Articles tagged with Forest Ecosystems
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.
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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 new study using data from 123 studies worldwide found that smaller habitats lead to more species extinctions when compared to larger habitats. The researchers developed a way to develop more realistic biodiversity forecasting models by accounting for ecosystem decay.
A recent study published in AGU Advances reveals that warming peatlands can lead to a rapid release of stored carbon into the atmosphere. The researchers found that even modest temperature increases can trigger significant microbial processes, resulting in faster-than-historical carbon loss rates.
A rock core from Petrified Forest National Park has provided a continuous timeline of Earth's history from 225 million to 209 million years ago, shedding light on the Triassic dark ages. The analysis suggests two possible scenarios for the changes in the fossil record: gradual evolution or a powerful asteroid impact.
New international research reveals that forest cover loss amplifies both gains and losses in global biodiversity. The study, spanning 150 years and over 6,000 locations, finds that forests support around 80% of all land species, with some species declining rapidly after forest loss.
A new study reveals that global forest loss is amplifying both gains and losses in species diversity, leading to changes in ecosystems. The research found that some tropical areas experience significant declines in animal species due to forest loss.
The first issue of Restoration Ecology - Arid Lands (RE-AL) shares diverse voices from around the world focused on restoration in arid environments. Key findings include innovative technologies and best practices for practitioners in these ecosystems, addressing climate change and social importance.
Researchers found that beaver-induced floods create a network of interconnected habitats in southern Finland, increasing environmental heterogeneity. The study suggests beavers can help restore wetland ecosystems and conserve biodiversity.
Researchers are exploring areas of landscape less prone to disturbances like fire and drought, known as disturbance refugia, to understand why change doesn't occur as quickly in some landscapes. These refugia may hold the key for conserving forest landscapes and biodiversity in a changing climate.
A new measure, Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP), is proposed to value nature's contributions to economic activity and human well-being. GEP summarizes the economic value of nature's services, highlighting the need to balance domestic and ecosystem needs for a sustainable future.
The ES Matrix approach has been applied to assess ecosystem services in various studies, allowing for a higher number of ES assessment than other methods. However, the approach often lacks transparency and variability analyses, recommending improved applications and method elucidation.
A 425-million-year-old millipede fossil discovered in Scotland is the oldest known bug, challenging previous estimates of insect evolution. The find suggests that bugs evolved rapidly, going from simple lake communities to complex forest ecosystems within 40 million years.
A community-based research study has been launched to better understand the pandemic and regional infection patterns. The study will employ online data-gathering and at-home rapid diagnostic kits to help the medical community develop strategies for containment and possibly eliminate COVID-19 in defined communities.
Research found that nitrogen-rich soil is linked to the decline of less common plant species in European forests, leading to a loss of biodiversity. In contrast, nitrogen-loving species like nettle and blackberry are on the rise.
A study of Middle Triassic lacustrine sediments found that both lake and peat-forming forest ecosystems took up to 10 million years to recover after the EPME. The restoration of complex lacustrine ecosystems coincided with the termination of the coal gap, a period of no coals deposited worldwide.
Researchers suggest a more detailed approach to assessing forest health, focusing on protected areas with finer scale data. This method can help identify non-intact forests and track changes in forest cover over time.
A study by Oregon State University scientists found that increasing bison numbers in the park's Lamar Valley are exerting 10 times the environmental pressure of elk, disrupting species distribution and limiting woody plant communities. The findings suggest that the park's ecosystem engineers may be out of balance.
Shifts towards drought-tolerant traits in forests were associated with increased tree mortality, while photosynthetic and hydraulic trait diversity varied by region. Forest type also influenced the response to tree mortality.
Research reveals large ecosystems like Amazon forests can collapse in 49 years and Caribbean coral reefs in just 15 years. This accelerated rate of transformation is attributed to the modular structure of larger ecosystems, which initially provides resilience but ultimately accelerates unraveling when a threshold is passed.
The Amazon rainforest could disappear within a lifetime if a tipping point is reached, according to new research. Ecosystems dominated by single species are more stable and take longer to shift, while the loss of key species like elephants can trigger rapid changes.
A study on the BEF-China experiment found that directed species loss in high-diversity ecosystems leads to significant reductions in forest productivity. The researchers simulated both random and directed species extinction scenarios and analyzed the data, revealing that diversity alone does not protect against losses.
A thick buildup of organic matter on the forest floor can complicate efforts to use prescribed fire as a forest management tool. Controlled burns require specific prescriptions to minimize duff smoldering and prevent mortality of large, older pines and potential ecological consequences below ground.
A study examined water chemistry, macroinvertebrate community health, and microbial community structure in 25 streams with varying levels of oil and gas development intensity. The researchers found no significant associations between OG development intensity and chemical tracers or measures of ecosystem health.
A study by TUM found that higher biodiversity increases economic value, but only up to a certain point. Adding more species beyond this threshold doesn't produce significant benefits. Instead, a medium level of biodiversity is often most beneficial for ecosystem functionality and risk diversification.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara's Marine Science Institute found a correlation between the stability of giant kelp and understory seaweed and seafloor invertebrates, leading to higher biodiversity. The study suggests that robust kelp increases species diversity, promoting ecosystem stability.
The research uses detailed ecosystem population data to build models that aid environmental managers in selecting interventions, determining their impact on species populations. The models can be right more than 70% of the time, providing a better outcome than gut feeling or decisions that can't capture ecosystem complexity.
A study led by Michigan State University researchers found that a collective model created by over 200 anglers and fishing club members accurately predicted pike populations, habitat, and fishing pressure. The results show that involving diverse interest groups improves the accuracy of the solution.
A new study found that climate-related variables have a greater impact on small mammal biodiversity patterns across entire forest systems than deforestation does. This approach incorporates functional and phylogenetic diversity measures to uncover patterns that inform conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that plant-eating insects significantly impact forest ecosystems, causing nutrient leaching and increased carbon dioxide emissions. The researchers found that these insects can disrupt ecosystems more than previously thought, especially in cold areas where temperatures may rise.
Researchers have discovered that the Canadian tundra was once home to a vibrant, temperate forest, featuring plants such as birch, alder, and elms. The ancient plant fossil record provides valuable insights into how ecosystems responded to greenhouse climates in the past.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that preserving temperate forests in the western United States can mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration, while also enhancing biodiversity. The identified forests have medium to high potential for carbon sequestration and low future climate vulnerability.
A study in Scientific Reports found that wildfire severity can increase bat diversity and richness, while pyrodiversity enhances occupancy rates for certain species. The authors suggest that bats may be resilient to increasing wildfires, which could impact conservation strategies.
A study by Rice ecologists found that termites lose their dominance in hunted areas of an African forest, with a 170-fold decrease in abundance. Termites play crucial roles as ecosystem engineers and food sources for other organisms, highlighting the cascading impacts of megafauna loss.
Researchers found that the two species have complementary ecological functions, favoring seed dispersal and growth of adult trees. The loss of these herbivores could lead to significant effects on ecosystem dynamics, equivalent to the eradication of elephants from African and Asian forests.
A novel drone-based chemical monitoring system tracks volatile organic compounds emitted by plants, revealing the health of Amazon forests and their response to climate change. The research found significant differences in VOC signals between various forest sub-types, contradicting previous assumptions about their emissions.
Researchers studied 18 Acaena plant species in New Zealand habitats, revealing that geographical and climate conditions play a greater role in colonization success. The study suggests that warmer and wetter conditions can facilitate species adaptation to newly opened habitats.
Researchers found that temperature influences functional traits between plants and microbes, leading to changes in nutrient cycling and carbon processing. As temperatures varied from tropical to boreal forests, the team observed shifts in bacterial genes tied to these processes.
Research predicts a 25% decline in evergreen conifer trees and a nearly doubling of broadleaf deciduous trees by 2100. This shift will have significant ecological and climatic implications for the entire ecosystem and carbon cycle.
Martin Nyffeler's study calculates the significant ecological role of insectivorous birds in consuming herbivorous insects and other arthropods. The research reveals that forest birds are major consumers of arthropod biomass, with an estimated 400-500 million tons of prey consumed annually.
Researchers analyzed moose droppings to understand their dietary choices and found that moose prefer rare plants when they are available. The study suggests that moose's selective foraging behavior has a stabilizing effect on the entire food web, with implications for ecosystem stability.
The study found that elephants change the structure of African tropical forests, increasing aboveground biomass by 26 to 60 tons per hectare. This process contributes to a corresponding increase in carbon storage, making the forests more resilient to climate change.
Research on coralline algal diversity reveals fewer species and less diversity in urchin barrens compared to kelp forests with sea otters. The study suggests that cryptic species identification alters ecosystem dynamics perception.
A global dataset analysis revealed exponential increases in gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) with mean annual temperature (MAT), with maximum leaf area index (LAI) as a key factor determining carbon fluxes across all biomes. The model explained 53% of GPP variations and 48% of ER variations, highlighting ...
A German research team developed a framework to classify conservation objectives, highlighting key areas of consensus and shortcomings. The study found that stakeholders agree on protecting diverse forest ecosystems and species, but there is room for improvement in abiotic resource conservation and socio-cultural considerations.
Researchers want a standardized approach to studying how ants react to environmental changes, with insights suggesting all ant communities respond strongly to openness in their habitats. This heterogeneity is due to millions of years of biogeographic and evolutionary history, leaving a signature on contemporary ant community structure.
A new study found that rain-filled tracks of Asian elephants provide temporary habitat for breeding and connect frog populations. The tracks can persist for a year or more, serving as stepping stones for the frogs during the dry season.
A new study finds that hunting and defaunation can have cascading effects on forest structure and dynamics. Loss of wildlife affects the survival of tree species, potentially impacting tropical forests' carbon storage capacity.
Researchers tracked the migration patterns of Galapagos giant tortoises over multiple years using GPS technology. The study found that these tortoises do not adjust their migration timing based on current environmental conditions such as fog, rain, and temperature, unlike many other migratory species.
Climate change could cause Western Hemisphere cloud forests to shrink and dry by 60-80% in as few as 25 years. The loss of clouds would nearly disappear the highly diverse alpine ecosystems above these equatorial cloud forests, known as páramo.
A study by the University of Bonn finds that Peru's National Forest Conservation Program has a small effect on curbing deforestation in the Amazon region. Three key recommendations are proposed: full territorial enrollment, stricter compliance enforcement, and targeted funding for ecologically endangered areas.
A new analysis by Harvard University shows that land conservation modestly increases employment rates in New England cities and towns, even when controlling for other factors. The study found small gains in median household income and population, as well as employment growth in recreation and tourism industries.
Researchers developed a wireless sensor network capable of recording ecosystem sounds with high quality, while being energy-efficient and cost-effective. The system aims to streamline biodiversity monitoring and address the global need for new assessment methods.
A University of Montana study found that climate change limits tree regeneration following wildfires in low-elevation forests, potentially leading to abrupt forest loss. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, examined post-fire regeneration of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees.
A new study reveals how the long-horned passalid beetle's gut microbiome breaks down woody biomass into energy-rich products like acetate and biofuels. The findings provide insights into a nature-derived approach to producing affordable fuels and bioproducts.
Red alder trees have been found to tap nutrients from bedrock through their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This process accelerates rock dissolution, releasing mineral nutrients that allow plants and trees to grow. The study highlights the importance of nitrogen-fixing trees in sustaining forest ecosystems.
Researchers analyzed stable isotopes in Louisiana roadkill to understand ancient wetland ecosystems. They found that the method was effective but not always precise, as modern animals have diverse diets that don't segregate neatly into boxes.
The University of Seville researchers propose that forest fires can be an opportunity for ecosystem recovery, particularly in degraded areas with single-species pine plantations. By favoring more resilient natural vegetation, ecosystems can adapt to new climate conditions and recover lost natural values.
Birds associated with older forests in the Pacific Northwest are declining faster than those in early-seral ecosystems, despite conservation efforts. The study highlights the importance of continuing to protect and restore old-growth habitats as wildfires become more frequent.
A study published in Biological Conservation found that forest cover below 40% can lead to a decline in original bird communities and the replacement of specialized species with generalists. The research suggests that highly specialized birds begin to decline significantly at forest cover levels as low as 70%.
A Tanzanian forest will be protected after major scientific discoveries revealed the need for conservation. The Magombera Forest was under threat due to charcoal production and wildlife poaching, but a conservation programme helped reduce deforestation and increase biodiversity.
Forest termites play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem function during droughts by decomposing organic matter, mixing soil nutrients, and regulating moisture. Their increased activity during drought helps buffer important soil processes critical for tropical forest survival.