Articles tagged with Biodiversity
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...
Researchers found that animal carcasses contribute to increased plant growth, attracting herbivorous insects and their predators. This has a positive impact on the local food chain, persisting even five months after death.
A research team found 261 'gyotaku' rubbings with printed specimens, providing distributional data for 235 species. The study suggests that 'gyotaku' may be an important source of historical biodiversity data for rare and endangered species.
A new study suggests that human-caused biodiversity decline started millions of years ago, with early hominins competing with carnivores for food. The researchers propose that human ancestors stole recently killed animals from other predators, leading to the extinction of large carnivore species in East Africa.
Dr. Jane Lubchenco, a pioneering marine biologist and educator, has been awarded the first-ever Mary Sears Medal for her groundbreaking work on biodiversity and rocky seashore ecology. Her contributions to restoring ocean health and sustainable fisheries have had a lasting impact on the field of marine biology.
Researchers discovered 10 new species and subspecies of songbirds from three under-explored islands off Sulawesi, Indonesia. The findings mark the largest number of new species identified from a small geographically confined region in over a century.
A study of 15 South Tyrolean waterways found that extensive pastures increase biodiversity in streams and rivers. Aquatic macroinvertebrates perform more diversified tasks in pastures, with greater species diversity than in woodland and rocky areas.
Recent fossil discoveries revealed three evolutionary patterns on the Tibetan Plateau: local endemism, out-of-Tibet dispersal, and intercontinental exchange. These patterns reflect the biological responses to tectonic uplift and its impact on biota globally.
A recent study found that biodiversity in the Camargue has substantially changed, with declines in grasshoppers, crickets, and amphibians detected. The research also revealed increases in vascular plants and some bird species, but highlights the failure of current protection measures to safeguard certain taxa.
Research finds water samples insufficient for detecting EPTO groups and other macroinvertebrates, bulk benthos sampling provides richer taxonomic recovery. Bulk-benthos samples show stronger association with EPTO families than water samples.
Researchers investigated primate societies' evolutionary paths and found pair living played a crucial role in transitioning from solitary life to complex societies. The study suggests that paternal care increased offspring survival, reinforcing pair living and paving the way for group living.
A University of Queensland-led team proposes a global goal to limit the loss of nature by setting a 'no net loss' target for natural ecosystems. The researchers considered socioeconomic factors across 170 countries and recognized the need for equitable contributions to conservation and restoration.
Climate change since the Last Glacial Maximum significantly predicts community structure in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Human activities also play a crucial role in shaping mammal communities globally.
A study of 9,701 Chinese plant species reveals that human-dominated regions exhibit opposite range-filling trends to those with low human activity. Human activities lead to replacement of narrow-ranged species by widespread ones.
Researchers propose transforming low-productivity agricultural land into conservation reserves, which could help nations meet their United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The approach recognizes the value of uncontested lands, allowing for quicker and cheaper conservation efforts than traditional methods.
The study highlights the severe impacts of urban growth on natural habitats, particularly in tropical coastal regions. Researchers suggest that scientists are not studying the issue adequately and propose future research focusing on lower-income countries, indirect impacts, and quantifying urban effects on biodiversity.
Researchers describe an extremely well-preserved pterosaur specimen from the Afro-Arabian continent, shedding light on the evolutionary history of these creatures. The study suggests that this type of pterosaur likely fed on crustaceans and lived in shallow marine waters during the Late Cretaceous period.
Expert survey reveals conflict between renewable energy and bat protection, with most stakeholders agreeing that ecosystem sustainability is crucial. Possible solutions include accepting reduced wind turbine efficiency to compensate for shutdown times and prioritizing bat conservation over green electricity production.
A study found that boreal lakes exhibit enhanced chemical and microbial diversity in response to rising organic matter levels, leading to increased decomposition of carbon dioxide and methane. This correlation has significant implications for the global carbon cycle and potential greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that local grassland plant diversity increased significantly over time but incompletely recovered, while plant productivity did not significantly recover. After 1-91 years of abandonment, fields had 38-73% of the plant diversity and 34-53% of the plant productivity compared to untouched land.
Research reveals artisanal gold mining is altering water clarity and dynamics in the Madre de Dios River watershed, causing increased sediment levels that contain mercury and other contaminants. This has severe impacts on fish populations and other aquatic life, disrupting natural seasonal cycles and habitat of endangered species.
Research reveals significant increases in suspended sediment concentrations in affected Amazon river reaches due to artisanal gold mining. Elevated turbidity is likely to impact fish community structure, while ASGM-associated sediments may facilitate mercury transport to nearby communities.
The researchers propose a strategic approach to conservation, focusing on keystone ecosystems that support large numbers of dependent species. This mega-conservation approach has the potential to enhance biodiversity and facilitate effective global-scale conservation efforts.
Pensoft's new data audit process ensures datasets are fit-to-use prior to peer review, saving time and effort for authors and reviewers. The workflow applies principles of FAIR data and is applicable to data linked from external repositories.
A recent study by Brown University researchers found that biologically diverse communities are more resistant to environmental changes and can thrive in turbulent areas. This is because highly mobile species can adapt to changing conditions by darting to safe locations or accessing abundant food sources.
A study involving over 100 researchers demonstrates that biodiversity enhances pollination and biological pest control, leading to increased crop yields. Higher agricultural biodiversity also reduces the reliance on pesticides, promoting sustainable agriculture.
A new study using big data reveals that many fundamental features of life, such as metabolism and growth, follow consistent relationships with body size across all creatures. This challenges the Metabolic Theory of Ecology and suggests a deep understanding of universal laws governing life's diversity.
Researchers used fossil shells to estimate the age of seagrass meadows, revealing that they are remarkably stable over time, persisting in the same spot for hundreds or thousands of years. The study highlights the importance of seagrasses as critical long-term reservoirs of biodiversity in coastal ecosystems.
Scientific research reveals that music is essential for expressing and enforcing relationships between humans, other beings, and ecosystems. Traditional music-making systems are being eroded due to globalization, but they continue to be honoured and celebrated.
A University of Queensland and CSIRO study finds that wilderness areas reduce species extinction risk by half, highlighting the urgent need for protection. Vital 'at-risk' wilderness areas require immediate conservation efforts to prevent loss of biodiversity and ecosystem disruption.
A study of long-term data from the River Ray in Wiltshire found a steady increase in freshwater invertebrate diversity and abundance since 1991, attributed to improved sewage treatment. This improvement is linked to reduced ammonia levels and increased oxygen, creating a cleaner water environment.
Researchers from the University of Kansas have described three genera and 17 new species of water scavenger beetles from the Guiana and Brazilian Shield regions. The discovery highlights the vast biodiversity left to be described in areas where resource-extraction operations are destroying natural habitats.
A University of Oklahoma team has developed a mathematical framework for quantitatively assessing ecological diversity in dynamic communities. The framework, which considers both deterministic and stochastic forces, provides a robust tool for ecologists to evaluate the relative contribution of these forces.
Researchers from SUTD examine Parrondo's paradox across biology, finding connections between disparate studies that suggest a unified fundamental characteristic of life. The study reveals nested recurrent mechanics spanning the entire biological gamut.
A new DNA sequencing protocol enables the efficient capture and sequencing of long fragments of plastome DNA, revolutionizing plant biodiversity research. This breakthrough protocol improves genome assembly and facilitates phylogenetic analyses of non-model plant species.
Recent calculations by University of Groningen researchers suggest that bird species in New Zealand will need around 50 million years to regain their lost diversity. However, the fate of endangered species like the kakapo and kiwi could add millions more years to this timeline.
A recent study by the University of California, Davis, reveals 20 overlooked advantages of distributed solar energy, such as carbon sequestration and improvements for pollinator habitats. The study provides a framework for analyzing solar projects and highlights the potential of rooftop solar to benefit both humans and wildlife.
A new project at the University of Exeter aims to discover how economics can help protect the environment by placing an economic value on biodiversity. The project will develop trading platforms to advance price measurements of biodiversity and provide individuals and businesses with access to conservation solutions in various countries.
Researchers have discovered a universal pattern in the fossil record, showing that extreme events of diversification and extinction occur more frequently than expected. The study used superstatistics to describe fluctuations within clades, finding effective adaptive strategies and valleys of uninhabited space.
A new study by University of Vermont researchers found that older forests are less vulnerable to climate change, particularly for carbon storage, timber production, and biodiversity. The research analyzed 18,500 forest plots across the eastern US and Canada, identifying priority regions for forest climate adaptation efforts.
Biological scientist Deborah Matthews discovers four new species of plume moths in the Bahamas, expanding the island's known biodiversity. The discoveries add to the growing understanding of the importance of plume moths in their ecosystems.
Scientists have found that sponges can collect and filter DNA from fish, seal, and penguin DNA in the water they filter, making them an ideal sampling unit for monitoring biodiversity. This method uses sponge tissue as a natural sampler, reducing processing time and risk of contamination.
A recent study found that underrepresented faculty are more likely to engage in diversity and inclusion activities, but face limitations due to time and funding constraints. The research highlights the need for institutions to dedicate resources and reevaluate evaluation processes to encourage shared responsibility.
A new study reveals nearly 2 million square kilometers of global protected areas have been downgraded since 1892, with 90% of recent US events linked to industrial-scale development. The report warns that these changes could embolden other countries and threaten conservation efforts worldwide.
A new study by Macquarie University reveals that more protected areas are needed in New South Wales' west to safeguard native species from climate change. The researchers identified suitable habitats for vulnerable species like the spotted-tailed quoll and squirrel glider but found inadequate protection in central-western NSW.
A recent study found that organic animal farms increase bird numbers in agricultural environments, contrary to other environmental subsidies. The proximity of organic farms was particularly beneficial for insectivore birds.
Researchers found that nitrogen-rich poop from penguins and seals creates biodiversity hotspots in Antarctica, supporting thriving communities of mosses and lichens. The extent of these hotspots is linked to the number of animals present, not climate or region dryness.
A new study published in Nature assesses the location and extent of the planet's remaining free-flowing rivers, finding that only 37% of the world's 246 longest rivers are still unimpeded. The researchers' global assessment highlights severe degradation and offers a method for tracking the status of free-flowing rivers over time.
A recent study published in PeerJ: Life & Environment found that urban biodiversity still strongly reflects regional species, despite similarities across cities. The study analyzed over 65,000 wildlife observations and documented 5000 species across 14 US cities.
A team of scientists has identified five priority measures for Madagascar's new government to prevent species and habitats being lost forever. Investing in protected areas and local community tenure over natural resources are key strategies to address the country's biodiversity crisis.
A global database of women scientists has been established to combat underrepresentation in the public sphere and promote diversity in science. The Request a Woman Scientist database now includes over 7,500 women from 174 scientific disciplines and 133 countries.
The PATHS program, funded by Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grants, aims to empower underrepresented students to succeed in STEM fields at UC San Diego. The initiative replicates successful models from UMBC's Meyerhoff Scholars Program and offers research experiences, team learning, peer counseling, and more.
A large-scale study found consensus among conservationists on core aims, but significant disagreement on mechanisms to achieve them. The study reveals deep divisions over assigning economic value to nature and the necessity of protected areas, as well as varying perspectives on non-native species and human population growth.
A recent study by LMU biologists found that personality differences among great tits affect their breeding timing. The more daring birds breed later but earlier when threatened, while less valiant pairs delay breeding until the threat passes.
The Biodiversity Collections Network has developed a national agenda to stimulate new research endeavors by leveraging digital data in biodiversity collections. This initiative aims to engage students and the public in understanding life and environmental change.