Biology and Life Sciences

Abstract: Since the gene was first articulated as a unit of inheritance and causation, evolutionary biology has operated under a productive but unresolved tension between experimental practice and explanatory language. Perturbation experiments, association studies, and plasticity assays are routinely interpreted as if they should converge on a single notion of genetic causation, yet they rarely do. This mismatch has been sensed repeatedly—from early organicist critiques, through the work of Gould and Alberch, to contemporary contributions from systems biology and evolutionary developmental biology—but has resisted unification. Here, we argue that the persistence of this tension reflects not missing data or incomplete theory, but a fundamental mismatch between explanatory frameworks. Specifically, different experimental approaches interrogate biological systems at different organizational levels and therefore probe distinct causal regimes. By integrating insights from gene regulatory network structure, developmental buffering, canalization, and polygenic adaptation, we show that genetic necessity is a sparse, level relative property associated with structural dependence, whereas evolutionary change proceeds through widespread, small, contributory effects that are tolerated by developmental systems. Genome wide association studies succeed precisely because they map this domain of available variation, while knockouts reveal where systems are fragile rather than where evolution most readily acts. Developmental plasticity further bridges these regimes by exposing shifts in network sensitivity under environmental change. Reframing causation as contribution based and level relative resolves longstanding conflicts between genetics, development, and evolution, and provides a coherent framework for interpreting experimental results without privileging any single methodology. This perspective aligns causal language with biological organization and offers a unified account of how development structures evolutionary possibility.

Abstract: The suri, or lesser rhea (Rhea pennata), is a flightless Andean bird facing multiple anthropogenic threats. Despite these pressures, its reproductive ecology remains poorly documented near its distributional limits. This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of the breeding ecology, nesting distribution, and threats for wild lesser rhea populations at their northern geographic limit in Moquegua, Peru. Across four consecutive breeding seasons (2021–2024), we combined systematic surveys, kernel density analysis, camera trapping, and micro-behavioral nest monitoring. We identified 14 nesting sites comprising 193 nests: 18 old with eggshells, 130 old without eggshells, 34 abandoned, and 12 active. Kernel density analysis indicated a total nesting area of 195.8 km², with a low density of 0.15 nests/km². Nests were primarily established on moderately sloping hillsides utilizing high-Andean desert vegetation for camouflage. The reproductive period extended from mid-July to mid-December, displaying marked interannual plasticity. Camera traps confirmed nest predation by native carnivores (Lycalopex culpaeus, Puma concolor) and avian predators, while domestic dogs and infrastructural barriers pose critical anthropogenic threats. These findings establish an essential ecological baseline, highlighting that conserving this marginal population requires standardized monitoring and cross-border connectivity strategies.

Abstract: Three biodiversity knowledge gaps, known as the Linnaean, Wallacean, and Darwinian shortfalls, limit our ability to model biodiversity, assess extinction risk, and understand evolutionary patterns. These shortfalls are particularly severe for insects, which remain comparatively overlooked in science and conservation relative to plants and vertebrates. Here, we investigated the patterns of these knowledge gaps for 3,567 Brazilian butterfly species. Our models suggest that Brazilian butterfly diversity may reach approximately 4,200 species, indicating that more than 600 species likely remain undescribed and that, at current description rates, documenting this diversity could take several decades. Spatial analyses showed high bias in occurrence records, with large portions of the country lacking occurrence records and most sampled communities with low sampling completeness. Model predictions revealed high estimated richness in the south-eastern Atlantic Forest, western Amazon Rainforest, and parts of the Cerrado. In addition, more than half of all species lack publicly available genetic data, potentially limiting their inclusion in phylogenetic studies. Our results reveal that substantial knowledge gaps persist even for one of the most intensively studied insect groups and highlight key priorities for future taxonomic, sampling, and molecular efforts aimed at improving our understanding and conservation of Brazilian butterfly diversity.

Abstract: Environmental surveillance of Legionella bacteria relies on standardized culture-based methods that enable reliable detection; however, accurate species-level identification remains challenging. Phenotypic, serological, and proteomic methods, including latex agglutination and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, enable rapid screening but often lack sufficient resolution to distinguish closely related species. This study proposes a structured framework for the identification and taxonomic characterization of environmental Legionella isolates. Environmental isolates were obtained using standard culture methods and initially identified by MALDI-TOF MS, followed by molecular characterization using PCR, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing. Phylogenomic analyses were conducted using overall genomic relatedness indices, including Average Amino Acid Identity (AAI) and Percentage of Conserved Proteins (POCP), and a phylogenomic tree was constructed based on 400 universal marker genes. The framework was applied to four environmental isolates (PATHC032, PATHC035, PATHC038, and PATHC039), including one previously described species, Legionella sheltonii. Results showed AAI values ranging from 94.3% to 96.6% and POCP values from 86.5% to 91.0%, supporting their genomic distinctiveness from any validly described Legionella species, which was confirmed by phylogenomic analysis. These findings demonstrate that the proposed framework enables consistent species-level identification and provides guidelines for recognizing candidate novel Legionella species through the integration of environmental surveillance and genome-based taxonomy.

Abstract: Spotted seals demonstrate unusual ecological feature within population of the Peter the Great Bay (PGB). After the breeding and molting seasons, one their group performs long-distance foraging migrations; another group remains in the bay year-round. To investigate how utilization of space differs between these two groups in 2017-2022 we deployed nine satellite tags on juvenile spotted seals within PGB: of these four seals were tagged at rookery, located at Rimsky-Korsakov Archipelago (RKA), while the remaining were tagged at haul-out of Verkhovskogo Islands (VI). Spotted seals tagged at RKA undertook long summer migrations towards north-east of the Japan/East Sea (JES) and then to south of the Okhotsk Sea. Four spotted seals tagged at VI remained in PGB through warm season. Seals were allocated into two clusters on basis of median speed during transit traveling. A relatively slow group was formed by spotted seals that remained in PBG. Also the spotted seals from this group conducted fewer transit passages and used less extent water areas. Thus non-migrating seals conserved energy, while seals that left PGB showed stronger energetic spending. Presumably, the migrating seals can compensate high energetic demands through foraging in remote feeding grounds with abundant nutrient resources.

Abstract: Reef-building corals form the calcium-carbonate frameworks that underpin tropical coral reefs, yet global coral cover has declined by ~50% in recent decades, due to marine heatwaves and other stressors. Identifying refugia environments, such as upwelling systems, that buffer stress, promote recovery, and enhance resilience by promoting physiological plasticity that supports thermotolerance is therefore critical. Here, we compared benthic community composition, coral percent cover, and photo-physiology between an upwelling location in the Gulf of Papagayo and a non-upwelling location in Sámara on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Waters in Papagayo were cooler, more acidic, and richer in chlorophyll a. Reefs at this location exhibited higher crustose coralline algae, higher sea urchin cover, and lower macroalgae cover, compared to Sámara. Papagayo also showed higher stony coral cover, driven by Pocillopora spp., while Sámara was dominated by massive, heat-tolerant Porites spp.. When significant, photophysiological measurements showed 9.7 - 44.5% higher photosynthetic efficiency (Fv'/Fm') in Papagayo corals and 19.94 - 42.75 % higher maximum photosynthetic rates (P_max) in Sámara corals. These results highlight how contrasting environmental regimes within a relatively small geographic area can shape distinct coral community compositions and photophysiological strategies, with implications for identifying areas of reef persistence or refugia.

Abstract: Coastal lagoons are key wintering habitats for waders, yet long-term changes in their community structure remain poorly understood in Mediterranean systems. We analysed a 30-year dataset (1993–2022, excluding 2021) of wintering waders in the Venice Lagoon to assess trends in abundance, community structure, thermal composition and spatial patterns. Total abundance increased significantly (+3.5% yr⁻¹), while species richness ranged between 12–21 species per winter. Community structure changed markedly, with increasing dominance of a few species, particularly Dunlin, leading to reduced evenness. Species-level analyses showed a prevalence of increasing trends: nine of the 19 species analysed increased significantly, one declined, one was stable and eight showed uncer-tain trends. The Community Temperature Index (CTI) increased significantly (p = 0.001), suggesting a shift towards species with higher thermal affinities, but this pattern was not robust to the exclusion of Dunlin C. alpina, indicating dominance-driven dynamics. Spatial analyses revealed a strong increase in the open lagoon (p < 0.001) and a decline in fish farms (p = 0.008), indicating a shift towards natural tidal habitats. Overall, the assemblage is increasing but structurally simplified, highlighting the need to integrate species- and community-level approaches when interpreting ecological indicators.

Abstract: The emergence of the eukaryotic cell is regarded as a pivotal transition in the history of life on Earth. However, mounting evidence suggests eukaryogenesis was a specific, accidental event sparked by a syntrophic symbiosis between an Asgard archaeon and a bacterial endosymbiont. This prompts a fundamental counterfactual question: what if this symbiosis never occurred? The prevailing assumption is that life would remain perpetually microbial, constrained by the bioenergetic limits of prokaryotic cells. This article challenges that view by exploring the evolutionary potential of a unique group of bacteria: giant sulfur bacteria. These bacteria, driven by powerful selection pressure to bridge spatially separated pools of hydrogen sulfide and oxygen, have independently evolved remarkable sizes and different forms of complexity, including a form of eukaryote-like compartmentalization in Thiomargarita magnifica. Through the analysis of their novel bioenergetic solutions and conceptual modelling of an alternative evolutionary history, I propose that in an eukaryote-free world, giant sulfur bacteria represent a plausible starting point for the de novo evolution of complex, multicellular life. This thought experiment, albeit extremely speculative, offers new understanding of mechanisms of gaining complexity and could be useful for the analysis of the actual eukaryogenesis event, as well for the modelling of life complexity in astrobiological settings.

Abstract: Cereals are a staple component of the Nigerian diet; however, their contamination with heavy metals raises serious public health concerns. This study evaluated the concentrations, contamination levels, and associated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in commonly consumed cereals; maize, millet, sorghum, and wheat sold in Wunti Market, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Composite samples were collected and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry after acid digestion. Contamination factors (CF) and standard human health risk assessment models were employed to estimate exposure via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact for both adults and children. The results indicated that Cd and Pb concentrations in all cereal samples exceeded recommended permissible limits, whereas Cu and Zn remained within acceptable thresholds. Cadmium showed particularly high contamination factors, especially in maize and millet, indicating significant environmental accumulation. Exposure assessments revealed that children had higher estimated intake levels than adults across all exposure pathways, reflecting their greater vulnerability. Although ingestion pathways suggested low non-carcinogenic risk overall, inhalation and dermal exposure routes demonstrated elevated hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values, particularly for Cd, Cr, and Pb. Furthermore, the estimated total carcinogenic risk for both adults and children surpassed the acceptable threshold established by regulatory agencies, with maize contributing the highest risk levels among the cereals studied. These findings suggest that both consumption and handling of contaminated cereals may pose substantial long-term health risks, especially for children. The study underscores the need for routine monitoring of heavy metal contamination in food products, adoption of safer agricultural practices, and stricter regulation of agrochemical use.

Abstract: Cancer initiation is commonly interpreted through mutation-centered models in which tumor development results from the progressive accumulation of genetic alterations. Although this framework remains essential, it does not fully account for the long latency of many cancers, the persistence of cellular phenotypes after removal of environmental stressors, or the stable epigenetic changes associated with chronic metabolic and inflammatory disease. This article proposes a testable theoretical framework termed Temporal Genomic Memory. The model suggests that prolonged biological exposures, including chronic inflammation, metabolic stress, oxidative injury, immune dysregulation, and environmental pressure, may be progressively encoded within epigenetic and RNA-mediated regulatory systems. These signals may be compressed into relatively stable molecular information signatures that shape future transcriptional responses. Under triggering conditions such as aging, immune decline, renewed inflammation, or metabolic imbalance, these stored regulatory states may be reactivated through molecular recall mechanisms, thereby altering cellular behavior and increasing susceptibility to oncogenic transformation. A simplified mathematical representation is introduced to describe biological signal accumulation, regulatory compression, and recall activation over time. The hypothesis does not replace somatic mutation theory; rather, it adds a complementary temporal-regulatory layer linking metabolic history, epigenetic memory, mitochondrial signaling, and cancer initiation. A practical experimental strategy is proposed to examine whether prolonged metabolic stress can generate persistent epigenetic and transcriptional signatures after stress withdrawal.

Abstract: Urbanisation is reshaping ecosystems and increasing human–wildlife interactions. Wild boar (Sus scrofa), a highly adaptable species, is increasingly common in European cities, where it exploits natural and anthropogenic resources, often leading to conflict. Predicting when and where wild boar enters urban areas remains challenging, particularly using scalable tools such as remote sensing. Here we show that temporal and spatial drivers of urban presence are decoupled in Barcelona over a 14-year period. Seasonal vegetation dynamics influenced the timing of urban incursions, with peaks in spring and late summer associated with changes in vegetation moisture and likely reinforced by increased energetic demands during reproduction and early lactation. However, remotely sensed vegetation indices captured these dynamics only partially, limiting their predictive power when used alone. Spatial variation in urban green area use was primarily explained by landscape structure, with proximity to streams and habitat fragmentation contributing similarly. Green areas near natural corridors concentrated higher and more variable presence, while heterogeneous landscapes likely facilitated repeated use by increasing access to foraging and refuge. Integrating remote sensing with landscape metrics can improve anticipation and management of human–wildlife conflicts.

Abstract: Gastrotrichs (Phylum Gastrotricha) are widespread and species‑rich components of benthic and periphytic communities, where they are thought to contribute substantially to food‑web functioning by linking the microbial loop to higher trophic levels through their feeding on detritus, bacteria, microalgae, and fungi and serve as prey for larger animals. Despite the well‑recognized role as primary consumers, their position as potential prey remains largely unresolved, with documented predators so far restricted to carnivorous protists. Here, we report the first documented case of metazoan predation on a freshwater gastrotrich, in which a cyclopoid copepod actively captures and partially consumes a chaetonotid species. The interaction was first detected under minimally disturbed conditions and subsequently replicated in controlled experimental settings. Predation was documented through in vivo video recordings and supported by species-level identification of both predator and prey. These findings expand the currently recognized trophic interactions involving freshwater gastrotrichs and provide new insight into their ecological role within aquatic food webs.

Abstract: Natural selection encodes learned information in the genome. Learned solutions may be tuned specifically to past challenges, failing in altered environments. Or solutions can be general, capturing the essential structure of the challenge and performing well across variations within the abstract class. For example, a neural system might recognize the exact outlines of a rattlesnake but not other snakes, or it might recognize the essence of snakeness. The problem of how a system generalizes is a fundamental aspect of evolvability, the ability of a system to learn broad solutions to novel challenges. In recent years, machine learning has significantly advanced our understanding of when systems generalize their learned solutions and how they accomplish such generalization. One surprising discovery overturned conventional wisdom about learning. Large systems, with more adjustable parameters than the dimensions of the incoming data, do not merely memorize the data patterns in the way suggested by traditional theory. Instead, systems with more parameters generalize better than smaller systems. Because natural selection is a learning algorithm, the new theory of generalization applies to biological evolution. Specifically, increasing regulatory complexity and parameterization associates with increasing evolvability for the discovery of general solutions. This link between genomic complexity and generalization may have been a primary driving force in evolutionary history.

Abstract: The absence of an indigenous pure chicken breed in Nigeria has a serious negative impact on both the global and domestic economy, as well as per Capita protein consumption and income of their farmers. Moreso the poultry global gene pool is about to loss some fitness traits, due to the fact that they it was raised from very few population. With only 3 poultry breeding companies namely Aviagen, Hendrix and Cobb vantress principally supplying world exotic chicken the importance of a new chicken breed originating from an entirely different gene pool, like Nigerian chicken gene population can never be over emphasized. It is therefore pertinent that the Nigeria's rich natural resources (local chicken) be genetically modified to a Pure Elite Layer Breed to meet FAO 's prediction of Nigeria's potential for global food security Interestingly FAO has predicted the significant role of Nigerian livestock resources in global animal protein insecurity FAO (2022). Responding to this global call Nigerian local genetic breeders at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, in the past decade began selective breeding of the Nigerian local chickens through estimation of genetic parameters of growth and reproductive traits among the inbred chicken ( Ohaghenyi et al 2025, Ohaghenyi et al 2021, Nwankwo 2023, Okoye 2023, Ohagenyi and Okochi 2023, Ohaghenyi and Ezeugwu 2021.). Moreover (Ogbu et al 2019, Agbo et al 2 Corollary the comparative study of the inbred chicken and layer chicken will both provide a concrete information on the genetic progress made so far among the inbred chicken. The objective of this study is the genetic evaluation of reproductive traits of layer birds and Awka Elite chicken (genetically improved inbred chickens) raised in South Eastern Nigeria. The foundation stocks was grouped into 2 categories the layer birds and the genetically improved inbred chicken. They where fed with stater crumbs from day 1 to 8 weeks.l, and they where fed with finisher feeds from 8 to 16 weeks. And we continued with layer mash. Eggs were collected daily with egg crates and stored in a cool and airy room . Parameters that was measured include Reoroductive Traits and Egg internal Qualities The experiment was carried out using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with the statistical mode] as follows; Xij= μ + Ti + Σij A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine whether there were significant differences in Reproductive Traits and Egg internal Quality among the different chicken genotypes. The analysis compared the mean values of the experimental groups. It is evident from the findings of this study that the Awka Elite Inbred chicken was superior to the Exotic Layer in Albumen weight and Haugh unit. One Sire family (H62) of the Awka was superior to Exotic egg, however the average egg weight of EXOTIC eggs was 1.1g heavier, though not significant (p>0.05).The superior performance of the H62 family implies more homogeneous meat genes as a result of mating of related ancestors over several. Hence more suitable for development of broiler lines.The INBRED achieved similar weight with: more albumen (+1.4g); Larger yolk (+1.0g); Heavier shell (+0.3g). This suggests Awka Elite eggs may be more nutrient-dense per gram. The external egg quality namely Shell thickness and weight were nearly identical. Egg shape (length/width) showed minor variation, which was not meaningful. This research concludes that Selective breeding of local chickens, which expedited significant gains in performance,(growth and egg) traits has resulted in the origin of a new species, known as the Awka Elite Breed. This research breakthrough suggests that Nigeria now has the potential to develop elite poultry, hence reducing reliance on imported Parent stock. Partnership: It is recommended that Partnership from the US, UK, China and Africa to enable the Researchers supply this superior Pure chicken breed to Commercial and Rural farmers all over the world. .018, Udeh et al 2024 ) selectively bred the heavy ecotype chicken.

Abstract:

Biomineralization in plant tissues is a widespread process accompanied by carbon sequestration in biogenic minerals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CaCO₃ application to soil on the yield of Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M. Johnst., on the formation and localization of biominerals in the pericarp of fruits, as well as on the accumulation of carbon in minerals. B. arvensis seeds were sown in clay loam soil treated with CaCO₃ at concentrations of 0.0 (0Ca), 2.5 (2.5Ca), 5.0 (5Ca), 7.5 (7.5Ca), and 10.0 (10Ca) t ha⁻¹. CaCO₃ application improved B. arvensis germination, plant biomass accumulation, fruit weight and number, which consequently increased both per plant and per area yield, but did not significantly affect the rate of photosynthesis and leaf respiration. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed no significant effect of soil liming on the localization of amorphous silica and calcium carbonate in the pericarp of B. arvensis fruits. However, with increasing soil calcium availability, the silica to carbonate ratio changed towards a decrease in silica content and an increase in carbonate content. Liming of soil from acidic to slightly alkaline increased the content of organic carbon, occluded in biosilica (phytoliths) and also increased carbon content of calcium carbonate in the pericarp of B. arvensis fruits. We concluded that B. arvensis responds to increased soil calcium and soil pH by increasing carbon sequestration in biominerals formed in fruit pericarps. Studying the relationship between biomineralization in plants and environmental conditions may be useful for assessing key biogeochemical processes of carbon sequestration.

Abstract: Lack of recombination in parthenogenetic organisms limits their ability to adapt to changing environments by natural selection. However, some obligatory parthenogens, such as rock lizards of the genus Darevskia, could survive for millions of years across multiple Pleistocene glaciations. There are different explanations for this phenomenon. Analysis of phenotypic variation may shed further light on the high adaptability of the parthenogenetic lizards. We compared the genetic and phenotypic variability of 186 individuals of the parthenogenetic Darevskia dahli and 54 individuals of its sexually reproducing paternal species, D. portschinskii, whose ranges almost coincide in Georgia (the Caucasus). The analysis showed that, despite the higher genetic variability of the individuals and metapopulations of D. portschinskii, phenotypic variability (as measured by KW dispersion and the normalized effective number of individuals per metapopulation), based on the nominal traits, was almost equal in the two species. Moreover, phenotypes of the parthenogen correlated with the distances among the localities, and with the annual rainfall level at a locality. The latter species also had more outlier phenotypes. Phenotypic plasticity may be a strategy for adaptation of parthenogenetic rock lizards, to a certain extent, compensating for the lack of genetic diversity.

Abstract: Genetic diversity, which includes rare genetic traits that are found in both plant and animal domains, forms the basic structure of biological variation. These traits play a major role in helping organisms adapt to changing and challenging climatic conditions and various environmental stresses. However, human activities such as industrial agriculture, and climate change are further accelerating the loss of genetic diversity. This decline leads to reduced biodiversity, unstable ecosystems, and increases the risk of extinction for certain species. This paper aims to analyze the sources, functions, and conservation strategies for rare genetic traits in plants and animals in the context of their biological potential. The study first focuses on plant genetic traits and explores where these rare traits originate, including crop wild relatives, traditional landraces, and indigenous varieties. These traits play a crucial role in enhancing environmental stress tolerance in plants. It further examines rare genetic traits in animals, highlighting the genetic foundations of traits that support adaptation and survival in animals. Loss of these traits can result in extinction and even decline in biological potential since they can contribute significantly to advancements in medicine and technology. The study discusses strategies for conservation of rare genetic traits in plants and animals under climate change and emphasizes the urgent need to conserve genetic diversity for future sustainability and resilience.

Abstract: The study is grounded on information as a property of the constituent elements of both material and non-material systems. Through these interactions, a function is performed, or a structure is formed, which in turn performs a function analogous to the behavior of an intelligent agent. Information and self-organization give rise to modules at the molecular, cellular, and individual levels. Species, likewise, can be understood as modules, real and objective units of life, that emerge as cognitive, linguistic, and biological modules. In the framework of the biological module concept, species can be viewed as a temporal chain of living organisms, where each link comprises three successive populations that behave among themselves as intelligent agents. The intelligent agent is zygotic information in sexually reproducing organisms and an affordance of the environment in asexually reproducing organisms. However, a new model has been developed in which the stability of the species is argued, analogous to the stability observed in other biological modules.

Abstract: Vegetation spatial heterogeneity is fundamental to biodiversity management and ecosystem service provision, yet detailed phytosociological mapping of forest vegetation remains largely unresolved in the Colombian Orinoquia. This study characterized the geographic distribution of forest vegetation through the integration of 178 field surveys, environmental complex variables defined by geomorphological and bioclimatic gradients, and multi-sensor satellite imagery combining Landsat-8 optical bands and Sentinel-1 dual-polarization data, processed within a Random Forest classification framework in Google Earth Engine. Classifications achieved overall accuracies between 0.910 and 0.975 and Kappa coefficients above 0.93, identifying 24 phytosociological alliances or geobotanical formations distributed across approximately 7,565,696 ha, representing 34.63% of the region. Forest cover ranges from 10.95% in the Floodplain to 55.22% in La Macarena, with the High Plain concentrating the greatest formation diversity. The spatial organization of forest vegetation is primarily governed by the geomorphological gradient — fluvial, denudational, and structural — and limiting bioclimatic factors, together with their associated edaphic-hydrological regimes, with anthropic transformation driven by cattle ranching and agricultural expansion constituting the principal threat to forest cover. These results advance beyond existing land cover surrogates, providing an empirically validated cartographic framework for biodiversity assessment, habitat modeling, and natural capital management in the Colombian Orinoquia.

Abstract: Cyanobacteria dominate ecosystems ranging from oligotrophic deserts to eutrophic lakes, yet it remains unclear whether distantly related species thrive in disparate habitats through shared genomic foundations or divergent specialization. Here, we address this question using Microcoleus vaginatus, the pioneer stabilizer of biocrusts, and Microcystis aeruginosa, the agent of freshwater blooms worldwide, as contrasting models of terrestrial and aquatic dominance. We assembled a comparative framework of 504 high-quality cyanobacterial genomes, including 132 M. vaginatus, 148 M. aeruginosa, and 224 reference taxa, and jointly analyzed genome architecture, functional repertoires, and genomic plasticity. Despite phylogenetic separation, both species share high rates of horizontal gene transfer and retain a compact, conserved functional core centered on FAD-dependent oxidoreductases, manganese efflux, and class II aldolases that collectively maintain redox balance, photosynthetic performance, and metabolic robustness. Nevertheless, the two lineages followed contrasting genomic strategies that M. vaginatus expands regulatory breadth and stress-resilience gene families, whereas M. aeruginosa shows genome streamlining and rapid exploitation. Notably, aquatic M. vaginatus strains retain terrestrial genomic scaffolds while gradually rewiring plasticity mechanisms and niche-specific functions. Together, these results reveal a two-tier architecture of cyanobacterial dominance, a conserved survival core coupled with divergent adaptive peripheries. It offers a predictive framework for how cyanobacterial lineages will respond to the global-change pressures.