Articles tagged with Ecology
Researchers tracked 17 bird species crossing Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea using miniature tracking devices. Birds flew at varying altitudes depending on wing morphology and plumage color, with some species flying extremely close to the water surface.
A global study of nearly 15,000 marine and freshwater fish communities found consistent shifts in species composition, body size and feeding relationships over recent decades. Smaller-bodied fish species dominate ecosystems, reshaping food webs and ecosystem function.
A new study found that turtles' brains can detect unexpected visual stimuli independently of their position on the retina, a property previously thought to exist only in mammals. The researchers believe this ability helped animals understand their spatial environment, learn, and survive complex terrestrial environments.
Researchers analyzed downward climbing behaviors in 21 small-to-medium-sized arboreal mammal species to understand early primate evolution. They found primates used tail-first and side postures more often than non-primates, suggesting upright postures evolved to adapt to tree environments.
A new study estimates that each hectare of tropical forest generates 2.4 million litres of rain annually, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This process is known as evapotranspiration, where the sun's energy is used to transfer moisture from the leaves into the atmosphere.
A new study analyzing three decades of research found that animals respond more consistently to lethal humans than non-lethal ones, altering behavior in foraging, vigilance, and movement. Non-lethal human structures can even function as perceived refuges, reducing animal vigilance.
The Ecological Society of America has named 20 graduate students who will receive policy, communication and career training in Washington, D.C., followed by meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Researchers identified 255 insect species in perennial grasses, but few in annual grasses, highlighting the importance of unmown refuges for biodiversity
Research conducted by the Universitat Politècnica de València shows that artificial wetlands can retain up to 80% of suspended solids and reduce ammoniacal nitrogen levels. The study highlights the importance of hydraulic design in improving water treatment efficiency.
A new study uses genomic tools to accelerate chestnut restoration, preserving ecological identity and improving blight resistance. The approach enables breeders to identify promising seedlings before years of field testing.
A UT San Antonio assistant professor is studying how climate change and urbanization affect freshwater ecosystems by tracking the expansion of exotic tropical fish species into northern regions. The project aims to provide practical tools for natural resource managers to protect Texas waterways.
A sweeping 10-year fishing ban on China's Yangtze River has halted 70 years of freshwater biodiversity decline. The ban, coupled with improved water quality and environmental management, has led to a significant increase in fish biomass and the recovery of endangered species.
Researchers used genome sequencing to identify blight-resistant trees with high American chestnut ancestry, preserving the species' ecological and cultural importance. The approach, known as genomic selection, allows breeders to predict resistance and make better decisions earlier in the breeding process.
A new study highlights the importance of addressing multiple threats simultaneously to reverse biodiversity loss. Climate policies and amphibians are particularly affected by combined effects of habitat loss, exploitation, disease, invasive species, pollution, and climate change.
A new study finds that food chains on modern Caribbean coral reefs are 60-70% shorter than they were 7,000 years ago. Individual fish have lost dietary specialization, leading to a compression of the distance between different trophic levels.
A study found that shelterbelts in agricultural wetland landscapes reduce grassland species and wetland biodiversity, creating a trade-off for bird communities. The research suggests that agri-environmental policies must balance structural complexity with ecological needs of open-habitat species.
A juvenile great white shark was incidentally caught in Spanish waters, raising questions about the species' biology and ecology. The study confirms continued, though sporadic, presence of white sharks in Mediterranean waters.
A new study by Tokyo University of Science found that floods are the biggest drivers of plastic pollution in rivers, increasing microplastic and mesoplastic concentrations by orders of magnitude. The research highlights the need to include high-flow events when assessing plastic emissions.
Pentachlorophenol exposure triggers inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, leading to liver damage and compromised immune function. The study identified the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway as a key mechanism of PCP-induced immunotoxicity.
A newly discovered deep-sea chiton was named Ferreiraella populi through a public naming contest on social media. The name translates to 'of the people' and was chosen from over 8,000 submissions.
Researchers developed a new theoretical framework that links individual animal movements to population dynamics across space and time. The range-resident logistic model incorporates interactions between multiple animals, providing a more accurate prediction of population sizes and helping inform real-world conservation recommendations.
The KIT Center Climate, Environment and Resources is developing resource-efficient closed-loop systems to reduce environmental impact. The project aims to analyze resource and energy flows in material and product cycles to optimize circular production.
A new study reveals that loosely social species, which don't form stable groups, are more vulnerable to extinction due to population declines that limit social interactions. These species can struggle to survive without the benefits of social connections, such as finding food and spotting predators.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the presence of previously unknown viruses in groundwater, which influence microbial community dynamics and nutrient cycling. The findings suggest that viruses are active players in shaping the groundwater microbiome.
The 60th International Waterbird Census has estimated the size and trends of waterbird populations, identified priority wetlands for waterbirds, and supported wetland protection and management. La Tour du Valat has contributed significantly to these efforts, particularly in the Mediterranean region.
Researchers from Hokkaido University used a new method to track groundwater levels and greenhouse gas emissions in Southeast Asia's peatlands, finding they release more gases than previously thought. Human activities like drainage and agriculture increase emissions by tripling or sixfolding, contributing 30% of Japan's annual emissions.
Professor John P. Smol, a leading researcher on Arctic environmental changes, received the prestigious Mohn Prize from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Smol's work has provided crucial knowledge for addressing acid rain and pollution, with significant impacts beyond local communities.
Research found that widespread contaminants like mercury and certain PFAS compounds affect the function of mitochondria in wild seabirds, potentially undermining fitness. The study measured pollutant levels and mitochondrial function in Scopoli's shearwaters and connected diet to exposure through stable isotopes.
A new FAU study uncovers the impact of acidic water on shell-building marine organisms, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate coastal acidification. The research found that nutrient pollution, freshwater input, and other environmental factors contribute to reduced aragonite saturation.
Early marine algae like prasinophytes relied on Lhcp, a unique LHC complex with structural differences from plant LHCII. These similarities and differences may have enabled plants to transition from oceans to land, driven by the stabilization of trimer architecture through pigment-protein interactions.
Research reveals that probiotics can enhance root development and nitrogen uptake in plants, improving growth without excess fertilizer use. The Sphingopyxis genus supports plant function, offering a potential solution to reduce environmental impact of agriculture.
Researchers discovered that microorganisms attached to rock surfaces have a stronger influence on community structure than environmental factors. These 'attached' microbes are highly specialized, generating energy from inorganic substances and contributing to carbon storage.
Research reveals three major types of ant societies: small colonies with a single queen and diverse workers in tropical regions, large colonies with multiple queens and uniform workers in deserts, and temperate regions with polygynous and monomorphic colonies. Environmental conditions shape these social structures on a global scale.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that some bottled water contains significantly higher levels of microplastics than tap water. The study used a novel method for detecting tiny particles and analyzed water samples from four treatment plants near Lake Erie and six different brands of bottled water.
Researchers have developed special algae that can remove and reuse harmful microplastics from wastewater, cleaning the water as it grows. The engineered algae produces a volatile natural oil called limonene, making it water-repellent and attracting microplastics, which can then be collected and reused to create bioplastic products.
A new study reveals that young sauropods were a key food source for Late Jurassic predators, with adults unable to care for their eggs and offspring. The research team mapped out a 'food web' of the time, finding that sauropods had a significant impact on their ecosystem.
A comprehensive review evaluates the global race to track urban carbon emissions, highlighting the importance of high-precision atmospheric observations. The study reveals a stark geographical divide between monitored and unmonitored cities, emphasizing the need for a transparent framework for carbon neutrality.
A new study characterizes the sounds produced by flying gurnards, revealing two distinct types of grunt-like sounds that differ in duration, frequency, and rhythm. The researchers also found that juveniles under 10 cm in length produce sounds from an early developmental stage.
A recent study published by the Ecological Society of America highlights the impact of rainstorms on environmental DNA in streams. Researchers found that rainfall can wash away genetic material from land-based species and deposit it into nearby waterways, providing a fuller picture of who is present. In another study, scientists discov...
A new study using AI-powered BioBERT model accurately identifies fungal lifestyles, switching between helpful partner for plants to aggressive decomposers. The tool has nearly 90% accuracy and can scan thousands of papers in minutes, flagging species that may switch roles.
A Europe-wide study reveals that pesticides have substantial effects on beneficial soil organisms, including mycorrhizal fungi and nematodes. The contamination has a major impact on soil biodiversity, highlighting the need to adapt current pesticide assessments and regulations.
A study analyzing data from Berlin's Flora Protection Program found that biological threats, especially from highly competitive native species, pose a greater threat to urban biodiversity than non-native species. Threats related to agriculture, nutrient inputs, and urban development are also significant drivers of decline.
A University of Virginia study reveals phosphorus pollution in Lake Anna comes from multiple sources, including homes and abandoned mines. Elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and copper were found near mining sites, highlighting the need for broader strategies to address nutrient and metal pollution.
A University of Stirling-led study finds that deforestation, farming, and urbanization can heighten the risk of zoonotic diseases like Covid-19 and malaria. The research highlights the need for careful land-use planning to protect both human health and nature.
A third of fish off Pacific Islands' coasts contain microplastics, with Fiji showing a high rate of contamination. Research highlights the pervasiveness of microplastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems and human health.
The world's forests are becoming homogenized, with fast-growing tree species dominating landscapes. Biodiversity is declining as slow-growing, specialized species disappear, compromising ecosystem stability and carbon storage. Active ecosystem management is essential to halt the loss of these threatened species.
Research from the University of Ottawa finds that a tiny temperature bump lowers nectar quality, resulting in lower body fat reserves for monarch butterflies. The study highlights the subtle threat of climate change on monarch survival.
Research reveals significant shifts in tree diversity among tropical forests driven by global change, with some areas experiencing declines in species richness while others gain species.
Mangroves in tropical countries are being overwhelmed by land- and sea-based waste, posing a significant threat to environmental balance, biodiversity, and human well-being. The study highlights the urgent need for measures to reduce single-use plastic packaging to mitigate this problem.
A new study has found that living walls can significantly enhance urban biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other wildlife. The research revealed that soil-based living walls with plants in soil attracted more wildlife than those with artificial substrates, and specific plant species like ivy and honeysuckle were most effective.
The British Ecological Society has announced the winners of its Capturing Ecology photography competition. The top prize was awarded to a photographer who captured a striking image of a UK wetland ecosystem.
A new study by the University of Vienna estimates that over 20 times more microplastic particles are emitted on land than from the ocean, contrary to previous assumptions. The research was conducted using global measurement data and model simulations, and found significant discrepancies between emission estimates and measurements.
A new study found that US forests have stored more carbon in the past two decades than at any time in the last century. Natural forces such as temperature, precipitation, and carbon fertilization are among the largest contributors to carbon gains, while human drivers like tree-planting and forest management also play a role.
A new study reveals how beluga whales in Alaska's Bristol Bay survive through a surprising strategy: they mate with multiple partners over several years. This polygynandrous system helps maintain genetic diversity despite the population's small size and isolation.
A six-year study reveals that marine microbes interact more frequently with benefits than harm, challenging traditional views of ocean ecosystems. The research found that warmer temperatures increased positive interactions and changed the dynamics of keystone microbial species.
A comprehensive review by Bielefeld University researchers reveals that urbanisation significantly impacts animal social behaviour, including changes in communication, aggression and group stability. The study found that 92% of reviewed papers report a significant effect of urbanization on social behavior.
A study led by Dr. Frédérik Saltré suggests that sterilizing 22% of adult females annually could stabilize the population at an estimated cost of $34 million over 25 years. This approach prioritizes both animal welfare and ecosystem health, offering a humane solution to the unsustainable koala numbers.
McGill researchers found that freshwater browning is stunting some fish species' growth, shrinking others' populations, and altering fish communities. This phenomenon has broad impacts on biodiversity, affecting economically important fish species such as northern pike and walleye.
The 27th SBSTTA-27 meeting emphasized the crucial role of scientists and knowledge holders in the UN CBD process. A side event explored capacity-building initiatives, regional TSC centers, and the introduction of a new guide for supporting participation in UN CBD processes.
A new study finds that viral presence in wild bees is linked to floral communities and landscape-level resource availability. Researchers discovered that certain flower communities increase the likelihood of viruses and that flowers can serve as hubs for virus transmission between wild bees and honey bees.