Articles tagged with Animal Ecology
Researchers have gained insights into the synchronised mass nesting of female olive ridley sea turtles, shedding light on their reproductive behaviour and population dynamics. The study's findings suggest that this small population in French Guiana has increased its nest number three-fold over the past decade, but also makes them more ...
Ovenbirds and veeries use chipmunk calls to identify safe nesting spots, avoiding areas with high predator activity. By eavesdropping on chipmunk vocalisations, birds can select optimal locations for their nests, reducing the risk of predation.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that insect-gobbling animals increase plant growth by reducing plant-feeding insects' damage. The research solidifies birds, bats, lizards, and other similar animals' importance to ecosystem health.
Researchers found that variations in the giggles' pitch and timbre can encode information about a hyena's age, dominance status, and individual signature. This allows hyenas to establish feeding rights and organize their food-gathering activities.
Scientists at UH found that better food from high-latitude plants may explain why animals grow bigger in cold climates. The study suggests considering ecological interactions beyond traditional physiological responses to temperature.
A large-scale analysis of over 80 terrestrial carnivore species in the Americas shows that avoidance strategies have driven their evolution. The study found that some species use coloration to warn predators, while others occupy different habitats or are active at different times.
African cities are experiencing rapid growth, transforming natural resource use and affecting rural areas. The main driver of deforestation is not fuel wood demand but rather agricultural land clearing in peri-urban areas to feed growing urban populations.
Global warming may threaten tropical plant and animal species living in mountainous regions, forcing them to move uphill in search of suitable climates. This could lead to the extinction of half of the studied species in Costa Rican lowlands unless they develop tolerances for higher temperatures.
A team of Spanish and Croatian researchers discovered that upside-down living spiders have evolved disproportionately longer legs to move efficiently between plants. This allows them to bridge gaps quickly while minimizing energy expenditure.
A study found that cows produce more methane in soil when pastured on winter grasslands, rather than in cowsheds. This process is triggered by the amount and quality of organic material from their excrement and the compaction of the soil by their weight.
Researchers found that two monkey species, cotton-top tamarins and common marmosets, exhibit differing propensities toward patience and impulsivity depending on the context of the choice being made. The study suggests that impulsivity is context-specific and shaped by a history of ecological pressures.
A recent study found that about half of protected species are no longer declining in numbers. The research highlights the importance of considering agency administration and funding in evaluating the success of conservation efforts under the Endangered Species Act.
A study published in Animal Behaviour found that female fiddler crabs are attracted to burrows, not just male courtship signals. The researchers suggest that some male signals may be designed to keep females safe as they search for a mate.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that wood mice employ a sophisticated navigation system involving 'portable signposts'. These signs, created by moving small objects, help the mice orient themselves and efficiently explore their home-ranges. The findings provide new insights into the complex behavior of non-human species.
The Ecological Society of America honored its 2002 award winners for their contributions to ecology, including George Mercer Award recipient Jonathon Levine's innovative approach to managing invasive species. The Eugene P. Odum Education Award was given to Margaret Lowman for her work in ecology education and research.