• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.292-303
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• 2022

Background: Climate change significantly influences the geographical distribution of plant species worldwide. Selecting indicator species allows for better-informed and more effective ecosystem management in response to climate change. The Korean Peninsula is the northernmost distribution zone of warm temperate evergreen broad-leaved (WTEB) species in Northeast Asia. Considering the ecological value of these species, we evaluated the current distribution range and future suitable habitat for 13 WTEB tree species designated as climate-sensitive biological indicator species. Results: Up-to-date and accurate WTEB species distribution maps were constructed using herbarium specimens and citizen science data from the Korea Biodiversity Observation Network. Current northern limits for several species have shifted to higher latitudes compared to previous records. For example, the northern latitude limit for Stauntonia hexaphylla is higher (37° 02' N, Deokjeokdo archipelago) than that reported previously (36° 13' N). The minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) is the major factor influencing species distribution. Under future climate change scenarios, suitable habitats are predicted to expand toward higher latitudes inland and along the western coastal areas. Conclusions: Our results support the suitability of WTEB trees as significant biological indicators of species' responses to warming. The findings also suggest the need for consistent monitoring of species distribution shifts. This study provides an important baseline dataset for future monitoring and management of indicator species' responses to changing climate conditions in South Korea.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.313-327
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• 2021

Background: Citizen science is becoming a mainstream approach of baseline data collection to monitor biodiversity and climate change. Dragonflies (Odonata) have been ranked as the highest priority group in biodiversity monitoring for global warming. Ischnura senegalensis Rambur has been designated a biological indicator of climate change and is being monitored by the citizen science project "Korean Biodiversity Observation Network." This study has been performed to understand changes in the distribution range of I. senegalensis in response to climate change using citizen science data in South Korea. Results: We constructed a dataset of 397 distribution records for I. senegalensis, ranging from 1980 to 2020. The number of records sharply increased over time and space, and in particular, citizen science monitoring data accounted for the greatest proportion (58.7%) and covered the widest geographical range. This species was only distributed in the southern provinces until 2010 but was recorded in the higher latitudes such as Gangwon-do, Incheon, Seoul, and Gyeonggi-do (max. Paju-si, 37.70° latitude) by 2020. A species distribution model showed that the annual mean temperature (Bio1; 63.2%) and the maximum temperature of the warmest month (Bio5; 16.7%) were the most critical factors influencing its distribution. Future climate change scenarios have predicted an increase in suitable habitats for this species. Conclusions: This study is the first to show the northward expansion in the distribution range of I. senegalensis in response to climate warming in South Korea over the past 40 years. In particular, citizen science was crucial in supplying critical baseline data to detect the distribution change toward higher latitudes. Our results provide new insights on the value of citizen science as a tool for detecting the impact of climate change on ecosystems in South Korea.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.62-71
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• 2021

The climate is changing rapidly, and this may pose a major threat to global biodiversity. One of the most distinctive consequences of climate change is the poleward and/or upward shift of species distribution ranges associated with increasing temperatures, resulting in a change of species composition and community structure in the forest ecosystems. The Baekdudaegan mountain range connects most forests from the lowland to the subalpine zone in South Korea and is therefore recognized as one of the most important biodiversity hotspots. This study was conducted to understand the distribution range of vascular plants along elevational gradients through field surveys in the six national parks of the Baekdudaegan mountain range. We identified the upper and lower distribution limits of a total of 873 taxa of vascular plants with 117 families, 418 genera, 793 species, 14 subspecies, 62 varieties, two forms, and two hybrids. A total of 12 conifers were recorded along the elevational gradient. The distribution ranges of Abies koreana, Picea jezoensis, Pinus pumila, and Thuja koraiensis were limited to over 1000 m above sea level. We also identified 21 broad-leaved trees in the subalpine zone. A total of 45 Korean endemic plant species were observed, and of these, 15 taxa (including Aconitum chiisanense and Hanabusaya asiatica) showed a narrow distribution range in the subalpine zone. Our study provides valuable information on the current elevational distribution ranges of vascular plants in the six national parks of South Korea, which could serve as a baseline for vertical shifts under future climate change.

• Journal of Species Research
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.246-254
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• 2021

Subalpine and alpine ecosystems are especially vulnerable to temperature increases. Betula ermanii Cham. (Betulaceae) is a dominant broad-leaved tree species in the subalpine zone and is designated as a 'Climate-sensitive Biological Indicator Species' in South Korea. This study aimed to predict the potential distribution of B. ermanii under current and future climate conditions in South Korea using the MaxEnt model. The species distribution models showed an excellent fit (AUC=0.99). Among the climatic variables, the most critical factors shaping B. ermanii distribution were identified as the maximum temperature of warmest month (Bio5; 64.8%) and annual mean temperature (Bio1; 20.3%). Current potential habitats were predicted in the Baekdudaegan mountain range and Mt. Hallasan, and the area of suitable habitat was 1531.52 km², covering 1.57% of the Korean Peninsula. With global warming, future climate scenarios have predicted a decrease in the suitable habitats for B. ermanii. Under RCP8.5-2070s, in particular, habitat with high potential was predicted only in several small areas in Gangwon-do, and the total area suitable for the species decreased by up to 97.3% compared to the current range. We conclude that the dominant factor affecting the distribution of B. ermanii is temperature and that future temperature rises will increase the vulnerability of this species.

• Mycobiology
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.461-468
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• 2021

The genus Laccaria (Hydnangiaceae, Agaricales) plays an important role in forest ecosystems as an ectomycorrhizal fungus, contributing to nutrient cycles through symbiosis with many types of trees. Though understanding Laccaria diversity and distribution patterns, as well as its association with host plants, is fundamental to constructing a balanced plant diversity and conducting effective forest management, previous studies have not been effective in accurately investigating, as they relied heavily on specimen collection alone. To investigate the true diversity and distribution pattern of Laccaria species and determine their host types, we used four different approaches: specimen-based analysis, open database search (ODS), NGS analysis, and species-specific PCR (SSP). As a result, 14 Laccaria species have been confirmed in Korea. Results regarding the species distribution pattern were different between specimen-based analysis and SSP. However, when both were integrated, the exact distribution pattern of each Laccaria species was determined. In addition, the SSP revealed that many Laccaria species have a wide range of host types. This study shows that using these four different approaches is useful in determining the diversity, distribution, and host of ECM fungi. Furthermore, results obtained for Laccaria will serve as a baseline to help understand the role of ECM fungi in forest management in response to climate change.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.138-143
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• 2011

Based on specimens examined, a distribution map of Trachelospermum asiaticum in Korea is provided. The species is distributed on Jeju Island and over the southern and western coastal areas in Korea. The northern limit of distribution is the Deokjeok Islands of Incheon. The distributional range of this species is consistent with that of the Jeju and South coastal floristic subregions of Korea. On the other hand, we investigated the anatomical characteristics of root, stem, leaf and ovary, in addition to the ultrastructure of pollen grains and leaf surfaces of the species, as these have been scarcely examined.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.247-251
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• 2020

We report a new distribution of Sedum kiangnanense D. Q. Wang & Z. F. Wu on the Korean Peninsula. This species was first reported in China and is distributed in Anhui and Zhejiang provinces. We found this species on Hongdo Island in Heuksan-myeon, Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do in the Republic of Korea. S. kiangnanense is well distinguished from other species in Korea by 4- or 5-verticillate leaves on the sterile stems and a spatulate leaf shape. We provide its morphological description, detailed illustrations, and a key to related taxa. We have given this species a new Korean name, Ip-kkot-dol-na-mul, which means flower-like leaved sedum.

• Journal of Species Research
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.117-121
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• 2020

Prunus glandulosa Thunb. [=Cerasus glandulosa (Thunb.) Sokolov] (Rosaceae) is native to the warmtemperate region of China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hebei, Henan, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Zhejiang Provinces). It is naturalized in the United States (i.e. Alabama, Michigan and North Carolina) and Canada (Ontario). This species, previously only recorded as introduced or cultivated plants on the Korean Peninsula, was confirmed to be naturally distributed in the southwestern coast islands(i.e. Geomun-do, Chuja-do and an uninhabited island in Shinan-gun of Jeollanam-do). Prunus glandulosa Thunb. is distinguished from a related taxon P. japonica var. nakaii (H. Lév.) Rehder by pedicel 8-12 (-16) mm long, linear stipules, glabrous style, and pink petals. The morphological characters and illustration of P. glandulosa Thunb. are provided with line drawings and photographs from the natural habitat. In addition, it is likely that a new habitat will be found by plant biodiversity investigations through the southwestern coast islands. Further research is needed to determine its population size, distribution, and threats, as well as identify appropriate locations for conservation collection of germplasm.

• Journal of Species Research
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.407-420
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• 2019

Short-palped crane flies belonging to the genus Epiphragma Osten Sacken, 1860 (Diptera: Limoniidae: Limnophilinae) have a worldwide distribution except the Afrotropics, with the highest diversity in Neotropics and Oriental Region. They are divided into four subgenera: Eupolyphragma Alexander, 1948, Epiphragma s. str., Lipophragma Alexander, 1978, and Parepiphragma Alexander, 1960. Diagnostic characters and wing photographs of all subgenera are given. Genus Epiphragma was previously unknown from the Korean Peninsula. Species Epiphragma (Epiphragma) gracilistylus Alexander, 1933 is newly recorded for North Korea, E. (E.) subfascipenne Alexander, 1920 is newly recorded for South and North Korea, and E. (E.) subinsigne Alexander, 1920 is newly recorded for South Korea. These species are taxonomically revised, and the taxonomic status of E. (E.) gracilistylus is discussed. We present an identification key and redescriptions and illustrations of both sexes from all species in Korea. Redescription of larva and pupa of E.(E.) subfascipenne is presented. Elevation range, period of activity, habitat information, general distribution, and a distribution map in Korean Peninsula is given for each species.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.303-309
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• 2017

In this study, the characteristics of the temperature generated by light irradiation, on the surface of a biological tissue with an abnormal tissue part (paraffin) and at the surroundings of the abnormal tissue were studied by numerical and experimental methods. The temperature in the tissue was solved using the computational heat transfer and was compared with the temperature measured with thermocouples. The effects of the light wavelength and the irradiation time on the temperature distribution were analyzed. As a result, the temperature distribution from the irradiation of light in the biological tissue was different when there was an abnormal tissue part. The temperature in the biological tissue with the abnormal tissue part was higher than in a normal tissue.