Articles tagged with Ecology
A growing global understanding of drought's impacts, but significant gaps remain in affected communities and developing countries. Long-lasting droughts heighten awareness, while economic factors influence responsiveness to the issue.
New research finds women make up 50% of post-harvest fisheries and aquaculture workforce, yet often remain invisible, unpaid or underpaid. The study calls for policy changes to address social justice dimensions of technology development.
Researchers at Boston University discovered that deep-sea rocks, called polymetallic nodules, produce oxygen through a process known as seawater electrolysis. This phenomenon creates 'dark oxygen' without sunlight, contradicting the long-held assumption that oxygen is only produced by plants and organisms with photosynthetic capabilities.
A study sequenced the genomes of nearly 300 rabbits to understand their colonization success. Researchers found that domestication-linked genes are often eliminated in feral populations due to natural selection, leading to a mix of domestic and wild origin. This helps explain how domestic animals can thrive in the wild.
A new geospatial analysis reveals that only one-third of the world's population in low- and middle-income countries has access to safe drinking water, with fecal contamination affecting almost half. The study emphasizes the need for improved water quality monitoring and infrastructure investments to address this critical human right.
A study by ETH Zurich scientists found that global warming's effects on plant recovery can last for thousands to millions of years. The research team discovered that the severity of climate shifts and the speed at which carbon is sequestered affect the duration of climate warming.
Researchers found that six clam species co-occurring in a single burrow are all yoyo clams, contradicting the competitive exclusion principle. In laboratory experiments, host-attached clams were killed by mantis shrimp, while burrow-wall clams were unaffected.
A new study found that microplastics impact plant reproduction, while seawater flooding causes greater tissue death in coastal plants. Combining both stressors amplifies threats to ecosystem wellbeing.
Researchers developed allometric equations to estimate above-ground biomass and carbon stock distribution among subtropical savanna components. The study found that soil holds the highest proportion of carbon, emphasizing its importance as a carbon sink in mitigating climate change.
Researchers found that even tiny city gardens with native milkweed species attracted monarchs and caterpillars. Older, established milkweed plants were more likely to support eggs, while a variety of blooming plants provided nectar for adult monarchs.
A University of Michigan study identified key changes in bird genomes sparked by the mass extinction event, contributing to the incredible diversity of living birds. The research found shifts in nucleotide composition linked to developmental traits like body size and metabolism.
Researchers found that green and golden bell frogs can clear the infection when exposed to warmer temperatures in artificial 'frog saunas.' The study suggests that warm-preferring species may have an advantage over cold-preferring species, offering a potential solution for conservation efforts.
A new computer software package, gam.hp R package, calculates individual R² values for predictors in GAMs based on the average shared variance concept. This allows for equitable distribution of shared R² among related predictors and provides a measure of each predictor's unique and shared contribution to the model's fit.
The upcoming ESA2024 conference will bring together fire ecology experts to present the latest research on wildland fires. Understanding past, present, and future fire regimes is crucial for developing effective conservation and management strategies. The event will feature talks and posters on topics such as fuel breaks, long-term mon...
A global study by Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology demonstrates the benefit of marine protected areas to recreational fisheries, producing more 'trophy-size' fish just outside fully protected areas. The effect is growing stronger over time, with tangible benefits materializing in decades.
Researchers found that fruit-eating birds eat more closely matched fruits near their geographic range edges, resulting in a narrower foraging niche. This specialization may help explain geographic variation in species' fitness and responses to environmental change.
Researchers found that radioactive cesium moves rapidly through the soil and decreases in fine roots of cedar trees, promoting a self-cleansing effect that can aid in forest decontamination. This phenomenon has implications for developing new forest decontamination methods.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that the most threatened reef fishes receive less attention from scientists and the public due to commercial value vs. ecological importance. Small fish families like blennies and gobies are underrepresented despite their crucial role in trophodynamics.
A new study maps global ecosystems dependent on groundwater, revealing 53% exist in areas with known depletion. The analysis provides critical data for conservation efforts, but highlights the need for policy protection and preservation.
The Ecological Society of America's Annual Meeting in Long Beach will feature symposia addressing nonmaterial ecosystem services, nature-based solutions to urban heat and stormwater runoff, conserving soil biodiversity, harnessing AI for ecology, and other topics. Media attendees can access scientific sessions, press room amenities, an...
New research reveals oyster sanctuaries contain more abundant populations of oysters and other animal life, despite the presence of parasites. The study found that these areas support higher oyster densities and habitat quality than nearby harvest sites.
A study reveals that mixed forests store more soil organic carbon than pure forests due to higher wood debris storage. However, the quality of SOC in deep soil is better than surface soil. The findings highlight the importance of mixed forest and plant debris in maintaining forest carbon sequestration.
Researchers re-analyzed historical data from a classic displacement experiment and found that young starlings migrated independently, using their own direction. Adult starlings adjusted their migratory orientation to reach their normal wintering areas, while local conspecifics influenced the route of relocated young starlings.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
Scientists discovered nine new species of fossil grapes in Colombia, Panama, and Peru, spanning from 60 to 19 million years old. The oldest fossils found in the Western Hemisphere support a connection between the grape family's evolutionary journey and the mass extinction event.
Fine roots' lifespan varies across tree species, with evolutionary history playing a key role in shaping global patterns. Phylogeny, root traits, and environmental factors regulate fine root lifespan, with gymnosperms having longer lifespans than angiosperms.
Analysis of nuclear bomb testing reveals plants store more carbon, with a shorter storage duration than previously estimated. Current Earth system models underestimate carbon uptake into terrestrial vegetation and soils.
The study reveals regional differences in Amazon drought response due to local environments and tree properties. The southern Amazon, with shallow water tables, is more vulnerable to drought, while the northern region, with deeper roots and less fertile soil, is more resilient.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that mycoviral infections can increase the sensitivity of oomycete plant pathogens to specific fungicides. This finding could lead to innovative approaches for controlling plant diseases and reducing chemical treatments.
Kelp forests in southern Maine have collapsed due to warming, while northern regions continue to provide key ecosystem services. The study highlights regional differences in forest health and the importance of targeted management to preserve these ecosystems.
A recent study reveals that nearly 60% of ecological studies in national parks where gray wolves were extirpated overlooked the historical presence of these apex predators. This exclusion can lead to inaccurate assessments of ecosystem changes, which can have serious implications for conservation and wildlife management.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University reveals that fish use physical punishment to promote helping behavior in their offspring, demonstrating advanced social and cognitive abilities. The research highlights the presence of punishment in animal societies, bridging a gap in understanding cooperative behavior and its mechanisms.
Researchers create special language Phenoscript to describe traits in a way that both humans and computers can understand. This allows for large-scale studies of organismal traits, boosting the emerging field of phenomics. The new language is being tested and aims to integrate semantic species descriptions with nanopublications.
A study found that nearly all US lakes were exposed to wildfire smoke for at least one day per year between 2019 and 2021. The researchers introduced a new metric, the 'lake-smoke day', to track smoke prevalence at lakes, which could help establish a baseline to better understand the extent of wildfire impacts.
Scientists from the University of East Anglia and other institutions review the climatic effectiveness of four 'nature-based' techniques using marine biological processes. They conclude that these activities cannot provide a significant contribution to carbon dioxide removal, posing risks to meaningful climate mitigation.
A new model predicts global patterns of organic decomposition in rivers, revealing rapid decomposition across areas dominated by human activities. The study highlights the importance of understanding these processes to improve carbon models and inform environmental change scenarios.
The Ecological Society of America honors its 2024 award recipients, including Juan Carlos Castilla for his pioneering research on marine ecology and Alan R. Berkowitz for his long-standing service to ESA and education in ecology. These awards recognize outstanding achievements across various domains.
A new method discovered by researchers has the potential to reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions in Europe by one-third. The solution involves growing special bacteria that can convert harmful nitrous oxide into harmless nitrogen gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers have pinpointed the cellular machinery behind zebrafish's ability to rapidly change the color of their characteristic stripes from blue to yellow when distressed. By precisely altering the orientation of light-reflecting crystals, the fish can change the color of their stripes across the entire length of their body in seconds.
A new study found that biodegradable teabags made from polylactic acid (PLA) can take years to break down in soil and cause harm to earthworms. The research highlights the need for clear disposal information on product packaging, as many manufacturers are not providing accurate guidance.
Researchers investigated the reproductive cycle of Michigan's threatened freshwater mussels, finding that pregnant females use mantle lures to attract fish and infect them with larvae. The study identified two distinct lure morphs in one mussel species, which elicit different responses from potential host fish.
Researchers have created a more stable environment for incubating eggs, increasing the probability of successful hatching from 10% to 41%. The innovative design uses moss and lichen in rocky barren landscapes, helping to combat habitat loss and degradation.
A new Australian study proves kangaroos and wallabies fear humans more than dogs, devils or wolves, with a 2.4 times higher likelihood of fleeing in response to human voices.
A UMaine graduate student's research found that small mammal personalities determine the effectiveness of pilferage in mice and voles. Deer mice were the most accomplished thieves, while individuals with lower body condition and female voles were more likely to pilfer.
Using tools improves energy intake and reduces tooth damage in sea otters by allowing access to harder prey. Female sea otters, with smaller body size and weaker biting strength, particularly benefit from tool use, increasing their foraging success.
A collection of landmark studies in statistical ecology has been published, featuring 36 papers that have provided ecologists with crucial analytical tools for gaining insight into the natural world. The development of novel analytical techniques has mirrorled the history of the field as a whole.
A new study reveals no consistent pattern between tree diversity and forest productivity at different elevations; biodiversity can increase or decrease productivity in various regions.
The BiCIKL project has shared lessons learned on improving data findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR-ness) of various biodiversity data types. The project's policy briefs provide recommendations for policymakers and research funders to adopt best practices and guidelines.
A comprehensive global dataset shows that phylogeny plays a crucial role in shaping wood density patterns. Wood density varies significantly among different biomes and climatic zones, with higher values found in drier regions. Phylogenetic signal explains 84.3% of total variation, while environmental factors account for only 2.7%.
Environmental and hydrologic models predict a larger-than-expected decline in suitable malaria transmission areas in Africa, starting after 2025. The new study incorporates hydrologic metrics that account for river inflow and densely populated areas near large-scale river networks.
Climate change threatens freshwater habitats, disrupting microbial communities essential for nutrient cycling and water quality maintenance. Many abundant freshwater bacteria with small genomes experience extended periods of adaptive standstill, limiting their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
The Human Frontier Science Program has awarded 2024 research grants to 108 top life scientists from 23 countries. The program supports interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, with grants averaging $400,000 per year.
Citizen scientists uncover rare species in urban areas, increasing knowledge of urban biodiversity and guiding management. BioBlitzes provide a cost-effective tool for local governments to make informed decisions on environmental stewardship.
A new study by UNC Charlotte Professor Abigail Leavitt LaBella and colleagues reveals that yeasts do not fit the 'jack of all trades, master of none' adage. They found that yeasts with a broad ability to metabolize different carbon sources are actually efficient growers.
A study on zebra finch birds found that moderate noise exposure in eggs impairs growth, telomere length, and adult fitness. The research suggests that acoustic environments of breeding birds in cities should be better managed.
A global meta-analysis of 186 studies reveals that conservation actions have a net positive effect on biodiversity in two-thirds of cases. Conservation efforts targeting species and ecosystems, such as invasive species control and habitat restoration, show the largest impact.
A study by University of Hawaii researchers suggests that revitalizing Indigenous aquaculture systems, known as loko iʻa fishponds, can increase locally available seafood production. This revival has the potential to boost local food production and provide a sustainable solution to Hawaiʻi's seafood supply.
A new study led by the University of Arizona finds that early-life struggles can cut adult lifespan in red squirrels by at least 14%, but a natural food boom may buffer against these effects. The researchers suggest that climate change could disrupt this dynamic, potentially affecting animal resilience.
A global science team has built a groundbreaking tree of life for flowering plants by analyzing 1.8 billion letters of genetic code from over 9,500 species. The study sheds new light on the evolutionary history of flowering plants and their ecological dominance on Earth.
Researchers analyzed modern and historic mussel shells to investigate the impact of climate change on ecologically and commercially important mollusks. They found that shells collected today are significantly more porous than those collected in the past, suggesting increases in temperature led to increased porosity.