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Common -- but without a name

The newly described species, Pyropia plicata, has a distinctive growth form with pleated blades and beautiful coloration. It is highly prized by Maori in New Zealand as karengo and is also eaten worldwide for its high protein content.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateMar 28, 2013

One law to rule them all -- sizes within a species appear to follow a universal distribution

A study by Andrea Giometto reveals that body sizes in aquatic microorganisms follow a mathematical expression common to all species, influencing size distributions and ecosystem balance. This finding could lead to new insights into population dynamics and the existence of universal laws governing natural ecosystems.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Sky islands: metaphor or misnomer?

A new study using ecological niche modeling found that small mammals on mountaintops in the Great Basin are not as isolated as previously believed. The research used climate data to 'backcast' species distributions at the height of the last ice age, finding most species lived at lower elevations and had larger ranges.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateAug 13, 2008

New species discovered in Brazil

Researchers from Conservation International discovered 14 new species in the Cerrado, a biodiversity hotspot threatened by deforestation and urbanization. The finds include a legless lizard and a tiny woodpecker, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts in this region.

A changing climate for protected areas

A study by Conservation International finds that existing protected areas remain effective in the early stages of climate change, but adding new ones would maintain species protection in future decades and centuries. The research concludes that anticipating the need for new protected areas and getting them created in the short term wil...

SourceConservation International·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateApr 2, 2007

Conservation in Canada

Conservation efforts in Canada are threatened by growing human populations and economic development. Despite these challenges, conservation initiatives continue to focus on preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 4, 2004

Scientists use seals as 'underwater eyes'

Researchers equipped Weddell seals with cameras and data recorders to track their movements and interactions with prey, gaining new insights into the habits of Antarctic silverfish and toothfish. The 'seal cam' technique sheds light on the behaviors of these little-known species, including migration patterns and depth ranges.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalMarine Biology·DateJan 16, 2002