Articles tagged with Community Ecology
A new study reveals that 69% of the alpine zones in the northern Appalachian region have experienced significant increases in vegetation, representing 88% of the alpine area. The acceleration of growth may be driven by the impact of wind, which causes alpine zones to start lower than they would elsewhere at this latitude.
A new study reveals that rare bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining microbial community stability, while core bacteria organize complexity. Climate and soil conditions shape distinct bacterial groups, with rare bacteria responding to soil properties and core bacteria influenced by environmental selection.
A new study by Michigan State University and Oklahoma State University found that bird nesting season in Minnesota prairies is declining, with 33 species showing a 22% drop in spotting likelihood over 16 years. The loss affects common birds, not just rare species, and is linked to climate change.
Northern spotted owl populations are approaching functional extinction across the Pacific Northwest, with AI-powered monitoring identifying critical habitats and ecological threats. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies, including barred owl removal and habitat conservation, to prevent further decline.
Researchers found that tree-layer α-diversity peaks at mid-elevation zones, while understory α-diversity shows a bimodal trend with two diversity peaks at 400-600m and 1000-1200m. Community composition differs among low-, mid- and high-elevation zones, driven by species turnover across elevational zones.
Researchers used eDNA metabarcoding to study fish biodiversity in heavily damaged mountainous cascade dammed rivers. The study found 97 fish species, including 14 IUCN threatened taxa, with seasonal differences in species detection rates and community composition.
A new synthesis paper examines how ecological structures and processes help ecosystems withstand disturbances while providing benefits. The study highlights the importance of 'portfolio effects' in maintaining ecosystem resilience.
A new dimension of protection has been found in the interaction between ants and coffee berry borers. Small ant species can use the habitats created by the borers for their own reproduction, gaining a reproductive benefit. This discovery highlights the importance of observing nature and making basic scientific observations.
The study highlights a core trade-off between spatial resolution, spectral bandwidth and plot-pixel matching in arid ecosystems. Multi-source, multi-scale remote sensing fusion is advocated for future dryland biodiversity conservation and management.
A new study reveals critical fine-scale spatial heterogeneity of mesozooplankton across three brackish bays of the Central and Eastern Baltic Sea. Salinity and temperature drive distinct zooplankton assemblages, with clear inter-bay community separation emerging.
The study highlights the significant demand for brachyuran land crabs, with species being sold on e-commerce platforms like eBay, and often without welfare advice. The research aims to inform conservation and policymaking efforts by understanding the extent of the trade.
Researchers found that even morphologically similar pollinators can differ markedly in the diversity and heterospecificity of pollen they transport. This variation has important implications for understanding how different pollinators influence plant reproduction and evolution.
A new review of interspecies cooperation reveals that animals use cues and signals to work together for mutual benefit. The study found commonalities in these interactions across various species, including fish, dolphins, birds, and butterflies. Researchers highlight the importance of communication in these unique team-based behaviors.
Researchers unveil a rigorous framework to fix global forest carbon credit systems, addressing methodological defects and promoting biodiversity conservation. The new standards aim to produce high-integrity climate assets while safeguarding community interests.
Research found that Western honey bees and myrtle rust fungus have formed an invasional mutualism, where the fungus is nutritious for bees. The fungus remains viable in beehives for over a week, potentially spreading human-assisted to other areas.
A new analysis confirms that a small number of plant species drive changes in community temperature profiles under warming temperatures. The study found that these dominant species remain influential even as warming increases, making it easier to manage for climate change by focusing on key contributors.
A Concordia-led study analyzed 53 green alleys and 23 conventional alleys in Montreal and Trois-Rivières, finding that results depend on alley design and purpose. The study suggests a middle ground between community-led projects and standardized approaches to achieve both biodiversity and social cohesion.
Researchers developed a new imaging method to visualize how food spreads through ant groups in real time, offering insights into collective health and potential early warning signs of disruption. The technique allows for precise measurement of food distribution patterns across various species.
A global paradigm shift is needed to protect intact ecosystems and prioritize Nature Positive framework, integrating Indigenous knowledge and finance. The webinar series on May 28, 2026, will explore effective actions for people and nature, guided by the Three Conditions Framework.
African elephants' genetic history shows they once moved across large distances, exchanging genes throughout the continent. However, current patchy habitats and human activities have led to genetic consequences of isolation, affecting conservation approaches.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered that naked mole rats can transition to peaceful queen succession, demonstrating flexibility in their social order. This finding challenges previous understanding of colony dynamics and opens new avenues for studying eusocial mammals.
A new paper warns that halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 is urgent to avoid destabilizing the Earth's vital systems. The authors call for a unified 'Nature Positive' approach to global environmental goals and governance.
A new study reveals that tropical trees have more positive interactions with their neighbors, leading to increased diversity and richness in these ecosystems. This finding may help explain why tropical forests are home to so many tree species.
Urban parks exhibit enhanced microbial activity and nutrient-cycling capacity, but with smaller genomes and reduced evolutionary potential. This 'function–evolution trade-off' highlights the need for urban green space planning that balances short-term ecological function with long-term microbial diversity and resilience.
Research finds extreme cold and rain reduce young bird growth and survival, but earlier breeding can mitigate these effects. In contrast, hot extremes can boost growth by increasing insect activity and visibility.
Researchers have discovered that native rice stink bugs have more genetic diversity than invasive species, which could help monitor the spread of insecticide resistance. This study provides valuable insights into pest management for Arkansas rice growers, who face significant costs due to the bug's impact on their crops.
A University of Stirling-led study finds that deforestation, farming, and urbanization can heighten the risk of zoonotic diseases like Covid-19 and malaria. The research highlights the need for careful land-use planning to protect both human health and nature.
Research reveals significant shifts in tree diversity among tropical forests driven by global change, with some areas experiencing declines in species richness while others gain species.
A comprehensive review by Bielefeld University researchers reveals that urbanisation significantly impacts animal social behaviour, including changes in communication, aggression and group stability. The study found that 92% of reviewed papers report a significant effect of urbanization on social behavior.
Researchers found that diverse plant communities emit more complex chemical signals, which can affect individual plants and the entire ecosystem. The study highlights the importance of biodiversity in maintaining natural signaling systems and supports sustainable agriculture practices to promote plant diversity.
A new multi-omics framework proposes a proactive, predictive, and integrative approach to invasive species management. The framework uses advanced technologies to detect, track, and manage invasive species with unprecedented precision.
Research reveals that single-celled organisms are among the first to colonize newly formed lava environments, thriving in scarce water and nutrient conditions. As diversity stabilizes over time, rainwater plays a critical role in shaping microbial communities, suggesting an unexpected link between weather phenomena and life on Earth.
China's Ecological Protection Redline system has identified 32% of the nation's land as crucial ecological space, safeguarding major ecosystems and wildlife species. Recognizing these areas as 'other effective area-based conservation measures' (OECMs) could close the remaining gap to achieving 30x30 without creating new parks.
A new study reveals that elusive species are most vulnerable to human-driven habitat change due to data gaps in global biodiversity databases. By leveraging open data and crowd-sourced observations, researchers can correct these gaps and provide more accurate biodiversity indicators.
Dinosaurs operated with a 'latchkey kid' approach, with young offspring independent and foraging alone after just a few months. This led to an increased number of functional species in dinosaur fossil communities compared to modern mammals.
A recent paper in the journal Science investigates the impact of drought on grasslands, finding that moderate droughts do not lead to long-term losses. In contrast, extreme droughts can cause significant species loss and reduced plant life. The study's results have implications for global carbon and climate modeling.
A new study by Dr. Tiago de Melo Cartaxo from the University of Exeter reveals that UNESCO Biosphere Reserves' less prescriptive regulations promote harmonious coexistence between people and nature. The use of soft law instruments supports local responses and fosters community collaboration in environmental management.
A study analyzing over half a million tweets found that just 1% of users were responsible for 60% of retweeted content, with influential voices like scientists, celebrities, and politicians shaping public conversation. Mammals, especially urban pests like cats, pigs, and squirrels, dominated online discussion.
A recent study found that extinction rates in plants and animals peaked around 100 years ago and have declined since then. The researchers argue that past extinctions are not reliable predictors of current and future threats due to changing drivers such as habitat loss and climate change.
Researchers found that communities with green infrastructure systems like rain gardens saw a notable reduction in cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc being sent into local waterways. Implementing more of these systems can improve water quality, make cities cooler, and enhance ecosystem services.
A Bielefeld study analyzes audience questions and survey responses from over 1,300 participants to identify barriers to inclusion at scientific events. Small measures such as behavioral guidelines and free childcare options can have a significant impact on increasing diversity and equity.
A new study analyzing the dietary choices of wild woodrats reveals that individual diets may not be as diverse as previously assumed. The research suggests that the costs of specializing on one food source or diversifying one's diet have a strong impact on an animal's ability to survive and thrive.
A new study found that when Hanauma Bay was closed to the public during the 2020 pandemic, the reef quickly returned to more natural levels. This led to clearer water, increased sightings of endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and more active fish populations.
A global review highlights the need for better tools to understand juvenile fish habitats, which are facing increased pressure from various factors. The study recommends incorporating metrics like growth, survival, and contribution rates to assess habitat quality.
Researchers found that behavioral flexibility is related to exploration and dispersal in great-tailed grackles. Individuals with greater flexibility exhibit more exploratory behavior, which facilitates their ability to adapt to new environments and expand their geographic range.
Researchers at OIST found that only cyanobacteria Trichormus azollae are true symbionts of Azolla ferns, with their genomes showing extreme decay and loss of genes. The study sheds light on the genomic impacts of symbiosis and its potential applications in food security.
A new study by Max Planck Institute scientists reveals female mountain gorillas can win one in four conflicts and outrank non-alpha males. They also enjoy priority access to food resources over males they overpower, blurring the traditional male-dominated narrative.
Researchers found that bat boxes can reach lethal temperatures if not designed properly. Simulations showed that adding insulation, light colors, and thoughtful orientations can make the boxes safer. The study's code is publicly available, allowing conservationists to tailor their solutions to specific climates.
The study found that bird species richness declined on nearly all Izu Islands, resulting in a degradation of bird communities. The degradation is likely due to direct predation and reduced food resources caused by introduced Japanese weasels.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are working to bring back biodiversity to the Midwest by analyzing commercially sold seeds and plants. They found that long-lived species were more available than sensitive ones, and certain plant groups were over- or underrepresented in commercial seed mixes.
Researchers developed an AI-powered microscope system to measure soil fungi presence and quantity, providing insights into soil health and fertility. The low-cost optical microscopy with machine learning technology can be used by farmers and land managers worldwide.
A new international study shows that El Niño and La Niña climate patterns affect nearly half of the world's mangrove forests, threatening these vital coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are experiencing widespread degradation during El Niño events and increased growth during La Niña events.
Stevens Institute of Technology researchers found that tightly connected communities with high levels of community cohesion are more resilient to extreme events. However, intense stress from threats can lead to decreased resilience and even community dissolution. Emotion intensity plays a crucial role in community cohesion.
The research analyzed satellite images and machine learning to detect forest loss in Ukraine during the war. The study found that Ukraine lost over 800 km² of forests in 2022 and 772 km² in 2023, mainly due to fires in war-torn regions.
Researchers analyzed data from python contractors to identify regions and conditions that increase python removals, providing guidelines for targeted surveys. The study found optimal conditions, including time, temperature, and survey duration, leading to improved efficiency in python detection and removal efforts.
A new framework for Marine Prosperity Areas (MPpAs) aims to balance ecological restoration with human prosperity, using targeted financial investments and community partnerships. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of nature and people, enabling both ecosystems and communities to thrive.
A study in San Francisco found that coyotes' diets are heavily influenced by the presence of restaurants and impervious surfaces, with consumption of rats highest near restaurants and human-sourced food prevalent in paved areas. This research highlights the adaptability of coyotes to urban environments.
A recent study found that extreme climate events in fall 2022 pushed thousands of lakes in West Greenland across a tipping point, leading to changes in water quality, chemical properties, and biodiversity. The lakes, which previously provided drinking water and sequestered carbon, now emit more carbon dioxide.
A University of Michigan study found that warmer temperatures decline the immune performance of wild capuchin monkeys, with younger monkeys most vulnerable. The researchers used a 'clean catch' method to collect urine samples from the monkeys, which revealed a significant decline in immune performance during periods of high temperatures.
Researchers recommend public surveillance via online observation platforms like iNaturalist and Observation.org to detect invasive species early. By leveraging the growing number of smartphone users, scientists aim to widen the surveillance net and augment existing biosecurity frameworks.