-
Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into development cooperation—highlights from an ALTER-NET-EKLIPSE workshop
-
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2020
-
Maintaining taxonomic accuracy in genetic databases: A duty for taxonomists— Reanalysis of the DNA sequences from Mercan et al. (2024) on the genus Potamothrix (Annelida, Clitellata) in Turkish lakes
-
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2025
-
Major excursions in sulfur isotopes linked to permafrost change in Eurasia during the last 50,000 years.
-
We identify a major sulfur isotope excursion in Eurasian faunal bone collagen from the last 50,000 years, here termed the Late Pleniglacial Sulfur Excursion. Our analysis suggests this is linked to changing permafrost conditions, presenting the utility of faunal collagen δ34S as a proxy for permafrost dynamics, a critical component of the global carbon cycle. Our findings complicate the use of archaeological faunal sulfur isotopes for mobility and palaeodietary studies.
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2025
-
Making sense of variation in sclerochronological stable isotope profiles of mollusks and fish otoliths from the early Eocene southern North Sea Basin
-
Stable isotope sclerochemistry of biogenic carbonate is frequently used for the reconstruction of paleotemperature and seasonality. Yet, few studies have compared intra-and inter-taxon isotope variability and variation within a single depositional environment. We measured seasonal changes in δ18O and δ13C compositions in multiple specimens of two carditid bivalve species, a turritelline gastropod species, and two species of otoliths from demersal fish, from two early Eocene (latest Ypresian, 49.2 Ma) coquinas in the inner neritic Aalter Formation, located in the Belgian part of the southern North Sea Basin (paleolatitude ∼41°N). Results demonstrate considerable variation among taxa in the mean, amplitude, and skewness of δ18O and δ13C values from sequentially sampled growth series. We attribute this variation to factors including differences in seasonal growth over ontogeny, mixing of depositional settings by sediment transport, differences between sedentary and mobile organisms, and differences in longevity of the taxa in question. Growth cessation during winters in turritellines and fishes in particular lead to an incomplete representation of the seasonal cycle in their growth increments, in comparison to carditid bivalves. Ophidiid fish otolith isotope records appear to reflect environmental conditions over a wider range of habitats and environments, and we infer this is due to a combination of sedimentary transport, as these are small structures, and postmortem transport by free-swimming predatory fish. Our study highlights the potential variability encompassed by taxa in the shallow marine realm even when they are found in the same deposits. While this has significant implications for seasonality reconstructions based on conventional isotope profiles, we show that careful study of the ecology and ontogeny of multiple taxa and specimens within a death assemblage can reveal sources of variation and yield a close approximation of conditions in the setting of interest.
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2025
-
Malachite, an indicator of major Pliocene Cu remobilization in a karstic environment (Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo)
-
Located in
Library
/
No RBINS Staff publications
-
Male spiders control offspring sex ratio through greater production of female-determining sperm
-
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2018
-
Man and environment in the territory of Sagalassos, a classical city in SW Turkey
-
Since 1990 archaeological research by the Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium) has been carried out at the ancient site of Sagalassos (Aǧlasun, Burdur province, Southwestern Turkey). At first, research focused on the excavation of the city and the study of the immediate vicinity which provided it with raw materials. The main objective was to obtain a clear picture of the history and development of the city. Since 1993 research has also incorporated a study of the territory of the Roman city, from prehistoric to modern times, in order to understand why the site was selected for settlement, why it developed into a middle-sized town, its economy and subsistence, how it affected and exploited the environment, its decline, and what changes have taken place in the district subsequently. The focus has now shifted towards obtaining a better understanding of the linkages between human and environment systems so that inter-relations between the two can be more readily understood. As a result, a number of environmental topics concerning the territory of the Roman city are presently being studied. This territory extended from Lake Burdur in the West to the Aksu canyon in the East, from the Aǧlasun Daǧlari in the North to Mt. Kestel in the South. Interdisciplinary research revealed that for the early Neolithic and the Roman period there was a slightly warmer climate, a richer vegetation and more fertile soils for agricultural practice.
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications
-
Managing canopy cover to preserve forest microclimate and diverse macroarthropod communities in times of drought
-
1. Forest canopies play a vital role in buffering macroclimatic conditions, creating stable microclimates that support species unable to survive under the surrounding climate. However, disturbances driven by climate change alongside management interventions can disrupt canopy cover, altering forest microclimates and, consequently, forest- related biodiversity. 2. To investigate these dynamics, we monitored forest floor temperature, soil moisture and macroarthropod communities along a canopy cover gradient in the National Park Brabantse Wouden, Belgium. Forest microclimate was recorded using TMS4- loggers throughout the 2022–2023 growing seasons. Macroarthropod activity- density and species richness were sampled using pitfall traps during the 2022 summer. Generalized linear mixed models and piecewise structural equation modelling were used to assess the influence of forest structure. 3. As canopy cover decreased, microclimate temperatures became more similar to macroclimate temperatures, reducing the forest's thermal buffering capacity. Once canopy cover dropped below 50%, temperatures were amplified rather than buffered. Additionally, lower stand densities were linked to higher soil moisture levels. 4. Microclimatic conditions significantly affected both the activity- density and species richness of macroarthropod communities. Woodlice profited from temporarily elevated forest floor temperatures if soil moisture was sufficient, while prolonged high temperatures negatively affected ground beetles. Ground beetles benefited from reduced canopy cover and increased deadwood, while woodlice preferred oak- dominated stands. 5. Synthesis and applications. To sustain a stable and well- buffered microclimate, we recommend maintaining canopies as closed as possible. Even small openings reduce the forest's ability to buffer temperature, with canopy covers below 50% leading to temperature amplification. Closed canopies should be combined with isolated canopy gaps to promote habitat heterogeneity. Additionally, deadwood amounts should increase to provide shelter during droughts. This balanced management approach fosters stable forest microclimates and diverse habitats, supporting long- and short- term macroarthropod biodiversity in temperate broadleaf forests.
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2025
-
Mandibular shape disparity and convergence in ichthyosaurs and toothed cetaceans
-
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2019
-
Mangrove Ecosystem Properties Regulate High Water Levels in a River Delta
-
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2023
