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.
The study found that animals have evolved to prefer tastes that correspond with their elemental needs, helping them prioritize nutrient-rich foods. Convergent evolution was observed across mammalian, fish, and insect groups, highlighting the importance of taste in foraging and nutrient cycling.
Scientists from the University of Göttingen and the Gobabeb Namib Research Institute investigated the long-term results of an experiment from 1979. They found that poisonous substances from Euphorbia damarana leaves did not induce fairy circles, contradicting Theron's original hypothesis.
The researchers proposed five strategies to address colonial legacies in ecology: decolonizing the mind, understanding history, increasing access to information, recognizing diverse expertise, and establishing inclusive teams. These strategies aim to challenge biases and promote a more ethical approach to ecological research.
Researchers reconstructed Pinus genus evolutionary history using 1,662 genes, revealing 90% species originated in Miocene and midlatitude species are older than others. Environmental factors suggest topography drove pine diversification, with evidence of fire-adaptation syndromes over time.
Research reveals that pitviper species consuming more evolutionarily diverse prey produce more complex venom. The study found that the evolutionary distance between consumed prey species affects venom complexity, suggesting subtle differences in venom targets.
Adriana Darielle Mejía Briscoe, a University of California, Irvine professor of ecology & evolutionary biology, has been awarded a 2021 Guggenheim Fellowship. She will conduct field research on the impacts of climate change on butterflies' visual and thermal adaptations.
Researcher Margarita López-Uribe will investigate the impact of artificial selection on pollinator ecology and evolution in agricultural landscapes. She aims to characterize changes in floral functional traits, pollinator foraging behavior, and genetic underpinnings of sensory system adaptations.
Researchers from the University of Illinois highlight the importance of proper bat box design and placement to prevent overheating. They recommend using large, well-ventilated designs with materials that provide better temperature buffers.
A team of biologists found that human pelvis sex differences are similar to those in chimpanzees, suggesting an ancient origin. The magnitude of these differences is only half as large in chimpanzees, indicating that modern humans inherited this pattern from earlier mammals.
Research by the University of Bristol team found that tropical paper wasps provide crucial support to extended family members, including helping neighboring nests. By observing twenty thousand baby wasps and their carers, the team discovered that workers become less useful as colony sizes rise due to a surplus of help.
A new study identified bird species with the potential to transmit Lyme disease bacterium to feeding ticks, flagging 21 new species for surveillance. Bird traits such as diet composition, migration distance, and life history features were used to predict competence in spreading Lyme.
Archaeologists are addressing modern-day issues like biodiversity conservation and climate change by analyzing past data and solutions. The field has evolved to a highly scientific approach using advanced instrumentation and computers.
Researchers assess opportunities to improve nature monitoring, increase access to green spaces, and reduce pollution with robotics. However, they also warn of potential negative impacts on the environment, including waste generation and social inequalities.
The study explores how independent transitions of marine fish species into different water column habitats result in the recurrent evolution of similar body shapes. This suggests that limited sets of high-fitness solutions exist due to environmental constraints.
The article argues for a revitalized view of history in ecology and evolution, proposing nine understandings of history to generalize findings and observe scientific laws. These 'flavors' include contingency, chance, chaos, capriciousness, approach, constraint, construction, turnover, and template.
The SPI-Birds initiative combines breeding population data of 1.5 million individually recognisable birds to answer ecology and evolution questions. The project aims to inspire other research communities to create their own standards, promoting FAIR data use.
Scientists have discovered an extremely rare species of cymothoid, Elthusa splendida, from a museum shark specimen in the East China Sea. The find expands the species' range to almost opposite sides of the globe, with only five previously documented specimens.
Researchers uncover fossil specimens of ancient walruses in Orange County, revealing five distinct species, including two new species without tusks. The study provides insights into the dental and tusk evolution of walruses, suggesting that feeding ecology played a key role in the origin and early evolution of tusks.
The article discusses the benefits of combining intensive lab experiences with online learning for students studying ecology and evolution. A short but intensive field period can enhance student interpersonal skills, offer more flexibility, and provide a better testing experience.
A study found that reducing nitrogen levels can harm plant biodiversity by displacing species adapted to low nutrients. Researchers advocate for an EU Phosphate Directive to address this issue and protect threatened plant species.
A study of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf found declines in carbon values, suggesting a decrease in primary productivity or changes in prey selection. The research highlights the need for careful management of marine parks and surrounding environments to prevent overfishing and nutrient runoff.
A lack of coordination among stakeholders hinders biodiversity monitoring, but integrating contributors can improve data collection. This is crucial for identifying factors leading to declines in biodiversity and creating sustainable conservation strategies.
A team of scientists developed machine-learning models to differentiate among several existing Amherstieae legume genera and classified existing pollen accurately over 80% of the time. The results support previous hypotheses suggesting that Amherstieae originated in Africa and later dispersed to South America.
Research found that only 12% of ecosystem functioning variance can be explained by plant traits, highlighting the complexity of long-term ecosystem changes. Plant biomass production and pollination patterns varied greatly among years and communities.
A new study finds that infectious diseases in livestock can lead to increased methane emissions, exacerbating climate change. Ruminant animals infected with intestinal worms or suffering from mastitis release up to 33% and 8% more methane per kilogram of feed or milk produced.
A new study finds that Megalodon's estimated body length of up to 15 meters exceeds the general size limit for non-planktivorous sharks, which typically reach 7 meters. The research proposes live-bearing reproductive strategy and cannibalistic egg-eating behavior as possible causes for gigantism in lamniform sharks.
Researchers predict that Páramos ecosystems in the Andes will shrink substantially without conservation efforts, threatening biodiversity and human populations. The study focuses on Espeletia species, which are highly diverse and adapted to extreme conditions, but may not evolve fast enough to keep up with climate change.
A collaborative team of 28 professors from various biology fields will integrate recent discoveries about microbial symbiosis and its impact on evolution and ecology.
Scientists estimate nature-based solutions for agricultural pest control deliver $14.6-19.5 billion annually across 23 countries. Non-chemical crop protection (biological control) outperforms traditional Green Revolution methods, promoting rural growth and prosperity.
A new study reveals a large-scale change from predatory fish to stickleback dominance in the Baltic Sea, threatening local ecosystems. The shift is linked to eutrophication and climate change, and its effects include reduced recruitment of pike and perch.
A collaborative research group from Kyoto University investigates how animals balance information sharing with disease risk to form social networks. They propose an integrative framework that incorporates deleterious forms of social transmission, like infectious diseases.
A new study highlights the critical importance of partnering with indigenous people and local communities in tropical forest restoration. The research estimates that 294.5 million people live within areas with good potential for forest restoration, and over one billion people live nearby such land.
A new study by an international team of researchers found that biodiversity experiment findings are reliable and applicable to the real world. The study analyzed data from two large-scale experiments and compared them with equivalent 'real-world' sites, showing that previous conclusions were supported.
In unpredictable environments, brood parasites spread their reproductive risk by targeting more and diverse host species. This bet-hedging strategy allows them to adapt to changing conditions and increase their chances of offspring survival.
A review paper examines the influence of systemic inequalities on ecology and evolution, finding that racism reduces biodiversity, increases urban heat island effects, and augments climate crises. The authors advocate for environmental justice and anti-racism practices to transform biological research and conservation.
A recent US long-term ecological site study suggests that the so-called 'insect apocalypse' may be exaggerated, with many areas showing little to no overall change in insect abundance and biodiversity. However, certain species remain in decline, particularly for key ecosystem services like pollination and natural pest control.
Only 6.5% of world's pristine tropical forests are formally protected, leaving rest at risk due to lack of focus on forest intactness and quality in global conservation strategies. New targets for protection, restoration, and reduction of human pressure are urgently needed to conserve these ecosystems.
The Undinarchaeota, a previously unknown phylum of aquatic Archaea, have been found to likely depend on partner organisms for growth, while also conserving energy through fermentation. Their discovery provides new insights into the diversity and evolutionary history of Archaea.
Seabirds produce guano that serves as a fertilizer and contributes significantly to coastal and marine ecosystems. The researchers estimated the value of guano production at around $473 million per year, with nutrients deposited by seabirds worth an additional $1 billion annually.
A study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that multicellular clusters can promote cooperative interactions between organisms, leading to a previously unknown mechanism driving the evolution of mutual aid. This discovery challenges the traditional view of evolution as a competition for resources.
A global transition to agroecological production is crucial to reduce threats to biodiversity and support ecosystems. Agroecology can enhance biodiversity, promote connectivity between protected areas and increase species' ability to respond to environmental threats.
A species of crab, Sesarma reticulatum, is reshaping the landscape of marshlands in the southeastern US. The crab's burrowing and grazing activities lead to erosion of creek heads, accelerating marsh drainage and altering ecosystem dynamics.
Researchers created a basic model of an ant body using ellipsoids to understand center of balance and evolution among body segments. The study reveals how ants maintain balance despite large head sizes, with implications for bio-inspired machine design.
A complete time-calibrated phylogeny for European butterflies has been published, providing a tool for evolutionary and ecological research. The study offers insights into the ancestral relationships and history of divergence for all 496 species.
Researchers found that many plant pathogens can specialise on particular temperatures or host plants, but also have wide temperature or host ranges. This study provides key insights into the co-evolution between pathogens and their hosts, allowing scientists to better understand where and when pathogens could strike next.
A study found 64 pesticide residues in milkweed, contaminating the main food source for monarch butterflies in the west. Pesticides were present at levels harmful to monarchs and other insects, raising concerns for the already critically small western monarch population.
A new study found that mosquitoes are most likely to transmit malaria in the early evening when people are exposed, followed by midnight and morning. This shift in biting behavior could reduce the effectiveness of bed nets in preventing malaria.
The False Coral Snake has been observed displaying 10 different defensive behaviors in a laboratory setting, including dorsoventral flattening, body vibrations, and erratic movements. These behaviors may be linked to mimicry with venomous snakes or physical constraints related to body size.
A new framework understanding how light and noise pollution impacts wildlife has been developed by worldwide experts in ecology and physiology. Sensory danger zones have been identified as areas where sensory pollutants influence animal activity, posing a threat to imperiled species and urban wildlife.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a detailed blueprint for the development of the human cortex in the ancient lamprey brain, shifting its origin to over 500 million years ago.
A recent study by botanist Cody Coyotee Howard uncovered two ranges of optimum bulb diameter driven by natural selection, with larger bulbs thriving in warmer climates. The research has significant implications for understanding plant evolution, agriculture, and horticulture.
Research reveals that animals like goats, termites, and elephants can suppress fires by altering plant consumption and habitat structure. Grazing animals can increase wildfire severity if not managed strategically, while insects stimulate plant defenses against flames.
Scientists have found that gene loss played a crucial role in the evolution of animals, particularly in deuterostomes and ecdysozoans. The study revealed unprecedented levels of gene loss in these lineages, contradicting the assumption that evolution leads to increased complexity.
A new ancient DNA study reconstructs the genetic history of Mediterranean islands, showing complex patterns of immigration and trade. The research reveals distinct ancestry profiles for Sicily, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands, tracing migration routes from Africa, Asia and Europe.
A new study reveals that the rapid evolution of Darwin's finches and Hawaiian honeycreepers was linked to their beaks and skulls. The researchers found that these birds had a stronger association between their beaks and skulls than other bird lineages, allowing for more versatile evolution but constrained along specific directions.
A study reveals that microbial communities in reproductive tracts of males and females can impact fertility, behavior, and evolution. These microbiomes may also influence mate choice, sexual health, and the origin of new species.
Researchers have found that certain microbes affect sperm quality, fertilization, embryo implantation, and reproductive health across various animal species. The study also sheds light on the role of the reproductive microbiome in sexual selection, mating systems, and sexual conflict.
Researchers from over 70 countries develop a comprehensive road map to address the pressing issue of declining insect populations, driven by human-induced stress factors such as habitat loss and climate change. The plan outlines immediate, mid-term, and long-term actions to prioritize conservation efforts and restore ecosystems.
A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution finds that rare species are organized in groups to coexist with more abundant species, avoiding competitive pressure. This organization may be a key to understanding the persistence of biodiversity in ecosystems.
Researchers warn of potential negative impacts of offshore renewable energy on marine life, including head trauma and hearing loss. The study suggests that consideration should be given to the impact of technologies like wind turbines and wave energy converters on marine animals before implementation.