Articles tagged with Ecology
Researchers have completed and released a chromosome-scale genome sequence of the Aldabra giant tortoise, providing a much-needed genetic resource for rescue efforts. The data will aid in breeding efforts, comparative studies with other tortoise species, and understanding the species' remarkable size.
A recent study found that insect herbivores have caused more damage to plant matter from leaves in recent history than millions of years ago. The frequency of leaf damage by insects among forest plants in recent history is more than twice that of vegetation from the Pleistocene and Late Cretaceous periods.
A new study finds that more complex microbial communities tend to be less stable and transition through distinct dynamical phases as diversity increases. The research demonstrates predictable patterns of diversity and dynamics in ecological communities, shedding light on general ecological principles.
A team of researchers has observed orcas killing white sharks in South Africa using drone and helicopter footage. The study provides the first direct evidence of this behavior, showing that orcas are capable of pursuing, capturing, and incapacitating white sharks.
Invasive alien species threaten EU biodiversity, causing harm to wildlife, crops, and human health. The new awareness campaign urges people to 'Beware of Aliens' and report sightings to prevent their spread.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new satellite tag that allows long-term tracking of whale feeding behavior. This innovation will help better understand key whale behaviors, identify important habitats, and inform conservation efforts to protect whales from human activities such as ship traffic.
A new study analyzing data from 57 coral reefs in French Polynesia found no correlation between fish populations and coral recovery. Instead, the researchers suggest that other location-specific attributes are critical for reef resilience and should be considered when managing fisheries.
Research from German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research finds poorly defined land rights increase deforestation in Brazil. Private land rights can be effective if combined with strict environmental policies, such as the Forest Code.
Scientists have discovered several rare microorganisms, including Legendrea loyezae and Lacerus, which were previously unknown to science. The discovery expands our understanding of the tree of life and highlights the importance of microscopic life.
Research reveals that symbiotic bacteria, Burkholderia gladioli, produce antifungal compound lagriamide to protect Lagria beetles' eggs, larvae, and pupae from fungal infections. The bacterial community remains intact during molting stages, providing crucial defense against pathogens.
Researchers discover that male spotted lanternflies are strongly attracted to the smell of honeydew produced by male conspecifics, emitting specific sex-attractant profiles. This finding may lead to the development of new pest management tools to reduce the population and spread of this invasive species.
A new study finds that forestation of Earth's vast drylands would do little to slow climate change, despite its potential for carbon sequestration. Smart dryland forestation can provide local benefits and potentially longer-term climate mitigation, but it cannot replace efforts to rapidly reduce emissions.
Termite-mediated wood decay is significantly influenced by temperature, with termite presence and activity being more sensitive to thermal changes than microbial decomposition. As the planet warms, termites are expected to expand their range, becoming a crucial factor in global carbon cycling.
New research finds that purple needlegrass thrives in areas with sheep grazing, especially during wet weather, creating space for new growth and reducing competition from non-native grasses. The study's findings aim to inform effective management strategies for this long-lived species and its potential role in mitigating climate change.
A new analysis of chimpanzee stone tools shows diverse material culture across different groups. Researchers found notable differences between two groups in Guinea and the Taï Forest in Côte d'Ivoire, highlighting the significance of stone choice, availability, and nut species.
Researchers quantify the combined contributions of animals to cacao yields and explore how distance to forests and shading affect productivity. The study's key findings suggest that certain animal species can increase crop yields through pollination or biological pest control, while others reduce yields by stealing seeds.
A study by MIT and WHOI scientists found that shy albatross males are more likely to divorce their mates, while bold males are more likely to stay together. This is the first study to link personality and divorce in a wild animal species.
A new study analyzing baby names from municipality newsletters found rising trends of individualism in Japan, with unique names increasing from the 1980s to 2018. The research suggests a cultural shift towards greater uniqueness and independence.
Researchers discovered pesticide-contaminated milkweed plants in retail nurseries across the US, threatening western monarch caterpillars. The study found an average of 12 pesticides per plant and 38% with residues harming migration and foraging abilities.
Researchers at the University of Zurich found that compound concurrent hot day and night extremes are projected to increase by up to 7.8-fold in frequency and 5.3-fold in duration in all cities in Switzerland by the end of the century. Lugano and Geneva will be most affected.
A team of researchers found microplastics in water trapped in plant leaf axils, a first-time discovery that highlights the global risk of contamination. The study, conducted in Slovakia, used teasel phytotelmata, small aquatic ecosystems formed by plants, to detect the presence of microplastics.
A new study reveals that frequent El Nino events drive dramatic faunal turnover in eastern Pacific coastal ecosystems, causing declines in phytoplankton and zooplankton. This tipping point has important implications for understanding changes to the region's future ecosystems.
Researchers found that soil microbiota facilitates the growth of invasive garden lupine and provides defense against herbivores. The plants grown with natural soil microbes produced compounds that deter snails, while those with reduced microbiota showed no such effect.
Researchers found parotoid gland sizes were significantly smaller in urban toads compared to rural populations, while body mass was not different. Urbanization also caused increased sexual dimorphism in leg length.
A Japanese research group discovered that the leaf area index of mixed-forests influences seasonal changes in the formation of a nocturnal cold-air pool at a small mountain basin. The study found that weakening of the nighttime temperature inversion occurred during leaf expansion, while strengthening occurred after leaf fall.
Researchers found that mice from western sides of mountains in Patagonia were bigger due to increased food availability caused by higher rainfall. This discovery supports the rain shadow effect hypothesis, which suggests that precipitation patterns can impact mammal size.
Researchers analyzed 170,000 vegetation plots from all climate zones to find that small areas can have high biodiversity, like Eastern European steppes and Siberia. This challenges the idea of large-scale conservation, as smaller protected zones may be more effective in preserving ecosystems.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that combining blue and green spaces at former industrial canals improves mental well-being. The research, which utilized ecological momentary assessment, revealed the benefits of these environments on boosting mood and promoting relaxation.
Researchers found that corals can pass somatic mutations to their offspring, which increases genetic diversity and provides a potential route for evolutionary adaptation. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom on the role of reproductive cells in evolution.
New research from the University of East Anglia finds that hydropower developments lead to flooding forests, driving biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruptions. The study reveals widespread species extinction, especially among large-bodied species, highlighting the need for sustainable energy security and biodiversity conservation.
A study found that air and water temperatures are reliable predictors of fish mass mortality events. The researchers predict an approximate six-fold increase in the frequency of fish mortality events by 2100 based on local water temperature projections, and a 34-fold increase based on air temperature projections.
A new study using deep-learning models found that more than half of terrestrial mammal food web links have disappeared due to extinctions and range contractions. This has significant impacts on long-term ecosystem persistence and function, highlighting the need for biodiversity recovery and conservation.
A global report reveals ladybird species are poorly understood due to human activities, and urgent conservation actions are needed. The research emphasizes the importance of protecting habitats, particularly those that provide overwintering sites for ladybirds.
A UBC Okanagan researcher suggests changing fur trapping practices to prevent accidental grizzly bear toe amputations. By delaying the start of the trapping season from November 1 to early December, trappers can avoid catching bears during their hibernation period.
A comprehensive study reveals that nitrogen-fixers are most diverse in arid regions of the US, contrary to expectations. Plants have evolved creative ways to acquire nitrogen, and their diversity increases in these environments due to adaptations such as thicker cuticles.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University have discovered new insights into the coelacanth's unique physiology, including its ability to swim upside down. The study used CT and MRI scanners to model the fish's body, revealing a special skeleton and precise distribution of fatty tissue.
Researchers observed Swainson's Hawks hunting a dense colony of Mexican Free-tailed Bats using cameras to reconstruct 3D flight trajectories. The study found that hawks steer towards a fixed point within the swarm instead of targeting individual bats, suggesting a new mechanism for efficient prey capture.
A new study analyzing 157 mammal species found that those living a long time and having few offspring are less vulnerable to climate-driven population fluctuations. In contrast, short-lived rodents experience more extreme population changes due to their limited fat reserves and ability to quickly adapt.
Research by the Alfred Wegener Institute found that low-frequency noise from human activities stresses crustaceans, mussels, and worms on the seafloor, impacting their ability to transform sediment and maintain ecosystem function. This could have far-reaching consequences for nutrient cycling and food availability in marine ecosystems.
A new genus of shrew-mouse has been discovered on a mountain in the Philippines, revealing unique characteristics and insights into biodiversity. The discovery is significant as it provides crucial information to protect giant eagles, one of the critically endangered bird species found in the area.
A new study by University of Missouri and Webster University scientists finds climate change linked to decline of bumblebees in alpine regions. Warming temperatures are creating a longer growing season, allowing lower-elevation bees to migrate to alpine areas, where they struggle to adapt.
Long-term research at LTER sites reveals climate change effects on ecosystems, including altered productivity and biodiversity. Coastal ecosystems, such as kelp forests and coral reefs, are particularly vulnerable to changes in water temperature and storms.
A research team used game theory to analyze cooperation in networks and found that networks with a high level of cooperation can emerge if individuals take a clear-cut position against free riders. The study also showed that if contributors leave an environment too quickly, it leads to a lower level of cooperation.
Researchers tracked nocturnally migrating hawkmoths using tiny trackers, revealing they adjust flight headings in response to winds and terrain features. The findings suggest the animals use a combination of visual landmarks and Earth's magnetic field to navigate long distances during migration.
Research reveals urban bat species have lower echolocation call frequencies, small bodies, and flexible roosting habits compared to rural bats. These traits may make them more adaptable to city life, whereas larger species with high calling frequencies tend to thrive in rural areas.
A new study reveals sponges have a unique mechanism to clear their water channels: a sneeze-like process. Sponges release a type of mucus that is consumed by other animals, providing a food source inaccessible to most sea creatures.
A new study found that even modest (1.6 C) climate warming causes reduced growth and increased mortality in northern conifer species, while broadleaved hardwoods may experience enhanced growth. The boreal forest's composition is likely to shift, potentially leading to a more impoverished version of the current ecosystem.
A team of US scientists proposes a 'Western Rewilding Network' to conserve and restore ecosystems in the region. The plan aims to reintroduce keystone species like gray wolves and North American beavers to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
A new study reveals key clues about the form of the most ancestral nervous system and how it first evolved. Researchers found that neurons, possibly the most complicated cell type ever to evolve, share similar structures with comb jellies and other ancient animal lineages.
A study found that brain fog-like impairment is a problem in many animal species due to infection and disease, including humans. Cognitive impairments have been observed in birds, bees, rats, and other species, with various causes such as parasite damage, immune response, and malnutrition.
A new study analyzing 72 lakes in four large Neotropical wetlands of Brazil reveals that human impacts on biodiversity compromise wetland multifunctionality. Strong associations between aquatic organism diversity and wetland functioning were found, highlighting the crucial role of species richness in driving ecosystem health.
Grasses supply crucial ecosystem services, including food for humans and animal habitats, but are threatened by land-use conversion and climate change. Research highlights the need to better understand their functions to inform policy and management.
Researchers have pinpointed diverse 'win-win' solutions that simultaneously safeguard human health and ecosystem conservation, covering six continents and tackling major environmental problems. The study highlights potential interventions like vaccinating dogs to reduce rabies transmission and introducing prawns back into a dammed river.
A high-resolution map of ant biodiversity has been created, revealing areas with high diversity and potential for new species discovery. The study's findings highlight the importance of protecting critical regions with high ant diversity.
A long-term research project found creating wildlife habitats significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production. The study assessed the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures in reducing biodiversity losses caused by intensive farming practices.
Researchers found that rapid vegetation recovery in Fukushima reduced suspended sediment levels and turbidity effects. The study highlights the need for future remediation projects to include measures like revegetation to mitigate downstream environmental impacts.
Researchers investigate how foraging adaptations affect Arctic charr resilience to climate change. The team aims to develop a framework linking genetic and malleable components of feeding trait diversity to population demography, habitat, and eco-evolutionary potential.
Researchers found that Gursky's spectral tarsier duets exhibit acoustic trade-offs in note rate and bandwidth, suggesting a relationship between physical fitness and vocal complexity. The study suggests that only physically fit individuals can easily produce broadband notes fast.
Researchers have discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can serve as a communication signal to indicate plant stress, which is critical for crop survival and can significantly decrease with multiple stressors. By monitoring ROS levels, farmers can identify plants under stress and take corrective measures to prevent crop loss.
Researchers developed VegSense, an open-source application that uses a Microsoft HoloLens to quantify mature trees in the wild. The device excels at detecting relatively healthy forests by capturing vegetation patterns with a holograph-like grid pattern.