Promoting parasites
Researchers have identified four new species of parasites infecting an invasive freshwater fish in Japan. The discovery sheds light on the role of parasites in natural ecosystems and their potential impact on native species.
Ecosystems
Articles tagged with Ecosystems
Could green façades cool down cities in the future?
A new study assesses the feasibility of green façades as a climate change mitigation strategy in urban environments. The research reveals that experts estimate the likelihood of implementation at only 2% without incentives, but increases to 14% with financial and legislative support.
Indirect effects of rising CO2 levels on ecosystems more important than previously thought
Indirect effects of rising CO2 levels, such as changes in soil moisture and plant structure, have a bigger impact on ecosystems than previously thought. These effects can explain up to 28% of total plant productivity response and are almost equal to the size of direct effects on evapotranspiration.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2016
The psychology behind climate change denial
Research finds climate change denial correlates with political orientation, authoritarian attitudes, and a tough-minded personality. Climate change is often framed as a threat to the poor or weak, which may not be convincing for those who prioritize hierarchical power structures.
Golden eagles may be more abundant in undeveloped, elevated landscapes
A study published in PLOS ONE found that golden eagles are more abundant in open, elevated areas with high wind speeds. These areas provide better hunting opportunities and allow for efficient flight, suggesting a preference for landscapes with these characteristics.
Research aims to grasp complexities in plant-pollinator networks across tallgrass prairies
A better understanding of how pollinators interact with plants is key to untangling the decline in pollinator health. Researchers are using molecular genetic analysis to reconstruct historical records of plant visits by native bees across 10 prairie sites in Kansas.
Ancient ants leaving a modern trail
A recent study published in Journal of Biogeography reveals that ant communities across Asia are shaped by past land connections during the Last Glacial Maximum, rather than current geographical features. Temperature was found to be the dominant factor in determining ant community patterns.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJun 8, 2016
Network governance connects people to solve collective environmental problems
Researchers argue that network governance models can help big conservation alliances govern themselves and strengthen connections through communication. This approach emphasizes inclusivity, allowing disparate stakeholders to envision common goals and choose metrics for measuring progress.
New Nature Communications study says 'fear itself' can help restore ecosystems
A new study published in Nature Communications demonstrates that the fear of large carnivores can have cascading effects on the food chain and restore ecosystems. The researchers found that instilling fear in raccoons reduced their time spent feeding and reversed their impacts on their prey, leading to a healthier ecosystem.
Researchers find the tipping point between resilience and collapse in complex systems
A new tool using statistical physics can identify the tipping point for complex systems, predicting their collapse. This prediction enables early intervention and recovery measures to be taken, ensuring the system's resilience is maintained.
UM researchers work on model to help restoration managers with decision-making
Researchers from UM and UFZ developed an ecological simplification concept to aid land managers in identifying restoration project priorities. The study found that man-made structures can create ecological niches and increase biodiversity in rivers, but also introduced new challenges such as invasive species.
Large, violent animal packs shaped the ecosystems of the Pleistocene epoch
Researchers found that intense attacks from packs of large carnivores, including lions and sabertooth cats, helped keep herbivore populations in check. This study challenges the long-held assumption that mammoths, mastodons, and giant ground sloths were limited by reproductive timing due to resource scarcity.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015
University of Tennessee study: Bats important to survival of rare frog, other species
A University of Tennessee study found that Caucasian parsley frogs rely on insect-rich bat guano for food in limestone caves. The research highlights the critical role bats play in maintaining cave ecosystems and underscores the need to protect small bat colonies.
Beyond species counts: Using evolutionary history to inform conservation
A recent study investigates multiple phylogenetic diversity metrics and discusses their role in preserving biodiversity. The study highlights the challenges of calculating these metrics due to data availability, but also notes that as more sequence data are generated, accurate calculations will become increasingly routine.
Safeguarding the greater good
A unanimous international consensus reached by 26 scientists recommends specific measures for the responsible conduct of gene drive research. The group calls for all researchers to use multiple confinement strategies to prevent accidental alteration of wild populations.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2015
Yeast byproduct inhibits white-nose syndrome fungus in lab experiments
Researchers discovered that a yeast byproduct can inhibit the white-nose syndrome fungus, which has killed millions of bats. The compound, tt-farnesol, is produced by Candida albicans and targets the fungus specifically without disrupting other cave ecosystem components.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMycopathologia·DateJul 21, 2015
Keystone species: Which are the most important functional genes in an ecosystem?
Researchers have successfully mapped key functional genes in bacterial species that play central roles in maintaining ecological balance. This knowledge may lead to targeted interventions to restore ecosystem health, such as supporting keystone bacteria to mitigate diseases like Parkinson's.
Cost-effective conservation helps species bounce back
Researchers have developed a cost-effective way to help ecosystems recover from human disturbances like shipping and fishing. The method uses ecological traits like resilience to optimize connections between populations, enabling conservation staff to make informed decisions about recovery plans.
Extreme makeover: Mankind's unprecedented transformation of Earth
Researchers at the University of Leicester identify four key changes driven by human activity: homogenization of species, Homo sapiens as top predator, direction of evolution, and interaction with technology. These changes represent a planetary transformation as fundamental as major extinction events.
Conservation policies could improve human health
A study published in PNAS found that strictly protected areas, like parks and reserves, have lower incidences of malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrhea. By preserving biodiversity, these areas can act as a barrier to disease transmission, suggesting a potential double win for public health benefits.
Genetically modified fish on the loose?
Researchers warn that genetically modified salmonids may outcompete wild-type fish due to enhanced feeding motivation. However, increased aggression could expose them to greater predation risk, reducing their overall fitness.
Western Canada to lose 70 percent of glaciers by 2100
Seventy percent of glacier ice in British Columbia and Alberta could disappear by the end of the century, impacting energy production, water supply, and freshwater ecosystems. The Rocky Mountains are expected to lose up to 90% of its glaciers, while coastal mountains will retain only half their volume.
A breakthrough approach to addressing the causes of biodiversity loss
The IPBES conceptual framework offers a new approach to understanding biodiversity loss by incorporating traditional knowledge and social sciences. The framework is built on six main elements: nature, human benefits, anthropogenic assets, indirect drivers of change, direct drivers of change, and good quality of life.
Ecosystems need maths not random nature to survive
Researchers discovered a universal mathematical property called Trophic Coherence that explains how ecosystems maintain stability and grow larger, unlike previous thought. This finding has implications for conservation efforts and may apply to finance and engineering fields.
New laws threaten Brazil's unique ecosystems
Researchers warn that new Brazilian laws could weaken environmental protection and threaten protected areas. At least 20% of Brazil's most strictly protected areas overlap with mining interests, while large hydroelectric dams will influence many river systems.
Rivers recover natural conditions quickly following dam removal
A study by Oregon State University found that rivers can return to a condition close to their natural state after dam removal, with the biological recovery process often surpassing physical recovery. The continued presence of a dam is more significant than the sediment pulse caused by dam removal, according to researchers.
The cultural side of science communication
A new Northwestern University study highlights the importance of considering cultural differences in science communication, finding that media often reflects cultural orientations and assumptions. The research reveals that Native Americans tend to see themselves as part of nature, while European-Americans view humans as apart from it.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2014
Northern moths may fare better under climate warming than expected
A new Dartmouth-Finnish study found that high-latitude moth populations are less susceptible to temperature changes, suggesting they may be partly buffered from the effects of rapid climate warming. The findings are important because moths are a key food source for birds and other predators.
What can plants reveal about global climate change?
A new series of articles in the American Journal of Botany explores how plants respond to climate change, providing insights into plant biology, ecology, and evolution. The studies reveal complex relationships between plants and wide-scale biological changes.
Health-related quality of life in PD patients in northeastern Sicily, Italy
This study examines how Parkinson's disease affects the health-related quality of life in northeastern Sicily, Italy. The researchers applied the ecological model to investigate the individual and social environmental factors impacting patient outcomes, including depression, cognitive impairment, coping strategies, and family size.
Simple math may solve longstanding problem of parasite energetics
Researchers develop equations to estimate parasite and host metabolic rates, providing a new way to understand the energetics of parasites. The model reveals that there is a limit to how many worms can be accommodated in a host, with energy being the key limiting factor.
Photos on social media used to measure aesthetic value of Cornish landscape
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Exeter uses computational social science to measure the aesthetic value of ecosystems. The study found that areas in Cornwall with high levels of photographer activity, such as Kynance Cove and Port Issac, have the highest aesthetic value.
OU researchers collaborate on $20 million NSF EPSCoR grant
OU researchers will collaborate on a $20 million NSF EPSCoR grant to advance understanding of socio-ecological systems in Oklahoma. The project aims to develop a statewide socio-ecological observatory network, a forecasting system, and a decision-support system to address climate change and variability.
Natural 'keystone molecules' punch over their weight in ecosystems
Researchers propose keystone molecules as a key factor in structuring ecosystems. These molecules have powerful effects on bacteria, seabirds, fishes, and other species. Keystone molecules also influence predator-prey relationships and can be crucial for conservation efforts.
Human impacts on natural world underestimated
A comprehensive study by University of Calgary ecologists finds that human activity is deliberately or inadvertently engineering ecosystems, influencing food chains in protected areas and beyond. The results challenge traditional understanding of ecosystem regulation, highlighting the critical role of humans in shaping natural systems.
Research on ecosystems of the future has started
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology is launching a research project to study the impact of climate change on plant range shifts and ecosystem stability. The team aims to understand how plants interact with their 'ecological partners' in new ranges, and how this affects biodiversity.
Tiny colorful snails are in danger of extinction with vanishing limestone ecosystems
Researchers discovered three new species of carnivorous snails in Thailand's limestone areas, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. The study found that despite human exploitation and quarrying, these unique creatures continue to thrive in specific mountain ranges.
Urban metabolism for the urban century
The Yale School of Environment's Journal of Industrial Ecology publishes a special issue on Sustainable Urban Systems, focusing on integrated approaches to reduce environmental impact. Research explores global warming, waste management, and phosphorus use in cities worldwide.
News for conservationists: Scientists challenge ideas about natural habitats and species diversity
Researchers found that excessive habitat heterogeneity may lead to a decrease in species diversity, contradicting current conservation practices. The study provides important insights for selecting and managing conservation areas.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2012
UF researcher tests powerful new tool to advance ecology, conservation
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.
IUCN adopts new 'Green List' to show species on the path to conservation success
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.
Study provides first evidence of coevolution between invasive, native species
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.
Why environmental science, including human ecology, must drive Rio+20 talks
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.
Scientists find that rain may not always be a welcome thing to waterbirds
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.
Different recipes for success in the world of plants
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.
Experiments may understate plant responses to climate
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.
UBC president helps identify key steps to respond to growing Asia Pacific research strengths
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.
Drawing connections between food webs
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.
Ecologists gain insight into the likely consequences of global warming
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.
Ecologists gain insight into the likely consequences of global warming
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.
Becoming part of global, shoestring team requires researchers only to play fair, share
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.
Endangered species? Should cheap phosphorus be first on an elemental 'Red List?'
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.
Study: Severe low temperatures devastate coral reefs in Florida Keys
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.
Young graphite in old rocks challenges the earliest signs of life
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.
Species are to ecosystems as cells are to the human body, according to a mathematical model
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.
Study: Ecological effects of biodiversity loss underestimated
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...
Climate change forcing a 'move it or lose it' approach to species conservation?
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 ...
Getting a tail up on conservation?
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.
Study challenges long-held assumption about competition in disturbed ecosystems
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...
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2010
Small mammals -- and rest of food chain -- at greater risk from global warming than thought
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.