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Now showing items 51-53 of 53
Aufsatz
Exploring the evolutionary dynamics of myrmecophytism: Perspectives from the Southeast Asian Macaranga ant-plant symbiosis
(2024-02-09)
Myrmecophytic plants utilise defensive services offered by obligate ant partners nesting in their domatia in a novel means of survival in tropical habitats. Although much is known about the ecology of myrmecophytism, there aren’t enough empirical examples to demonstrate whether it substantially influences evolutionary patterns in host plant lineages. In this study, we make use of the species-rich Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae) ant-plant symbiosis distributed in the Southeast Asian Sundaland to delve into the evolutionary ...
Aufsatz
Anthropogenic and natural disturbances increase local genetic diversity in an early spring geophyte (Ficaria verna Huds)
(2023-12-26)
The tetraploid Ficaria verna is a common spring geophyte in central Europe and is considered invasive in the USA and Canada. It is considered an almost seed-sterile taxon, relying on vegetative reproduction by underground tubers and aerial bulbils. Recent studies have revealed high levels of population genetic diversity in F. verna, raising the question of how genetic diversity is maintained and which factors may be responsible for the observed patterns. Polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers were established to ...
Aufsatz
Perfect apples or sustainable production?—Consumer perspectives from Germany
(2023-08-23)
In recent years, environmental problems, such as resource depletion and biodiversity loss, have come to the forefront of society's attention. Consumption of fruits and vegetables from extensive production systems could decrease food loss and increase biodiversity and more sustainable resource use. However, fruits and vegetables from extensive production systems are not always of perfect external quality, and hence, rejected by consumers. To increase acceptance of imperfect fruits, this study aims to better understand ...