A5078922516- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Plant and animal studies
- Marine Ecology and Invasive Species
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Marine and environmental studies
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Mediterranean and Iberian flora and fauna
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Physiological and biochemical adaptations
- Mollusks and Parasites Studies
- Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies
- Marine and fisheries research
- Hymenoptera taxonomy and phylogeny
- Plant Parasitism and Resistance
University of Cyprus
2016-2025
Frederick University
2022
Open University of Cyprus
2022
University of Patras
2004-2013
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
1992-2013
Species richness is commonly thought to increase with habitat diversity. However, a recent theoretical model aiming unify niche and island biogeography theories predicted hump-shaped relationship between Given the contradiction results previous knowledge, we examine whether species diversity consistently monotonically increasing under which circumstances, if at all, such relationships could be hump shaped. We review empirical evidence about shape of show that on islands usually increases it...
ABSTRACT Aim To test whether congeneric species are significantly associated with one another in space, either positively or negatively. Also, to provide a framework for causal investigation of co‐occurrence patterns by parallel comparison interactions geographical and ecological data matrices. Location For the analysis species’ co‐occurrences we used 30 matrices covering wide range taxa areas, while distribution 50 terrestrial isopod on 20 islands 264 sampling stations central Aegean...
Abstract Aim To investigate the species–area relationship (SAR) of plants on very small islands, to examine effect other factors species richness, and check for a possible Small Island Effect (SIE). Location The study used data floral composition 86 islands (all < 0.050 km 2 ) Aegean archipelago (Greece). Methods We standard techniques linear nonlinear regression in order several models SAR, stepwise multiple effects than area richness (‘habitat diversity’, elevation, distance from...
Abstract Aim Whether entire communities of organisms converge towards predictable structural properties in similar environmental conditions remains controversial. We tested for community convergence birds by comparing the structure oceanic archipelago assemblages with their respective regional species pools. Location Eighteen major archipelagos volcanic origin global distribution. Major taxa studied Terrestrial birds. Methods compiled a comprehensive database morphological trait and...
ABSTRACT Aim To explore the causal factors leading to a significant Small Island Effect (SIE), that is, absence of commonly found species–area relationships below an island size, on terrestrial isopod communities from large number islands. Location Ninety islands Aegean Sea (Greece). Methods The detection SIE is assessed through application all three methods available in literature. Species are divided into generalists and specialists. We tested if minimum area range each species’...
Abstract In some island systems, an ‘anomalous’ feature of species richness on smaller islands, in comparison with larger ones, has been observed. This described as the small effect (SIE). The precise meaning term remains unresolved, does explanation for phenomenon and even whether it exists. Dengler (2010 ; Diversity Distrib , 16 256–266.) addresses a number conceptual methodological issues concerning nature detection SIE but fails to settle conclusively most he raises. We contend that his...
Abstract Among the few crustacean taxa that managed to inhabit terrestrial environments, Oniscidea includes most successful colonizers in terms of species richness and abundance. However, neither morphological traits nor molecular markers have definitively resolved phylogenetic relationships among major clades or established monophyly taxon. Herein, we employed highly conserved, nuclear protein-coding genes Sodium-Potassium Pump (NAK) Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (PEPCK), along with...
Abstract. Terrestrial isopods (Isopoda, Oniscidea) of forty‐three central Aegean islands and islets are analysed from a biogeographical point view. The oniscid fauna consists sixty‐nine species, thirty‐two genera fourteen families is characterized by elements that have an eastern Mediterranean origin. Endemism at the level 20%, similar to oniscids other archipelagoes. Analysis species distribution through both idiographic quantitative approaches (faunal similarity among using Jaccard's...
Abstract Aim To investigate how plant diversity of whole islands (‘gamma’) is related to alpha and beta patterns among sampling plots within each island, thus exploring aspects across scales. Location Nineteen the Aegean Sea, Greece. Methods Plant species were recorded at both whole‐island scale in small 100 m 2 on island. Mean plot richness was considered as a measure diversity, six indices ‘variation’‐type also applied. In addition, we partitioned into ‘nestedness’ ‘replacement’ component,...
Our aim was to investigate species co-occurrence patterns in a large number of published biotic communities, order document what extent associations can be found presence-absence matrices. We also compare and evaluate two metrics that focus on pairs (the ‘natural’ the ‘checkerboard’ metric) using artificial applied many data sets from huge variety insular systems around world. Both reliably recover deviating provide similar, albeit not identical, results. Nevertheless, only few matrices...
Widespread reports over the last six years confirm establishment of lionfish (Pterois miles) populations in eastern Mediterranean. Accumulated knowledge on invasions western Atlantic Ocean has shown that it is a successful invader and can have negative impacts native species, indirect ecological repercussions economic effects local human societies. Here we analysed genetic sequences from Cyprus as well data whole distribution targeting mtDNA markers cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI)...
Abstract Motivation The intrinsic characteristics of islands make them a unique study system for the investigation ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Mediterranean Basin, an island‐rich biodiversity hotspot, still lacks comprehensive spatial database these geographic features. This presents first all larger than 0.01 km 2 , aiding investigations interdisciplinary research. Main types variable contained MEDIS offers detailed information on 39 geographic, climatic, land‐use variables,...
The diversification of lineages sometimes exhibits patterns that are often described as ‘radiations’, which can be seen at various time scales, but researchers most focus on a fast divergence parental forms within short spans. Adaptive radiations widely discussed and have served important showcases Darwinian evolutionary processes. Other types radiation been identified, too, several classifications suggested. Among these, ‘non-adaptive radiations’ remain controversial till today. Despite...
ABSTRACT Aim To investigate the formation of nestedness and species co‐occurrence patterns at local (sampling station), intermediate (island group), archipelago scale. Location The study used data on distribution terrestrial isopods 20 islands central Aegean (Greece). These are assigned to two distinct subgroups (Kyklades Eastern islands). Methods Nestedness Temperature Calculator was obtain values maximally nested matrices, EcoSim7 software a modified version Sanderson (2000 ) method were...
Abstract Aim To estimate species turnover of plants on 32 small islands within a 20‐year period and to assess possible changes in community composition properties, such as richness factors affecting it, nestedness, co‐occurrence overall similarity. Additionally, the effects grazing, gull colonies fire values. Location Thirty‐two islets eastern Aegean Sea (Greece). Methods Complete sampling was performed 1974 1990–94 (mostly 1994, which used reference year). Species rates were estimated using...
Reliable taxonomy underpins communication in all of biology, not least nature conservation and sustainable use ecosystem resources. The flexibility taxonomic interpretations, however, presents a serious challenge for end-users concepts. Users need standardised continuously harmonised reference systems, as well high-quality complete data sets, but these are generally lacking non-specialists. solution is dynamic, expertly curated web-based tools. Pan-European Species-directories Infrastructure...