Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1038/s41559-025-02957-4
Lukas Malfertheiner, Janko Tackmann, João Frederico Matias Rodrigues, Christian von Mering
Phylogenetic signal describes the tendency of related organisms to resemble each other in morphology and function. Related organisms tend to also live in similar ecological niches, which is termed niche conservatism. The concepts of both phylogenetic signal and niche conservatism are widely used to understand crucial aspects of evolution and speciation, and they are well established in animals and plants. However, although assumed to be present, the extension of these concepts to microorganisms is challenging to assess. Here we hypothesize that two closely related microbial species should be found in samples with similar community compositions, reflecting their ecological similarity. We propose ‘community conservatism’ to refer to this phenomenon and leverage a database with millions of samples and hundreds of thousands of pairs of microorganisms to assess their relatedness and the similarity of the communities they occupy. Our findings reveal that community conservatism can be observed globally in all environments and phyla tested, over nearly all taxonomic ranks, but to varying extents. Analysing community conservatism shows promise to advance our understanding of evolution, speciation and the mechanisms governing community assembly in microorganisms. Furthermore, we propose that it can be used to reintegrate ecological parameters into operational taxonomic unit delimitation. This study reveals that closely related microorganisms tend to inhabit similar communities across all major environments and phyla. The authors term this phenomenon ‘community conservatism’, extending the ecological concepts of phylogenetic signal and niche conservatism to the microbial world.
{"title":"Community conservatism is widespread across microbial phyla and environments","authors":"Lukas Malfertheiner, Janko Tackmann, João Frederico Matias Rodrigues, Christian von Mering","doi":"10.1038/s41559-025-02957-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41559-025-02957-4","url":null,"abstract":"Phylogenetic signal describes the tendency of related organisms to resemble each other in morphology and function. Related organisms tend to also live in similar ecological niches, which is termed niche conservatism. The concepts of both phylogenetic signal and niche conservatism are widely used to understand crucial aspects of evolution and speciation, and they are well established in animals and plants. However, although assumed to be present, the extension of these concepts to microorganisms is challenging to assess. Here we hypothesize that two closely related microbial species should be found in samples with similar community compositions, reflecting their ecological similarity. We propose ‘community conservatism’ to refer to this phenomenon and leverage a database with millions of samples and hundreds of thousands of pairs of microorganisms to assess their relatedness and the similarity of the communities they occupy. Our findings reveal that community conservatism can be observed globally in all environments and phyla tested, over nearly all taxonomic ranks, but to varying extents. Analysing community conservatism shows promise to advance our understanding of evolution, speciation and the mechanisms governing community assembly in microorganisms. Furthermore, we propose that it can be used to reintegrate ecological parameters into operational taxonomic unit delimitation. This study reveals that closely related microorganisms tend to inhabit similar communities across all major environments and phyla. The authors term this phenomenon ‘community conservatism’, extending the ecological concepts of phylogenetic signal and niche conservatism to the microbial world.","PeriodicalId":18835,"journal":{"name":"Nature ecology & evolution","volume":"10 2","pages":"232-245"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02957-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145989385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1038/s41559-026-02975-w
Across the planet, microorganisms that are phylogenetically related can be found in similar communities, which suggests shared ecological preferences. This global pattern, which we term ‘community conservatism’, parallels well-established macroscopic ecological concepts such as phylogenetic signal and niche conservatism.
{"title":"Related microorganisms occupy similar ecological communities","authors":"","doi":"10.1038/s41559-026-02975-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41559-026-02975-w","url":null,"abstract":"Across the planet, microorganisms that are phylogenetically related can be found in similar communities, which suggests shared ecological preferences. This global pattern, which we term ‘community conservatism’, parallels well-established macroscopic ecological concepts such as phylogenetic signal and niche conservatism.","PeriodicalId":18835,"journal":{"name":"Nature ecology & evolution","volume":"10 2","pages":"177-178"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145986636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1038/s41559-025-02945-8
Chloë Coxshall, Miles Nesbit, Josh Hodge, Vincent Savolainen
Same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) is widespread across animal species; however, its evolutionary origins and ecological underpinnings remain poorly understood. In social animals, SSB is probably shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. For instance, a recent study in rhesus macaques indicates that while SSB is partially heritable and genetically based, it is also strongly influenced by environmental and social conditions. Here we compiled species-level data on 491 non-human primate species, documenting SSB occurrence and prevalence in 59 species, and examined its associations with 15 environmental, life history and social traits using phylogenetic regression and structural equation modelling. SSB occurrence was more likely in species inhabiting drier environments with increased food scarcity and predation pressure, in species with greater size dimorphism and longer lifespans and in those with more complex social structures and hierarchies. Structural equation modelling further indicated that environmental and life history traits influence SSB mainly indirectly, whereas social complexity directly promotes its occurrence. Together, these findings highlight SSB as a context-dependent behaviour shaped by interactions among ecological, life history and social factors, offering insights into the sexual diversity and social evolution of primates. Phylogenetic regression and structural equation modelling of environmental, social and life history traits across the primate clade indicates correlates for same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB), and suggests that while environmental and life history traits tend to influence SSB indirectly, social complexity directly promotes its occurrence.
{"title":"Ecological and social pressures drive same-sex sexual behaviour in non-human primates","authors":"Chloë Coxshall, Miles Nesbit, Josh Hodge, Vincent Savolainen","doi":"10.1038/s41559-025-02945-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41559-025-02945-8","url":null,"abstract":"Same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) is widespread across animal species; however, its evolutionary origins and ecological underpinnings remain poorly understood. In social animals, SSB is probably shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. For instance, a recent study in rhesus macaques indicates that while SSB is partially heritable and genetically based, it is also strongly influenced by environmental and social conditions. Here we compiled species-level data on 491 non-human primate species, documenting SSB occurrence and prevalence in 59 species, and examined its associations with 15 environmental, life history and social traits using phylogenetic regression and structural equation modelling. SSB occurrence was more likely in species inhabiting drier environments with increased food scarcity and predation pressure, in species with greater size dimorphism and longer lifespans and in those with more complex social structures and hierarchies. Structural equation modelling further indicated that environmental and life history traits influence SSB mainly indirectly, whereas social complexity directly promotes its occurrence. Together, these findings highlight SSB as a context-dependent behaviour shaped by interactions among ecological, life history and social factors, offering insights into the sexual diversity and social evolution of primates. Phylogenetic regression and structural equation modelling of environmental, social and life history traits across the primate clade indicates correlates for same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB), and suggests that while environmental and life history traits tend to influence SSB indirectly, social complexity directly promotes its occurrence.","PeriodicalId":18835,"journal":{"name":"Nature ecology & evolution","volume":"10 2","pages":"330-341"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145955992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1038/s41559-025-02932-z
Sophus O.S.E. zu Ermgassen, Tom Swinfield, Joseph W. Bull, Natalie E. Duffus, Andrew Macintosh, Martine Maron, Sebastian Theis, Thomas White, Megan C. Evans
Nature markets are proliferating rapidly around the world, yet it is underacknowledged that they have been practised in various forms for decades. A large body of scientific research has shown that nature markets regularly do not achieve their environmental objectives and provides generalizable lessons to support their ongoing improvement. The scale of the biodiversity crisis and the enduring popularity of nature markets mean it is now critical to stop reproducing the same mistakes. Here we synthesize international research from the history of nature markets and summarize five rules that are necessary precursors for achieving their environmental aims. We propose a checklist for investors, policymakers and civil society to assess whether nature markets are likely to be delivering scientifically credible outcomes. We score the world’s largest nature markets against these rules and show that all face integrity risks. Lastly, we outline critical evidence-based actions that can be taken to push nature markets towards greater integrity. This Perspective synthesizes insights from the past use of nature markets to identify design factors that are necessary if such markets are to achieve their environmental aims—although qualitative scoring of existing markets against these rules identifies pervasive gaps.
{"title":"Five rules for scientifically credible nature markets","authors":"Sophus O.S.E. zu Ermgassen, Tom Swinfield, Joseph W. Bull, Natalie E. Duffus, Andrew Macintosh, Martine Maron, Sebastian Theis, Thomas White, Megan C. Evans","doi":"10.1038/s41559-025-02932-z","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41559-025-02932-z","url":null,"abstract":"Nature markets are proliferating rapidly around the world, yet it is underacknowledged that they have been practised in various forms for decades. A large body of scientific research has shown that nature markets regularly do not achieve their environmental objectives and provides generalizable lessons to support their ongoing improvement. The scale of the biodiversity crisis and the enduring popularity of nature markets mean it is now critical to stop reproducing the same mistakes. Here we synthesize international research from the history of nature markets and summarize five rules that are necessary precursors for achieving their environmental aims. We propose a checklist for investors, policymakers and civil society to assess whether nature markets are likely to be delivering scientifically credible outcomes. We score the world’s largest nature markets against these rules and show that all face integrity risks. Lastly, we outline critical evidence-based actions that can be taken to push nature markets towards greater integrity. This Perspective synthesizes insights from the past use of nature markets to identify design factors that are necessary if such markets are to achieve their environmental aims—although qualitative scoring of existing markets against these rules identifies pervasive gaps.","PeriodicalId":18835,"journal":{"name":"Nature ecology & evolution","volume":"10 2","pages":"181-192"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145955948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1038/s41559-025-02940-z
Isabelle C. Winder
A clade-wide study of non-human primates shows that same-sex sexual behaviour typically appears in long-lived, sexually dimorphic species with complex social structures that experience predation, resource scarcity or environmental challenge.
{"title":"Drivers of same-sex sexual behaviour","authors":"Isabelle C. Winder","doi":"10.1038/s41559-025-02940-z","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41559-025-02940-z","url":null,"abstract":"A clade-wide study of non-human primates shows that same-sex sexual behaviour typically appears in long-lived, sexually dimorphic species with complex social structures that experience predation, resource scarcity or environmental challenge.","PeriodicalId":18835,"journal":{"name":"Nature ecology & evolution","volume":"10 2","pages":"175-176"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145955979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1038/s41559-025-02947-6
Iain Dickson
{"title":"Life in the trenches","authors":"Iain Dickson","doi":"10.1038/s41559-025-02947-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41559-025-02947-6","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18835,"journal":{"name":"Nature ecology & evolution","volume":"10 1","pages":"8-8"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145931237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1038/s41559-025-02970-7
Sometimes our editors can be spotted out in the wild at conferences and institute visits. We look back at some of our activities over the past year and look forward to what’s on the horizon in 2026.
{"title":"Out and about","authors":"","doi":"10.1038/s41559-025-02970-7","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41559-025-02970-7","url":null,"abstract":"Sometimes our editors can be spotted out in the wild at conferences and institute visits. We look back at some of our activities over the past year and look forward to what’s on the horizon in 2026.","PeriodicalId":18835,"journal":{"name":"Nature ecology & evolution","volume":"10 1","pages":"1-1"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02970-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145931238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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