Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
06:07
Building Double-decker Traps for Early Detection of Emerald Ash Borer
Published on: October 4, 2017
8.2K
Agathis vs. Hymenaea-trapping biases to interpret arthropod assemblages in ambers
Mónica M Solórzano-Kraemer1, Antonio Monleón-Getino2, Enrique Peñalver3
1Senckenberg Research Institute, Frankfurt Am Main, 60325, Germany. monica.solorzano-kraemer@senckenberg.de.
BMC Biology
|November 6, 2025
Summary
Hymenaea resin traps abundant, uniformly distributed arthropods, unlike Agathis resin. This difference in arthropod trapping patterns impacts amber record interpretation and understanding of fossil forest ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Botanical Sciences
- Entomology
Background:
- Agathis and Hymenaea are resin-producing trees vital for actuotaphonomic studies.
- Cretaceous ambers may originate from Agathis-like trees, while Hymenaea yields Miocene ambers.
- Defaunation resin (post-1760 AD) was collected from New Caledonia and Madagascar.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare arthropod trapping patterns in Agathis and Hymenaea resins.
- To analyze arthropod inclusions in various amber, copal, and modern resin samples.
- To assess the influence of resin type on fossil arthropod preservation.
Main Methods:
- Field collection of Defaunation resin and arthropods using sticky and Malaise traps.
- Analysis of arthropod distribution and composition in modern resins and fossil ambers.
- Comparative analysis of trapping patterns between Agathis and Hymenaea resins.
Main Results:
- Agathis Defaunation resin trapped fewer arthropods, with non-uniform distribution, compared to Hymenaea resin.
- Rapid polymerization of Agathis resin limits arthropod inclusion.
- Arthropods in Agathis resin showed distinct patterns from trap-collected arthropods, unlike Hymenaea resin.
Conclusions:
- Agathis and Hymenaea exhibit different resin trapping patterns, affecting amber record interpretation.
- Hymenaea resin fauna reflects a close relationship with the forest ecosystem (autochthony).
- Findings refine understanding of arthropod trapping biases in resin and Cretaceous biocoenoses.
Related Concept Videos
01:06Fixed Action Patterns
A fixed action pattern (FAP) is a specific, hard-wired sequence of behaviors that occurs in response to an external stimulus, called a sign stimulus. The behavior is “fixed” because it is essentially unchangeable—proceeding similarly across individuals of a species every time it occurs.
01:28Articulations of the Vertebral Column
In addition to being held together by the intervertebral discs, adjacent vertebrae also articulate with each other at synovial joints formed between the superior and inferior articular processes called zygapophysial joints (facet joints). These are plane joints that provide for only limited motions between the vertebrae. The orientation of the articular processes at these joints varies in different regions of the vertebral column and serves to determine the types of motions available in each...
01:10Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
01:20Structural Classification of Joints
Joints, also known as articulations, are classified based on their structural characteristics, i.e., based on whether the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones are directly connected by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the articulating surfaces contact each other within a fluid-filled joint cavity. These differences serve to divide the joints of the body into three structural classifications.
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
01:25Relative Motion Analysis using Rotating Axes
Consider a component AB undergoing a linear motion. Along with a linear motion, point B also rotates around point A. To comprehend this complex movement, position vectors for both points A and B are established using a stationary reference frame.
However, to express the relative position of point B relative to point A, an additional frame of reference, denoted as x'y', is necessary. This additional frame not only translates but also rotates relative to the fixed frame, making it instrumental in...
However, to express the relative position of point B relative to point A, an additional frame of reference, denoted as x'y', is necessary. This additional frame not only translates but also rotates relative to the fixed frame, making it instrumental in...
01:29Relative Motion Analysis using Rotating Axes-Problem Solving
Consider a crane whose telescopic boom rotates with an angular velocity of 0.04 rad/s and angular acceleration of 0.02 rad/s2. Along with the rotation, the boom also extends linearly with a uniform speed of 5 m/s. The extension of the boom is measured at point D, which is measured with respect to the fixed point C on the other end of the boom. For the given instant, the distance between points C and D is 60 meters.
Here, in order to determine the magnitude of velocity and acceleration for point...
Here, in order to determine the magnitude of velocity and acceleration for point...