Articles tagged with Tropical 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.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
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.
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.
A new study suggests that large areas of western Amazonia were sparsely inhabited before European arrival, contradicting the idea that most of Amazonia was heavily occupied. The research found few signs of charcoal from fires, indicating low-intensity human impacts on forests.
Researchers describe a new extinct giant turtle species found near the world's largest snake, providing insights into climate change impacts. The study reveals that tropical ecosystems are crucial for understanding regional biodiversity and conservation.
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.
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 recent study published in Science found that tropical forests' variability is attributed to historical and geological processes rather than current ecology. The research team collected data at sites worldwide, revealing similarities in biodiversity patterns between tropical rainforests and temperate regions.
A University of Rhode Island study found that Tanzania's Saadani National Park protects mangrove ecosystems while providing new income opportunities for local communities through increased fishing and shrimping activities. Mangrove cover declined by 27% before park establishment, but remained stable with reduced harvesting.
University of Guam ecologist Thomas Marler conducted botanical surveys on Mount Pinatubo's slopes to study primary succession. He found that unstable soil surfaces continue to impact community formation, and elevation and distance from human settlement are key factors in vegetation characteristics.
A project called Tropi-Dry, led by the University of Alberta, used remote sensing and geo-data to overturn a Brazilian law that would have allowed widespread logging. The decision protects critical ecosystem services, including weather regulation and water production.
A giant-scale ecological study, SAFE Project, aims to understand how deforestation and forest fragmentation impact biodiversity and carbon cycling in tropical Asia. Scientists will investigate the impact of agricultural development on the ecosystem's ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
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.
Researchers at the Missouri Botanical Garden have identified eight new plant species in the Madidi National Park and surrounding areas in northern Bolivia. The new species, including Prestonia leco and Passiflora madidiana, are from diverse genera and families and have been assigned a provisional conservation status of Vulnerable.
A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and other institutions reveals that expanding croplands in the tropics releases nearly twice as much carbon per unit of food produced compared to temperate regions. The findings highlight a pressing need to balance agricultural production with carbon sequestration.
Scientists have created the most comprehensive map of the Earth's mangrove forest distribution, revealing a 12.3% decline in forest coverage compared to earlier estimates. The map shows that approximately 75% of remaining forests are found in just 15 countries, with only ~6.9% protected under existing networks.
A new study projects that only 18% to 45% of plants and animals in global tropical forests may remain as we know them today by 2100. Conservation efforts can focus on reducing deforestation pressure to help species adapt to climate change or enhance their ability to move with it.
A massive study at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that rare species of trees are more sensitive to their own species neighbors than common species. This interaction plays a crucial role in determining which organisms thrive in tropical forests.
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.
Scientists tracked 17 iridescent orchid bees using radio transmitters, finding that males spent most of their time in small core areas but could visit farther afield. These long-distance movements help explain why some orchids are rare despite being pollinated by these bees.
A new approach calculates the change in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from changes in land use, taking into account factors such as plant density and ecosystem vulnerability. This comprehensive method provides a more accurate assessment of land-use projects' impact on climate change.
Research by Patrick Christie at the University of Washington found that local people's involvement and leadership are crucial for successful conservation efforts. Participatory planning, collaboration between communities and governance conditions play a vital role in managing conflicts and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
Research at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that punishment is necessary to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship between plants and wasp pollinators. In actively pollinated fig species, wasps that don't provide pollination are sanctioned, while in passively pollinated species, sanctions are absent.
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.
By modifying male and female genitalia, researchers induced changes in female reproduction, including reduced ovulation and increased mating attempts. Cryptic female choice was found to play a crucial role in shaping genital structure and evolutionary adaptations.
The Amazon Rainforest's drought sensitivity is a growing concern due to climate change, threatening both nature and people. The study reveals that increasing drought can cause irreparable damage to the jungle and its carbon-sequestration abilities.
The AAAS Symposium explores emerging threats to terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including habitat loss, climate change, and overfishing. Researchers will discuss research challenges and synthesis of current and emerging threats.
Laurance and Lovejoy received the award for their contributions to understanding habitat fragmentation and global change impacts on tropical forests. Their work promotes conservation research in imperiled forests, inspiring decision-makers and the public to establish and conserve large, interconnected forest reserves vital to ecologica...
Scientists estimate that roughly 1.4% of tropical humid forests were deforested between 2000 and 2005, with more than half containing 50% or less tree cover. New remote-sensing technologies are required to monitor the changes caused by selective logging and forest regeneration.
A study published in Science warns that climate change may exceed life's ability to respond, threatening 53% of species with extinction. The research provides critical insights into the effects of warming on tropical ecosystems, highlighting the need for conservation measures.
A new theory on nitrogen fixation in ecosystems may help scientists better predict the effects of climate change. The researchers found that temperature constraints and phosphorus acquisition abilities play a crucial role in shaping the distribution of nitrogen-fixing plants across global ecosystems.
Tropical species will experience reduced health and population growth rates due to global warming, while high-latitude species may benefit slightly from warmer temperatures. The impacts of global warming on species in the tropics will be more detrimental than those in high latitudes.
Researchers in Costa Rica have successfully restored a tropical rainforest ecosystem by planting mixed-species tree plantations on worn-out pasture land. The project, led by Carl Leopold, has shown promising results, with native species and fungi helping to control erosion and support growth.
The journal, launched by Mongabay.com, will publish original research papers and reviews on tropical forest and ecosystem conservation. It aims to stimulate publications addressing social, economic, and industrial drivers impacting tropical ecosystems.
A new study by Zah et al. reveals striking differences in the environmental costs of different biofuels, with fuels from U.S. corn, Brazilian soy, and Malaysian palm oil found to be worse than fossil fuels. The best alternatives include biofuels from residual products.
A US-French research team is creating a comprehensive inventory of all non-microbial life on Moorea, including plants, animals, and fungi. The project aims to catalog and barcode every species on the island, shedding light on ecosystem responses to climate change, invasive species, and human impact.
Researchers propose an entirely new model of human-centered biomes, acknowledging that humans have a significant impact on the global environment. The current system of classifying ecosystems may be misleading, and it's time to study ecosystem functioning in backyards and urban areas.
A research team has discovered forests of endangered tropical kelp in deep waters near the Galapagos Islands. The find suggests that marine ecosystems may be more resilient to climate change than initially thought, with kelp forests potentially harboring unique biodiversity.
The Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project, a long-term research effort in the Amazon, is imperiled by SUFRAMA's colonization plan. The project, which has hosted hundreds of scientists, may lose its research sites and critical conservation areas.
A global assessment reveals that poor management in tropical parks is often driven by corruption and poverty, leading to ineffective fire prevention. The study used satellite data to measure park effectiveness across countries, finding that some parks succeeded where others failed to prevent fires.
Researchers found that tropical plants can switch between different nitrogen sources in response to climate change, providing a glimmer of hope for their ability to withstand environmental shifts. The study's results were based on measurements and models of variations in nitrogen compounds across different rainfall climates.
A Smithsonian-led research team has won a scientific prize for their study on the impacts of habitat fragmentation on the Amazon ecosystem. The team found that tree communities are rapidly changing in forest fragments due to ecological changes near the margins, posing a significant threat to Amazonian biodiversity.
A recent study published in Science has found that the size of Amazon forest reserves is crucial for protecting bird species. The research, led by Gonçalo Ferraz, used a 13-year data set of over 40,000 bird captures to show that larger areas are more important than isolation in maintaining biodiversity.
A novel program in Panama trains professionals to advance drug discovery, reducing costs and promoting tropical biodiversity conservation. The International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups (ICBG) program provides economic and educational benefits for local students and communities.
Researchers warn of imminent ecological extinction for reef sharks, with populations declining at alarming rates. Immediate reductions in fishing pressure are needed to give threatened species a chance of recovery.
Researchers found that reef shark abundance on reefs open to fishing is about ten times lower than on unfished reefs. High reef shark abundance was only apparent on the most strictly enforced no-take zones, suggesting moderate poaching can derail conservation efforts.
A study by Lessios and Robertson confirms close relationships between reef fish populations on both sides of the Pacific barrier, with gene flow occurring in both directions. The researchers rule out major changes in currents or geological events as barriers to population separation.
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is coordinating the planning process for Panama's Coiba National Park/World Heritage Site, aiming to develop a realistic management plan while promoting sustainable activities. The park will benefit from expertise in diverse areas and collaboration with local authorities.
Researchers found that female túngara frogs are attracted to males producing complex 'whine chuck' calls. By surgically removing fibrous masses in the males' larynx, scientists discovered a unique connection between these structures and call complexity.
A new initiative aims to slow deforestation in tropical forests by allowing wealthy industrial nations to pay developing countries to conserve their forests. This mechanism would earn 'carbon credits' that count toward emissions targets, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
New projections suggest that deforestation rates will decrease as population growth slows, allowing a larger area of tropical forests to remain. The study's findings provide hope that many tropical forest species can survive the current wave of deforestation and human population growth.
Researchers found a positive correlation between tropical area expansion and diversity increase during global warming. Conversely, forest fragmentation during cooling periods leads to decreased diversity. The study suggests that changes in area drive speciation and extinction in the tropics.
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute presents a comprehensive guide to the marine invertebrates of Bocas del Toro, with over 3000 documented species. The study highlights the region's high diversity and sets the stage for future research and conservation efforts.
The BioScience special section examines the ecology and sustainability of tropical island streams, which face numerous threats including human alteration and natural fluctuations. The articles highlight conservation strategies to mitigate the effects of dams, deforestation, and invasive species on these ecosystems.
Researchers discovered a generalized topology characteristic of self-organized complex systems in community organisation of plants and animals. This finding has significant implications for biodiversity conservation.
A recent study published in Science suggests that conserving wild nature can generate significant economic benefits, with intact ecosystems providing up to 75% more value than converted ones. The research estimates a global network of nature reserves could provide $4.4 trillion in additional economic benefits annually.
Researchers found a wide swath of the western Amazon has a forest with minimal species change over distances of over 1000 kilometers. In contrast, forests on the Isthmus of Panama exhibit high beta-diversity due to abrupt variation in rainfall across the Central American isthmus.
The Global Litter Invertebrate Decomposition Experiment (GLIDE) aims to advance understanding of soil and litter fauna's distribution, diversity, and importance in ecosystem processes. The study will provide unprecedented data on the animals involved in litter decomposition across different biomes and latitudes.