Researchers used a new approach to measure metabolic diversity in various plant tissues, revealing distinct profiles for each tissue. The study identified specific genes regulating the biosynthesis of ecologically-important secondary metabolites, shedding light on how plants modulate their metabolite accumulation at the organ level.
Research reveals that prior social associations during food search carry over into shaping breeding locations and future environmental conditions for wild great tits. Spatial structure during breeding is underpinned by these social connections, which can have population-level effects.
Yale researchers argue that most climate change ecology research focuses on single variables and trophic levels, leading to incomplete and inaccurate predictions. A more complex, integrative approach is needed to explore interactions between food web components and accurately predict ecosystem responses to climate change.
A study published in Journal of Applied Ecology found that juvenile desert tortoises released into habitat with vegetation, rocks, and animal burrows had lower mortality rates. The researchers also discovered that tortoises on rocky ground were less likely to disperse away from their release site.
Recent studies on plant polyploidy have shed light on its significance in shaping plant diversity and ecology. The special issue in American Journal of Botany highlights the latest developments and research in the field, including the origins of polyploidy, evolutionary consequences, and impacts on plant ecology.
A new paper by UC Santa Barbara researchers recommends several ways to make ecological de-extinction more successful. They suggest resurrecting recently extinct species that fit seamlessly into their ecosystems, choosing animals with irreplaceable ecological jobs, and restoring species to functional abundance levels.
The American Ornithologists' Union recognizes five individuals for their outstanding contributions to science and service. Dr. Patricia Parker, Dr. Michael Sorenson, Dr. John Fitzpatrick, Dr. Mary Caswell Stoddard, and Dr. James Herkert receive awards for their work in ecology, conservation, behavior, systematics, and more.
The BMC Ecology Image Competition 2016 featured a diverse range of images showcasing biodiversity, natural beauty, and biological interactions. Davide Gaglio's silhouette of antelope grazing against the sunrise in the Kalahari Desert won the top prize.
Research published in Scientific Reports finds that current atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations already commit the planet to air temperatures exceeding 1.5°C over many land regions. This expected extra warming could impact city planning and ecosystem services.
A new study combining future climate projections and tree-ring records reveals that North American forests will likely struggle to offset climate change. Forests, which currently absorb 25-30% of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions, are expected to grow slower in the face of warmer temperatures and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers developed a mathematical framework to identify key life cycle components driving population growth. This approach can be applied to existing data to provide more robust answers to demographic questions in ecology and evolution.
Genetically modified tobacco plants lacking jasmonates are more susceptible to insect and vertebrate attacks, with a significant impact on reproductive ability. Rabbits prefer to feed on these plants, peeling the stems and reducing flower production, highlighting the importance of nicotine in plant defense.
The adoption of machine learning techniques in ecology and earth science has the potential to greatly accelerate the pace and quality of science. However, despite its advantages, machine-learning methods have not met their full potential due to communication gaps, graduate education deficiencies, and training data requirements.
A study published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology found that burglary resulted in the largest proportion of total carbon footprint, accounting for 30% of emissions. The criminal justice system also accounted for a significant portion of emissions, highlighting the need to raise awareness about the environmental impact of crime.
A new framework uses phylogenetic information, relevant traits, and environmental gradients to reduce incorrect conclusions about community assembly. The framework combines three approaches to test hypotheses and identify signatures of key processes.
Jerry Franklin, a professor at the University of Washington, has been named 2016's Eminent Ecologist by the Ecological Society of America. He is credited with pioneering research on old-growth forests and challenging clear-cutting practices to promote healthy forest ecosystems. His work has had a significant impact on forestry and fore...
The field of landscape ecology offers a powerful tool for policymakers due to its ability to operate at multiple scales and across human and natural systems. This unique perspective can help address environmental transformation by informing policy and management decisions.
Researchers analyzed head shapes of 1,073 python and boa specimens from diverse habitats to understand the independent evolution of similar characteristics. The findings suggest that pythons and boas can serve as a new model system for studying various aspects of evolution.
Researchers discovered that hawk moths can smell floral volatiles using olfactory neurons on their proboscis. This allows them to select flowers with sufficient nectar, leading to successful pollination and seed production. The study highlights the importance of scent in flower-pollinator interactions.
Research on Black Sparrowhawks reveals that dark birds excel in low-light conditions due to better camouflage, while light birds thrive in brighter environments. This study supports the idea that color polymorphism arises from adaptations to distinct light conditions.
A new report argues that landscape ecologists can inform policy decisions on managing global change. The field offers unique insights into combining urban planning and landscape ecology to create sustainable land-use policies. Collaborative efforts between landscape ecologists and policymakers are underway to protect sensitive ecosystems.
The study reveals that carnivore populations thrive in areas with preferred habitat and food sources, contradicting expectations of radioactive contamination. The camera survey captured 14 species, including gray wolves and raccoon dogs, which were more likely to be found in highly contaminated but suitable habitats.
Researchers found that no-take marine reserves are less impacted and recover faster than unprotected reefs. Well-designed reserves provide benefits for non-target species and wider ecosystem processes.
Researchers are studying coral genomes to better comprehend why some reefs thrive while others die, with implications for Guam's economy and tourism industry. The new genetic sequencer will enable local scientists to tackle molecular reef ecology and train the next generation of researchers.
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation reveals that giant pandas can detect sound into the ultrasonic range, potentially disrupting their reproductive success due to noise from human activities. The San Diego Zoo's contribution to this research has provided crucial insights into panda hearing sensitivity.
A new study published in Global Ecology and Biogeography finds that drought following wildfires hinders forest recovery in the Rocky Mountains. The research shows that forests are not adapting quickly enough to climate change, with subalpine tree species being negatively impacted by warm, dry conditions.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered that stick insects have enzymes capable of degrading complex plant cell wall components, including xyloglucan. This discovery marks the first known xyloglucanase of any kind to be found in multicellular animals.
A multi-disciplinary team from James Cook University has developed a roadmap for sustainable fishing tourism in Papua New Guinea. The project aims to benefit local communities while promoting conservation of the Papuan Black Bass, one of the world's toughest sportfish.
A study published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology found that consumers are responsible for more than 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions and up to 80% of world water use. Changing consumption habits can significantly reduce environmental impact.
Researchers developed a new model to estimate male lion mortality, providing insights into human impact on populations. The model can be applied to various species facing local extinction, enabling data-driven conservation strategies.
A new analysis of 26 shrub species in South Africa reveals that climate, fire, and soil factors significantly influence population dynamics. The study's findings provide insights into how these interactions shape the reproductive and survival patterns of plants.
Researchers studied tree responses to temperature and dry-season stress in Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. The study found significant changes in second-growth tropical forests due to multi-year droughts.
Researchers developed a software framework called plant to investigate how plant species coexist with varying traits. The tool examines physiological rules and functional trade-offs in vegetation structure and diversity.
Researchers are studying the socio-ecology and climate responses of dengue and Zika virus transmission in coastal Ecuador to understand risk landscape and develop effective interventions. They are developing mathematical models to predict future changes in virus transmission under climate change.
The One Ecosystem Journal offers innovative publishing models for ecology and sustainability research, incorporating open data and peer review. The journal uses the ARPHA platform to facilitate collaboration and dissemination of information.
A new research technique developed by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) enables researchers to identify epigenetic changes in plants and animals much faster and cheaper. This breakthrough can help scientists study climate change, plagues, and other stress-factors more efficiently.
A new study reveals that heavy weather events trigger 'pulse-shunt' of organic matter past small streams, affecting water chemistry and phytoplankton levels. This framework challenges existing concepts in watershed ecology and has implications for managing nutrient pollution and mercury inputs.
The great tit's reference genome shows epigenetic processes influencing learning and cognitive processes, with conserved patterns found in humans and other mammals. The study suggests a correlation between methylation levels and molecular evolution rate.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found that white Americans' stereotypes of black Americans mirror those of individuals from resource-poor and unpredictable environments. In contrast, stereotypes of whites match those of individuals from more resource-sufficient and predictable environments. The findings suggest that eco...
A nearly complete skeleton of a well-preserved early carnivorous mammal, Galecyon, has shed light on the ecology and evolutionary relationships of hyaenodontids. The fossil, dating back to the Eocene Epoch, suggests that these ancient animals were adaptable ground-dwelling creatures, unlike their tree-climbing or runner relatives.
A newly discovered skeleton of the hyaenodontid Galecyon provides insight into the ecology and evolution of early mammalian carnivores. The study reveals diverse habitat preferences among early hyaenodontids, explaining how they coexisted despite similar diets and body sizes.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute found that cooperating bacteria form cell clusters to exclude non-cooperating bacteria from their community. This mechanism stabilizes long-term partnerships without requiring complex recognition of potential partners.
The Bigelow Laboratory is part of a $8 million initiative to develop molecular tools for understanding dinoflagellates' function and their impact on ocean ecosystems. The project aims to create genetic tools that will allow researchers to investigate the activities of microbial genes and provide new capabilities for scientific inquiry.
Researchers at the University of Georgia are studying the effects of feeding wildlife at public parks on the health and ecology of white ibises in south Florida. The study found that being fed by humans is changing the behavior of the birds, making them more susceptible to disease.
A study by researchers from the University of Georgia found that female monarch butterflies have thicker wings and lighter body mass relative to their wing size, making their flight more efficient. This advantage enables females to outperform males in flight and migration success.
The extinction of large herbivores during the Late Pleistocene led to significant changes in vegetation composition and landscape openness. This study reveals that large herbivores play a crucial role in shaping their environments, which has major consequences for other species and ecosystem processes.
Researchers found that glycosidase-silenced larvae are more susceptible to predators and have reduced survival rates, indicating the importance of detoxification. The study reveals a novel mechanism where removing a sugar molecule from a plant's defensive compound can result in detoxification.
The study found that fungi change the nutritional and medicinal chemistry of milkweed leaves, affecting monarch caterpillars' susceptibility to parasitic infections. The dosage and nutrient phosphorous levels also play crucial roles in determining the outcome.
Researchers found that root fungi in milkweed plants affect the virulence of protozoan parasites and monarchs' ability to resist infection. The study suggests soil organisms play a significant role in host-parasite ecology, with implications for community ecology and disease research.
A review article in Trends in Microbiology reveals that microbial invasions follow a general ecological pattern, with invasion phases including introduction, establishment, spread, and impact. The study found that species diversity is the best defense against invading microbes.
Two University of Toronto scientists developed a new research framework to measure agricultural impacts using functional trait-based ecology. The approach focuses on how plants respond to and affect changes in their environment, providing insights into crop diversity, nutrient cycling, pest repellence and drought mitigation.
Researchers develop framework to measure cheating in mutually beneficial relationships, finding evidence scarce. The study aims to stimulate mechanistic studies and improve understanding of human interactions by recognizing that not all bad partners are necessarily cheaters.
Researchers demonstrate how community ecology can provide new analytical tools for understanding diseases and their impacts on multiple hosts and vectors. The approach highlights the need for a broad contextual understanding of diseases and identifies strategies such as managing symbiotic microbial communities and preserving biodiversity.
A UT Arlington biologist is conducting a comprehensive study of zooplankton in over 20 lakes in Alaska and Wisconsin to better understand the relationship between ecological changes and evolutionary responses. The research aims to predict how organisms adapt to natural and human-induced environmental shifts.
Researchers studied bats and rodents to identify characteristics of cross-species virus transmission. They found that viruses pass more easily between bat species than rodent species, with unique bat traits like gregariousness facilitating transmission.
Researchers found that a protective mix of root bacteria can prevent sudden wilt disease in wild tobacco plants. The right combination of soil microbiota is crucial for plant survival, and crop rotation plays a vital role in preventing the buildup of soil-borne diseases.
A new general consumer-resource model spans centuries of food web models, capturing underlying structure and providing a framework for new models. This concept has far-reaching implications for fields like resource management, conservation, and agriculture.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute developed a method to simultaneously localize bacteria and antibiotic production in environmental samples. Using mass-spectrometric imaging, they visualized the distribution of antibiotics piericidin A1 and B1 across the outer surface of beewolf cocoons.
A new UK study predicts that severe droughts could lead to the extinction of six butterfly species by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for climate action. However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring habitats can greatly improve the chances of drought-sensitive butterflies surviving until at least 2100.
Researchers developed software to analyze colors and patterns as animals see them, useful for studying animal and plant signaling, camouflage, and predation. The software converts digital photos to animal vision, providing a user-friendly solution for scientists.