Seminarios 2024
En esta página encontrarás los seminarios de investigación organizados por el MNCN en colaboración con la Sociedad de Amigos del Museo (SAM) durante el año 2024.
PHYLOGENOMICS AND MAJOR EVOLUTIONARY TRANSITIONS
Ponente: Iker Irisarri Aedo, Ramon y Cajal Fellow, Dept. Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, MNCN-CSIC
Fecha y hora: viernes 13 de diciembre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Comparative genomics have the power to provide new insights into major evolutionary transitions. A robust phylogenetic framework remains crucial for the comparative approach, yet it is often blurred by fast diversification following major innovations. This talk covers progress on the phylogeny and genomic basis of water-to-land transitions in vertebrates and plants and the origin of photosynthetic organelles by symbiosis.
DIVERSIDAD MICROBIANA EN LAGOS ÁRTICOS
Ponente: Nicolás Valiente Parra, Dpto. de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Fecha y hora: viernes 29 de noviembre de 13:00 a 14:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: El cambio climático está provocando un aumento de las temperaturas en el Ártico a un ritmo más rápido que en cualquier otra región del mundo. Este acelerado calentamiento genera, entre otros efectos, la pérdida masiva de masas de hielo, el deshielo del permafrost, la intensificación del ciclo hidrológico y un incremento en las cargas de nutrientes y carbono orgánico en las aguas superficiales. Los lagos árticos son extremadamente sensibles a estos cambios, lo que afecta tanto en la composición como en la diversidad de las comunidades microbianas que los habitan. Por ello, estos ecosistemas son excelentes centinelas para estudiar los procesos de sucesión ecológica, los cuales están directamente relacionados con la productividad y las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. Así, el retroceso de los glaciares facilita el desarrollo de nuevos ecosistemas lacustres, donde la sucesión ecológica impulsa una transición de un metabolismo dominado por la quimiotrofía hacia sistemas en los que la fototrofía se convierte en el metabolismo predominante. En otras áreas, particularmente donde los depósitos de permafrost dominan el paisaje, la mineralización de la materia orgánica aparece como el proceso principal asociado a la formación de estructuras termokársticas. A través de las distintas regiones estudiadas por nuestro grupo de investigación, se han identificado diferencias en la respuesta de las comunidades microbianas frente a la disponibilidad de nutrientes, los gradientes de temperatura y las etapas de sucesión ecológica. No obstante, estos hallazgos aportan información crítica sobre cómo el cambio climático está influyendo en los ciclos biogeoquímicos, los cuales, a su vez, intensifican el calentamiento global mediante la liberación de gases de efecto invernadero como el CO₂, CH₄ y N₂O. Comprender estos procesos es esencial para predecir futuros cambios en los ecosistemas de agua dulce del Ártico.
Ponente: Luisa Amo de Paz, Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación de la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Fecha y hora: viernes 22 de noviembre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: From an evolutionary point of view, the most ancient mechanism used by organisms to assess their environment is chemoreception. The use of chemical cues has been extensively studied in different taxa, including unicellular organisms, plants, invertebrates, and in vertebrates, but to a lesser extent in birds. However, a growing body of behavioural and neurophysiological evidence leaves little doubt that birds have an olfactory apparatus similar in function and structure to that of other vertebrates with known olfactory capabilities. Although the evolutionary mechanisms at the origin of the extraordinary variation in the olfactory apparatus of birds, reported by anatomical studies, remains little explored, recent advances in modelling adaptive evolution have allowed the evaluation of the influence of ecological and social factors on the evolution of relative olfactory bulb size, a proxy for olfactory capability in birds. At the intraspecific level, evidence has shown that birds use olfaction to recognize their nest and eggs. Chemical cues also seem to play a role in parent and sibling recognition. Olfactory cues also seem to play a role in partner recognition, rival assessment, and mate choice. Besides sociality, the relative size of the olfactory bulb is associated with differences in diet and habitats, suggesting a primary role for foraging ecology in the evolution of the olfactory apparatus of birds, as in other vertebrates. To date, the role of bird olfaction in foraging has been especially studied in a context of multitrophic interactions, such as detection of dimethyl sulphide by seabirds, or detection of herbivorous induced plant volatiles in multitrophic interactions involving plants, herbivorous and their predators. However, avian olfaction may also play a significant role in predator-prey interactions mediated by pathogens. These studies open a new and promising area to understand the role of chemical cues in avian life histories.
IMPROVING BIODIVERSITY PREDICTIONS IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD
Ponente: Guillermo Fandos, Profesor Ayudante Doctor, Departamento de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Fecha y hora: viernes 15 de noviembre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Accurate biodiversity predictions are vital for effective conservation, but current models face significant limitations due to data gaps, biases, and the need for dynamic frameworks. Many models overlook critical biological processes and rely on static structures, leading to unreliable forecasts of biodiversity trends. By emphasizing the challenges of addressing data gaps and biases while highlighting the need for more robust dynamic models, I will illustrate how integrating critical mechanisms into models can enhance our understanding of biodiversity dynamics. This effort will improve biodiversity predictions and inform proactive conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world.
BASES FISIOLÓGICAS, GENÓMICAS Y EVOLUTIVAS DE LA PRODUCCIÓN DE COLOR EN ANUROS
Ponente: Santiago Castroviejo Fisher, Dpto. Zoología, Universidad de Sevilla
Fecha y hora: viernes 8 de noviembre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: La variación en la coloración del tegumento en anuros abarca todo el espectro del visible. Aunque el cromatóforo, la unidad responsable de la coloración en anfibios, ha sido estudiada desde hace décadas, las causas proximales e históricas de la coloración resultante no han sido abordadas al mismo nivel. En una serie de estudios en colaboración con varios científicos, investigamos las bases de la coloración estructurales y químicas, así como posibles relaciones con el genoma y cambios evolutivos a lo largo de millones de años en una radiación de ranas venenosas de la familia Dendrobatidae.
IDENTIFYING GEOINDICATORS IN ICE-FREE AREAS OF ANTARCTICA USING REMOTE SENSING TECHNOLOGIES
Ponente: Thomas Schmid, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas)
Fecha y hora: viernes 25 de octubre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Ice-free areas within Antarctica are often found along the coast lines and are mainly influenced by glacial, periglacial and paraglacial processes. These areas are of particular interest due to their rich terrestrial biodiversity of flora and fauna and contain ecosystems highly sensitive to environmental changes that are very much affected by climate change. Furthermore, anthropogenic activities around research stations or the access of tourists visiting the region further impact the fragile ecosystems. In this case, remote sensing has been a suitable and widely used tool to identify, map and monitor the different land surface areas, especially where access has been limited and relatively small areas are spread over a wide area. Different satellite-borne optical and radar sensors as well as establishing site specific spectral libraries have been key to characterise and monitor ice-free areas.
LOCAL ADAPTATION IN CHANGING ENVIRONMENTS
Ponente: Gabriela Montejo-Kovacevich, Assistant Professor, Evolution Biology Centre, Uppsala University (Sweden)
Fecha y hora: viernes 18 de octubre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Adaptation to local environmental conditions can determine evolutionary divergence along environmental clines. Altitudinal clines are steep environmental gradients that provide the ideal setting for studying local adaptation while minimising the pervasive effects of geographic isolation and genetic drift on population structure. A key question is how strong and detectable selection is in the wild and how convergent local adaptation to the environment is among closely related species. Here we tackle these by studying continuous populations of Heliconius butterflies ranging 1500m in elevation across both sides of the Andean mountains. We found novel genomic signatures of adaptation to high altitude in two widsepread Heliconius species. Molecular parallelism between lineages was high, especially when these had recently diverged and shared a large pool of standing variation. With additional sequences from high-altitude specialist species, we identify an important role of putative adaptive introgression of altitude adaptation candidate loci from pre-adapted species. This work demonstrates the potential of effective replication across space and levels of divergence to study local adaptation. Finally, I will present a new study system showcasing potential rapid adaptation to climate change in a Californian butterfly. My research aims to uncover how organisms will cope with the struggle for existence in the face of global change.
THE DECLINE OF AFRICAN MEGAHERBIVORES
Ponente: Juan L. Cantalapiedra, Departamento de Paleobiología, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales
Fecha y hora: viernes 11 de octubre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Speciation and extinction processes are responsible for the changes in diversity and faunal composition observed in the fossil record. However, during turnover events or biotic crises, when a charismatic group disappears or is decimated, much of our attention is focused exclusively on extinction processes. This is the case with the decline of the megafauna, where research has largely focused on identifying the main culprit behind the extinction of these large mammals. To better contextualize this phenomenon, it is essential to jointly study both dynamics, speciation and extinction, and understand how they have been influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors. In this study, we present the results of a new analysis that applies neural network-based diversification models to unravel the contributions of environmental change, body mass, dietary plasticity, and phylogenetic affinities to diversification dynamics in African ungulates over the past 24 million years. Disparities in speciation potential among groups and ecologies were more decisive than lineage-specific extinctions in the reshaping of African megaherbivore faunas. Species proliferation shows a clear phylogenetic signal and is suppressed in larger-bodied lineages, particularly as aridity increased in African environments. Extinction patterns are primarily driven by this environmental shift and the associated re-tailoring of plant communities, with smaller-bodied lineages showing a significantly higher acceleration of extinction. These results highlight that the diversity crisis among megaherbivores is not only driven by changes in extinction rates but also by complex interactions between environmental disturbances and speciation potential.
LAGARTOS EN LA GALÁPAGOS ESPAÑOLA, PROPUESTA DE UN CONSORCIO
Ponente: Rodrigo Megía-Palma, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Fecha y hora: viernes 4 de octubre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Las Islas Canarias son comparables, por su historia geológica y el número de endemismos que atesoran, con el famosos archipiélago ecuatoriano de Galápagos. También atesora una abundante población de lagartos que, si bien no son tan grandes como las icónicas iguanas marinas ecuatorianas, son muy abundantes en Canarias y proporcionan un modelo de estudio muy favorable para realizar estudios biogeográficos, taxonómicos, y de ecología evolutiva entre otros. Voy a presentar los trabajos publicados, y en proceso de publicación, sobre los lagartos de Tenerife. Explicaré la red de colaboración que he creado en torno a este sistema, y los proyectos a corto y medio plazo que estamos realizando. También expondré las fuentes de financiación. El objeto de mi seminario es proponer un consorcio colaborativo abierto a que investigadores, en cualquier etapa de su carrera, puedan unirse mediante el aporte de sus conocimientos y habilidades técnicas, para proponer futuros proyectos interdisciplinarios de ámbito de aplicación en todo el archipiélago. ¡Espero que sea de vuestro interés!
Abstract (English): The Canary Islands are comparable, due to their geological history and the number of endemisms they contain, with the famous Ecuadorian archipelago of the Galapagos. It also has an abundant population of lizards that, although they are not as large as the iconic Ecuadorian marine iguanas, are very abundant in the Canary Islands and provide a very favorable study model for carrying out biogeographic, taxonomic, and evolutionary ecology studies, among others. I am going to present the published works, and in the process of publication, on the lizards of Tenerife. I will explain the collaboration network that I have created around this system, and the short and medium-term projects that we are carrying out. I will also explain the sources of financing. The purpose of my seminar is to propose a collaborative consortium open to researchers, at any stage of their career, so they can come together by contributing their knowledge and technical skills, to propose future interdisciplinary projects with a scope of application throughout the archipelago. I hope it's of interest!
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS AT THE POLES: CHALLENGES AND PECULIARITIES
Ponente: Beatriz Fernández-Marín, Ramón y Cajal Senior Researcher, Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
Fecha y hora: viernes 27 de septiembre de 13:00 a 14:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Photosynthesis is the process that enables the conversion of atmospheric CO2 into sugars in the presence of water and mediated by the energy of light. The activity of photosynthetic organisms sustains most of the trophic nets all around the World and provide them (and us) with oxygen. But, how easy is photosynthesis at polar environments, where two of the main factors (light and liquid water) can be tremendously limited? The answer is “quite challenging”. Nevertheless, photosynthetic organisms possess a battery of biological and physiological strategies to achieve it. In this talk we will deepen into the physiological mechanisms that enable polar organisms to a fine-tuning and adjustment of photosynthetic activity to their environmental conditions, focusing on light and water availability as main constraining factors.
TELEDETECCIÓN NOCTURA: CLAVE PARA MEDIR EL IMPACTO AMBIENTAL Y LA CONTAMINACIÓN LUMÍNICA
Ponente: Alejandro Sánchez de Miguel, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Fecha y hora: viernes 13 de septiembre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: La teledetección nocturna se ha convertido en una herramienta clave para analizar el impacto ambiental, particularmente en lo que respecta a la contaminación lumínica. Este tipo de contaminación no solo afecta la astronomía al oscurecer la visión del cielo nocturno (contaminación astronómica), sino también altera los ecosistemas naturales y las interacciones biológicas (contaminación ecológica). Gracias a los avances en imágenes satelitales, es posible identificar y monitorear áreas afectadas por la iluminación artificial. Los satélites como el *VIIRS* o el *DMSP*, junto con plataformas como la Estación Espacial Internacional, han sido fundamentales para medir la intensidad de la luz emitida por ciudades y áreas iluminadas. Esta información permite evaluar los cambios en los ecosistemas, así como medir el consumo de energía vinculado a la iluminación. El aumento de la iluminación artificial ha generado efectos adversos tanto en la salud humana como en la biodiversidad. Estudios han demostrado su vinculación con trastornos de salud como el cáncer y la diabetes, además de modificar comportamientos cruciales en animales como la orientación de aves migratorias o el apareamiento de especies nocturnas. El monitoreo satelital no solo identifica estas áreas afectadas, sino que también proporciona datos fundamentales para implementar políticas de conservación ambiental. Por ejemplo, en ciudades como Seúl, se han introducido regulaciones específicas para limitar la contaminación lumínica mediante la categorización de áreas en zonas de gestión de la luz, regulando la intensidad y dirección de la iluminación en espacios públicos y privados. Estos enfoques permiten diseñar ciudades más sostenibles, equilibrando la necesidad de iluminación con la preservación del ambiente nocturno. En resumen, la teledetección nocturna, mediante imágenes satelitales y sensores especializados, no solo identifica las áreas afectadas por la luz artificial, sino que también es fundamental para la planificación urbana sostenible y la conservación de los ecosistemas afectados por la creciente contaminación lumínica.
ADAPTIVE RADIATION: ISOLATION & ECOLOGICAL DIVERGENCE
Ponente: Rosemary G. Gillespie, Senior Fellow, Jesus College Oxford (sabbatical), Professor, Univ of California, Berkeley, US
Fecha y hora: viernes 21 de junio de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Adaptive radiation is one of the key drivers of species diversity, yet the mechanism through which it is achieved, and the outcome of the process, are largely unknown. In many lineages, initial divergence results from environmental or sexual selection leading to divergence of species between environments and subsequent secondary contact. In other lineages, initial reproductive isolation may be achieved without divergent selection; here, ecological niche divergence can develop as a result of interactions between close relatives during secondary contact. The Hawaiian archipelago – in which each island provides a snapshot in time of the evolutionary process – is one system that can offer insights into the processes of adaptive radiation, allowing the early stages of radiation to be studied in real time. I identify lineages in which the abiotic environment appears to play the dominant role in adaptive diversification, with repeated and convergent evolution of sets of taxa adapted to similar sets of environmental conditions. In contrast, divergence in other lineages appears to be the result of character displacement associated with direct interaction between close relatives, leading to convergent evolution of niche-specialized ecomorphs within a given environment. I will discuss the importance of differentiating between patterns to understand the processes that underpin adaptive radiation.
RISKS POSED BY INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES TO THE PROVISION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Ponente: Belinda Gallardo, Tenured Researcher at Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE), CSIC. PI of the Group of Ecological Restoration.
Fecha y hora: viernes 7 de junio de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Invasive species significantly affect biodiversity and ecosystem services, but understanding these impacts across broad spatial scales is challenging. Our research reveals a critical mismatch: heavily invaded regions—mainly urban and agricultural, key for provisioning services—differ sharply from areas most vulnerable to invasions, which are pristine and biodiverse landscapes crucial for regulating and supporting services. This discrepancy is shaped by the pathways through which invasive species are introduced and their typically opportunistic traits. However, as climate change and human-transportation progress, we expect invasive species to increasingly encroach on these natural areas, intensifying their impacts. Specifically, our research has shown that invasive species cause cascading impacts on the abundance of native communities that depend on the feeding strategy of the invader. We have also demonstrated that the level of invasion of Europe’s protected areas depends on the time since the park’s establishment, its accessibility and type of management. Most notably, ecosystem services that are heavily co-created by human activities, such as crop provisioning, nitrogen retention, and outdoor recreation, are the most compromised by invasions. This research underscores the importance of aligning management strategies with international biodiversity targets, considering both invasion vulnerability and the sustainability of ecosystem services. This comprehensive approach is vital for addressing the complex challenges posed by invasive species in the context of global change.
THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN SPECIES DISTRIBUTIONS AND THEIR BIOTIC INTERACTIONS
Ponente: Nuria Galiana, Departamento de Biogeografía y Cambio Global, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC)
Fecha y hora: viernes 31 de mayo de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Network Biogeography is an emerging field that offers new opportunities to better understand the distribution and dynamics of Life on Earth. By integrating network approaches with biogeographic principles, my research aims to understand how the environment shapes ecological communities and how biotic interactions shape global biodiversity patterns. By combining theory and data exploration, I will elucidate the importance of the interplay between the spatial distribution of species and their biotic interactions for the assembly of ecological communities. Specifically, I will show how the existence of super-generalist species, possessing both broad environmental tolerance and diet generality, is key for the assembly of robust ecological communities.
Ponente: Luis R. Pertierra, Investigador Ramón y Cajal del Departamento de Biogeografía y Cambio Global, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales
Fecha y hora: viernes 24 de mayo de 13:00 a 14:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Incomplete species inventories for Antarctica represent a key challenge for comprehensive ecological research and conservation in the region. We compiled, completed and revised eukaryotic species inventories present in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in Antarctica in a new living database: terrANTALife 1.0. Available compendia and literature to date were searched for Antarctic terrestrial and freshwater species, integrated, taxonomically harmonised and curated by experts to create comprehensive checklists of Antarctic organisms. The final checklist comprises all animal species (including vertebrates, free-living invertebrates and parasites), plants (including all Viridiplantae: embryophytes and green algae), fungal species and protists (sensu lato). We also provide a first account for many groups of microorganisms, including non-lichenised fungi and multiple groups of eukaryotic unicellular species (Stramenophila, Alveolata and Rhizaria (SAR), Chromists and Amoeba). The database includes the first integration in a compendium for many groups of eukaryotic microorganisms. It also introduces a first catalogue of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of prokaryotic biodiversity. These compendia shape altogether a basic tree of life in Antarctica with the main lineages listed in the region and their “known-accepted-species” numbers. Lastly the checklist is used to examine and assess general Antarctic biodiversity knowledge gaps such as species accumulation trends and completeness of spatial inventories.
A DECADE INVESTIGATING THE CAMPO RUPESTRE: A MEGADIVERSE ECOSYSTEM ALONG TROPICAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN
Ponentes: Frederico de Siqueira Neves, del Insect Ecology Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil & Juliana Kuchenbecker, del Evolutionary Ecology and Biodiversity Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Fecha y hora: viernes 17 de mayo de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: This presentation will focus on the campo rupestre, an ancient and diverse tropical system occupying the mountains of the Espinhaço range in central South America. In the first part – The campo rupestre as a model for ecological and evolutionary studies in neotropical systems, Professor Frederico Neves will introduce the campo rupestre ecosystem and the Long-Term Ecological Research Program (LTER) conducted in this system. An example of a long-term study along the elevation gradient will also be presented. In the second part – Spatiotemporal dynamics of insects on altimontane forest islands, postdoctoral fellow Juliana Kuchenbecker will discuss the intricate dynamics of insect metacommunities within forest islands surrounded by the campo rupestre's grassland matrix. She evaluates these dynamics under natural conditions and also explores the impact of fire on associated insect communities. This comprehensive exploration sheds light on the ecological complexities of the campo rupestre and its significance for ecological and evolutionary studies in the tropical mountains.
SELECTION AND VARIATION IN INSECT BEHAVIOUR IN THE WILD
Seminario no disponible a petición del ponente
Ponentes: Tom Tregenza, Professor of Evolutionary Ecology, Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall (UK)
Fecha y hora: viernes 10 de mayo de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Anticipating the impacts of climate change and habitat loss requires an understanding of how organisms are adapted to their environment. Behaviour provides animals with extreme plasticity, giving it a unique role in evolutionary ecology. Small ectotherms can use behaviour to change their local climate to a much greater extent than larger animals. To study behaviour in wild insects, we have developed approaches that allow us to observe every adult in a natural population of crickets (Gryllus campestris) in a meadow in northern Spain. By taking tiny DNA samples from parents and their offspring we can assign parentage and relate variation in behavioural and other traits to fitness. I will discuss observations of variation in selection in behavioural and other traits across years and experiments examining evidence for local adaptation in behaviour. My aim is to provide insights into the extent to which behavioural plasticity and local adaptation will affect how insects and other small ectotherms are impacted by environmental change.
ASSESSING AND DEVELOPING THE PRACTICAL UTILITY OF PROCESS-EXPLICIT MODELS FOR BIODIVERSITY PREDICTIONS
Seminario no disponible a petición del ponente
Ponentes: Gurutzeta Guillera Arroita, Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE-CSIC)
Fecha y hora: viernes 19 de abril de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: reliable future predictions of the status of populations and species distributions are needed in the face of global environmental change. They are key to ensure society can anticipate change and take a proactive decision-making approach to management and policy, to minimize impacts on biodiversity and leverage well designed adaptation and mitigation strategies. Currently, static correlative approaches are most often used to predict species distributions but there is potential to improve the way we make such predictions by incorporating observation and ecological process more explicitly in models. Here I will discuss work testing such approaches and developing associated methodologies and tools, to enhance their practical utility. Models that directly capture occupancy dynamics seem a promising step forward but require methodological developments and more work assessing their performance.
Ponentes: Cameron Ghalambor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Fecha y hora: viernes 12 de abril de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Does climate variability drive patterns of species diversity in temperate and tropical aquatic insects? It has long been recognized that species diversity is higher in the tropics, but the mechanisms that generate geographic variation in species diversity remain unresolved. One hypothesis to explain higher tropical biodiversity relates to reduced climate variability. Lower climate variability in the tropics is predicted to favor narrower physiological tolerance to temperature, reduced dispersal capacity and higher species turnover across elevational gradients. These outcomes in turn could favor greater population genetic divergence and higher speciation rates. In this presentation, we present results from a comparative study of temperate and tropical aquatic insects that tests the assumptions and predictions of the climate variability hypothesis. While we find support for many aspects of this hypothesis, we also find interesting deviations that suggest greater complexity in the mechanisms that favor latitudinal and elevational variation in species diversity
MUTUAL ORNAMENTATION AND BREEDING DECISIONS IN SEABIRDS
Ponente: Roxana Torres, Instituto de Ecología de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Fecha y hora: viernes 5 de abril de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: In species with sexual reproduction, breeding success is often linked to extravagant or ornamental traits, such as colourful traits displayed during courtship. Although in many species these traits are expressed in both males and females, most research has focused on male ornaments. In this talk, I will show that skin colour displayed by both sexes in the blue-footed and brown boobies is a condition-dependent sexual trait that varies with ecological conditions and may influence breeding decisions. I will argue that mutual ornamentation in these species may be linked to behavioural interactions between partners varying from apparently conflict to cooperation.
Se resumen los resultados del Grupo Investigación Oso Cantábrico, que estudia ecología y comportamiento del oso pardo.
Ponentes: Alejandra Zarzo Arias, investigadora postdoctoral del Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC) y Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) y Vincenzo Penteriani, investigador del Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva del Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC)
Fecha y hora: viernes 15 de marzo de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Se presentan algunos de los resultados principales que el Grupo de Investigación del Oso Cantábrico ha conseguido desde que en 2014 empezó un estudio a largo plazo sobre la población de oso pardo de la Cordillera Cantábrica. En primer lugar, comentaremos la reciente recuperación y expansión de la población de osos pardos en la región. Se discuten principalmente los factores que han contribuido a este aumento, como las medidas de conservación y la disponibilidad de hábitats adecuados. Se hace hincapié en las preferencias de hábitat de las dos subpoblaciones (occidental y oriental), como son por ejemplo las áreas de altitud y con alta disponibilidad de bosque que aporta refugio y alimento, así como la reducida presencia humana. A continuación, se profundiza en los patrones de conflictos que surgen de la convivencia entre los osos pardos y los humanos, especialmente en relación con el ganado, la agricultura y la apicultura. Se examinan las potenciales causas de estos conflictos relacionadas con la estacionalidad y el ciclo de vida de los osos, así como las estrategias de mitigación y coexistencia implementadas para minimizar el impacto negativo en ambas partes. Finalmente, se presentan las recientes investigaciones sobre comunicación intraespecífica por medio de señales químicas y visuales.
LEYES Y GENERALIDAD EN ECOLOGÍA EVOLUTIVA: DESAFÍOS DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN EN DESIERTOS
Ponente: Luis Marone, Grupo de Ecología de Comunidades de Desiertos, IADIZA-CONICET. Mendoza, Argentina
Fecha y hora: viernes 8 de marzo de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: hipótesis y leyes con algún nivel de generalidad son esenciales para predecir fenómenos, pero hay ecólogos escépticos con las hipótesis y las leyes generales, en especial las explicativas. Las hipótesis causales planteadas a priori permiten evaluar (y tal vez aumentar) la confiabilidad de los resultados ecológicos (reproducibilidad). ¿Qué resultados ha arrojado la aplicación de este enfoque al estudio de la relación planta – animal? ¿Ha permitido predecir los efectos de las sequías y el pastoreo extensivo sobre la dinámica de plantas, semillas, aves y hormigas granívoras en desiertos sudamericanos (y otros)?
HUMAN-WILDLIFE INTERACTIONS: CONFLICT AND COEXISTENCE
Ponente: Jenny Anne Glikman, IESA, Instituto de Estudios Sociales Avanzados (Córdoba)
Fecha y hora: viernes 1 de marzo de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: In general, the relationship between humans and wildlife is described in terms of conflict and coexistence. Humans are an integral part of nature, and wildlife can thrive in a shared environment where conflicts are minimal and/or well managed. Indeed, it should not be forgotten that humans are part of the conflict, but also part of the solution. I will present an array of perspectives of different actors sharing territory with predators such as leopards and bears. Specifically, I will focus on what processes are involved in the interactions between humans and wildlife to move toward favorable conditions for both.
Ponente: José Fernández-Triana, Canadian National Collection of Insects (CNC)
Fecha y hora: viernes 16 de febrero de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: With 3,200+ described species but an actual diversity estimated at 40-50,000 species, Microgastrinae parasitoid wasps (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Braconidae), are a hyperdiverse taxa found in all major terrestrial ecosystems, from 82°N to 55°S, and from sea level up to 4,500 m. They attack most of the Lepidoptera order (butterflies and moths) and constitute the most important, abundant and speciose group of parasitoids of caterpillars worldwide. This seminar will discuss the global patterns of Microgastrinae diversity, including comparisons between tropical and temperate areas (with special emphasis in Europe), characteristics of its host-parasitoid associations, and strategies to accelerate species discovery and description, including DNA barcoding and the use of turbo taxonomy approaches.
Ponente: Pim Arntzen, Naturalis Biodiversity Center & Institute of Biology, Leiden
Fecha y hora: viernes 09 de febrero de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Hybrid zones exist where the ranges of species meet and produce mixed offspring. In Europe, most hybrid zones result from secondary contact of more or less deeply differentiated forms, following Holocene climate change. While hybrid zones have been a useful vehicle to study gene-flow and selection in speciation research, ecological interactions in hybrid zones have received much less attention. With amphibians as a model group, I will present studies on the comparative ecology of hybridizing species and their biogeographical history as a function of species relatedness and hybridization potential.
WHY WOULD HYBRIDS TURN DOWN SEX?
Reproductive assurance selection makes asexual species fertile grounds for the rise of asexual lineages.
Ponente: Frédéric Fyon, Royal Holloway University of London
Fecha y hora: viernes 02 de febrero de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: The recurrent rise of asexual lineages keeps being a conundrum for evolutionary biologists. If, as it is now understood, sex is better, then why asexuals keep appearing? One answer may lie within hybrid species, which shows unusually high rates of asexuality among Eukaryotes. What makes hybrids special? Some have argued that when two genomes come together in a hybrid species, intergenomic incompatibilities often lead to reproductive and meiotic alterations – some of which may result in asexuality straight from the F1 generation. However, some data suggests that this may not account for all asexual hybrid species out there – part of the mystery remains unanswered. To tackle that, we built an evolutionary model, and showed that under certain circumstances a hybrid species can progressively evolve the traits associated with asexuality. This evolution is powered by a selective process: it is predicted to happen when normal sexual reproduction of hybrid females is hampered by some abnormalities in the fusion of male and female gametes for example (which may happen in hybrids due to intergenomic incompatibilities). Overall, we propose the first evolutionary route that explains why hybrid species are such a fertile ground for the rise of asexual lineages.
TELOMERES, DNA METHYLATION AND THE STUDY OF AGEING
Ponente: Simon Verhulst, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences
Fecha y hora: viernes 26 de enero de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: We study molecular mechanisms underlying life history trade-offs in free-living birds. In this presentation I will present our view on the role of telomeres in ageing, our preliminary results on variation in DNA methylation, and ideas on the potential of ecological epigenetics