Articles tagged with Rainforests
Deforestation in Brazil has been linked to roads built across forests and agricultural expansion, particularly in states of Mato Grosso and Pará. The removal of forestland is converted to farms, ranches, or urban use, with the Brazilian national motorway BR 163 contributing to deforestation.
Researchers found that the pygmy phenotype in Africa and Southeast Asia is a result of multi-gene adaptation, making individuals better suited for their challenging environments. The study suggests that this adaptation may have occurred independently in different regions.
A CU-Boulder-led team has discovered fossils of a tiny, unknown hedgehog species, Silvacola acares, approximately 2 inches long. The ancient creature was found in north-central British Columbia and provides insights into the evolution of North American mammal communities during the Early Eocene Epoch.
A new study has found that the Western Amazon is contaminated with oil pollutants, posing a significant risk to its unparalleled biological and cultural diversity. The research, published for the first time, reveals high levels of lead, mercury, and cadmium in wastewater samples from 18 sites in 10 Amazon tributaries.
International team discovers seven new species of giant pill-millipedes with largest chirping organs, found in rainforests and isolated forest fragments. Conservation efforts needed to protect these microendemic species due to impending mining projects.
Research reveals Amazonian forests are being altered by multiple environmental factors, creating greater perils for the world's largest rainforest. The study found that fragmented forests change rapidly, with trees dying and vines proliferating, while nearby undisturbed forests also experience changes.
A new analysis of NASA satellite data reveals a gradual decrease in Congo rainforest greenness, suggesting a slow adjustment to long-term drying trend. The study found that climate factors such as land surface temperatures and decreased cloudiness contribute to the observed browning of the forest canopy.
Max Planck researchers found that Carabayo shares similarities with extinct Yurí and Tikuna languages, suggesting a genetic link between the three. The study provides evidence of linguistic family ties in the region.
New research reveals that humans have actively managed Southeast Asian rainforests for over 11,000 years by clearing vegetation to plant food-bearing plants. Pollen samples and archaeological findings indicate repeated disturbances to vegetation since the end of the last ice age.
A new study has found that fungi regulate diversity in rainforests by making dominant species victims of their own success. Fungi spread quickly between closely-packed plants of the same species, enabling a wider range of species to flourish.
Researchers discovered that widespread deforestation leads to shifts in nitrogen-fixing microorganism communities, potentially reducing the Amazon's ability to lock up carbon dioxide. The findings suggest a complex relationship between land use change and microbial composition.
A team of scientists found that male katydids can synchronize their chirps in the presence of a masking trill, with the ability to detect low-frequency components. The researchers used tiny hook electrodes to study the neural activity of katydids and discovered that an auditory neuron was involved in detecting these frequency components.
A new study reveals that nearly 17,000 kilometres of road were built in the Brazilian Amazon every year between 2004 and 2007. This expansion had a significant ecological impact, with indirect effects including changes in air and soil temperature, moisture, and animal movement restrictions.
A new study suggests the southern portion of the Amazon rainforest is at a much higher risk of dieback due to stronger seasonal drying, which could lead to large volumes of carbon dioxide release and disrupt biodiversity. The researchers found that global warming is the most likely explanation for the lengthening dry season.
A study reveals why Puerto Rican lizards don't rapidly extend their dewlaps like Jamaican cousins, instead using alternative strategies to enhance detection of displays. The research shows the island's species lacks physiology for rapid movement, relying on tailoring speed and duration of displays to match forest conditions.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute reviewed 6,000 measurements of ancient temperatures to understand the past impact of global warming on rainforests. They found that diversity increased during hothouse conditions, but surprisingly, rainforests never extended beyond the modern tropical belt.
Research shows that conserving rainforests in the Amazon River Basin can increase electricity production from hydropower projects by up to 30%. The study highlights the critical role of rainforests in generating rainfall and river flow, which ultimately power production.
Researchers have discovered the original host of ancient pigmy moths was a rainforest plant in the myrtle family. The moths' evolution reveals unique adaptations for courtship and mating.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that strictly protected areas and indigenous lands successfully limit deforestation in the Amazon. The research used remote-sensing data from 292 protected areas and found that these types of protection are more effective than sustainable-use areas.
A study by University of Exeter researchers reveals tropical forests' sensitivity to climate change, with significant carbon release expected if climate models are inaccurate. The team found a correlation between year-to-year variations in carbon dioxide concentration and long-term changes in tropical forest carbon storage.
Scientists at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research propose a new method for measuring system stability, which could help predict tipping points in the Amazon rainforest and assess cancer risk. By analyzing data from diverse systems, researchers found that basin stability is a key factor in determining stability.
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.
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 new study estimates that a 6,000-hectare forest hosts around 25,000 arthropod species, with some species found in just one hectare. The research also found that the diversity of arthropods can be accurately predicted from plant diversity.
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 study by Thorsten Dittmar and colleagues reveals that the Atlantic Ocean is receiving a significant amount of stable carbon compounds from the Brazilian rainforest, which was heavily deforested in the 1970s. The compounds, originating from charcoal left in the soil, are affecting biogeochemical cycles for centuries and millennia.
Researchers discover high genetic diversity in lichens growing on trees in Norway's boreal rainforests, challenging assumptions about species' ability to spread and survive. The findings suggest that even in small fragments of habitat, genetic material can be exchanged between neighboring populations.
A new study reveals that even drought-resistant tree species in the Bornean rainforest will face increased mortality due to El Nino events. Replacing coal with natural gas could reduce global warming by 40% under certain scenarios, according to a separate analysis.
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that climate change over millions of years shapes the composition of species assemblages in the tropics. The study reveals distinct differences in palm species diversity between South America and Africa, with South America boasting higher biodiversity due to its relatively stable climate.
A yearlong science education program connects K-8 teachers from central Phoenix to those in Panama, empowering them to teach critical thinking skills, science knowledge, and cultural awareness. The project utilizes Vidyo technology to create a global classroom, fostering connections among middle school students.
A team of ecologists found that Central European meadows and long-grazed grasslands are the most species-rich areas on Earth, with some regions boasting over 942 plant species per hectare. The study's findings predict a total of 219,204 species globally, remarkably close to current estimates of 275,000 species.
A new species of tiny, black and orange grasshopper-like insect has been found in the Toledo District of southern Belize. The insect, Ripipteryx mopana, is only 5mm long and uses its large jumping hind legs to escape predators.
A recent study analyzed data from tree species censuses and fossil evidence to chart diversity in rainforests. The results show that variation in species richness among families is very similar across tropical forests, suggesting that community structure in rainforests cannot be attributed to stochastic factors.
Researchers have re-discovered a rare and endangered primate species in Borneo's Wehea Forest, highlighting the need for further scientific research and conservation strategies to protect the remaining rainforest. The rediscovery of Miller's grizzled langur was made possible through camera trap images taken by PhD student Brent Loken.
Researchers found that as spider size decreases, brain size increases proportionally, with even the smallest spiders able to weave webs and perform complex behaviors.
A study of over 60,000 individual fig flowers found that male pollinator fig wasps work together to chew escape tunnels for their females, increasing escape rates. In contrast, non-pollinating parasitic fig wasps, which are driven by aggression, fail to cooperate and have lower success rates.
A study by University of Leeds ecologists reveals that over 80% of ant species found in pristine forests were also present in logged areas. This finding has implications for forest conservation, suggesting that areas previously thought to have little value can still support diverse communities.
A rainforest vine has evolved a dish-shaped leaf with strong echoes to attract bat pollinators. The researchers found that the leaf reduces search times by 50% when presented above a feeder, indicating its effectiveness as an echo beacon.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a system to anticipate high-risk climate tipping points, providing early warning systems for devastating consequences. By analyzing observational data, scientists can identify signs of instability in climate systems, allowing for forewarning and adaptation.
Researchers discovered that ants use chemical signals on their host tree to distinguish it from competing plant species. The team found that the ants more aggressively attacked papers coated with extracts from a closely related species, demonstrating the high degree of specificity for their host tree.
Cola detectives use protein testing to verify natural ingredients in premium soft drinks, detecting plant proteins in drinks claiming 'organic agave syrup and cola nut extracts'. Coca Cola products, without natural cola extract claims, have no detected protein, giving consumers a certificate of authenticity.
Scientists discovered that ancient rainforests had more veins per unit area in leaves of flowering plants, allowing for increased water availability and carbon capture. This finding suggests that improved plumbing systems in these plants contributed to the evolution of modern rainforest ecosystems.
Cocaine production in Colombia accelerates rainforest destruction, threatening biodiversity hotspots. Designated protected areas can help preserve ecosystems.
Researchers found two severe Amazon droughts in 5 years have caused widespread and severe impacts on the region's rainforests. The carbon impact of these droughts may exceed previous estimates, potentially offsetting the Amazon's ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
A unique orangutan rescue project in Bukit Tigapuluh is at risk due to selective logging concessions by Asia Pulp & Paper/Sinar Mas Group. The project has been deemed critical for tiger conservation, with over 30 tigers and 150 elephants calling the forest home.
Climate change threatens tropical rainforests, requiring a new approach in forest management and conservation. Strategic planning is crucial for linking existing national parks into larger protected areas to preserve biodiversity.
Scientists discovered that rainforest collapse triggered an evolutionary burst among reptiles, leading to increased diversity and adaptation. The event, which occurred 300 million years ago, isolated populations of reptiles and allowed them to evolve in separate directions.
Researchers found that tropical rainforest diversity increased rapidly during a 56.3 million year-old global warming event, with new plant species emerging at an accelerated rate. Despite expected devastation, forest ecosystems fared surprisingly well under the warmer conditions.
The Amazon Basin acts as a self-contained biogeochemical reactor during the rainy season, producing organic material that serves as cloud condensation nuclei. This process allows scientists to investigate natural cloud formation and precipitation without human influence.
Researchers found that pristine rainforests in the Amazon produce aerosol particles that act as seeds for cloud formation and precipitation. These particles are formed from organic molecules emitted by trees and other biological matter, and play a crucial role in sustaining the hydrological cycle.
Research team isolates aerosol particles in near-pristine pre-industrial conditions, shedding light on cloud formation and precipitation. Organic compounds from plants are found to be a primary source of submicron particles, which can affect climate.
Researchers isolated aerosol particles in near-pristine pre-industrial conditions, providing crucial clues about cloud formation and differences between natural and polluted environments. The finding could help understand global climate change and inform modeling of anthropogenic perturbations.
New research reveals that reforestation of damaged rainforests captures more carbon than softwood monoculture plantations. Restoration projects store significantly more carbon in above-ground biomass compared to monoculture and mixed-species plantations.
A recent research trip across the western Amazon revealed surprising results, with protected areas and indigenous reserves showing promising signs of effectiveness. The study also highlights the need for sustainable growth that balances economic development with environmental protection.
New climate simulations published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B demonstrate flowering plants' crucial role in regulating climate in ever-wet rainforests. Replacing these plants with non-flowering varieties leads to significant decreases in rainfall, underscoring their importance in maintaining tropical ecosystems.
Researchers at University of California - Berkeley have identified four distinct species of the secretive Hemidactylus fasciatus gecko in West African rain forests. The discovery was made using new DNA analysis techniques that distinguish different species even when they appear similar.
A new study by Georgia State University professor Paul J. Ferraro found that saving rainforests and protecting national parks reduced poverty in Costa Rica and Thailand in the long term. The research suggests conservation efforts may provide economic opportunities through tourism and infrastructure development.
Researchers from the University of Central Florida used LiDAR technology to map the ancient Maya city of Caracol, detecting over 11,000 new structures and confirming its size. The technology revealed extensive agricultural terracing, showing the Maya were adept at 'building green' long before modern terminology.
Skull fragments of prehistoric koalas from the Riversleigh rainforests suggest they had a 'lazy' lifestyle and produced loud calls like modern koalas. However, they did not share the specialized eucalyptus leaf diet.
Researchers found that tropical forest fragments store significantly less biomass and carbon dioxide than continuous natural forests. The study used a simulation model to analyze the impact of habitat fragmentation on the Atlantic Forest in Brazil.