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Praeg N, Steinwandter M, Urbach D, Snethlage MA, Alves RP, Apple ME, Bilovitz P, Britton AJ, Bruni EP, Chen TW, Dumack K, Fernandez-Mendoza F, Freppaz M, Frey B, Fromin N, Geisen S, Grube M, Guariento E, Guisan A, Ji QQ, Jiménez JJ, Maier S, Malard LA, Minor MA, Mc Lean CC, Mitchell EAD, Peham T, Pizzolotto R, Taylor AFS, Vernon P, van Tol JJ, Wu D, Wu Y, Xie Z, Weber B, Illmer P, Seeber J. Biodiversity in mountain soils above the treeline. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2025. [PMID: 40369817 DOI: 10.1111/brv.70028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2025] [Accepted: 04/17/2025] [Indexed: 05/16/2025]
Abstract
Biological diversity in mountain ecosystems has been increasingly studied over the last decade. This is also the case for mountain soils, but no study to date has provided an overall synthesis of the current state of knowledge. Here we fill this gap with a first global analysis of published research on cryptogams, microorganisms, and fauna in mountain soils above the treeline, and a structured synthesis of current knowledge. Based on a corpus of almost 1400 publications and the expertise of 37 mountain soil scientists worldwide, we summarise what is known about the diversity and distribution patterns of each of these organismal groups, specifically along elevation, and provide an overview of available knowledge on the drivers explaining these patterns and their changes. In particular, we document an elevation-dependent decrease in faunal diversity above the treeline, while for cryptogams there is an initial increase above the treeline, followed by a decrease towards the nival belt. Thus, our data confirm the key role that elevation plays in shaping the biodiversity and distribution of these organisms in mountain soils. The response of prokaryote diversity to elevation, in turn, was more diverse, whereas fungal diversity appeared to be substantially influenced by plants. As far as available, we describe key characteristics, adaptations, and functions of mountain soil species, and despite a lack of ecological information about the uncultivated majority of prokaryotes, fungi, and protists, we illustrate the remarkable and unique diversity of life forms and life histories encountered in alpine mountain soils. By applying rule- as well as pattern-based literature-mining approaches and semi-quantitative analyses, we identified hotspots of mountain soil research in the European Alps and Central Asia and revealed significant gaps in taxonomic coverage, particularly among biocrusts, soil protists, and soil fauna. We further report thematic priorities for research on mountain soil biodiversity above the treeline and identify unanswered research questions. Building upon the outcomes of this synthesis, we conclude with a set of research opportunities for mountain soil biodiversity research worldwide. Soils in mountain ecosystems above the treeline fulfil critical functions and make essential contributions to life on land. Accordingly, seizing these opportunities and closing knowledge gaps appears crucial to enable science-based decision making in mountain regions and formulating laws and guidelines in support of mountain soil biodiversity conservation targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Praeg
- Department of Microbiology, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25d, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Michael Steinwandter
- Institute for Alpine Environment, Eurac Research, Viale Druso 1, Bozen/Bolzano, 39100, Italy
| | - Davnah Urbach
- Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA), University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, Bern, 3013, Switzerland
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, Bern, 3013, Switzerland
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur la Montagne, University of Lausanne, Ch. de l'Institut 18, Bramois/Sion, 1967, Switzerland
| | - Mark A Snethlage
- Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA), University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, Bern, 3013, Switzerland
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, Bern, 3013, Switzerland
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur la Montagne, University of Lausanne, Ch. de l'Institut 18, Bramois/Sion, 1967, Switzerland
| | - Rodrigo P Alves
- Institute of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Holteigasse 6, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Martha E Apple
- Department of Biological Sciences, Montana Technological University, Butte, 59701, MT, USA
| | - Peter Bilovitz
- Institute of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Holteigasse 6, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Andrea J Britton
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, Scotland, UK
| | - Estelle P Bruni
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, Neuchâtel, 2000, Switzerland
| | - Ting-Wen Chen
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry, Na Sádkách 702/7, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
- J.F. Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen, 37073, Germany
| | - Kenneth Dumack
- Terrestrial Ecology, Cologne Biocenter, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Strasse 47b, Cologne, 50674, Germany
| | - Fernando Fernandez-Mendoza
- Institute of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Holteigasse 6, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Michele Freppaz
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Italy
- Research Center on Natural Risks in Mountain and Hilly Environments, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Italy
| | - Beat Frey
- Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, 8903, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Fromin
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Route de Mende 34199, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Stefan Geisen
- Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708PB, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Grube
- Institute of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Holteigasse 6, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Elia Guariento
- Institute for Alpine Environment, Eurac Research, Viale Druso 1, Bozen/Bolzano, 39100, Italy
| | - Antoine Guisan
- Department of Ecology and Evolution (DEE), University of Lausanne, Biophore, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (IDYST), University of Lausanne, Géopolis, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Qiao-Qiao Ji
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Juan J Jiménez
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), Avda. Ntra. Sra. de la Victoria 16, Jaca, 22700, Huesca, Spain
| | - Stefanie Maier
- Institute of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Holteigasse 6, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Lucie A Malard
- Department of Ecology and Evolution (DEE), University of Lausanne, Biophore, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Maria A Minor
- School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences, Massey University, Riddett Road, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
| | - Cowan C Mc Lean
- Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Edward A D Mitchell
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, Neuchâtel, 2000, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Peham
- Department of Ecology, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Roberto Pizzolotto
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra, University of Calabria, Ponte Pietro Bucci 4b, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Andy F S Taylor
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, Scotland, UK
| | - Philippe Vernon
- UMR 6553 EcoBio CNRS, University of Rennes, Biological Station, Paimpont, 35380, France
| | - Johan J van Tol
- Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Donghui Wu
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun, 130102, China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, 2555 Jingyue Street, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yunga Wu
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, 2555 Jingyue Street, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Zhijing Xie
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, 2555 Jingyue Street, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Bettina Weber
- Institute of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Holteigasse 6, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Paul Illmer
- Department of Microbiology, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25d, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Julia Seeber
- Institute for Alpine Environment, Eurac Research, Viale Druso 1, Bozen/Bolzano, 39100, Italy
- Department of Ecology, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
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Zhu Y, Wang J, Cidan Y, Wang H, Li K, Basang W. Gut Microbial Adaptation to Varied Altitudes and Temperatures in Tibetan Plateau Yaks. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1350. [PMID: 39065118 PMCID: PMC11278572 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The yak (Bos grunniens) exhibits exceptional regional adaptability, enabling it to thrive in the distinctive ecological niches of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its survival relies on the intricate balance of its intestinal microbiome, essential for adapting to harsh environmental conditions. Despite the documented significance of bacteria and fungi in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and supporting immune functions, there is still a substantial gap in understanding how the composition and functionality of yak gut microbiota vary along altitude-temperature gradients. This study aims to fill this gap by employing 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing techniques to analyze and compare the intestinal microbiome of yaks residing at different elevations and exposed to varying temperatures. The findings demonstrate subtle variations in the diversity of intestinal bacteria and fungi, accompanied by significant changes in taxonomic composition across various altitudes and temperature gradients. Notably, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota emerged as the dominant phyla across all groups, with Actinobacteriota exhibiting the highest proportion (35.77%) in the LZF group. Functional prediction analysis revealed significant associations between the LZF group and metabolic pathways related to amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis. This suggests a potential role for actinomycetes in enhancing nutrient absorption and metabolism in yaks. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the microbiota of yaks may enhance energy metabolism and catabolism by modulating the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidota ratio, potentially mitigating the effects of temperature variations. Variations in gut bacterial and fungal communities among three distinct groups were analyzed using metagenomic techniques. Our findings indicate that microbial genera exhibiting significant increases in yaks at lower altitudes are largely beneficial. To sum up, our research investigated the changes in gut bacterial and fungal populations of yaks residing across diverse altitude and temperature ranges. Moreover, these results enhance comprehension of gut microbial makeup and variability, offering perspectives on the environmental resilience of dry lot feeding yaks from a microbial angle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbin Zhu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850009, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.W.)
- Linzhou Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station, Lhasa 850009, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jia Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Yangji Cidan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850009, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.W.)
| | - Hongzhuang Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850009, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.W.)
| | - Kun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Wangdui Basang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850009, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.W.)
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Nshimiyimana JB, Zhao K, Wang W, Kong W. Diazotrophic abundance and community structure associated with three meadow plants on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1292860. [PMID: 38260880 PMCID: PMC10801153 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1292860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic diazotrophs form associations with legumes and substantially fix nitrogen into soils. However, grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are dominated by non-legume plants, such as Kobresia tibetica. Herein, we investigated the diazotrophic abundance, composition, and community structure in the soils and roots of three plants, non-legume K. tibetica and Kobresia humilis and the legume Oxytropis ochrocephala, using molecular methods targeting nifH gene. Diazotrophs were abundantly observed in both bulk and rhizosphere soils, as well as in roots of all three plants, but their abundance varied with plant type and soil. In both bulk and rhizosphere soils, K. tibetica showed the highest diazotroph abundance, whereas K. humilis had the lowest. In roots, O. ochrocephala and K. humilis showed the highest and the lowest diazotroph abundance, respectively. The bulk and rhizosphere soils exhibited similar diazotrophic community structure in both O. ochrocephala and K. tibetica, but were substantially distinct from the roots in both plants. Interestingly, the root diazotrophic community structures in legume O. ochrocephala and non-legume K. tibetica were similar. Diazotrophs in bulk and rhizosphere soils were more diverse than those in the roots of three plants. Rhizosphere soils of K. humilis were dominated by Actinobacteria, while rhizosphere soils and roots of K. tibetica were dominated by Verrumicrobia and Proteobacteria. The O. ochrocephala root diazotrophs were dominated by Alphaproteobacteria. These findings indicate that free-living diazotrophs abundantly and diversely occur in grassland soils dominated by non-legume plants, suggesting that these diazotrophs may play important roles in fixing nitrogen into soils on the plateau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Bosco Nshimiyimana
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Life and Geography Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, China
| | - Kang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Life and Geography Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, China
| | - Wenying Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Formation Mechanism and Comprehensive Utilization in Qinghai Tibet Plateau, Xining, China
| | - Weidong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Life and Geography Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, China
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