Articles tagged with Ecosystems
A new University of Florida study shows that animal bones can provide valuable geographical data for conservation efforts. By analyzing bone accumulations on the landscape of Yellowstone National Park, researcher Joshua Miller identified critical areas for elk survival during spring and winter.
The IUCN World Conservation Congress has adopted a motion to create a Green List for Species, which will include species identified as 'fully conserved', thriving in ecologically significant numbers. The list aims to emphasize that conservation is about more than just preventing extinction and highlight successful species conservation.
A University of Georgia study reveals that native clearweed plants have evolved resistance to invasive garlic mustard, and the invasive species is countering with its own chemical warfare. The study provides evidence of coevolution between native and invasive plant species, suggesting a potential for ecosystem equilibrium over time.
Experts in ecology and conservation science argue that Rio+20 talks should consider physical limits on resource use governed by ecological principles. Human ingenuity may be insufficient to overcome the constraints of the biosphere, but positive approaches can provide solutions for sustainable development.
A recent study found that rain affects waterbird communities in urban estuaries, influencing their populations and diversity. Heavy rainfall leads to increased nutrient runoff, reducing small invertebrate populations and changing the dynamics of waterbird communities.
Researchers found that non-native plant species use different strategies, such as blooming later in the year and occupying specific habitats, to increase their frequency of occurrence. This differentiation is important for understanding modern ecosystems and recognizing potential dangers from introduced species.
A new study finds that plant responses to climate change are advancing at a rate four to eight times faster than predicted by experiments, according to natural observations. This could lead to major changes in ecosystems, pollination of crops, and water supplies, emphasizing the need for accurate predictions.
The article cites a Royal Society report predicting Chinese scientists' publications output will surpass US-based scientists by 2013. Major investments in discovery and innovation are building capacity in Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Studies of 32 ecological communities reveal that a species' role depends on its evolutionary history, not geographic location. This knowledge allows conservationists to focus efforts on vital parts of an ecosystem and predict species' responses to changes.
Researchers studied geothermally-heated streams in Iceland to understand the impact of global warming on ecosystems. They found that temperature sensitivity of respiration is consistent across a range of organisms, regardless of environmental conditions.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London study geothermally-heated streams in Iceland to explore how temperature affects respiration rates. The research reveals that the intrinsic temperature sensitivity of respiration is consistent across a range of organisms, adapted to different temperatures.
A global research team, Nutrient Network (NutNet), has grown to involve over 100 researchers worldwide in six years, using a revolutionary cooperative approach and meta-analysis of existing studies. The team's method has been recognized by Science journal, highlighting its potential for other disciplines.
Scientists call for increased awareness, global accounting, and technological innovation to address the potential social consequences of phosphorus scarcity. The element's pivotal role in fertilizer production and its impact on food security are highlighted as key concerns.
A new study reveals that extreme cold temperatures can have a devastating impact on coral reefs, causing widespread death and destruction. The research found that corals depend on symbiotic algae for nutrition, which is inhibited by cold temperatures, leading to a potential net loss of carbon transferred from the algae to the coral.
Researchers found carbon-based minerals in ancient Canadian rocks to be millions of years younger than the rock itself, questioning earlier timelines for biological life's emergence. The discovery suggests that carbon may have been introduced into the rock at a later stage, potentially altering our understanding of the Earth's evolution.
A mathematical model developed by scientists shows that ecosystems remain relatively stable despite constant changes in species populations, highlighting the ecosystem's role as a self-contained entity. This finding suggests that preserving entire ecosystems may be more crucial than protecting specific endangered species.
A new study by ecologists at Rice University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, challenges standard assumptions about biodiversity loss on ecosystems. The research suggests that changing dietary needs within species have important implications for ecosystem health, making natural ecosystems less stable than previously tho...
The specter of climate change is forcing scientists and managers to consider relocating endangered species to new habitats. This approach, known as managed relocation, raises important ethical questions about the feasibility and consequences of such actions. While some argue that relocation can help save species, others raise concerns ...
Researchers have developed an improved tool for translating lizard body lengths to weights, enabling the evaluation of species health and ecosystem condition. The method, based on empirical evidence, can predict weights of lizards in a reliable and standardized manner.
A laboratory study of microscopic organisms subjected to varying degrees of acoustic disturbance shows that competition can be a factor in regulating ecological communities regardless of the intensity or frequency of disturbance. The findings contradict the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, suggesting that there is a strong trade-of...
Researchers found that global warming led to a 30% decline in biodiversity among small mammals, with populations experiencing significant losses while the deer mouse thrived due to its adaptability. This change had ripple effects on ecosystems, affecting soil aeration, seed dispersal, and predator-prey relationships.
Two hundred fifty-five National Academy of Sciences members, including Nobel Prize laureates, support the rigor and objectivity of climate science in a joint statement. The signers confirm fundamental conclusions about climate change based on thousands of scientists' work worldwide.
The University of Southern California has been awarded a $25 million National Science Foundation grant to establish the Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations. The center will explore the sub-seafloor biosphere in three main field projects at North Pond, Juan de Fuca and South Pacific Gyre.
A recent study found that the Cold War's economic isolation led to a decline in introduced bird species in Eastern Europe, while Western Europe experienced an increase. The research highlights the importance of preventing exotic species importation to prevent ecosystem disruption.
The book 'Organic Farming: The Ecological System' brings together farmer experience and scientific research to understand the role of organics in modern agriculture. It presents current research and development in organic farming, highlighting its potential to revitalize rural landscapes and communities.
A study found that perennial vegetation cover can indicate desertification processes in semi-arid esparto fields, with a positive correlation between total vegetation cover and soil fertility. This early warning system has potential for management and restoration measures before ecosystem degradation becomes irreversible.
A team of researchers uses PageRank, a web ranking algorithm, to identify critical species in food webs and predict ecosystem collapse. By applying the algorithm to ecological networks, they find that certain species play a disproportionate role in maintaining ecosystem function.
A team of Rensselaer students, led by Assistant Professor Lupita D. Montoya, is designing and building solar-powered pasteurization systems for communities in rural Peru. The project aims to help families meet governmental regulations and earn additional income by producing dairy products.
A new study reveals that climate change will bring about major shifts in worldwide fire patterns, with some regions experiencing large increases in fire activity and others decreasing. The research uses thermal-infrared sensor data to identify hotspots of fire invasion forming in parts of the western US and the Tibetan plateau.
A study found that over 80% of major armed conflicts from 1950-2000 occurred in biodiversity hotspots, which are also home to the world's poorest people. The regions are essential for both biodiversity conservation and human well-being.
Deep biosphere microbes may hold the key to recovering petroleum through complex organic reactions. Researchers at Arizona State University are studying how hot water and pressure transform organic compounds in unexpected ways.
A new study reveals that dinosaurs were not superior to their crocodile cousins during the Triassic period. In fact, crurotarsans - a group closely related to dinosaurs and crocodiles - outcompeted them for resources and explored a larger range of body types and lifestyles.
Ecosystems are increasingly connected by human activities such as transportation and land use. This can lead to
The study found that an intermediate rate of dispersal creates a 'happy medium' wherein species move around enough to adapt to harsh environments, increasing ecosystem productivity and biodiversity. This breakthrough helps ecologists develop strategies for conservation areas with high biomass and diversity.
Ecological balance diverges across cultural, economic and political perspectives, according to ASU researcher Ann Kinzig. The biosphere can be both robust and fragile, with instability in one part required for stability in another.
Research by Albert Bandura highlights how disguising environmentally harmful practices can have a negative impact on the environment and quality of life. He argues that we must switch on our environmental conscience to save the world from ecological degradation.
Researchers found that Yellowstone viruses migrate from pool to pool through droplets of steam, thriving in acidic environments even when hosts are rare. This discovery sheds light on how these viruses survive and interact with microbes in hostile surroundings.
Computer simulations reveal that freshwater fish play a crucial role in recycling nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Overfishing could lead to declines in nutrient cycling, highlighting the importance of conserving key species.
Researchers study coupled oscillations in predator-prey systems to understand complex interactions in nature. Mathematical simulations reveal coordinated chaos, a phenomenon that helps some species coexist with others.
A groundbreaking FSU-led study calculates that phytoplankton generates about five times the annual total power consumption of humans, investing around one percent in mechanical energy. The findings suggest that the marine biosphere's mixing patterns may equal climate control, with potential implications for global climate regulation.
Researchers found that in fragmented habitats, Dupont's larks share songs more with neighbors than non-neighbors, suggesting a lack of interaction due to habitat barriers. This change may serve as an early warning system detecting the effects of fragmentation on bird populations.
Research reveals that nano-C60 dissolves in water and inhibits the growth of bacteria at low concentrations. The findings raise questions about the potential applications and environmental impact of buckyball aggregates.
River restoration projects worldwide lack agreed upon criteria for judging ecological success, leading to constrained natural processes. A new approach emphasizes creating resilient systems and minimizing lasting harm to ensure successful restoration.
A team of researchers, led by UCR scientist Michael Allen, investigated the response of a mycorrhizal fungal community to CO2 concentrations over six years. The findings suggest that previous work has overestimated the magnitude of community and ecosystem responses to carbon dioxide changes.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has been tapped to coordinate the design of a national network dedicated to ecological observations, known as NEON. The project aims to improve scientific understanding of various research areas, including climate change and biodiversity.
Humans annually require 20% of land-based plant growth for food and fiber, with regional consumption varying greatly. Large urban areas consume significantly more than local production, while sparsely populated areas like the Amazon have low consumption rates.
A recent study reveals that Caribbean reefs have suffered an alarming 80% loss of coral since 1980 due to various disturbances. However, team members have identified signs of new coral growth in some areas, including Jamaica, suggesting a potential path towards recovery.
Researchers at Oregon State University and EPA developed a new approach to predict disease spread based on climate change and ecological changes. The system uses loop analysis and vectorial capacity formula to estimate the growth rate of diseases, providing valuable insights for public health officials.
The study found that selling untreated used oil as fuel causes high levels of heavy metal emissions, including zinc and lead. Recycling and re-refining programs are recommended to reduce this environmental burden and promote safer alternatives.
A new report finds that nitrogen availability is a critical factor in ecosystem carbon storage, with current limitations hindering the natural systems' ability to mitigate climate change. The study suggests that we need to incorporate these limits into our models and reduce our reliance on natural ecosystems to combat carbon emissions.
High fish biodiversity does not guarantee ecosystem resilience in coral reefs. Human activities negatively impact bioerosion rates, even on unexploited reefs.
The International Biodiversity Observation Year initiative has introduced innovative IT tools for biodiversity research. Researchers are utilizing technologies such as GIS, distributed databases, and genetic analysis to study global biodiversity issues. These advancements have accelerated species identification, decomposition process u...
A new field of ecology explores how humans influence urban ecosystems, raising questions about accountability and stewardship. Cities are increasingly recognized as significant ecological systems with diverse conditions, energy-intensive operations, and a substantial ecological footprint.
A new cleanup system called Anodic Fenton Treatment (AFT) can clean up waste water from pesticides and textile processing on-site in just two to three minutes. The AFT process uses two electrochemical half-cells to produce hydroxyl radicals that break down unwanted chemicals, producing safe water for disposal.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a fast, low-cost inspection system that uses ultrasonic sound waves to detect damaged tires. The system can evaluate and characterize damage within the tire, determining its remaining useful life and whether it's worth retreading.