A new field study found that warmer waters in the Atlantic and Pacific peak at higher temperatures, leading to increased predator activity and altering prey communities. This warming trend may disrupt balances in ocean ecosystems, potentially leading to changes in species interactions and ecosystem function.
A new study published in Science Advances reveals that the environmental stress of too much water wipes out the plant growth benefits of higher CO2 levels. Rising sea levels have caused the effects of increased CO2 to disappear in a 33-year field experiment, highlighting the critical need for conservation and adaptation efforts.
Two new species of Amazonian fish have been discovered and described by Smithsonian researcher Murilo Pastana, one with vibrant red-orange fins and another that is technically a miniature fish. The species are at risk of extinction due to deforestation in the region where they inhabit.
A global study found that Indigenous oyster fisheries were highly productive and sustainably managed, with evidence of harvests spanning hundreds to thousands of years. The research highlights the importance of restoring and managing estuaries and involves long-overdue Indigenous communities in decision-making.
A new study led by Smithsonian volcanologist Dan Rasmussen finds that water content in magma is a significant factor controlling its storage depth. The research provides crucial insights into the physics of magma storage beneath volcanoes, which can aid in predicting volcanic eruptions.
A new analysis by Smithsonian researchers categorized over 86,000 plant species as winners or losers according to their ability to survive in the age of humans. The study found that more than 20,000 plant species are at risk of extinction due to human activities, with many species deemed 'losers' rather than 'winners',
Coastal organisms thrive on floating plastic debris in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, expanding their biogeography. The discovery reveals that plastic pollution is providing a habitat for coastal species to survive and even thrive in the open ocean.
New research reveals that blue, fin and humpback whales consume an average of three times more food each year than scientists previously estimated. This increased consumption plays a crucial role in maintaining ocean health and productivity by recycling key nutrients.
A new study finds that male acorn woodpeckers breeding in polygamous groups with one or two other males sire significantly more chicks over their lifetimes than males breeding alone. In contrast, females in polygamous groups leave behind fewer offspring than those in monogamous pairs.
A new study from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center found that actively restoring oyster reefs can create healthier habitats than simply protecting them. The study used underwater videos to rate habitats and found that restored reefs earned the highest scores for oyster habitat, with 74% receiving a top ranking.
New study finds no evidence of widespread forest clearing by Indigenous populations in western Amazonia before European arrival. Instead, researchers suggest a history of sustainable use and minimal impact on ecosystem biodiversity.
Researchers used ancient zircons to reconstruct Earth's evolution and determine that modern plate tectonics emerged roughly 3.6 billion years ago. This finding suggests that the dynamic crust, which supports life on Earth, began to take shape during this time.
A recent study using tagging and mark-recapture methods found that Maryland's recreational blue crab harvest amounts to 11% of the total male commercial take, compared to the previous estimate of 8%. The study aimed to provide a more accurate picture of recreational crabbing in the state.
A study found that early exposure to heat and low oxygen can leave lasting scars on oysters' ability to grow tissue. Oysters invested more in growing their shells than tissue when exposed to the double punch of low oxygen and warmer waters. This could pose a problem for anyone involved in the seafood industry.
Researchers studied Himalayan songbirds and found that those living at higher elevations have more fluffy down feathers than lower-elevation birds. Smaller-bodied birds with longer feathers in proportion to their body size also tend to have thicker insulation.
A group of caterpillars that eat cycad plants have evolved a toxic defense mechanism, resulting in bold colors and behaviors to deter predators. The study reveals the genetic consequences of this adaptation, including rapid evolutionary change and the development of proteins that destroy cells and remove dead cell debris.
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found electric eels working together to herd small fish into tightly packed balls. The eels then launch simultaneous electric attacks, stunning the prey into submission.
Three 2,000-year-old cobs from Honduras show that humans brought maize varieties back to Mesoamerica, sparking potential productivity increases and shaping civilization. This new study fills gaps in corn's history, revealing a more complex domestication story with parallel but differing speeds across regions.
The study provides a comprehensive genomic resource for the world's birds, enabling researchers to explore evolutionary relationships and traits. More than 92% of the world's avian families are represented in the dataset, which will aid in the conservation of threatened species.
A new study maps the appetites of coastal predators, showing that rising temperatures can shape entire communities of predators and alter biodiversity. The global 'BiteMap' was created using handmade squid baits called 'squid pops,' which were used to entice fish and crabs to reveal their feeding patterns.
A new drill core analysis from the Smithsonian reveals a 400,000-year-old boom-bust landscape that drove early humans to abandon old tools, develop sophisticated technology, and broaden trade networks. The findings suggest climate variability was one of several environmental factors contributing to human adaptability.
A new study finds that reef-building corals are being driven to extinction by warmer, acidifying oceans, while softer-bodied relatives like sea anemones will adapt and thrive. The findings suggest a silver lining for the diversity of these animals, which may persist and diversify in the face of climate change.
Researchers found a unique arrangement of pigment-packed granules in the skin of certain deep-sea fish, enabling them to absorb nearly all light. This discovery may lead to the development of more efficient ultra-black materials for optical technology and camouflage.
A team of scientists reports that most of Earth's carbon was hidden in the core during its formative years, with laboratory experiments mimicking the conditions of the planet's formation. The findings suggest that a significant amount of carbon likely exists in the core, influencing chemical and dynamic activities.
Researchers have identified microscopic structures called cassiosomes in the mucus of upside-down jellyfish, which release a toxin-filled substance into the water. The discovery resolves the mystery of 'stinging water' and provides insight into the feeding strategy of these animals.
A team of scientists found that whale body size is limited by the availability of their prey, with filter-feeding whales achieving the largest body sizes due to a high-energy payoff. Toothed whales, on the other hand, are limited by the energy spent chasing large prey in deep-sea environments.
Scientists with the Smithsonian have documented a new species of bird, the Spectacled Flowerpecker, which is distinct from other flowerpeckers. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity in Borneo's forests and underscores the importance of conserving these ecosystems.
Marsh plants produce more stems that are noticeably smaller under high carbon dioxide, but adding nitrogen reverses this effect. This adaptation may help marshes absorb energy from storms and build soil, providing a defensive power against sea level rise.
Researchers at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History have discovered three distinct species of electric eels in the Amazon basin, showcasing their remarkable diversity and adaptability. The newly identified species can produce up to 860 Volts of electricity, significantly more than previously known species.
A new study found that global change is triggering a significant shift in grassland plant species, with many plots experiencing drastic changes despite minimal changes in total species count. This shift could impact the critical services provided by grasslands, including carbon storage and food production.
A previously unrecognized species of medicinal leech has been discovered in North America, with specimens found in freshwater wetlands from Georgia to New York. The new species, Macrobdella mimicus, is less than 50 miles from the National Museum of Natural History and is closely related to other native leeches.
A new study published in Science has found that tiny, mostly bottom-dwelling creatures called cryptobenthic reef fishes perform a critical role on coral reefs. These small fish supply almost 60% of the consumed fish food by constantly replenishing their populations.
A recent study in Aquatic Invasions documents 53 introduced marine animal species on the Galápagos Islands, nearly 10 times more than previously known. The majority of these non-native species are likely arriving through ships from tropical seas, posing concerns for conservation efforts.
Coastal wetlands worldwide store more carbon than forests and can double their capacity when faced with rising seas. The study found that carbon concentrations in top soil layers increased by 2-4 times, while deeper layers saw a 5-9 times increase.
Researchers found a predecessor of today's corn plants, still bearing wild ancestor features, was brought to South America from Mexico over 6,500 years ago. Farmers improved the crop in Mexico and the Amazon until it was fully domesticated, challenging previous single-origin theories.
Scientists have discovered an ancient whale that lacked teeth and baleen, revealing a surprising intermediate step in the evolution of this innovative feeding strategy. The newly described fossil, Maiabalaena nesbittae, lived about 33 million years ago and likely had strong cheeks and a retractable tongue.
Researchers found that certain invasive plant species can increase blue carbon storage by boosting biomass and soil carbon, while other plant invasions have a negative impact. The study's findings provide valuable insights for ecosystem managers seeking to enhance carbon storage in coastal environments.
A new invasive species, Bugula neritina, has been detected in the Ketchikan region of Alaska, along with three other non-native species. The discovery highlights the importance of early detection and monitoring to control the spread of invasive species in Alaskan waters.
A team of scientists is using a holistic approach to understand the causes of eelgrass wasting disease, deploying drones, artificial intelligence, and geographers to survey seagrass beds across 36 sites from San Diego to Alaska. The project aims to unravel why some eelgrasses fall victim to the disease while others resist it.
Cownose rays migrate along the Atlantic coast, with most returning to the same regions each summer. The study provides critical insights into conservation efforts, as intense fishing could wipe out genetic diversity in Chesapeake Bay populations.
Researchers developed a simple body-shape analysis method to identify the geographic origins of yellowtail snapper, outperforming more costly techniques. The method detected subtle differences in fish shape between locations, allowing accurate identification of 80% of the test sample.
A team of scientists found that species with strong male sexual dimorphism are more vulnerable to extinction due to increased energy investment in reproduction. They analyzed thousands of ancient crustacean fossils, including ostracods with distinct sex-specific shapes preserved in the fossil record.
Early humans in East Africa began trading with distant groups using color pigments and manufacturing more sophisticated tools around 320,000 years ago. This period of high environmental variability may have driven the emergence of complex behaviors that distinguished human lineage from other early humans.
Researchers have identified 18 new species of pelican spiders in Madagascar, known for their unique biology and hunting behavior. The discovery sheds light on the island's biodiversity and emphasizes the need to conserve its shrinking forests and unique species.
Scientists warn that the world needs to address climate change and nutrient pollution to halt the decline of ocean oxygen. Low oxygen levels can stunt growth, hinder reproduction, and lead to disease or death in animals, while also triggering toxic chemical releases.
A wet winter in San Francisco Bay has disrupted the balance of invasive species, allowing native species to thrive. The study found that freshwater years reset the system, creating an opportunity for management strategies to target non-native populations.
Biologists detected nearly 300 coastal species crossing the ocean on makeshift rafts after Japan's 2011 tsunami. The species, including mollusks and crustaceans, likely survived due to slower ocean currents and durable debris like plastic.
A study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology reveals that hundreds of male frog species undergo temporary color changes during their breeding season. These color changes serve as a signal to other males, indicating which frogs are suitable partners and improving chances of successful pairings.
Scientists have found that queen conch populations in the Caribbean are fragmented into multiple distinct subpopulations, each with limited genetic exchange. This suggests that local management of fisheries is crucial to conserve these treasured marine snails.
A recent study published in Nature found that biodiversity is a more powerful predictor of biomass production than climate change, with diverse ecosystems producing higher biomass and toppling climate as the most important factor. The research, conducted by a team at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, analyzed data from ove...