Articles tagged with Ecological Adaptation
A UCLA summit published in Molecular Ecology highlights the need for additional research on human-caused ecological changes. The study reveals that climate change is outpacing species' ability to adapt, leading to increased disease threats, reduced biodiversity and loss of natural heritage.
A University of Virginia study shows that plant offspring from maternal plants in the same environment outperform those raised differently, indicating a temporary mechanism of adaptation to local conditions. The findings highlight the significance of maternal effects in plant biology.
A 10% increase in urban green space could reduce surface temperatures by as much as 4°C, effectively 'climate proofing' cities. However, this may not significantly impact the amount of rainwater captured and retained by urban areas.
New research suggests that insect species adapted to warmer climates have faster population growth rates, which could profoundly alter entire ecosystems. This adaptation is not limited to a few species, but can impact many insects, leading to changes in food webs and species diversity.
A study provides empirical support for natural selection's role in species formation by analyzing the relationship between adaptation and reproductive isolation in hundreds of organisms. The researchers found a positive link between these two processes, suggesting that adaptation drives species diversification.
The NSF announces six FIBR awards to tackle some of biology's most challenging questions. The projects will study the relationship between an organism's genes and the outside world, as well as animal movement, social behavior, and photosynthesis.
Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography have sequenced the genomes of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, tiny organisms that account for up to two-thirds of carbon dioxide fixation in the oceans. The discoveries shed light on how these organisms process carbon and adapt to specific habitats, offering insights into global c...
Researchers found that North American red squirrels are adapting to warmer temperatures by advancing their breeding cycle by 18 days over 10 years. The team used quantitative genetics to separate individual plasticity from genetic adaptation, revealing a long-term trend of phenotypic plasticity.
A preliminary study at the University of Toronto found that green roofs were better at protecting roof membranes from extreme temperatures than conventional roofs. Green roofs also reduced storm water run-off and kept summer temperatures inside structures lower due to vegetation cooling effect.
Researchers found genes tailored to specific environments, shared among organisms living in the same ecological niche. The discovery could help understand how cells adapt to extreme conditions.
Ranchers are adapting to environmental changes by incorporating conservation techniques, such as managing grazing patterns and using native species. The symposium showcases successful examples of progressive management, including the use of beavers to restore woodlands and improve biodiversity.
Biologists at Cornell University and Max Planck Institute found that Daphnia crustaceans can evolve quickly to cope with polluted water. The study showed that these tiny crustaceans adapted to handle less nutritious food, becoming a natural control for toxic cyanobacteria in Lake Constance.
A study found that pine cones' spines hinder finches' ability to access seeds, encouraging seed dispersal. Researchers discovered a link between spine growth and the length of time seeds remain on pine cones.
A long-term study of a kelp forest community found that large-scale, low-frequency events like El Nino and La Nina drive changes in the community. The study also highlighted the importance of understanding how different species adapt to changing environmental conditions.
The new edition explores the survival strategies of desert shrubs in resource islands, which support microclimate and soil health. Exotic plant species also invade areas of high native diversity, challenging traditional ecological theories.
The Swedish EPA has developed a new model for assessing the state of the environment, making it easier to compare local and regional areas. The model criteria cover six areas: forest landscape, agricultural landscape, groundwater, lakes and watercourses, coasts and seas, and contaminated sites.
Researchers at Cornell University found that infants' cycles of motor activity can help them 'visually forage' their environment. The study uses mathematical models to simulate infant behavior, revealing a pattern where motor activity peaks before visual attention disengages.
Notter's research helps farmers worldwide develop breeds suited to their environments, reducing pressure on the environment through gradual introduction of new breeds. His work also informs global strategies for livestock management.
Researchers found that flooding in Venezuela's Lake Guri dam project isolated butterfly and ant species, causing some to thrive while others declined. The study highlights the complex effects of ecological disturbances and has implications for conservation efforts in fragmented landscapes.
Experts discuss Earth's habitability amid global threats and climate change, with some arguing regions will experience radical changes due to limited adaptive capacities. Others propose innovative solutions like industrial ecology to reduce human dependence on the environment.
Emory University researchers found that newborn rat pups who received more infantile stimulation handled stress better in adulthood, both externally and internally. The study suggests that early experiences shape the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response to stress, which can have implications for human health.
A new index developed by Jamie Coleman and David Styer uses bird counts to evaluate the condition of wetland habitats. The model identifies thriving wetlands with high water-loving bird populations and declining wetlands with fewer birds adapted to drier environments.