How does the functional diversity of frugivorous birds shape the spatial pattern of seed dispersal? A case study in a relict plant species.

Genetic markers used in combination with network analysis can characterize the fine spatial pattern of seed dispersal and assess the differential contribution of dispersers. As a case study, we focus on the seed dispersal service provided by a small guild of frugivorous birds to the common yew, Taxus baccata L., in southern Spain.

Species relative abundance and direction of introgression in oaks.

Successful hybridisation and subsequent introgression lead to the transfer of genetic material across species boundaries. In this process, species relative abundance can play a significant role. If one species is less abundant than the other, its females will receive many heterospecific gametes, increasing mate-recognition errors and thus hybridisation rate.

Non-random coextinctions in phylogenetically structured mutualistic networks.

The interactions between plants and their animal pollinators and seed dispersers have moulded much of Earth's biodiversity. Recently, it has been shown that these mutually beneficial interactions form complex networks with a well-defined architecture that may contribute to biodiversity persistence. Little is known, however, about which ecological and evolutionary processes generate these network patterns.

[Osteogenesis imperfecta and aortic incompetence. One case with pathological findings. Review of the literature (author's transl)].

Cardiovascular manifestations of Lobstein's disease are rare, probably unrecognized, and determining factors for the final prognosis, the most frequent lesion being aortic incompetence. The eleventh case to be reported with pathological findings in the literature is described. This complication is usually found in men, blood regurgitation being large in amount, symptomatic, and progressive.