Researchers at Stanford University conducted a three-year experiment, raising questions about the impact of elevated CO2 on plant growth. The study found that CO2 suppression was most pronounced when combined with other climate change factors like temperature, precipitation, and nitrogen deposition.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that removing any one species from a marine food web can have devastating effects, leading to population collapse and regional extinction. The study's findings highlight the importance of preserving biodiversity in marine ecosystems.
A UGA research study discovered that genetic diversity is vital for maintaining ecosystem balance. The study found that reduced genetic biodiversity affects an ecosystem's predictability and nutrient release, highlighting the importance of conserving both species and genetic diversity.
A $45 billion annual investment in preserving large tracts of wild nature could yield an annual return of $44 to $52 trillion in ecosystem services. The market economy fails to capture the full financial value of natural goods and services, leading to a lack of information and harmful development policies.
A recent study published in Science suggests that conserving wild nature can generate significant economic benefits, with intact ecosystems providing up to 75% more value than converted ones. The research estimates a global network of nature reserves could provide $4.4 trillion in additional economic benefits annually.
Adam Davis's work focuses on integrating economic value into land conservation for private landowners, using current regulations to drive the economic value of conservation. Companies are finding that investing in protected environments is not only good for the Earth but also a sound financial investment.
The study found that only the Permian and Cretaceous extinction events led to significant changes in ocean ecosystem structure. The analysis suggests that life's evolution played a crucial role in shaping these ecosystems after the massive extinctions.
Researchers used satellite imagery to study the effects of an iceberg on a marine ecosystem in Antarctica. The study found that extensive ice cover reduced phytoplankton production by 40% and affected the entire food chain from krill to fish, seals, whales, penguins, and other species.
A new study by Scripps scientists reveals that intermediate-sized predators can have significant impacts on ecosystems, contrary to previous conclusions. The research highlights the importance of considering all species, not just larger ones, for maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity.
The University of Southern Mississippi has received a $6 million grant from the EPA to conduct research on coastal waters using bioindicators. The four-year project will measure estuary health and develop predictive indicators for coastal managers.
Gretchen Daily proposes assigning economic value to ecosystems and incorporating those values into public policy. She argues that making conservation profitable is crucial for saving the planet from natural resource depletion.
A recent study suggests that predators play a key role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The research, conducted on small islands with no natural predators, found that the absence of top-down regulation led to an explosion in plant-eating animals and herbivores, resulting in a collapse of vegetation.
The Wildlife Conservation Society will use the grant to manage and protect key areas with intact ecosystems, such as the Ndoki-Likouala rain forest in the Republic of Congo and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. WCS's Living Landscapes approach aims to balance human needs with wildlife conservation.
Recent research reveals a mix of natural and human-induced changes in Florida Bay, with a significant increase in the mussel species Brachidontes exustus and a decline in molluscan diversity. Understanding natural variability is crucial to restore ecosystems to their natural state.
Researchers examined paleoecological records, archaeological sites, and historical documents to calibrate their understanding of coastal marine ecosystems. They found that human disturbance led to changes in ecosystem structures and functions, with many species becoming ecologically extinct.
A two-year study of human impacts on oceans over time reveals that overfishing was the primary driver of ecosystem collapse in each case examined. Historical overkill of marine life triggered changes in ecosystem structure and function, leading to toxic algal blooms, dead zones, and outbreaks of diseases.
A broad consortium of scientists proposes developing ecological forecasting to forecast environmental changes, protect ecosystems, and predict the impacts of global warming. The initiative aims to improve planning and decision-making by providing reliable forecasts of ecosystem state and services.
The study highlights the loss of large predatory fish as a key factor in altering marine food webs, leading to changes in ecosystem composition. Historical records suggest that fishing impacts may have begun thousands of years ago, contributing to current ecosystem level changes.
A new analysis of the BIODEPTH project reveals that complementary interactions between species play a stronger role in determining ecosystem productivity than previously thought. This finding suggests that conserving a variety of species is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
A group of scientists, lawyers, conservationists, economists, and policymakers came together at Stanford to discuss novel ways to market ecosystem services. The workshop aimed to protect the ecosystem by putting an economic value on its less tangible services, such as water purification and flood control.
New studies using satellite imagery reveal El Niño's disruption of the marine ecosystem, with a reduction in phytoplankton and an increase in nutrient-depleted waters off Baja California. The findings suggest that warm waters ushered in during El Niño resulted in a decline in phytoplankton, which are crucial for the ocean's food chain.
Researchers at Cornell University found that larger lakes have longer food chains than smaller ones, contrary to previous assumptions about energy availability. The study suggests that the size of an ecosystem, not energy levels, constrains food-chain length.
The Ecological Society of America has released three new publications on biodiversity, biotic invasions, and forest management. The reports provide insights into how changes in ecosystems affect productivity, stability, and environmental damage. The ESA also offers expert advice for managing U.S. National Forests sustainably.
Researchers modeled US ecosystem carbon budget using state-of-the-art data and models, finding small uptake of carbon despite high emissions. The results suggest that ecosystems in the US store carbon, but not enough to balance fossil fuel use, making other regions important for climate change mitigation.
Researchers at the University of Washington found a strong correlation between the diversity of plants, algae, and bacteria in an ecosystem. The study suggests that altering biodiversity can have far-reaching effects on the entire food chain.
A study led by U-M scientist Lisa Curran found that El Nino triggers the reproduction of tropical forest trees, allowing them to survive and thrive. However, human activity such as logging is destroying the ecosystem, threatening the local economy and global exports.
A study by BIODEPTH found that reducing species richness in plant communities results in decreased productivity, higher soil nitrate concentrations, and altered ecosystem processes. The findings suggest that preserving and restoring biodiversity is crucial for maintaining grassland productivity.
The Everglades' low biodiversity, caused by nutrient deficiencies, makes them vulnerable to pollution. Researchers recommend reducing agricultural runoff and filtering water through marshes to preserve the ecosystem's character.
Jim Estes, a marine biologist with the USGS Western Ecological Research Center, will pursue research on restoring the Bering Sea and North Pacific ecosystem. He aims to provide information on how human effects manifest in the oceans, leading to drastic ecosystem changes.
The Fish and Wildlife Service is pioneering the ecosystem approach by dividing the country into 53 management units based on watersheds. Conservation biologists are urged to help implement this approach by working with land managers on Habitat Conservation Plans, identifying areas for flexibility and adjustments.
New studies suggest ecosystems can be disrupted by small environmental changes or loss of minor species, challenging conventional wisdom on ecological protection. Research finds importance of both keystone and lesser species in ecosystem function.
New experiments suggest that biodiversity loss can have significant consequences for ecosystem functions, including reduced resilience to extreme events. The type of species present also appears to play a crucial role in determining ecosystem function.
A conference of 800 environmental scientists explores whether terrestrial ecosystems can slow down climate change by absorbing CO2. Recent technological developments, such as Free Air CO2 Enrichment technology, improve our ability to study carbon storage at the ecosystem level.
A 15-year study on 200,000 acres of grassland in eastern Colorado suggests that livestock grazing has a minimal impact on the shortgrass steppe ecosystem. The study reveals that plants have adapted to grazing by developing extensive root systems and short, bushy features above ground.
Researchers are investigating how climate change affects plant community composition, whole-ecosystem carbon exchange, and energy balance in northern peatlands. The goal is to determine the mechanisms of biotic control over temperature and its impact on ecosystem processes.
The USGS is providing crucial information for restoring the South Florida ecosystem through multidisciplinary research activities. The latest data on pre-development environmental conditions, contaminant transport, and physical conditions in Florida Bay are being shared to inform land and water resource managers.
The study estimates ecosystem services' value between $16 and $54 trillion per year, with coastal environments accounting for 43% of this value. The research highlights the importance of valuing ecosystem services in decision-making processes.
Scientists warn that humanity's disregard for ecosystem services will have severe economic losses, estimated in trillions of dollars annually. The loss of nature's services can lead to floods, mudslides, and extinction of species, posing an existential threat to human survival.
Ecologists are exploring how many species must be saved to keep an ecosystem functioning, with studies suggesting that losing even a small percentage of biodiversity can have significant consequences. Key findings include the importance of 'keystone' species and the impact of genetic variability on ecosystem resilience.
A team of University of Cincinnati biologists has discovered a unique ecosystem in Romania's Movile Cave that thrives without solar energy. The cave is home to 48 species, including 33 found nowhere else, which rely on chemoautotrophic processes for food production.