Articles tagged with Biodiversity
A new global measure found that only 17.4 million square kilometres of Earth's remaining forests - or 40 per cent - are considered to have high integrity. High integrity forests contain high levels of biodiversity and provide ecosystem services, but many have been heavily impacted by human activities.
The California Academy of Sciences has added 213 new species to the tree of life, including 101 ants, 15 fishes, and 11 flowering plants. These discoveries provide valuable insights into Earth's biodiversity and help inform global conservation efforts.
Research at Brothers submarine arc volcano reveals distinct microbial communities shaped by magmatic gases and hydrothermal fluids, highlighting the complexity of subsurface geology in forming high biodiversity. Over 90 new bacterial and archaeal families are discovered, providing insights into life's evolution on Earth.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that young Brazilians are becoming more interested in environmental and scientific topics as they begin high school. However, the level of interest varies by region, with students from the North being more enthusiastic about learning about local wildlife and biodiversity.
A McGill University-led team found that extreme population declines among a small number of vertebrate species drive the apparent global decline. Removing these outliers reveals a more hopeful picture of global biodiversity. The study provides reason for hope in conservation efforts.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a DNA-based approach to forecast ecosystem changes, identifying complex networks of species interactions in terrestrial systems. The technique analyzes DNA left behind in animal feces, allowing scientists to quantify indirect links among species and predict impacts on biodiversity.
The report assesses soil biodiversity across the globe, highlighting its decline and impact on ecosystem services such as water cycle regulation and carbon sequestration. The study provides a comprehensive framework for managing soil health, which is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity and mitigating climate change.
Researchers found that reduced insect density influences plant composition and development, with dominant plant species becoming more prevalent. This can lead to mismatches between plant and animal species, causing adverse consequences for the ecosystem.
A recent study by Louisiana State University researchers found that the Amazon rainforest is experiencing a decline in biodiversity, with certain bird species showing significant drops in population. The study, which analyzed data from over 35 years and 55 sites, suggests that climate change may be driving this trend.
A University of Minnesota-led research network seeks to address diversity gaps in biology education by incorporating diverse perspectives and student experiences from non-traditional institutions. The EDU-STEM network, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to improve learning outcomes for underrepresented STEM students.
Researchers found that rice paddies with a history of being wetlands support more wetland plant species. Land consolidation and agricultural abandonment negatively impact biodiversity. The study's findings may inform conservation efforts and promote sustainable agriculture in the Asian monsoon region.
A study published by FSU researchers found that coral reef mats are composed of diverse microbial communities, including cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and viruses. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the ecological role of these mats and how to protect reef ecosystems.
Researchers from The University of Hong Kong studied fossil corals and created the first palaeoecological baseline for coral communities in the Greater Bay Area. They found a 40% decrease in coral species, particularly staghorn corals (Acropora), which now occupy only 50% of their historic range.
A satellite analysis reveals over 1.8 billion trees cover 2.5 times France's surface area, making a significant contribution to biodiversity, carbon storage, and dry tropical ecosystems.
A team of international scientists has proposed eight recommendations for the sustainable use of non-native tree species, aiming to maximize benefits while minimizing negative impacts on biodiversity. The guidelines include using native trees, being aware of invasion risks, and developing global networks for information sharing.
Research found that only 12% of ecosystem functioning variance can be explained by plant traits, highlighting the complexity of long-term ecosystem changes. Plant biomass production and pollination patterns varied greatly among years and communities.
Researchers analyzed ocean water samples from around the world using gene similarity networks, revealing over 2,000 unique sequences that are likely to represent unknown/uncharacterized unicellular Holozoans. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of multicellularity and the origin of animals.
A new study finds that integrating terrestrial and freshwater conservation planning doubles protection of tropical freshwater ecosystems. This approach can increase freshwater species protection by up to 600% with only a 1% reduction in terrestrial species protection.
A new study predicts that alien species will continue to spread globally at an alarming rate, increasing by 36% worldwide by 2050. In Europe, the number of alien species is expected to rise by 64%, with over 2,500 new arrivals predicted.
Researchers found that species-rich sites can lead to biased measurements of biodiversity change. A systematic approach is needed to prevent such biases and ensure accurate conclusions. The study emphasizes the importance of choosing representative sampling sites to inform conservation efforts.
University of Queensland research reveals that conservation planning is often inadequate, neglecting critical ecosystem services that benefit humans, such as freshwater and pollination services. The study proposes a formal process for governments and policymakers to develop more effective plans.
Researchers found over 40 species of dragonflies and more than a year of effluent-fed river flow led to a biodiversity comeback in the Santa Cruz River. The river's return was attributed to upgraded wastewater treatment plants providing better reclaimed water quality, supporting high levels of aquatic life.
Primary forests in Europe are scarce and irreplaceable, requiring top priority protection. Restoration is a viable option where no primary forests remain, storing carbon and benefiting biodiversity. An expansion of protected areas by just 1% can suffice to safeguard most remaining primary forests.
The 'Barcoding Galapagos' scheme trains naturalist guides to survey wildlife and plants using genetic techniques, providing an alternative income source for a population reliant on eco-tourism. The project aims to fill gaps in biological knowledge of the islands and lessen the impact of illegal harvesting.
A new paper published in Science Advances confirms Latin America is twice as rich in plant species as tropical Africa, with a third of the world's biodiversity. The study provides essential baseline data for conservation efforts, focusing on areas with the greatest biodiversity.
Professor Teja Tscharntke, a renowned agroecologist at the University of Göttingen, has received the prestigious Marsh Award for his groundbreaking research on biodiversity and ecosystem services. His work focuses on understanding how landscape structure affects local biodiversity and pollination processes.
A German-Israeli research team found that nature conservation initiatives rarely lead to behavioral changes, citing the need for a broader range of interventions. The study analyzed eight national strategy papers on pollinator conservation and identified a lack of focus on behavioral change interventions, with most measures relying on ...
A new framework helps protect over 300 invasive alien species threatening UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including rats, cats, and Argentine ants. The framework provides a systematic method for reporting on invasive species management, threat levels, and knowledge gaps.
A review paper examines the influence of systemic inequalities on ecology and evolution, finding that racism reduces biodiversity, increases urban heat island effects, and augments climate crises. The authors advocate for environmental justice and anti-racism practices to transform biological research and conservation.
A long-term study in Southeast Asian rainforests found that active restoration accelerates forest recovery, with areas recovering up to 50% faster than those left to regenerate naturally. However, the high cost of restoration currently limits its impact on mitigating climate change.
A new study found large gaps in soil macroecological studies and a lack of data for most diverse tropical regions. Researchers highlight the need for a globally standardized sampling system to overcome limitations and support policy and decision-making.
Research reveals Cape Floristic Region in South Africa is rich in plant species due to long period of ecological stability, contradicting theory that high productivity is required for high diversity. The study emphasizes the need for protection and conservation in extraordinary places threatened by climate change.
Scientists combined environmental DNA and hydrological models to assess riverine ecosystems' biodiversity with unprecedented accuracy, identifying unseen hotspots for conservation strategies. The new method enables rapid application of research findings in Switzerland, finalizing guidelines for the Federal Office for Environment.
A recent study using 2.7 million human activity records found that humans have extensively used Antarctica over the last 200 years, with only 16% of Important Bird Areas located within negligibly impacted areas. This highlights the need for swift action to declare new protected areas and conserve biodiversity.
A team of researchers has quantified human activity across Antarctica, revealing that almost every area has been visited. Biodiversity is not well-represented within these areas, highlighting the need for swift action to declare new protected areas.
High accuracy surface modeling (HASM) integrates extrinsic and intrinsic properties, producing accurate results in various applications. The fundamental theorem for earth surface system modeling (FTESM) combines surface theory, system theory, and optimal control theory.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for greater collaboration between biodiversity collections and other fields of study. Biodiversity data can be used to prevent or mitigate future infectious outbreaks. New investments are needed to support research and education in biodiversity science.
A new deep-water dogfish shark, Squalus shiraii, has been discovered in the tropical waters of Southern Japan. The species boasts distinctive features, including a tall first dorsal fin and caudal fin with broad white margins.
A study presents clear opportunities to conserve what remains of Earth's ice-free land without significant human influence. The research aims to inform the upcoming global Convention on Biological Diversity and emphasizes the importance of maintaining natural lands in separating animal and human activity.
A recent study found that public parks fulfill essential human needs, including social connection, self-determination, and community engagement. The use of parks is linked to improved overall well-being, making them a crucial component of sustainable development.
Researchers analyzed sea-surface temperatures and planktonic foraminifer shells to determine that tropical ocean biodiversity started declining around 15,000 years ago, before the Anthropocene era. Continued global warming may further reduce biodiversity in tropical oceans.
Pensoft has launched a pilot phase with its open-access journal Biodiversity Data Journal, certifying reviewers' contributions via ReviewerCredits. Reviewers can now record their peer reviews and earn virtual credits redeemable for benefits, including discounted APCs.
A new study by UC Santa Cruz reveals that field courses help build self-confidence among students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. The research shows that students who participate in field courses are more likely to graduate, have higher GPAs, and stay in the ecology and evolutionary biology major.
Researchers found that specialized cold-water invertebrate communities have persisted through time even after deglaciation, suggesting that high-altitude streams and snow-fed water sources are key to preserving mountain biodiversity. The study used biological and glacier retreat data from Glacier National Park to support these findings.
New research highlights the importance of legally protecting large indigenous territories in Brazil to preserve biodiversity, traditional livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Almost 90% of indigenous territories retain higher native vegetation cover than their surroundings, safeguarding over 100 million hectares of forests and savannahs.
The Belt and Road Initiative's six terrestrial infrastructure corridors crisscross ecologically fragile geographies, threatening 150,000 square kilometers of critical habitat. Financiers' lack of binding biodiversity impact mitigation requirements poses significant risks to the world's species.
The recent 18th International Congress of Myriapodology brought together top experts to present the latest findings on myriapod diversity, distribution, and biology. The research highlights the lack of dedicated funding for threatened species conservation and urges for the establishment of a Myriapoda Specialist Group.
A new species of green pit viper was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh, India, and is named Trimeresurus salazar. The species is characterized by its unique orange to reddish stripe on the head and body of males.
A recent study found that only five percent of tropical reefs globally can meet multiple goals, including providing enough fishing stocks and maintaining biodiversity. Marine reserves placed in areas with low human pressures had the best results for helping reefs get on the 'A-list', meeting all goals simultaneously.
Researchers used eDNA metabarcoding to detect biodiversity in two regions of Western Australia, finding that bulk arthropods and animal droppings detected the most species. The study suggests that eDNA can be a fast and accurate tool for biomonitoring, but careful surveys are needed to avoid contamination from outside organisms.
Researchers recorded 2,750 minutes of underwater sounds in five major river systems, identifying over 7,000 distinct sounds. Most were from unknown biological sources, while human-caused noise dominated the landscape, potentially harming aquatic ecosystems.
A European research network is funding a study to investigate how biological diversity influences chains of infection for mosquito-borne diseases. The project aims to develop reliable risk assessments and identify the impact of biodiversity, landscape diversity, and socio-economic conditions on disease transmission.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Matthew Knope found that ecologically diverse animal groups are more resistant to extinction and dominate the modern ocean's biodiversity. The study analyzed fossil and living marine animals over 500 million years, showing a link between diversity and resistance to mass extinctions.
A new species of land snail has been discovered by citizen scientists working with Taxon Expeditions, a company that organizes scientific field trips. The newly described snail belongs to the caenogastropods group, which is sensitive to drought, temperature extremes, and forest degradation.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered at least nine directions of brain-gender variation using a unique dataset and machine learning algorithms. This finding has important consequences for promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canada and beyond.
A new study highlights the need for systematic surveys and novel data collection methods to assess poaching's impact on biodiversity in forested areas. The research provides critical information for protecting rare species in landscapes with severe defaunation.
A new study suggests that accounting for climate change in conservation planning can effectively protect biodiversity, but may come at a higher cost. Researchers analyzed 1,460 species and found that unless climate change impacts are considered, 14% would not have a viable place to live.
A global meta-analysis of organic farming systems reveals a significant increase in biodiversity and profitability relative to conventional agriculture. The study found that larger field sizes around organic sites are associated with higher biodiversity, but lower crop yields and profit margins compared to conventional sites.
A recent study found that organic farms with larger surrounding field sizes exhibit higher biodiversity and profits compared to conventional farms. However, the advantage in profitability decreases as the size of the surrounding fields increases.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that carcasses of dead deer have a positive effect on biodiversity in the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve. Plants near carcasses grew five times larger, attracting more insects and predators. The researchers call for relaxing regulations to allow dead large grazers to remain, benefiting other natu...