Research Ideas and Outcomes :
Research Idea
|
Corresponding author: Fernando Ascensão (fjascensao@edu.ulisboa.pt)
Academic editor: Editorial Secretary
Received: 02 Oct 2024 | Accepted: 26 Nov 2024 | Published: 04 Dec 2024
© 2024 Fernando Ascensão, Pedro Cardoso, Rui Rebelo, Mário Boieiro, Alice Nunes, Sergio Chozas, Inês do Rosário, Adriana Príncipe, Cristina Máguas, Cristina Branquinho, Paulo Borges
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Ascensão F, Cardoso P, Rebelo R, Boieiro M, Nunes A, Chozas S, do Rosário IT, Príncipe A, Máguas C, Branquinho C, Borges PAV (2024) BASS - Biodiversity Assessments at Small Scales. Research Ideas and Outcomes 10: e138341. https://doi.org/10.3897/rio.10.e138341
|
|
Much of the work developed on biodiversity dynamics due to climate change focuses on large scales. Yet, we know that small scale is critical to fully understand biodiversity change, particularly for plants and small or less mobile organisms which might seek refuge in sites that keep specific microclimatic and biotic conditions dampening the effects of large-scale changes. The project BASS - Biodiversity Assessment at Small Scales - aims to explore the intricate relationships between small-scale environmental variations in space and time and biodiversity patterns. Central to our study is researching how microclimatic conditions, such as potential solar radiation, influence species occurrence, abundance, community composition and biotic interactions within a Mediterranean context. Our objectives include gaining a deeper understanding of the effects of localised environmental conditions and their change in time on biodiversity, providing critical data for an under-researched Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot region, and examining the dynamics of small-sized species, particularly plants and invertebrates. We have established a network of 16 fixed sampling points across the Lisbon University field station - Herdade da Ribeira Abaixo (HRA), Grândola (South Portugal): eight with high and eight with low potential solar radiation. Each of these plots will serve as a 'mesocosm' for detailed ecological studies in the next decades. This framework will support a variety of research projects each focusing on different taxa and questions, including Masters' theses, PhD dissertations and independent studies, thereby fostering a collaborative research environment. By integrating previously collected data during the last three decades with new findings, we aim to offer valuable insights into the processes underlying ecosystem functioning and change at small spatial scales. This project not only addresses fundamental ecological questions, but also contributes to sustainable landscape management and biodiversity conservation efforts.
microclimate, biodiversity change, long-term research, species occurrence, abundance, community composition, functional traits
Much of the work developed on biodiversity dynamics due to climate change focuses on large scales under the scope of Macroecological studies (
The project BASS - Biodiversity Assessment at Small Scales - focuses on the dynamics of local-scale variations and how they affect and shape ecological community patterns and interactions in time. Central to BASS research studies is a common overarching question: do areas with high or low potential solar radiation exhibit different patterns of biodiversity, such as species occurrence and abundance, community composition or biotic interactions? These areas, characterised by distinct vegetation profiles, provide a compelling setting to investigate variations in soil microorganisms, lichens, insects, spiders and other invertebrates. By examining these diverse environments, BASS aims to uncover the intricate relationships between solar radiation as an indicator of microclimatic conditions and biodiversity across various taxa. You can follow the project on our dedicated website.
The primary objective of this research initiative is to enhance our understanding of biodiversity patterns in response to small-scale environmental variations. Through this approach, we aim to understand the effects of small-scale environmental variation on biodiversity patterns. By examining localised environmental factors, we seek to uncover how minor variations in microclimate may impact species occurrence, abundance, community composition and biotic interactions across time. In particular, we will focus on the role of Potential Solar Radiation—serving as a proxy for various factors, particularly water availability—on ecosystem dynamics, especially within the Mediterranean drylands' context.
Our project framework is intentionally broad and adaptable, allowing it to support a wide range of research endeavours. This includes providing a platform for Masters' and PhD students, as well as other researchers, to explore specific ecological questions within a cohesive, larger context. Standardised sampling protocols will be applied to ensure long-term monitoring of target taxonomic groups. Past biodiversity surveys will be also replicable within the new experimental context. Furthermore, we will collect and provide valuable data for a relatively under-researched region of the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot. This includes gathering information on small-sized species, particularly invertebrates, to better understand their ecology, dynamics and responses to both temporal and spatial environmental variations. Our research aims to contribute significantly to the field of ecology, offering insights into the intricate relationships between environmental factors and biodiversity. This will ultimately enhance our ability to manage and conserve ecosystems more effectively.
The project is based at the Herdade da Ribeira Abaixo (HRA) (Fig.
The Herdade da Ribeira Abaixo is a property managed by the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, embedded in High Nature Farmland areas, dominated by the montado system (A). Sampling sites, indicated in orange and blue, represent areas with high and low solar radiation potential, respectively, each with distinct vegetation types and structures (B). The field station (C), located within the property (symbol in A), provides convenient walking-distance access to all sampling sites.
The interdisciplinary nature of BASS fosters collaboration between researchers and Masters'/PhD students. We have established a network of 16 fixed sampling points across the HRA, each covering approximately 400 m². The sites were selected, based on contrasting Potential Solar Radiation levels, used as a surrogate of microclimatic conditions. Potential Solar Radiation estimates the potential amount of solar radiation that reaches a surface on the ground with a clear sky (
Ongoing and planned studies encompass the functional and taxonomic distribution patterns of plants, invertebrates and soil biodiversity. However, the scope of potential research questions is vast and we encourage researchers to collaborate with our team and students by applying to conduct their studies at our facilities. Please see our website and send us your ideas of research.
Following the FAIR principle, all data that will be collected will be properly organised, curated and stored for future use. Concerning data on occurrence and abundance of species, the DARWIN CORE standards (
Beyond its scientific contributions, the BASS project offers benefits that extend beyond academia. Through its education and training programmes, BASS serves as a platform for undergraduate and Masters' students to develop research skills and contribute to broader ecological understanding. It also aligns with HRA’s objectives, enhancing its role as a centre for ecological research and conservation. Moreover, BASS’s integration into the European Long-Term Ecosystem Research Network (eLTER, https://elter-ri.eu/) underscores its role in supporting long-term ecological research. By contributing data to the eLTER database, BASS strengthens the collective knowledge base and provides information for decision-making for sustainable management practices.
We thank all CE3C researchers involved in this idea and the CE3C board for facilitating the implementation of the project and providing funding. Open access was funded by the project FCT-UIDB/00329/2020-2024 - DOI 10.54499/UIDB/00329/2020 (Thematic Line 1 – integrated ecological assessment of environmental change on biodiversity).
FCT-UIDB/00329/2020-2024 - DOI 10.54499/UIDB/00329/2020 (Thematic Line 1 – integrated ecological assessment of environmental change on biodiversity).
CE3C is an Excellent Research Centre with 39 Groups that develop fundamental and applied research in ecology, evolution, environmental science and related societal issues. Its main goal is to develop cutting-edge research to understand biological systems across levels of organisation and use such knowledge to support and inform governmental agencies, non-profit organisations, private companies and citizens. CE3C is highly involved in graduate training, integrating science and education to contribute to a generation of competent scientists. CE3C facilities allow high quality research, including a unique Field Station (HRA) in the core of our Study Area. HRA is located in the Serra de Grândola, within a large region dominated by cork oak stands, being one of the Research and Monitoring stations of the LTsER Montado Platform. Besides this semi-natural landscape, HRA also provides on-site research facilities (laboratory, class and meeting rooms), lodging and everything needed for short to long-term stays for researchers and students. BASS will further enhance the current regular activities while serving as the backbone project in biodiversity research in the region.