Articles tagged with Ecological Processes
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
New research reveals how a single warming event in Antarctica may indicate future ecosystem changes, with cascading ecological consequences observed over the last 15 years. The study found that massive flooding caused by melting glaciers led to dramatic changes in the environment, including erosion of streams and lake levels rising.
Researchers suggest adjusting dam operations to mitigate negative impacts on river ecosystems, such as hydropeaking. Small changes can have significant effects downstream, benefiting fish and other organisms. Strategic planning for new dam construction is also crucial to minimize environmental degradation.
A new paper by UC Santa Barbara researchers recommends several ways to make ecological de-extinction more successful. They suggest resurrecting recently extinct species that fit seamlessly into their ecosystems, choosing animals with irreplaceable ecological jobs, and restoring species to functional abundance levels.
Researchers discovered 'ecosystem canaries' can provide early warning signs of large, potentially catastrophic, changes in ecosystems. These species often vanish first from a stressed ecosystem, serving as an indicator of an approaching tipping point.
A study of 1000 scientific studies reveals that oil palm plantations have reduced ecosystem functions, particularly gas regulation and water supply. However, the production of marketable goods, such as palm oil, can increase the provision of food and raw materials.
Research at the University of Exeter found that scavenging ecosystem service is primarily carried out by crows, with assistance from foxes and other birds.
A new framework uses phylogenetic information, relevant traits, and environmental gradients to reduce incorrect conclusions about community assembly. The framework combines three approaches to test hypotheses and identify signatures of key processes.
Researchers found that diverse soil animal communities lead to better decomposition of leaves, regardless of region or management practices. A study of 80 forests in Germany and Sumatra revealed that high species richness and biomass explain spatial turnover in ecosystem functioning.
The Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will participate in a new National Microbiome Initiative to advance understanding of microbiome behavior and protect healthy microbiomes. The initiative aims to investigate fundamental principles governing microbiomes across ecosystems and develop new tools to study them.
The world lost more than twice as much interior forest area than it gained between 2000 and 2012, with a net loss of 3.76 million square kilometers. This resulted in a fragmentation of remaining forests, increasing ecological risks.
Researchers found that biodiversity facilitates processes in an ecosystem, especially under harsh environmental conditions. The team tested this hypothesis using microbial communities and demonstrated that functional redundancy varies with prevalent environmental conditions.
A new study synthesizes research on trophic rewilding, outlining key priorities for rewilding science. The study concludes that species reintroductions and ecological replacements can restore lost food-web cascades with strong ecological effects.
A recent study on diving beetles found that globally, these animals have evolved towards a small number of regularly-spaced body sizes, indicating functional similarity among species. This suggests that evolution drives self-organizing processes into clusters of functionally similar groups.
Researchers found no barriers to prevent king crab populations from arriving on the shallow continental shelf if the water becomes warm enough. The arrival of these crustaceans could radically alter the ecosystem and diminish marine biodiversity globally.
The upcoming Connecting Phytobiomes with Soil and Plant Health symposium aims to understand the interactions between plants and soils as they relate to crops, agronomy, and entomology. This research focuses on the importance of the microbiome in enhancing soil and water sustainability.
Researchers found a consistent pattern that in crowded settings, prey reproduce less, leading to fewer predators. This discovery suggests a new law of nature governing ecosystems globally.
A new study reveals that soil bacteria and animal species below ground regulate ecosystem functions, including carbon storage and nutrient availability, with below-ground biodiversity explaining 32% of variation.
Researchers have successfully mapped key functional genes in bacterial species that play central roles in maintaining ecological balance. This knowledge may lead to targeted interventions to restore ecosystem health, such as supporting keystone bacteria to mitigate diseases like Parkinson's.
A new study reveals that biodiversity enhances multiple ecosystem functions, from soil nitrogen accumulation to aquatic algae control. This finding bolsters the importance of conserving biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that the type of fish and its body size can predict nutrient recycling rates in ecosystems. The researchers analyzed data from over 900 fish and invertebrates in a diverse marine community, finding that body mass and taxonomic identity are key factors in predicting these rates.
New research reveals that logging can cause significant declines in invertebrate diversity, but ecosystems can adapt to these changes by shifting responsibilities among species. In contrast, vertebrates are less diverse and more vulnerable to new challenges, making them a risky substitute for invertebrates.
Researchers found that reclaimed oil and gas well pads in Colorado lack the patchy soil patterns that support sagebrush recovery. This uniformity can make it harder to reestablish big sagebrush, a critical component for diverse wildlife species.
A 50-year study on Australia's protected rainforests has found that the earliest life stages of individual trees are more critical to the overall diversity of the forest than later stages. The research, conducted by LSU ecologist Kyle Harms and his collaborators, used a dataset from Joseph Connell's long-term ecological research study.
A University of Tennessee study finds that plant evolutionary history influences community responses to global change, with native species from the same lineage more effective at sequestering carbon. The research may aid in predicting ecosystem futures and informing conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that environmental bleaching events caused by rising sea temperatures are impairing long-term coral reproduction. Even corals that didn't bleach are experiencing reduced fertility, which can persist for three additional years after the initial bleaching event.
A team led by Indiana University's Jay Lennon is exploring the role of dormancy in microbial diversity and its impact on ecosystem processes. The five-year project aims to understand how dormant microbes contribute to geographic patterns of diversity.
A Yale-led study found that removing earthworms, beetles, and other small animals from the soil of a replicated Scottish sheep meadow altered plant species, reduced productivity, and changed the quality of yields. The results highlight the importance of these tiny creatures in maintaining ecosystem balance and services.
A recent study found that many reef fish species carry out unique and essential roles, making ecosystem vulnerability to loss of those species high. The researchers argue that protecting these specialist species is crucial to maintaining ecosystem health.
A global study reveals that current marine protected areas are insufficient to safeguard key ecological functions performed by fish species, which provide vital services for coastal habitats. The research identifies vulnerable fish populations outside existing protected areas, emphasizing the importance of expanding these networks.
Researchers analyzed bioerosion rates and distribution of organisms on mesophotic reefs to understand long-term structural sustainability. The study found significant differences in bioerosion rates between mesophotic and shallow-water reefs.
A new study highlights the role of white rhinos in shaping savannah ecosystems, suggesting that their loss could have significant effects on ecosystem functioning and fire regimes. The research found that areas previously colonized by rhinos had higher levels of short grass cover and more grazing lawns.
A moderate loss of soil microbes may compromise key ecosystem functions and lower toxin degradation. Research found that specialized bacterial functions are not as effective without a rich diversity of soil bacteria.
A new study by Duke University and University of Massachusetts at Boston found that preserving the right mix of species is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. The research showed that removing key species can have profound impacts on ecosystem health, highlighting the importance of biodiversity quality over quantity.
Researchers can influence design and implementation, improving environmental benefits in urban areas. By involving themselves early in the process, ecologist researchers can establish viable long-term sites and improve project outcomes.
A new method of measuring tree growth has been developed, reducing research time by up to 20 minutes per tree. The innovative technique uses prefabricated cable-tie heads as collars on dendrometer bands, making it easier and safer to install than traditional methods.
A new study finds that adding nitrogen to grasslands initially boosts ecosystem productivity but ultimately leads to a decline due to reduced plant diversity. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the significant impact of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology reveals that microbial changes can regulate entire ecosystems, specifically mitigating the release of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. The research found that type II methanotrophic bacteria replaced other microbes, oxidizing methane and reducing its impact.
A new study reveals that rare species perform unique ecological functions, even in highly diverse ecosystems. These species are irreplaceable and contribute to taxonomic richness, but their functional importance is largely unknown.
The HyspIRI airborne campaign collects data on California's diverse regions, revealing the unique spectral signature of each pixel. Scientists aim to understand ecosystem diversity and function using this technology, which will also be used for detecting land types and processes like fire and drought.
The BMC Ecology Image Competition has announced its winners, featuring striking visual elements that depict specific ecological interactions. The overall winning image highlights the coevolution of a stick insect and its host, while the runner-up showcases a subalpine flower meadow in Colorado.
Researchers developed an Adaptation for Conservation Targets (ACT) framework to assess climate change impacts on natural resources. The framework enables scientists and managers to work together to adjust management actions and address the 'What do we do about it?' question.
Researchers found that opponents of dam removal value aesthetics, cultural heritage, and recreational activities, while supporters prioritize ecological benefits and game fish restoration. Compromise solutions may be challenging due to differing ecosystem service values.
The domestication of wild plants for biofuel use can increase virus pressure in crop areas unless mitigated. Perennial plants in nature grow slower but are better equipped to fight off viruses, whereas annual plants can serve as 'amplifiers' producing lots of viruses and insects.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation's Council of environment ministers emphasized the role of communities in building resilience to environmental changes. The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to initiatives aimed at greenifying North America's economy and protecting its citizens' health.
A study from the University of Leeds found that seabirds control when their young leave home through hormone levels corticosterone, not parental care. Chicks show a surge in this hormone 60 days before fledging, prompting parents to reduce food provisioning.
Ecologists call for urgent action to preserve planet's remaining biodiversity, essential for natural ecosystem services like food and wood production. The 17 prominent ecologists' consensus statement highlights the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem functions and human health.
A new study by University of South Florida researchers found that chlorothalonil kills a wide variety of freshwater organisms, including amphibians and aquatic plants, leading to ecosystem changes. The findings highlight the need to reassess the fungicide's safety and its impact on ecosystems.
A recent study found that biodiversity loss has a major driver of ecosystem change, rivaling the effects of climate change and pollution. The researchers analyzed data from almost 200 published studies, measuring species loss and its impact on plant growth and decomposition.
A study reveals that cod population increases in central Baltic lead to expansion into adjacent marginal systems, impacting local ecosystems through trophic cascades. This phenomenon underscores the importance of linking local and regional processes for ecosystem management.
A study of 35 headwater basins in the US and Canada found that warmer temperatures do not always lead to decreased streamflow rates. In fact, water flow decreases only at sites with winter snow and ice, while warmer and drier ecosystems show less impact.
Elena Litchman leads a $2 million NSF grant to study Lake Baikal's adaptation to climate change. The research aims to understand how the lake's endemic species will respond to rising temperatures and human-induced stress, with potential implications for global ecosystems.
Researchers found that installing nest boxes in California vineyards increased avian species richness by over 50% and nearly quadrupled insectivorous bird density. The results suggest an effective method for vineyards to protect their crop while promoting avian conservation.
The Murcian flower has been studied in detail for the first time in nearly a century. Researchers have found that it is critically endangered due to low reproductive success and high mortality rates during the seedling stage. A restoration plan is underway to preserve this unique species.
Researchers argue that economic behavior is linked to ecosystem vulnerability to invasive species. Biological invasions serve as a model for studying general ecological processes. Understanding these interactions is crucial for predicting impacts of global change on ecosystem services.
Research highlights the need for firms to integrate their patent and business strategies to successfully commercialize multi-invention products. The paper provides a framework for addressing these challenges, including guidelines for choosing from among three types of business models: licensing, componentization, and integration.
The most precise estimate of Earth's species total is based on a novel analytical technique that narrows previous estimates. The study predicts approximately 8.7 million species, with 91% of marine and 86% of land species remaining undiscovered. This new understanding is crucial for conservation efforts and ecosystems services.
Patricia Soranno is pioneering landscape limnology, a new field of research that studies bodies of water as integrated elements in the landscape. The goal is to create a new understanding for natural resource managers to address unique freshwater resources in a landscape context.
The introduction of Aldabra tortoises on the island of Mauritius has successfully dispersed ebony seeds, aiding the recovery of a critically endangered tree species. This rewilding experiment demonstrates the potential for restoring extinct interactions in ecosystems.
A project called Tropi-Dry, led by the University of Alberta, used remote sensing and geo-data to overturn a Brazilian law that would have allowed widespread logging. The decision protects critical ecosystem services, including weather regulation and water production.
A recent study analyzed data from almost 2,000 coral reef locations worldwide to determine the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The research found that biomass production decreases with increasing human density, especially in more diverse ecosystems.