-
Variation in ecosystem services within biogenic reefs: The role of reef-building species under distinct hydrodynamic conditions
-
To enhance the climate resilience of coastlines, measures are being implemented to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, such as biogenic reefs and dunes. These measures, known as Nature-based Solutions (NbS), provide protection against storms, coastal erosion, and flooding. They are also recognised for increasing biodiversity and delivering a range of ecosystem services (ES). This study investigated the ES provided by biogenic reefs composed of two reef-building species (Mytilus edulis and Lanice conchilega) under distinct hydrodynamic conditions. Three ES were assessed at two sites in the Belgian part of the North Sea: (1) coastal protection, (2) carbon sequestration, and (3) water quality regulation. The two sites have different hydrodynamic conditions due to their relative locations in relation to local sandbanks, making one site more exposed and the other more sheltered. The ES were quantified and monetised using in-situ measurements and literature data based on the SUstainable Marine Ecosystem Services (SUMES) model. The results suggest that the provision of ES in biogenic reefs is determined by multiple factors, including environmental conditions (e.g. hydrodynamics) and reefbuilding species. (1) Sediment accumulation was only observed under low hydrodynamic conditions, due to the higher settlement success of M. edulis and the presence of L. conchilega. (2) M. edulis “produces” carbon under both low and high hydrodynamic conditions, due to high respiration and biocalcification rates. However, low hydrodynamic conditions are more conducive to carbon burial, thus enhancing carbon sequestration. (3) M. edulis patches exhibited higher denitrification rates under low hydrodynamic conditions than under high hydrodynamic conditions or in L. conchilega patches, due to divergent macrobenthic functional diversity. In conclusion, the level of ES provision is determined by location and associated environmental conditions, as well as temporal and spatial variation in biogenic reefs and the physiological characteristics of reef builders. Therefore, both aspects need to be carefully considered when planning coastal protection measures and determining the provision of ES. Finally, when implementing NbS along high-energy coastlines, sheltered sites should be prioritised.
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2025
-
Vertebral morphology and intracolumnar variation of the iconic African viperid snake Atheris (Serpentes, Viperidae)
-
We here provide a detailed description of the vertebral morphology of the African arboreal viperid snakes of the genus Atheris. Vertebrae of three different species of the genus, i.e., Atheris desaixi, Atheris hispida, and Atheris katangensis, were investigated via the aid of μCT (micro‐computed tomography) scanning. We describe several vertebrae from different regions of the vertebral column for all three species, starting from the atlas‐axis complex to the caudal tip, in order to demonstrate important differences regarding the intracolumnar variation. Comparison of these three species shows an overall similar general morphology of the trunk vertebrae among the Atheris species. We extensively compare Atheris with other known viperids. As the sole arboreal genus of Viperinae the prehensile nature of the tail of Atheris is reflected in its caudal vertebral morphology, which is characterized by a high number of caudal vertebrae but also robust and anteroventrally oriented pleurapophyses as a skeletal adaptation, linked with the myology of the tail, to an arboreal lifestyle. We anticipate that the extensive figuring of these viperid specimens will also aid identifications in paleontology.
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2024
-
Vertebrate predation in the Late Devonian evidenced by bite traces and regurgitations: implications for an early tetrapod freshwater ecosystem.
-
The terrestrialization process by vertebrates occurred during the Devonian period, with fully land-dwelling tetrapods recorded in the Carboniferous. Thus, the Late Devonian is an important period for deciphering the ecological pressures that applied during the water-to-land transition. Higher predation pressures in the underwater environment have been suggested as an influential biotic evolutionary factor in this key habitat shift. Direct evidence of ancient predation on Palaeozoic vertebrates is seen in the form of rare traces preserved on fossils, and these range from trauma observed on the skeleton (such as attack marks) to ingested food remains (bromalites). The late Famennian freshwater ecosystem of Strud (Belgium) consists of a rich assemblage of many coeval gnathostomes or jawed fishes (placoderms, ‘acanthodians’, actinopterygians, and various sarcopterygian groups including tetrapods). Here we analyse the record of direct evidence for predation in the Strud vertebrate fossil assemblage. We recognize 12 regurgitalites and 13 bite traces, including a rare case of a tooth embedded in its original prey body target. Fossils from regurgitalites were imaged using scanning electron microscopy and chemically analysed to test for their possible ingestion signature by comparison with other isolated skeletal remains from the same locality. From this evidence, tristichopterid tetrapodomorphs are inferred to be the highest consumers of the trophic network, targeting small placoderms, and porolepiforms, and probably congeners. We observe two possible prey patterns in regurgitalites, for sarcopterygians and actinopterygians, both of which are associated with acanthodians. In Strud, no trophic position can be deduced for tetrapods from direct fossil evidence of predation.
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2022
-
Wave attenuation by intertidal vegetation is mediated by trade-offs between shoot-and canopy-scale plant traits
-
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2024
-
Weakened pelagic-benthic coupling on an Arctic outflow shelf (Northeast Greenland) suggested by benthic ecosystem changes
-
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2024
-
West African Hastula (Gastropoda: Terebridae) with the description of three new cryptic species from the Cape Verde and Canary Islands
-
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2023
-
What Does Resilience of Social–Ecological Systems Mean in Burundi? A Qualitative Approach
-
To gain a better understanding of social–ecological resilience in Burundi, a country facing increasing demographic and climate-induced pressures, this study aimed to identify local perceptions of resilience and list disturbances experienced by rural communities that undermine social–ecological resilience. Focus group discussions explored possible challenges for the nexus of (1) rights–governance–knowledge and (2) access to ecosystem services–restoration–conservation. Theme clusters emerging from the focus groups were structured from political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal perspectives to identify major stakeholder concerns. Then, this study applied an indicator-based assessment tool designed for development projects in production landscapes. Questionnaire results revealed the absence of income diversity, limited adaptation strategies, and a large prevalence of climatic and agricultural disturbances among rural households. The study findings underscored substantial variations between the different study regions. To enhance the adaptive capacity of local communities, policy-making should focus on diversification within and beyond agriculture, supported by adequate extension services. Adequate ecosystem governance is necessary to maintain or restore the remaining ecosystems, given their pivotal role in social–ecological resilience.
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2025
-
Where Meiofauna? An Assessment of Interstitial Fauna at a Belgian Beach
-
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2025
-
Woodland exploitation by early modern military camps and their impact on the forest environment. Anthracological analysis from Ninove-Doorn Noord (1692–1693, 1745, Belgium)
-
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2024
-
Zebinidae (Caenogastropoda: Rissooidea) from the islands of St Helena and Ascension, with the description of two new species and a comment on Rissoina decipiens E. A. Smith, 1890
-
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2024
