Articles tagged with Aquatic Ecology
The project aims to quantify the link between water conditions, fish populations, and wading bird nesting success in the Florida Everglades. Researchers will collect data on aquatic prey and habitat conditions during the dry season to provide essential insight into restoration efforts.
Researchers have developed a practical and affordable method for assessing the state of river ecosystems by using different substrates such as marble tiles, alder leaves, and cotton strips. The study found that these materials can provide valuable information on the condition of rivers and help address pollution.
Researchers used global environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys to map marine fish species' geographic ranges. These findings highlight current biases in conservation efforts and ecological models.
A team of Kyoto University researchers investigated life-history variation in masu salmon to understand their ability to adapt to changing environments. They found that fast-life individuals dominated downstream reaches, while slow-life individuals were more prevalent upstream. However, within-habitat variation was found to be more imp...
A new study found that crayfish with larger but weaker claws swam more slowly due to energetic trade-offs. Removing one or both claws improved swimming performance, highlighting the physical burden of carrying oversized weapons.
A new study reveals that North Atlantic common dolphins are living shorter lives, with female dolphins' longevity decreasing from 24 to 17 years. This decline has led to fewer calves born, posing a threat to the species' survival and the marine ecosystem it maintains.
A recent study found that light color affects phytoplankton growth and nutrient cycling in lake ecosystems. The researchers discovered that the less light available to microalgae, the more important the color of light became for their growth.
Researchers at William & Mary's Batten School and VIMS have successfully restored bay scallop populations to their former range along the Eastern Shore of Virginia, with an average density of 0.114 scallops per square meter. The population is expected to double in less than 1.5 years, potentially leading to a future recreational fishery.
Research from Umeå University reveals that natural barriers shape the flow of water and hinder plant dispersal in rivers shaped by the last Ice Age. The study found no clear correlations between drainage area and channel width, or consistent increase in plant species diversity downstream.
Researchers analyzed 11 international constructed floating wetlands projects and found that they can be a competitive solution for improving water quality, especially for nitrogen removal. The cost of removing nitrogen was consistently cheaper than phosphorus, making floating wetlands a more economical option over time.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that heat does not significantly affect the cognitive ability of sea turtle hatchlings. However, higher incubation temperatures negatively impact their physical traits, including shorter incubation durations, lower hatching success, and more frequent scute anomalies. The stud...
Researchers have identified chemical fossils in ancient rocks that suggest the ancestors of modern-day demosponges were among the first animals to evolve. The discovery, made by a team of MIT geochemists, builds on previous findings and provides strong evidence for the early origins of life on Earth.
A study in Communications Earth & Environment found that WWII munitions in the Baltic Sea support a higher abundance of marine life than surrounding sediment. The hard metal casings on the munitions provide a suitable surface for organisms to inhabit, outweighing the disadvantages of chemical exposure.
Researchers at Northern Arizona University have discovered a partnership between algae and bacteria that creates a clean-nitrogen machine, turning atmospheric nitrogen into food for river ecosystems. This discovery boosts populations of aquatic insects, which young salmon rely on for growth and survival.
Two researchers, Dr Anggi Hapsari and Dr Oliver Barnstedt, have been awarded ERC Starting Grants for their projects on the impact of sea level rise on coastal ecosystems and the neural mechanisms of memory formation in the mammillary body. The grants will fund five-year research projects exploring these topics.
UCSB researchers warn that the ocean's cumulative impact will double by 2050 due to climate change and human activities. The tropics and poles are expected to experience the fastest changes in impacts, with coastal areas bearing the brunt of the increased pressures.
Researchers have discovered forehead teeth on spotted ratfish, which are used for mating and challenge traditional conceptions of dental history. The findings provide evidence that these unusual structures are indeed teeth, not denticles, and shed light on the evolution of oral teeth.
A new study found that when Hanauma Bay was closed to the public during the 2020 pandemic, the reef quickly returned to more natural levels. This led to clearer water, increased sightings of endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and more active fish populations.
Researchers from Seoul National University of Science & Technology developed a smart adhesive system based on starfish for temporary and switchable underwater adhesion. The system exhibits high adhesion hysteresis, automatic release based on outside stimuli, and quick detachment by pneumatic actuation.
Researchers from Kyoto University discovered a new shrimp roommate, Betaeus levifrons, living in Japanese mud shrimp (Upogebia major) burrows on the Pacific coast of Hokkaido. This symbiotic relationship highlights the unique ecological and evolutionary processes underlying these interactions.
A new study found that river otters in Chesapeake Bay eat diverse prey and parasites, including flukes, dinoflagellates, and invasive fish. The researchers suggest that otters may be helping to clean up polluted environments by consuming parasite-infected animals.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.
Scientists have uncovered the remains of a vast animal community that lived in the European Arctic 75,000 years ago. The bones represent the oldest example of an animal community in the region during this warmer period of the ice age, providing valuable insights into how wildlife responded to dramatic climate shifts.
Researchers found that mangrove populations have nearly tripled in areas with oysters, leading to significant acidification of oyster reef sediment. Oyster shell dissolution could impact reef viability and services like filtration and storm surge reduction.
A new study published in Ecology reveals traditional methods of tracking animal movement may be underestimating the actual distance travelled by whales, particularly for marine species.
A UK study monitored antimicrobial resistance and influenza viruses in water bodies frequented by wild birds, finding widespread AMR genes in 92% of samples. Influenza virus was detected in just 3.4% of samples, highlighting the need for more sensitive detection methods.
Researchers found humpback whales lose 11,000kg of blubber during annual migrations, equivalent to energy from 57,000 kg of Antarctic krill. The study reveals a dramatic seasonal change in body condition, with whales fattest in autumn and slimmest in spring.
Researchers found that freshwater fish species preferred varying levels of complexity in artificial root-inspired panels, with bluegill and banded killifish showing strong affinity. The study suggests these structures can enhance shoreline biodiversity and water quality by providing hiding places and surfaces for filter-feeding organisms.
Research reveals that warming seas are changing mating routines of critically endangered female angelsharks, prioritizing staying cool over visiting breeding grounds. This mismatch in behavior could have severe consequences for the species' future.
A study suggests that eliminating invasive rats can restore the flow of nutrients across food chain networks in Seychelles, potentially enhancing ecosystem function on coral reefs. Seabird populations play a mediating role in this process by increasing turf algae growth and stimulating top-down controls.
A new study found that hermit crabs with more sensory hairs on their claws recover faster from a startle response, indicating they are bolder. The research suggests a link between sensory ability and behavior, proposing a hypothesis called sensory investment syndrome.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of Barbonymus schwanefeldii (tinfoil barb) in Laguna de Bay, Philippines' largest freshwater lake. The invasive species can outcompete native fish for food and breeding grounds, posing long-term ecological consequences.
The Queen Conch Lab at FAU Harbor Branch will establish a community-based queen conch farm in every Caribbean country to restore healthy populations and improve sustainable fishing methods. The project aims to grow up to 2,000 queen conch juveniles per year for conservation and restoration.
A new study found that individual leopard seals specialize in specific diets, significantly impacting local prey populations. The research highlights the need to examine individual hunting behaviors in apex predators.
A new study reveals that global marine biodiversity data is heavily biased towards shallow waters and vertebrates, with vast areas of the deep sea and invertebrates poorly represented. The findings highlight the need for prioritized sampling to fill these gaps and support sustainable ocean management.
Australian scientists developed a new method to evaluate the risks posed by toxicants like insecticides in waterways. The Temporal Response Surface (TRS) approach integrates exposure duration into ecosystem protection guidelines, providing a more accurate assessment of delayed and time-cumulative aquatic ecosystem risk.
A new study reveals that wildfires have a profound impact on water systems, affecting microbial communities and nutrient cycling. The researchers found that moderate heat processing from fires leads to more bioavailable carbon for microbes, but also disrupts the nitrogen cycle and natural balance of aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers discovered genes related to extracellular matrix and Wnt signaling pathway drive lip hypertrophy in East African Great Lakes cichlids. The study provides insights into the evolutionary biology of lip hypertrophy, highlighting the importance of proteoglycans and Wnt signaling pathway.
Researchers found hurricanes dramatically change oxygen concentrations and bring nutrient-rich water to the surface, creating phytoplankton blooms that support a variety of marine life. This process has significant impacts on ocean ecosystems, particularly in areas with low-oxygen zones.
A new study shows that wildlife underpass tunnels can dramatically reduce amphibian deaths, with an 80.2% reduction in road mortality observed. The design details of the underpasses matter, and this research provides long-term evidence of their effectiveness in preserving ecosystems.
New research finds megalodon preyed upon a variety of species, including fish, sharks, and even crustaceans, contrary to the long-held belief that it targeted large marine mammals. The discovery was made by analyzing zinc isotopes in fossilized teeth, providing insights into the prehistoric shark's ecological versatility.
A new international study shows that El Niño and La Niña climate patterns affect nearly half of the world's mangrove forests, threatening these vital coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are experiencing widespread degradation during El Niño events and increased growth during La Niña events.
A Kyoto University study reveals that seasonal timing of terrestrial invertebrate resource subsidies can mediate life-history variation in wild organisms. The researchers found that early subsidies led to the highest life-history variation, while later or no subsidies resulted in lower variation.
Researchers highlight the need to study floating solar projects' impacts on birds and other wildlife, aiming to avoid negative effects while promoting ecological benefits. The study suggests examining bird behavior interactions with floating PV systems and identifying risks and solution pathways for coexistence.
Researchers found Antarctic krill exhibit a daily rhythm of activity, with increased swimming at night and synchronization with seasonal variations. The internal clock helps krill adapt to extreme polar conditions.
Researchers found that sulfur runoff can dramatically increase methylmercury concentrations in fish up to 10 million times greater than the waters they lived in. This poses a significant risk to human health and wildlife due to methylmercury's neurotoxic effects.
Scientists have discovered a Triassic-era fossil with an elongated jaw structure, similar to modern-day pike and needlefish. The findings suggest that different species independently evolved similar jaws hundreds of millions of years apart, highlighting the universal problem-solving strategies in nature.
The observation pyramid uses different robot platforms to survey ocean areas, enabling flexible task management. Autonomous robotic organizations will reduce costs, improve mission efficiency and increase system robustness.
The 2025 BioOne Ambassador Award recognizes exceptional early-career researchers who are advancing public understanding of science through effective communication. The award highlights their outstanding research and commitment to sharing their work with a broader audience.
A new study reveals how proactive salmon conservation in the North Pacific can protect biodiversity and advance global conservation goals. The stronghold strategy aims to proactively protect iconic salmon systems that sustain healthy watersheds, safeguarding food security and mitigating climate change.
The European Catfish has a prolonged breeding season of almost five months, allowing its offspring to survive extreme events and compete for food resources effectively. This finding is crucial for controlling the species' population, as removing larger individuals can help reduce fecundity.
Larvae of wood frogs grow and mature precociously when infected with ranavirus, exhibiting accelerated growth and development. This may help tadpoles tolerate the energetic demands of infection or escape risky environments to avoid infection entirely.
A new study by the University of Plymouth investigated the effect of changing global climate conditions on Christmas Island's red crab embryos. The researchers found that lower salinity levels did not delay embryonic development, but emphasized the need for further research to understand the species' response to environmental stressors.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique motor control system in frogfish's first dorsal fin, enabling their 'fishing' behavior. The study reveals how motor neurons changed location as their function shifted from swimming to hunting.
A groundbreaking study reveals how anglerfish evolved extraordinary traits, including bioluminescent lures and large oral gapes, to exploit scarce resources in the bathypelagic zone. Despite environmental challenges, anglerfish achieved high levels of phenotypic disparity, suggesting a capacity for adaptive radiation.
A new study suggests that regulations designed to protect Lake Erie's water quality may be too restrictive for some species of fish, but still beneficial until the middle of this century. Researchers recommend a systems-level approach to managing ecosystems, considering tradeoffs between fisheries and water quality objectives.
A study by University of Maine researchers found that American lobster populations are relocating to new habitats, while their numbers are dwindling in abundance. The lobsters are now favoring open spaces over rocky shelters, with a significant increase in those living without shelter at all.
The world's freshwater lakes are freezing over for shorter periods due to climate change, affecting more than a billion people worldwide. Changes in ice duration have major implications for human safety, water quality, biodiversity, and global nutrient cycles.
The British Ecological Society has announced the winners of its annual photography competition, Capturing Ecology. The competition showcases stunning images that capture the beauty and diversity of ecological systems.
Researchers at Binghamton University discovered that water anoles produce a special bubble over their nostrils to breathe underwater and evade predators. The study found that the bubble serves a functional role in respiration, allowing lizards to stay submerged for longer periods.