Ecology and Evolution最新文献

{"title":"Within- and Across-Generational Effects of Temperature: Exposure of Manduca sexta Larvae to Heat Stress Impacts Future Reproduction and Offspring Development","authors":"Meggan A. Alston,&nbsp;Joel G. Kingsolver,&nbsp;Christopher S. Willett","doi":"10.1002/ece3.72303","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ece3.72303","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The effects of temperature on reproduction and other key fitness traits are often primarily considered only for the adult thermal environment, but exposure to thermal stress during earlier life stages may carry over to influence adult traits within a generation or even across generations. In this study, we assessed how an acute heat shock event experienced at two different points in <i>Manduca sexta</i> larval development (early and late) impacted adult performance and fitness traits and whether thermal exposure of parents elicited plastic changes in offspring traits. Heat stress during late larval development had significantly greater negative impacts on adult performance and fitness compared to earlier exposure. Adults that experienced a late larval heat shock failed to produce any viable offspring due to complete elimination of egg hatching success. Larval heat stress during the parental generation also reduced larval development times of their offspring in both control and heat shock conditions. The results of this study illustrate the negative consequences of larval heat stress for adult fitness and indicate that the parental early thermal environment can significantly influence some traits in the next generation. The effects of parent environmental conditions during development, and not just at the adult stage, may therefore be an important but often overlooked factor when assessing cumulative fitness impacts across generations and predicting the vulnerability of populations to climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":11467,"journal":{"name":"Ecology and Evolution","volume":"15 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12515511/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145285844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insufficient Logging Intervals Impede Upper Soil Recovery in Temperate Beech Forests: Insights From Two Case-Studies in Poland","authors":"Francesco Latterini,&nbsp;Paweł Horodecki,&nbsp;Marcin K. Dyderski,&nbsp;Jacek Kamczyc,&nbsp;Radosław Witkowski,&nbsp;Rachele Venanzi,&nbsp;Andrzej M. Jagodziński","doi":"10.1002/ece3.72302","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ece3.72302","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Little is known about how forest operations affect the biodiversity of soil microarthropods and the litter decomposition rate in temperate beech forests. This study aims to ascertain this information. Two study areas were selected, each consisting of a chronosequence of three cutting blocks: one that had not been harvested in the previous 20 years, one harvested in 2017 and one harvested in 2021. In 2022, we examined skid trails in the harvested parcels, categorised as disturbed soil and soil that has not been impacted by any machine passage, categorised as undisturbed soil. There were five experimental treatments in total within each study area, including the control. For every treatment, we evaluated upper soil compaction, organic matter content and soil microarthropod biodiversity, which was measured using the QBS-ar index. To compare the variations in litter decomposition rates among treatments, we also set up a litter decomposition experiment based on the teabag method. Aside from the litter decomposition rate, which remained unaffected in all experimental treatments, we identified significant disturbances in the soil impacted by the machine's passage. Our results suggest that the recovery process for all variables studied was still incomplete after 5 years. Skid trail sites established 5 years ago continued to display values that differed from those in undisturbed and control areas. We recommend increasing the time interval between two consecutive logging operations in the same cutting block or implementing best management practices that can reduce the initial disturbance in the skid trails.</p>","PeriodicalId":11467,"journal":{"name":"Ecology and Evolution","volume":"15 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12515512/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145285849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic Diversity and Inter-Specific Phylogeny of Three Sympatric Cetacean Species (Stenella spp.) in Thai Territorial Waters Based on Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA Markers","authors":"Promporn Piboon,&nbsp;Janine L. Brown,&nbsp;Patcharaporn Kaewmong,&nbsp;Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong,&nbsp;Sarisa Klinhom,&nbsp;Toshiaki Yamamoto,&nbsp;Korakot Nganvongpanit","doi":"10.1002/ece3.72322","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ece3.72322","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Three <i>Stenella</i> species, <i>S. attenuata</i>, <i>S. coeruleoalba</i>, and <i>S. longirostris</i>, are widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, but genetic information on each population remains scarce. This gap is particularly notable in Thai waters, where these species co-occur in overlapping oceanic habitats. In contrast, previous studies in the Atlantic have revealed moderate to high mitochondrial genetic diversity and signs of ongoing hybridization among <i>Stenella</i> species. These findings raise the question of whether similar genetic patterns exist in other regions. To address this, we investigated genetic diversity, population structure, potential hybridization, and historical demographic change among three <i>Stenella</i> dolphin species in Thai waters. We analyzed 113 stranded specimens using 20 microsatellite loci and partial mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences. Results revealed high genetic diversity across all species, with expected heterozygosity highest in <i>S. attenuata</i> (<i>He</i> = 0.689), followed by <i>S. longirostris</i> (<i>He</i> = 0.651), and then <i>S. coeruleoalba</i> (<i>He</i> = 0.607). By contrast, <i>S. longirostris</i> exhibits the highest mtDNA diversity (haplotype diversity (<i>H</i>) = 0.988, nucleotide diversity (<i>π</i>) = 0.0194), followed by <i>S. coeruleoalba</i> (<i>H</i> = 0.986, <i>π</i> = 0.0173), and <i>S. attenuata</i> (<i>H</i> = 0.768, <i>π</i> = 0.0125). No population structure was detected within individual species by Bayesian clustering methods. However, analysis of the combined dataset for all three species suggests the presence of three genetic clusters (<i>K</i> = 3), with evidence of admixture across species but no shared mtDNA haplotypes, indicative of male-mediated gene flow. Unique haplotypes were also found in all three species inhabiting Thai waters. Differing demographic histories likely reflect species-specific responses to past environmental changes and recent anthropogenic impacts. These findings provide critical genetic insights for monitoring and informing conservation strategies in Thailand and surrounding regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":11467,"journal":{"name":"Ecology and Evolution","volume":"15 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12516012/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145291552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diet-Induced Developmental and Morphological Plasticity in a Thelytokous Predatory Mite Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)","authors":"Keshi Zhang,&nbsp;Zhi-Qiang Zhang","doi":"10.1002/ece3.72280","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ece3.72280","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Phenotypic plasticity enables organisms to adjust developmental and morphological responses to environmental variations, including prey availability. In this study, we investigated how variation in prey consumption influences immature development and adult morphometric traits in the predatory mite <i>Amblyseius herbicolus</i> (Chant). Using two laboratory-reared populations originating from Auckland and Tauranga, New Zealand, we assessed the relationship between prey consumption and immature development and morphological outcomes. While differences in prey consumption did not significantly alter developmental duration, individuals with higher prey consumption attained a larger size at maturity. Several morphometric traits, including r3 length, primary metapodal plate length, Leg III, and Leg IV, were also significantly influenced by diet, indicating that plasticity extends beyond developmental traits to morphological characteristics in <i>A. herbicolus</i>. Population origin also accounted for some variations in developmental and morphometric traits, although it remains unclear whether these differences arose from genetic divergence or prolonged rearing under controlled conditions. This study underscores the importance of actual prey consumption rates—rather than prey availability or density—in shaping morphological variations. It also suggests diet-induced plasticity may affect phytoseiid mite taxonomy.</p>","PeriodicalId":11467,"journal":{"name":"Ecology and Evolution","volume":"15 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12516015/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145291589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Long Term Assessment of Predator Pressure on Artificial Nests of Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) in Urban and Agricultural Areas of Lublin (Poland)","authors":"Piotr Czyżowski,&nbsp;Piotr Nawłatyna,&nbsp;Sławomir Beeger,&nbsp;Damian Zieliński","doi":"10.1002/ece3.72336","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ece3.72336","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In the study (2005–2023), the pressure of predators on breeding common pheasants (<i>Phasianus colchicus</i>) in urban (city of Lublin) and agricultural areas was compared using artificial nests. The average nest predation was higher in the urban than in agricultural areas. The main predator in the city was the common magpie (<i>Pica pica</i>), which preyed on nests mostly in ruderal areas and in the city park. The main predator in the agrocenoses was the red fox (<i>Vulpes vulpes</i>), which destroyed nests in the ecotone zones. A higher density of pheasants in urban areas, combined with a simultaneous higher pressure of predators than in agricultural areas, suggests that other environmental factors influence pheasant density more than the pressure of predators. In agricultural areas, the pressure of predators on artificial nests was shown to decrease along with the increase in the suitability of soils for agricultural production, which is associated with the decline in ecotone sites in intensively used agrocenoses.</p>","PeriodicalId":11467,"journal":{"name":"Ecology and Evolution","volume":"15 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12515586/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145291567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coordinated Transcriptomic and Epigenetic Approach Reveals Molecular Features Underlying Natural Mating Ability in Captive Male Giant Pandas","authors":"Zheng Yan,&nbsp;Yinghu Lei,&nbsp;Pengpeng Zhao,&nbsp;Danhui Zhang,&nbsp;Jiena Shen,&nbsp;Guiquan Zhang,&nbsp;Rongping Wei,&nbsp;Mingyue Zhang,&nbsp;Dingzhen Liu","doi":"10.1002/ece3.72283","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ece3.72283","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Natural mating ability is a critical behavioral trait for the reproductive success of captive endangered mammals, and its loss often reflects declining adaptability and potential physiological dysfunctions. However, the underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we integrated blood transcriptome and whole-genome DNA methylation (whole-genome bisulfite sequencing) data to systematically explore the molecular basis of natural mating ability differences in captive male giant pandas (<i>Ailuropoda melanoleuca</i>). A total of 21 male individuals, which were classified into either capable (with successful natural mating experience) or incapable (with repeated mating failure despite physical health) groups, were sampled from three breeding centers. RNA-seq analysis identified key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) such as <i>ZPBP2</i>, enriched in functional pathways related to GnRH signaling, MAPK cascades, immune modulation, and olfactory perception. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) analysis revealed significant differences in CpG (CG) methylation density on the X chromosome, and identified promoter- and gene body-associated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that were inversely correlated with gene expression. Integrative analysis demonstrated a strong association between gene expression and DNA methylation, with the associated genes enriched in reproduction-relevant pathways including axon guidance, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and apoptosis/autophagy. These findings suggest that DNA methylation may influence transcriptional activity involved in natural mating behavior. This multi-omics approach provides valuable insights into the epigenetic regulation of complex reproductive phenotypes in endangered species and offers a theoretical basis for future applications in molecular marker–based individual selection and optimization of captive breeding programs, thereby contributing to wildlife conservation efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":11467,"journal":{"name":"Ecology and Evolution","volume":"15 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12516017/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145291592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Population Genetics of an Endemic Species Mongoloniscus sinensis (Isopoda: Oniscidea) and Diversification Dynamics Across Northern China","authors":"Xue Dong,&nbsp;Jianzhi Wu,&nbsp;Xin Zhang,&nbsp;Yao Zhang,&nbsp;Shu Ma,&nbsp;Lingxiu Liang,&nbsp;Wangchuan Zhang,&nbsp;Xia Lu,&nbsp;Jianmei An","doi":"10.1002/ece3.72318","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72318","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Endemic to temperate northern China, <i>Mongoloniscus sinensis</i> is a soil-dwelling isopod that provides a powerful system for investigating how Pleistocene climatic fluctuations and mountainous barriers have shaped genetic divergence and regional endemism. Through fine-scale phylogeographic and demographic analyses, we explored the evolutionary processes shaping genetic differentiation and biodiversity in this region. We obtained three mitochondrial genes (COI, ND5, and 12S rRNA) in 305 specimens collected from 48 localities spanning the species' distribution. Population structure analyses identified 3 clusters corresponding to geographic locations—East, West, and Midland. The Midland group exhibited the highest genetic diversity, possibly representing ancestral populations, followed by the West group and the lowest in the East group. Limited gene flow was observed between eastern and western populations, likely because of the geographical barrier formed by the Taihang and Luliang Mountains, which restrict genetic exchange. Demographic history analyses showed recent expansion in both East and West groups. Divergence time estimation dated the following splits from the Midland group: West (~0.63 Ma) and East (~0.53 Ma), coinciding with Pleistocene climatic oscillations. Ecological niche modeling revealed that <i>M. sinensis</i> currently occupies a wide climate range with highly suitable areas in northern China, and its distribution during the LGM was affected by the ice age. For the climate variables, the mean temperature of the coldest quarter was the most important variable to determine species distribution, followed by precipitation of the coldest quarter and elevation, indicating that cold adaptability may constrain the species to northern China. As an important geographical barrier, the Qinling Mountains have a diverse climate and habitats, which play a role in limiting the distribution of species.</p>","PeriodicalId":11467,"journal":{"name":"Ecology and Evolution","volume":"15 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ece3.72318","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145272658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Reproducible, Data-Driven Approach to Mapping Species Distributions Using Presence-Only Data and Biogeographic Templates","authors":"Cristian S. Montalvo-Mancheno,&nbsp;Jessie C. Buettel,&nbsp;Stefania Ondei,&nbsp;Barry W. Brook","doi":"10.1002/ece3.72285","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72285","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Expert-derived range maps are used extensively in macroecological and biogeographic analyses, yet they are subjective, taxonomically biased, and inconsistent in their treatment of species' absences. We developed a reproducible, data-driven approach to estimate species' extent of occurrence (EOO) using presence-only data and subregions of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalization for Australia (IBRA). This approach employs a Gaussian kernel density estimator calibrated for spatial coherence and ecological realism, producing maps independent of arbitrary grid structures. We applied it to 610 Australian bird species and evaluated the concordance of our data-driven EOO maps against BirdLife International expert-derived range maps. The spatial association between these two map sources, measured on a 0–1 scale, ranged from near-zero to 0.93 across species, with higher concordance among terrestrial birds. Estimates of richness using both map sources varied most at the finest spatial scale (IBRA subregions), with mean and root mean square errors at the coarsest biogeographic scale (ecoregion) being 1/3 lower than those at the subregional scale. Likewise, we demonstrated the approach's applicability across taxa by generating data-driven EOO maps for selected amphibians, mammals, reptiles, and vascular plants. Like for birds, discontinuities in the distribution of these non-avian species represented different subpopulations over Australia. Our approach minimizes the influence of sampling bias and internal discontinuities in the estimation of species' EOO, while allowing for range edge refinement and subpopulation delineation. It provides an objective and scalable alternative to expert-derived range maps, well-suited for large-scale ecological research requiring consistency in spatial precision. Given the plethora of biogeographic templates already in use, our approach is adaptable to many contexts and thus can readily support a better understanding and conservation of biodiversity at large spatial scales.</p>","PeriodicalId":11467,"journal":{"name":"Ecology and Evolution","volume":"15 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ece3.72285","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145272543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predominantly Terrestrial Foraging and Reproductive Gains From a High Trophic Level Diet in Roof-Nesting Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus)","authors":"Simon F. Allen,&nbsp;Richard Inger,&nbsp;Paige E. Petts,&nbsp;Jody M. Affleck,&nbsp;Katie Bennett,&nbsp;Tom W. Davies,&nbsp;Ben D. Haden,&nbsp;Luke C. Hughes,&nbsp;Neeltje J. Boogert,&nbsp;Chris Mitchell,&nbsp;Eva Jimenez-Guri,&nbsp;Jonathan D. Blount","doi":"10.1002/ece3.72307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72307","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Wild animal species often use human-modified environments for foraging and reproduction, but this may require dietary diversification with fitness consequences. The extent to which colonising species successfully exploit such habitats is poorly understood. We used stable isotope analysis of egg yolk to investigate the association between foraging choices and reproductive success in 102 female herring gulls (<i>Larus argentatus</i>) over 3 years in a roof-nesting, pericoastal breeding colony. Stable isotopes of egg yolk predominantly reflect maternal diet during egg production. We measured δ¹³C as an indicator of foraging habitat, and δ¹⁵N as an indicator of trophic level. We predicted diverse foraging choices across marine, terrestrial and urban environments due to gulls' generalist foraging strategy and the variety of nearby foraging opportunities. We also predicted higher reproductive success associated with marine feeding compared to terrestrial feeding or feeding on human food and refuse, because marine food has historically been gulls' natural food type and has been previously associated with greater reproductive success. Surprisingly, δ¹³C values indicated predominantly terrestrial foraging for egg production. Egg mass increased significantly with lower δ¹³C, indicative of more terrestrial feeding. These findings may reflect availability of habitats and foods nearby or indicate adaptive dietary choices. Fledging success increased significantly with elevated δ¹⁵N, indicating that mothers feeding at higher trophic levels before laying produced higher quality eggs and/or had superior offspring-rearing capacity. A high trophic level maternal diet may nutritionally benefit offspring or improve parental condition. Egg stable isotope ratios of δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N were highly repeatable within clutches, enabling us to predict stable isotope values of unsampled eggs from sampled sibling eggs. Our results highlight high usage of terrestrial foods for egg production, whereas marine and anthropogenic feeding were rare. The reasons for this preference warrant further investigation to advance understanding of species that use human-modified environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":11467,"journal":{"name":"Ecology and Evolution","volume":"15 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ece3.72307","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145273014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mutualism Mediates Legume Response to Microbial Climate Legacies","authors":"Julia A. Boyle,&nbsp;Bridget Murphy,&nbsp;Fangming Teng,&nbsp;Parsa Babaei Zadeh,&nbsp;Ingo Ensminger,&nbsp;John R. Stinchcombe,&nbsp;Megan E. Frederickson","doi":"10.1002/ece3.72271","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72271","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Climate change is altering both soil microbial communities and the ecological context of plant–microbe interactions. Heat, drought, and their legacies can alter soil microbiomes and potential plant symbionts, but the direct consequences of these microbial changes on plant performance and plant investment in symbiosis remain underexplored. Predicting how soil microbes modulate plant resilience to heat and drought is critical to mitigating the negative effects of climate change on ecosystems and agriculture. In this proof of concept study, we conducted growth chamber experiments to isolate the microbially mediated indirect effects of heat and drought on plant performance and symbiosis. In the first experiment, focused on drought, we found that drought and drought-treated microbes, along with their interaction, significantly decreased the biomass of <i>Medicago lupulina</i> plants compared to well-watered microbiomes and conditions. In a second experiment, we then tested how the addition of a well-known microbial mutualist, <i>Sinorhizobium meliloti</i>, affected heat- and drought-treated microbiomes' impact on <i>M. lupulina</i>. We found that drought-adapted microbiomes negatively impacted legume performance by increasing mortality and reducing branch number, but that adding rhizobia erased differences in plant responses to climate-treated soils. In contrast, heat-adapted microbiomes did not differ significantly from control microbiomes in their effects on a legume. Our results suggest microbial legacy effects, mutualist partners, and their interactions are important in mediating plant responses to drought, with some mutualists equalizing plant responses across microbial legacies.</p>","PeriodicalId":11467,"journal":{"name":"Ecology and Evolution","volume":"15 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ece3.72271","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145272372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}