Articles tagged with Forest Ecosystems
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 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 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 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.
A new report proposes science-based strategies to monitor and set limits for air pollution, aiming to protect and restore U.S. ecosystem health. The authors review current pollution evaluation criteria and propose critical loads of pollutants to design policy and manage ecosystems.
Scientists suggest that wolves may play an important role in helping to save the threatened Canada lynx by controlling coyote populations, which are a major food source for the lynx. This 'trophic cascade' of impacts has contributed to the decline of the species due to habitat alteration and climate change.
A recent study by McGill University researchers found that biodiversity is essential for maintaining multiple ecosystem services across different years, places, and environmental conditions. The study suggests that many species are needed to maintain ecosystem services, rather than just a few, and highlights the importance of conservin...
A new study projects that Yellowstone National Park will experience dramatic shifts in forest vegetation and fire patterns, with large fires occurring annually by 2050. The research suggests that a warming climate could lead to a fundamental change in the ecosystem, affecting wildlife, hydrology, carbon storage, and aesthetics.
A new study by UC Merced professor Anthony Westerling predicts a significant increase in large wildfires in Yellowstone by 2050, leading to changes in forest composition and wildlife habitats. The projected increase could result in fewer dense forests and more open vegetation, with some forests failing to regenerate after repeated fires.
The MIT model takes basic meteorological data and computes how tall a tree is likely to grow under those conditions. The team's results have been published in PLoS One and match up well with actual measurements from the US Forest Service, except for two geographic regions: the arid Southwest and parts of New England.
A new study published in Research in Sports Medicine found that women are less likely than men to fake soccer injuries. The study analyzed video recordings of 47 televised games from two international women's tournaments and found a rate of 5.74 apparent injuries per match, compared to 11.26 for men
A recent study found that the nutritional supplement ArginMax for Women significantly improved overall quality of life for female cancer survivors. The supplement showed improvements in physical well-being, functional well-being, and reduced symptoms such as lack of energy, pain, and sleeplessness.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have detected an unmistakable warning sign of an impending ecological catastrophe in a remote Wisconsin lake. The team, led by ecologist Stephen Carpenter, monitored vital signs across three years and found subtle changes in the system's natural patterns of variability, indicating a reg...
Researchers detected a warning signal of impending ecosystem collapse in a Wisconsin lake by monitoring its complex signals and biological community changes. The study provides evidence that radical change can be foreseen, potentially preventing ecological catastrophe.
A recent study by Kansas State University professor Melinda Daniels suggests that beaver dams can create diverse river landscapes, turning single-thread channels into meadows or multichannel streams. The researchers recommend only partially removing old dams to mimic the role of beavers and restore ecosystem diversity.
Researchers from TUM are studying the development of soil, flora, and fauna at Chicken Creek, aiming to establish factors influencing ecosystem development. The project has shown that rain plays a crucial role in shaping the initial phase of an ecosystem.
The research team aims to create hybrid ecosystems with a mix of native and non-native species, optimizing carbon storage and supporting native biodiversity. The project will begin in April 2011 and be conducted over five years, focusing on finding ways to co-exist with invasive species.
A five-year study funded by DOD aims to assess the ability of longleaf pine ecosystems to absorb climate-changing carbon dioxide. Researchers will analyze data from Fort Polk, Fort Benning, and Camp Lejeune to develop biologically based models for managing these forests.
Scientists studied soil moisture, porewater salinity, and hydrological relationships in a historically freshwater floodplain forest to develop restoration plans. They found that conditions in the vadose zone are crucial for seedling survival in coastal floodplain ecosystems.
Mountaintop removal and valley fill mining are causing permanent alterations to Appalachian forests and streams, with devastating effects on diverse habitats and freshwater resources. Current mitigation efforts do not compensate for the losses, and scientists urge a shift towards renewable energy sources to protect the environment.
Researchers propose that human hunters triggered the loss of large mammals, including woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats, by providing new competition with major predators. The study suggests that humans were not the primary cause of extinction but rather the initial trigger for a trophic cascade.
A new study suggests that the extinction of woolly mammoths and other large mammals may have been triggered by the addition of a predator: humans. The researchers argue that human hunters provided new competition for major predators, leading to a trophic cascade that ultimately caused the decline of herbivores and carnivores alike.
A recent study by Michigan State University researchers highlights the importance of ethical considerations in sustainability education and research. The authors argue that neglecting the ethical dimension of sustainability hinders progress towards a more sustainable future.
The USDA Forest Service's More Kids in the Woods program provides week-long summer day camps focused on natural resources themes. The camps, supported by local partners, promote environmental awareness and stewardship among young people.
Vegetation around the world is shifting towards poles and equator due to climate change, altering ecosystems and reducing habitat for endangered species. An estimated one-tenth to half of the land mass will be highly vulnerable to vegetation shifts by the end of this century.
Scientists found that reforestation can decrease the ability of forests to combat climate change by reducing carbon stock. The study suggests implementing forest management practices, such as site preparation without burning, to minimize negative effects on ecosystems.
A seven-year experiment shows that pond communities bear a lasting imprint of random events in their past. The study reveals that low-productivity ponds are predictable, while high-productivity ponds exhibit more stochastic behavior, where history matters more.
Kendra McLauchlan's research aims to understand past ecosystems and provide context for modern changes to Earth systems. The project will examine ecosystem changes in increments of 10, 100, 1,000 and 10,000 years using data from three sites.
Cristina Eisenberg's new book highlights the importance of top predators in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Research shows that keystone predators like wolves, cougars, and bears play a critical role in controlling population growth and preventing overgrazing.
A new 4,000-year study reconstructing fire history in the southern Appalachians supports the use of prescribed fire to reduce wildfire risk and restore forest health. The study found that fires became more frequent about 1,000 years ago, coinciding with the arrival of Native Americans.
A new study highlights the effectiveness of forest protected areas in slowing climate change by reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. The study estimates that protecting areas could prevent an estimated 100,000 square miles of deforestation through 2050, equivalent to 1/3 of the world's annual CO2 emissions.
A new UC Davis study found that ski slope grading is more damaging to ecosystems than clearing, affecting plant abundance and diversity. Graded runs require less snow to open but result in higher summer maintenance costs.
A new study published in Nature suggests that accurate monitoring of carbon stored in drier tropical forests requires data from local communities. The researchers propose that at least 50% of REDD payments should be made directly to forest dwellers, ensuring their property rights and means of subsistence are protected.
A new study examines the potential ecological damages and benefits of REDD mechanisms, finding substantial co-benefits for watershed functions, local climate regimes, and terrestrial habitats. The analysis suggests that a balanced approach to REDD is crucial to avoid leakage and ensure ecosystem integrity.
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) report suggests that policy makers can see higher rates of return and stronger economic growth by incorporating ecosystem services into investment strategies. By restoring and managing ecosystems, countries can generate significant income and jobs.
A new study finds that the decline of apex predators has led to a significant increase in mesopredator populations, resulting in ecosystem collapse and economic losses. The study highlights the complex interactions between humans and wildlife, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of solutions to manage these issues.
Researchers found that exotic eucalyptus and tropical ash plantations used significantly more water than native ohia trees, with rates of up to 2.5 times higher. The study emphasizes the need for land management plans to consider the water use of different ecosystems.
Tropical lizards detect effects of global warming in climate change research, highlighting threat to species and ecosystems, and human health. The loss of predators due to global warming disrupts natural biodiversity, leading to irreversible long-term consequences.
Researchers propose a Scottish Highland test case to reintroduce wolves and study their impact on red deer behavior and ecosystems. The goal is to restore landscapes of fear, controlling overgrazing and promoting biodiversity.