Scientists from WHOI conducted a new study measuring carbon levels at various depths in the Arctic Ocean. The data will help researchers understand how carbon cycles through the marine ecosystem and respond to rising global temperatures.
A new study by University of South Florida researchers found that chlorothalonil kills a wide variety of freshwater organisms, including amphibians and aquatic plants, leading to ecosystem changes. The findings highlight the need to reassess the fungicide's safety and its impact on ecosystems.
A recent study found that biodiversity loss has a major driver of ecosystem change, rivaling the effects of climate change and pollution. The researchers analyzed data from almost 200 published studies, measuring species loss and its impact on plant growth and decomposition.
A new University of Minnesota study reveals that each species plays a crucial role in maintaining a productive ecosystem when considering long-term effects. The research found that increasing plant diversity led to gradual increases in both soil fertility and biomass production over a 14-year period.
Long-term historical observations reveal plants leafing and flowering sooner due to rising temperatures, contrary to results from controlled environmental warming experiments. This discrepancy suggests that estimated ecosystem changes may be far greater than current estimates based on experimental data.
A study of 50 plant studies across four continents found that experimentally induced shifts in plant timing are underestimated by at least fourfold compared to long-term records. Long-term historical records consistently show a 5-6 day advance per degree Celsius, with potential consequences for species diversity and ecosystem services.
A new study has found that experiments underestimate plant responses to climate change, with shifts in flowering and leafing timing being much greater than estimated. Long-term historical records show that many plant species have shifted their leafing and flowering earlier, in step with warming temperatures over recent decades.
Researchers from the University of Southampton are leading two international studies to improve the lives of over one billion people living in poverty. The ASSETS Project investigates ecosystem services at forest-agricultural interfaces in Amazonia and Africa, while assessing delta changes in Bangladesh and India.
A study reveals that cod population increases in central Baltic lead to expansion into adjacent marginal systems, impacting local ecosystems through trophic cascades. This phenomenon underscores the importance of linking local and regional processes for ecosystem management.
Increasing escapement can improve the natural environment by benefiting grizzly bears, who will consume more salmon and occur at higher densities. This leads to a better environment for salmon, with more discarded salmon entering downstream life and enriching the ecosystem.
Studies of 32 ecological communities reveal that a species' role depends on its evolutionary history, not geographic location. This knowledge allows conservationists to focus efforts on vital parts of an ecosystem and predict species' responses to changes.
International experts agree on the need to better understand biodiversity loss and its impact on ecosystem services, which are crucial for human well-being. The new framework sets out a strategy to address biodiversity-related research efforts and inform policy decisions.
A new study confirms that oil from the Macondo well made it into the ocean's food chain through zooplankton, with residues detected up to a month after the spill was capped. The oil's unique fingerprint was found in some zooplankton in the Northern Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.
Researchers found significant health and ecosystem implications from coal-tar-based sealcoats, which release PAHs detrimental to human and ecosystem health. The study recommends avoiding coal-tar-based sealcoats in favor of asphalt-based ones or no sealcoat at all.
A scientific team reports that a 'balanced harvest' can achieve productive fisheries while conserving environmental factors, according to the journal Science paper. This approach maximizes production and minimizes ecological effects by targeting multiple species and sizes.
A new ecosystem has been discovered in the deep sea, featuring a blend of hot and cold environments. The Jaco Scar site, located off Costa Rica, supports a vast array of species that thrive in both hydrothermal vents and cold methane seeps.
Researchers found a unique ecosystem where hot and cold habitats intersect, featuring tubeworms, fish, mussels, and crabs. The discovery reveals new species and potential communities in the deep sea, highlighting the need for further exploration of this largely uncharted environment.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that past disturbances, such as logging, can obscure the effects of climate change on forest ecosystems. Researchers used decades-long data from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest to uncover a complex legacy left by these historical events.
Scientists have found that predator/prey relationships are crucial for maintaining stability and diversity in complex ecosystems, contradicting earlier modeling results. The research provides a new framework for understanding ecosystem responses to environmental change.
Researchers Stefano Allesina and Si Tang refined Robert May's 1972 formula to incorporate predator-prey relationships, allowing for greater ecosystem diversity. The new model predicts that large ecosystems can support an infinite number of species through complex interactions.
A study published in Science suggests that plant biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem multi-functionality in drylands, which are vulnerable to desertification and climate change. The research found that increasing perennial plant species enhances ecosystem ability to store carbon and build nutrient pools.
A study of extreme coastal storms in the Western Mediterranean found that these events redistribute marine organic carbon, supporting life in deeper waters and enhancing carbon sequestration. The severe damage to coastal environments must also be considered when evaluating human-induced climate change's impact on ocean ecosystems.
A global analysis finds that over half the world's poorest people benefit from ecosystem services in areas prioritized for conservation. Ensuring fair payments to conservation stewards could increase benefits by 50% and amount to $1 per person per day for 330 million people.
A new landmark study confirms that diverse ecosystems perform more ecological functions and are vital for carbon sequestration and soil health. Dryland ecosystems covering 40% of the Earth's land surface support 40% of its people, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
A new study in Nature Climate Change presents a more complete picture of the climate costs of land use changes by incorporating biophysical effects beyond greenhouse gases. The researchers found that tropical rainforests are highly valuable for protecting against climate warming, while boreal forests have lower climate regulation values.
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and WAMC Northeast Public Radio have debuted Earth Wise, a two-minute daily radio show focusing on climate change, energy, sustainable living, agriculture, and wildlife. Each segment highlights how individuals can make a positive impact.
A new report reveals that the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has led to a profound rebirth of life and ecosystem health. Trees and shrubs are beginning to recover along some streams, providing improved habitat for beaver and fish. Birds and bears also have more food available due to the decrease in elk populations.
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies has received a major grant to develop an innovative graduate training program in freshwater ecology, focusing on lake conservation and sustainability. The GLEON Graduate Fellows Program will train the next generation of scientists in leadership, research, and communication skills.
A new report proposes science-based strategies to monitor and set limits for air pollution, aiming to protect and restore U.S. ecosystem health. The authors review current pollution evaluation criteria and propose critical loads of pollutants to design policy and manage ecosystems.
Ecosystem services have declined by 60% due to land conversion for food and fiber production. Experts recommend market-based solutions, such as cap-and-trade policies and certification schemes, to incentivize sustainable supply of these services.
A study by Arizona State University experts warns that some payment mechanisms for ecosystem services can be detrimental to the environment. The report highlights the need for carefully designed payment schemes to track changes in publicly owned environmental assets, similar to tracking economic indicators like GDP.
The NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science's Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research is initiating a 5-year project focused on the role that Pulley Ridge reefs play in replenishing key fish species and other organisms in downstream reefs. This research aims to develop more effective strategies to protect these ecosystems.
Researchers argue that economic behavior is linked to ecosystem vulnerability to invasive species. Biological invasions serve as a model for studying general ecological processes. Understanding these interactions is crucial for predicting impacts of global change on ecosystem services.
Researchers will investigate the Hanna Shoal ecosystem in the Chukchi Sea to understand its high productivity and potential impact from climate change. The study aims to inform offshore oil drilling operations and protect the Arctic ecosystem, with data integration for future environmental assessments.
Dams and weirs have a profound effect on the ecosystem of watercourses, causing a significant decline in species diversity. The study found that fish species are 25% lower upstream of weirs compared to downstream areas, while invertebrate diversity is up to 50% lower.
A recent study by McGill University researchers found that biodiversity is essential for maintaining multiple ecosystem services across different years, places, and environmental conditions. The study suggests that many species are needed to maintain ecosystem services, rather than just a few, and highlights the importance of conservin...
A new analysis of plants in grassland ecosystems worldwide reveals that most species are crucial for ecosystem functioning. Researchers found that 84% of grassland species promote ecosystem functioning at some point, contradicting previous assumptions about the importance of diversity.
A new study finds that reducing catches of small 'forage' fish like sardines and anchovies can protect larger predatory species. Halving fishing rates for high-impact species could greatly reduce ecosystem impact while achieving 80% of maximum sustainable yield.
University of Guam ecologist Thomas Marler conducted botanical surveys on Mount Pinatubo's slopes to study primary succession. He found that unstable soil surfaces continue to impact community formation, and elevation and distance from human settlement are key factors in vegetation characteristics.
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation has awarded a research grant to Dr. Neil Hammerschlag's RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami to investigate the impact of declining marine apex predator populations on the ocean ecosystem.
A team of ecologists models climate change effects on fire occurrence and composition of Yellowstone forests, finding a tipping element that may alter the flora, fauna, and ecosystem quality. The researchers predict frequent fires will become the norm in parts of the landscape by 2050.
A new study by UC Merced professor Anthony Westerling predicts a significant increase in large wildfires in Yellowstone by 2050, leading to changes in forest composition and wildlife habitats. The projected increase could result in fewer dense forests and more open vegetation, with some forests failing to regenerate after repeated fires.
A new study projects that Yellowstone National Park will experience dramatic shifts in forest vegetation and fire patterns, with large fires occurring annually by 2050. The research suggests that a warming climate could lead to a fundamental change in the ecosystem, affecting wildlife, hydrology, carbon storage, and aesthetics.
The TRY global database provides 3 million traits for 69,000 plant species, enabling more accurate predictions of ecosystem changes under climate change. This will revolutionize biodiversity research by accounting for variation among species in their traits.
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation awarded a $30,000 grant to the University of Miami's RJD Marine Conservation Program to investigate shark conservation in Florida waters. The research aims to understand the impact of top predators on the ecosystem and develop strategies for sustainable fisheries management.
A new mathematical model shows that species pairs can reemerge after collapse if the disturbance is removed. Hybridization between closely-related species can lead to population decline and biodiversity loss. The study suggests that ecosystem managers may be able to refill ecological niches, but not resurrect lost species.
A global analysis of invasive plant impacts found that 135 species cause a 40% reduction in native plant abundance and a 50% decrease in species diversity. This study highlights the context-dependent nature of invasions, with impacts varying by species traits, ecosystem type, and duration.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute offer new insights on reforestation in Latin America, highlighting the importance of native species, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation. The research provides a framework for land managers to weigh environmental and economic factors in their decision-making.
A mathematical model developed by scientists shows that ecosystems remain relatively stable despite constant changes in species populations, highlighting the ecosystem's role as a self-contained entity. This finding suggests that preserving entire ecosystems may be more crucial than protecting specific endangered species.
A team of researchers deployed an observatory system to study microbial life in the ocean crust, revealing a large reservoir of seawater that supports a dynamic ecosystem. The study provides insights into hydrogeology, geochemistry, and microbiology, with potential applications for understanding earthquakes and carbon storage.
Researchers have found that models used to assess catastrophic changes can also predict environmental collapse. By monitoring variability in key ecosystem processes, scientists can detect early warning signs of regime shifts and potentially prevent ecological breakdowns.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have detected an unmistakable warning sign of an impending ecological catastrophe in a remote Wisconsin lake. The team, led by ecologist Stephen Carpenter, monitored vital signs across three years and found subtle changes in the system's natural patterns of variability, indicating a reg...
Researchers detected a warning signal of impending ecosystem collapse in a Wisconsin lake by monitoring its complex signals and biological community changes. The study provides evidence that radical change can be foreseen, potentially preventing ecological catastrophe.
A project called Tropi-Dry, led by the University of Alberta, used remote sensing and geo-data to overturn a Brazilian law that would have allowed widespread logging. The decision protects critical ecosystem services, including weather regulation and water production.
A team of Brown University researchers recommends involving stakeholders, setting objectives early, and creating institutional structures to manage US oceans effectively. They found success stories in California's Morro Bay and Washington state's Northwest Straits.
A new study finds that human responses to a changing environment determine environmental tipping points in ecosystems. Regulatory choices can influence behavior and alter ecosystem outcomes. Strong institutional support is crucial for effective management.
Researchers at Queen's University discovered that silver nanoparticles can be highly toxic to microbial communities in Arctic soil, compromising the ecosystem's ability to fix nitrogen. The study's findings highlight the need for further consideration of innovation's impact on the environment.
A recent study analyzed data from almost 2,000 coral reef locations worldwide to determine the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The research found that biomass production decreases with increasing human density, especially in more diverse ecosystems.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found phytoplankton bloom timing has progressed up to 50 days earlier in the Arctic Ocean, with unknown impacts on the food chain. The shift may have consequences for the entire ecosystem and global carbon cycle.
Leading scientists advocate for a modified approach to assessing policy options on biodiversity and ecosystem services. They argue that hypothetical scenarios do not represent real-world policy options, emphasizing the need for authoritative scientific advice on actual policy choices.