Articles tagged with Ecology
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 ...
Researchers found a novel gene-transfer mechanism in Prochlorococcus that enables the transmission of entire blocks of genes between organisms, even when widely separated. This mechanism, dubbed 'tycheposons,' involves sequences of DNA that can include several genes and are transported by membrane vesicles or hijacked virus particles.
A team of researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Halteria, can eat high numbers of chloroviruses, which are known to infect green algae. This finding suggests that virovory, a virus-only diet, can support physiological growth and even population growth in an organism.
A new species of mycoheterotrophic plant has been identified in Japan, characterized by its rosy pink petals and stems. The discovery sheds light on the evolution and biodiversity of this unique genus of plants.
Researchers developed wearable sensors to monitor dolphin movement and behavior, estimating energetic cost of swimming. The study provides new insights into dolphin swimming and energy requirements, enabling more effective conservation strategies.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that glassfrogs store nearly 90% of their circulating red blood cells in their liver when they want to be transparent. This helps them blend in with their surroundings and avoid predation during the day.
Scientists have found that carefully planned patches of diverse vegetation can increase biodiversity and boost yields for farmers. By engaging local communities and co-designing restoration strategies with them, researchers demonstrate the potential to minimize fragmentation and enhance connectivity in Amazon landscapes.
Researchers found that biology textbooks published between 1970 and 2019 provided insufficient climate change information, with median sentence counts decreasing over time. Climate coverage has varied substantially, but actionable solutions decreased significantly since the 1990s.
A new study found that wandering albatrosses with older partners take shorter feeding trips and return to the nest sooner, benefiting both parents. This behavior helps them assess how much pressure their partner can handle, ensuring they don't overwork each other.
Researchers added 146 new animal, plant, and fungi species to the tree of life, including 44 lizards, 30 ants, and 14 sea slugs. This discovery highlights the importance of protecting island ecosystems and advancing biodiversity science for conservation action.
Researchers propose alternative fertilizer production methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emphasize the need for careful environmental assessment. The global food supply depends on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which require significant energy and lead to carbon pollution.
Researchers found that simultaneously acting global change factors decrease grassland plant community diversity, regardless of individual factor quality. This effect is linked to increased biomass production due to the influence of highly influential factors like eutrophication.
A team of ecologists is calling for the designation of World Heritage Environmental Datasets to secure funding and ensure their long-term accessibility. These datasets, which include vital information on climate change adaptation, resource management, and environmental policy, are essential to understanding global change.
A study by University of Basel researchers found that global warming is causing alpine plants to age faster, leading to earlier senescence and longer periods of brownness in the grassland. The majority of plants stopped growing after 5-7 weeks, regardless of when they were roused from winter.
Researchers discovered that a group of wood-boring clams has evolved to build chimneys made of poop to get pure water in and expel waste, dominating their habitat. These clams have adapted to low oxygen conditions with unique traits like mucosal linings and hemoglobin-rich blood.
A global registry for gene-drive modified organisms could facilitate transparent communication, monitor ecological impacts, and inform local decision-making. Experts agree that a registry is necessary for the fair development, testing, and use of gene-drive technologies.
Researchers found that genetic diversity is key to successful coral transplantation, and using clones of just 10 staghorn individuals led to better results. The team's findings suggest that diversifying coral outplants is safer than betting on one standout 'super coral' to succeed.
A meta-analysis of transcriptome data from aphids and locusts reveals that DNA replication, metabolic processes, and the mitotic cell cycle are enriched in response to crowded conditions. The study also identifies discrepancies with previous research findings, suggesting alternative explanations for gene expression patterns.
Researchers found that Kellet's whelk larvae are susceptible to developmental abnormalities and mortality at high temperatures, with half of hatchlings dying off at 27.6°C and veligers more resistant to defects at 24.9°C
Researchers found the emerald ash borer completes its life cycle in one year in North Carolina, contrasting with a two-year cycle in northern US. This knowledge will aid in releasing parasitoid wasps to manage the insect.
Research found that North American wildflower timing is more sensitive to warmer temperatures than surrounding tree growth, threatening the flower's ability to grow. In contrast, European and Asian forests show a synchronized shift in tree and wildflower phenology, potentially leading to increased light for wildflowers.
A new review paper aims to educate medical professionals on diagnosing and treating rat lungworm disease, which is expected to spread globally due to climate change. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in reducing the risk of complications such as long-term disability.
Researchers analyzed over 4,500 documents to understand fungal dispersal across spatial scales. They identified four scales of movement, from microscopic to landscape, and found that climate change affects where fungi reside. More data is needed to understand the biodiversity of fungi and their movement in ecosystems.
Nelson is studying outmigrant survival of endangered California salmonids, which are low due to poor water quality and predation. The study aims to quantify component mortality rates from these sources to elucidate the main causes of outmigrant loss.
A new analysis of Michigan bees reveals that both high-quality habitats and diverse species communities can positively impact bee health by reducing common viral pathogens. However, the researchers also found that improving habitat quality features like floral density may not necessarily benefit pollinator health.
Researchers from the University of Göttingen found that European beech trees are experiencing increased drought stress in northern Germany due to climate change. The study reveals that dry locations show the strongest long-term decline in growth, highlighting the need for more resilient tree species.
Research from Aarhus University found that melting glaciers release around 10,000 microorganisms per millilitre of meltwater, leading to estimated annual releases of over 100,000 tonnes of carbon-dense microorganisms to surrounding ecosystems.
Researchers analyzed over 20,000 trees on five continents and found that old-growth trees are more resistant to drought, while younger trees in the upper canopy show greater resilience. This study highlights the importance of preserving old-growth forests for carbon storage and ecosystem functioning.
Root exudates, organic compounds released from plant roots, regulate soil carbon formation and loss. Contrary to expected results, high rates of root exudation lead to increased loss of soil carbon.
Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences developed a new modeling approach to understand how extinct species like the Steller's sea cow impact ecosystems. The study found that including the
A new study compiled data on over 3,000 species to show how climate and geologic changes across Asia influenced the evolution of mammals. The research found clear links between changes in Earth's climate and the distribution of mammals in different regions.
A new study warns that oil palm expansion could harm a third of threatened species, including the blue-throated macaw and giant pangolin, due to habitat loss and disruption. Sustainability commitments may not protect tropical grassy and dry forest habitats.
A Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.
Researchers found that less intensively managed grasslands had greater diversity of plant species and correlated with better soil health, including increased nitrogen and carbon levels. In contrast, intensively farmed plots showed fewer plant species, but some saw improvements in soil health over time.
A new study by Imperial College London found that the most unique birds on the planet are also the most threatened. The researchers analyzed the extinction risk and physical attributes of 99% of all living bird species, revealing a significant link between uniqueness and threat status.
A global survey found that grazing has positive effects on ecosystem services in cold sites with high plant species diversity but negative effects in warmer sites. Promoting diverse grazing systems could limit some of these negative effects and increase soil carbon storage.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that the ecology of small mammals upon which ticks feed can explain rates of human Lyme disease in California. The study found a clear link between infected ticks and their frequent hosts, such as dusky-footed woodrats, with diverse species playing a role in transmission.
A new study suggests that ships may be spreading a deadly coral disease across Florida and the Caribbean. Researchers found that transport through ship ballast water could contribute to disease spread.
Researchers have discovered a new critical period for sex determination in sea turtle embryos, influenced by temperature fluctuations. The study reveals two peaks in temperature's impact on sex ratio during the thermosensitive period of development.
Eastern red bats, now the most commonly detected bat in Midwestern forests, have a significant impact on tree regeneration due to their appetite for insect-damaging bugs. Forest managers can benefit from considering these bats' landscape preferences, particularly ponds and smaller forest openings.
A distinct population of oceanic manta rays was identified off the coast of Ecuador, with an estimated total population of over 22,000 individuals, making it more than 10 times larger than any other known subpopulation. The population is large and potentially healthy due to favorable conditions in the region.
A three-year experiment found that mixotrophs evolved to be less photosynthetic at higher temperatures, potentially increasing CO2 production and contributing to climate change. The study also suggests natural selection has a stronger effect on organisms with less flexible characteristics.
A new study found that large river dams are significant barriers to platypus movements, leading to increased genetic differentiation and vulnerability to threats. This restriction of movement limits gene flow between groups, making separate populations more susceptible to inbreeding depression and loss of adaptive genetic variation.
Researchers at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research found an upward trend in skate populations in the North Sea, with a significant increase off Scotland's north coast. The study also revealed that skates mainly eat shrimp, providing ecological potential for more fish to thrive.
The invasive spotted wing drosophila competes strongly with other fruit-eating species, causing massive ecological impacts on forests. The fly's presence alters fruit composition and visual cues, reducing consumption by birds and potentially disrupting seed-dispersal mutualisms.
A new review highlights the lack of understanding about non-game native transplant (NGNT) fish in the US, which can have significant impacts on ecosystems. Researchers urge anglers and aquarium hobbyists to take steps to prevent NGNT invasions, such as not releasing bait fish into different watersheds.
Researchers found that current methods for estimating plastic pollution in rivers are flawed, underestimating plastic waste by up to 90 percent. The study suggests new approaches be developed to better model the transport of plastic particles in rivers, taking into account both surface and sub-surface conditions.
A new study found that Arctic wildfires burned nearly 4.7 million hectares in 2019 and 2020, accounting for 44% of total burned area in the region over almost 40 years. The study suggests an exponential relationship between fire and temperature, with potential consequences for global warming and climate feedback loops.
A researcher swam 1,600 miles along the Danube River to raise awareness about water pollution and its effects on wildlife and human health. He highlighted microplastics, toxic algal blooms, and changes in river chemistry due to climate change.
A study analyzing historic habitat mapping data in Hamburg found a decline of species-rich habitats due to urbanization, while also revealing the colonization efforts of certain plant species. The research highlights the potential of these datasets for biodiversity research, with trends observed across Germany and Europe.
A recent study predicts that over half of lesser-known species are in danger of disappearing. The researchers used machine learning to calculate the risk of extinction for thousands of data-deficient species, finding that as many as 85% of amphibians and around half of mammals and reptiles face an uphill battle.
Scientists have discovered a new species of scops-owl on Príncipe Island, characterized by its unique 'tuu' call. The population is estimated at around 1000-1500 individuals and is considered Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and the construction of a hydro-electric dam.
A new study developed two approaches to assess species vulnerability, considering natural fluctuations and predictability in ecosystems. These methods outperform traditional ranking systems, which often focus on population size or body size.
A long-term study in Southeast Asian seasonally dry tropical forests found that El Niño-induced drought increased seedling mortality. Despite being more drought-tolerant than rainforests, SDTFs experienced higher mortality rates under severe and prolonged drought conditions.
A team of researchers at CU Boulder used X-ray CT scans to study the internal structure of bee swarms, revealing a sophisticated mathematical rule governing their arrangement. The discovery could lead to insights into how bees maintain stability despite having tiny brains and could inspire the design of more resilient buildings or robots.
Two closely related Drosophila species, biauraria and triauraria, coexist due to differences in seasonal occurrence and habitat use. Hybridization between the species is possible, despite reproductive interference mechanisms.
The study reveals that cumulative pressures of food production are more concentrated than previously believed, with 92% of pressures from land-based food production concentrated on just 10% of the Earth's surface. The top five offenders are pig farming, cow farming, rice, wheat, and oil crops.
Researchers found that closely-related rhododendron species in China's Hengduan Mountains coexist by bursting into bloom at different times of the season. This diversification allows them to reduce competition for resources and pollinators, enabling their survival.
A study by the University of Turku found that red foxes can be deceived into not eating bird eggs with chemical camouflage, while raccoon dogs showed less effectiveness. The methods could provide an alternative to hunting and help protect vulnerable prey species.
Researchers from University of Göttingen found that plant water stress, not termites, causes Namibia's fairy circles. The grasses within the circles died immediately after rainfall due to strong depletion of water, while surrounding grasses thrived.