The oral microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining oral and overall health and affects immune responses, digestion, and pathogen suppression. While most studies focus on age groups prone to specific conditions, such as dental caries in children or periodontal disease in older adults, limited data exist on preschool-aged children and young adults. This study investigates the composition and diversity of the oral microbiome between these age groups for enhanced understanding of a healthy oral microbiome. Microbial samples from the supragingival regions of 41 children and 31 young adults in Korea were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Alpha and beta diversity were assessed, and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified taxa with significant differences in abundance between the groups. No significant differences in alpha diversity were observed between children and young adults however, beta diversity analysis revealed notably compositional differences. At the phylum level, Firmicutes were more abundant in children, whereas Actinobacteria were more prevalent in young adults. Genera such as Veillonella and Lautropia were more abundant among children, whereas Haemophilus and Rothia were more common among young adults. LEfSe analysis identified Veillonella rogosae and Lautropia mirabilis as more abundant in children, whereas Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Rothia dentocariosa were more prevalent in young adults. The observed differences suggest that children’s microbiomes are associated with biofilm development, while young adults’ microbiomes involve biofilm maturation and immune modulation. These findings highlight the age-related shift in oral microbiome composition, emphasizing the importance of monitoring these changes to support long-term oral health.

Biodiversity encompasses species diversity, which includes species richness and species evenness. High species diversity is known to contribute to community stability and the potential for maintaining healthy ecosystem functioning. However, the most commonly used species diversity indices have some limitations, as they require species-specific abundance data for each community. In contrast, phylogenetic diversity measures the evolutionary distances between species within a community, reflecting ecological and/or evolutionary divergences and niche differences, without requiring abundance data. This study assessed biodiversity by calculating phylogenetic diversity indices for freshwater fishes (19 species) and aquatic insects (49 species) at three sites within Seoraksan and Odaesan National Parks. The aquatic insects studied belong to the EPT group (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera), which are widely used as bioindicators of aquatic ecosystems. Two mitochondrial DNA genes were used as molecular markers: COI and cyt b for fish, and COI and 16S rRNA for the EPT - group. Overall, Odaesan National Park exhibited higher phylogenetic diversity in both fishes and aquatic insects compared to Seoraksan National Park, although this difference was not statistically significant. The highest phylogenetic and species diversity were observed for fish at the OD2 site (Woljeong District) and for the EPT group at the OD1 (Gyebangsan) and SA2 (Jangsudae) sites. Correlation analysis revealed that phylogenetic diversity indices were more positively associated with species richness than species diversity indices. This study serves as a pilot project for establishing standardized methods for assessing biodiversity in national park habitats using phylogenetic diversity. It also aims to inform various policies, such as the development of biodiversity assessment systems and the prioritization of protected areas within national parks.

This study analyzed the epilithic diatom community and ecological health of freshwater streams using environmental DNA (eDNA)-based metabarcoding technology. eDNA metabarcoding is a method that analyzes biological communities by performing PCR amplification followed by next-generation sequencing (NGS), offering higher sensitivity and faster results compared to traditional microscopic analyses. The study compared the eDNA metabarcoding results of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain gene (rbcL) targeting epilithic diatoms according to Taq polymerases (SuperFi II, GainBlue, EzPCR, and AccuPower). SuperFi II and GainBlue yielded the highest number of reads and zOTUs, with GainBlue showing particularly uniform read distribution, allowing for more accurate analysis for community diversity of epilithic diatoms. On the other hand, EzPCR and AccuPower exhibited lower number of reads and zOTUs, making them less suitable for the community diversity. In terms of community similarity analysis, SuperFi II and GainBlue produced highly similar results, while EzPCR and AccuPower showed significant differences. This study demonstrates that PCR Taq polymerases significantly influence community diversity and similarity analyses of epilithic diatoms, with GainBlue providing the most stable and accurate results. Our findings serve as a valuable foundation for improving the accuracy of eDNA-based metabarcoding analyses of diatoms.

Tricholoma matsutake is an economically important ectomycorrhizal mushroom, but artificial cultivation remains challenging. While much research has been conducted on the bacteria and fungi associated with T. matsutake, studies on archaea have been limited. This study compared and analyzed the diversity and structural differences of archaeal communities in the fairy ring and non-fairy ring soils using a metabarcoding approach. The alpha diversity analysis revealed that the archaeal community in fairy ring soil had lower diversity compared to non-fairy ring soil, and beta diversity analysis clearly separated the community structures between the two soil types. Among all analyzed soils, Nitrososphaeria (Nitrososphaerota) dominated the archaeal community at class level. In fairy ring soils, Nitrosotalea (Nitrosotaleaceae) was predominant, while in non-fairy ring soils, Nitrosocaldaceae dominated. These results suggest that Nitrosotalea may have a close association with T. matsutake, highlighting the need for further in-depth research on archaea as potential growth promoting microorganism for T. matsutake mycelial growth.

Tricholoma matsutake is a commercially valuable fungus that produces gourmet mushrooms. The artificial cultivation method that is currently used to produce fruiting bodies involves the transplantation of pine trees infected with T. matsutake from their natural habitats and the successful infection of young pine trees and mushroom production have been reported in Hongcheon. In this study, T. matsutake genetic diversity and relationships in this region were investigated. A genotype analysis was conducted on 25 fruiting bodies collected from an area approximately 2.56 km2 in size using 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The analysis revealed 25 genotypes and 23 alleles with mean observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosities of 0.312 and 0.293, respectively. The average polymorphism information content (PIC), which indicates marker polymorphism, was 0.257. A phylogenetic analysis showed no clear correlation between collection location and genetic distance; a spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated no significant genetic structure within 1600 m; and the Mantel test showed no significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances. These results were consistent with previous reports on Japanese populations. This study provides insights into the genetic diversity and structure of T. matsutake at a local scale and highlights the need for further studies across broader geographical ranges.

장미 속은 오랜 시간에 걸쳐 잡종화, 배수화 및 육종 등을 통해 약 250개의 종과 30,000여 품종이 존재하는 진화 역사를 가지고 있으며, 다양한 분류체계로 구분되고 있다. 이에, 본 연구 는 장미 속 자원의 다양성을 평가하고 자생식물 해당화의 육종적 활용을 위해 수행되었다. 장미 속 자원의 형태학적 다양성을 확인하기 위해 장미 속 자원 303점에 대해 형태적 특성조사를 실시하고 해당화 및 장미 속 자원 29점을 선발하여 SSR 분석을 실시하였다. 추가적으로, 해당화의 육종적 활용을 위한 자원 6점 을 선발하고 화분 검정을 실시하였다. 본 연구의 결과, 장미 속 자원 303점의 다양성 평가 결과에서 유사한 형태적 특징을 지닌 자원끼리 7개 그룹으로 나뉘었다. 선발된 29개 자원의 형태학적 데이터와 분자학적 데이터를 이용한 군집 분석 결과, 데이터의 유사성을 보인 자원끼리 각각 5개, 4개 그룹으로 구분되었다. 또한, 혼합분석 시에는 3개 그룹으로 확인되었다. 분류 결과를 바탕으로 자생 식물을 이용한 정원장미 육종을 위해 각각 특성이 다른 해당화를 3점 선발하였고 장미 속 자원에 속하는 정원 장미 3점을 선발하여 총 6자원을 선발하였다. 선발된 자원의 화분 검정 결과, 종간 교잡체를 제외한 5가지 자원에서 90% 이상의 정상화분율을 확인하였다. 본 결과는 자생식물 해당화를 재평가 하고 정원 장미 육종 전략 수립에 도움이 될 것으로 기대된다.

This study applied a camera trapping method to investigate species diversity of birds and mammals in Jingwan-dong Wetland located in Bukhansan National Park, Seoul, Korea. The objectives of this study were to (1) verify the efficiency of the camera trapping method through a combination of literature and observation surveys, and to (2) propose it as an effective monitoring method to assessing changes in biodiversity. From February 2022 to June 2022, a total of six cameras were installed for 121 days to conduct camera trapping in three aquatic environments. As a result, a total of 14,742 videos were obtained with a data acquisition rate of 59.2%. Analysis of the data identified a total of 20 families and 47 species of birds with 7 families and 8 species of mammals. When previous field observation data compiled from the past 10 years starting from 2011 were analyzed, a total of 33 families and 90 species of birds with 5 families and 6 species of mammals were identified. Camera trapping in Jingwan-dong Wetland recorded species list, including 3 families and 3 species of bird and 2 families and 2 species of mammal not observed in the past decade. Thus, camera trapping, which complements temporal limitations of field survey, can be an effective monitoring method for rapidly changing biodiversity if spatial limitations are improved. Resulting species lists can serve as a basis for future restoration and management plans.

서식지에 따른 토양 절지동물 풍부도 및 딱정벌레 다양성 연구를 위해 세 종류의 시료(낙엽층과 토양 혼합, 낙엽층, 토양 시료)를 확보 후 체 털어잡기 하였다. 2023년 6월부터 8월까지 강원도와 충청북도에서 혼합 시료, 낙엽층 시료, 토양 시료 각각 25개씩 총 75개의 시료를 확보하였 다. 딱정벌레목 다양성을 확인한 결과, 세 가지 시료 중에서 혼합 시료에서 가장 높은 풍부도, 종 부유도, Shannon 지수가 나타났다. 이 논문에서 는 체털어잡기의 생태학적 활용 가능성에 대해 논의해 보았다. 토양성 절지동물의 채집과 시료 종류 사이의 연구가 지속적으로 이루어진다면, 최 종적으로 토양생태계 연구의 발전과 이해를 높일 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

To analyse the relationship between above-ground carbon stocks, species diversity and broadleaved forests structural diversity of South Korean forests, we collected vegetation inventories from environmental impact assessment projects over the past 10 years. The available data were selected and organised including tree species, DBH and area each projects. The data was classified by forest type, aboveground carbon stocks were calculated and compared, and the correlation between aboveground carbon stocks and biodiversity and structural diversity was analysed. The results showed that above-ground carbon stocks were higher in mixed forests and broadleaved forests and lower in needleleaved forests, similar to previous studies. However aboveground carbon stocks of mixed forests were higher in natural forests than in plantations. Aboveground carbon stocks in broadleaved forests were higher in plantations than natural forests, and there was no statistical different of between natural and plantations in needleleaved forest. This could be the result of a variety influences including biological and environmental factors in the study area, and further research is needed to analyse the effects on carbon sequestration. Correlation analysis showed no correlation between biodiversity and above-ground carbon stocks, but a positive correlation between structural diversity and above-ground carbon stocks. This indicates that above-ground carbon stocks in forests are associated with unevenness diameters and the proportion and evenness of tree species by diameter. In addition, it has been analysed that the high succession stages in forest have higher species diversity and structural diversity, and greater efficiency in the utilization of resources required for plant growth, leading to increased plant productivity and storage. Considering that the study sites were young forests with an average DBH of 14.8~23.7 cm, it is expected that carbon stocks will increase as biodiversity and structural diversity increase. Further research is needed to develop techniques to quantitatively assess the relationship of diversity to carbon stocks for policy use in assessing and increasing carbon stocks in forests.

This study aims to systematically investigate the insect diversity within the distinct coastal grassland and mountain habitats of East Busan, Busan Metropolitan City. The objective is to gather foundational data that will inform natural environment conservation plans and contribute to policy formulation. Employing a comprehensive collection approach, we utilized trapping nets, pitfall traps, and flying insect traps to capture a broad spectrum of insect species. The investigation identified a rich diversity of 132 species across 9 orders and 52 families. Coleoptera emerged as the most prevalent order with 13 families and 41 species, followed by Diptera with 8 families and 24 species, and Lepidoptera with 9 families and 21 species. To assess the biodiversity and structure of these communities by habitat type, we applied several biodiversity indices: the Shannon-Wiener index (H'), Margalef index (R), and Pielou evenness index. Coastal grasslands exhibited an H' of 3.153, R of 11.08, and a Pielou evenness of 0.371; coastal mountains showed an H' of 2.922, R of 13.02, and a Pielou evenness of 0.202. These metrics reveal no significant differences in diversity and evenness between the two habitats. The endangered Copris tripartitus was notably observed in coastal grasslands, alongside 20 species classified as Least Concern (LC) in the National Red List across both habitats. The comparative analysis of biodiversity and evenness levels across coastal grassland and mountain areas highlights the ecological significance of both habitats in supporting a diverse insect fauna. The detection of endangered and LC species within these areas emphasizes the critical need for ongoing monitoring and the development of effective conservation strategies tailored to protect Busan's coastal ecosystems. The findings underscore the necessity of conducting periodic surveys to monitor faunal changes and inform conservation efforts actively. By ensuring the continued protection of insect diversity, these efforts will play a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological integrity of coastal areas, thereby supporting broader environmental conservation objectives.

생태계내에서 중요한 수분매개체인 야생벌을 보전하기 위해서는 풍부도와 다양성을 모니터링 하는 것이 중 요하다. 충청남도 서천군의 마을숲에서 야생벌을 2년간 조사한 결과 총 9과 57종 3,258개체를 채집하였다. 우점 종은 애꽃벌과의 꼬마애꽃벌이 가장 많았으며, 다음으로 양봉꿀벌, 수염줄벌, 구리꼬마꽃벌이었다. 종수는 2월 부터 증가하다가 8월에 가장 많았으며, 개체수는 4월에 가장 많고 이후 줄어들었다. 야생벌의 종 목록 살펴보면, 꿀벌과가 16종으로 가장 많았으며, 애꽃벌과의 꼬마애꽃벌은 1종이지만 개체수는 2,084개체로 본 연구에서 가 장 많이 나타났다. 본 연구에서 조사된 결과는 향후 기후변화로 인한 수분매개 곤충의 영향을 파악하는데 유용하 게 쓰일 것이다.

This study investigated the distribution and diversity of spider communities living in natural and semi-natural environments located in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea, and thereby emphasizes the importance of urban planning and biodiversity conservation. In this study, we documented 128 spider species through pit-fall trapping, sweeping, and manual collection methods and analyzed their alpha and beta diversity, nestedness, and interactions. As a result, natural habitats (forests) showed higher biodiversity and more complex species interactions. Despite anthropogenic impacts, such as human activities, urban habitats have shown notable biodiversity. Nestedness analysis and association rule learning reveal diverse community structures in multiple habitats and intricate interspecies relationships. This study highlights the importance of habitat heterogeneity in supporting biodiversity and the importance of considering multiple ecological factors in urban planning.

The large copper butterfly Lycaena dispar (Haworth, 1803; Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) has been categorized as a near-threatened species (NT) in South Korea from 2012 mainly due to limited distribution. In this study, we visited 36 sites spread across all South Korean provinces to verify the distributional range of the species and sequenced mitochondrial COI for 53 individuals from nine sites. We observed L. dispar at 15 sites in six provinces, including the two previously known provinces, indicating a southward range expansion. The in-field monitoring and genetic data collectively suggested that L. dispar does not have a limited distribution nor is it isolated, indicating that it should be reclassified as less vulnerable. Our study demonstrates that the combination of field and genetic data can provide a more reliable assessment of the stability of a species.

The effective management of insect pests requires decisions based on monitoring information. In this study, we aimed to monitor insect species diversity and monthly occurrence patterns on the golf course using light traps. Sampling was conducted at Anyang Country Club, Korea, from May to October 2023. A total of 5,149 individuals were collected, with Lepidoptera and Coleoptera being the most abundant orders. Among them, there were six species (Agrotis ipsilon, Blitopertha orientalis, Heptophylla picea, Maladera orientalis, Parapediasia teterrella, and Spodoptera depravata) of insect pests that caused serious damage to the turfgrass. The results of this study could be used as data to establish efficient management strategies for turfgrass insect pests.

현재 기후변화 및 산업화 등으로 생물다양성 감소, 환경오염에 대한 위기가 확산되고 있어 지속가능한 미래설 계에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있다. 이에 따라, 본 연구에서는 대표 도시숲인 국립세종수목원에 조성된 총 16개 전시원을 대상으로 총 6차례에 걸쳐 방문곤충과 화분매개곤충 다양성을 조사하였다. 조사시기별 분석결과로 2차(‘23.7.31) 조사 시기에 가장 다양한 종을 확인할 수 있었으며(총 80종), 전시원별 분석결과 숲정원에서 가장 다양한 종을 확인할 수 있었다(총 59종). 또한 주요 식물 6종(배롱나무, 나무수국, 무궁화, 좀개미취, 범부채, 부처 꽃)에 7~10월 기간 중 양봉꿀벌, 애황나나니, 호박벌, 네발나비, 호랑나비, 흰점박이꽃무지, 호리꽃등에, 배짧은 꽃등에가 화분매개 행동을 하는 것을 확인하였다. 본 발표에서는 2023년 국립세종수목원 전시원 내 방문곤충 및 화분매개곤충 다양성 연구의 구체적인 결과를 제시하고, 곤충의 보전 필요성, 도시숲 내 체계적인 방문곤충 및 화분매개곤충 조사의 중요성에 대하여 논하고자 한다.

Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia, long from north to south, with temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates in different parts of the country. Based on the results of two years of insect surveys in the subtropical and tropical regions of Vietnam, we conducted a comparative analysis of the species diversity of the Noctuoidea (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in the two survey areas, Bach Ma National Park and Protected Forest in the Vạn Xuân region. In addition, the host flora of the identified moths were analysed to determine the differences in host communities.

Over 350 species of Stathmopodidae have been reported worldwide, but due to their morphological similarities, there are many difficulties in species identification. To address these issues, various methods including larval, behavioral ecology, molecular techniques, and others have been utilized. In this study, we compared the resistance to pressure based on wing venation, which has not been extensively covered before, to further elucidate the differences between species. Type species, and one species from the genus reported in Korea, this study utilized Fusion 360 to create 3D models and visually represented resistance under the same pressure with colors. Colors derived from simulation results are extracted for trend analysis using PCA (Principal Component Analysis), and differences between groups formed through K-means clustering are analyzed.