University of Magallanes

Admissible orders on fuzzy numbers are total orders which refine a basic and well-known partial order on fuzzy numbers. In this work, we define an admissible order on triangular fuzzy numbers (i.e. TFN's) and study some fundamental properties with its arithmetic and their relation with this admissible order. We also propose a new hyperstructure for ordered vector spaces and, in particular, consider the case of TFN. In addition, we also introduce the concepts of averaging functions on TFN, with emphasis on ordered weighted averaging functions on TFN equipped with an admissible order. Finally, the problem of joining central vertices is presented with an illustrative example where the previous concept is used.

Over recent decades, the feeding strategies of the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) in the northern Chilean Patagonia have been studied mainly through visual observation and anatomical dissection, with limited direct behavioral analyses and measurements of prey distribution due to the difficulty of sampling. Here, we investigated the foraging ecology of this species during six annual research cruises (2014–2019) in the northern Chilean Patagonia, an important feeding and nursery area. We deployed 28 sound and movement recording tags (DTAGs), attached by suction cups, to measure fine-scale behaviors of this species. In addition, from 2016 to 2019, prey density and distribution were simultaneously recorded with tag data utilizing a scientific echosounder. A total of 949 foraging dives and 3,183 feeding events were detected from movement sensors throughout more than 190 hr of data, during both day and nighttime. Blue whales exhibited both shallow and deep foraging events utilizing different strategies in response to changing conditions of prey depth and density, with foraging dives recorded continuously for the whole duration of the deployments. Whales showed a higher feeding rate at night as they foraged on shallow and dispersed krill, but they exhibited a higher rate of foraging events per dive during the day, as they foraged on deep and dense krill patches. The whales used less energetically costly maneuvers when foraging near the surface, with lower values of pitch and speed. Both strategies are consistent with optimal foraging theory, as the whales minimizing energetic costs associated with feeding while simultaneously maximizing energy intake. These results provide valuable insights into the behavioral and foraging ecology of blue whales to promote specific conservation plans in the northern Chilean Patagonia.

Background The Antarctic environment is susceptible to the introduction of non-native species due to its unique ecosystem, which has evolved under geographical isolation and extreme climatic conditions over an extended period. The recent introduction of the non-native winter crane fly, Trichocera maculipennis, to maritime Antarctica may pose a potential threat to the Antarctic ecosystem. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of the mechanical transmission of viruses by T. maculipennis. Methods We assessed the potential for the mechanical transmission of viruses using next-generation sequencing (NGS), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and virus isolation methods from T. maculipennis (Tm)-related samples (Tm body-wash fluid and Tm body-ground samples) collected from habitats and sewage treatment facilities located at three research stations in Antarctica. Results Virome analysis detected the genomic fragments of human adenovirus (AdV) and human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) in Tm-related samples. These viruses are commonly found in human feces. In addition, plant viruses, such as pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV), both known indicators of enteric viruses, were identified in all Tm-related samples, likely originating from wastewater. However, the low quantities of AdV and HERV genomes detected in Tm-related samples through qPCR, coupled with the non-viability of AdV in virus isolation tests, indicate that T. maculipennis has limited potential for mechanical transmission under the conditions in the studies. Conclusions Our study represents the first evaluation of the potential risk of non-native species serving as vectors for viral pathogens in Antarctica. Although the viruses detected were in relatively low quantities and non-viable, this study highlights the importance of further evaluating the risks associated with non-native species, particularly as the likelihood of their introduction increases to Antarctica due to climate change and increased human activity. Graphical abstract

During a 2019 Chilean Antarctic Scientific Expedition (ECA 55) studying crustose coralline algae (CCA) diversity on the Antarctic Peninsula, bleaching of these algae was observed for the first time in this region. Here, we present initial findings on the physiological state of bleached and normally pigmented CCA ( Clathromorphum sp.) assessed using chlorophyll- a fluorescence induction pulse amplitude modulation. The study site experienced high light exposure and salinity in the water column. Our analyses found that bleached CCA have relatively healthy photophysiology responses but lower photosynthetic efficiency, which could be associated with the low salinities recorded in the study area. However, seasonal monitoring and mesocosm experiments across the southern polar latitudes are urgently required to confirm this hypothesis.

Agricultural systems are dynamic social-ecological systems which are rarely examined under relational approaches. The analysis of seed exchange networks represents a growing empirical pathway to relational thinking for examining the resilience of social-ecological agricultural systems and their dynamic cycles. We conducted a literature review to (i) explore the advances of seed exchange network research, and (ii) identify and synthesize the network metrics used for examining social-ecological structures linking human and other-than-human actors to understand the resilience of agricultural systems. Complementarily, we explored what a relational approach to seed exchange network analysis might entail. Our work shows a growing use of network analysis to explore coupled social-ecological relations in agricultural systems. However, in the past quarter century, most seed exchange case studies often omitted the inherent relational nature of network data and lacked recognition of the agency of other-than-human entities in seed exchange networks. We identified over 20 network metrics broadly used in network analysis, including structural and locational metrics such as ‘density’, ‘modularity’, and ‘centrality’. These metrics have the potential to inform about the dynamics that may either enhance or constrain the resilience of agricultural systems. For example, ‘density’ and ‘centrality’ can reveal pathways of agrobiodiversity access and key actors, respectively. This information may enhance the efficiency of agrobiodiversity flows in agricultural systems. Finally, we discuss some practical implications of adopting a relational approach to seed exchange network analysis to better understand people-agrobiodiversity relations under local, regional, and global changes.

Wnt signaling plays a role in synaptic plasticity, but the specific cellular events and molecular components involved in Wnt signaling-mediated synaptic plasticity are not well defined. Here, we report a change in the threshold required to induce synaptic plasticity that facilitates the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) and inhibits the induction of long-term depression (LTD) during brief exposure to the noncanonical ligand Wnt-5a. Both effects are related to the metaplastic switch of hippocampal CA3–CA1 synaptic transmission, a complex mechanism underlying the regulation of the threshold required to induce synaptic plasticity and of synaptic efficacy. We observed an early increase in the amplitude of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) that persisted over time, including after washout. The first phase involves an increase in the fEPSP amplitude that is required to trigger a spontaneous second phase that depends on Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity. These changes are prevented by treatment with secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP-2), an endogenous antagonist of Wnt ligands. Here, we demonstrate the contribution of Wnt-5a signaling to a process associated with metaplasticity at CA3–CA1 synapses that favors LTP over LTD. Graphical Abstract

Seasonal snow in the extratropical Andes is a primary water source for major rivers supplying water for drinking, agriculture, and hydroelectric power in Central Chile. Here, we used estimates from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) to analyze changes in snow cover extent over the period 2001–2022 in a total of 18 watersheds spanning approximately 1,100 km across the Chilean Andes (27–36°S). We found that the annual snow cover extent is receding in the watersheds analyzed at an average pace of approximately 19% per decade. These alarming trends have impacted meltwater runoff, resulting in historically low river streamflows during the dry season. We examined streamflow records dating back to the early 1980s for 10 major rivers within our study area. Further comparisons with large-scale climate modes suggest that the detected decreasing trends in snow cover extent are likely driven by the poleward migration of the westerly winds associated with a positive trend in the Southern Annular Mode (SAM).

Metazoans comprise multiple physical niches (“microenvironments”), each colonized by unique microbiomes that contribute to their hosts’ evolutionary dynamics, influencing their health, physiology, and adaptation to changing environments. Most wildlife microbiome studies focus on higher metazoans and multiple host microenvironments, while studies of lower species often concentrate on a single microenvironment, sometimes pooling whole bodies or specimens. This is particularly evident in small-sized animals, such as freshwater meiofaunal invertebrates, thus impeding a holistic understanding of microbiome assembly across host microenvironments and its relation with host population genetics. Leveraging the anostracan fairy shrimp Branchinecta, which has easily discernible organs and expected high levels of intraspecific genetic divergence, we aimed to investigate the microbiome assembly processes and test the phylosymbiosis signal in two microenvironments (gill and intestine) across four host populations of Branchinecta gaini within Maritime Antarctica, using 16S rRNA metabarcoding. Our results showed that the gill and intestine harbor strikingly different microbiomes resulting from the B. gaini ecological filtering of the surrounding environment microbial community. Both microenvironments exhibit their respective core microbiomes, yet the gill’s core microbiome is narrower and constitutes a smaller proportion of the overall bacterial community compared to that of the intestine. Within each host population (i.e. each sampling site), the microbiome assembles through distinct eco-evolutionary processes in both microenvironments, mostly stochastically (ecological drift) in the gill and deterministically (variable selection) in the intestine. Across different B. gaini populations, variable selection dominates in driving compositional divergence of both microenvironment microbiomes, although to a lesser extent in the gill. Lastly, our study reveals robust correlation between host intraspecific genetic structure and intestine microbiome composition, providing evidence of phylosymbiosis in anostracans. Contrastingly, phylosymbiosis was less pronounced in the gill microbiome. We discuss the potential differences in ecological filtering between each host microenvironment that may underlie the difference in the strength of phylosymbiosis. Our study highlights the relevance of considering host microenvironment and intraspecific levels in testing the phylosymbiosis hypothesis to better understand the intricate eco-evolutionary relationships between hosts and their microbiomes.

Tumours exhibit high genotypic and transcriptional heterogeneity. Both affect cancer progression and treatment, but have been predominantly studied separately in follicular lymphoma. To comprehensively investigate the evolution and genotype-to-phenotype maps in follicular lymphoma, we introduce CaClust, a probabilistic graphical model integrating deep whole exome, single-cell RNA and B-cell receptor sequencing data to infer clone genotypes, cell-to-clone mapping, and single-cell genotyping. CaClust outperforms a state-of-the-art model on simulated and patient data. In-depth analyses of single cells from four samples showcase effects of driver mutations, follicular lymphoma evolution, possible therapeutic targets, and single-cell genotyping that agrees with an independent targeted resequencing experiment.

Leopard seals have traditionally been considered Antarctic predators with a Southern Ocean distribution. Historically, sightings north of the Antarctic Polar Front were considered extralimital. However, recent studies suggest a significant presence of leopard seals in subantarctic regions. Here, we assess the spatial occurrence, residency status, and temporal trends of leopard seals in Chile using historical records, stranding reports, standardized monitoring data, photo-identification (photo ID) catalogs, and sightings from four research expeditions. We also characterize glaciers where sightings are concentrated, identifying glaciological and geomorphic attributes that prolong iceberg residency time, which is linked to high leopard seal concentrations. Based on these attributes, we evaluated other potential suitable glacial habitats in Patagonia. We obtained 438 sighting records of leopard seals from 1927 to 2023. Over the last 15 years, we documented a 4-18% annual increase in stranding events reported to national authorities. Most sightings (75%) were concentrated in two hotspots: National Park San Rafael Lagoon, located in Northern Patagonia, and Parry Fjord in Tierra del Fuego. Using photo ID catalogs, we identified 19 resident leopard seals, including 16 multi-year residents observed between 2010-2023 (10 in San Rafael, 6 in Tierra del Fuego) and 3 potential residents (observed multiple months in the same year in Tierra del Fuego). San Rafael monitoring data showed no inter-annual trend, but seasonal trends were observed. We also provide evidence of breeding in Chile, with records of at least 14 pups born and at least two females giving birth in multiple years. Our habitat characterization suggests that calving flux, fjord sinuosity, and fjord width variation are crucial for prolonging iceberg residency in hotspot areas. Based on these attributes, we identified 13 additional fjords in Patagonia as “very likely” suitable for leopard seals. Our study confirms that Patagonia is part of the species’ breeding distribution, shifting the paradigm that leopard seals are merely visitors north of the Antarctic Polar Front. Given the limited number of suitable glaciers in Chile and the potential impacts of climate change, our assessment highlights glacial retreat as a major threat for the ecosystem of this pagophilic marine apex predator in South America.

The Magellan Subantarctic ecoregion (MSE) in the Southern Hemisphere (47°-56°S; 71°-73°W) is a unique natural laboratory subject to persistent and accelerated glacial ice melt, generating a complex system of environmental gradients (e.g., salinity and temperature) that influence the ecological patterns of marine biodiversity. However, the factors influencing marine epiphytic microalgal assemblages are still poorly understood. In this context, we characterized the richness and structure of epiphytic assemblages in different benthic macroalgal hosts (Acrosiphonia arcta, Ectocarpus siliculosus, and Leptosiphonia brodiei) in sites with glaciers and estuarine characteristics (Yendegaia Bay and Fouquet Estuary) and sites without glaciers and oceanic characteristics (Batchelor River and Offing Island) of the MSE, revealing how sites, host, and environmental variables influence variation of epiphytic assemblages. In 36 samples, 67 genera of epiphytes were recorded. The dominant divisions were Bacillariophyta (50 genera), Dinophyta (7 genera) and Cyanophyta (6 genera). We observed significantly high diversity in epiphytic assemblages, with contrasting patterns of variation depending on site and/or host macroalgae. Host specificity was not evident for most epiphytes. The most factor influencing the variation of the epiphythic assemblage was the marked environmental gradient (changes in temperature, salinity, nutrients, among others) between sites with and without glacial influence. Additionally, our research identified potentially toxic and/or harmful epiphytic microalgae belonging to the divisions Dinophyta (dinoflagellates) and Cyanophyta (cyanobacteria). The data on ecological patterns of epiphyte assemblages provides valuable insights into the current state of a poorly understood microscopic biodiversity, shaped by diverse environmental factors at different sites. Under current and future climate change scenarios in the MSE, environmental gradients may become more pronounced, with important positive and/or negative consequences on epiphyte assemblages. In light of these findings, we present a baseline for future research to further develop our understanding and facilitate the monitoring and conservation of epiphytic microalgae in the MSE. 50-day free acess to the full article provided at: https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1k2hZB8cd0XUC

The Magellanic Sub-Antarctic ecoregion (MSE) was covered by ice during the Last Glacial Maximum (21,000 years ago), with the ice masses advancing and retreating throughout the Quaternary. Currently, this ecoregion supports a significant number of endemic species and a high diversity of macroalgae. However, anthropogenic climate change has accelerated global warming, exacerbating glacier melt over the last decade. In this study, we evaluated the effect of glacial melting on the ecophysiology of Macrocystis pyrifera, a brown macroalga that forms underwater forests and is considered a foundation species susceptible to environmental change. Tissue samples were collected from apical and basal fronds of young individuals from three M. pyrifera populations located in the Fjord of the Mountains (51º10'53"S-73º17'08"W). We found significant differences in maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax), electron transport efficiency (Alpha), and light saturation point (Ek) between apical and basal fronds, as well as between sites influenced by glacial-melt (high turbidity, low temperature, and low salinity) versus those with minimal or no glacial influence (low turbidity, high temperature, and high salinity). Pigment concentrations (chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-c, and fucoxanthin) did not show significant variation between fronds and sites, except under extreme conditions. Our results indicate that photosynthetic response differs between sites affected by glacial melt and those unaffected. Apical fronds demonstrated higher photosynthetic efficiency in response to environmental fluctuations. This study offers valuable insights into how M. pyrifera adjusts its photosynthetic performance in response to varying conditions driven by glacial-melt, thereby enhancing our understanding of how kelp forests might locally respond to climate change.

Although a lack of diversity in genetic studies is an acknowledged obstacle for personalized medicine and precision public health, Latin American populations remain particularly understudied despite their heterogeneity and mixed ancestry. This gap extends to COVID-19 despite its variability in susceptibility and clinical course, where ethnic background appears to influence disease severity, with non-Europeans facing higher hospitalization rates. In addition, access to high-quality samples and data is a critical issue for personalized and precision medicine, and it has become clear that the solution lies in biobanks. The creation of the Chilean COVID-19 Biorepository reported here addresses these gaps, representing the first nationwide multicentric Chilean initiative. It operates under rigorous biobanking standards and serves as one of South America’s largest COVID cohorts. A centralized harmonization strategy was chosen and included unified standard operating procedures, a sampling coding system, and biobanking staff training. Adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection provided broad informed consent. Samples were collected to preserve blood, plasma, buffy coat, and DNA. Quality controls included adherence to the standard preanalytical code, incident reporting, and DNA concentration and absorbance ratio 260/280 assessments. Detailed sociodemographic, health, medication, and preexisting condition data were gathered. In five months, 2262 participants were enrolled, pseudonymized, and sorted by disease severity. The average Amerindian ancestry considering all participant was 44.0% [SD 15.5%], and this value increased to 61.2% [SD 19.5%] among those who self-identified as Native South Americans. Notably, 279 participants self-identified with one of 12 ethnic groups. High compliance (>90%) in all assessed quality controls was achieved. Looking ahead, our team founded the COVID-19 Genomics Network (C19-GenoNet) focused on identifying genetic factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 outcomes. In conclusion, this bottom-up collaborative effort aims to promote the integration of Latin American populations into global genetic research and welcomes collaborations supporting this endeavor. Interested parties are invited to explore collaboration opportunities through our catalog, accessible online.

This study investigates the relationship between ecological identity and various social and pro-environmental variables among the inhabitants of Southern Patagonia, comparing groups with internal (Chilote) and external (Croatian) migratory ancestry. A total of 212 individuals participated, selected based on their self-categorization as Magellanic, identifying as descendants of Croatian (n = 71), Chilote (n = 66) or other origin (n = 75). We used a non-experimental cross-sectional correlational design to measure regional identity, pro-environmental attitudes, ecological behaviour, essentialism and regionalism. Findings point to differences in ecological variables between the groups compared. Magellanic participants with Chilote ancestry show a stronger relationship between ecology and identity than those with Croatian ancestry. The findings are discussed in terms of the impact of indigenous cultures on the current relationship of Magellanic inhabitants with their natural environment and the importance attributed to territoriality.

The Güiña (Leopardus guigna), the smallest Neotropical feline, inhabits central and southern Chile and western Argentina. This communication reports the first documented instance of a güiña swimming in a marine environment, observed in the Refugio Channel, which separates Refugio Island from the mainland in Northern Patagonia, Chile. In April 2023, a local resident recorded video footage of a güiña swimming near the eastern shore of the channel, emerging from the water, shaking off, and climbing a tree to groom itself. This observation suggests that the güiña might use the seacoast when searching for food, particularly during periods of low terrestrial prey availability during the winter. The ability of the güiña to adapt to such environments underscores the species’ ecological flexibility, previously undocumented in this context, and highlights the need for integrating marine resources into the species’ conservation strategies. The video’s quality is limited due to the simplicity of the recording device, but it provides crucial visual evidence of this behavior.

Introduction/objectives: This study aimed to determine adherence to 2basic non-discrimination norms when evaluated by a stigmatized group (older adults) and a sample of the adult population. Method: A total of 200 participants, half of them from the adult population and the other half from older adults (stigmatized group), responded to a Non-Discrimination Norms (NND) questionnaire to define their adherence to one norm or the other regarding the category of "old age". Additionally, they assessed their perception of social support, and only the older adults evaluated their perception of subtle and overt discrimination. Results and conclusions: The results indicate that both groups agree that the use of the equity NND is more desirable for addressing discrimination. Regarding the equality NND, older adults show higher levels of adherence. Subtle prejudice is reported as more prevalent than overt prejudice. These results are discussed in terms of the challenges of combating discrimination from both the perpetrator and victim perspectives.

Background: Age-related changes in body composition affect physical fitness in older adults. However, whether the autonomic response is associated with body fat percentage and its implication for physical fitness is not fully understood. Aim: To understand the association between physical fitness, body composition, and heart rate variability in older people and its mediating factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 81 older adults was conducted, assessing Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Two-minute Step Test (TMST), body composition, and cardiac autonomic response. Correlation and mediation analyses were performed. Results: Body fat percentage negatively correlated with physical fitness (SPPB: r = − 0.273, p = 0.015; TMST: r = − 0.279, p = 0.013) and sympathetic activity (sympathetic nervous system (SNS) index: r = − 0.252, p = 0.030), yet positively correlated with parasympathetic tone (root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD): r = 0.253, p = 0.029; standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN): r = 0.269, p = 0.020). Physical fitness associated with sympathetic nervous system index (SPPB: r = 0.313, p = 0.006; TMST: r = 0.265, p = 0.022) and parasympathetic nervous system index (TMST: r = − 0.344, p = 0.003). Muscle mass mediated body fat’s impact on physical fitness, while physical fitness mediated body fat’s impact on autonomic response. Conclusion: Body composition and cardiac autonomic response to exercise are associated with physical fitness in older people, highlighting a possible protective effect of muscle mass against the decline in physical fitness associated with increased body fat.

GeoTraductores is an collaborative initiative between Eos, Planeteando, andGeoLatinas that aims to provide Spanish‐speaking communities access to current scientific findings. This goal is accomplished by translating science articles originally published in English on AGU's Eos.org, within their Science News magazine, into Spanish. This cross‐organizational initiative has translated, edited, and published over 150 articles, breaking the language barrier for Spanish‐speaking communities. Our experience since 2020 has allowed us to tailor an efficient co‐production model, which starts with (a) the selection of articles of interest to translate, followed by (b) the translation, reviewing, and editing process by volunteers, and (c) the publication and social media dissemination of the translated article. The tangible impact of GeoTraductores is evident in the substantial surge of visitor traffic to the Eos website between 2020 and 2023, particularly from Latin American countries. Notably, increases exceeding 85% were observed in Colombia, Mexico, and Panama, with 20% or greater growth in Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru, and Ecuador, confirming the initiative's success in meeting a genuine need. This impact extends globally, with Spain experiencing a 40% increase in visitors. Our co‐production model is possible thanks to the contribution of around 40 GeoTraductores, mainly women (85%), who are native Spanish speakers or bilingual (Spanish and English speaking). These early‐career scientists, through their volunteer work, enhance their bilingual communication skills while breaking down language barriers in science communication. The Eos‐Planeteando‐GeoLatinas co‐production model fosters science democratization for Latin America while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in Earth Sciences, one translation at a time.

Mercury (Hg) is a persistent pollutant highly bioaccumulated in the aquatic environment through the food chain reaching high concentration levels in the tissues of predator fishes. Among the relevant sources of anthropogenic mercury emissions in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), mining is one of the most important along with soil erosion due to deforestation and agricultural activities where pesticides are intensively used. Several reports have demonstrated an association between a fish-based diet with elevated Hg levels in the blood and neurotoxic effects in humans. In this systematic review with quantitative analysis data from 92 articles were compiled, providing evidence of Hg concentration in fishes that are commonly consumed in LAC. An assessment was conducted using three indices for health risk: the Minamata Initial Assessment (MIA), the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and the Meals per Week (MPW) index. Of the 410 fish species studied, 5.4% had concentrations above 0.95 μg g⁻¹ of wet weight (ww), which is the recommended limit for Total Hg (THg) ingestion through fish consumption according to the MIA index, regardless of the water habitat (i.e., marine or freshwater). Additionally, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) calculation indicated high-risk values (THQ ≥ 1) in 15 out of the 19 countries studied, and very high-risk values (THQ ≥ 10) were obtained from Hg concentrations measured in 5 fish species inhabiting watersheds in Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Peru. Finally, recommendations on fish consumption were made based on the MPW index. This study reveals the need for updated biomonitoring studies of Hg concentrations in fish to perform more accurate human health risk analyses.

Introduction Elevation gradients are often used as a proxy for climate change as they allow comparisons of ecological responses over much larger temporal and spatial scales than is possible through experimental manipulations. Methods Here, we tested how microarthropod communities (Collembola and Acari) are affected by climatic differences between sea level and 600 m a.s.l. on Navarino Island, in the Magellanic sub-Antarctic ecoregion of southern Chile (mean annual temperatures of 5.6 vs 3.1°C, respectively). We quantified microarthropod abundance, richness and community trait characteristics in dominant moss (Racomitrium lanuginosum and Polytrichum strictum) and lichen (Usnea trachycarpa, Pseudocyphellaria freycinetii and Stereocaulon alpinum) vegetation growing at both elevations. These moss and lichen genera are characterized by large morphological differences and allow testing of how habitat characteristics affect microarthropod community response across elevation gradients. Results Collembola and Acari community composition differed between the low and high elevation sites. Total abundance levels of Acari were maintained in each habitat across elevation, whereas Collembola richness strongly declined (50%) at high elevation in the moss habitats. Acari community differences across elevation were driven by relative abundance changes whereas the Collembola community lost species at higher elevation. An anticipated decline of smaller eudaphic Collembola at high elevation was only observed in the moss Racomitrium, reflecting potentially lower temperature buffering capacity and shelter options compared to Polytrichum. Lichens mostly supported larger epigeic species irrespective of elevation. There were no consistent patterns linking microarthropod communities with habitat water holding capacity or water loss rates across the studied habitats and elevation. Discussion Habitat type and the genus of moss or lichen were associated with microarthropod community changes across elevation, including examples of declines, increases and no change. These findings highlight that community responses across gradients may not always relate to the generally hypothesized environmental variables (e.g. temperature variability) and that habitat characteristics should be taken into account when using elevation as a proxy for climate change.