Articles tagged with Ecology
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.
A new study reveals that Antarctic seals' vocalisations decrease significantly when sea ice disappears, affecting their breeding and behavior. The research used underwater microphones to track the seals' acoustic presence over eight years, finding a notable decline in 2010/2011.
A recent study found that temperature and extreme drought drive movement among herds of Plains bison, posing challenges for managing the iconic species. The team analyzed GPS-backed evidence from 33 Plains bison across two sites in Oklahoma, revealing a strong link between air temperature and bison movement.
Research finds that flash droughts are becoming more frequent due to human-caused climate change, posing a major challenge for climate adaptation. The transition to flash droughts is predicted to accelerate in a warmer future, with irreversible impacts on ecosystems.
A new study found that snowshoe hares' seasonal color swap is being disrupted by global warming, leaving them vulnerable to predators. Hares that wait too long to turn white may not survive the winter, highlighting the importance of timing in their survival.
Scientists have mapped the largest known woody deposit in the Mackenzie River Delta, finding it stores about 3.4 million tons of carbon. The deposit, covering 51 square kilometers, is an important part of the carbon cycle and has significant implications for climate change.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology identifies a global strain of emerging wheat disease fungus, highlighting the importance of genomic surveillance in tracking pathogen evolution and crop resistance. The research found that breeds of wheat carrying the Rmg8 gene are resistant to this fungal strain.
Research finds that tailings storage dams disrupt life cycles, cause intolerance to lentic conditions, and introduce non-native species in affected streams. This study reveals a decline in catfish species, including armored catfish, in Brazilian streams impacted by TSDs.
Researchers found that even low levels of glyphosate herbicide residues harm endophytic microbes in garden strawberry, which promote plant nutrition, disease resistance, and stress tolerance.
A study found bats in disrupted ecosystems are more frequently infected with coronaviruses, linked to chronic stress and loss of resources. Land use changes such as agriculture, deforestation, and energy production increase the risk of bat infection.
The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.
A new study reveals that ants followed flowering plants as they left ancient forests, driving the evolution of thousands of ant species. The researchers used fossils, DNA, and habitat data to show how plants' spread influenced ants' habitats and behavior.
A recent UBC study reveals that the planet's biomass is disproportionately distributed among tiny and massive organisms, with no clear explanation for this pattern. The findings have significant implications for understanding climate change impacts and ecosystems.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that whale shark rhodopsin can detect blue light, a common wavelength in the deep-sea environment. The unique adaptation allows the whale shark to thrive in low-temperature and low-light conditions, but also makes it less thermally stable.
A study of bird poop reveals a unique relationship between birds and their microbiomes, which differ from those found in mammals. The researchers found that the types of bacteria present in the birds' gut microbiomes change over short time periods, rather than being tied to specific host species.
A new plant species, Carex quixotiana, has been discovered in the La Mancha region of Spain, specifically known for being the setting of Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel Don Quixote. The species is a type of sedge with unique characteristics and limited distribution.
The Southern Resident killer whale population is spending far less time in the San Juan Islands as their primary food source, Chinook salmon, declines. This decline is likely an effort to find alternative food sources, and research shows a strong relationship between the whales' presence and salmon returns.
The Cinereous Vulture has been reintroduced to Bulgaria after being extinct for 36 years. The successful re-introduction campaign, led by Green Balkans and other organizations, involved importing 72 birds from Spain and European zoos. The team recommends the aviary method and delayed release for establishing a new core population, and ...
Researchers at McGill University have found a way to predict the movement of species in fragmented habitats, which is key to their survival. By combining lab experiments and mathematical modeling, they determined that the survival of species lies in the interplay between their patterns of movement and the orientation of habitat corridors.
A recent study led by Boston University researchers found that payments designed to motivate eco-friendly behavior often don't reconcile the tension between agricultural production and the planet's health. However, including more women in decision-making boosted cooperation between farmers on environmental issues and increased output.
A new study finds that ocean warming can impact the growth, metabolic rate, and gene activity of newly hatched clownfish larvae. The researchers found that warmer temperatures led to faster growth rates, higher metabolic rates, and changes in gene expression.
A study found that human-caused mortality is the leading source of death for mountain lions in California, primarily driven by conflicts with humans over livestock and collisions with vehicles. The research also suggests that human tolerance plays a crucial role in conserving large carnivores in landscapes shared with humans.
A study of over 1,400 amphibian species reveals that warning color signaling is likely an intermediate step in the evolution of aposematism. This finding highlights the importance of considering hidden signals in understanding animal antipredator defenses.
Researchers observed a shift towards earlier springtime flowering in common morning glory plants as temperatures rose, with increased investment in floral rewards such as nectar and pollen. The study used the 'resurrection' approach to examine changes in floral morphology over nine years, revealing significant increases in flower size ...
A deadly fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has emerged in Africa over the past 165 years, causing a significant decline in amphibian populations. The fungus is lethal for many species but not others, with low prevalence and limited spread initially until 2000.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.
Researchers analyzed island mammal species, finding that those with extreme body size shifts are at higher risk of extinction. Conservation efforts should prioritize protecting insular giants and dwarfs, the last evolutionary marvels of island life.
Research shows that social learning significantly enhances a honey bee's ability to perform the complex waggle dance, which communicates food source location. Inexperienced bees who observed older bees learn from them and improve their dance accuracy over time.
Research reveals island-dwelling mammal species face higher extinction risks, with those experiencing extreme size changes being particularly endangered. Human arrival on islands multiplies the probability of extinction by 16, contributing to a 'protracted extinction event' spanning over 100,000 years.
A new study reveals that boreal fires contributed 23% of global fire carbon dioxide emissions in 2021, surpassing previous records. The research suggests a link between extensive boreal fires and climate drivers, such as temperature increases and heatwaves.
A groundbreaking study found that creating shallow water zones enhances fish populations, while coarse wood bundles have positive effects in selected lakes. The approach has stronger long-term effects than narrow species-focused conservation actions.
Research from Binghamton University highlights the importance of ants in forest regeneration, with over 95% of New York state forests relying on them to disperse seeds. Ants take seeds with fatty rewards back to their nests, protecting them from consumption by rodents and other organisms, promoting a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Scientists discovered a Pink-throated Brilliant hummingbird with gold throat feathers, which is actually a hybrid of two pink-throated species. The hybrid's unique coloration is explained by the complex interaction of genetic and structural factors that determine feather colors.
Researchers developed an updated conservation metric, EDGE2, incorporating scientific uncertainty and status of related species. This approach identifies top-priority species for protection, preserving over 700 million years of evolutionary history, and allocates limited funds effectively.
Researchers discovered that glassy-winged sharpshooters use a 'superpropulsion' mechanism to launch droplets of pee at high speeds, conserving energy in the process. This innovative strategy helps the insect efficiently excrete its 99% water fluid waste.
Researchers found strong seasonality in blue whales' foraging and breeding behavior, with changes in vocalizations based on environmental conditions like marine heatwaves. The study's findings can inform conservation management of this endangered blue whale population.
A new study reveals climate-driven conflicts between humans and wildlife are on the rise globally, with six continents experiencing exacerbation of these conflicts. The research identifies trends in human-wildlife conflicts linked to climate change, including altered animal habitats, resource availability, and changes in wildlife behav...
Researchers argue that polders are an important part of China's water heritage, reflecting the country's long history of water management. Over 2,500 years, polders have evolved in response to changing societal needs, adapting to agricultural modernisation and urban encroachment.
A comprehensive report on 'Extinct in the Wild' (EW) species synthesizes data on plant and animal species at risk. Most EW populations are small with low genetic diversity, making conservation efforts crucial.
Researchers at the University of Bern discovered that geckos can detect and distinguish their own skin chemicals from those of other geckos, revealing a new level of social complexity in these animals. This finding suggests that geckos are more intelligent than previously thought, using pheromones for communication and self-recognition.
A recent UK study found that participating in nature-based 'citizen science' projects improves both participants' well-being and their connection to nature. The research involved 500 volunteers who completed a range of activities, including wildlife recording, and showed increased scores in wellbeing and pro-nature behaviour.
Researchers found that nectar-feeding bats rely on extra-long whiskers to navigate flowers while feeding, providing enhanced spatial information. Clipping whiskers reduced agility but didn't impact feeding ability.
The Stanford-led study found that the area of wetland ecosystems has declined 21-35% since 1700 due to human intervention, with at least 1.3 million square miles lost globally. This contradicts previous estimates and suggests a need for revised conservation strategies.
The Ecological Society of America showcases the contributions of Black scholars to 21st-century ecology, exploring historical erasure and public health injustices. The virtual collection features open-access articles addressing disparities in environmental engagement and conservation.
Even after 80 years of abandonment, former agricultural sites have only partially recovered in terms of plant diversity compared to undisturbed sites. Researchers from iDiv and other institutions found that restoration interventions can help speed up the recovery process by targeting specific species composition.
Researchers studied pollen data from North America's Neotoma Paleoecology Database to understand plant migration patterns and climate fidelity. Most plant species have exhibited long-term climate loyalty over the past 18,000 years, while some plants adapt locally in response to climate change.
A study by Sylvia Cremer and her team reveals that pathogens reduce their chemical detection signals in response to ant's social care intervention. This adaptation allows the fungi to counteract spore removal and escape the ant's immune system, demonstrating the impact of collective hygiene measures on pathogens.
A 319-million-year-old fish fossil has yielded the earliest known fossilized brain of a backboned animal, providing insights into the neural anatomy and early evolution of ray-finned fishes. The discovery also sheds light on the preservation of soft tissues in fossils, which were previously thought to be rare.
New research reveals that nitrogen released by gas-powered machines causes dry soil to let go of carbon and release it back into the atmosphere. The study found that excess nitrogen acidifies soils, leading to a loss of carbon stored in association with calcium.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that synchronized fishing with dolphins in Brazil increases the number of fish caught and supports both species' survival. The cooperative relationship is specific to this population of dolphins and has been passed down through generations of fishermen.
Early plasticity in coastal plants like sea campion enables rapid adaptation to new environments, including toxic substances. The research found that beneficial plasticity in ancestral plants increases the likelihood of gene reuse during parallel adaptation.
Research reveals that evolutionary processes play a larger role in regulating ecosystem function, particularly in coastal marshes. Dominant plants' rapid growth and low decomposition rates allow them to store large amounts of carbon, but neglecting trait variation and evolution in models can mischaracterize ecosystem resilience.
Researchers summarize key findings from two Reviews on Amazon deforestation and degradation. Human activities are changing ecosystems at unprecedented rates, threatening the planet's carbon and water cycles. Transformative policies are required to address these impacts and reduce economic demands driving deforestation.
Researchers emphasize the importance of freshwater corridors in the Amazon for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study highlights critical areas that need protection to safeguard healthy rivers and mitigate climate change impacts.
In a new study, red squirrels that gamble with their reproductive strategy outperform those that play it safe, especially during mast years. Despite short-term costs, female squirrels that increase litter sizes in low-food years experience greater lifetime fitness if they get to experience a mast year.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that the lifespan of a tree leaf is determined by environmental factors such as climate and soil conditions. The researchers found that evergreen conifers make longer-lived leaves in colder climates, while deciduous trees produce shorter-lived leaves in warmer environments.
A new paper provides evidence-based strategies to create safer experiences for marginalized gender and sexual identities in ecological field research. The authors recommend comprehensive protocols, safety plans, inclusive housing policies, and affirming healthcare to attract and retain a diverse workforce.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that ants do not adjust their behavior in response to rising temperatures, persisting in sub-optimal microhabitats. The study suggests that ants may not be able to adapt to warmer ecosystems, with potential implications for forest ecosystems.
A new study estimates that Madagascar's unique modern mammal species could take 23 million years to evolve if the endangered ones go extinct, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action. The island's biodiversity is threatened by habitat loss and human activities.
A recent study by University of Washington researchers found that climate 'presses' and 'pulses' have equal importance on Magellanic penguin population survival. The team analyzed nearly four decades of data at Punta Tombo, Argentina, revealing a decline in breeding pairs from 400,000 to 150,000 between the 1980s and 2019.
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...