A new report by the Ecological Society of America finds that restoring fish populations in the Great Lakes leads to a shift in herring gull diet, with birds opting for terrestrial food instead. This change may have severe consequences for other species, such as terns, which are more closely tied to aquatic environments.
The loss of sea ice due to climate change poses a significant threat to Arctic marine mammals, including polar bears, hooded seals, and narwhals. Conservation measures may help mitigate the effects, but reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are crucial for long-term conservation.
A meta-analysis of over 50 studies found that bird feeding can lead to immediate positive outcomes, such as increased chick survival, but also creates ecological traps and disrupts natural selection. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive research on the impact of bird feeding on ecosystems.
Research by David Inouye shows that warmer springs in the Rockies are causing three common wildflowers to bloom less due to late frost damage. This can have significant impacts on ecosystem dynamics, as these plants provide food for various insects and animals, which may disappear if they vanish.
Research suggests that animals in Antarctica faced harsher conditions during Ice Ages than today, leading to mass migrations. The study found that polynyas, areas of open water, existed far south of current winter sea-ice boundaries, supporting local food webs.
Scientists propose a new approach to managing ecosystems, focusing on sustaining healthy ecosystems that are resilient to further environmental change. This approach acknowledges the current level of change in an ecosystem and uses innovative strategies to ensure its resilience.
A study found that elephants' browsing activities create hiding places and twisted crevices in trees, which boost lizard densities. The research suggests that elephants play a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem, particularly in African wildlife refuges.
A new study suggests whale shark populations are healthy and growing in Ningaloo Reef due to regulated ecotourism. The research used computer-assisted photographic identification to track individual sharks and found two-thirds of the sharks were repeat visitors.
A new national map assesses the risk of zebra and quagga mussel invasion in US waterways, with nearly 60% of land areas classified as high-risk. The map uses calcium concentrations to predict mussel distributions, highlighting regions where management resources should be targeted.
The Ecological Society of America (ESA) received the 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. The award recognizes ESA's Strategies for Ecology Education, Development and Sustainability (SEEDS) program, which has increased diversity among its members and provided mentoring opportunities ...
Researchers in paleoecology study fossilized remains and soil cores to reconstruct past ecosystems. The Amazon's pre-Columbian history reveals both human impact and resilience, while Arctic lake sediments indicate recent climate change.
A study in Ecological Applications finds that cluster development reduces habitat loss, but the placement of housing developments around sensitive areas like lakeshores can exacerbate environmental effects. The researchers suggest that clusters must be located away from these areas to reduce impacts.
A team of researchers explored sub-Antarctic ecosystems to estimate the diversity of tiny bryophytes and lichens, finding a hotspot for these organisms. The study emphasizes the need for conservation strategies that integrate non-vascular plants beyond charismatic mega fauna.
The Lacey Act, a 100-year-old law regulating invasive animal species, has failed to effectively prevent their spread in the US. The study found that many animals were already established when added to the list and continued to spread after listing, highlighting the need for an efficient risk assessment procedure.
A symposium co-organized by the Ecological Society of America aims to bridge the nature deficit gap in US children. Researchers will present eight case studies showcasing various outreach tools, including outdoor laboratories and community restoration activities.
Recent advancements in remote sensing technologies, such as lidar and high fidelity imaging spectroscopy, enable researchers to study ecological systems at multiple levels. These tools provide essential information for characterizing landscape dynamics and quantifying ecosystem functions related to biogeochemical cycling.
Researchers explore 'tipping points' in agriculture, highlighting the need to understand regime shifts to sustain ecosystem functions. The symposium identifies potential tipping points related to water and agriculture that could have major global consequences.
The Ecological Society of America recognizes Daniel Laughlin, Carolyn Kurle, Paul Fine, Jordi Bascompte, and Carol Brewer for their outstanding contributions to ecology. The awards honor excellence in research, education, and corporate sustainability.
Long-term monitoring programs help society understand environmental issues like acid rain, clean air, and global warming. The absence of monitoring hinders evaluation of environmental policies and contributes to the development of appropriate experimental design.
The special issue explores human migration, production systems, invasive species, and their effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation policy. Scientists propose an ecological knowledge system to facilitate access to new and existing sources of ecological information.
A study on European blackbirds found that urbanization favors sedentary males, with those exhibiting lower migratory disposition having an earlier onset of reproductive season. This is due to the advantages of sedentariness and earlier territory establishment for males in terms of reproductive success.
The study found that certain biofuel crops, such as switchgrass and hybrid poplar, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to gasoline and diesel. These crops also offset the largest amounts of fossil fuels reduced emissions when used for electricity generation via biomass gasification.
A recent study finds that human population size and affluence are the primary drivers of environmental stressors, whereas urbanization, economic structure, and age of population have limited impact. The researchers used global average productivity to compare environmental tradeoffs and human-induced stressors in the environment.
Researchers found that intermittent streams provide crucial habitats for coho salmon smolts, while the US Supreme Court's decisions may impact these ecosystems. Additionally, natural sacred sites like sacred groves can hold valuable insights into biodiversity management and conservation.
A recent study found that climate change impacts mussels beyond their northern and southern range limits, with temperature variations affecting thermal stress in the rocky intertidal zone. The research suggests conserving areas based on traditional methods may not be enough to protect mussel populations.
A recent special issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment highlights China's environmental concerns, including water and air pollution, cropland loss, and biodiversity decline. The country's rapid urbanization is also exacerbating these issues, with over 50% of its population expected to live in towns and cities by 2020.
Researchers at Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus conducted a landscaping experiment to examine the impact of environmental surroundings on human behavior. The study found that individuals living in areas with lush landscapes preferred more recreational spaces, while those in desert environments barely knew their neighbors.
Hurricane Katrina and Rita caused significant flooding, wind damage, and loss of wetlands in the Gulf Coast region. Experts discuss ways to mitigate future hurricane damage through ecological knowledge and restoration plans.
Research highlights declining hemlock populations due to invasive species, as well as the value of urban forests like Overton Park. Studies also examine economic and ecological costs of exurbanization on Tennessee's southern Cumberland Plateau and document changes in freshwater mussel populations.
The Straus Family Creamery has received the Ecological Society of America (ESA) Corporate Award for its commitment to sound agricultural practice and technological innovation in reducing environmental impact. The farm, which has been family-owned since 1941, uses innovative technologies such as methane gas-powered electricity generatio...
Conservation assessments of endangered Caribbean sea turtles are overly optimistic due to a lack of focus on declining turtle populations on historically important nesting beaches. The study highlights the critical importance of re-establishing lost nesting sites to prevent permanent population decline.
Cold-water corals are vulnerable to ocean acidification, which can harm their ability to build skeletons. By 2100, only 30% of cold-water reefs may still be in waters supersaturated with aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate.
Researchers found that introduced foxes reduced guano deposits, affecting plants and animals at the bottom of the food web. The study showed significant differences in plant communities between fox-infested and fox-free islands.
New studies reveal that a significant portion of US species are threatened, with only 15% well-studied. Wandering albatrosses have an unique foraging strategy, catching prey in highly dispersed areas. Coral reefs can recover from nuclear tests within five years, but ecosystem integrity is crucial.
Researchers found that human-created barriers and sea level rise trapped plants in a small zone, altering plant populations and dune structures. The loss of critical late-succession species threatens dune formation and habitat for endangered animals like the Kemp's ridley sea turtle.
Major ecological societies, including ESA and BES, commit to developing concrete ways to support ecologists in developing countries. The meeting aims to build infrastructure and tools to tackle environmental challenges worldwide.
Bon Appétit is recognized for its 'Circle of Responsibility' program, incorporating environmentally responsible and sustainable practices such as farm-to-fork sourcing, organic food options, and fair trade choices. The company's commitment to sustainability promotes the health of people and the environment.
Researchers discuss challenges and potential solutions for restoring Iraq's depleted wetlands, including hydrology, soil quality, and species preservation. Iraqi ecologists present first comprehensive data set on the marshes' current state.
Scientists study soil insects to develop sustainable pest control methods, such as using flavanoid compounds and silk to deter pests. Researchers also investigate the impact of genetically modified crops on soil organisms, revealing potential effects on springtails and earthworms.
The study found that wolf exclusion led to a 10-fold increase in elk populations, resulting in decreased beaver lodge construction and disappearance of songbirds dependent on willow habitat. The findings support the role of large predators in conservation and restoration strategies.
The June 2005 issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment highlights various ecological concerns, including Chesapeake Bay tributary restoration, community recovery after disturbances, and threats to marine species. Researchers also explore the nutrition link between pathogens and infected hosts.
Researchers found that Brown-headed cowbirds can affect the sex of host offspring, while commercial fishing led to changes in open-ocean fish communities. Additionally, a study on plant defense theory revealed that outbred plants are more resistant to certain insect herbivores.
The Hudson River has seen a doubling of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the past 15 years, with possible causes including changes in river materials and bacterial metabolism. This increase may be linked to nitrogen deposition, leading to eutrophication-driven problems such as hypoxia.
Researchers find that invasive trout reduce forest spiders by altering stream food webs, highlighting the impact of species invasions on ecosystem connectivity. The matrix plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of corridors and stepping stones in increasing landscape connectivity.
Researchers found that Brazilian communities in coastal areas and the Amazon region have taboos on consuming certain fish species, especially predatory ones. These prohibitions are likely biologically adaptive, suggesting a link to toxic accumulation and health concerns.
Researchers found that bird abundance and reproductive success are often disconnected, with some species adapting to human disturbances and others facing declines. The study suggests that using bird counts alone may not accurately reflect habitat quality.
The Ecological Society of America symposium explores ecological recovery after the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, revealing remarkable resilience in some species and dramatic transformation of Spirit Lake. Researchers discuss the importance of chance events, life history characteristics, and timing in ecological recovery.
Researchers explore the role of genetics, social organization, and sexual selection in shaping family structures and behaviors in various species. From pathogens to genes, scientists uncover the intricate mechanisms driving the evolution of complex social systems.
The greater sage-grouse and Gunnison sage-grouse are affected by changes in their ecosystems, including the suppression of fire and invasive species. Livestock grazing also impacts these birds, while oil and gas development threatens the sagebrush biome. Researchers discuss restoration options to mitigate these effects.
The Ecological Society of America has awarded a new SEEDS grant to increase diversity in ecology. The program will expand existing activities, including undergraduate research fellowships and field trips, to reach more students from African American, Latino, and Native American communities.