This commentary introduces a conceptual framework that reinterprets biodiversity assessment as a continuum, spanning from Dark diversity, representing the unobserved or uncolonized potential of species ecologically suited to a system, to Bright diversity, conceived as an aspirational, fully integrated upper bound of biodiversity knowledge. Bright diversity encompasses not only observed components and their intricate interactions, but also a profound understanding of the reasons for species' presence or absence, including the inferred insights from Dark diversity across taxonomic, functional, phylogenetic, and genetic facets. Situated in between is Grey diversity, which characterizes the predominant state of partial knowledge and inherent uncertainty in real-world ecological assessments as an epistemic gradient. By delineating this epistemological gradient, the framework offers a heuristic tool for ecologists and conservationists to critically evaluate the clarity, completeness, and uncertainty embedded in biodiversity data, and an operational basis for “epistemic cartography”, i.e., the spatial mapping of knowledge sufficiency and uncertainty. It facilitates the identification of knowledge gaps, guides research priorities, and informs conservation actions, especially under conditions of incomplete information, through a compact workflow and transparent indicators. This conceptual spectrum serves as both an epistemological reflection and a practical guide for advancing biodiversity science, while outlining a forward-looking agenda that leverages multi-faceted “bands of biodiversity knowledge” to support robust biodiversity planning.
Stopping rules for sampling designs are critical for limiting the effort needed to obtain adequate or significant data, and in many cases for conservation of the species sampled. Such rules are commonly based on pre-determined criteria or a lack of new information as sampling continues. Structural monophyly analysis of minimally monophyletic groups of one ancestral species and a few immediate ancestral species uses a series of steps, each step with a statistical evaluation that helps produce a concise model. Demonstration of two-sigma exclusion of uncertainty is a new stopping rule requirement. The full series of analytic steps has not previously been consolidated in one publication.
Despite being one of the driest and harshest deserts on Earth, the Atacama Desert is home to a variety of bacterial life. Microorganisms that reside here may have developed adaptations to help them survive this unique environment. In this study, we used bioinformatic and genetic methods to assess the abundance of phyla that are present in this environment and focus on the types of adaptations individual bacteria have obtained. To assess bacterial diversity, we used 16S rRNA sequencing on soil samples and determined the relative composition of different phyla and archaea at sixteen locations. The whole genome sequence genome of eight selected pigmented bacteria was also performed. We found that all strains we sequenced are predicted to produce bioactive compounds. We focused on stress-tolerance capabilities, including pigment production pathways, biofilm-related genes, antibiotic production, and genome stability. We also found that the pigments that these bacteria produce have antioxidant, iron, and ion chelating, and/or antibiotic properties. This characterization allows us to assess adaptive strategies of bacteria, which is important in the fields of agriculture, biotechnology, and health.
The high-mountain steppes of South-eastern Altai are a valuable resource for pastoralism—almost the only possible type of economic activity in these places—and the conservation of near threatened species, such as the argali. Argali are the largest and most vulnerable wild sheep (Ovis ammon ammon L.), and are listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation and on the IUCN Red List. The argali is also important in the food chain of another rare and protected species, the snow leopard. This paper presents the results of research into the productivity of argali’s high-mountain steppes habitation in various parts of the Sailugem Ridge, and assesses their pasture degradation. We predict how observed declining pasture productivity due to anthropogenic and climate pressure, as well as argali grazing, will threaten their survival. We propose special measures to reduce the impact of the argali population on the degradation of current pastures, while improving argali conservation in other areas of South-eastern Altai and adjacent territories where the species previously existed.
