Articles tagged with Tropical Ecosystems
A new study reveals that strong relationships between diversity and a healthy ecosystem persist, even in stressed reefs. However, human-driven pressures from warming oceans and invasive species continue to diminish ecosystems.
New research by IIASA reveals that tropical forest ecosystems' strength as global carbon sinks depends on multiple interacting factors, including species diversity, soil type, and climate. The study found that abiotic and biotic factors interact to determine the amount of carbon stored by the ecosystem.
Research shows that microplastics are damaging to coral ecosystems, causing significant reductions in population size and cell size. The exposure of endosymbionts to microplastics led to elevated stress levels and reduced detoxification activities, highlighting the importance of minimizing plastic use to preserve the environment.
A new study led by University of Michigan researchers found that highly active gray and cubera snappers in a Bahamian mangrove estuary spread the highest levels of essential nutrient nitrogen through their urine, nearly doubling its presence. This fertilizer supports more plant growth and food at the base of the food web.
Researchers found that ocean surface temperatures were more important than solar radiation in driving rainfall in the region. This discovery provides context for the development of tropical rainforest ecosystems in Central America and sheds light on the impacts of climate change on ancient civilizations.
A hybrid approach combining mangroves, coral reefs and man-made solutions can protect coastal communities from disaster while preserving biodiversity. The study suggests ecosystem-based protection should be the basis for a coastal protection strategy, making it more cost-efficient and better protecting valuable ecosystems.
A recent study highlights the alarming exploitation of shark populations in Pacific Panama, with many species caught immature and vulnerable to intensive fishing. The research recommends implementing seasonal fishing bans and monitoring programs to improve conservation strategies.
Researchers at University of Göttingen found mangroves absorb carbon efficiently, prioritizing conservation and restoration. The study analyzed a five-meter-deep core of sediment in Segara Anakan Lagoon, revealing the interaction between climate fluctuations and human activity affected carbon accumulation.
Land restoration in Ethiopia has boosted crop yields and soil carbon, but increased runoff due to climate change threatens degradation. A combination of land restoration activities can increase crop yields by up to 170 percent.
Scientists found 725 different microorganisms in Singapore's air, with bacteria dominating during the day and fungi at night. The discovery reveals a complex community structure that follows environmental conditions and has significant implications for human health and ecosystem sustainability.
A new report found that climatic variables are the most important predictors of earthworm biodiversity at global scales. Earthworm communities were typically greatest in mid-latitudes, highlighting their sensitivity to climate change.
A recent study analyzed over 4.7 million mtDNA sequences from GenBank and found fewer errors than predicted, with less than 1% of sequences mislabeled. The researchers identified potential sources of error, such as human or lab animal contamination, but overall found GenBank to be a reliable tool for environmental DNA identification.
The new website provides a resource for understanding why, where, and how tropical reforestation is occurring. It highlights eight key messages on livelihoods, local decision-making, planting trees, natural regeneration, and climate change, among others.
A study published in Global Change Biology found that forests with a diverse range of tree species are more productive and stable than monocultures. The research analyzed data from the Sardinilla experiment and concluded that mixtures of two and three tree species have significantly higher productivity, while those with five species ha...
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.
A new study by TUM researchers suggests that rainforest growth limits are being tested due to insufficient phosphorus. Trees can only absorb additional carbon dioxide if phosphorous is available, leading to a potential 50% decrease in CO2 absorption under increased atmospheric pressure.
Entomologists call for immediate science-based actions to mitigate insect decline worldwide. Insect diversity and ecosystem services require targeted legislation and public awareness.
Researchers analyzed fossil records and ecological models to find that many tropical birds were formerly suited to high-latitude areas, and rapid climatic changes may prompt distributional shifts. Climate change is likely to drive extinctions and alter bird populations over time.
A recent study on Mount Kilimanjaro reveals that land use and climate interactions significantly impact tropical mountain ecosystems, resulting in reduced biodiversity and altered ecological functions. The research found that different elevation zones exhibit varying levels of change, with the savanna zone being particularly vulnerable.
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 co-led study by HKU researchers found that termites increase leaf litter decomposition, nutrient heterogeneity, and soil moisture during drought periods. The presence of termites helps protect tropical rainforests from the negative effects of drought.
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.
Researchers found that termites mitigate drought's impact by increasing decomposition rates and nutrient cycling. The study suggests that intact biological communities can act as ecological insurance during environmental stress.
A new study reveals that tropical mountain species are highly adapted but also more susceptible to climate change due to their narrow niches and limited movement. This paradox creates a risk for these species as they cannot withstand large temperature shifts.
A recent study published in Biotropica investigates collaboration among scientists in tropical ecology, revealing an increase in international collaboration and representation of tropically-based scientists. The study analyzed years' worth of articles to look for changes in author affiliations and found that more scientists from tropic...
A global biodiversity collapse is predicted unless concerted action is taken to reverse species loss in the tropics. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable development and effective conservation interventions to preserve and restore tropical habitats.
A study evaluating human pressures on coral reefs found that high human pressure decreases effectiveness of conservation strategies, while low pressure preserves fish biomass and top predator populations. Conservation gains were highest in areas with moderate human pressure, highlighting the need for targeted management approaches.
Researchers found that high densities of sea cucumbers maintain stable oxygen conditions in sediment, while removal leads to a 63% decrease. The study highlights the importance of conserving moderate to high densities of sea cucumbers to protect shallow water ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.
Researchers at the University of Stirling discovered regular cycles in 36% of samples from 851 tropical trees, challenging the principle that tropical ecosystems are aseasonal. The study found flowers are more likely to occur on a regular annual cycle than fruits and leaves.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that hippo waste can cause fish kills in Africa's Mara River due to depleted oxygen and nutrient levels. The research monitored water chemistry and flow downstream from 171 hippo pools over three years, finding that flushing flows can reduce dissolved oxygen concentrations.
A recent study suggests that plants and animals in Latin America originated from the Amazon, highlighting a dynamic process of colonization and speciation. The research found that natural dispersal events played a crucial role in shaping the American tropics' exceptional biodiversity.
A Montana State University ecologist has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright appointment to work on a project helping countries meet conservation goals set by an international agreement. The project aims to analyze ecosystem data gathered by NASA, which could help over 30 countries protect biodiversity.
A new study found that corals on the northern Great Barrier Reef experienced a catastrophic die-off following the extended marine heatwave of 2016. The amount of coral death was closely linked to the amount of bleaching and level of heat exposure, with the northern third of the reef being the most severely affected.
Researchers at STRI found that predatory bats can learn to recognize new foods from other bat species as quickly as they do from their own species. This ability helps explain how bats adapt to environmental changes and survive in their ecosystems.
A survey of residents near two national parks in Panama found that jaguars deserve increased protection due to human-jaguar conflict. The study suggests that educating stakeholders about the connection between healthy ecosystems and jaguar survival is crucial for effective park management.
Despite growing scientific diversity, leading journals' editorial boards are predominantly composed of US and UK editors, with limited representation from emerging nations. This lack of geographic diversity can hinder the diffusion of knowledge and limit opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Researchers at STRI and JLU discovered a new species of porcelain crab, Pachycheles tuerkayi, found only along the coasts of Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. The new species has hairy claws and can be distinguished from another similar species, P. serratus, through its unique characteristics.
International scientists issue recommendations for future research on coral acclimatization and adaptation to climate change. Key findings suggest that while there is a 'nugget of hope' for corals to adapt, major knowledge gaps remain regarding their ability to cope with rapid warming,
A University of Liverpool study found that ants are responsible for moving more than half of food resources from the rainforest floor. This role is crucial for nutrient redistribution and decomposition, maintaining a diverse and healthy soil environment.
A study of 1000 scientific studies reveals that oil palm plantations have reduced ecosystem functions, particularly gas regulation and water supply. However, the production of marketable goods, such as palm oil, can increase the provision of food and raw materials.
An international team of researchers is using big-data approach to plan effective conservation by modeling climate-change response of over 100,000 species. The project aims to identify regions and ecosystems that preserve biodiversity and critical ecosystems, reducing extinctions due to climate change.
A recent study reveals that a marine heatwave off the western coast of Australia has led to the dramatic loss of kelp forests, covering over 963 km2. The transition has resulted in a shift towards subtropical and tropical marine ecosystems, with significant changes in species composition.
A new study by NOAA Fisheries and the University of California San Diego estimates that the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean provides 'ecosystem services' worth at least $17 billion. The services include commercial fishing ($2.7 billion/year), sport fishing ($1.6 billion/year), and carbon capture ($12.9 billion/year).
Researchers found that diverse soil animal communities lead to better decomposition of leaves, regardless of region or management practices. A study of 80 forests in Germany and Sumatra revealed that high species richness and biomass explain spatial turnover in ecosystem functioning.
Research team led by Loïc Pellissier showed that continental plate movement drove the evolution of new species in coral reefs. The study used computer models and combined different simulations to demonstrate how shallow and warm waters were located throughout Earth history, giving corals a habitat.
The Grauer's gorilla population has plummeted due to warfare, illegal hunting, and mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Conservation efforts recommend controlling militias, protecting reserves, and raising awareness about the crisis faced by wildlife.
A recent study reveals that societies follow common development patterns, leading to overexploitation of natural resources and ecosystems. The Living Planet Index and Human Development Index show a stark contrast between Western countries' environmental degradation and developing countries' accelerating resource depletion. To avoid cat...
Researchers have developed a toolkit to help boost the likelihood of success for mangrove restoration projects by incorporating local water level data. The study found that considering hydrology is vital in determining a project's chances of success, and tools can be used to measure water levels over a minimum period of 30 days.
A University of California, Irvine study found that global warming affects the soil fungi that support plant life in tropical mountain cloud forests. The impact on these ecosystems could be significant, with changes to fungal community composition and increased carbon dioxide emissions.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to measure ecosystem sensitivity to climate variability by analyzing satellite data gathered over the past 14 years. The Vegetation Sensitivity Index (VSI) reveals ecologically sensitive regions with amplified responses to climate changes in various parts of the world.
A New Brunswick family's initial attempt to trap snowshoe hares for sport inadvertently created an ecological experiment that shaped the vegetation of tiny Hay Island and Kent. The hares' impact, including mowing down young saplings and altering tree growth patterns, has now been reversed as scientists monitor the island's recovery.
Cobia, a promising fish for aquaculture, has recently been reported from the Colombian and Panamanian Pacific coast, indicating their rapid spread. The species is considered an excellent food fish, but its invasive potential poses significant threats to native ecosystems in the Eastern Pacific.
Researchers found that dominant ant species in tropical rainforests consume the majority of food resources, making ecosystems vulnerable. The study also revealed that efficient species can dominate systems, increasing resource turnover but making them more vulnerable to decline.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that 17% of monitored species populations increased, while 22% remained constant and 22% decreased in tropical forest protected areas. The results suggest that these areas can effectively maintain biodiversity, contrary to previous reports of declining species numbers.
A new study by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute reveals that tropical slipper limpets alter their sex change in response to physical contact with conspecifics. The larger snail changes to female sooner, while the smaller one delays its sex change.
Researchers at the Marcell Experimental Forest in Minnesota are conducting unprecedented whole-ecosystem manipulation to study peatlands' response to increased temperature and elevated carbon dioxide. The goal is to understand how peatlands react to various warming conditions and their impact on the global carbon cycle.
Researchers from the Smithsonian Institution have discovered a new species of goby fish that differs significantly from its relatives in terms of size, color, and habitat depth. The study highlights the importance of exploring deep-sea reefs to understand the true extent of tropical reef biodiversity.
A new study found that releasing larvae more often helps stabilize species population networks on coral reefs. The study, using a computer model, showed that frequent spawning drives connectivity between distant populations, stabilizing the network.
A new study reveals that pygmy sloths inhabit not only mangrove fringes but also the forested interior of their island refuge in Panama. The estimated population size was found to be significantly higher than previously thought, ranging from 500 to 1,500 individuals.
Triassic dinosaurs failed to populate the tropics due to a highly unpredictable hot and dry climate, with extreme wildfires and elevated CO2 levels, making vegetation scarce. This study sheds light on the interplay between climate change and ecosystem evolution at low latitudes, providing new insights into the rise of dinosaurs.