Publications by authors named "Encarna Merlo"

Species-area relationships (SAR) constitute a key aspect of ecological theory and are integral to other scientific disciplines, such as biogeography, which have played a crucial role in advancing biology. The theory of insular biogeography provides a clear example. This theory initially expanded from true islands to other types of systems characterized by their insularity.

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Gypsum covers a vast area of the Iberian Peninsula, making Spain a leader in its production. Gypsum is a fundamental raw material for modern societies. However, gypsum quarries have an obvious impact on the landscape and biodiversity.

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For botanists and ecologists, the close link between some plants and substrates, such as serpentine or gypsum, is well known. However, the relationship between dolomite and its flora has been much less studied, due to various causes. Its diffuse separation from limestone and the use of a vague approach and terminology that, until now, no one has tried to harmonize are among these reasons.

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Habitats with alkaline edaphic substrates are often associated with plant speciation and diversification. The tribe Alysseae, in the family Brassicaceae, epitomizes this evolutionary trend. In this lineage, some genera, like Hormathophylla, can serve as a good case for testing the evolutionary framework.

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Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for the Ibero-North African, strict gypsophyte Lepidium subulatum to unravel the effects of habitat fragmentation in levels of genetic diversity, genetic structure and gene flow among its populations. Using 454 pyrosequencing 12 microsatellite loci including di- and tri-nucleotide repeats were characterized in L. subulatum.

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Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Encarna Merlo"

  • - Encarna Merlo's research primarily focuses on the ecology and evolutionary biology of plants in specialized habitats, particularly those associated with unique substrates like gypsum and dolomites, as evidenced by studies on species-area relationships and biogeographical theories.
  • - Recent findings indicate that spontaneous primary succession in gypsum quarries in Spain offers insights for ecological restoration, highlighting the impact of such landscapes on biodiversity and the potential for recovery.
  • - Merlo's work also delves into genetic diversity and population structure in strictly gypsophyte species, employing advanced genetic techniques to understand habitat fragmentation effects, which contributes to understanding plant adaptation in harsh edaphic environments.