Researchers discover two distinct COI barcodes in each of four species: solitary sandpiper, eastern meadowlark, marsh wren and warbling vireo. The findings indicate that these species should be split, confirming suspicions among taxonomists.
A study published in PLoS Biology demonstrates the effectiveness of DNA barcoding in identifying species. Using a specific gene, researchers correctly identified 260 North American bird species with unique genetic barcodes. The findings suggest that this method could advance life cataloging efforts but require further validation.
The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Alert System tracks the spread of invasive aquatic species across the US. The system allows users to report sightings, receive automatic alerts, and search for specific species.
A new model predicts that many carnivores are at high risk of extinction due to their biology and proximity to densely populated areas. The researchers suggest focusing conservation efforts on species with long gestation periods living in areas with rapid human population growth.
A new study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University has found that an abnormal form of the prion protein from one mammal species can infect another species, bypassing natural barriers. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind prion diseases like mad cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
A recent analysis of 11,633 species published in Nature found that more than 300 critically endangered species are completely unprotected. The study emphasizes the need for a major shift in conservation strategies to prevent large-scale species extinctions over the next few decades.
A study predicts that climate change will put 15-37% of species in biodiversity-rich regions at risk of extinction by 2050. The study used computer models to simulate the impact of changing temperatures on species distributions, and found that well over a million species could be threatened with extinction.
Researchers have identified a receptor on sea urchin eggs that regulates the species-specific adhesion of sperm, preventing cross-fertilization between different species. The discovery provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of gamete interactions and could shed light on how new species evolved.
A new study analyzing 11,000 mammal, amphibian and bird species reveals major gaps in the global protected area system, placing over 700 species at risk of extinction. The analysis highlights urgent conservation priorities for tropical areas, islands, and specific endangered species.
Research reveals that human activity has reduced natural habitats, making it difficult for species to adapt to climate change. Mobile species like birds and butterflies are more likely to survive, while sessile species like reptiles and amphibians are at high risk of extinction.
In contrast to many other introduced species, most marine invertebrates increase in size after invasion. This size increase may have significant implications for the impacts of these species on native ecosystems. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the effects of invasive species on non-native regions.
A study revealed 253 Caribbean marine species are endemic, with many having tiny ranges making them susceptible to extinction. Destructive fishing practices and development threaten these micro-endemic species.
Researchers used ancient pollen data to test hypotheses on species diversity and coexistence in forests. They found that stabilizing forces, not neutral dynamics, were maintaining forest diversity, contradicting long-held views.
Researchers estimate between 2 and 100 million global species, developing six methods to assess biodiversity in a single habitat. Three methods proved effective even with limited data, while spacing ecoregions evenly throughout the continent yielded the best results.
A more realistic extinction scenario shows that rare and uncommon plant species removal doesn't impact aboveground plant growth, but instead affects remaining rare species. Dominant species impart resistance to ecosystem change even in the face of a 3-fold decline in species.
New research on corals from the Madracis genus reveals significant genetic variation among species, challenging traditional classifications. The study found two distinct species, while four others exhibited considerable overlap in genetic material, making identification difficult.
Research found significant species diversity in riparian areas, with up to 40 times more exotic species per plot compared to uplands. Flood frequency also impacts species richness, with decreased numbers of exotic species as flood frequency decreases.
A comparative study of plants and birds on oceanic islands found that invasive species outnumber native species, causing extinctions but increasing overall diversity. The total number of land bird species has remained relatively unchanged despite the loss of native species.
A report highlights that protecting threatened and endemic species does not automatically ensure compliance with biodiversity conservation laws. The study found that this approach falls short in preserving other bird species, especially in their habitats of distribution.
Researchers created a DNA fin test that accurately identifies six shark species commonly caught in North Atlantic waters. The test uses polymerase chain reaction and has implications for shark fisheries and trade monitoring, facilitating better recordkeeping and conservation efforts.
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.
Researchers compiled a list of 46 phytoplankton species potentially toxic to humans and marine life, highlighting the need for monitoring programs. The study's findings emphasize the economic cost of harmful algae blooms and their potential impact on global climate modification.
Researchers used a large database of ecological information to analyze over 100 animal populations in the wild. They found that generalist feeding organisms exhibit short cycle periods, typically four times as long as an animal's lifespan, while those that feed on one species have longer cycles.
A new study estimates 3.7 to 5.9 million insects worldwide, down from Erwin's initial estimate of 30 million. The research suggests that specialist herbivores are rare, and genera rather than species are the preferred unit for biodiversity calculations.
Researchers estimated that New Guinea's plant community is dominated by clusters of closely related plant species, which are fed upon by a greater number of insects. This discovery leads to revised estimates of total world species numbers, with the range being between 4.8 million and 6 million.
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.
Researchers from Wageningen University predict the species diversity of large herbivores in nature reserves by analyzing soil fertility and rainfall data. The study finds that areas with fertile soil and average rainfall are ideal for high species diversity, contrary to expectations.
The total number of living species is uncertain due to uneven taxonomic coverage and statistical barriers. Alroy estimates that one in five currently used species names may be invalid, posing a critical issue for species at risk of extinction.
Researcher David Tilman's study found that mixing multiple plant species leads to higher productivity, as each species brings unique traits for resource utilization. This principle can benefit various ecosystems, including forests and fisheries, by promoting a more diverse range of organisms.
Zoologists at UC Berkeley have discovered a new species of salamander in southeastern Mexico that was mistaken for another species due to identical appearance. DNA analysis revealed the two species evolved from different ancestors despite shared adaptations to burrowing.
A new study by Imperial College scientists found that the power law used to determine the relationship between plant species and land area is not scale-invariant. Species richness accumulated rapidly at intermediate scales, rather than being constant as previously believed. This finding has significant implications for conservation stu...
Researchers at U.S. Geological Survey and University of Denver have identified a new bird species, the Gunnison sage-grouse, through DNA analysis and genetic research. The study confirms the species' distinctiveness from the Greater sage-grouse and highlights concerns about its low genetic diversity and population decline.
A new UC Berkeley study reveals that diverse ecosystems are not immune to invasion by alien species. In a series of experiments, researchers found that high diversity actually increases the likelihood of invader establishment in larger ecosystems.
A Penn State biologist has identified 13 sunfish and sucker species as being at high risk of extinction, primarily due to their isolated distributions and limited geographical range sizes. The study found that larger body size is associated with a higher risk of extinction in sunfish, but not in suckers.
Researchers found nearly 1,000 cave species in the continental US, with over 60% living in a single county or cave. Protecting land above caves is crucial to save these species from disruptions to vegetation and drainage basins.
A study by Anthony Ricciardi and Joseph Rasmussen reveals freshwater species are dying out five times faster than terrestrial species. At this rate, many at-risk species will disappear within the next century, with non-native species and dams identified as major threats.
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.
The USGS presents various studies on invasive species, including a workshop on non-native plant invasions and their impact on native ecosystems. Additionally, researchers discuss the effects of grazing on plant species diversity and find that habitat conditions play a significant role in shaping species variation.
A new study highlights the importance of managing multiple species to prevent extinction, according to Dr. Ron Pulliam, director of the National Biological Service. By identifying vulnerable species and human activities threatening them, conservation efforts can be targeted to save species.
The Endangered Species Act's economic impacts are unclear due to inadequate data, according to a University of Wyoming economist. The lack of scientifically-based national estimates of the economic benefits of most listed species limits decision-making.