Articles tagged with Food Webs
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
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Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A study by Rutgers marine biologist Malin Pinsky found that fast-growing fish species are more likely to experience dramatic population declines than slower-growing ones. Overfishing and climate variability were identified as major culprits, with some species collapsing to less than 10% of their historical levels.
Phytoplankton, the base of marine food chains, may experience significant changes due to ocean acidification, with some species dying out while others thrive. The study found that increased acidity could lead to altered competition among species, affecting entire ecosystems and potentially impacting predators like polar bears.
A study found that a small group of consumers who consistently purchase and rave about failing products may actually be 'harbingers of failure.' These customers tend to buy niche items that few others choose. Retailers can use this insight to make better decisions about new products.
Researchers found that periphyton, a community of algae and bacteria, helps transform mercury pollution from a Superfund site along the Androscoggin River into a more toxic form of mercury. Lower-than-expected levels of methylmercury were also detected in crayfish and small fish downstream from the site.
A Dartmouth-led study found that climate-warmed leaves change lake ecosystems by reducing phosphorus concentrations and altering the density of zooplankton, a crucial food source for larger aquatic organisms.
A new study reveals that Pacific wind patterns behind California's drought also led to a significant drop in small plant-like organisms in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, potentially affecting marine life. Meanwhile, researchers warn of worsening US air quality due to climate change, particularly ozone pollution fueled by nitrogen oxid...
Researchers found that ant-scaring insects, like beetles, allowed treehoppers to thrive, benefiting nearby rabbitbrush plants. This study highlights the interconnectedness of species in ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
Researchers discovered a universal mathematical property called Trophic Coherence that explains how ecosystems maintain stability and grow larger, unlike previous thought. This finding has implications for conservation efforts and may apply to finance and engineering fields.
A study found Campylobacter bacteria attach to surfaces and form biofilms when exposed to chicken 'juice'. Cleaning surfaces effectively can help reduce the incidence of Campylobacter, a leading cause of food poisoning in the UK. The research also aims to minimize infected chicken on supermarket shelves.
A recent USGS and Baylor University study examines the bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals in the water-fish-osprey food web. The research findings indicate that ospreys do not carry significant amounts of human pharmaceutical chemicals, despite widespread occurrence of these chemicals in water.
New research found large chain restaurants introduced lower-calorie options, averaging 12% fewer calories than traditional menu items. This voluntary action may help reduce caloric intake and impact the nation's obesity epidemic.
Researchers found that currently used pesticides are not biomagnified in Arctic food chains. Instead, Arctic mammals metabolize these pesticides, preventing their accumulation in the ecosystem.
A recent study examines how climate change alters species interactions in marine ecosystems, particularly predator-prey relationships. The research found that warming temperatures can lead to decreased energy reserves in prey species, highlighting the need for considering multiple species and their interactions when understanding ecolo...
A study found that restaurant chefs and food purchasing managers prefer buying local foods with quick response times, accurate labeling, and training staff on local food handling. This was revealed in a Penn State research project investigating management's attitudes toward purchasing locally grown foods.
Researchers have gathered data on Arctic tundra ecosystems, revealing temperature's decisive role in shaping food chains and ecosystem function. The study also highlights the importance of predation in regulating energy flows and ecosystem dynamics.
After a 90% extinction event, large aquatic predators like crocodile-like amphibians emerged soon, followed by plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. Researchers found that apex predators recovered rapidly in the Early Triassic.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed new statistical models to increase the accuracy of ocean forecasting. The models improved predictability of sea surface temperature extremes, wind fields, and plankton distribution, ultimately benefiting fisheries and ecosystems.
A novel mechanistic model assesses the global ocean carbon export by incorporating the lifecycle of phytoplankton and zooplankton into a food-web-based approach. The researchers found that oceans are a central component in the global carbon cycle, with a mean global carbon export flux of 6 petagrams per year.
A Dartmouth-University of Connecticut study reveals that methylmercury concentrations in estuary waters, not sediment, accurately predict mercury contamination in the marine food chain. The findings suggest a shift in mercury cleanup practices to focus on measuring methylmercury in water column particles.
Researchers used DNA barcoding to dissect the complex interactions between predators and prey in a simple food web, finding three times as many interactions than previously thought. The study revealed that most predator-prey relationships are less specialized and more interconnected than initially believed.
A recent study by Finnish scientists found that smaller island areas support fewer species and shorter food chains. The research team analyzed 20 islands off the Finnish coast and discovered that top predators were often missing from small islands, leading to a loss of control functions in local ecosystems.
A study by Canadian and Peruvian researchers found that the bulk of Peruvian landings' value comes from producing seafood for human consumption. The Peruvian anchovy generates up to one-third of the world's fishmeal supply but only accounts for 31% of sector revenue.
A new study by UCSB researcher Michael Singer shows that sediment-absorbed mercury is being transported from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Central Valley lowlands through major floods. This process poses a huge risk to the region's ecosystems and human population, as mercury-laden sediment is carried into ecologically sensitive re...
A study of the Colorado River found that dams like Glen Canyon Dam alter food webs, leading to reduced biodiversity and unstable ecosystems. Downstream sites had more native fish species and fewer mismatches in their food web.
A recent study by UCSB researchers found that parasites add layers of complexity and density to food webs. Their complex life cycles and interactions with hosts also make them a crucial part of the food web ecosystem.
A new study found that 42.4% of young people use calorie information when eating at fast food or chain restaurants, with girls and obese youth being more likely to do so. In contrast, those who eat there twice a week or more are half as likely to use calorie information.
Researchers analyzed Hawaiian petrels' ancient and modern remains, finding a drastic shift in diet towards lower-level prey. This change coincides with the growth of industrialized fishing, prompting concerns for other species' fate.
Researchers analyzed Hawaiian petrel bones to determine the impact of industrial fishing on open-ocean food webs. They found a shift in diet from large prey to smaller fish and squid within a century, indicating profound changes in the Pacific's ecosystem.
A comprehensive study by University of Calgary ecologists finds that human activity is deliberately or inadvertently engineering ecosystems, influencing food chains in protected areas and beyond. The results challenge traditional understanding of ecosystem regulation, highlighting the critical role of humans in shaping natural systems.
A new study found that menus displaying the minutes of brisk walking needed to burn food calories led to fewer calories ordered and consumed compared to menus without calorie labels. The study, conducted by Texas Christian University researchers, suggests a more effective strategy for encouraging reduced calorie intake in restaurants.
Researchers at Harvard Forest discovered a diverse array of organisms inside carnivorous pitcher plants, including bacteria, midge larvae, and rotifers. The study found that predator-prey interactions play a key role in shaping the food web, with removing one species affecting others.
Removing top predators from freshwater ecosystems leads to a significant increase in carbon dioxide emissions, highlighting the crucial role of apex animals in regulating climate change. This study suggests that predator decline is having global implications for greenhouse gases and climate.
Researchers at Aalto University estimate that halving food losses globally could provide enough food for an additional 1 billion people, saving 614 kilocalories per person daily. This reduction would require efficient use of resources such as clean water and fertilizers.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories created a method to analyze food supply networks using stochastic network representation, which can help identify contaminated food sources more quickly. This technique uses probability maps to express uncertainties in supplier-customer relationships and assess the risk of foodborne illness.
Researchers have discovered that methane from lakebeds is present in fish tissue through the food chain. The study uses two biomarkers to confirm the finding, increasing the certainty of its results. Methane oxidizing bacteria are consumed by zooplankton and other aquatic organisms, which eventually end up in fish stomachs.
Researchers measured PFC concentrations in five sea turtle species and found high levels approaching toxic effects in other animals. Hawksbills had the second-highest PFOS concentration, while loggerheads and Kemp's ridleys approached levels linked to liver and neurobehavioral toxicity.
A recent study by Norwich BioScience Institutes reveals that the complex worldwide food-transport network generates 'hotspots' vulnerable to making outbreak tracing difficult. Countries with high import and export volumes are identified as key nodes in the network.
A study found that in-person counseling improved purchasing of fruits and green and yellow vegetables, resulting in healthier food choices. The study suggests that supermarket interventions can promote meaningful health benefits by encouraging shoppers to choose nutritious options.
A new study found that each step of the marine food chain is controlled by the trophic level below it, with prey distribution playing a crucial role. The research reveals that the spatial pattern of resources, or patchiness, is more important than the overall abundance of food.
Studies of 32 ecological communities reveal that a species' role depends on its evolutionary history, not geographic location. This knowledge allows conservationists to focus efforts on vital parts of an ecosystem and predict species' responses to changes.
A new study confirms that oil from the Macondo well made it into the ocean's food chain through zooplankton, with residues detected up to a month after the spill was capped. The oil's unique fingerprint was found in some zooplankton in the Northern Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.
Researchers found that certain plants like thistles, clover, and buttercups are crucial in maintaining fragile food webs on UK farms. Restoring these plants could theoretically increase biodiversity across the farm.
Research reveals that plastic nanoparticles impact fish feeding behavior and metabolic parameters, including weight loss and cholesterol levels. The findings have implications for assessing nanoparticle risks in aquatic ecosystems.
Despite harsh winter conditions, microscopic creatures in the Arctic food chain remain active, with zooplankton feeding at low rates. This discovery has implications for climate modeling and understanding of ecological balance, particularly in commercial fisheries.
Researchers will map genes responsible for resistance to Campylobacter in chicken guts to develop breeding programs. The goal is to prevent the bacteria from entering the food chain, reducing the risk of infection and associated costs.
Bacteria can multiply rapidly, but a lag phase precedes exponential growth. Researchers have developed a system to study this period, revealing genes and nutrient uptake mechanisms that help bacteria thrive in new environments.
Research reveals that the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere facilitate the transformation of elemental mercury into oxidized mercury, which can be deposited into aquatic ecosystems. This process enables mercury to enter the food chain, posing environmental risks.
McGill researchers have created a unified theory of ecosystem change that considers complex interactions between predators and prey in space and time. Generalist species like foxes play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by connecting different food webs.
Research finds that animal species large and small are governed by the same rule for how common they are in an ecosystem. Body size and food chain position determine abundance and biomass production.
Researchers in Argentina used fossilized insect cocoons to describe how wasps played a crucial role in consuming rotting dinosaur eggs. The study provides insight into the murky world of insect communities that thrived at the feet of gigantic dinosaurs.
A new study finds that small fish populations are just as likely to have collapsed in the last 50 years as large fish stocks. Small species were up to twice as likely to have suffered a major decline due to overfishing, highlighting their importance in the oceanic food chain.
A study using a 'fingerprinting' technique has identified the main sources of mercury in Bay Area fish, tracing it back to sediments and historic mining sites. The findings suggest that small fish acquire mercury from sediments and pass it along to larger fish, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to protect wildlife.
A new analysis by an international team of fisheries scientists found that the widely adopted indicator, average catch trophic level, led to inaccurate conclusions in 13 out of 29 trawl surveys from 14 ecosystems. The study suggests that this measure is a woefully inadequate assessment of marine fisheries health.
A study of 36 rivers found that human activities such as droughts and floods alter the length of food chains, particularly eliminating top predators like large-bodied fish. Climate change will exacerbate these effects, making it crucial to factor in the fate of large-bodied fishes in water management.
A new study pinpoints threats to life in the world's rivers, citing climate change as a major factor. Researchers found that large predators will be threatened by changing water flows, while longer food chains support more organisms and larger predators.
Rivers and streams face threats from human activities and climate change, altering their natural flow patterns and disrupting food webs. This can lead to the disappearance of large-bodied fish species, making them more vulnerable to droughts and floods.
A University of Louisville Public Health doctoral student is developing a model to simulate the travel of mercury from an emission source to humans, aiming to inform environmental policy decisions. The research will focus on Kentucky waterways, with the goal of reducing risk to subsistence fishers, anglers, and women of child-bearing age.
A University of Houston researcher is using a vacuum device to study the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on insects and spiders in salt marshes along the Gulf Coast. The goal is to understand how the food web is structured and affected by the oil spill.
Researchers found that three major fast food chains - McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's - significantly reduced trans fats in French fries between 1997 and 2008. Despite this, saturated fat levels remained stable or decreased in these restaurants.
A recent study analyzed worldwide catch and economic data for the past 55 years, finding that fishermen prioritize profit over top predators. The research revealed that nearly all high-catch fisheries are already developed, with few new opportunities existing today.