Living in a Desert: Examining Scorpion Beta Diversity in Egyptian Drylands from a Macroecological Perspective

IF 0.6 4区生物学 Q4 ZOOLOGY

African Zoology Pub Date : 2023-01-02 DOI:10.1080/15627020.2023.2188121

André FA Lira, Stênio ÍA Foerster, A. Badry

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Drylands correspond to ca. 40% of the world's land surface. Because of their ecological importance, these areas are regularly considered for agricultural purposes. Scorpion assemblages often exhibit higher levels of species diversity in dry habitats and are beneficial indicators in ecological studies in such environments. In this study, we investigated the effects of climatic and spatial predictors on beta diversity patterns among scorpion assemblages distributed in the drylands of Egypt. Scorpion occurrences were compiled from the scientific literature. For each location, we created a set of climatic variables related to precipitation, temperature, and solar irradiation, as well as spatial predictors. A total of 134 scorpion occurrences were obtained, comprising 21 species grouped into three families. Climatic and spatial variables together influenced the patterns of scorpion diversity in Egyptian landscapes. Species replacement accounted for 69% of the total beta diversity. In addition, species replacement was positively affected by climatic and spatial variables. Our results suggest a reciprocal link between the region's ecological history and the patterns of beta diversity observed in scorpion assemblages from Egyptian drylands.

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生活在沙漠中:从宏观生态学的角度审视埃及旱地蝎子β的多样性

旱地约占世界陆地面积的40%。由于其生态重要性，这些地区经常被考虑用于农业目的。蝎子群落在干旱生境中往往表现出较高的物种多样性，是干旱环境中生态学研究的有益指标。在这项研究中，我们研究了气候和空间预测因子对埃及旱地蝎子群落β多样性格局的影响。蝎子事件是根据科学文献汇编的。对于每个地点，我们创建了一组与降水、温度、太阳辐照以及空间预测相关的气候变量。共发现蝎子134只，分3科21种。气候和空间变量共同影响了埃及景观中蝎子的多样性模式。物种替代占总β多样性的69%。此外，物种替代还受到气候和空间变量的积极影响。我们的研究结果表明，该地区的生态历史和在埃及旱地蝎子组合中观察到的β多样性模式之间存在相互联系。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

African Zoology 生物-动物学

CiteScore

2.60

自引率

9.10%

发文量

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： African Zoology , a peer-reviewed research journal, publishes original scientific contributions and critical reviews that focus principally on African fauna in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Research from other regions that advances practical and theoretical aspects of zoology will be considered. Rigorous question-driven research in all aspects of zoology will take precedence over descriptive research. The Journal publishes full-length papers, critical reviews, short communications, letters to the editors as well as book reviews. Contributions based on purely observational, descriptive or anecdotal data will not be considered. The Journal is produced by NISC in association with the Zoological Society of South Africa (ZSSA). Acceptance of papers is the responsibility of the Editors-in-Chief in consultation with the Editors and members of the Editorial Advisory Board. All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Editors or the Department.