Articles tagged with Animal Ecology
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
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Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new study found that bats play a crucial role in protecting young tree seedlings from insect damage, with three times fewer bugs and five times more defoliation when bats are absent. The research reveals a mutually beneficial relationship between bats and oak trees, with bats serving as a key predator for insects that harm the trees.
Researchers found that eyespots on animals' bodies make them more cautious when approached from the side, but not from directly behind or in front. This discovery sheds light on why eyespots have evolved to be symmetrical and effective predators.
A new study found that daytime pastoralist activities do not negatively affect spotted hyenas in Tanzania, contrary to previous research. The study analyzed 24 years of data from eight hyena clans and found that the hyenas' reproductive performance and physiological stress levels remained similar to those of unexposed clans.
Excess ground-level ozone damages plant foliage, alters flowering patterns, and blocks pollinators' access to flowers. Ozone also disrupts plant-pollinator communication through altered chemical signatures.
A recent study found that cattle grazing with virtual fencing can create effective wildfire fuel breaks on sagebrush landscapes, reducing the risk of devastating wildfires. The technology uses collars to communicate with GPS and reception towers, forming a virtual fence to manage livestock distribution.
Research led by Ohio State University found that male common vampire bats withdraw socially and scale back on grooming before dying from the disease. The study suggests that the virus may not manipulate host behavior to increase transmission chances.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that Burmese pythons have evolved super-stretchy skin between their lower jaws, enabling them to consume prey much larger than expected. This adaptation allows pythons to eat deer and other large animals whole, providing a significant energy advantage in their ecosystem.
Researchers found that male rock hyraxes with more precise courtship songs had higher reproductive success, while those who sang less frequently also performed better in terms of rhythm and song quality. This study suggests that high rhythmic stability may serve as an indicator of male quality for females.
Researchers Dr Zoe Doubleday and Dr Jasmin Martino created a map of ocean chemistry that distinguishes the origin of seafood between south-east Asia and southern Australia. The universal chemical fingerprints can track where individual seafood comes from, helping to combat seafood fraud and ensure consumer trust.
A study found that male Rock Hyraxes with stable isochronous rhythms in their courtship songs have higher reproductive success and more surviving offspring. Genetic analysis revealed that song rhythms are related to individual quality and potentially indicate health and suitability as mates.
Researchers analyzed 306-million-year-old fossilized animal feces and found biomolecular information about long-extinct diets. The study revealed that an unidentifiable extinct animal was a meat-eater or on a predominantly carnivorous diet, with high proportions of cholesterol-derived molecules and a lack of plant-derived biomarkers.
A team of scientists has discovered that adult female leopard seals are 1.5 times larger and longer than males, while females spend more time on ice and land to rest. The study also found high variability in movement patterns and dive behavior among the seals.
Research by the Alfred Wegener Institute found that low-frequency noise from human activities stresses crustaceans, mussels, and worms on the seafloor, impacting their ability to transform sediment and maintain ecosystem function. This could have far-reaching consequences for nutrient cycling and food availability in marine ecosystems.
Climate change is driving the expansion of invasive insect species, such as the oak gall wasp, into more northerly oak savannas. This can lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem, as these insects can overwhelm native species without natural predators or competitors.
Researchers have identified two time periods of increased strike risk for hares at Dublin Airport: sunrise and midnight hours. By focusing prevention efforts on the hare population, the study aims to reduce costly 'runway roadkill' incidents worldwide.
A new study found that North American mammal communities have become more than twice as homogenous as they were 10,000 years ago, primarily due to early human hunting and farming activities. The accelerated homogenization is likely linked to the spate of large-mammal extinctions, which increased similarity among remaining species.
A new study reveals that mountain lion predation on wild donkeys is widespread and leads to changes in their behavior and ecological effects on desert wetlands. This interaction between predator and prey suggests a more dynamic ecosystem than previously thought.
Researchers examine the relationship between thermal biology and sexual selection, finding that animals often tolerate perilous temperatures during mating to increase reproductive success. The study highlights the importance of considering scale in understanding the impact of global warming on reproductive processes.
Researchers found that frog-eating bats could recognize ringtones indicating a food reward up to four years later. The bats learned to associate specific tones with rewards and were able to recall these associations even after long periods of time.
Researchers discovered that pocket gophers cultivate and harvest roots for food, constituting a rudimentary form of farming. This behavior allows them to generate enough energy to maintain their extensive tunnel networks.
A new study reveals that bottom burrowing animals were among the first to recover after the end-Permian mass extinction. The research, led by Dr. Xueqian Feng, used ancient sea bed burrows and trails to reconstruct the recovery stages of various animal groups.
Rainforest chimpanzees are digging wells to access and filter cleaner drinking water due to the limited availability of clean water during the dry season. The behaviour has been observed spreading among young chimps and adult females, with some males using the wells dug by others.
Three African vulture species have significantly larger home ranges than existing protected areas, increasing exposure to human-related food sources and environmental toxins. Conservation efforts require addressing challenges outside protected areas.
Scientists have discovered a way to harness animals' olfactory ability to protect endangered plants and animals by masking their scent, disguising it, or spreading similar scents. This method is more effective, sustainable, and animal-friendly than traditional deterrents like fences and lethal control methods.
Researchers found that frog-eating bats trained to associate a phone ringtone with a tasty treat could remember what they learned for up to four years in the wild. The study, led by May Dixon at Ohio State University, used 49 bats and introduced three other ringtones without food rewards.
Cattle grazing with protein feed supplements during the fall and early winter can significantly reduce standing fine-fuel biomass by over 50% in cheatgrass-dominated pastures. This reduces fire risk by creating space for native grasses to grow, benefiting both ecosystem health and cattle ranchers.
A study of nomadic pine siskins found that pairing with settled male birds triggered signs of ending migration, including reduced restless flying and body mass loss. This suggests that social cues play a role in migratory decisions for unpredictable animals like pine siskins.
A team of researchers found that jackdaws use a form of 'consensus decision-making' to decide when to leave their roosts en masse. By combining recorded calls with tests in which pre-recorded calls were played, the team discovered that birds effectively 'cast a vote' through calling out to reach a consensus.
A team of University of Hawaii researchers found that the number of hours of darkness during the lunar cycle triggers mature Hawaiian box jellyfish to swim to shore to spawn. The study also revealed that jellies are likely to come from the lee of Diamond Head Crater, where they benefit from shelter and food.
Hannah Williams, a movement ecologist, will conduct her research at the University of Konstanz's CASCB with a 1.6 million Euro grant. Her project aims to decipher animal movement patterns and develop an Optimal Movement Theory.
Researchers from CIIDIR-Oaxaca Amphibian Ecology Laboratory studied the consumption of tadpoles in stone soup, revealing its significance as an indicator of water health and the species' vulnerability to overfishing. The study highlights the importance of accurately documenting human interaction with amphibians.
A study led by Washington University in St. Louis found that nonlethal parasitic infections reduce herbivory rates and trigger trophic cascades impacting plant communities. The research used a mathematical model and global meta-analysis to highlight the ecological consequences of common parasitic infections in wild animals.
UK wildlife recorders generally welcome newly arrived bird and insect species due to climate change, but have reservations about invasive species that harm native animals. The survey suggests that public opinion plays a crucial role in managing these arrivals, with scientific evidence being a key factor.
A study has discovered that humans are disrupting a fundamental pattern in ecosystems, which dates back at least 66 million years. The U-shaped relationship between diet and size in modern land mammals has been found to span across multiple vertebrate groups, including birds, reptiles, and fish.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
A 12-year longitudinal study in Israel reveals that controlling stray cat populations requires continuous and intensive neutering of at least 70% of street cats. The study also suggests implementing a policy to control cat food resources, ensuring cats are properly fed before neutering, to mitigate rebound effects.
A comprehensive study of 8,000 birds in Israel found significant changes in bird morphology over the past 70 years, likely due to global warming. Some species became lighter while others gained size, increasing their surface area-to-volume ratio to facilitate heat loss.
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
Researchers found that Spinosaurus and its close relative Baryonyx had dense bones that would have allowed them to submerge underwater to hunt. In contrast, Suchomimus had lighter bones that made swimming difficult, leading the team to conclude that these dinosaurs likely waded instead.
A new analysis from Emory University reveals a significant increase in the parasitism rate of monarch butterflies over 50 years, with the O.E. parasite infecting up to 10% of eastern monarch populations. The rise in infection rates may endanger the mass migration of monarchs, threatening their survival.
Researchers at the University of Leicester identified striking similarities between grasshopper mandibles and mammal teeth, enabling accurate predictions of their diets. The study used 3D imaging techniques to map the shape of grasshoppers' mouthparts, revealing differences linked to diet, such as steeper slopes for carnivorous species.
Research suggests that genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals may contribute to the evolution of deadly pandemic strains. The study found that ColV plasmids in pigs, cattle, and chickens can increase the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance and extra-intestinal infections in humans.
Scientists use AI to analyze images of wildlife for crucial data, helping track endangered species and combat extinction. A new field called imageomics extracts biological information from images, providing insights into animal movements, population trends, and evolutionary adaptations.
A review by Nathan et al. showcases big-data revolution in movement ecology, revealing new insights into animal behavior and habitat use. Reverse-GPS systems, such as ATLAS, track animals with high accuracy, while acoustic telemetry tracks aquatic life, providing crucial data for conservation.
The English Channel prevents many rockpool species from reaching the UK due to unfavorable ocean currents. This could lead to a decrease in intertidal wildlife richness in the UK as warmer-water species fail to replace threatened ones. As climate change causes sea temperatures to rise, this barrier may prevent species from adapting.
A recent study by Colorado State University researchers found that COVID-19 can evolve and spread rapidly among animal species after infection from humans. The team analyzed mutation types occurring in cats, dogs, ferrets, and hamsters, discovering a broad range of viral variants that emerged and became prevalent.
Researchers discovered a new species of parasitoid wasp that forms star-shaped cocoon masses suspended by threads up to 1 meter long, providing protection against natural enemies. The structure can accommodate over 100 cocoons and is believed to help the wasps survive during critical periods.
A previously unknown glacial relic, the Alpine rose leaf-miner moth, has been discovered in the Alps. The caterpillars specialize on the rust-red alpine rose, avoiding it like most other moths and butterflies due to its toxicity.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.
Researchers found that roads can be deadly for species survival, with certain traits like early age of sexual maturity helping some species bounce back from roadkill deaths. However, others like brown and black bears are particularly vulnerable due to late maturity age and small litters.
Researchers found that in dry years, birds funnel into riparian environments due to increased greenness, leading to overcrowding and decreased bird populations. The study highlights the importance of understanding how birds respond to climate change for conservation purposes.
A study in the Atlantic Rainforest detected high mortality rates among tiny frogs known as pumpkin toadlets infected with the chytrid fungus. The infection causes a physiological imbalance leading to death from a heart attack. Climate change and drought may exacerbate the threat to terrestrial amphibians.
A newly discovered ancient crab fossil, Cretapsara athanata, has shed new light on the evolution of crabs. The 100 million-year-old fossil, found in amber, provides evidence that crabs transitioned to land around 100 million years ago, bridging a previously unknown gap in their evolutionary history.
Researchers found that African greys waited up to 29.4 seconds for preferred food, while blue-throated macaws only waited 8.3 seconds. Pacing was the most effective waiting behaviour among parrots.
Researchers have confirmed cases of leprosy in two unconnected West African populations of chimpanzees, in Guinea-Bissau and Ivory Coast. The strains identified are different and rare among humans. Long-term health monitoring is needed to establish the scale and possible effects of leprosy on critically endangered western chimpanzees.
Research by Washington University in St. Louis explores the collision of island and mainland adaptive radiations in neotropical anoles, finding that island species can diversify greatly on the mainland. Contrary to traditional thinking, islands are not evolutionary dead ends but rather cauldrons of innovation and diversification.
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis uncovered why hybridization among brown anoles is rare in their native range but common in new geographic territories. The study highlights the importance of environmental degradation in facilitating hybridization, which can contribute to biodiversity declines.
Researchers tracked fruit flies' ability to interpret information while asleep, discovering a specific brain region involved in processing salient smells. The study used defined fly brains to analyze neural connections, finding that aversive odors woke the flies up more often than attractive ones.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that Asian elephants successfully cooperated in 80% of trials, using strategies like fighting back or moving sides to prevent cheating. However, cooperation quickly broke down when one partner could monopolize the reward, revealing a complex dynamic in their social behavior.
A new study reveals that male giraffes have higher social connectedness than females, with males forming more acquaintances and older males having shorter social paths. This complexity could impact conservation efforts for endangered giraffes.