Articles tagged with Biodiversity
An international team has compiled the largest library of bat sounds, allowing researchers to accurately identify and differentiate between 59 bat species found in Mexico. The developed method can be used to monitor biodiversity change and characterise bat communities in different regions.
A new roundworm species discovered in India is a bridge between two genera, Acrostichus and Diplogastrellus. The species exhibits intermediate characteristics, such as a narrow mouth cavity and robust male copulatory organs, making it a transitional species.
A research team captured unique video of thousands of red crabs swarming in low-oxygen waters just above the seafloor off Panama. The crabs were identified as Pleuroncodes planipes and represent a new southernmost range for the species.
A new study finds that cold-water species are more resilient to climate change than previously thought, with many populations expected to persist this century. Mountain landscapes play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, giving conservationists time to complete extensive surveys and develop effective conservation strategies.
Scientists have discovered a new species of dark-winged fungus gnat in Germany's Alexander Koenig Museum garden, characterized by its unique reddish, black, and yellowish-white hues. The species was identified through DNA barcoding and shows strong connections to New Zealand relatives.
A new study uses cloud data to map ecological biomes and predict species habitats. The technique has the potential to improve biodiversity research and inform conservation policies.
The EU-funded FP7 project EU BON shares stakeholder roundtable reports, providing insights on policy, citizen science, and local/regional stakeholders. The reports outline conclusions on biodiversity information, open-access availability, data workflows, and integration of citizen science.
A special issue of ZooKeys reports 303 new beetle records for New Brunswick, Canada, expanding the fauna by 13% over three years. The findings include 32 species new to science and contribute to a total of 3,062 known species in the region.
Research suggests that land bridges between ancient India and Eurasia acted as 'freeways' for the exchange of animals and plants. Indian Dragon Lizards show multiple origins in Southeast Asia, indicating a two-way flow of biodiversity. The findings shed light on the origins of modern species.
The EU BON project published guidelines for standardized, easy-to-find, re-shareable, and re-usable biodiversity data. The report aims to increase interoperability of data and make its re-use both easy and legal. EU BON also promotes the use of biodiversity data as a common resource for human society.
A return on investment model could bring clarity and openness to resource allocation for endangered species recovery. By redistributing funds from overfunded to underfunded species, over 180 plant and animal species may see improved recovery success rates.
A UCSB biologist and colleagues used satellite data on fishing to help protect ocean biodiversity. They analyzed billions of vessel data points to assess the effectiveness of new marine parks in stopping illegal fishing. The researchers also created a global map of human use of high seas, paving the way for more effective management of...
Akinori Teramura's Twitter post revealed the first recorded case of illegal bluegill fish release in Japan, sparking concerns about native aquatic insect biodiversity. The researchers concluded that the fish were likely released from an aquarium or home aquarist, highlighting the need for community awareness and improved reporting.
A research team has discovered new populations of the endangered banana frog in Southwest Ethiopia, expanding its geographical range. The study, published in ZooKeys, suggests that the frogs are more tolerant to forest degradation than expected, increasing conservation efforts.
Botanists in Hawai'i have discovered a new species of plant with heart-shaped fruits, which they named Coprosma cordicarpa. The new species is a member of the coffee family and is currently listed as vulnerable to extinction due to its limited range and rarity.
Researchers warn of the need for more basic research on rewilding's consequences before implementing it as a major conservation approach. The authors advocate for focusing on protecting biodiversity and reducing environmental threats instead.
Biologists discover 14 new spider species in southwestern US, nearly doubling the known number. The new species, including Aphonopelma johnnycashi, are found in California and have unique characteristics that set them apart from other tarantula species.
A new study reveals that grey squirrels may not be as hardy as thought and were helped more by humans in their conquest of the British Isles. The research shows that different populations are genetically distinct, tracing human intervention in their movement to new areas.
The BioUnify project brings together EU biodiversity scientists and their data to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing. The initiative promises to improve data access and reproducibility, while promoting skills transfer between researchers and information technologists.
The PhD project plan aims to publish outputs from the whole research cycle using an open science approach. It focuses on digitizing scholarly papers and data, making them more accessible and citable, and ensuring reproducibility.
Sherborn's monumental work, Index Animalium, provides a rigid framework for knowledge and has remained the most complete reference source for animal nomenclature. Biodiversity informatics aims to build on his work, expanding to be digital, diversified, and accessible.
Researchers warn that dam projects on Amazon, Congo, and Mekong rivers put many unique fish species at risk due to habitat disruption and human displacement. An improved approach to dam evaluation and siting is needed to balance costs and benefits of hydropower.
A four-year survey in North East England monitored changes in common plant species abundance to understand the effects of climate change and inform conservation strategies. The study provided a benchmark for future comparisons and contributed to the tracking of biodiversity data.
Researchers found that warming ponds had 70% more species and higher rates of photosynthesis in phytoplankton, which could remove more CO2 from the atmosphere. Phytoplankton communities were more species-rich and dominated by larger species, with increased biodiversity and evenness.
A recent study has identified 116 species of round-waisted predatory beetles in Haleakala volcano, including 74 new to science. The discovery highlights the extreme diversity and abundance of beetle fauna on the volcano, with many species occupying specific microhabitats.
Researchers have uncovered a 380-meter-deep time capsule from Lake Malawi, providing unprecedented insight into the past of this African lake. The study found that changes in lake level over the last 1.3 million years played a significant role in the development of the lake's diverse fish species.
Researchers from University of Alberta engaged citizen scientists to investigate the effects of bird feeders on bird-window collisions. The study found that the presence of a bird feeder does indicate collision risk, but other factors like vegetation and house characteristics also play a role.
Researchers found that biodiversity facilitates processes in an ecosystem, especially under harsh environmental conditions. The team tested this hypothesis using microbial communities and demonstrated that functional redundancy varies with prevalent environmental conditions.
Researchers discover Black mouse-eared bat consumes fruits, contradicting previously believed strict insectivorous diet. The finding may suggest the species plays a role as a seed disperser and highlights the complexity of Neotropical bats' eating habits.
A four-year multi-partner study investigates the effects of various pressures on freshwater ecosystems, with a focus on connectivity and stressor interactions. The research aims to improve our understanding of these impacts and inform sustainable management strategies.
A study published in Global Change Biology predicts that a warmer future with normal rainfall will leave California's coast redwoods with a significantly different climate than they have experienced for decades. The study also suggests that redwood forest bioclimate will expand by 34 percent northward from the coast of California into ...
A study of 46 grasslands in North America and Europe found that increasing plant diversity decreases the extent to which extreme wet or dry conditions disrupt grassland productivity. Higher biodiversity communities are more stable, exhibiting resistance during extreme climate events.
Researchers have developed a theoretical framework, ecological simplification, to address the complexity of ecological relationships in ecosystems. By systematically observing components of complexity, causes of simplification can be recognized and countermeasures can be introduced.
The Digital Atlas of Ancient Life app enables anyone to discover and classify fossils with the eye of a scientist, featuring pictures, maps, and information on fossil origins. The app is available for download and can be used by farmers, amateur paleontologists, teachers, and biologists to learn about fossils in the field.
A three-step intervention increases hiring of female STEM applicants by 6.3 times, with women constituting 50% of those hired after its application to all STEM-faculty hiring at Montana State University. The approach is based on self-determination theory and aims to enhance competence, autonomy, and relatedness in the search process.
A novel cybercatalog of southern African flower-loving flies showcases how taxonomic knowledge can be made available through links to online data providers. The catalog utilizes persistent identifiers, enabling machines to access the information, and demonstrates a digital future for taxonomy.
The EU BON project uses the European Biodiversity Observation Network to develop an integrated biodiversity information framework. This framework collects and standardizes existing data sources to show trends and prognoses useful to policy and society. The aim is to make biodiversity data discoverable, accessible, and digestible.
A single gene in fruit flies, named 'bond', controls male pheromone production and affects fertility. It also influences the fertility of rival males, suggesting that males need a sense of competition to ensure reproductive success.
Researchers led by Caroline Chaboo explore the 'arms race' dynamics in leaf beetles, where tortoise beetles develop unique defenses against predators. The study aims to understand how this arms race drives evolution and generates biodiversity, shedding light on human morphology and behavior.
A new set of workflow modules facilitates imaging and data transcription for thousands of plant specimens, providing a searchable online database. The modules are designed to unify digitization projects across the nation and include methods for public participation in imaging and data transcription.
A rarely collected parasitic woodwasp species has been found in the Ozark Mountains, expanding its known range hundreds of miles west. This discovery was made possible by photos posted on Flickr and BugGuide, which helped identify new specimens from the US National Entomology Collection.
Research from UNH shows that crop rotations can increase soil microbial functions, improving plant growth and soil health. By increasing rotational diversity, farmers can promote agroecosystem sustainability and mitigate threats to food security and environmental quality.
Research predicts Earth's mineralogy is unique in the cosmos, with over 1,500 undiscovered minerals, influenced by physical characteristics, geological activity, and biological processes.
A new species of cave-dwelling snail from South Korea has been described, shedding light on the ancient distribution of subterranean biodiversity across Eurasia. The discovery suggests that these unique creatures may have once inhabited a pan-Eurasian range, with potential implications for conservation efforts.
Research on Mount Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo found that most endemic species are younger than the mountain itself and have evolved to adapt to cooler conditions. The study revealed two groups of unique species, with some originating from far-away areas and others evolving from local species.
The 'golden jackals' of East Africa and Eurasia are two separate species, with the latter being a new species, African golden wolf, that has a distribution across North and East Africa. Genetic data shows they have been evolving independently for at least a million years.
A new study analyzing European temperate forests reveals that biodiversity in the herb layer has not changed overall, but varies significantly across regions. Climate change and local factors like nitrogen availability and game populations play a more significant role than expected.
Scientists are calling for cooperation between conservationists and space agencies to monitor biodiversity loss, which has halved in just 40 years. Satellite images can reveal changes in vegetation productivity and provide information on ground-level biodiversity levels.
The Herbarium of the University of Granada has published an online catalogue of type specimens of fungi and lichens, containing 88 specimens from western Mediterranean regions. The dataset is associated with a large image collection, providing valuable insights into the diversity of these organisms.
A new approach developed by scientists from the China National Genebank (CNGB), BGI-Shenzhen demonstrates the value of mitochondrial genome databases in detecting wild bees in UK farms. The method uses mitogenome references to analyze 'bee soup' DNA, providing a more accurate and efficient way to track population trajectories.
A study reveals hydroelectric dams, such as the Balbina Dam in the Amazon rainforest, have severe effects on biodiversity. The creation of large lakes has led to widespread loss of mammals, birds, and tortoises on island habitats.
Ten new subsocial cobweb spider species were found in Madagascan colonies, with most belonging to genus Anelosimus. The discovery highlights the vast unexplored biodiversity of Madagascar's arthropod groups.
A two-year study on bumble bees in Alaskan agricultural areas reveals declining populations of the western bumble bee species Bombus occidentalis, which is infected with Nosema and social parasites. The research provides baseline data for understanding reported patterns of bumble bee declines in North America.
A new study suggests that EU forests have the potential to supply significantly more woody biomass than currently used, but this comes with trade-offs for biodiversity and other ecosystem services. The findings highlight the need for careful planning to balance wood production with protection of biodiversity.
A new species of blind weevil has been discovered in the subsoil of Gran Canaria, with unique adaptations for life underground. The beetle, Oromia thoracica, has a flattened body and thorax that covers its head, allowing it to thrive in narrow cracks.
Studies reveal differences in statistical regularities between dark and bright components of the natural world, with implications for understanding cortical networks and perceptual asymmetries. The findings suggest that the brain exploits these patterns to better navigate its surroundings.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki emphasize the importance of international collaborations in protecting biodiversity. They stress that current protected area networks are biased towards higher lands and unproductive landscapes, missing many priority areas for conservation.
A new study by University of Gothenburg researchers shows that species migration across the Isthmus of Panama began about 20 million years ago, contradicting previous assumptions. This early exchange enhanced the region's extreme biodiversity.
A new research paper demonstrates how XML markup can address challenges presented by unstructured legacy data, extracting primary biodiversity data from such sources. The project visualizes these data as standard charts to reveal key information about species and their habitats.
A new study reveals that species migrations between North and South America began around 20 million years ago, contradicting a long-held assumption that the Isthmus of Panama formed 3 million years ago. This finding has significant implications for understanding how biodiversity in the Americas developed.