BMC Ecology and Evolution welcomes submissions of research exploring the remarkable adaptations and ecological dynamics that enable life to flourish in the dark and low light environments. Contributions will explore evolutionary adaptations such as sensory specialization (e.g., night vision, echolocation, bioluminescence, heat-sensitive pits, and specialized hairs) that allow organisms to navigate, forage, and communicate in low-light conditions from caves to the deep sea. The collection will also investigate behavioral and physiological mechanisms, including circadian rhythm adjustments and predator-prey interactions, that are essential for survival in nocturnal niches.

Submissions on the impact of anthropogenic influences, such as light pollution, on nocturnal ecosystems and biodiversity are encouraged. The Collection also welcomes research on nighttime bioacoustics and soundscapes, examining how sound is used to adapt to and shape nocturnal environments. Contributions discussing the role of citizen science in advancing our understanding of nighttime ecology are also encouraged.

BMC Ecology and Evolution invites researchers to submit their work on soil ecosystems and their implications for environmental sustainability. Soils are living, dynamic systems that support a vast array of organisms, from tiny microbes to plants and animals. They play a vital role in keeping our planet healthy by recycling nutrients, storing carbon, and helping regulate water and climate. Understanding how soil life functions and adapts is essential for tackling major environmental challenges like climate change, habitat loss, and soil degradation.

This collection of articles aims to showcase the latest research in soil ecology, emphasizing the interactions among soil organisms, biogeochemical processes, and ecosystem functions across various landscapes. We invite submissions that explore the following topics:

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Microbial and faunal diversity in soils: Patterns, drivers, and functional roles of bacteria, fungi, protists, and invertebrates

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Soil biogeochemistry and ecosystem functioning: Nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and soil health in both natural and managed ecosystems

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Soil-plant interactions: Rhizosphere processes, plant-microbe symbioses, and their effects on vegetation dynamics

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Land use and climate change impacts on soil communities: Responses of soil biodiversity and functions to agricultural intensification, urbanization, pollution, and climate shifts

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Soil metagenomics, phylogenetics, and functional ecology: Advances in molecular approaches for studying soil microbial and faunal communities

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Conservation and restoration of soil ecosystems: Strategies for maintaining soil biodiversity and ecosystem services in degraded landscapes

All manuscripts submitted to BMC Ecology and Evolution, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 15: Life on Land.