Articles tagged with Forest Ecosystems
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that salamander populations reflect forest habitat quality and can predict ecosystem recovery from logging. This study suggests a balance between timber harvest and conservation biology to maintain biodiversity.
A University of Maryland-led team created the first high-resolution global map of forest extent, loss, and gain. The study documents a global loss of 2.3 million square kilometers and a gain of 800,000 square kilometers between 2000 and 2012.
A new species of Coespeletia has been discovered in the Venezuelan paramos, a high-elevation ecosystem. The species is endemic to the region and is threatened by climate change, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
A study by ICRAF and European institutions finds that local communities using simple tools can produce accurate forest carbon data on par with results by professional foresters. Community-gathered data is also found to be more legitimate, cost-effective, and improve trust among local communities.
A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research projects that up to 13% of the world population may face increased water scarcity by 2100, with regions like Asia and North Africa being particularly vulnerable. The researchers also warn of critical impacts on land ecosystems under global warming.
A team of researchers has developed a unique $24 million project to create a 'body on a chip' that can model the human response to harmful agents, accelerating the development of new therapies. The miniaturized system of human organs will predict the effects of chemical and biologic agents and test potential treatments.
Researchers found that woodland salamander populations closely track forest stand growth and development, making them a viable indicator of ecosystem recovery. The study's findings suggest that healthy forests support a wide range of species, including rare and native wildlife, and are crucial carbon sinks.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that more than 80% of tropical forests in Malaysian Borneo have been heavily impacted by logging. Satellite imaging revealed approximately 226,000 miles of roads constructed throughout the forests of this region.
A study by researchers found that forests in the northern hemisphere increase their water use efficiency as atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations rise, exceeding theoretical expectations. This adaptation helps plants conserve water despite increased photosynthesis, potentially shifting the global water and carbon cycle.
A new study finds that industrial extraction in Wolf Lake Forest Reserve would significantly threaten biodiversity, making it a 'scientifically irreplaceable system'. The reserve's unique characteristics allow for climate change studies and inform future restoration practices.
A diverse landscape of patches, including meadows, young and old forests, and shrub lands, can provide more benefits than a single high-biodiversity patch
A new study reveals that rare species perform unique ecological functions, even in highly diverse ecosystems. These species are irreplaceable and contribute to taxonomic richness, but their functional importance is largely unknown.
Accelerating species loss threatens human well-being and survival, warns IPBES Chair Zakri Abdul Hamid. Genetic diversity among livestock and crops is declining, with 22% of domesticated breeds at risk of extinction.
A new study predicts that large-scale Amazon deforestation will reduce the region's natural carbon sink and inflict climate feedbacks, decreasing pasture and soybean productivity. By 2050, biomass on the ground could decline by up to 65% due to forest removal and resulting climate change.
A new Red List system has been developed to identify ecosystems at high risk of degradation. The framework assesses multiple symptoms of risk produced by different processes of ecosystem degradation, enabling it to handle a range of different sources of information.
New research predicts boreal forests will shift north, releasing more trapped carbon than current climate models predict. The approach considers random events like fire and drought that impact forest health, providing a more accurate forecast.
Sea surface temperatures in the Northeast Shelf reached a record high of 14 degrees Celsius in 2012, with significant impacts on marine life and ecosystems. The warming conditions affected fish and shellfish distributions, plankton blooms, and ocean stratification.
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has announced its 2013 Class of Fellows, comprising 33 renowned mathematicians. These individuals were recognized for their outstanding research and service to the mathematical community.
Long-term data from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest suggests a trade-off between forest productivity and water flow. A study found that applying calcium silicate to restore soil calcium levels resulted in an increase in forest water use within 5 months.
Researchers have developed a method to measure nanoparticles as small as 1 nm in diameter using the Particle Size Magnifier (PSM) instrument. The study reveals that sulphuric acid, amines, and oxygenated organics are necessary for nanoparticle growth.
This special issue of Evolutionary Applications delves into the evolutionary principles underlying cancer, including natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift. Key findings highlight the diversity of cancer types and how environmental factors, such as tobacco availability, contribute to our vulnerability.
Researchers analyzed 16 soil samples from around the globe and sequenced their DNA to understand the functional roles of microorganisms. The study reveals that different species perform unique jobs based on their environment, shedding light on the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem services.
A recent study found that Amazon deforestation results in a significant loss of microbial diversity, leading to reduced ecosystem resilience. The research team discovered that the conversion of rainforest to agricultural pastures causes a homogenization of bacterial communities, resulting in a net loss of diversity.
A recent study found that deforestation in the Amazon rainforest leads to a net loss of diversity among microbial organisms, which are crucial for ecosystem function. The research revealed biotic homogenization and reduced genetic variation in bacteria across converted forests, compromising ecosystem resilience.
The loss of hemlock trees due to exotic pests and pathogens has an unexpected benefit: it allows hardwood species to thrive by releasing phosphorus into the soil. However, this shift also leads to increased nitrogen leaching from the soil, which can harm aquatic organisms.
A new study using satellite images suggests that invasive cheatgrass is a significant cause of larger, hotter and more frequent range fires in the Great Basin. Cheatgrass fueled most of the largest fires over the past decade, influencing 39 of the largest 50.
A recent study published in Bioscience highlights the importance of long-term, site-specific research to understand climate change's impact on ecosystem structure and function. Climate-driven changes affect multiple components of forest ecosystems, including hydrologic variables, phenology, and plant community composition.
The Carnegie Airborne Observatory's AToMS system is uncovering a previously invisible ecological world by combining laser and spectral imaging instrumentation to derive simultaneous measurements of an ecosystem's chemistry, structure, biomass, and biodiversity. This technology has applications ranging from mitigating climate change to ...
A recent study published in BioScience reveals surprising results on the effects of climate change on ecosystems, highlighting the value of long-term ecological research. The analysis shows how changes in temperature and precipitation affect hydrologic variables, plant and animal community composition, and ecosystem services.
A new study published in Global Change Biology explores the impact of climate change on entire forest ecosystems through changes in cloud cover. The research found that altered cloud cover can lead to increased carbon cycling and tree growth due to fog drip, which provides essential water input to the soil.
A University of Minnesota study found that plants' ability to absorb CO2 may be restricted by nitrogen availability in typical soils. The research, published in Nature Climate Change, used a 13-year experiment at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve and suggested that limited fertility can reduce carbon sequestration capacity.
The study investigates the effects of Mikania micrantha on agriculture and human communities in Chitwan National Park. Researchers aim to understand the social and ecological forces that make communities more resistant or vulnerable to rapid environmental change.
A study led by Rice University found that the Pacific island of Guam has a staggering 40 times more spiders than neighboring islands due to the loss of forest birds caused by the invasive brown treesnake. The loss of birds, which consume spiders and compete with them for insects, has led to an increase in spider populations.
A new analysis examines the effects of widespread forest die-offs on ecosystem processes, species diversity, and human services such as water purification and real-estate property values. The study highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understand the complex consequences of climate-driven forest mortality.
A new study by CU-Boulder researchers finds mid-elevation mountain ecosystems sensitive to rising temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt. The 'tipping point' where these forests switch from moisture-dependent to sunlight-temperature dependent is crucial for understanding climate change's impact.
Brazil faces threats to its environmental leadership from recent developments on deforestation, indigenous lands, and the Forest Code. The declaration urges the government to utilize scientific input and invest in science and education to maintain progress.
Thomas Lovejoy, a renowned George Mason University professor, received the prestigious Blue Planet Prize for his pioneering work in biodiversity science and conservation. He was recognized for his groundbreaking research on habitat fragmentation and its impact on global environmental problems.
Researchers found that predators can alter how microbes break down organic matter, leading to changes in soil carbon dioxide release and decomposition rates. This highlights the importance of considering animal influence on ecosystem functioning, especially in an era of biodiversity loss.
A new study projects increased fire activity across large parts of the planet due to climate change, particularly in the western United States. Meanwhile, fire activity is expected to decrease in tropical rainforests as a result of increased rainfall.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports documents the long-term ecological interactions between land and sea ecosystems. Researchers found that replacing native trees with non-native palms led to a cascade of effects, including fewer seabirds, reduced nutrients in waters, and decreased manta ray populations.
Research ecologist Katherine Elliott and her team found that cutting and burning sites reduces heavy fuel loads, improves soil nutrient status, and opens the canopy for restoration of shortleaf pine communities. However, poor pine regeneration was observed due to drought, seed production issues, and hardwood competition.
Chimpanzees exhibit fine-scale cultural differentiation, with neighboring groups preferring different tools for cracking nuts and varying in hammer size. These differences are maintained even among individuals moving between communities.
A new study published in Science magazine reveals that plant diversity is essential for maintaining productive ecosystems. The research found that each species plays a unique role in maintaining soil fertility and biomass production over time.
A new University of Minnesota study reveals that each species plays a crucial role in maintaining a productive ecosystem when considering long-term effects. The research found that increasing plant diversity led to gradual increases in both soil fertility and biomass production over a 14-year period.
A comprehensive study reveals that biodiversity loss has comparable effects on ecosystems to climate change and pollution. This analysis highlights the urgent need for strengthened local, national, and international efforts to protect biodiversity and its benefits.
A new study finds that biodiversity loss can reduce plant growth by 5-10% in ecosystems, comparable to climate warming and pollution effects. Stronger efforts are needed to protect biodiversity and its benefits.
A National Academy of Sciences study found that oil palm expansion will lead to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions, with peatlands being a critical contributor. The researchers suggest protecting forests, peatlands, and implementing sustainable practices to reduce emissions and maintain forest cover.
Research conducted by Oregon State University reveals that the loss of predators in the Northern Hemisphere has led to an increase in populations of moose, deer, and other large herbivores. This surge in population density is crippling young tree growth and reducing biodiversity, contributing to deforestation and reduced carbon sequest...
A long-term study by the LTER Network reveals that cool, wet areas are vulnerable to climate change, while dry forested ecosystems conserve more water as temperatures rise. The research provides valuable insights for effective management of public water supplies and informing policy decisions.
Mathematical modelling and simulation reveal that extreme species-rich ecosystems are most vulnerable to cascading extinctions in an increasingly variable world. This finding contradicts previous studies suggesting that species-rich ecosystems are more robust.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that past disturbances, such as logging, can obscure the effects of climate change on forest ecosystems. Researchers used decades-long data from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest to uncover a complex legacy left by these historical events.
A recent study published in Ecological Applications found that wildfires in northwestern California have not become more severe, despite increasing in size. The study suggests that less intense fires can be used to achieve ecological and management goals, offering a new approach to wildfire management.
A study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that glaciers provide a significant source of modern organic carbon to downstream ecosystems, indicating the widespread influence of human activities on pristine environments. The findings suggest that glacier ecosystems are highly sensitive to climate warming and industrial pollution.
Researchers Stefano Allesina and Si Tang refined Robert May's 1972 formula to incorporate predator-prey relationships, allowing for greater ecosystem diversity. The new model predicts that large ecosystems can support an infinite number of species through complex interactions.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are conducting a landmark study to restore degraded glade habitats and ecosystems using fire manipulation techniques. The goal is to establish best practices for restorative ecology and mitigate biodiversity loss from small habitats, particularly rare species found nowhere else.
A University of Melbourne study found that white roofs can cool commercial buildings in the City of Melbourne by three percent on hot days, reducing energy consumption and improving air quality. The research, commissioned by the City of Melbourne, aimed to guide building owners through the best materials to use for white roofs.
A new study in Nature Climate Change presents a more complete picture of the climate costs of land use changes by incorporating biophysical effects beyond greenhouse gases. The researchers found that tropical rainforests are highly valuable for protecting against climate warming, while boreal forests have lower climate regulation values.
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and WAMC Northeast Public Radio have debuted Earth Wise, a two-minute daily radio show focusing on climate change, energy, sustainable living, agriculture, and wildlife. Each segment highlights how individuals can make a positive impact.
A new report reveals that the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has led to a profound rebirth of life and ecosystem health. Trees and shrubs are beginning to recover along some streams, providing improved habitat for beaver and fish. Birds and bears also have more food available due to the decrease in elk populations.
Large areas of Canada are approaching threshold values for wildfires, increasing the area burnt down annually and fire size. Climate change is expected to cause an abrupt increase in fires, making strategies for combating wildfires reconsidered.