Articles tagged with Extinction
Conservation scientists propose assisted migration as a solution to prevent species from becoming extinct due to climate change. The authors argue that human-assisted translocation can help select species that are crucial for conservation efforts and have viable habitat options outside their current range.
A third of reef-building corals are threatened with extinction, according to a comprehensive global assessment. Climate change and human activities such as destructive fishing and pollution are leading causes of coral bleaching and disease.
Researchers at Rutgers University have identified a key component of the amygdala's neural network involved in extinction, or elimination, of fear memories. Clusters of intercalated neurons inhibit amygdala outputs to brain stem structures generating fear responses, offering potential for pharmacological interventions.
Researchers found that current mathematical models overlook random differences between individuals in a given population, leading to underestimated extinction risks. The study's results suggest that factors such as sex ratio variations and physical variation within populations can significantly impact extinction rates.
A new study suggests that changes in ocean environments related to sea level exert a driving influence on rates of extinction, leading to the loss of up to 75-95% of species. The research links mass extinctions over time, establishing a common link and providing insight into who survives and who doesn't across these boundaries.
A new ecological study identified a correlation between evolved species' traits and susceptibility to becoming threatened or invasive. The researchers analysed over 8900 legume species and found that certain traits are more predictive of a species' fate.
Researchers found that New Zealand birds can change their nesting behavior in response to introduced predators, reducing the risk of predation. This adaptation allows island birds to survive even in areas with high levels of predator activity, providing new insights for conservation efforts.
Researchers have successfully inserted DNA from the extinct Tasmanian tiger into mouse embryos, demonstrating a functional response in developing cartilage and bone. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new biomedicines and gaining insights into the biology of extinct animals.
A PLOS study highlights key conservation areas for threatened frogs and toads in Latin America, emphasizing the importance of considering life-history traits. The research reveals that regions with aquatic larval stages are crucial for species like Phyllomedusa ayeaye, while those without tadpoles require targeted conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that climate change led to habitat loss in mammoth territory, pushing the species towards extinction. Human hunting acted as the final straw, with scientists estimating that humans would only need to kill one mammoth every three years to push the species to extinction.
A study found that individual song complexity is associated with the overall population's viability, particularly in smaller, fragmented populations. Birds from more productive populations sang more complex songs, indicating higher mating success and population health.
Scientists warn that butterflyfish, such as the Chevroned Butterflyfish, are at risk of extinction due to their specialized feeding habits. The coral reefs' decline is threatening these fish's survival as they can only eat one type of coral, leading to a high risk of extinction.
Michael Davis has made significant advances in understanding the neural basis of fear and its applications to psychiatric research, including a proposal for using NMDA receptor signaling to enhance fear extinction. His work has shown promise in treating disorders such as PTSD, OCD, and social phobia.
Climate change is projected to cause significant bird extinctions, with up to 30% of land bird species predicted to go extinct by 2100. Habitat shifts and topography play a crucial role in this process, as species are forced to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
A new analysis shows that as plant species go extinct, natural habitats become less productive and contain fewer total plants. This situation could ultimately compromise the benefits that humans get from nature. The study found that ecosystems with fewer species produce up to 50 percent less plant biomass than those with more natural d...
A new study suggests that the Great Dying 250 million years ago may have been caused by creeping environmental stress from volcanic eruptions and global warming. The research finds that organisms in the deep ocean died first, followed by those on ocean shelves and reefs, supporting a model that attributes the extinction to enormous vol...
The IPCC's 4th United Nations Climate Report revealed new facts on global climate change, raising awareness of the issue. The report also highlighted the impact of rising temperatures and species extinction, supported by over 3100 scientific studies.
A new study by an international team of researchers provides a breakthrough approach to understanding the role of climate in the Neanderthal extinction. The findings suggest that there was no single climatic event that caused the extinction, but rather indirect effects on competition with other human groups.
The European land leech Xerobdella lecomtei has become virtually extinct due to human-induced temperature increases in Austria over a 40-year period. The researchers found that rising temperatures led to a drastic reduction in soil moisture, making it difficult for the leech to survive.
A recent study by UWM paleoecologist Margaret Fraiser suggests that elevated CO2 levels contributed to the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, with bivalves emerging as the only survivors. The research provides valuable insights into the impact of CO2 on marine ecosystems and could help scientists predict future oceanic changes.
Researchers found a massive, rapid release of carbon may have triggered the Permian-Triassic extinction. The Great Bank of Guizhou fossil beds in China provide valuable insights into this event.
Researchers found that specialized diets of bat species may contribute to their extinction risk. Contrary to previous studies, dietary breadth was not related to geographic range size or wing structure.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have discovered a molecular mechanism that governs the formation of fears stemming from traumatic events. Inhibiting a kinase called Cdk5 facilitates the extinction of fear, while increased activity persists fear learned in a particular context.
Researchers found that a unique, highly carnivorous Alaskan wolf species vanished after the end of the last Ice Age. The study revealed a distinct genetic profile and diet, which suggests these wolves were specialized for large prey and possibly scavenging.
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from woolly mammoth bones, teeth, and tusks to understand their disappearance. The study found a genetic signature indicating a range expansion after the last interglacial period, followed by leveling off and eventual extinction of one lineage.
A study warns that climate change and deforestation will lead to significant declines in global bird diversity over the next century. According to the research, even under optimistic scenarios, at least 400 bird species are projected to become imperiled by 2050 due to reductions in their geographic ranges.
A new study by Samantha Price finds that large grazing animals face a higher risk of extinction under intense hunting pressure. The analysis reveals that reproductive speed is the key variable in determining extinction risk, with species like the American bison being nearly wiped out due to slow reproductive cycles.
A University of Granada research group found that climate change, not modern humans, contributed to the Neanderthal extinction in the Iberian Peninsula. Climate reconstructions revealed fluctuations related to climate changes before Homo Sapiens arrived, making cold and arid conditions the least favorable for Neanderthals.
A study by Conservation International finds that existing protected areas remain effective in the early stages of climate change, but adding new ones would maintain species protection in future decades and centuries. The research concludes that anticipating the need for new protected areas and getting them created in the short term wil...
A comprehensive assessment by Conservation International found that 20 grouper species are threatened with extinction, with eight already listed as under extinction threat. The report highlights the need for better fishery management and marine protected areas to prevent further decline.
A new study by Smithsonian scientists suggests that environmental changes in the Caribbean led to extinctions 2 million years after the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. The research found that most coral and snail species died off a good 2 million years after the environmental change that caused their demise.
A team of researchers calls for better forecasting of extinction rates due to global warming. They argue that current models overestimate extinction risks and propose eight recommendations to improve forecasts, including clarifying biodiversity definitions and testing existing models more rigorously.
Low birth numbers in early hominids combined with intense competition led to their extinction. Dr. Nina G. Jablonski reveals that environmental changes, such as shifting climate patterns, played a significant role in the demise of these ancient human ancestors.
A linguistics expert predicts that nearly all human languages could be extinct in two centuries if not conserved. The loss of languages would also compromise humanity's adaptability and diversity, making it harder to survive.
A new DNA sequencing approach allows researchers to analyze ancient ecosystems in just a few hours, providing more accurate and complete information. This breakthrough helps scientists better understand past climates, species decline, and potential causes of extinction.
Researchers at Yale University developed a method to trap viruses in cells that prevent their reproduction, potentially alleviating disease. By using 'trap cells' with viral binding sites, the virus population declines towards extinction when the number of trap cells exceeds a threshold.
A new study found that the simultaneous effect of habitat fragmentation, overexploitation, and climate warming accelerates population decline and increases the risk of extinction. Experimental microcosm populations of rotifers showed significant declines under individual threats, but even faster declines when exposed to multiple threats.
Carnivores can only sustain body mass up to one ton due to energy intake and expenditure limitations. This explains why large predators like lions and modern-day polar bears are relatively small compared to extinct herbivorous mammals.
A new study by Stanford University researchers challenges the 'biodiversity hotspot' approach to conservation, finding that only 16% of mammalian species overlap across three types of hotspots. The authors argue that protecting fewer sites could lead to neglecting endangered and endemic species.
The vaquita, the smallest living cetacean, is critically endangered due to accidental mortality in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are underway to reduce bycatch and protect the species, but progress has been slow. The Mexican Government has taken steps to protect the vaquita's habitat and compensate affected fishermen.
A new study reveals that human behavior can trigger a 'rarity effect' in endangered species, driving them into an extinction vortex. This phenomenon resembles the Allee effect, where low population densities increase extinction risk. The pursuit of rare species for luxury items or social status exacerbates this effect.
A recent University of Colorado at Boulder study reveals that Paranthropus robustus had a diverse diet including fruits, nuts, sedges, and possibly animals, casting doubt on the idea that its extinction was linked to its eating habits. The findings suggest alternative explanations for the species' demise.
A comprehensive analysis of over 100 studies reveals that biodiversity loss will have severe consequences on ecosystem function, including pest control, organic waste management, food production, and water purification. The study suggests that protecting biodiversity is crucial to maintaining these essential services.
Scientists have proposed a new theory that combines deadly sudden catastrophes (pulses) with longer, steadier pressures on species (presses) to explain Earth's mass extinctions. The Press/Pulse theory suggests that these combined events are necessary for big extinctions to occur.
Research led by USC earth scientist David Bottjer suggests the Earth's environmental stressors led to mass extinction, contradicting meteorite strike theory. The study proposes a warming Earth and reduced ocean circulation as key factors in creating an environment where toxic hydrogen sulfide dominated, leading to species disappearances.
Researchers have studied the Biak language, revealing its complex grammar and structure. The study found that context plays a significant role in shaping the language, influencing word types, sentence structure, and even direction terminology.
Researchers studied environmental changes on fish appearance, finding restricted food and temperature shifts can dramatically alter morphology. The study has implications for conserving species, suggesting that habitat preservation is crucial to maintaining unique characteristics.
The tropics are revealed as the Earth's most fruitful biodiversity spawning ground, with fossil data indicating a consistent pattern of extinction, origination, and immigration. The study suggests that human-caused extinctions in the tropics will have long-term consequences on global biodiversity.
New fossil evidence reveals plant and insect diversity were out of balance during Paleocene Epoch. Insect predation was low in most areas, but unexpectedly high in two early Paleocene sites, Castle Rock and Mexican Hat.
University of Michigan researchers John Vandermeer and Ivette Perfecto argue that peasant farming practices actually support conservation in the tropics. The study found that agroforests, where fruit and timber trees share space with other crops, serve as thoroughfares for migrating animals and promote biodiversity.
Scientists call for a new initiative to address the growing proportion of threatened and extinct amphibian species, with 32% at risk. The alliance aims to combat diseases, habitat loss, invasive species, and other causes through research, training, and conservation efforts.
The study estimates that birds have been going extinct at a rate of about one species per year since 1500, exceeding the natural rate by 100 times. Conservation efforts are reducing extinction rates to about one bird species every three or four years, but more species are likely to disappear during the 21st century.
The study found that species with smaller range areas are at higher risk of extinction due to increased vulnerability to habitat changes. Larger range sizes, on the other hand, result in fewer but larger populations, making them less susceptible to population wipeouts.
Scientists have rediscovered two Critically Endangered frog species in the El Dorado Nature Reserve in Colombia, providing a glimmer of hope for saving these endangered species from extinction. The reserve's protection is timely, as the region has recently been affected by a fungal disease that has wiped out many amphibian populations.
A joint study largely confirms earlier predictions that global warming will lead to mass species extinctions, particularly in biodiversity hotspots. The research assesses the potential effects of climate change on terrestrial biodiversity on a global scale, revealing catastrophic species loss across the planet.
A coalition of conservation groups protected a vital 1,600-acre site in Colombia's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta massif, safeguarding the last breeding ground of the Globally Endangered Santa Marta Parakeet. The site also provides habitat for 18 bird species and five threatened amphibians.
A palaeontologist proposes that gradual climate change caused most mass extinctions, including the Permian and Triassic events. This theory challenges the widely accepted asteroid impact hypothesis.
A study by Markus Harting found that glass spherules from Mexico to Haiti match the chemical composition of rocks melted at Chicxulub. The reworked spherules are misplaced in sediments close to the K-T boundary, casting doubt on previous timelines.
A new study identifies areas with potential species extinction risk, highlighting the need for proactive conservation efforts. Researchers found that many species currently deemed safe could leapfrog into high threat categories, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable species before they become endangered.
A new report finds that the drug meloxicam is safe for vultures and effective in treating livestock, providing a potential solution to combat diclofenac's devastating effects on vulture populations. The three endangered species of Asian vultures are critically close to extinction due to diclofenac use.