Articles tagged with Ecological Processes
Researchers study the sea-surface microlayer, a biogeochemical reactor where organisms adapt to harsh conditions like UV radiation and fluctuating temperatures. The team aims to understand biological, chemical, and physical interactions in this thin layer, influencing global climate.
Researchers have discovered 'proto-peat', a thin layer of organic matter containing high levels of carbon, in the Arctic. This finding suggests new carbon sinks may be forming as the region warms up.
The Ecological Society of America will hold its 107th Annual Meeting in Montreal from August 14-19, 2022. This year's meeting combines resources and interests of the ESA and Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, focusing on theme "A Change Is Gonna Come" exploring global environmental and evolutionary change.
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.
Researchers found evidence of declining nitrogen availability in various ecosystems, including grasslands and forests, due to multiple environmental changes. The decline is linked to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and reduced plant growth, with implications for the global carbon cycle.
A new Concordia study reveals that climate change affects the province-wide analysis of landscape freeze-thaw cycles, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions in northern regions and transitional days in southern areas. This can have significant impacts on infrastructure and greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study has shown that increased levels of turbulence and mixing occurred every night in a coastal bay, similar to those caused by storms. The researchers attribute the signal to shoals of fish spawning anchovies, which mix water layers and impact temperature distribution, nutrients, and oxygen.
Researchers found that forced proximity increased social grooming in random pairs of vampire bats, which persisted for over two months. The study suggests a causal relationship between being forced into close proximity and forming preferences for each other, echoing the human experience of college roommates.
Researchers quantified five critical ecological processes on over 500 coral reefs worldwide, finding no reef can maximize each process simultaneously. They also identified local super heroes among species that contribute to ecosystem functioning.
A study by researchers at the University of Plymouth reveals that energy-efficient broad spectrum lighting is reducing the efficacy of coastal species' camouflage. This can have significant impacts on visually guided ecological processes, with certain color variations being more vulnerable to detection.
Researchers found that urbanization increases hydrogen cyanide production in white clover as a defense mechanism against herbivores. The study, published in Science, reveals adaptive evolution due to urbanization is driving global-scale changes in plant species.
The SPRING project is establishing an EU-wide census of pollinators, building on existing butterfly monitoring schemes. The project will use a variety of methods, including standard routes for counting wild bees and hoverflies, to gather data on the diversity and abundance of pollinators.
The study found that superlinear scaling occurs in aquatic ecosystems of larger watersheds, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere. Smaller watersheds are less effective at filtering pollutants and mitigating nonpoint source pollution.
A new study finds that large wild animals like elephants and whales can help restore ecosystems and battle climate change by dispersing seeds, clearing vegetation, and increasing albedo. Protecting these animals also supports local biodiversity and ecological resilience in temperate, tropical, and subtropical grassland ecosystems.
Researchers found that pelicans primarily eat native fish species like Utah sucker and chub, with only a small percentage of cutthroat trout consumed. This discovery provides managers with more insight into the ecological dynamics of the reservoir, allowing them to focus on other factors impacting trout populations.
A new study reveals that marine organisms attach themselves to plastics and are transported by marine currents, contributing to the introduction of non-native species. The research found diverse marine life attached to plastic debris, including bryozoans, which could become invasive and alter ecosystems.
A human-centered approach is needed to build sustainable solutions, according to Arizona State University professor Katina Michael. She will present evidence on operationalizing public interest technology in practice, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and empowerment.
Assistant Professor Emily Cohen at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science received a $750,000 NSF CAREER Award to study migrating birds as communities. This research aims to fill critical gaps in understanding animal migration by considering migratory animals as networks of ecological interactions.
A new study suggests that wildfires can lead to increased soil carbon stocks in savannahs and grasslands, potentially offsetting short-term emissions. The research found that fires could store up to 90 million tonnes of carbon per year, but the breakdown rate of charcoal in soils remains uncertain.
Researchers found nanoparticles from human activities rapidly grow in atmosphere and influence cloud formation, affecting raindrop formation and changing rainfall regime. The study provides new insights into the impact of small aerosols on precipitation and improves climate change studies based on mathematical models.
A massive DNA sequencing project has mapped the deep-sea biodiversity, revealing a vast and unknown ecosystem that plays a crucial role in ocean food-webs and carbon sequestration. The study sheds light on the connection between surface and deep-water ecosystems, with implications for understanding climate change.
A study led by Florida Atlantic University reveals a vast amount of microplastics in the entire water column of an offshore plastic accumulation zone, with small microplastics being critical and underexplored. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the impact of these tiny plastics on marine ecosystems.
Researchers from The University of Tokyo developed a model to predict the occurrence of red snow events, which are associated with the duration of snow melt and the timing of new snowfall. The study found that snow algae blooms can speed up snow melt as they darken the surface.
A study led by Monterey Bay Aquarium reveals more than half of the ocean surface has experienced extreme heat since 2014, posing a threat to marine ecosystems. The research found that these heat extremes increase the risk of collapse for crucial ecosystems like coral reefs and kelp forests.
Southern Ontario's wetlands filter out phosphorus and sediments from water, providing $4.2 billion worth of sediment filtration services each year. This is the first economic valuation study to separate the values of major wetland types, with marshes being the most valuable for sediment filtration.
A nationwide analysis of 20 US cities found that many plans fail to explicitly define green infrastructure, with a narrow focus on stormwater management. The study suggests that this narrow view can limit project funding and cause cities to miss out on vital social and ecological services.
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.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that coral reef restoration projects can lead to a healthy and functioning ecosystem through the soundscape, with increased fish sounds recorded on restored reefs. The study used acoustic recordings from 2018-2019 as part of the monitoring program for the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Project.
A new study from Australian Institute of Marine Science reveals that reef fish such as emperors, tropical snappers, and rockcods play a crucial role in controlling crown-of-thorns starfish numbers on the Great Barrier Reef. By removing these fish species, the abundance of coral-eating starfish increases.
Researchers used mathematical models to reconstruct evolutionary history of photosymbiosis in Scleractinia, identifying groups where association is stable and others that may be more flexible. The study found that certain lineages are more likely to retain the reef-building trait in a changing climate.
Researchers have developed a 'time machine' framework that uses artificial intelligence to learn from past environmental changes and predict future biodiversity loss. This framework can help decision-makers prioritize conservation approaches and mitigation interventions, leading to more effective management of ecosystem services.
Researchers from the University of Oklahoma are leading a global study to understand the impact of increased nutrients on soil microbial biodiversity and ecosystem functions in grasslands worldwide. The project aims to develop new mathematical models to predict how nutrient changes affect soil microbe diversity and functions.
A new study has shown how climate change impacts the ecosystems of large lakes by varying their water layers' mixing through seasons. Mixing controls heat, oxygen, nutrients, and pollutants between layers, shaping ecosystems' adaptations.
A unique form of English rewilding is emerging as domesticated and scaled-down compared to global efforts. This approach requires human intervention to restore ecological function and increase biodiversity.
Large-scale solar farms have a cooling effect on surrounding land, reducing temperature by up to 2.3°C at 100m away from the park boundaries. The study highlights the need for consideration in solar park design and location to minimize negative impacts.
The Verrucomicrobiota group of bacteria plays a crucial role in degrading polysaccharides released by algae during spring blooms in the North Sea. These specialized bacteria consume hard-to-degrade sugars, including those containing sulfate and fucose, using unique pathways and organelle-like structures to avoid toxic compounds.
Research finds that human settlement led to increased fires and soil erosion, altering unique island ecosystems in Macaronesia. The study also shows that colonial-era settlers had a greater impact on vegetation than aboriginal settlers.
Researchers found that high biodiversity enhances ecosystem functions by 20%, with environmental heterogeneity significantly boosting this positive impact. Species richness was more important for ecosystem functioning than species turnover in African ecosystems along Mount Kilimanjaro's elevational gradient.
A mathematical model developed at Linköping University predicts that many species in polar regions will become extinct due to global warming, with ecosystems already showing signs of strain. The model simulates the impact of climate change on species interactions and diversity, highlighting the importance of considering ecological proc...
Researchers successfully detected local mammals and birds by collecting 18 litres of water from a two-kilometre stretch along the river Mulde. The team identified 50% of fish species, 22% of mammal species, and 7.4% of breeding bird species in the region.
A recent global study on river ecosystems found that biodiversity loss can significantly impact the functioning of pristine water courses. The study, conducted by an international research network, revealed that alterations to ecosystems have severe and region-specific consequences.
A new study found that birds and mammals evolved into new species at higher rates where the land has risen most over the past three million years. This effect was found to be greater than historical climate change, present-day elevation, and temperature in driving speciation.
Fine root anatomy and function data from the FRED 3.0 database informs Earth system models predicting future climate changes. Meanwhile, 3D printed concrete smart walls demonstrate energy efficiency and potential cost savings in buildings.
Researchers found extreme precipitation events are the primary contributor to total precipitation in Northwest China. The region's westerly and plateau zones have seen a significant increase in EPE frequency and occurrence, starting earlier and lasting later. In contrast, monsoon regions of Southeast China experience opposite trends.
Researchers can leverage innovative technologies to analyze complex interactions within the plant root microbiome. By combining mesocosms with in-situ sensors and imaging tools, scientists can replicate experiments on spatial and temporal scales.
Research team investigates urbanization's impact on farmland bird communities in Bangalore, India, finding that urbanization homogenizes bird species, eliminating insect-eating birds essential for pest control. The study highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity to maintain ecosystem resilience and food production systems.
A new study found that Baltimore County's leaky sewage infrastructure delivers tens of thousands of human doses of pharmaceuticals to the Chesapeake Bay annually, affecting aquatic life and behavior. The study estimates that nearly 1% of raw sewage flows into the environment via leaking pipes.
Researchers found that table corals can recover habitats on the Great Barrier Reef at a rate 14 times higher when abundant, compared to reefs without them. The study highlights the importance of protecting table corals to promote reef recovery and biodiversity.
Researchers used deep-time approach to compare communities defined by species vs ecological roles, finding that ecosystems are more resistant to change than species compositions. They also found that preserving ecosystem functioning can help stabilize ecosystems in the face of disturbances.
A new study found that biophysical and species-linked ecosystem services often occur simultaneously, especially on larger spatial scales. The researchers discovered that regions where species conservation and ecosystem services play a role coincide more frequently than previously assumed.
Microbial communities in Alpine soils under threat as global temperatures rise due to climate change. Early spring snowmelt disrupts seasonal transitions, impacting biogeochemical cycles and winter ecosystem functioning.
The System of Hospitals for Innovation in Pediatrics - Medical Devices (SHIP-MD) Virtual Workshop will focus on accelerating medical device development for children. The workshop aims to enhance safe and effective pediatric care options by addressing challenges such as clinical trials, funding, and regulatory approval.
New research unlocks the mystery of the Galápagos Islands' unique ecosystem, revealing that local northward winds drive upwelling and nutrient injection to support biodiversity. The findings inform plans to expand the Galápagos Marine Reserve and improve its management against climate change.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered two previously unknown fungus species using a novel method based on DNA analysis of soil samples. These fungi are thought to play a key role in the ecosystem, but their exact function remains unclear.
Researchers analyzed data from 300 German grasslands and forests to investigate the relationships between biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services. The study found that low-intensity farming and forestry can preserve biodiversity while providing material benefits.
Research found that only 12% of ecosystem functioning variance can be explained by plant traits, highlighting the complexity of long-term ecosystem changes. Plant biomass production and pollination patterns varied greatly among years and communities.
A global-scale meta-analysis found that diverse leaf litter increases decomposition rates by 34.7%. This could be crucial for predicting future changes in biogeochemical cycles and climate feedbacks on Earth.
Researchers investigate dynamic water storage in the critical zone, exploring its role in forest ecology, rock chemistry, and water quality. The team aims to predict how climate change affects these interactions, ultimately improving our understanding of the complex relationships within Western ecosystems.
A UBC Okanagan researcher has developed an agent-based model to simulate the behavior of coral reefs and identify traits that contribute to their resilience. This will help design reef management and restoration strategies to stem losses and ensure the long-term health of coral ecosystems.
A new study by an international team of researchers found that biodiversity experiment findings are reliable and applicable to the real world. The study analyzed data from two large-scale experiments and compared them with equivalent 'real-world' sites, showing that previous conclusions were supported.