En esta página encontrarás los seminarios de investigación organizados por el MNCN en colaboración con la Sociedad de Amigos del Museo (SAM) durante el año 2023.
IDENTIFYING GEOINDICATORS IN ICE-FREE AREAS OF ANTARCTICA USING REMOTE SENSING TECHNOLOGIES
Ponente: Thomas Schmid, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas)
Fecha y hora: viernes 25 de octubre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Ice-free areas within Antarctica are often found along the coast lines and are mainly influenced by glacial, periglacial and paraglacial processes. These areas are of particular interest due to their rich terrestrial biodiversity of flora and fauna and contain ecosystems highly sensitive to environmental changes that are very much affected by climate change. Furthermore, anthropogenic activities around research stations or the access of tourists visiting the region further impact the fragile ecosystems. In this case, remote sensing has been a suitable and widely used tool to identify, map and monitor the different land surface areas, especially where access has been limited and relatively small areas are spread over a wide area. Different satellite-borne optical and radar sensors as well as establishing site specific spectral libraries have been key to characterise and monitor ice-free areas.
LOCAL ADAPTATION IN CHANGING ENVIRONMENTS
Ponente: Gabriela Montejo-Kovacevich, Assistant Professor, Evolution Biology Centre, Uppsala University (Sweden)
Fecha y hora: viernes 18 de octubre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Adaptation to local environmental conditions can determine evolutionary divergence along environmental clines. Altitudinal clines are steep environmental gradients that provide the ideal setting for studying local adaptation while minimising the pervasive effects of geographic isolation and genetic drift on population structure. A key question is how strong and detectable selection is in the wild and how convergent local adaptation to the environment is among closely related species. Here we tackle these by studying continuous populations of Heliconius butterflies ranging 1500m in elevation across both sides of the Andean mountains. We found novel genomic signatures of adaptation to high altitude in two widsepread Heliconius species. Molecular parallelism between lineages was high, especially when these had recently diverged and shared a large pool of standing variation. With additional sequences from high-altitude specialist species, we identify an important role of putative adaptive introgression of altitude adaptation candidate loci from pre-adapted species. This work demonstrates the potential of effective replication across space and levels of divergence to study local adaptation. Finally, I will present a new study system showcasing potential rapid adaptation to climate change in a Californian butterfly. My research aims to uncover how organisms will cope with the struggle for existence in the face of global change.
THE DECLINE OF AFRICAN MEGAHERBIVORES
Ponente: Juan L. Cantalapiedra, Departamento de Paleobiología, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales
Fecha y hora: viernes 11 de octubre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Speciation and extinction processes are responsible for the changes in diversity and faunal composition observed in the fossil record. However, during turnover events or biotic crises, when a charismatic group disappears or is decimated, much of our attention is focused exclusively on extinction processes. This is the case with the decline of the megafauna, where research has largely focused on identifying the main culprit behind the extinction of these large mammals. To better contextualize this phenomenon, it is essential to jointly study both dynamics, speciation and extinction, and understand how they have been influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors. In this study, we present the results of a new analysis that applies neural network-based diversification models to unravel the contributions of environmental change, body mass, dietary plasticity, and phylogenetic affinities to diversification dynamics in African ungulates over the past 24 million years. Disparities in speciation potential among groups and ecologies were more decisive than lineage-specific extinctions in the reshaping of African megaherbivore faunas. Species proliferation shows a clear phylogenetic signal and is suppressed in larger-bodied lineages, particularly as aridity increased in African environments. Extinction patterns are primarily driven by this environmental shift and the associated re-tailoring of plant communities, with smaller-bodied lineages showing a significantly higher acceleration of extinction. These results highlight that the diversity crisis among megaherbivores is not only driven by changes in extinction rates but also by complex interactions between environmental disturbances and speciation potential.
LAGARTOS EN LA GALÁPAGOS ESPAÑOLA, PROPUESTA DE UN CONSORCIO
Ponente: Rodrigo Megía-Palma, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Fecha y hora: viernes 4 de octubre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Las Islas Canarias son comparables, por su historia geológica y el número de endemismos que atesoran, con el famosos archipiélago ecuatoriano de Galápagos. También atesora una abundante población de lagartos que, si bien no son tan grandes como las icónicas iguanas marinas ecuatorianas, son muy abundantes en Canarias y proporcionan un modelo de estudio muy favorable para realizar estudios biogeográficos, taxonómicos, y de ecología evolutiva entre otros. Voy a presentar los trabajos publicados, y en proceso de publicación, sobre los lagartos de Tenerife. Explicaré la red de colaboración que he creado en torno a este sistema, y los proyectos a corto y medio plazo que estamos realizando. También expondré las fuentes de financiación. El objeto de mi seminario es proponer un consorcio colaborativo abierto a que investigadores, en cualquier etapa de su carrera, puedan unirse mediante el aporte de sus conocimientos y habilidades técnicas, para proponer futuros proyectos interdisciplinarios de ámbito de aplicación en todo el archipiélago. ¡Espero que sea de vuestro interés!
Abstract (English): The Canary Islands are comparable, due to their geological history and the number of endemisms they contain, with the famous Ecuadorian archipelago of the Galapagos. It also has an abundant population of lizards that, although they are not as large as the iconic Ecuadorian marine iguanas, are very abundant in the Canary Islands and provide a very favorable study model for carrying out biogeographic, taxonomic, and evolutionary ecology studies, among others. I am going to present the published works, and in the process of publication, on the lizards of Tenerife. I will explain the collaboration network that I have created around this system, and the short and medium-term projects that we are carrying out. I will also explain the sources of financing. The purpose of my seminar is to propose a collaborative consortium open to researchers, at any stage of their career, so they can come together by contributing their knowledge and technical skills, to propose future interdisciplinary projects with a scope of application throughout the archipelago. I hope it's of interest!
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS AT THE POLES: CHALLENGES AND PECULIARITIES
Ponente: Beatriz Fernández-Marín, Ramón y Cajal Senior Researcher, Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
Fecha y hora: viernes 27 de septiembre de 13:00 a 14:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Photosynthesis is the process that enables the conversion of atmospheric CO2 into sugars in the presence of water and mediated by the energy of light. The activity of photosynthetic organisms sustains most of the trophic nets all around the World and provide them (and us) with oxygen. But, how easy is photosynthesis at polar environments, where two of the main factors (light and liquid water) can be tremendously limited? The answer is “quite challenging”. Nevertheless, photosynthetic organisms possess a battery of biological and physiological strategies to achieve it. In this talk we will deepen into the physiological mechanisms that enable polar organisms to a fine-tuning and adjustment of photosynthetic activity to their environmental conditions, focusing on light and water availability as main constraining factors.
TELEDETECCIÓN NOCTURA: CLAVE PARA MEDIR EL IMPACTO AMBIENTAL Y LA CONTAMINACIÓN LUMÍNICA
Ponente: Alejandro Sánchez de Miguel, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Fecha y hora: viernes 13 de septiembre de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: La teledetección nocturna se ha convertido en una herramienta clave para analizar el impacto ambiental, particularmente en lo que respecta a la contaminación lumínica. Este tipo de contaminación no solo afecta la astronomía al oscurecer la visión del cielo nocturno (contaminación astronómica), sino también altera los ecosistemas naturales y las interacciones biológicas (contaminación ecológica). Gracias a los avances en imágenes satelitales, es posible identificar y monitorear áreas afectadas por la iluminación artificial. Los satélites como el *VIIRS* o el *DMSP*, junto con plataformas como la Estación Espacial Internacional, han sido fundamentales para medir la intensidad de la luz emitida por ciudades y áreas iluminadas. Esta información permite evaluar los cambios en los ecosistemas, así como medir el consumo de energía vinculado a la iluminación. El aumento de la iluminación artificial ha generado efectos adversos tanto en la salud humana como en la biodiversidad. Estudios han demostrado su vinculación con trastornos de salud como el cáncer y la diabetes, además de modificar comportamientos cruciales en animales como la orientación de aves migratorias o el apareamiento de especies nocturnas. El monitoreo satelital no solo identifica estas áreas afectadas, sino que también proporciona datos fundamentales para implementar políticas de conservación ambiental. Por ejemplo, en ciudades como Seúl, se han introducido regulaciones específicas para limitar la contaminación lumínica mediante la categorización de áreas en zonas de gestión de la luz, regulando la intensidad y dirección de la iluminación en espacios públicos y privados. Estos enfoques permiten diseñar ciudades más sostenibles, equilibrando la necesidad de iluminación con la preservación del ambiente nocturno. En resumen, la teledetección nocturna, mediante imágenes satelitales y sensores especializados, no solo identifica las áreas afectadas por la luz artificial, sino que también es fundamental para la planificación urbana sostenible y la conservación de los ecosistemas afectados por la creciente contaminación lumínica.
ADAPTIVE RADIATION: ISOLATION & ECOLOGICAL DIVERGENCE
Ponente: Rosemary G. Gillespie, Senior Fellow, Jesus College Oxford (sabbatical), Professor, Univ of California, Berkeley, US
Fecha y hora: viernes 21 de junio de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Adaptive radiation is one of the key drivers of species diversity, yet the mechanism through which it is achieved, and the outcome of the process, are largely unknown. In many lineages, initial divergence results from environmental or sexual selection leading to divergence of species between environments and subsequent secondary contact. In other lineages, initial reproductive isolation may be achieved without divergent selection; here, ecological niche divergence can develop as a result of interactions between close relatives during secondary contact. The Hawaiian archipelago – in which each island provides a snapshot in time of the evolutionary process – is one system that can offer insights into the processes of adaptive radiation, allowing the early stages of radiation to be studied in real time. I identify lineages in which the abiotic environment appears to play the dominant role in adaptive diversification, with repeated and convergent evolution of sets of taxa adapted to similar sets of environmental conditions. In contrast, divergence in other lineages appears to be the result of character displacement associated with direct interaction between close relatives, leading to convergent evolution of niche-specialized ecomorphs within a given environment. I will discuss the importance of differentiating between patterns to understand the processes that underpin adaptive radiation.
RISKS POSED BY INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES TO THE PROVISION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Ponente: Belinda Gallardo, Tenured Researcher at Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE), CSIC. PI of the Group of Ecological Restoration.
Fecha y hora: viernes 7 de junio de 12:00 a 13:00
Lugar: salón de actos del MNCN
Abstract: Invasive species significantly affect biodiversity and ecosystem services, but understanding these impacts across broad spatial scales is challenging. Our research reveals a critical mismatch: heavily invaded regions—mainly urban and agricultural, key for provisioning services—differ sharply from areas most vulnerable to invasions, which are pristine and biodiverse landscapes crucial for regulating and supporting services. This discrepancy is shaped by the pathways through which invasive species are introduced and their typically opportunistic traits. However, as climate change and human-transportation progress, we expect invasive species to increasingly encroach on these natural areas, intensifying their impacts. Specifically, our research has shown that invasive species cause cascading impacts on the abundance of native communities that depend on the feeding str
