Articles tagged with Ecological Diversity
Home gardens in Central Asia serve as living genebanks, maintaining a rich diversity of fruit and nut tree species. However, the increasing popularity of foreign varieties poses a threat to local biodiversity, highlighting the need for integrated conservation efforts.
A study by the University of Göttingen and Malagasy universities found that vanilla plantations on fallow land have similar yields to those in forests while increasing biodiversity. This sustainable approach helps smallholder farmers secure their income, highlighting a win-win opportunity for both economy and conservation.
A new study analyzing 72 lakes in four large Neotropical wetlands of Brazil reveals that human impacts on biodiversity compromise wetland multifunctionality. Strong associations between aquatic organism diversity and wetland functioning were found, highlighting the crucial role of species richness in driving ecosystem health.
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
A conceptual species 'stock market' aims to assign economic value to species and ecosystems, promoting sustainability and biodiversity conservation. The SSM would enable the valuation of ecosystem services and actions that harm or benefit biodiversity, fostering a unified approach to environmental decision-making.
Research found that exposure to drought in previous generations increases complementarity between plant species, making them more resilient to subsequent droughts. This transgenerational effect enhances the sustainability of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that local community perceptions of ecosystem services provided by wild cherry trees can be used for community-based management and conservation. The study revealed notable differences among groups, highlighting the importance of understanding how people perceive the value of symbolic sp...
A new study describes a troglobitic clam species from northern Brazil, characterized by lack of pigmentation and reduced size. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving fragile subterranean habitats threatened by recently amended laws in Brazil.
A new study finds that climate change will make the U.S. Corn Belt unsuitable for cultivating corn by 2100, highlighting the need for significant agricultural adaptations, diversification and a shift towards more sustainable farming practices.
A study reveals that wild duck, gull, goose, and poultry species play a crucial role in the global spread of bird flu. Ecological divergence among these species contributes to spillover events.
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.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification's Global Land Outlook 2 report warns that up to 40% of the planet's land is degraded, threatening half of humanity and roughly 1/2 of world GDP. The report offers hundreds of practical ways to restore land and ecosystem health.
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.
A new study by University College London (UCL) researchers found that climate change and intensive agricultural land use have already led to a 49% reduction in insect populations in the most impacted parts of the world. Insect declines are linked to rising temperatures and land use changes, with tropical areas seeing the biggest declines.
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 genome-based study reveals how Amazonian rivers contribute to bird biodiversity by isolating populations and sparking speciation. The research highlights previously unknown species at risk of extinction due to dynamic river systems.
Researchers found that livestock grazing had no negative impact on snow leopard distribution or density, and the species can coexist due to their separate ecological niches. The study suggests a more nuanced approach to conservation and land use, prioritizing the preservation of rocky mosaics.
The EuropaBON project aims to develop a unified approach to monitoring Europe's biodiversity and ecosystems. A list of 15 essential variables has been identified for harmonization across countries, but most are not currently being monitored adequately.
A two-year study shows that even a 4m² space can provide a rich habitat for pollinators and support biodiversity. The mini-meadows attracted an average of 111% more bumblebees and 87% more solitary bees compared to control plots.
A new analysis has identified common demographic and life history traits among species at risk of extinction. The study found that these traits contribute to patterns of vulnerability, with some species exhibiting higher extinction risks due to factors like smaller population sizes and slower reproductive rates.
A new study examines the toxic impact of bio-based substances and innovative technologies on the environment, finding both biosurfactants and microgels as highly promising candidates for use in sustainable products. The results highlight the importance of integrating green toxicology into bioeconomy strategies.
A new study reveals that roots are the true engine of terrestrial nutrient cycling, driving biodiversity in South Africa's Fynbos and Afrotemperate Forest biomes. The research found that Fynbos plants use thinnest roots to limit nutrient availability for trees, allowing them to outcompete forest species.
A team of scientists from Germany, Spain, Australia and Japan discovered a new species of branching marine worm, Ramisyllis kingghidorahi, in Japan. The worm has a unique body shape with one head and multiple posterior ends, living inside the internal canals of sea sponges.
Researchers found animal-dispersed plant species' ability to adapt to climate change reduced by 60% due to bird and mammal losses. Global seed dispersal mapping revealed severe declines in temperate regions, with tropical areas at high risk if endangered species go extinct.
Researchers at West Virginia University aim to develop more precise predictions about the role of individual soil microorganisms in the carbon cycle. They will use stable isotope probing to track carbon uptake and characterize the function of microbes in their natural communities.
Despite over 200 restored wetlands in Denmark, botanical diversity remains low, with only 9.5 species per four square meters found in the studied areas. High nutrient input from agriculture continues to affect plant species dispersal and immigration, making it a significant barrier to increased biodiversity.
Researchers found that global databases revealed a net loss of regional floristic uniqueness due to the spread of alien plants. The study highlighted biogeographic factors like climate distance and anthropogenic factors such as shared administrative history contributing to homogenization of regional floras.
A new global atlas reveals that up to 1.9 million km2 of the world's coastal waters are affected by artificial light at night, with significant impacts on marine organisms. The study uses a novel metric to determine the depth of light penetration and highlights the need for further research into the effects of ALAN pollution.
A new study found that human-caused bird extinctions lead to the loss of ecological roles, including pollination and seed dispersal. Introduced alien species do not fill these gaps, highlighting the disproportionate impact of human actions on biodiversity.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that the greatest increase in marine biodiversity on Earth occurred due to changes in climate cycles, rather than an asteroid explosion. Fossil analysis revealed a shift towards colder climates around 469 million years ago, leading to the blooming of marine life.
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.
A study found that 95% of fungal species on Earth remain undescribed, leading to inconsistent regulations and potential health risks. The researchers tested 16 food products labeled as containing 'wild mushrooms' and discovered most consisted of cultivated species, including poisonous varieties.
A new study reveals that just 42% of nations have expanded their scientific understanding of bird species distributions in the last decade. The researchers developed two new metrics to assess biodiversity data coverage and effectiveness, finding that regions like Asia and South America are closing knowledge gaps.
Researchers develop Composite Urban Quietness Index to measure sound diversity of quietness, aiming to provide a new understanding of comfortable quiet. The study reveals that high-intensity sound and silent acoustic environments can cause stress, highlighting the need for quantifiable characteristics of quietness.
The researchers proposed five strategies to address colonial legacies in ecology: decolonizing the mind, understanding history, increasing access to information, recognizing diverse expertise, and establishing inclusive teams. These strategies aim to challenge biases and promote a more ethical approach to ecological research.
A new study led by Swansea University and the University of Bristol has revealed the size of Megalodon, including its massive fins. The shark's estimated body length is 16 meters, with a head diameter of 4.65 meters.
The study reveals that Asgard archaea, particularly the newly identified phylum Gerdarchaeota, are involved in degrading various substrates such as amino acids and ethanol. They also participate in aerobic respiration, converting substrates into acetyl-CoA.
A study found that increasing crop diversity in agricultural landscapes reduces aphid populations and decreases the need for pesticides. This is because natural enemies of aphids, such as ladybirds and spiders, have better living conditions in diverse landscapes.
The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is launching efforts to train ecologists in effective public engagement. The annual meeting will feature workshops, sessions, and a social event to promote knowledge sharing and networking among scientists who prioritize public engagement.
A University of Liverpool study found that ant colour and size are strongly influenced by their environment, with larger bodied ectotherms with dark colouration thriving in cold places. The study also revealed that ants adapt to changing temperatures by shifting from darker to lighter colours and smaller body sizes.
Researchers at University of Groningen find self-replicating molecules that diversify into distinct sets, sparking debate on life's molecular roots. The study reveals a process similar to biological speciation, but occurring at the molecular level.
In a study of Bahamas mosquitofish, female genitalia evolve to show 'no means no' to predators and interbreeding males. Females in areas with high predation risk have smaller genital openings, while those without predation risk have larger, more oval-shaped openings.
A study from University of California, Davis, found that forest disturbances like wildfire and thinning are replacing understory plants with those from more southern areas, such as Mexico and Southern California. This shift is driven by climate change, leading to a potential increase in forest diversity.
The Ecological Society of America has received an NSF grant to support a three-pronged approach to increase diversity within the ecological field. The grant will fund activities that guide students to identify ecology as a viable career option and develop a sense of personal connection with science.
Two 160 million-year-old fossils of Agilodocodon scansorius and Docofossor brachydactylus provide evidence of early mammalian ecological diversity. These ancient mammals had adaptations for arboreal and subterranean lifestyles, suggesting genetic mechanisms operated long before modern mammals.
Ian T. Baldwin, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology director, was elected to the US National Academy of Sciences and German Leopoldina for his work in plant ecology and gene function research. His studies have uncovered molecular mechanisms by which plants survive adverse environmental conditions.
The UCSB National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) is expanding its reach with a new $2.4 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The center will engage non-academic stakeholders in ecology research, tackling environmental challenges such as conservation of freshwater fisheries and resilient agricu...
A new fossil discovery reveals a bird with specialized teeth for eating hard prey, greatly expanding the known diversity of tooth shape in early birds. The find suggests that dietary differences may have contributed to the decline of enantiornithine birds during the Cretaceous period.
Sebastian Valanko's PhD thesis investigates dispersal strategies and mechanisms of benthic invertebrates, shedding light on their importance for recovery after disturbance. Understanding dispersal patterns is key to interpreting changes in diversity across different spatial scales, enabling better conservation and management decisions.
The first cross-disciplinary conference on Public Participation in Scientific Research will bring together experts from various fields to share ideas and form new communities. Citizen science projects have recruited non-specialists to contribute to real scientific questions, multiplying data collection by orders of magnitude. The confe...
A new study suggests that vertebrate jaws evolved relatively early, around 420 million years ago, and that the diversity of feeding mechanisms in these early animals had little impact on jawless fishes. The researchers used physics and engineering concepts to analyze the potential feeding functions of early vertebrate jaw designs.
A new UC Davis study found that symmetrical systems of wildlife corridors may do less good for natural communities than designs with randomness or asymmetry built in. This research provides insights for land managers and community planners designing corridors, shedding light on what works and what doesn't.
This issue of BioScience features studies on fungal community ecology, extreme precipitation regimes, and the developing Drosophila brain. Researchers also explore the consequences of climate change for terrestrial ecosystems and discuss the potential benefits of restoration and sustainable agriculture.
The Ecological Society of America (ESA) received the 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. The award recognizes ESA's Strategies for Ecology Education, Development and Sustainability (SEEDS) program, which has increased diversity among its members and provided mentoring opportunities ...
Michal Kowalewski, a Virginia Tech geobiologist, has won the Schuchert Award for his groundbreaking research on ancient predators and their ecosystems. His work reveals that predators' struggle to survive may be due to menu selection errors over 500 million years ago.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about chimpanzee tool use and termites in the Congo basin. The study reveals intricate connections between these behaviors, providing new perspectives on ape intelligence.