Aims: In arid sandy areas, while the sand-fixing vegetation system is crucial to maintaining ecological security, artificial vegetation gradually often faces the risk of degradation with the increase of the growth period. Recently, it has become an urgent theoretical and technical challenge to maintain the relative stability of sand-fixing vegetation systems, as well as promote their natural regeneration and succession. To understand the ecological traits of seeds from sand-fixing vegetation areas with different establishment years, we collected vegetation samples from the north side of the Baotou-Lanzhou Railway at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert. Our objectives are to determine the characteristics of the seed rain, soil seed bank, and aboveground vegetation, along with interrelationships among them to characterize species growth and community structures in this specific environment. The overall goal is to fully understand the mechanisms of underlying vegetation renewal, succession, and stability maintenance in the sand-fixing vegetation area on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the sustainable management of the sand-fixing vegetation system.

Methods: On the northern edge of the Baotou-Lanzhou Railway, we selected three types of sand-fixing plots with different establishment years (15-20 years, 30-40 years, 50-60 years) for a 2-year field study. We collected seed trap and soil seed bank samples annually from these plots. The collected seeds were germinated indoors, and vegetation surveys were conducted each year. The similarity of species composition between aboveground vegetation, seed rain, and soil seed bank were analyzed using the Sørensen similarity index (SI) and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination methods. Additionally, we quantitatively analyzed the relative contributions of seed source availability versus dispersal limitation to the formation of the soil seed bank.

Results: Our results indicated that the seed rain composition in sand-fixing vegetation areas with different establishment years was dominated by annual herbs, with their density dynamics showing a bimodal distribution pattern in July and November, controlled by the phenology of seed dispersal. The highest seed rain density was observed in sand-fixing vegetation established for 30-40 years. The soil seed bank composition in these areas was primarily composed of annual herbs, exhibiting characteristics of both transient and persistent seed banks, with a tendency towards persistent seed banks. However, seeds of Caragana korshinskii showed typical transient soil seed bank characteristics. The highest soil seed bank density was found in the surface soil layer and in areas established for 30-40 years. Aboveground vegetation in sand-fixing areas generally exhibited a simple structure. The similarity between mobile dune areas and areas established for 50-60 years was higher than that between areas established for the 15-20 years and those established for 30-40 years. Furthermore, the similarity between soil seed banks and aboveground vegetation was higher than that between seed rain and aboveground vegetation. Regarding the similarity in monthly species composition, the highest similarity within groups was found in the soil seed bank, followed by aboveground vegetation. Additionally, our species composition similarity results between aboveground vegetation, seed rain, and soil seed bank, showed no significant differences using both SI and NMDS ordination methods. Both methods revealed that similarities between aboveground vegetation, seed rain, and soil seed banks tend to increase with sand-fixing duration.

Conclusion: Persistent soil seed banks serve as a potential driving force for long-term vegetation renewal, while seed rain enhances the potential for vegetation regeneration. In this study, we determined that sand-fixing vegetation areas in the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, as well as the occurrence of seed rain, the composition of the soil seed bank, and the characteristics of aboveground vegetation, exhibit significant differences in species and habitat. Additionally, we found that as the duration of sand-fixing increases, the degree of connection among the three components (seed rain, soil seed bank, and aboveground vegetation) also increases, tending to form a local soil seed bank supplementation mechanism that supports the cyclical renewal and maintenance processes of aboveground vegetation.

Aims: This paper conducts a comprehensive review of literature from the past two decades, focusing on two primary objectives. First, it explores the composition of dominant weed species in urban lawns across China, including the types and characteristics of invasive weeds. Second, it investigates the key factors influencing the distribution and spread of weeds in urban lawns in China. This study aim to provide a theoretical foundation for the scientific management and control of weeds in urban lawns and help protect biodiversity and promote sustainable urban development. Additionally, these findings can support efforts at monitoring weed population dynamics to maintain ecological balance and enhance the health and sustainability of urban green spaces.

Methods: This study conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on urban lawn weeds in 98 cities across China between 2002 and 2024. A statistical analysis of the weed species identified in the literature was carried out after gathering information on dominant weed species, including their Chinese and Latin names, family and genus details, life forms, and flora. These data were used to determine the species, origin, degree, and route of invasion for invasive weeds. Furthermore, β-diversity was assessed using the Jaccard similarity index. The data for this study were sourced from the CNKI database, WANFANG DATA, and VIP database. Statistical analyses were performed using R and SPSS software. The correlation between invasive weed distribution and climatic factors was examined through a nonlinear relationship, and the primary climatic factors influencing the distribution of weed species in urban lawns were identified using redundancy analysis (RDA). Together, these methods enabled a deep exploration of the species composition, spatial distribution, and main influencing factors of urban weeds in China.

Results: (1) A total of 208 dominant weeds, spanning 40 families and 137 genera, were identified in urban lawns. The Compositae was the most prevalent in the literature, constituting 22.12% of the total. The geographical distribution of these flora is complex, with cosmopolitan families holding a significant advantage (23 families). However, at the genus level, the number of temperate distribution genera (57) surpassed that of tropical distribution genera (42), resulting in a tropical to temperate ratio of 2.33 and 0.74 at the family and genus levels, respectively. (2) A total of 37 species of invasive weeds were identified, belonging to 11 families, predominantly Compositae, Gramineae and Fabaceae (59.46%). This included 10 species of malicious invasive species, 11 species of serious invasive species, 4 species of local invasive species, and 12 species of general invasive species. The distribution of invasive weeds in southern China was notably concentrated. (3) The variation in weed composition among different cities aligns with the β-diversity theory, as variation was primarily influenced by geographical distance and climatic conditions.

Conclusion: Plants, particularly Compositae and Gramineae weeds, which are primarily annual and perennial herbs, hold a significant advantage over other species due to their widespread distribution. These plants demonstrate ecological adaptability and competitiveness in the ecological context of urban lawns. A considerable number of invasive weeds are present in these lawns, with some species exhibiting strong dispersal capabilities and posing serious threats to the existing ecological environment. These species are more concentrated in the southern region of the country, indicating that the area faces greater challenges in managing and preventing the spread of invasive weeds. The variation in weed composition between cities aligns with β-diversity theory which suggests species distribution is primarily influenced by geographical distance and climatic conditions. Future research should seek to more accurately assess the risk of invasive weed establishment and further investigate the mechanisms driving diffusion of dominant weeds. Considering the increased influence of global warming on ecosystem dynamics, it is essential to strengthen methods for predicting the distribution of dominant weeds, particularly non-native invasive species, and to conduct research on effective means of biological control. Additionally, a deep study of the life history of frequently occurring weeds is necessary to provide a scientific basis for effective prevention and control strategies.

Aims: In recent years, extreme weather events, such as high-temperature heat waves, have become increasingly frequent. In 2022, China experienced widespread and prolonged high temperatures, marking the most intense heat wave since comprehensive meteorological records began in 1961. These high-temperature heat wave events not only directly affect plant growth, but may also indirectly affect plant fitness by altering the intensity of herbivory. This study aims to clarify interspecies differences in the intensity of high-temperature heat wave damage and herbivory, investigate their relationships with leaf functional traits, and explore the interactions between high-temperature heat wave effects and the intensity of herbivory.

Methods: This study focused on 11 common woody plant species on the campus of Northwestern Polytechnical University. Data were collected from 97 individuals, encompassing 2,358 leaves, to measure the intensity of sunburn damage and herbivory, alongside four leaf functional traits (leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and leaf thickness). One-way ANOVA was employed to assess interspecies differences in heat wave and herbivory intensity, while generalized linear mixed-effects model were used to identify patterns relating these intensities to leaf functional traits. Correlation between heat wave damage and herbivory intensity was also analyzed.

Results: (1) Significant interspecies differences were observed in sunburn damage frequency, herbivory rate and herbivory frequency. (2) The frequency of sunburn damage was negatively correlated with leaf area but positively correlated with leaf thickness and LDMC. Both herbivory rate and herbivory frequency were positively correlated with LDMC but negatively correlated with leaf thickness, while herbivory frequency also exhibited a positively correlation with leaf area. (3) A negative correlation was detected between herbivory frequency and sunburn damage frequency.

Conclusion: This study provides insights into responses of common woody plant species to extreme heat wave events and herbivory, identifies key leaf functional traits associated with these responses. Furthermore, it highlights the interplay between heat wave damage and herbivory intensity. The findings provide valuable guidance for understanding plant adaptation strategies under extreme climatic conditions and for selecting garden tree species that can withstand high-temperature heat waves or herbivory.

Aims: Benthic organisms are a crucial part of marine ecosystems, playing an essential role in material cycling and energy flow. Gastropods, particularly through their predation and scavenging activities, help maintain the stability of benthic ecosystems. Understanding the dietary habits of gastropods is key to understanding their ecological role. Neptunea cumingii, a gastropod of significant ecological and economic importance in northern China, has not been sufficiently studied in terms of its diet and ecological role. Therefore, it is important to investigate the dietary composition of N. cumingii in natural conditions and to further understand its regulatory role in northern China’s benthic ecosystems.

Methods: In this study, four wild N. cumingii stomach samples were collected, and the stomach contents were analyzed using DNA barcoding techniques targeting the 18S rDNA V4 and V9 hypervariable regions to identify eukaryotic organisms.

Results: A total of 265,161 high-quality reads were obtained from the 18S rDNA V4 region across four samples, representing 93.16% of the original reads, and 141 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained by clustering. From the 18S rDNA V9 region, 221,998 high-quality reads were obtained, accounting for 86.54% of the original reads, and 490 OTUs were obtained. The 18S rDNA V4 region produced higher-quality sequences, but fewer annotated species compared to the V9 region. In total, 17 phyla were identified across all OTUs, including 10 from the animal kingdom, 5 from the fungal kingdom, 1 from the plant kingdom, and the SAR (Stramenopiles, Alveolates, and Rhizaria). The most abundant taxa in both the V4 and V9 analyses were Gastropoda, Actinopterygii, Trematoda, and Chromadorea. At the OTU level, only 5.67% and 8.08% of OTUs were detected across three or more samples, classified into the phyla Mollusca, Vertebrata, Ascomycota, and SAR. Overall, the analysis of the 18S rDNA V4 and V9 hypervariable regions revealed a diverse array of eukaryotic organisms, including animals (annelids, arthropods, mollusks), fungi, plants, and protists, with gastropods, fishes, trematodes, and fungi being the most abundant. A small percentage of OTUs were detected in multiple samples, indicating the variability of the diet.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that N. cumingii is an opportunistic feeder, obtaining energy from animal carcasses, sediments, and debris. It exhibits both herbivorous and predatory behaviors, which may help control fouling organisms. Its dietary composition is influenced by the local microenvironment, underscoring the species’ potential for use in bait domestication. This study provides insights into the role of N. cumingii in marine ecosystems and its nutritional needs for aquaculture.

Aims: The Southern Gaoligong Mountains is characterized by a distinct stereoscopic climate, complex and diverse habitats, and high biodiversity. However, relatively less attention has been paid to the entomopathogenic fungal resources. This paper aimed to investigate the entomopathogenic fungi resources in the Southern Gaoligong Mountains at different altitudes to explore the species diversity and distribution pattern of entomopathogenic fungi.

Methods: In order to isolate the strains of entomopathogenic fungi and identify their species, sample plots were set up every 100 m along the altitude gradient (700-3,100 m), and soil samples as well as infected insect specimens were collected from 2019 to 2021. The experimental region was divided into 5 altitude sections (I-V). Once data was collected, we analyzed the the species diversity and distribution characteristic of entomopathogenic fungi using α-diversity and its community structure using β-diversity. Pearson correlation and redundancy analysis were deployed to analyze the effects of ecological factors on the species diversity of entomopathogenic fungi.

Results: A total of 2,175 strains of entomopathogenic fungi were obtained from the Southern Gaoligong Mountains, belonging to 78 species in 20 genera of 5 families. Within this sample we obtained, 24 species and 1,331 strains of entomopathogenic fungi from soil samples, and 66 species and 844 strains of entomopathogenic fungi from insect samples. The species richness of entomopathogenic fungi (49 species) and strain number (766 strains) were the highest in the middle altitude section III (the wet evergreen broad-leaved forests in middle-mountain). The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (2.686 and 2.677, respectively) and Simpson diversity index (0.884 and 0.876, respectively) were similarly highest in the middle altitude section II (subtropical rainforest) and section III. The Simpson dominance index ranked highest in (0.615) the section V (high-altitude), and the Pielou evenness index (0.790) ranked highest in section I (low-altitude dry and hot valley). The habitat altitude had significant impacts on the species diversity in both soil-derived and insect-derived entomopathogenic fungi. Furthermore, the effect of soil temperature was greater on soil-derived entomopathogenic fungi, whereas air humidity had more impact on insect-derived fungi. Interestingly, soil pH had a relatively small impact on the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in this region.

Conclusions: It is also clear that entomopathogenic fungi resources are abundant in the Southern Gaoligong Mountains and are widely distributed across various altitude sections.

Aims: Archaea play a crucial role in global carbon and nitrogen cycling due to their unique genetic and metabolic characteristics. However, livestock activities, such as grazing, excretion, and trampling significantly affect soil archaeal communities. The mechanisms underlying the effects of grazing on archaeal community structure and diversity in alpine grasslands remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated how different grazing intensities in alpine meadows influence the structure and diversity of soil archaeal community.

Methods: This study was conducted over a two-year period in the alpine meadows of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau to understand the effects of yak grazing under different intensities on archaeal communities. Four grazing intensities were studied: Control (no grazing), light grazing (1 yak per ha), moderate grazing (2 yaks per ha), and heavy grazing (3 yaks per ha). Each grazing intensity had three technical replicates.

Results: Our results indicated that there were no significant differences in α-diversity with soil archaeal communities among various grazing intensities. However, light grazing increased the diversity and richness of soil archaeal communities. With increased grazing intensity, the relative abundances of Crenarchaeota initially decreased and then increased. Interestingly, Euryarchaeota and Parvarchaeota showed the highest relative abundances under light grazing and the lowest in the control group. Additionally, grazing reduced soil bulk density and increased soil moisture content compared to the control. However, heavy grazing decreased total soil phosphorus, but increased total available phosphorus. We also observed significant negative correlations (P< 0.05) between Crenarchaeota with total phosphorus and potassium. Euryarchaeota also showed significant positive correlations (P< 0.05) with total phosphorus and negative correlations with total potassium. While Parvarchaeota showed significant positive correlations (P< 0.05) with total phosphorus.

Conclusion: In this study, we found that light animal livestock grazing increased the richness and diversity of soil archaeal communities. Likewise, different compositions of soil archaeal communities were greatly influenced by soil carbon and nitrogen, which suggests that grazing alters soil nutrient dynamics and thereby affects archaeal community structure. Together, these findings provide a foundation to accurately assess the ecological impacts of grazing on alpine grassland ecosystems.

Aims: Alpine riverine wetland ecosystems are significant sources of methane emissions. Methanogenic archaea, which act as the sole producers of methane in wetland environments, play a critical role in global carbon cycling. However, their community composition and distribution patterns in alpine riverine wetlands remain unclear. Here, our study aims to: (1) investigate the diversity and compositional changes of methanogen communities in a riverine wetland, and (2) elucidate the assembly mechanisms and sources that drive their community distribution.

Methods: Our study site was located in the riparian zones of the Niyaqu basin in the Nam Co basin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Using mcrA gene amplicon sequencing, we analyzed methanogens in soils across two dimensions: Lateral dimension (riparian wetland, transitional zone, and alpine meadow) and longitudinal dimension (at four elevation gradients: 4,980 m, 4,843 m, 4,777 m, and 4,752 m).

Results: Methanogen community α diversity of methanogens was the highest in riparian wetland, followed by the transitional zone, and then to the alpine meadow ecosystem. With community composition, the riparian wetland was significantly different from that of the transitional zone and alpine meadow. Among all sampling sites, hydrogenotrophic methanogens were the most abundant and Methanobacterium was the most predominant. In particular, the average relative abundances of alpine meadows, transitional zone, and riparian wetland was 45.78%, 42.90% and 34.17%, respectively. Neutral community models also indicated that community assembly in the wetland was primarily driven by stochastic processes. However, these processes contributed less to the communities in the alpine meadow and transitional zone. Additionally, FEAST source tracking analysis indicated that in the lateral dimension, alpine meadow and transitional zone contributed 17.62% and 13.04%, respectively, to the methanogen communities in the riparian wetland. In the longitudinal dimension, methanogen communities in low elevation riparian wetlands (S4) were primarily sourced from upstream riparian wetlands (49.71%) and alpine meadows (21.45%).

Conclusions: This data suggests that the alpine meadows serve as a significant species reservoir for methanogens that funnel to the riparian wetland. Ultimately, our work described the diversity and distribution patterns of methanogen communities in alpine river basin soils, which holds significant importance to understand the functionality of alpine ecosystems.

Aims: Urbanization, the rapid expansion of urban areas and the transformation of natural landscapes into manmade environments, has significantly altered the habitat of many organisms. This process has not only reshaped landscapes but also impacted ecological balance. Soil fauna are integral components of the food chain and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, soil formation, and overall ecosystem health. Investigating the impact of urban landscape patterns on the genetic diversity and population structure of soil fauna can lead to new knowledge that can be used to protect the biodiversity within urban ecosystems.

Methods: A total of 133 samples of Thereuopoda clunifera from seven populations in Nanjing, China were collected for this study. The mitochondrial Cytbgene and six microsatellite loci were used as molecular markers to analyze the genetic diversity and genetic structure of T. clunifera. To investigate the impact of urban landscape patterns on soil fauna genetic diversity and genetic structure, correlation analysis was used to understand the association between genetic diversity and habitat or urbanization levels. We then evaluated potential corridors that could enable gene flow between local T. cluniferapopulations by calculating the Euclidean distance, least-cost path, and effective resistance between these populations. Finally, we explored the effect of geographical and resistance distance on genetic differentiation among local populations using the Mantel test for each local population based on their genetic distance.

Results: We identified six haplotypes and 14 mutation sites, from the Cytb dataset. Nucleotide diversity indices were below 0.005 for all populations, signifying low genetic diversity. The microsatellite markers revealed an average number of alleles ranging from 4.167 to 5.167 and observed heterozygosity from 0.470 to 0.603, indicating high microsatellite diversity across populations. No correlation was found between habitat area, degree of urbanization near the habitat, and population genetic diversity. The fixation index between populations ranged from 0.020 to 0.106, with gene flow ranging from 2.108 to 12.266, suggesting low levels of genetic differentiation and frequent gene exchange between populations. Cluster analysis based on individual classifications was performed on the seven populations. The results indicated that the highest value of Delta K was observed when K = 2, indicating that all individuals could be divided into two genetic groups. Among the seven populations, Tang Mountain and Fang Mountain (TS and FS) exhibited similar genetic structures, which were significantly different from the other five populations. The level of genetic differentiation between populations was significantly positively correlated with the predicted physical barriers between them, suggesting that the genetic structure of T. clunifera populations may be influenced by urbanization. Effective connectivity between patches facilitates gene flow among populations, with dispersed urban green spaces acting as corridors that offer opportunities for gene flow.

Conclusion: The overall genetic diversity of mitochondrial genes in the population of T. clunifera is relatively low, but the microsatellite diversity across all populations is high. Urbanization and habitat area are not correlated with the level of population genetic diversity in T. clunifera. There is moderate genetic differentiation among T. clunifera populations within the city of Nanjing, indicating a certain level of gene flow between them. Compared to geographical distance, diffusion resistance better reflects the diffusion patterns of T. clunifera within the city. Insights from this work establish a foundational framework for the preservation of urban biodiversity and the strategic design of ecological spaces, such as preserving green spaces to encourage gene flow between soil fauna populations.

Aim: Hemibagrus guttatus has historically been known as one of the “four famously economic fish in the Pearl River”. However, due to cascade development, water pollution, and overfishing, wild populations of H. guttatus have drastically declined. In February 2021, H. guttatus was listed as a national category II key protected wild animal species. The study is to investigate the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of H. guttatus to identify actions that can improve scientific management and protection of wild H. guttatus populations.

Methods: A total of H. guttatus samples were collected from 19 locations in the Pearl River and the Hanjiang River. We used multiple approaches, including phylogeny, divergence time estimation, and population genetics, to explore genetic diversity, genetic structure and population historical demography based on mitochondrial genomes.

Results: Genetic diversity analyses revealed nucleotide diversity in the H. guttatus populations of the Pearl River and Hanjiang River exhibit extremely low nucleotide diversity, indicating an urgent protection of H. guttatus populations is necessary. Phylogenetic trees and haplotype network indicated that H. guttatus populations in the Pearl River and the Hanjiang River formed independent lineages, with two sub-lineages present in the Pearl River. Divergence time estimation analysis suggests that the Pearl River populations and the Hanjiang River populations split between 0.284 and 0.401 million years ago (Ma), while the two sub-lineages in the Pearl River diverged between 0.092 to 0.132 Ma. Bayesian skyline plots suggested that overall H. guttatus populations experienced significant population contraction and expansion between 0.072 and 0.101 Ma and 0.024 and 0.033 Ma, respectively. This analysis also suggested that the Pearl River populations underwent significant population expansion between 0.024 and 0.032 Ma.

Conclusions: Results from this study suggest Pleistocene climate change in South China may be an important driving factor that triggered H. guttatuslineage divergence. Further, sea level fluctuations induced by the late Pleistocene glacial cycles and the Last Glacial Maximum may have influenced the distribution and effective population size of H. guttatus populations. Based on the results of this study, we recommend the following: (1) strengthen supervision of fisheries administration, (2) establish protected areas to maintain H. guttatushabitat, and (3) increase monitoring of Hanjiang River populations. Moreover, the maternal lineage of sampled fish should be determined (by mitochondrial sequencing) before reintroduction to avoid blind release of non-local parents or offsprings into local rivers. Implementation of these practices will help preserve, and even improve, the genetic diversity of H. guttatus, which will allow them to remain an important economic fish for years to come.

Backgrounds & Motivations: The financial gap in addressing biodiversity loss is considerable, highlighting the need for the involvement of enterprises and financial institutions in biodiversity protection to provide necessary funding for biodiversity risk management. However, the information regarding to biodiversity in reports from Chinese listed enterprises remains limited, often lacking substance and credibility. It is imperative for enterprises to establish a biodiversity information disclosure mechanism that signals low biodiversity risk to financial and capital markets, thereby enhancing their financing capabilities and levels.

Methods: This study calculates the biodiversity information disclosure index for Chinese enterprises based on an analysis of 11,867 enterprise social responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG) reports from 1,714 listed enterprises between 2006 and 2022, utilizing internet crawling technology for data collection. Employing quantitative analysis methods, the research examines the current status and primary issues related to biodiversity disclosure, ultimately constructing an econometric model to explore the financing effects of biodiversity information disclosure from the perspectives of financing constraints, costs, and outcomes.

Results: The findings indicate a continuous increase in both the number and proportion of enterprises disclosing biodiversity information in China, demonstrating a stable growth trend with modest annual increases. However, challenges persist, including low disclosure quality, heightened industry polarization, and significant heterogeneity among enterprise types. Furthermore, biodiversity information disclosure exhibits significant effects on financing. Specifically, each increasing unit in enterprise biodiversity information disclosure can effectively reduce enterprise financing constraints by 2.02% to 5.07%, lower the cost of enterprise debt financing by 2.51% to 2.78%, lower the cost of enterprise equity financing by 1.55% to 1.83%, and facilitate adjustments to the enterprise financing structure, thereby decreasing (increasing) the proportion of debt (equity) in financing by 2.19%.

Policy Implications & Contributions: In light of these findings, policy recommendations are proposed in the study, including the implementation of financing incentive mechanisms, the establishment of standardized disclosure protocols, the monetization of biodiversity value, and an emphasis on disclosure trends among non-key industries. These recommendations are designed to enhance enterprise engagement in biodiversity protection and to mobilize enterprise resources towards the promotion of biodiversity-friendly practices within industry development.

Aim: The shape of eggs is a subject of considerable interest among biologists and mathematicians, particularly regarding avian adaptation to diverse environments. The Carter-Morley Jones equation is a polar coordinate equation that describes the two-dimensional projection shape of bird eggs, typically with its model parameters estimated using multiple linear regression. However, multiple linear regression may result in poor fits due to the failure of its underlying assumptions. This study proposes a novel parameter estimation method for the Carter-Morley Jones equation based on nonlinear optimization theory.

Methods: We employed both multiple linear regression and nonlinear optimization techniques to fit actual egg-shape data obtained from 416 eggs spanning 51 species. The performance of each fitting method was assessed by evaluating the goodness of fit through root-mean-square error and analyzing the linear approximation behavior through nonlinear curvature measures. Additionally, we compared the egg volumes predicted by the Carter-Morley Jones equation with actual volumes measured using a graduated cylinder.

Results: The findings indicated that: (1) The nonlinear optimization method provided a superior goodness of fit compared to the multiple linear regression method; (2) No significant difference was observed in the linear approximation behavior between the two parameter estimation methods; and (3) There was no significant difference between the predicted egg volumes from the Carter-Morley Jones model and the actual volumes measured via the graduated cylinder.

Conclusion: This study offers a robust mathematical tool for applying the egg-shape equation in ecological research. Furthermore, the use of nonlinear curvature measures presents a fresh perspective for evaluating egg shape models in future investigations.

China serves as a global biodiversity hotspot for Gesneriaceae, with particularly high species richness and exceptional endemism rates concentrated in its southwestern regions. The family Gesneriaceae is characterized by its rich biological diversity, reproductive and nutritional organ phenotypic polymorphism, and a pan-tropical distribution pattern. These characteristics make this taxon a primary focus in research related to biogeography, evolutionary ecology, conservation biology, and more. Despite the importance of Gesneriaceae, investigations concerning its biodiversity in China have been limited to cataloging species, or some other generic analyses. This has left a gap in understanding the diversity distribution patterns of Gesneriaceae throughout China. To fill this gap, this study compiled literature and specimen data to catalogue Gesneriaceae and establish a geographic distribution database for China’s known Gesneriaceae. The findings reveal that Gesneriaceae primarily inhabit the tri-junction of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi, as well as the Hengduan Mountains, southeastern Tibet, and across southern provinces. As of 30 June 2024, the Gesneriaceae in China comprised 46 genera and 880 species (including 58 varieties). Among these, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region had the most species (324), followed by Yunnan Province (319 species) and then Guizhou Province (159 species). At the county scale, Malipo County (70 species) and Pingbian Miao Autonomous County (63 species) of Yunnan Province had the most Gesneriaceae diversity. These invaluable findings will enable Chinese researchers to further their investigations and conservation efforts related to Gesneriaceae.

Background & Aims: Biodiversity serves as a crucial foundation for human survival and the sustainable development of economic and social systems. Since energy development is often intertwined with ecological spaces, the impact of energy exploitation on biodiversity has been a significant concern. Particularly, the construction and operation of renewable energy projects must integrate biodiversity protection, an essential requirement for the green transformation of the energy sector. For Chinese energy enterprises, biodiversity conservation represents both a challenge and an opportunity. As key players in ecological civilization construction of China, these enterprises must explore and implement strategies to mainstream biodiversity protection. This paper outlines the international and domestic policies and regulations governing biodiversity conservation for energy companies, reviews experiences and practices from both domestic and international energy enterprises, analyzes current challenges and deficiencies facing Chinese energy enterprises, and proposes principles and pathways for effective implementation of biodiversity protection.

Results: China has established a distinctive system for biodiversity protection, consisting of laws, comprehensive policies, and specialized regulations. Energy companies implement biodiversity protection through several mechanisms, including environmental impact assessments, geological environmental safeguards at mining sites, land reclamation efforts, soil and water conservation, water resource evaluations, as well as recognition programs for green mining practices. Nevertheless, three main challenges persist for Chinese energy enterprises: a lack of awareness of biodiversity conservation principle, insufficient funding, and a shortage of qualified personnel. There is a pressing need to enhance capabilities related to biodiversity preservation along with improving transparency levels in reporting such efforts.

Suggestions & Perspectives: Energy enterprises should integrate considerations of biodiversity into their corporate governance and project development processes. A systematic approach towards valuing biodiversity should be established, ensuring that biodiversity is included in strategic decision-making processes. Tailored, multi-tiered conservation strategies must be implemented based on local conditions, and ongoing biodiversity monitoring and effectiveness evaluations should be conducted. Energy enterprises should also leverage high-level international platforms to amplify their global influence and refine biodiversity reporting practices. By adopting these pathways, Chinese energy companies can significantly elevate their contributions to global biodiversity governance, striving for harmonious coexistence between natural ecosystems and industrial activities.

Background & Aim: Gender plays a critical role in biodiversity governance, with women contributing essential traditional knowledge and practices for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. However, women often face disadvantages in decision-making and resource access, which result in the neglect of their needs and contributions. This, in turn, impacts the effectiveness and sustainability of biodiversity governance. The international community has increasingly recognized the importance of mainstreaming gender in biodiversity governance. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) emphasizes this by establishing Target 23, which aims to ensure gender equality and empower women and girls to contribute equally to the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The recent adoption of the Gender Plan of Action (2023-2030) at the 15th meeting of the Conference (COP15) of the Parties to CBD further highlights the growing global focus on gender issues in biodiversity governance. As one of the most populous and biodiverse countries, China’s integration of gender considerations into its biodiversity governance is crucial for achieving global sustainable development goals.

Review Results: This paper explores the integration of gender considerations within the CBD and its impact on global biodiversity governance. Initially, gender issues were peripheral in the CBD, however, they have progressively gained prominence, leading to significant milestones such as the adoption of gender action plans and the inclusion of gender as a key target in the KMGBF. The analysis reveals varied approaches to incorporating gender considerations in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) across different countries. Women are increasingly recognized not only as vulnerable groups but also as essential stakeholders and agents of change in biodiversity governance. Best practices identified include the use of gender-sensitive indicators and ensuring women’s active participation in biodiversity initiatives. In China, recent progress has been made with the inclusion of gender considerations into its NBSAP for the first time, although gaps remain, particularly at the provincial level and in local biodiversity projects.

Recommendations: To further advance gender mainstreaming in biodiversity governance in China, this paper suggests several key actions. First, there should be a concerted effort to incorporate gender considerations into biodiversity policy-making, including the collection and use of gender-disaggregated data and the engagement of gender experts in policy development processes. Second, it is crucial to bolster research on the intersection of gender and biodiversity, with targeted projects and the inclusion of gender experts in interdisciplinary academic exchanges. Finally, the management of international cooperation projects should integrate gender considerations throughout their project lifecycle, ensuring that both men and women benefit equally from these initiatives. These measures will not only enhance the effectiveness of China’s biodiversity governance but also serve as a model for other countries, reinforcing China’s leadership in global biodiversity efforts.

Background & Aims: In recent years, China’s rapid expansion of photovoltaics (PVs) and wind power capacity has triggered attention and discussions on their ecological issues. Effective mitigation measures and tools are urgently needed but remain underutilized. This study reviews domestic and international mitigation measures based on the ecological impacts of onshore centralized PVs and wind power plants.

Review results: Our findings indicate that early site planning is the most effective and cost-efficient approach to avoiding adverse impacts. From a landscape perspective, key planning methods for mitigating ecological impacts include the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) and sensitivity mapping for risk screening, the Development by Design (DbD), combination of spatial planning and sensitivity mapping, and compatibility assessments between renewable energy and biological resources for integrated spatial planning. These methods help guide the renewable energy siting process based on ecological impacts and risks.

Recommendations: We propose five priorities for improving site selection and mitigation of ecological impacts in China: (1) Enhancing research on ecological impacts of PVs and wind power plants, focusing on endangered and sensitive species and their habitats, and developing mitigation strategies; (2) Simplifying siting methods and decision-making tools, and training professionals for effective implementation; (3) Strengthening cross-sector coordination to align land-use planning with solar and wind power development, and optimizing tools for ecological-friendly site selection for renewable energy projects, particularly in repurposing areas like abandoned mines. New projects must incorporate mitigation measures into design before construction; (4) Establishing a continuous ecological impact monitoring system to assess and adapt mitigation measures over time; (5) Strengthening policy support for ecological-friendly wind and solar development, by issuing technical guidelines and standards for ecological conservation and restoration. Policies should be adapted to local conditions, avoiding “one-size-fits-all” approach, and promoting innovative, eco-friendly renewable energy development models.

Aims: What do higher or lower organisms mean, or, is there any hierarchy among different organisms, is a big question, not only of life sciences, but also of practical philosophy. To answer this question, we must return to its starting point, Darwin’s On the Origin of Species.

Progress: In this article I show that Darwin in his masterpiece used a lot of expressions that imply some meaning of “biological hierarchy” (a ladder of life), referring to seven different aspects or indicators: (1) the degrees of morphological rigidity and functional differentiation, (2) the degree of directional development of traits, (3) morphological complexity, (4) competitive strength, (5) the time of phylogenetic differentiation, (6) evolutionary rate, and (7) taxonomic rank. Further analysis demonstrates that these different indicators, except indicator (7), can generally keep consistent with each other within Darwin’s theory of evolution, that is, they are various manifestations of the phylogenetic tree driven by the biological interaction of competition. In this framework, the logic of a biological ladder can be understood.

Conclusion: Further investigation, however, shows that this understanding faces two major challenges: (1) probabilistic uncertainty pertaining to any law of life sciences and (2) a revision of Darwin’s mesoscopic-static theory of evolution, which is dominated by biological interactions, taking into account the macroscopic-dynamic evolutionary schema, which is subject to changes in the external environment. In a considerably variable environment, evolution has no goal or direction, whether predetermined or predictable, factual or desirable. Therefore, with respect to macroscopic evolution, what could be called “biological ladder” tends to be an expedient metaphorical expression with little substantial meaning, let alone axiological implications. This conclusion also constitutes the criticism of Social Darwinism and naturalistic environmental ethics on the ontological level.

This article is based on an audio tape of Chan Wang recorded in 1986, which provides detailed information about the discovery of the dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) by Chan Wang. This article is now published as Chan Wang’s posthumous work. The discovery occurred in 1943 when Chan Wang was on an expedition to explore the forests of Shennongjia in Hubei Province, Central China. The article begins with Chan Wang’s acceptance of the Shennongjia exploration mission and narrates the entire process of how he overcame numerous hardships to collect the dawn redwood specimens and conducted research on them. The discovery of the dawn redwood was a combination of both chance and inevitability, and it was Chan Wang’s fearless and selfless spirit of scientific exploration that led to a serendipitous opportunity into the inevitable outcome of the discovery of the dawn redwood.