Articles tagged with Biodiversity
A study published in Biodiversity Data Journal uses deep learning techniques to differentiate between similar plant families with high accuracy. The researchers trained neural networks on digitized herbarium specimens, achieving up to 99% accuracy in distinguishing between two challenging species.
A University of Queensland researcher suggests that conservation burials, where burial fees support threatened species conservation, have substantial potential to increase biodiversity. By generating revenue exceeding the cost of saving all threatened species, conservation burials could effectively protect endangered wildlife.
Researchers analyzed 560 European peat bog samples to study how they respond to different temperatures, precipitation levels, and air pollution. They found that functional redundancy allows the ecosystem to survive despite changing species due to climatic conditions.
An international team developed a statistical approach to examine forest populations and predict biodiversity, highlighting the importance of rare species in maintaining ecosystem health. The new method provides accurate estimates of species numbers and abundances, enabling conservation efforts to focus on vulnerable species.
Researchers at SDSU and partners have developed a new method to identify medicinal properties in unknown coral reef molecules. By analyzing molecular fingerprints, they can predict the potential therapeutic value of these molecules.
A new study by Cambridge University Press found that removing invasive Amur honeysuckle shrubs alongside a stream improves the diversity of aquatic organisms. The research, conducted over three years, showed a substantial positive impact on macroinvertebrates in the stream.
A new DNA study has revealed a 2000% increase in our knowledge of seafloor molluscs in the Pacific Clarion Clipperton Zone. This includes the discovery of 21 previously unknown species, including one considered a living fossil.
A new study using DNA metabarcoding technology is helping to improve the monitoring of Canada's vital boreal forest. The approach enables quick and accurate detection of aquatic organisms, providing valuable insights into ecosystem health.
Researchers found prairie strips increase insect and bird biodiversity and nutrient retention while reducing water runoff. Fields with prairie strips experienced minimal loss in crop production compared to fields without them.
A new study using Big Butterfly Count (BBC) data from citizen scientists shows that mass-participation science can provide additional assessments of biodiversity change. The results demonstrate the potential for citizen science to inform long-term monitoring of butterfly populations and complement standardised biodiversity monitoring.
Research monitored wildlife acoustic activity before, during and after major forest fires in Southeast Asia, revealing a 37.5% decline during the haze. The damage was likely greater near fires, where air pollution levels were 15 times higher.
Urban green spaces play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health, despite management challenges and limitations in data availability. Recent discussions highlight the need for effective strategies to manage human-affected ecosystems and balance urban development with environmental conservation.
Researchers from Wake Forest University and Smithsonian detail a new genus of large forest tree commonly found in the tropical Andes. The Incadendron esseri, also known as 'Esser's tree of the Inca', is a canopy tree that stretches up to 100 feet tall and is susceptible to climate change.
A recent study calls for the expedited sampling and digitizing of Arctic specimens on an international scale to fill gaps in biological diversity. The goal is to develop a comprehensive and accessible collection that can be used by researchers, educators, and the public to tackle conservation problems and promote STEM education.
Scientists discover new species of clearwing moth in Malaysian rainforest, displaying rare mud-puddling behavior. The newly discovered species, Pyrophleps ellawi, is a wasp-mimicking insect with transparent wings and blue sheen.
Researchers tap into indigenous storytelling to revitalize biocultural heritage, fostering emotional connections with landscapes and wildlife. This approach bridges cultural revitalization and nature conservation, offering a new asset for conservation efforts.
Research reveals a striking underrepresentation of biodiversity-rich regions among editors of top conservation journals. This mismatch may impact policy and funding decisions, hindering global conservation goals.
A team of entomologists has solved the mystery of a secretive fly species by studying mushrooms in Los Angeles. The females were found to lay eggs on mushroom caps, while males were discovered only after citizen scientists alerted researchers.
A CCNY-led team, including expert Ana Carnaval, will receive $500,000 over five years for their project exploring biodiversity's effects on the planet and human well-being. The team's research aims to understand how biodiversity is generated, maintained, and lost, highlighting its crucial role in addressing societal challenges.
A study models urban impacts on river and stream ecosystems, finding that hard infrastructure affects over 1,200 species nationwide and contributes to 260 local extinctions. Cities can improve environmental quality through infrastructure policies beyond their boundaries.
A study on Costa Rican tropical bird species reveals that climate change and habitat conversion are driving the loss of biodiversity by favoring similar species in both wetter and drier areas. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting wetter forests and incentivizing private landowners to create forest patches near their farms.
A University of Oklahoma biology professor has been awarded a $1.2 million National Science Foundation grant to investigate the impact of climate on terrestrial arthropod communities. The project aims to generate standardized field data on ground-dwelling arthropods, which are abundant and diverse animal groups.
A new public database, Genomic Observatories Metadatabase (GeOMe), provides contextual information for genetic data, enabling researchers to track biodiversity across time and location. The database aids in comparing biodiversity worldwide and tracking its impact on the planet.
A new study reveals that amplicon sequencing is more robust than shotgun sequencing in discovering microbial biodiversity, with 27% more families identified. The research has significant repercussions for future analyses of microbial diversity.
Two undergraduate students from the University of Illinois improved plant carbon-cycle models by discovering variation in stomata behavior among different tree species. Their findings reduced error rates by 30-60%, increasing model accuracy and improving predictions of crop growth, biomass production, and ecosystem dynamics.
A research team has developed a universal model that accurately estimates the maximum speed of any animal, regardless of size or species. The model, which uses only an animal's weight and medium of movement, was tested on extinct dinosaur species and found to match complex simulations.
In a study on eastern mosquitofish, researchers found that females prefer males with average sexual activity, rather than high or low drives. This is due to the cost-benefit ratio, as high-activity males can be hazardous to their safety and feeding opportunities.
A team of researchers explores the disproportionate ecological importance of small natural features, highlighting their significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. These elements, such as salt marshes and rocky outcrops, are often overlooked but can provide resources that limit key populations or support unusual diversity.
A new bush tomato species has been discovered in Limmen National Park, and named after Senior Botanist Peter Jobson. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting natural areas and supporting conservation efforts.
A new WCS study reveals that leopards are abundant in tea-garden landscapes in north-eastern India, but their presence doesn't lead to conflicts with people. The research found that leopards use tea-gardens due to dense ground vegetation cover and avoid developed areas.
Two new species of African mole-rats were formally described as Fukomys hanangensis and Fukomys livingstoni. Genetic analysis revealed two distinct evolutionary lineages that suggest geological and volcanic activity isolated these populations in East Africa.
Kim Sneppen, a professor at the University of Copenhagen, has been awarded a large ERC grant to explore diversity in biological systems using methods from physics and complex systems. His project aims to understand how diversity emerges and is maintained in complex biological systems.
A new genus and new species of fully arboreal crab was discovered in the Western Ghats, India. The species, named Kani maranjandu, is characterized by its elongated walking legs and can be found living in trees.
Research finds that dengue virus transmissions are often centered in and around homes, with a high percentage of cases related to individuals living within a short distance. The study's findings could aid in developing targeted mosquito control programs and reducing severe illness.
A Cornell professor explains how to use the 35-year-old evolutionary Tree of Life (TOL) classification system to make sense of biodiversity. The TOL approach reveals the diversity of life by matching and mapping relationships on a branching diagram, showing inferred evolutionary connections between taxa.
A new study argues that taxonomic images, as standardized references for biodiversity data, are exempt from copyright laws. The authors recommend reusing such images without permission, citing ethical and scholarly standards.
The museum's walls draw in six butterfly and eight moth families, representing 52 genera and 60 species. Bright colors play a crucial role in attracting insects, while also encouraging curious behavior.
The article outlines policies and guidelines for scholarly publishing of biodiversity and biodiversity-related data. The guidelines cover general concepts, including dataset definitions, incentives to publish data, and licences for data publishing.
A study found that the average distance from any point in the United States to the nearest forest increased by 14% between 1990 and 2000. This increase is more pronounced in rural areas than in urban settings, posing challenges for wildlife and broad effects on ecosystems.
Conservationists from around the world gather to discuss a critical shift in thinking, recommending a more vigorous application of information from the fossil record. They suggest embracing novelty in ecosystems while preserving natural diversity, highlighting cases where conservation can benefit both humans and nature.
Research suggests that characteristically male brain anatomy is associated with a higher probability of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in males. The study found that biological females with more typical male brain anatomy were about three times more likely to have ASD than those with characteristically female brain anatomy.
A global study found that carnivores are more seriously threatened by roads than previously acknowledged. The research highlights the need to update the protection status of species such as the puma, American black bear, and brown bear, which are severely affected by road habitats cut through their habitat.
A new model exploring evolutionary dynamics found that phenotypic diversity co-evolves with contingent cooperation to protect against defectors, fostering group cohesion. The study's findings suggest that a high level of phenotypic diversity is crucial for successful cooperation and resistance to invasion.
Researchers examine how native grass management can enhance soil health and agricultural productivity in the eastern US. They focus on optimizing fertility and cover crop strategies for nutrient-efficient species like switchgrass and big bluestem, which produce extensive root systems that support micro-invertebrate communities.
A group of scientists is recommending giving the world's nature reserves a makeover to defend not only flora and fauna but also people. The authors propose clusters of nature reserves that would foster connectivity and permit human activity, potentially garnering more local and national support for protected areas.
Researchers used remote sensing data to identify functional diversity hotspots in the Peruvian Andes and Amazon basin, revealing 36 forest functional classes. Up to 46% of these areas are currently protected, with government control over two-thirds and indigenous lands holding one-third.
Researchers used remote sensing data to identify 36 forest functional classes and 6 groups, revealing conservation hotspots. The study found that 32-46% of each group is currently protected, with opportunities for protection in highly threatened forests.
The Lomonosov Moscow State University has launched the world's largest digital herbarium, featuring over 786,000 scanned images of plant samples. The database is part of the 'Noah's Ark' project and provides a valuable resource for studying and conserving biological diversity.
The Robust Rattan Palm has been assessed as Endangered due to habitat loss and over-harvesting. Its limited range of 40 km² in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire makes it highly vulnerable to extinction.
A new plant species, Espeletia praesidentis, has been discovered in Colombia's Páramo de Presidente region. The plant was named in honor of President Juan Manuel Santos due to his Nobel Peace Prize achievements, which made the area safe for researchers.
Scientists compiled data on original Hydroides names and published a checklist paper revealing the genus is feminine, leading to re-examination of 107 species. The study provides insight into the origin of species names, including those based on descriptive characteristics or people/places.
Research suggests that climate change affects microbial biodiversity most strongly in natural environments and those with high nutrient levels. The study found that warming temperatures lead to a decline in biodiversity as enrichment increases.
The University of Nevada, Reno's Global Water Center is launching a new 5-year initiative to preserve the Mekong River's biodiversity and ecosystem. The project aims to study the river's climate, hydrology, and biodiversity, build partnerships for sustainable development, and educate communities about the importance of a healthy Mekong.
A $2 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation will support fundamental advances in sustainability science at Colorado State University. The project aims to address pressing global problems by integrating natural sciences with sociological and economic disciplines, focusing on water, energy, and food issues.
The article discusses the importance of remote sensing in biodiversity research, highlighting its potential to measure biological diversity, identify species, and track ecosystem processes. However, field studies are still necessary to provide crucial information on ecological potency, stress behavior, and adaptability.
The DNAqua-Net project aims to develop best-practice strategies for using novel genetic tools in bioassessment and monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. Novel genomic tools offer solutions to biodiversity assessment, relying on DNA barcoding to identify species and assess biodiversity using standardized genetic markers.
A large-scale study found China's smaller parks in warmer regions were more heavily modified, while larger parks in colder areas remained pristinely untouched. The research provides valuable insights into the conservation value of protected areas and will aid in achieving international recognition for China's conservation efforts.
Scientists from the University of Exeter developed a groundbreaking technique using airborne laser scanning to create detailed 3D maps of vegetation. This allows for the mapping of small details beneath trees, such as woodland paths and urban shrubberies, promoting biodiversity and understanding its impact on human wellbeing.
A foreign beetle species, Ocypus nitens, has been detected in Ontario, Canada, and Vermont, USA, through citizen science efforts. The rove beetle was identified using digital photographs from the BugGuide online portal.
Researchers have discovered three new species of the enigmatic genus Thorius, which are the smallest tailed tetrapods, with populations declining precipitously over the last 30-35 years. The findings highlight the large number of amphibian species that remain to be discovered and formally described before they are lost.