Ecology

Patrolling males and waiting females — observing reproductive behavior of black sea bream in the wild

Follow-up funding for two Collaborative Research Centres at the University of Cologne

Study provides detailed assessment of shifts in toxin producing phytoplankton abundance

A smarter way to measure how streams clean themselves

A new approach using Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics offers a direct fix for estimating nutrient uptake length in streams. The zero-order method substantially outperforms the first-order approach under saturation, providing more accurate estimates of stream filtration capacity.

Baby bugs must play ‘game of roulette’ to find survival partners before time runs out

Parasite emergence facilitated by host wing-raising behavior

A new method for improving ecological monitoring in intermittent rivers

Scientists seek to understand effects of rain falling on snow in the Arctic

April research news from the Ecological Society of America

Bird collisions with wind turbines can be reduced with warning colors

Researchers have developed a new approach to reducing bird collisions with wind turbines by using warning signals found in nature, such as yellow, red, and black colors. The study found that these colors combined with rotating motion were more frightening to birds than existing patterns used on wind turbines.

The shoal remembers: How signs of a collective memory shape a predator-prey arms race

Researchers found that bird predators adjust their attacks to avoid triggering strong collective waves from sulphur mollies, but also exploit weak points in the group's defense. The fish, in turn, seem to 'remember' previous predator attacks, leading to stronger responses when attacked again.

Climate change: How oxygen deficiency changes metabolic processes in the ocean

A new study reveals how sulfur compounds are metabolized under oxygen-deficient conditions, with microorganisms like Flavobacteria playing a key role. Taurine, an organic sulfur compound found in red meat and energy drinks, is assimilated only in low-oxygen waters.

Scientists dispute hypothesis that climate change will unleash massive ag pest populations

A baby bird’s wishlist: Mild weather, attentive parents, not being the smallest sibling

A new study by Sage Madden reveals that barn swallow chicks' growth is stunted by cold spells within five days of hatching, smallest sibling status, and less food provided by parents. The research, published in PLOS One, provides insight into climate change's impact on chick development.

Environmental change may lead to a sudden collapse of species' ranges

A new study reveals that even gradual environmental change can push populations past a tipping point, beyond which they may suddenly collapse. The ability of species to adapt depends on three measurable factors: rate of change, environmental variation, and genetic drift.

How much biochar is enough? New study maps safe and effective use across global ecosystems

A new review highlights the importance of using the right amount of biochar in different ecosystems, with recommended application ranges varying from 5 to 40 tonnes per hectare. Biochar can enhance ecological functions by increasing water-holding capacity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting beneficial microbial activity.

Old plant populations offer new clues to climate resilience

Study projects plant extinction rates through 2100

New predictive approaches forecast extinction risk for plants in a changing climate

How do climate extremes alter animal societies?

A 33-year study of wild capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica reveals how climate fluctuations impact social dynamics, changing the costs and benefits of living together. Larger groups can offset internal competition by expanding their range and claiming areas from smaller groups, but this strategy is sensitive to climate variability.

Ecological Society of America announces 2026 award recipients

The Ecological Society of America recognizes Stephen W. Pacala and Kenneth M. Klemow with Eminent Ecologist Award and Distinguished Lifetime Service Award, respectively, for their significant contributions to ecological research and public service.

Carnivorous plants and wasps blur the line between friend and food

A new study reveals that carnivorous plants like pitcher plants provide a vital source of nutrient-rich nectar to wasps, benefiting both parties. This interaction may be more than just predator-prey, as the plants and wasps work together for mutual benefit.

Unraveling the evolution of an extraordinary photosynthesis in a tropical tree species

A study reveals how a tropical tree genus evolved extraordinary photosynthetic strategies, including CAM, through genome duplication and genetic rearrangement. This diversity enables the trees to adapt to different ecological niches, making them ideal models for climate-resilient crops.

Copycat cockatoos learn to adapt from each other

A large-scale field experiment revealed that wild sulphur-crested cockatoos learn what foods are safe to eat by watching each other, with males more likely to follow other males. The study found that social relationships play a crucial role in shaping animal behavior, and that knowledge can spread rapidly through flocks.

FAU study reveals how camels ‘beat the heat’ at the cellular level

Researchers found that camels have a more flexible and coordinated response to heat stress, allowing them to maintain stability even at higher temperatures. In contrast, human cells tend to respond in a more rigid way, making them less adaptable under heat stress.

Green hydrogen from just sun and water

A KIT spin-off has developed a photoreactor panel that generates hydrogen directly from sunlight and water, avoiding expensive electrolyzers. The technology offers a simpler, more scalable approach to green hydrogen production, making it suitable for local on-site use or large-scale solar projects.

Evolutionary history shapes fruit volume while climate modulates its strength

A study analyzing 2,668 angiosperm species found that evolutionary relationships explain the largest share of variation in fruit volume. Climate influences this pattern, with temperature modulating phylogenetic constraints on fruit volume in different plant groups.

Aquatic robot to monitor species, advance hydropower

The eDNA-bot revolutionizes biological monitoring by providing comprehensive results at lower cost than conventional surveying methods. It can detect elusive species and monitor wastewater for pathogens, streamlining environmental assessments in hydropower licensing.

Nanofiltration: Efficient removal of glyphosate from water

Researchers identify nanofiltration as an efficient method for removing glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid from water. The study reveals that molecular hydration, charge, and pH levels significantly affect the removal process.

Decline in prey increases risk of jaguar extinction in Atlantic Forest

A study found that prey scarcity is a key factor in jaguar presence in protected areas of the Atlantic Forest, with reduced abundance and biomass due to human hunting. The researchers warn that this situation could lead to the biome losing its top predator population.

The underestimated role of rivers as a source of greenhouse gases

Rivers are warming, losing oxygen, and accumulating greenhouse gases, with estimated annual emissions of 1.5 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalent. Climate change and land use drive these processes, but protecting rivers can help mitigate global warming.

Hasanuddin University study reveals insights for climate resilience in smallholder cacao farms

Researchers found that integrating a mix of shade trees improves soil health and plant physiology, leading to stronger plant growth and consistent early fruit development. Proper management through spacing, pruning, and natural mulch can also make cacao farms more resilient to climate stress.

Simple robots that collectively build and excavate are inspired by ants

Researchers developed a fleet of cooperative robots that, like ants, can spontaneously organize to build and dismantle structures without central control. They identified key parameters needed for excavation and building performance using simple local rules.

Urban birds fear women more than men, and scientists don’t know why

Researchers found that urban birds flee sooner when approached by women compared to men in a European study. The study involved over 2,700 observations across five countries and 37 bird species, revealing that birds can recognize the sex of approaching humans.

Tibet’s thawing lakes accelerate greenhouse gas release

The study reveals that rising temperatures are accelerating permafrost thaw and glacier retreat on the Tibetan Plateau, forming thermokarst lakes that release ancient, long-frozen carbon as potent greenhouse gases. The research highlights the urgent need for typology-based management strategies to mitigate these emissions.

Amazon understory forests show short-term boost in CO₂ uptake – but this comes at a cost

Researchers found that small understory trees can initially buffer climate change more strongly, but their long-term carbon storage capacity could be restricted by phosphorus availability. The study suggests a critical trade-off between short-term growth and long-term sustainability.

Challenging the urban-rural divide in ecology

A new framework proposes a continuum of urbanity, challenging traditional thinking about urban and rural spaces. The study explores how urban, rural, and wild features are interconnected, affecting livelihoods, ecosystems, and human well-being in the Mid-Hudson Valley region.

Deforestation policies are failing to protect against a potentially bigger threat to the Brazilian Amazon

A study found that policies reducing deforestation in Brazil have failed to stop forest degradation, a slower and more dangerous form of destruction. Forests are becoming increasingly fragile due to fires, logging, and other human activities.

New global model reveals how biochar can boost climate-smart agriculture

A new study uses a process-based model to predict biochar's effectiveness in various agricultural systems worldwide. The research highlights that biochar can improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but its benefits vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and management practices.

Why some rays have ‘fake eyes’ – and others don’t

A new study reveals that conspicuous markings, including 'eyespots', evolve under specific ecological conditions. Smaller skates and rays, lacking strong physical defences, are more likely to develop bold spots or eyespots in well-lit, shallow waters.

Beavers leave a trail as they head into the Arctic

Researchers use tree rings and satellites to date changes beavers make to the tundra landscape as they spread northwards. The study provides evidence of beaver colonization in the region starting in 2008, with satellite analysis revealing a significant expansion of surface water between 2015 and 2019.

Reeds can promote the proliferation of mosquitoes in rivers, canals and ponds

The study found that invasive reed facilitates the development of mosquito larvae, leading to increased adult populations. Removing invasive reed and restoring native vegetation can help mitigate this impact.

Connected habitats favor more diverse, disease-preventing frog microbiomes

Researchers found that connected habitats enhance the ability of amphibian skin microbiome to defend against diseases by increasing beneficial bacteria presence. This study highlights a critical link between environmental disturbance, microbial defenses, and disease dynamics.

Frontiers in Science Deep Dive webinar series: Halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 critical to avoid disastrous effects on human well-being

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.

Arctic oil and gas exploitation significantly overlaps with Indigenous Peoples’ Lands, ecologically sensitive areas and key Arctic species’ ranges

A new atlas reveals significant overlaps between Arctic oil and gas development and Indigenous Peoples' Lands, ecologically sensitive areas, and key Arctic species. The study highlights potential ecological disruption and social tension in heavily-exploited regions.

Mixed signals: Machine learning helps detecting roars from lion collars without recording actual audio

A machine learning approach improves how roaring behaviour can be studied by detecting long-distance roaring based solely on acceleration data. The algorithm works reliably with both male and female lions, even with mixed signals when walking while roaring.

Promiscuity and parental behavior in birds driven by demographics, not the other way around

New research found that bird species with a skewed sex ratio are primarily caused by demographic factors, not the other way around. The study of 261 bird species revealed that one sex is more likely to die before reproducing due to differences in survival rates.

Floatable, biodegradable composite beads show promise for large-scale oil spill remediation

Researchers have created a novel sorbent made from chitosan/cellulose acetate and bentonite composites that show promise for cleaning up oil spills. The beads are floatable, biodegradable, and environmentally compatible, making them an efficient and cost-effective solution.

Study suggests crabs’ iconic sideways walk evolved from common ancestor

Researchers found that crabs' iconic sideways walk originated from a single, forward-walking ancestor around 200 million years ago. This rare innovation likely contributed to the ecological success of true crabs by making their escape direction unpredictable.

Species and languages worldwide threatened by the consequences of European colonialism

A study by the University of Vienna reveals that European colonialism has left a lasting impact on the threat to languages and species. Island regions, such as Oceania and East Asia, are disproportionately affected due to their small size and vulnerable ecosystems.

Connected habitats help wildlife fight disease, strengthen protective microbes

Researchers found that connected natural habitats help maintain beneficial skin microbes that inhibit deadly fungal pathogens in tropical amphibians. Habitat fragmentation weakens these microbial defenses, leading to increased pathogen infection levels.

Cocaine pollution alters salmon behaviour in the wild

A recent study by researchers at Griffith University and others found that exposure to cocaine contamination altered the movement patterns of Atlantic salmon in Lake Vättern, Sweden. Fish exposed to benzoylecgonine swam up to 1.9 times farther than unexposed fish, with dispersal distances reaching up to 12.3km.

Opioids and other drugs accumulating in freshwater fish

A new study reveals that freshwater fish are accumulating antidepressants, opioids, and other drugs of abuse in their bodies, which can alter their behavior, development, and reproduction. The research uses a novel analytical method to detect these substances in small fish living in rivers receiving urban wastewater.

Warm-bodied fish risk overheating in warming oceans

Large, warm-bodied fish like sharks and tuna require nearly four times more energy than other fish due to their ability to retain metabolic heat. This comes with elevated energetic costs, which may constrain body size and contribute to extinction risk in both living and extinct species.

Warm-bodied sharks and tunas face “double jeopardy” in warming seas – new research

Research reveals warm-bodied fish like sharks and tunas burn nearly four times more energy than cold-blooded counterparts, exacerbating the impact of warming oceans. As a result, these species are facing an increasing risk of overheating and habitat loss.

Ecological Society of America announces 2026 Fellows

The Ecological Society of America has announced eight new Fellows and ten Early Career Fellows for their exceptional contributions to ecological research and applications. The recipients include experts in various fields such as plant ecology, community ecology, disease ecology, and ecosystem resilience.

Ancient charcoal sheds new light on how early humans fueled their lives

Early humans at the Acheulian site of Gesher Benot Ya'aqov relied on driftwood from lakeshore environments for fuel, suggesting a practical and efficient strategy. This approach may have been a decisive factor in their choice of location.

Can naked mole rats peacefully hand over power?

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.

Birds caught stealing from their neighbors

A new study reveals that birds in Hawaiian forests engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing materials from neighboring nests. The behavior, common among the scarlet I'iwi and crimson Apapane, could threaten species already under stress due to habitat loss and climate change.

Nameko mucilage: An eco-friendly solution for microplastic pollution

Researchers develop natural method to filter micro- and nano-plastics from polluted water using pectin-rich nameko mucilage, achieving high removal rates of up to 98.4%. The biodegradable residues minimize environmental impact, paving the way for sustainable wastewater treatment.