methane and sulfates. Metabolism, examined via key aerobic and anaerobic proxies, and organismal proximate composition indicated there was no difference between metabolic rates and energy storage of Palaemonetes antrorum (stygobitic) and Palaemonetes kadiakensis (epigean). This indicates that resources within the oxic aquifer are not limited. We demonstrate that it is necessary for one, or both, of these selective pressures to be present for metabolic cave adaptation to occur.

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Research Article Mon, 17 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0200
Stygobitic oligochaetes (Annelida, Clitellata) in Poland with remarks on their distribution in Central Europe https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/1320/ Subterranean Biology 14: 15-24

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.14.7700

Authors: Elzbieta Dumnicka

Abstract: In Poland eleven stygobitic species have been found, whereas in Central Europe their number reached 23 species. Lumbriculidae are represented by 10 species, Enchytraeidae by seven, Naididae by three, whereas Dorydrilidae and Lumbricidae by two and singular species, respectively. Some species are known from Central Europe exclusively, but majority of them have wider distribution.

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Review Article Fri, 1 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0300