Morphological diversity and microevolutionary aspects of the lineage Cryptocandona vavrai Kaufmann, 1900 (Ostracoda, Candoninae)

Morphology of both the valves and limbs of several parthenogenetic populations of the widespread non-marine ostracod Cryptocandona vavrai Kaufmann (sensu lato) living in groundwater habitats of western (France) and south-eastern Europe (Romania) was examined for the extent of intra- and interpopulational variation. Geometric morphometrics and multivariate statistics were employed for the description of the valve morphological disparity whereas the discriminant analysis was performed for the comparative analysis of the limb chaetotaxy. The ranges of the most studied limb traits principally overlapped among the populations, however considerable differences in the carapace shape and size, reflecting microevolutionary changes at a macro-scale (inter-population) level, allowed distinguishing quantitatively some Romanian populations which deserve a separate specific status. Hence, a new species Cryptocandona racovitzai sp. nov. is described which differs from C. vavrai sensu stricto mainly in larger size, in more triangular valve shape as seen laterally and in less developed inner lamella of the valves. Finally, after examination of more material from Romanian groundwaters, we hypothesised the presence of more new species within the studied lineage and concluded that Cryptocandona vavrai sensu lato is a polymorphic lineage consisting of several geographically differentiated species rather than just only one widely dispersed species

Physiological tolerance and ecotoxicological constraints of groundwater fauna

This chapter explores the physiological tolerance of groundwater species to human-induced stress, encompassing temperature changes, chemical and other environmental contamination, and changes in environmental conditions in a laboratory setting. The chapter consists of three sections, each comprising a small introductory paragraph, a discussion on the main specific aspects of tolerance, and a conclusive paragraph, wrapping up key points and providing future prospects. In Section 1, entitled “Physiological tolerance of groundwater organisms to changing thermal conditions”, we highlighted that the effects of global warming on groundwater animals might be more severe than expected, especially in areas where global warming is superimposed by additional temperature elevations due to urban groundwater heat-ups. In Section 2, entitled “Physiological tolerance of groundwater organisms to chemical stress”, our overview of the available studies highlights that the ecological risk assessment in groundwater is currently poorly realistic because it is based on the tolerance of surface water species that do not possess any of the distinctive traits of the true inhabitants of these environments. In Section 3, entitled “Physiological tolerance of groundwater organisms to light, food, and oxygen variations: indications for ecotoxicological protocols”, we pointed out that the standard ecotoxicological protocols issued for surface water species are not directly applicable to groundwater organisms but require adjustments. We concluded the chapter by suggesting that several further investigations are necessary to make sound predictions on the future distribution of groundwater organisms according to the expected scenarios of climate change, groundwater heat-ups, chemical contamination, and ecological risk

Life-History Traits and Acclimation Ability of a Copepod Species from the Dripping Waters of the Corchia Cave (Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy)

Copepods are the dominant crustacean group in groundwater, where they perform valuable ecosystem services related to carbon recycling. The life-history traits of stygobitic (groundwater-obligate dweller) copepods, however, have only been casually studied in the past. In addition, next to nothing is known about the responses of stygobitic copepods to climate change. In this study, we investigated the life-history traits and respiratory metabolism of a species of harpacticoid copepods, Moraria sp., endemic to the Corchia Cave in the Apuan Alps (Italy). We collected the specimens of Moraria sp. from the dripping waters of the cave and observed their development, survival, and reproduction rates in the laboratory for one year. We also evaluated the acclimation ability of adult females of Moraria sp. by measuring their oxygen consumption in a temperature range from 8 °C (average annual temperature of the dripping water in the Stalactites Gallery of the Corchia Cave) to 12.5 °C (maximum temperature of the dripping water of the cave expected according to climate change scenarios in 2100). Our results indicate that Moraria sp. Is a stenothermal species showing remarkable stygobitic traits (long life span, low metabolic rates). We noted that the metabolism of this species is significantly affected by small (+1.5 °C) thermal changes. Our results showed no metabolic compensation occurring in this species over two weeks of exposure to temperatures higher than 8 °C. The outcomes of this study suggest that Moraria sp. May not be able to tolerate thermal changes brought on by climate change

Higher alpha and gamma, but not beta diversity in tropical than in Mediterranean temporary ponds : a multi‐taxon spatiotemporal approach

This study was sustained by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitivity–AEI, and FEDER (EU), through project METACOM-SET (CGL2016-78260-P). Ángel Gálvez was also supported by an FPI fellowship BES-2017-080022 from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness.The latitudinal diversity gradient predicts that tropical regions should have higher alpha, beta, and gamma diversity than temperate areas. However, only a few studies have assessed the temporal variability of the different components of diversity across climatic regions. In this study, we compare, using a spatial and temporal approach, the diversity of multiple taxa inhabiting tropical and Mediterranean temporary ponds. We sampled the biological communities of each set of ponds on three occasions during the same hydrological year. Under a spatial framework, we analyzed, alpha, beta, and gamma diversities. With a temporal approach, we compared the coefficients of variation in alpha diversity for each local community, and temporal beta diversity. Differences between regions and sampling periods were tested using generalized linear mixed models. We found higher gamma and alpha diversity in the tropical ponds, as expected given the latitudinal differences between them. However, phytoplankton and microinvertebrates from the Mediterranean region, matched or even exceeded tropical alpha diversity on some occasions. Spatial beta diversity did not differ between regions, and it showed lower values at the middle or the end of the hydroperiod in bacteria, micro‐ and macroinvertebrates and amphibians. Thus, processes homogenizing and heterogenising pond metacommunities must be balanced in both studied regions. Temporal variation in alpha and beta diversity was similar for ponds in both regions, except for macroinvertebrates and amphibians, suggesting differential effects on community variation observable only in animals with longer life‐spans, at our temporal scale of analysis.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Recommendations for ecotoxicity testing with stygobiotic species in the framework of groundwater environmental risk assessment

As a consequence of the growing global dependence on groundwater resources, environmental risk assessments (ERA) for groundwater are increasingly required and, with that, ecotoxicological studies with groundwater fauna (stygofauna). However, the literature on the ecotoxicological studies with stygobiotic species (i.e. species that complete their life cycle exclusively in groundwater) has not expanded significantly since the first paper published in this field. The limitations regarding the use of stygobiotic species for ecotoxicological testing are clear and consistent across the globe; stygobiotic species are often 1) naturally present in low numbers, 2) difficult to collect, and 3) difficult to culture under laboratory conditions. This paper reviews the methods used in ecotoxicological studies performed with stygobiotic species, and provides ten recommendations for Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) for such tests. The recommendations focused on the following 10 points: 1) the taxonomic identification, the life stage/size and gender of the test organisms; 2) collection methodology of the organisms, including collection location, conditions and methods; 3) holding and acclimation conditions in the laboratory; 4) exposure conditions such as test set up and exposure time, number of replicates and densities of organisms in tests and in test vessels; 5) range-finding test set up and schedule; 6) final test design, including details of controls and treatments, and replication options; 7) incubation conditions, specifying temperature, pH and oxygenation levels throughout the test; 8) test duration; 9) observations and endpoints; 10) test validity criteria and compliance. The recommendations were developed for the purpose of supporting future short-term ecotoxicological testing with stygofauna through providing consistency in the protocols. A discussion of the potential implications for groundwater managers and decision-makers committed to ERA for groundwater is included.Fil: Di Lorenzo, Tiziana. Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche; ItaliaFil: Di Marzio, Walter Dario. Universidad Nacional de Luján. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas. Programa de Investigación en Ecotoxicología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Fiasca, Barbara. Universita degli Studi dell'Aquila; ItaliaFil: Galassi, Diana Maria Paola. Universita degli Studi dell'Aquila; ItaliaFil: Korbel, Kathryn. Macquarie University; AustraliaFil: Iepure, Sanda. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Pereira, Joana Luísa. Universidade de Aveiro; PortugalFil: Reboleira, Ana Sofia P. S.. Natural History Museum of Copenhague; DinamarcaFil: Schmidt, Susanne I.. Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences; República ChecaFil: Hose, Grant C.. Macquarie University; Australi