Articles tagged with Ecology
Researchers found that complex mixtures of microbes isolated from closely related plant species increased the resistance of endangered Hawaiian plant Eugenia koolauensis to myrtle rust. This microbial treatment may be an important tool for combating disease-driven declines of endangered plants.
A new study found that bigleaf maple trees are declining due to warmer, drier summers in Western Washington. The research team discovered that the trees' growth is sensitive to dry weather conditions, leading to smaller leaves and reduced overall mass.
A new study suggests that combining circular technologies can help achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the production of plastics. By using recycling, biomass utilization and carbon capture, it is possible to reduce the lifecycle emissions of plastics, making them a more sustainable option.
A 10-year study in Panama's Barro Colorado Island found that liana density increased dramatically due to natural canopy disturbance, with most of the growth attributed to gaps in the canopy. The study suggests that environmental factors like climate change may also be contributing to this phenomenon, but to a lesser extent.
A study by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that genetically diverse ant colonies produce more larvae than those with similar genetic backgrounds. This improved division of labor allows for more efficient task allocation, leading to better colony performance.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that Asian elephants successfully cooperated in 80% of trials, using strategies like fighting back or moving sides to prevent cheating. However, cooperation quickly broke down when one partner could monopolize the reward, revealing a complex dynamic in their social behavior.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that machine learning models using viral genomes can predict the likelihood of an animal-infecting virus infecting humans. The researchers identified generalizable features in viral genomes that are independent of taxonomic relationships and developed models to identify candidate zoonoses.
The BiCIKL project links biodiversity data types and classes across 14 European institutions, creating a Biodiversity Knowledge Hub for seamless access. This initiative streamlines Open Science and FAIR practices, empowering researchers with efficient tools to explore and utilize biodiversity data.
Research finds that human settlement led to increased fires and soil erosion, altering unique island ecosystems in Macaronesia. The study also shows that colonial-era settlers had a greater impact on vegetation than aboriginal settlers.
Research from the University of East Anglia found that communities living within Amazonian Sustainable-Use Protected Areas enjoy better access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and electricity. These areas also lead to improved livelihoods, with household wealth and life satisfaction increasing significantly.
Tropical rainforests have uneven biodiversity due to geological history and climate. Researchers used a new model to simulate species diversification, finding that historical dynamics of mountain building and climate change drove biodiversity distribution rather than current climate factors.
Spotted hyenas remove 207 tons of animal carcass waste annually, preventing five infections of anthrax and bovine tuberculosis. This service saves the city $52,000 annually in treatment costs and livestock losses avoided.
Climate change is linked to the decline of blue mussels in shallow waters along Sweden's west coast. Overfishing and invasive species are also contributing factors. The study found that warmer temperatures have led to an increase in freshwater input, making it harder for mussels to settle on natural substrates.
A new study found that 80% of bird species were reported in greater numbers in human-altered habitats during pandemic lockdowns. This increase was observed across multiple species, including Bald Eagles, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and Barn Swallows.
Female vampire bats with close social bonds leave the roost separately but reunite when hunting, indicating a preference for cooperative foraging. The study also reveals three distinct call types used during foraging trips, including one that may help identify friends and foes.
Researchers found that high biodiversity enhances ecosystem functions by 20%, with environmental heterogeneity significantly boosting this positive impact. Species richness was more important for ecosystem functioning than species turnover in African ecosystems along Mount Kilimanjaro's elevational gradient.
Scientists at UEA have identified a way to determine the age of lobsters using DNA. The method is based on quantifying DNA changes that accumulate with age within a lobster. This breakthrough could help manage lobster fisheries more sustainably by providing accurate estimates of lobster ages.
A study of coral reef systems worldwide reveals that most fish species are picky eaters, with a single larger species extinction jeopardizing the entire ecosystem. The research found that even small losses can create imbalances in food webs.
A team of researchers has discovered a new group of coral-infecting microbes called Corallicolida. Despite lacking photosynthetic genes, they express chlorophyll genes and may still play a role in their host cells. The authors propose that Corallicolida could be an ancient parasite that lost its photosynthetic machinery.
A comprehensive investigation of a lake landscape in southern Wendland reveals that strong rises and falls in water levels were caused by climate changes, soil erosion, and vegetation. The study provides valuable insights into how landscapes respond to climatic shifts and offers clues for predicting future changes.
Research finds that 19 species of fish have migrated to shallower water in response to low oxygen conditions over a decade and a half. This trend could lead to devastating impacts on fisheries and ecosystems as fish habitats are compressed and potentially made easier to catch.
Researchers developed a method to forecast blue whale locations up to three weeks in advance, enabling proactive conservation and management. The tool helps minimize the burden on ocean users while protecting whales.
Researchers suggest that protecting the microbiome is crucial in preventing and fighting off infections with harmful, drug-resistant bacteria. By preserving a healthy balance of beneficial microorganisms, individuals can reduce their susceptibility to these types of infections.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that microparticle concentrations in lakes are higher than previously reported and can be predicted by surrounding land use. The researchers found that areas with more human activity and lower forest cover had higher microparticle concentrations, while lakes with more active microorganisms had...
Soil ecologists found that biobased plastics like PBSA degrade efficiently in the soil, even under future climate conditions, but excessive amounts can disrupt microbial communities and agriculture. The degradation process is influenced by fungi and a diverse bacterial community.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $2.5 million grant to Cornell University to study the transmission pathways of seagrass wasting disease in coastal meadows. The researchers aim to understand how climate warming affects the spread of the disease, which can have devastating effects on marine biodiversity and human health.
Seabirds are dying from starvation after being exposed to cyclones, which disrupt their ability to feed. The study found that birds can't fly in high winds and dive into stormy seas, leaving them without food sources.
Researchers developed WebFRIS, a web-based platform to provide socio-economic vulnerability analysis and simplify flood risk information. The tool can help formulate targeted solutions and enhance social capacity and resilience in flood-prone regions.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals a surprising diversity of Cretaceous reptiles at an Argentina fossil site. The research expands the known diversity of reptiles at the Cerro Fortaleza locality, which previously only preserved skeletal remains of giant sauropods.
Researchers uncover a 500-million-year-old 'worm-like' fossil, expanding the number of worm-like species known from this time period in North America. The discovery provides new clues about prehistoric environments and ecologies, helping scientists better understand the diversity of ancient animals during the Cambrian explosion.
A study by the California Academy of Sciences and colleagues found significant tissue abnormalities in oysters from the Gulf Coast, even years after the devastating oil spill. The researchers discovered higher rates of metaplasia in Eastern oysters, which can cause debilitating health issues.
A team of researchers analyzed over 31 million iNaturalist records to find that highly active users primarily post observations of plants and insects, while large animals are underdocumented. The study provides insights into urban biodiversity and the distribution of biological data.
A study by researchers from the University of Turku found that elephants who worked with their handlers for over a year performed better in new work tasks than those with shorter relationships. The team also observed that older elephants were more reluctant to cross a novel surface, suggesting a decrease in curiosity with age.
A study published in Biology Letters reveals a drastic fall in the number of aquatic insects in the Paraná River basin due to dam construction. The research, conducted over 20 years, found that dams alter the nutrient balance and provide a clearer water environment, making insects more vulnerable to predation.
A study using environmental DNA found that mountaintop coal mining impacts 40% fewer species in Appalachian streams. The team detected 28 species of fish in all 93 sampled mined streams, comparable to traditional methods.
Ecosystem transformation is a highly dynamic and complex process that can occur gradually over various timescales. Adaptive learning, creative approaches, and close partnerships between scientists, decisionmakers, and stakeholders are needed to address the challenges of climate change.
Researchers analyzed skunk DNA to determine the correct number of species, revealing seven species, including the previously recognized four. The revised family tree highlights the distinct evolutionary lineages of each species, making conservation efforts more effective.
A study by Greta Wengert and colleagues found that illegal cannabis farms overlap with habitat ranges of endangered Pacific fisher, threatened Humboldt marten, and northern spotted owl. The researchers mapped 1469 illicit cultivation sites using location data and compared them to habitat distribution models.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science discovered endophytic bacteria that can survive extreme conditions within passion fruit seeds. The bacteria were isolated from seedlings grown from cut seeds and found to possess biocatalytic activities related to the metabolism of secondary metabolites, such as resveratrol and piceatannol.
The loss of threatened vertebrates may lead to varying consequences across different regions, with some losing up to 30% functional diversity. Unique species traits can make their loss more impactful, necessitating tailored conservation strategies for each biome.
A new study published in Nature reveals that African tropical mountain forests store an average of 149.4 tonnes of carbon per hectare, significantly higher than previously estimated by the IPCC. This finding highlights the importance of preserving these carbon-rich ecosystems for climate protection.
A new study reveals a positive relationship between ocean temperature and increased species richness and functional redundancy in marine ecosystems. Over 40 million years, warmer waters harbored more species with similar functional roles, suggesting that climate change may bolster ecosystem resilience.
A new study found that LED streetlights have a detrimental impact on local insect populations, with moth caterpillar numbers being 52% lower under LED lighting than in unlit areas. The study suggests that this is due to female moths laying fewer eggs in habitats illuminated by streetlights.
Researchers can leverage innovative technologies to analyze complex interactions within the plant root microbiome. By combining mesocosms with in-situ sensors and imaging tools, scientists can replicate experiments on spatial and temporal scales.
Research team investigates urbanization's impact on farmland bird communities in Bangalore, India, finding that urbanization homogenizes bird species, eliminating insect-eating birds essential for pest control. The study highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity to maintain ecosystem resilience and food production systems.
The New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute aims to integrate plant traits, communities, and the soil ecosphere to advance restoration of natural and agricultural ecosystems. The project seeks to understand how root traits influence plant interactions with each other and with the soil.
Researchers in Peru have estimated the population density of spectacled bears and identified an unknown hotspot, revealing over 10 bears per 100 square kilometers. The team also observed the first 'golden' bear with nearly golden fur, sparking further investigation into its unusual characteristics.
A new study predicts that the population of San Nicolas Island foxes will remain at a low risk of extinction due to their isolated habitat and relatively dry environmental conditions. The researchers suggest strategies such as biosecurity, restoration of habitats, and minimizing human-wildlife conflict to increase the foxes' resilience...
A new study provides insight into where chimpanzees avoided climate instability during glacial and interglacial periods in Africa over the past 120,000 years. The findings help increase understanding of how climate change impacts biodiversity and how to mitigate predicted biodiversity loss.
A new commentary paper highlights the need for more research into the microbes living in and on sea creatures. The authors propose a research agenda to fill knowledge gaps and improve our understanding of beneficial microbes' roles in marine ecosystems.
A study found that giant anteaters in less forested habitats have larger home ranges, allowing them to access thermal shelters and regulate body temperature. Sex and body size also play a role in space use, with males using more space than females of similar size.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a new approach to combat cancer treatment challenges by creating self-assembled drugs with high specificity towards human cancer cells. The breakthrough demonstrates unprecedented anti-cancer activity and selectivity in laboratory testing.
A new study finds that urbanization is causing many mammal species to grow bigger, contrary to Bergmann's Rule. The study analyzed over 140,000 measurements of body length and mass from North American mammals collected over 80 years.
Research in China found that air pollution decreases monthly wages by 4% for inmates, with sensitivity varying by age and education. The study highlights the importance of addressing blue-collar workers' exposure to poor air quality for optimal environmental policy design.
Scientists reconstructed the life history of a woolly mammoth using isotopes from its tusk, revealing it traveled vast distances and covered an extensive range in Alaska. The analysis provides insight into the animal's preferred habitats and behavior, shedding light on one of the most iconic ice-age creatures.
The University of Exeter has developed a virtual safe space tool called BEE-STEWARD to test different land management techniques for bumblebee survival. The tool provides a computer simulation of bumblebee colony survival in a given landscape, allowing researchers and farmers to predict the impact of their decisions.
The winning image by Kristen Brown depicts a school of jack fish in a spiral formation, symbolizing the beauty and bounty of oceans as well as the spiralling crisis of coral reef decline. The competition celebrates Earth's biodiversity and its evolutionary origins through six categories.
A study analyzing 7,000 tree falls in São Paulo City found that most occurrences occur in the rainy season due to weather conditions. However, a significant number of trees fell during the dry season, attributed to poor management and inadequate conditions for street vegetation.
Researchers studied Pacific Gilbert Islands coral reefs, a natural laboratory for climate change-induced heat stress. The study found that coral reefs in the region exhibit resistance and resilience to multiple stressors, but are still recovering after over a decade of environmental pressures.
A new study reveals that just 42% of nations have expanded their scientific understanding of bird species distributions in the last decade. The researchers developed two new metrics to assess biodiversity data coverage and effectiveness, finding that regions like Asia and South America are closing knowledge gaps.