Research on how organisms interact with their environment. Covers predator dynamics, invasive-species origins, keystone species, and microplastics in food webs.
A new meta-analysis of over 600 global studies found that herbivores reduce vegetation abundance by 89% and suppress plant diversity at restoration sites. Excluding or reintroducing predators may aid restoration efforts, increasing vegetation abundance by 93-372%.
Scientists have observed wolves directly hunting and consuming sea otters and harbor seals in Alaska's Katmai National Park. This new evidence challenges previous assumptions about wolf behavior and diet. The study highlights the unique role of wolves in nearshore ecosystems in Alaska.
Ant communities in Okinawa Island show reduced seasonal behavior in areas with more human development. Researchers found that ant populations in developed sites are less predictable and have diminished seasonality compared to forested areas. The study highlights the impact of human activities on insect populations and ecosystem services.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.
Researchers found 13 mummified leaf-eared mouse cadavers atop 4-mile-high volcanoes, with DNA analysis revealing a distinct population from lower-altitude mice. The discovery suggests the rodents ascended without human assistance and have adapted to extreme conditions.
A new study reveals that periodical cicada emergences have a cascading effect on forest ecosystems, shifting bird diets and leading to increased abundance of caterpillars and subsequent leaf damage. This research has implications for bird conservation and understanding the interconnectedness of complex food webs.
Birds in agricultural landscapes face reduced nesting success by nearly 50% during extreme heat due to increased temperature extremes. In contrast, forested areas exhibit increased reproductive success despite rising temperatures, possibly due to cooling effects from tree canopies.
The 2021 Brood X cicada emergence caused community-wide shifts in bird predation, leading to a measurable decline in bird predation on oak-feeding caterpillars. This resulted in doubling of both caterpillar densities and herbivory rates on oak saplings during the emergence year.
A new study used underwater cameras to assess oyster reef habitats across 12 tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay, finding that unharvested reefs and restored reefs had more complex structures. The results showed an upward trend in habitat scores over time, with unharvested and restored reefs maintaining higher habitat scores consistently.
A new U-M-led study found that lions tend to avoid human-dominated areas unless facing food scarcity and habitat fragmentation. The study suggests expanding human land use and climate change could increase human-lion conflict, threatening lion populations.
A global redistribution of nitrogen fertilizer use could reduce grain production in North America, Europe, and East Asia while increasing it in Sub-Saharan Africa. This would decrease nitrogen pollution by 71 percent and positively affect nitrous oxide emissions.
Scientists have mapped global patterns of beta-diversity in flowering plants, finding that tropical dry climates exhibit higher levels of beta diversity than wet tropical climates. The study also shows consistent geographic patterns across different metrics of beta diversity.
Researchers from UNC Greensboro have developed new methods to predict the impact of global changes on 'grassy' ecosystems, which cover 40% of the Earth's land surface. The study aims to improve mathematical models that forecast changes in these ecosystems, including food production, pollinators, and carbon sequestration.
Eastern North Pacific gray whales experience extreme population swings due to changing Arctic Ocean conditions. Long-term monitoring data reveals a bumpy ride in response to variable ocean conditions.
New research reveals boom-and-bust cycles in eastern North Pacific grey whales, driven by changes in Arctic ice cover and prey availability. The study suggests that climate change will further impact the population's stability due to its narrow dietary niche.
A new study by University of Utah biologist Nalini Nadkarni found that epiphytes are vulnerable to disturbances such as climate change, deforestation, and hurricanes. Her research highlights the importance of preserving these plants, which play a key role in maintaining forest biodiversity.
Researchers found a 70% reduction in wild pig populations and a corresponding decline in environmental rooting damage within 24 months of control efforts. The study suggests that management efforts exceeding 40-60% population removal per year can significantly reduce populations, but unknown is the rate of recovery if efforts cease.
The newly discovered 'Margaritaville' snails, named after Jimmy Buffett's famous song, are bright yellow and have a key trait that helps them survive on coral reefs. Their brightly colored heads may serve as a warning to predators, while their mucus web traps plankton and detritus for sustenance.
Researchers found a significant link between geomagnetic disturbances and disruptions to nocturnal bird migration. The study used massive datasets from U.S. Doppler weather radar stations and ground-based magnetometers, revealing a 9-17% reduction in migrating birds during severe space weather events.
A recent study published in Current Biology found that animals in the South African savanna exhibit a widespread fear of humans, with some species fearing them more than their natural predators. The study suggests that this phenomenon is not unique to Africa and may be a global issue affecting various animal populations.
A new approach allows researchers to create maps of coral biochemistry, detailing the distribution of compounds integral to reef health. This innovation provides unprecedented insight into coral resilience and potential stressors like warmer ocean temperatures and acidification.
Researchers studying arboreal ants in a Florida forest explore how resource availability and competition shape biodiversity. The study found that both resource availability and competition among species are important for maintaining biodiverse communities, with the relative importance of these processes dependent on scale.
Researchers developed a framework for climate-resilient fisheries, analyzing 18 diverse fisheries across ecological, social and governance dimensions. The framework identifies five archetypes of resilient fisheries with unique pathways to achieve sustainability and benefits to society.
A new species of electric blue tarantula was found in a Thai mangrove forest, showcasing its remarkable adaptability and iridescent effect. The discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy and raises concerns about the destruction of natural habitats due to deforestation.
Researchers found that great-tailed grackles are expanding their range into urban and arid environments due to increased behavioral flexibility. This allows them to adapt to changing conditions and find new food sources. In contrast, boat-tailed grackles only expanded slightly northwards in response to climate change.
Agriculture can both facilitate and hinder pathogen spread through deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss. Promoting agricultural practices that boost biodiversity and create barriers can prevent zoonotic spillover.
Researchers highlight single cell protein as a promising alternative protein source from microorganisms, which can thrive on diverse waste materials and enhance socio-economic sustainability. The review also emphasizes the need for consumer acceptance to effectively commercialize this eco-friendly protein source.
A recent study published in Water Biology and Security challenges the hypothesis that cyanobacteria produce β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a non-protein amino acid linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The study found no detectable levels of BMAA in laboratory-cultured strains and natural cyanobacterial bloom samples.
Researchers discovered 'mummified' bees in their brood cells, preserving them for 3,000 years due to exceptional conservation. The bees' cause of death remains unknown but is linked to oxygen shortages and changing temperatures in southwest Portugal.
A recent study published in Ocean and Coastal Management found that the public perception of plans to combat oligotrophication in the Seto Inland Sea is more positive than expected. The survey revealed that respondents were unfamiliar with nutrient supply measures from factories and sewage treatment plants, but presented information si...
China has made significant strides in coastal wetland conservation, with notable progress in national-level legislation and stakeholder engagement. However, pressing issues persist, including habitat restoration, invasive species control, and pollution management, which require more science-based decision-making and action.
Biodiversity researchers can now incorporate nanopublications into their manuscripts to future-proof their assertions on biological taxa and organisms. The newly released nanopublication workflow enables authors to create machine-actionable, FAIR data that can be easily traced back to its origin.
A new paper suggests that ecology can inspire more powerful, resilient, and socially responsible AI to solve complex problems. Artificial intelligence systems can incorporate greater amounts of data and diverse sources, discovering new interactions and drivers that may not have been considered before.
A new study led by Holden Arboretum ecologists explores the impact of warmer temperatures on decomposition rates in natural ecosystems. The research reveals that interactions between microbes, plants, and warming temperatures can alter decomposition rates, providing valuable insights into how climate change affects ecosystem function.
A study of 100 large businesses reveals a lack of transparency in reporting on ecosystem restoration efforts. Despite claiming to carry out restoration projects, many companies fail to report details such as project size, financial information, and ecological outcomes.
A new method enables efficient isolation of raccoon-borne Escherichia albertii from fecal samples, providing insights into its epidemiology and facilitating improved control of food poisoning. The developed culture medium selectively promotes the growth of E. albertii at a rate of up to 48%.
A new report highlights Vietnam's high reptile diversity, with 484 known species, including 74 threatened with extinction. The study recommends increasing breeding populations to maintain suitable numbers for restocking, and modern zoos can play a crucial role in conservation efforts.
A study by Dartmouth researchers reveals that human shoulders and elbows evolved to facilitate 'downclimbing' - the process of descending from trees without dying. This adaptation allowed early humans to navigate their environment safely, gathering food and deploying tools for hunting and defense.
A comprehensive study reveals a 72% reduction in rare butterfly populations across Eastern Denmark, with only 158 sites remaining from 565 in 1993. The research highlights the need for improved habitat protection and management to safeguard these species.
Researchers found that over 80% of the bamboo's flowering culms did not produce viable seeds, indicating a lack of sexual regeneration via germination. This may lead to widespread ecological changes and loss of a valuable resource.
Research confirms the EIH hypothesis on a global scale using extensive data, showing that plants from vast, species-rich regions are most successful at naturalizing. Additionally, economic plants from these regions also show similar patterns of invasion and cultivation, suggesting interactions between biological and cultural systems.
Research found that climate warming and eutrophication lead to divergent responses in phytoplankton and zooplankton, causing a mismatch in elemental ratios. The study discovered that the interplay of these stressors can reverse the stoichiometric imbalance.
A deep learning approach has unveiled a significant change in the characteristics of global daily precipitation for the first time. The research found that on more than 50% of all days, there was a clear deviation from natural variability in the daily precipitation pattern since 2015.
The Dasypeltis gansi, a harmless African snake, consumes eggs whole and can eat prey three to four times bigger than black rat snakes. This unique adaptation allows it to outeat Burmese pythons relative to its size.
Four out of five emperor penguin colonies in the Bellingshausen Sea experienced complete breeding failure in 2022 due to unprecedented Antarctic sea ice loss. The study suggests that climate change is directly impacting Emperor penguin populations, leading to reproductive failures.
Researchers developed a water harvester device that harnesses atmospheric water vapor using metal-organic frameworks and ambient sunlight. The device successfully collected up to 285g of water per kilogram of MOF in extreme environments, showcasing its potential for universal applicability.
A recent study by the University of Miami found that most soil microbes are either multidimensional generalists or specialists, adapting to various environmental conditions. Generalist microbes can withstand a wide range of conditions, while specialist microbes are sensitive to changes and play key roles in community organization.
A new study found that large-scale fires in an ecosystem made increasingly vulnerable by climate change and human impacts led to the extinction of two-thirds of Earth's large mammals in Southern California. The findings, based on radiocarbon chronology of fossils from the La Brea tar pits, suggest that fire was the primary cause of reg...
The invasive orange pore fungus has won the third BMC Ecology and Evolution image competition, highlighting its potential threats to Australian ecosystems. The winning image depicts bright orange fruiting bodies growing on deadwood in the Australian rainforest.
A new study reveals that corals use the mTOR signal path to incorporate nutrients from their dinoflagellate symbionts. This regulation is crucial for the health of corals and the entire coral reef ecosystem, which relies on these symbiotic partnerships for survival.
A team of researchers has determined that microplastic particles are present in the marine atmosphere, even in remote parts of the world. The study found that different types of plastics, including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, were detected in air samples collected from various sites along the Norwegian coast.
Scientists have identified two new mole species in eastern Turkey, belonging to the Talpa genus, which has been living undiscovered for up to 3 million years. The study, using cutting-edge DNA technology, confirms their biological distinctness from other moles in the group.
Australia's ancient ecosystems and oldest continuous indigenous cultures face extreme wildfire, flooding events, and biodiversity loss due to climate change. Integrating Indigenous knowledge into policies is crucial for addressing the climate crisis.
A new study found that global ecosystem water use efficiency has stagnated since 2001, likely due to an increased vapor pressure deficit and intensifying evapotranspiration. This decline may undermine human reliance on nature-based climate solutions for carbon neutrality.
A 10-year study found that golden-crowned sparrows resettled an average of just 90 feet away from the center of their previous year's range when returning to California after winter migration. The study suggests that social bonds and familiar faces help anchor the birds to specific spaces, even when resources are scarce.
New study reveals pervasive within-species spatial repulsion in adult tropical trees, challenging conventional understanding of species coexistence. The results suggest that competition among conspecifics drives this phenomenon, enabling the exceptionally high diversity of tropical forests.
Researchers highlight the importance of tropical montane ecosystems and their limited data availability. The study proposes refining models to include socio-ecological diversity, emphasizing the need for a transdisciplinary network to quantify ecosystem services.
A University of Maryland study found that tree species diversity increases spider populations, providing a natural pest regulation service. Spider populations in diverse plots increased by 23-50% compared to single-species plots during late summer months.
A six-year dune restoration project in Santa Monica Beach, California, has shown promising results in increasing the beach's resilience to sea level rise. The project involved creating a natural dune system using native vegetation, which trapped sand and formed hummocks and dunes.
A team of scientists led by Colleen Smith found that specialist bees focus on the most abundant plant species in an ecosystem. The study suggests that plant abundance could be a mechanism promoting specialization and speciation among bee species.