Articles tagged with Evolutionary Ecology
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Urbanization may be shaping the spotted lanternfly's spread into new environments by allowing them to adapt to heat, pollution, and pesticides. The insects' genetic diversity is lower in the US compared to China, but they are still adapting to local climate conditions.
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.
Researchers found that the green-flowered Aeschynanthus acuminatus evolved on the mainland, not in Taiwan, and adapted to shorter-beaked birds. This contradicts the Grant-Stebbins model of plant evolution, which predicted the species would evolve in Taiwan with new pollinators.
A study led by Lund University reveals how a dominant wall lizard species has wiped out several color variants within its population. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 individuals and found that the aggressive 'Hulk' lizards have shifted the balance of colors, leaving only white throat colors remaining.
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.
A new study reveals that resilient nematodes can persist in the Atacama Desert's hostile soil, with population diversity correlating to water profile and temperature fluctuations. The findings suggest that biodiversity in arid regions may be higher than previously assumed, but also warn of ecosystem damage.
According to a University of Arizona-led study, scientists are discovering new species at a rate that far exceeds extinction. The team analyzed taxonomic histories of 2 million species and found an average of more than 16,000 new species each year, including insects, plants, fungi, and vertebrates.
Researchers found that some phage-resistant mutations enhance bacteria's ability to sink carbon, while others slow down growth rates. The study suggests that the selection of surface mutants may play a key role in marine biological pump and carbon export.
A new University of Stirling study shows that using insects like parasitic wasps to control agricultural pests is safer and more environmentally friendly than using chemical pesticides. Despite some whiteflies developing genetic resistance, the study found that survivors have low reproductive success, limiting widespread resistance.
A newly discovered Philippine pitcher plant, Nepenthes megastoma, is already at risk of extinction due to severe weather conditions and human encroachment. The species has limited population and is threatened by poaching, deforestation, and droughts.
Researchers at the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum uncovered a slipup from decades ago: the misidentification of a poison frog specimen from Peru used as a holotype. After discovering the error, they corrected it by re-examining data and field notes. The frog in question has since been reclassifie...
A German-Swiss research team found that spatial data can remarkably predict biodiversity changes over time, identifying areas under pressure. The study used unique data from 150 meadows and shows that land use intensification leads to declining biodiversity.
Researchers analyzed fossilized limb bones of the ancient kangaroo wallaby Dorcopsoides fossilis, shedding light on its adaptations for open habitats. The study provides direct evidence of the evolution of iconic hindlimbs in kangaroos during a critical period.
Researchers found that European starlings were better at mimicking R2-D2's electronic beeps and boops due to their unique vocal organ morphology. Smaller bird species like budgerigars and cockatiels surprisingly outperformed larger parrots in this task, suggesting different strategies for sound imitation.
Researchers have identified three new species of tree-dwelling toads from Africa that skip the tadpole phase and give birth to live toadlets. This rare reproductive strategy is found in less than 1% of frog species, making these toads exceptionally interesting.
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the Western Weddell Sea uncovered extensive maintained fish nesting grounds, revealing patterns and organization, which are thought to be a survival strategy. The discovery provides critical insights into Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems and their importance for biodiversity.
Scientists at UC Davis have discovered a new species of trapdoor spider, Aptostichus ramirezae, in California's coastal sand dunes. The study reveals that what was thought to be one species is actually two, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect habitats shrinking due to climate change and human development.
Researchers from the Canadian Museum of Nature have described a nearly complete fossil skeleton of an extinct rhinoceros species, named Epiatheracerium itjilik, from the Haughton Crater in Nunavut. The Arctic rhino lived about 23 million years ago and is closely related to other European rhino species.
Researchers from Princeton University uncover the origins of the human-biting mosquito Culex pipiens molestus, dating it back over 1,000 years to ancient agricultural societies in Egypt. The study reveals genetic links between bird-biting and human-biting mosquitoes, crucial for understanding West Nile virus transmission.
A new study found that crayfish with larger but weaker claws swam more slowly due to energetic trade-offs. Removing one or both claws improved swimming performance, highlighting the physical burden of carrying oversized weapons.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have found a universal thermal performance curve that unifies seemingly different temperature curves for various species. This discovery suggests that species are more constrained than expected in adapting to global climate change, as temperatures rise.
Scientists have found that a tiny worm uses static electricity to jump high into the air and attach to flying insects, with a charge of hundreds of volts initiating an attractive force. The researchers used experiments to investigate how electrostatic forces affect the success rate of nematodes connecting with insects.
A global study has discovered that birds' fear of novelty is strongly linked to their dietary specialization and migratory behavior. The research found that species with narrower diets and those that migrate may exhibit higher levels of neophobia, or fear of new things.
A study by Kobe University discovered that wild orchid seeds require fungi from decaying logs to germinate. The team found a consistent association between young and adult plants with coral-shaped rhizomes and wood-decaying fungi, suggesting an essential role for these fungi in the orchid's nutritional needs.
A Bielefeld study analyzes audience questions and survey responses from over 1,300 participants to identify barriers to inclusion at scientific events. Small measures such as behavioral guidelines and free childcare options can have a significant impact on increasing diversity and equity.
Researchers found that seabirds use different strategies to find food, with scent-tracking birds benefiting visually hunting birds. This study provides insights into complex systems and crowd behavior, informing conservation strategies for procellariiform seabirds.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology found that women generally outlive men, with females living 12% longer on average in most mammals. This gap is attributed to genetic differences, reproductive strategies, and parental investment, which provide a survival advantage to females.
A University of Maryland-led study found that wild canids create and stick to specific travel routes within their territories, while felids tend to roam more freely. The research challenges traditional assumptions about animal movement and has implications for conservation and management of at-risk mammalian carnivores globally.
A study by Bielefeld University reveals that common wall lizards behave far more socially in urban areas, maintaining multiple contacts and developing stronger bonds due to the city environment's structure.
Researchers found that conifer resin contains a mix of ancient and recent diterpenes, which may aid in combating bark beetles. The team's genetic analysis revealed that some diterpenes originated 300 million years ago, while others developed more recently and independently in different tree species.
Scientists have discovered how to potentially control harmful insect populations by studying a 'selfish gene' that manipulates inheritance. By understanding the molecular basis of this genetic mechanism, researchers believe they can identify novel methods to control certain insects that are globally significant pests and disease carriers.
Researchers Jeremy McCormack and Andrei Kuzhelev at Goethe University are investigating the reasons behind prehistoric shark extinctions using new isotopic analysis methods. They also develop a novel nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy technique to study large biomolecules.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz are developing new methods to modify natural substances using enzymes, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, ecologist Catalina Chaparro-Pedraza is studying how organisms adapt to environmental changes and their impact on ecological resilience.
A study found that most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws, which helps explain how they thrived in various environments. This discovery suggests that thumbnails provide more manual dexterity than long, sharp claws, enabling rodents to exploit high-energy resources like nuts.
A new bioinformatics-based method, fDOG, has been developed to search for genes with certain functions, including those involved in plant cell wall degradation. The study reveals a detailed global map of enzymes capable of degrading plant cell walls, with surprising discoveries among fungi and animals.
Albino cane toads created using CRISPR technology reveal that albinism affects survival and hunting abilities, with poor eyesight being the core problem. In controlled environments, albino tadpoles were less likely to survive and developed faster when competing with pigmented siblings for food and space.
Researchers from Kyoto University discovered a new shrimp roommate, Betaeus levifrons, living in Japanese mud shrimp (Upogebia major) burrows on the Pacific coast of Hokkaido. This symbiotic relationship highlights the unique ecological and evolutionary processes underlying these interactions.
Researchers found that brown anole lizards can withstand extreme lead levels without impairment. Transcriptomic analyses revealed minor effects on brain and liver tissue, with altered genes linked to metal ion regulation.
Researchers found that behavioral flexibility is related to exploration and dispersal in great-tailed grackles. Individuals with greater flexibility exhibit more exploratory behavior, which facilitates their ability to adapt to new environments and expand their geographic range.
A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.
Researchers at OIST found that only cyanobacteria Trichormus azollae are true symbionts of Azolla ferns, with their genomes showing extreme decay and loss of genes. The study sheds light on the genomic impacts of symbiosis and its potential applications in food security.
Researchers found that symbionts of reed beetles regulate gene expression according to the beetle's life stage, diet, and environmental conditions. The study shows that these bacteria can maintain a regulated metabolism with a minimal set of genes, suggesting a flexible and adaptable approach to support their hosts.
A new study suggests that genetic rescue of endangered species may not be as effective as previously thought, and could even introduce more harmful mutations. Analysis of Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes found more deleterious than adaptive mutations in donor animals selected for relocation.
Australian skinks have developed tiny changes in a muscle receptor that blocks nerve-muscle communication, preventing paralysis and death. This finding could inform the development of novel antivenoms and therapeutic agents to counter neurotoxic venoms.
The book examines biodiversity, ecology, and conservation strategies across Mexico's deserts, focusing on the Baja California Peninsula, Chihuahuan Desert, Sonoran Desert, and Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley. Key findings include the ecological roles of natural products and traditional medicinal plants.
A large-scale study found that zoos are often breeding endangered animals in skewed sex ratios, which can limit genetic diversity and increase the risk of extinction. The research highlights the need for zoos to collaborate and share data on their animal populations to manage conservation efforts effectively.
Researchers reanalyzed the coelacanth's skull musculature and found that only 13% of previously identified evolutionary muscle novelties were accurate. The study also identified nine new evolutionary transformations related to feeding and respiration, revealing a more similar anatomy to cartilaginous fish and tetrapods.
A study of 25 years of behavioral observations found that gorillas' aggression is shaped by their individual needs and social environment. Pregnant and lactating females directed more aggression towards more powerful group members, while females with more males in the group targeted less powerful opponents.
Scientists discovered that marine copepods rely on both genetic and epigenetic changes to survive climate change. Epigenetic changes, which are temporary chemical modifications, play a crucial role in helping these tiny crustaceans adapt to ocean acidification and warming conditions.
Researchers found that repeated tickling increases oxytocin receptor expression in a rat brain region, mediating social bond formation across species. Pleasant tactile stimulation drives affinity-like behavior, indicating the formation of social bonds.
A recent study found that behavioral flexibility is related to foraging breadth, not social or habitat use behaviors, in great-tailed grackles rapidly expanding their geographic range. The researchers discovered that flexible individuals switched between different food types more often in the wild.
Researchers uncover osteoderms in nearly half of all lizard species worldwide, shedding light on heat regulation, mobility, and calcium storage. This discovery reshapes the understanding of reptile evolution, suggesting that these skin bones evolved in response to environmental pressures.
Research using fitness trackers found that Australian central bearded dragons with higher speeds had a greater risk of mortality. The study suggests that being too speedy may put these lizards at risk to predators, especially during spring when they move more openly in search of mates.
A new study finds that the copper-based molluscicide used to treat invasive mussels in Idaho's Snake River has devastating effects on the local ecosystem. Nearly half of the original mass of copper is gone after just 10 days, but dissolved copper concentrations remain toxic for over two weeks.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba and Granada have improved the spatial resolution of monthly climate data from 22,000 years ago to the year 2100, allowing for more detailed studies. This enables the analysis of specific ecosystems and biodiversity responses to climate changes.
A new study led by Brown University biologists found that different species of large herbivores have diets that are more diverse and complex than previously known. Researchers analyzed fecal and plant samples to identify the types of plants consumed by each species, revealing smaller dietary differences between species than expected.
Researchers discovered plants can select good microbes and suppress harmful ones to thrive in challenging conditions. The concept of functional team selection highlights the importance of microbiome diversity in plant adaptation.
A new study resolves why male-female power asymmetries vary across primate societies, finding that contests between males and females are common. The research reveals that female empowerment often relies on alternative pathways, such as reproductive strategies to gain control over matings.
Researchers used herbarium specimens to estimate when plants germinated and grew in areas with varying climate conditions. The study found that plants adapt to hotter, drier times and microclimates, rather than changing their environments.
Researchers found that chipmunks' skulls became larger but teeth shorter due to increased human food availability. Voles' auditory bullae decreased in size possibly to dampen environmental noise. These changes demonstrate the profound impact of humans on wildlife and their environment.