BMC ecology and evolution最新文献

{"title":"Eco-morphology of sagittal otoliths in five Macrouridae species from Central Mediterranean Sea.","authors":"Claudio D'Iglio, Sergio Famulari, Dario Di Fresco, Fabiana Rosano, Mariachiara Costanzo, Alex Carnevale, Marco Albano, Nunziacarla Spanò, Serena Savoca, Gioele Capillo","doi":"10.1186/s12862-025-02395-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-025-02395-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The increase in deep-sea exploitation and depletion related to fisheries activities has enhanced the importance of improving the knowledge about deep-sea species. Macrourids are an ecologically essential component of the bathyal community and are among the most abundant species in deep-sea environments worldwide. The present paper aims to investigate the sagittae morphology, morphometry, and shape of five Mediterranean Macrouridae species, investigating their intra and inter-specific variability. Shape and morphometric analyses highlighted the absence of directional bilateral asymmetry, with a morphometry and a mean contour shape changing among the investigated species. Despite this, statistically significant similarities were detected between Coelorinchus caelorhincus and Coryphaenoides guentheri, and between Nezumia aequalis and Nezumia sclerorhynchus. Otherwise, Hymenocephalus italicus showed the most marked differences in sagittae' features compared to the other species. The inter specific variability highlighted by results have confirmed the similarity in sagittae' shape and morphometry among both phylogenetically close species, and among those sharing similar depth distribution and feeding habits. Further analysis of the genetics, growth dynamics, feeding habits and environmental conditions experienced by species are required to confirm the environmental influence on sagittae, also comparing data from different Macrouridae populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":93910,"journal":{"name":"BMC ecology and evolution","volume":"25 1","pages":"56"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144175651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differential expression of sex regulatory genes in gonads of Astyanax mexicanus surface fish and cavefish.","authors":"Kaitlyn A Webster, Bethany Ponte, Hans Vasquez-Gross, Juli Petereit, John Hutchinson, Misty R Riddle","doi":"10.1186/s12862-025-02376-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-025-02376-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Astyanax mexicanus is a single species of fish that consists of river-dwelling (surface) and cave-dwelling morphotypes. Little is known about how sexual determination, differentiation or reproduction have evolved in the surface morphs or cavefish, though divergence in reproductive strategy is expected as the latter have adapted to the novel cave environment. Evolution of the gonad transcriptome may underlie the differences in gamete morphology, fertility, and fecundity previously reported between morphotypes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We compared the ovary and testis transcriptome of surface fish and cavefish at juvenile and adult stages. We found that samples clustered by developmental stage, sex, and morphotype identity. Several key genes that are typically associated with the female gonad in other vertebrates showed a reversal in sexual dimorphism or were not differentially expressed between sexes in A. mexicanus. In contrast, gene expression typically associated with male gonads was largely conserved and consistent with vertebrate testicular expression profiles. Transcriptional and physiological differences between surface fish and cavefish morphotypes were observed in gonads from both sexes. Cavefish ovaries exhibited unique upregulation of neuron development and differentiation genes, and extensive innervation of the ovarian epithelium, while cavefish testes showed increased expression of angiogenesis regulating genes, and greater vasculature density compared to surface fish testes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results reveal significant gene expression differences between A. mexicanus surface fish and cavefish morphotypes that may have functional consequences in gonad morphogenesis and fertility. Our findings provide a foundation for investigating the evolution of sex regulatory pathways and reproductive strategies in animals adapting to new and challenging environments in which nutrient availability, temperature, and mate selection are suboptimal.</p>","PeriodicalId":93910,"journal":{"name":"BMC ecology and evolution","volume":"25 1","pages":"57"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144175696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A new whip scorpion (Arachnida: Thelyphonida) with a phoretic mite (Acariformes: Trochometridiidae) from Mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber.","authors":"Ziying Wu, Jason A Dunlop, Pavel B Klimov, Huijuan Mai, Ancheng Peng, Yu Liu","doi":"10.1186/s12862-025-02392-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-025-02392-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber is a valuable resource for studying the diversity, evolution, and ecology of microarthropods, including arachnids. Its exceptional preservation offers a unique opportunity to uncover biological associations between organisms with high fidelity. Whip scorpions (Thelyphonida) are rare in the fossil record, with a few known from the Paleozoic era and Cretaceous period. However, the ecological interactions of these fossils with other organisms remain largely unexplored.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Here, we describe a new whip scorpion species, Mesothelyphonus xiaoae sp. nov., from Kachin amber. This species is diagnosed by its relatively small body size, an accessory tooth on the pedipalp coxal apophysis, six teeth on the pedipalpal trochanter, and an unmodified abdominal sternite III. Notably, the fossil includes a heterostigmatic mite (Acariformes: Prostigmata: Heterostigmata: Trochometridiidae) attached to the first leg of the whip scorpion. The mite appears to have selected a densely setose area on a limb primarily used for sensory purposes by the host, which may have made it more difficult to dislodge. This association likely represents an instance of phoresy, where the mite benefits from transportation and protection provided by the whip scorpion.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on modern knowledge of Trochometridium biology and host associations, we suggest that while the whip scorpion served as an incidental host, the primary host was likely a ground-nesting Apoidea (bees or wasps). This hypothesis implies that Mid-Cretaceous ecosystems included early apoids exhibiting nesting behavior, providing an essential niche for the development of this ancient symbiosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":93910,"journal":{"name":"BMC ecology and evolution","volume":"25 1","pages":"55"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144153126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ecological study on seaweed diversity in Suez, Hurghada and Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt.","authors":"Mahmoud Sami, Fayrouz Ahmed, Tarek A Temraz, Amira A Ali","doi":"10.1186/s12862-025-02389-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-025-02389-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Seaweed vegetation is widely distributed along the Red Sea coasts. Therefore, the current study presents an ecological study on the spatial and temporal variations of seaweed vegetation at three different sites (Suez, Hurghada and Marsa Alam) along the western coast of the northern Red Sea. The study was conducted through regular seasonal visits over four seasons, starting from winter 2022. Physicochemical parameters were measured, and the coverage of seaweed species was estimated using the quadrat method. Forty-seven species of seaweeds were collected and identified from the studied sites during the study period. Site II (Hurghada) had the highest number of species (n = 37), whereas site I (Suez) had the lowest (n = 11). The findings reveal significant variations in species composition, and coverage, highlighting the influence of environmental factors and seasonal changes on seaweed communities. Site I (Suez) recorded the highest average percentage cover of Chlorophyta (97%), where Phaeophyceae (50%) and Rhodophyta (38%) recorded the maximum at site II and site III (Marsa Alam), respectively. In general, winter and spring recorded the highest number of species (43 and 38, respectively), while autumn recorded the lowest (n = 33). In spring, Chlorophyta recorded the highest coverage (35.7%) mostly represented by Ulva lactuca, Caulerpa racemosa, Dictyosphaeria cavernosa, Valonia aegagropila and Cladophora prolifera, followed by Rhodophyta (34.3%) with a dominance of Actinotrichia fragilis and Jania rubens. Furthermore, regular biodiversity monitoring is necessary to continuously update the species and detect any changes that may occur in the physicochemical and biological parameters of the ecosystem, including the effects of climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":93910,"journal":{"name":"BMC ecology and evolution","volume":"25 1","pages":"52"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144153128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Temporal patterns and environmental drivers of the red junglefowl vocalization.","authors":"Peipei Hao, Xiaodong Rao, Wei Liang, Yanyun Zhang","doi":"10.1186/s12862-025-02391-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12862-025-02391-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The vocalization behaviour of birds is influenced by multiple factors, such as reproductive status, photoperiod and climatic conditions, which drive adjustments in their calls to respond to environmental changes. This study employed passive acoustic monitoring and automated signal recognition technology to analyse the daily and seasonal variations in the vocal rhythms of the red junglefowl Gallus gallus jabouillei over a complete annual cycle, examining the impact of climatic factors on their calling activity. Results revealed significant diurnal and seasonal variations in the vocalization behaviour of red junglefowls. The daily activity patterns showed distinct morning and evening peaks, occurring one hour before sunrise and sunset, respectively. During the breeding season, calling activity progressively increased, reaching its peak during the incubation and brooding periods. The vocal intensity of red junglefowls fluctuated with environmental changes, showing significant associations with daily precipitation and morning temperatures but was unaffected by daily maximum wind speeds. During the full moon, the morning peak was observed to occur earlier than during other lunar phases, whereas the evening peak consistently coincided with sunset. This study further suggested the optimal sampling periods and minimum monitoring durations required to track red junglefowl vocal behaviour, offering guidance for call-based population surveys and passive acoustic monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":93910,"journal":{"name":"BMC ecology and evolution","volume":"25 1","pages":"54"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12105146/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144153129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Brain-associated alterations of Hippo pathway transcription in early maturing Atlantic salmon.","authors":"Ehsan Pashay Ahi, Jukka-Pekka Verta, Johanna Kurko, Annukka Ruokolainen, Pooja Singh, Paul Vincent Debes, Jaakko Erkinaro, Craig R Primmer","doi":"10.1186/s12862-025-02398-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-025-02398-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pubertal timing is a key life history trait, shaped by ecological pressures to balance reproductive success and survival. Emerging evidence suggests a link between adiposity and early maturation, potentially through hormonal signaling pathways governing puberty timing. The timing of sexual maturation in Atlantic salmon has a strong genetic basis in addition to being linked with environmental shifts and lipid reserves. A gene encoding a co-factor of the Hippo pathway, vgll3, is a major determinant of maturation timing in salmon. The Hippo pathway is known for its evolutionary conserved molecular signal role in both sexual maturation and adipogenesis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, we tested the expression of Hippo pathway genes in the brain of immature and mature male Atlantic salmon carrying either the early or the late maturation genotype of vgll3. We found increased brain expression of a major Hippo pathway kinase (lats1b) in individuals with early maturation genotypes of vgll3 before maturation development of testes was evident. Moreover, we found components and regulating partners of the Hippo pathway showing differential expression in brain of individuals with early and late vgll3 genotypes prior to maturation. This may suggest a role for the Hippo pathway in central nervous system processes that regulate the preparation for maturation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study characterizes transcriptional changes in components of the Hippo pathway in the brain in relation to vgll3-mediated early maturation in Atlantic salmon, highlighting the potential involvement of this pathway in the central regulation of maturation prior to gonadal development.</p>","PeriodicalId":93910,"journal":{"name":"BMC ecology and evolution","volume":"25 1","pages":"53"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144153127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"QInfoMating: sexual selection and assortative mating estimation software.","authors":"A Carvajal-Rodríguez","doi":"10.1186/s12862-025-02394-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12862-025-02394-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sexual selection theory is a multifaceted area of evolutionary research that has profound implications across various disciplines, including population genetics, evolutionary ecology, animal behavior, sociology, and psychology. It explores the mechanisms by which certain traits and behaviors evolve due to mate choice and competition within a species. In the context of this theory, the Jeffreys divergence measure, also known as population stability index, plays a key role in quantifying the information obtained when a deviation from random mating occurs for both discrete and continuous data. Despite the critical importance of understanding mating patterns in the context of sexual selection, there is currently no software available that can perform model selection and multimodel inference with quantitative mating data to test hypotheses about the dynamics underlying observed mating patterns. Recognizing this gap, I have developed QInfoMating which provides a comprehensive solution for analyzing and interpreting mating data within the framework of sexual selection theory.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The program QInfoMating incorporates a user-friendly interface for performing statistical tests, best-fit model selection, and parameter estimation using multimodel inference for both discrete and continuous mating data. A use case is presented with real data of the species Echinolittorina malaccana.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The application of information theory, model selection, and parameter estimation using multimodel inference are presented as powerful tools for the analysis of mating data, whether quantitative or categorical. The QInfoMating program is a tool designed to perform this type of analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":93910,"journal":{"name":"BMC ecology and evolution","volume":"25 1","pages":"51"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12100945/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144133067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Probable developmental, neurological and evolutionary trend in complex morphological structures: foramen magnum outlines analytic comparisons in four orders; Chiroptera: (Eidolon helvum), (Tadarida brachyptera), Pholidota (Phataginus tricuspis), Eulipotyphla (Atelerix albiventris) and Carnivora (Canis familiaris).","authors":"Oluwale Michael Samuel, Olumayowa Olawumi Igado","doi":"10.1186/s12862-025-02381-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12862-025-02381-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We here present developmental, neurological and evolutionary perspective study of the foramen magnum (FM) and its phylogenetic consequences among five species with close phylogenic proximity. The forms and outlines of this structure emphasize anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology and evolution demonstrating its immense forensic value. This investigation utilized Elliptical major and minor descriptors in a summary of 26 T. brachyptera, C. familiarius, 26 E. helvum, 20 P. tricuspis and 23 A. albiventris FM outlines in caudal view. Effective Principal Components were the first 6-10 respectively and confirmed size as overrode shape. Fit index of original vs reconstructed values with 92%, 96%, 96%, 97% and 98% accuracies confirmed existing evolutionary order. Irrespective of species, the 3rd harmonic demonstrated maximum values of descriptors but the first yielded highest in elliptical magnitude; E. helvum and T. brachyptera were exceptionally erratic revealing FM architectural complexities in them. Elliptical anisotropy was lowest in A. albiventris and highest in E. helvum with profound amplitude related descriptor values factor reduction between 1/4870 and 1/49 fraction. Partial Least Square and correlation analyses were 100% and 91.86% in combined dataset. Parsimony analysis indicated that Canis familiaris displayed the highest variation in FM evolution, suggesting a greater likelihood of malformation at the root branch of its phylogeny while T. brachyptera was least and more closely related to other species; NJ lead joiner with minimum branch length was P. tricuspis while sub tree and closest sub-tree pairs were A. albiventris and E. helvum respectively. Our results confirmed similar developmental trajectory of the foramen magnum among the species and followed established phylogenetic order but influenced by constraints in C. familiaris. Malformation manifestation possibilities increased along both domestication and phylogenetic levels confirming evolutionary trend and pattern in FM construction among species understudied.</p>","PeriodicalId":93910,"journal":{"name":"BMC ecology and evolution","volume":"25 1","pages":"50"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144121645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Floral diversity, structural integrity, and regeneration patterns of Endba-Zend dry Afromontane forest in Northwestern Ethiopia.","authors":"Yitayih Dessie, Nigussie Amsalu, Belayneh Awoke, Getaneh Gebeyehu","doi":"10.1186/s12862-025-02387-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12862-025-02387-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study was carried out at Endba-Zend Forest in Sekela District, Northwestern Ethiopia, to investigate the plant species composition, structure, and regeneration status of a remnant forest. The vegetative data were collected using a systematic sampling technique. Four transects were put throughout a forest, 250 m apart and directed northwest-southeast. To collect vegetative data for trees and lianas, a 20 m ×20 m (400 m²) main plot was established at 50 m intervals. Five nested subplots were arranged at four corners of the main plot and one at the center to collect data for shrubs, herbaceous plants, and the regeneration state of woody species. The diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and cover abundance values were measured with a tape meter, a calibrated stick, and an ocular estimating device, respectively. The Shannon-Weiner and Sorenson's similarity index were used to assess the forest's species diversity. A total of 77 species belonging to 64 genera and 35 families were documented. The most diverse family was Asteraceae, which included 13 species, followed by Solanaceae (7 species). The forest had a total density of 663.95 stems ha^-1. The most common species in the forest area was Mytenus obscura, which occupied 88% of the total plots. Schefflera abyssinica was the dominating species, with higher basal area (BA) (9.84 m² ha^-1) and Important Value Index IVI (52.52%). The Shannon diversity index and evenness values for the forest were 2.6 and 0.75, respectively. Three distinct community types were identified: Vachellia abyssinica-Prunus Africana (Community type I), Mytenus obscura-Vernonia myrianta (Community type II), and Rubus steudneri-Dombeya torrida (Community type III). There was found a substantial similarity between community types I and II (Ss = 0.71). The seedling, sapling, and mature tree ratio indicated a fair regeneration status for the forest. Selective tree cutting and overgrazing cause significant disruptions to the forest environment. As a result, it requires special attention (conservation priority) to ensure the sustainable use of vegetation by offering alternative energy sources to the local community.</p>","PeriodicalId":93910,"journal":{"name":"BMC ecology and evolution","volume":"25 1","pages":"49"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12090637/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144112691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tree diversity, population structure, biomass accumulation, and carbon stock dynamics in tropical dry deciduous forests of Eastern India.","authors":"Abinash Mansingh, Antaryami Pradhan, Satya Ranjan Sahoo, Sujeet Sameer Cherwa, Bibhu Prasad Mishra, Laxmi Prasad Rath, Nirius Jenan Ekka, Bibhu Prasad Panda","doi":"10.1186/s12862-025-02385-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12862-025-02385-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tropical dry deciduous forests are crucial for biodiversity conservation and carbon storage but are increasingly threatened by human activities and climate change. This Study evaluates tree diversity, population structure, and biomass carbon stock across five forest ranges of eastern India.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A stratified random sampling approach was implemented using a 5 km × 5 km grid for vegetational attribute studies. Tree diversity was assessed within 0.1 ha (31.62 m × 31.62 m) plots, while biomass estimation focused on trees with ≥ 10 cm. girth at breast height. Population structure and biomass estimation were analyzed across six defined girth classes, employing standardized protocols to ensure accurate carbon stock estimation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 80 tree species belonging to 68 genera and 33 families were recorded, with Fabaceae emerging as the dominant family. Significant variation in species richness (32-52 species), tree density (804-1332 trees/ha), and basal area (18.28-24.92 m²/ha) was observed across the five forest ranges. Kolabira forest range (3.45) and Bagdihi forest range (3.37) exhibited the highest diversity indices, highlighting their ecological significance and carbon sequestration potential. Mid-sized trees (32-101 cm) contributed the most to biomass accumulation, while the lower densities in other size classes suggest selective exploitation. Total biomass was highest in Belpahar forest range (129.63 Mg/ha) and lowest in Jharsuguda forest range (86.73 Mg/ha), with a corresponding biomass carbon stock of 58.47 MgC/ha and 40.76 MgC/ha, respectively, emphasizing spatial variations in carbon storage across these dry deciduous forests.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight the ecological significance of tropical dry deciduous forests and underscore the urgent need for conservation strategies to safeguard biodiversity and enhance carbon storage. In parallel, the study offers a valuable scientific foundation for advancing forest management practices and shaping policies to address biodiversity loss and climate challenges in this vital region of India.</p>","PeriodicalId":93910,"journal":{"name":"BMC ecology and evolution","volume":"25 1","pages":"48"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12083108/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144086958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}