Knowledge of microbial communities and their inherent heterogeneity has dramatically increased with the widespread use of high-throughput sequencing technologies, and we are learning more about the ecological processes that structure microbial communities across a wide range of environments, as well as the relative scales of importance for describing bacterial communities in natural systems. Little work has been carried out to assess fine-scale eukaryotic microbial heterogeneity in soils. Here, we present findings from a bar-coded 18S rRNA survey of the eukaryotic microbial communities in a previously unstudied geothermal diatomaceous biological soil crust in Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA, in which we explicitly compare microbial community heterogeneity at the particle scale within soil cores. Multivariate analysis of community composition showed that while subsamples from within the same soil core clustered together, community dissimilarity between particles in the same core was high. This study describes a novel soil microbial environment and also adds to our growing understanding of microbial heterogeneity and the scales relevant to the study of soil microbial communities.

Microbial communities in soil are among the most diverse and species-rich of any habitat, but we know surprisingly little about the factors that structure them. Geothermal soils present unique and relatively unexplored model systems in which to address ecological questions using soil microbial communities, since harsh conditions in these soils exert strong filters on most organisms. This work represents two very different approaches to studying soil ecology in geothermal soils in Yellowstone National Park: 1) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities living in the roots of Mimulus gutattus in contrasting plant community types were compared to assess a link in community structure between plants and their AMF symbionts; and 2) soil microbial communities were surveyed across multiple spatial scales in an unstudied diatomaceous biological soil crust in alkaline siliceous geothermal soils, using bar-coded 454 pyrosequencing of 18S and 16S rDNA. Mycorrhizal communities living in plant roots from contrasting community types showed a striking difference in taxon richness and diversity that appears to transcend soil-chemical differences, though robust conclusions are difficult since plant and fungal communities are structured by some of the same confounding soil conditions. Cluster and discriminant analyses were employed to compare drivers of AMF community structure. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic communities in a diatomaceous biological soil crust differ significantly from that of an adjacent sinter soil, and along a photic depth gradient. Along with a description of this unique system, extensive multivariate community analyses were used to address outstanding questions of soil microbial community spatial heterogeneity and the methodologies best suited to the unique assumptions of these datasets. Depending on the intended scope of inference, much detail can be gained by investigation of microbial communities at the aggregate or soil particle scale, rather than through composite sampling. Additionally, beta-diversity patterns are apparent with relatively few sequences per sample.

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The theme of this volume is big data in ecology. Updates and informs the reader on the latest research findings Written by leading experts in the field Highlights areas for future investigation

Natural and engineered slopes are widely distributed worldwide, including mountain slopes, highway slopes, mine slopes, reservoir dams, etc. These slopes could become unstable due to natural factors or human activities, causing catastrophic loss of life and infrastructure destruction. Therefore, these slopes require constant monitoring to provide early warning and enable mitigation. Advanced monitoring equipment, information technology, and multidisciplinary interaction theories have created new opportunities and challenges in this discipline. Recently, advanced monitoring devices, information technologies, and multidisciplinary intersection theories have contributed to the monitoring, early warning and mitigation of natural and engineered slopes. However, effective and efficient monitoring, precise early warning, low-cost and low-time-consuming remediation, and reliable risk assessment remain obstacles. This Research Topic aims to present the most recent innovative advancements and state-of-the-art natural and engineered slope monitoring, early warning, mitigation, and risk assessment.

Algae are an important component of aquatic benthic ecosystems because they reflect the health of their environment through their density, abundance, and diversity. This comprehensive and authoritative text is divided into three sections to offer complete coverage of the discussion in this field. The first section introduces the locations of benthic algae in different ecosystems, like streams, large rivers, lakes, and other aquatic habitats. The second section is devoted to the various factors, both biotic and abiotic, that affect benthic freshwater algae. The final section of the book focuses on the role played by algae in a variety of complex freshwater ecosystems. As concern over environmental health escalates, the keystone and pivotal role played by algae is becoming more apparent. This volume in the Aquatic Ecology Series represents an important compilation of the latest research on the crucial niche occupied by algae in aquatic ecosystems. Presents algae as the important player in relation to environmental health Prepared by leading authorities in the field Includes comprehensive treatment of the functions of benthic algae as well as the factors that affect these important aquatic organisms Acts as an important reference for anyone interested in understanding and managing freshwater ecosystems