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.
A Tel Aviv University biologist challenges the idea that islands have unique evolutionary patterns, citing research that shows no extraordinary effects of isolation. He found that evolutionary processes on islands are not different from those on mainland ecosystems, contradicting popular myths about island-bred creatures.
A new study in the journal Evolution found that island lizards' body shapes and sizes are shaped by competition for resources. As species numbers increased on each island, finer evolutionary changes occurred, leading to fewer distinct body types.
A new study reveals that female jumping spiders fight with different rules than males, skipping preliminaries and engaging in all-out battles. The researchers found that the motivation behind a female's fighting behavior is her proximity to reproductive age and desire to protect her nest.
Researchers have discovered that Darwin's work on heterostylous flowers, a complex breeding system found in flowering plants, has significant economic implications. The study highlights the unique characteristics of heterostyly, which affects plant morphology, ecology, and evolution.
A new Excel-based application, Spatio-Temporal Animal Reduction (S.T.A.R.), aims to optimize culling strategies for invasive species in Australia. The model was developed by ecologists at the University of Adelaide to improve the success of wildlife managers tasked with eradicating feral animals.
Gardeners in the UK are encouraged to work together to protect vulnerable wildlife by creating a network of interlinking habitats. Collective action can make a real difference at the city scale, with top-down financial incentives and bottom-up community-driven initiatives supporting co-operation.
Scientists have discovered that the venom of isolated Florida cottonmouth snakes may differ from that of mainland snakes due to their diet of dead fish dropped by seabirds. A new technique for collecting venom, using a portable nerve stimulator, has also been developed as part of this study.
Scientists at the University of Toronto's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology discovered a novel gene, Ultrabithorax, responsible for water striders' unique body form. The gene lengthens mid-legs while shortening hind-legs, allowing water striders to glide on water.
Dr. Jonathan Losos has made significant contributions to the knowledge of Caribbean ecosystems through his research on anole lizards. His work highlights the importance of natural selection, competition, and niche evolution in shaping assemblages of Anolis species.
A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota synthesized emerging work on phylogenetics to understand species interactions and biodiversity. The study provides a comprehensive overview of forces driving community organization and the role evolution plays in assembly of these communities.
Research synthesizes phylogenetic knowledge to understand species interactions and ecosystems, highlighting evolutionary processes as key drivers of biodiversity. The study provides a comprehensive framework for community ecology, essential for managing and restoring Earth's flora and fauna.
A new study on blue tits reveals that eggs fertilized by non-social partners tend to hatch earlier, with nearly 75% of extra-pair offspring produced in the first half of the clutch. This suggests that early hatching may be a key factor in the observed superiority of extra-pair offspring.
Researchers at Stanford University develop 'reverse ecology' technique to reconstruct bacterial environments millions of years in the past from genomic data. This allows for the analysis of complex evolutionary interplay between organisms like parasites and hosts.
A new model predicts climate change and human water storage behavior will accelerate the spread of the disease-bearing Aedes aegypti mosquito. The study highlights the importance of water hygiene education to prevent mosquito establishment in areas where they are currently not found.
A comprehensive study of lion populations in Africa and Asia found evidence of genetic diversity, even in well-studied ecosystems. The research highlights the need to prioritize conservation efforts for declining populations over larger-scale initiatives.
A new species of blind, subterranean ant, Martialis heureka, has been discovered in the Amazon rainforest and is believed to be a descendant of the first ants to evolve. The ant's unique characteristics, including lack of eyes and pale body color, suggest that it may have evolved adaptations over time to its subterranean habitat.
Researchers developed a model explaining why large species dominate certain taxonomic groups, and how this relates to metabolism and habitat. The simple yet accurate model also omits traditional ideas from evolution and ecology.
Researchers successfully relocated the elusive Drosophila endobranchia species on land-crabs in Grand Cayman, shedding light on its evolutionary history. The study revealed that these flies are closely related to other Caribbean crab flies, suggesting a unique adaptation to their unusual breeding habitat.
A recent study suggests that changes in global carbon dioxide levels likely influenced the emergence of C4 grasses, a group of plants crucial for food and biofuels. The researchers found a correlation between the drop in CO2 levels 30 million years ago and the evolution of these grasses.
A new study in journal Ecography analyzes Bergmann's rule in European carnivore mammals, partitioning body mass variation into historical and ecological components. The findings show that patterns can be better explained by recent and independent evolution of each species as a response to environmental conditions.
Researchers investigated the evolution of army-ant following in tropical bird species, revealing specialization categories from casual to professional dependency. The study found army-ant following has persisted for millions of years, with implications for bird populations facing threats like deforestation and global warming.
New research suggests that Antarctic plant and animal life has a striking ability to survive global climate change. The findings contradict current reconstructions of past glacial ice extent and highlight the importance of integrating biological evidence into climate models.
Researchers found that hybrid young salamanders survived more in the wild than pure native or introduced species, challenging prevailing scientific thought. The study raises questions about managing endangered populations and considers hybrids as threats to native salamanders.
Researchers identified a third native North American bamboo species, Arundinaria appalachiana, which differs from other two species in dropping its leaves in the fall. This discovery was made by Iowa State University botanists Lynn Clark and Jimmy Triplett, along with their colleague Alan Weakley.
A mathematical model of disease cycles developed at the University of Michigan shows promise for predicting cholera outbreaks. The model used El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate variability data to improve prediction accuracy, particularly in recent decades.
Ecologist and Princeton Professor Simon Levin emphasizes the importance of self-organization in ecosystems and the interface between ecology and economics. His lecture at SIAM Annual Meeting explores mathematical approaches to uniting ecology and socioeconomics for a sustainable future.
The study introduced a new method for accurately mapping species distributions, leading to significant advancements in understanding population dynamics and habitat requirements. This innovation has crucial implications for effective conservation strategies, enabling scientists to target specific areas for protection.
Modern ants arose between 140-168 million years ago, coinciding with the emergence of flowering plants. This shift provided new habitats and food sources for ants, allowing them to diversify and become dominant in terrestrial ecosystems.
A recent study reveals that ancient ants arose 140-168 million years ago, in concert with the emergence of flowering plants. The researchers used DNA sequencing and fossil records to reconstruct the ant family tree, pushing back the origin of modern-day ants by at least 40 million years.
Curtis Marean aims to reconstruct ancient ecological factors influencing human evolution and understand the future implications for modern humans. He believes a team-based approach will provide more fruitful research than traditional specialist work.
A study found that poor forest management practices in the early 20th century have reduced the amount of carbon that modern forests can store by half. The researchers measured the carbon stored in several forested plots that were harvested and burned, finding that they stored only half as much carbon as adjacent control plots.
The new classification recognizes six major clusters of organisms, including Opisthokonta, Amoebozoa, Excavata, Rhizaria, Archaeplastida, and Chromalveolata. These clusters have significant implications for our understanding of eukaryotic diversity and its impact on various fields such as medicine and agriculture.
Researchers from Illinois University will use grants to recreate early Earth's geochemical processes, exploring how translation in cells may have begun with the genetic code. The team aims to fill gaps in understanding evolution, which is crucial for studying life beyond Earth.
Alison Galvani, a Yale Assistant Professor, has been awarded the Young Investigators' Prize by the American Society of Naturalists for her groundbreaking research on how evolutionary forces shape interactions between hosts and pathogens. Her work has significant implications for disease control policies and the persistence of diseases.
Marine scientists aim to fill information gaps on coral reef ecosystems to strengthen global management and policy interventions. The assessment focuses on identifying sources of new marine pathogens, reducing inputs, and developing control measures.
Researchers discovered that differences in life histories among parasitoid wasp species lead to 'gaps' that open up over time, resulting in the great diversity of wasps seen in nature. This finding suggests a new basis for explaining how communities assemble and sheds light on the role of evolution in shaping ecological patterns.
Jim Reichman has received the Distinguished Service Citation from the Ecological Society of America for his long service to ESA and scientific community. He is also a recipient of the C. Hart Merriam Award of the American Society of Mammalogists, recognizing his contributions to mammalogy and environmental science.
The Woods Hole COHH will research how oceanic processes affect human pathogens, focusing on temperate coastal ocean distribution and persistence. The center aims to address public health threats from harmful algal blooms and contaminated coastal waters.
A long-term study by Cornell University finds that marine-organism disease is increasing in some taxa, such as turtles and mammals, but declining in fish due to over-fishing. However, disease rates are still too low to be observed for many populations of wild fish.
A recent study found that invasive North American populations of garlic mustard were outcompeted by those from native European populations. This suggests the species has evolved to be less competitive due to a lack of strong competitors in invaded habitats.
Birds in French Guiana have plumage that matches their environment, with colors similar to the canopy and understorey to avoid predators. Ultraviolet is used for conspicuous signals to select mates, with males displaying more patterns than females.
A recent study by A. A. Hoffmann et al. found that the fruit fly Drosophila birchii lacks genetic variation to adapt to changing thermal conditions, a concern for endangered species. UC Riverside's Derek Roff warns that global warming may exacerbate this issue, threatening the survival of already endangered species.
A study by Pascual and coworkers reveals that climate variability from ENSO influences cholera cycles, with a stronger link during warm events. Understanding this connection is crucial as ENSO predictions suggest a potential increase in disease variability under global warming.
Researchers found that blue jays exhibit stable cooperation when responding to reciprocity and accumulating benefits over time. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying animal cooperation.
Researchers found that male lions are intimidated by longer manes, while females prefer darker-maned males. Darker manes also correlate with higher testosterone levels, which may be an advantage for attracting mates and defending territories. Despite this, there is no correlation between mane length and temperature regulation.
The Ecological Society of America honored its 2002 award winners for their contributions to ecology, including George Mercer Award recipient Jonathon Levine's innovative approach to managing invasive species. The Eugene P. Odum Education Award was given to Margaret Lowman for her work in ecology education and research.
Researchers found that the scale of interaction and dispersal is crucial to maintaining biodiversity in bacterial communities. Localizing these interactions helps preserve genetic diversity, allowing weaker competitors to persist over time.
Researchers used a large database of ecological information to analyze over 100 animal populations in the wild. They found that generalist feeding organisms exhibit short cycle periods, typically four times as long as an animal's lifespan, while those that feed on one species have longer cycles.
Researchers find that African ants' pruning behavior increases colony life span, but harms host trees, sparking debate on ecological partnerships. The study sheds light on why weaker competitors can persist in diverse ecosystems.