Preservation of floodplains is flood protection
Rivers need more space, diversity, and freedom to protect species and prevent devastating floods. Floodplain landscapes are crucial for sediment retention and natural flood protection.
Species Diversity
Articles tagged with Species Diversity
World's botanic gardens contain a third of all known plant species, and help protect the most threatened
Botanic gardens conserve nearly two-thirds of plant genera and over 90% of plant families, yet face a significant imbalance between temperate and tropical regions. The majority of plant species are tropical, yet only 25% of these are represented in botanic gardens.
Heat-loving Australian ants believe in diversity, hint 74 species new to science
Scientists have discovered 74 new species of 'furnace ants' in Australia, including a bizarre species with protruding eyes. The discovery reveals an incredible diversity within the Melophorus genus, which is estimated to have arisen around 35 million years ago.
Catching diversity of fish species means more stable income for fishers
A team of scientists analyzed nearly 30 years of revenue and permitting records for Alaskan fishers, showing that those who purchased multiple permits had significantly less income variability. The researchers found that diversifying one's catch can lead to more stable income for fishers.
Six new sponge species and new symbiotic associations from the Indonesian coral triangle
Researchers have identified six new sponge species and discovered two previously unknown symbiotic relationships in North Sulawesi Island. This finding highlights the region's remarkable biodiversity and underscores the need for sustainable tourism practices to preserve these areas.
Coffee and bees: New model of climate change effects
A new model of climate change effects suggests that diversity in bee species may save the day for coffee production in Latin America. The study, which considers both plants and animals, predicts that at least five bee species will be left in future coffee-suitable areas, with 10 species remaining in about half of the regions.
'Bee' informed: Public interest exceeds understanding in bee conservation
A recent study reveals that despite knowing bees are crucial to plant pollination, many people are unaware of the wide diversity of bee species beyond honeybees. The survey found that only 14% of respondents could accurately identify the number of bee species in the US, highlighting a need for public education and outreach.
Man-made reefs: A compelling diving alternative -- Ben-Gurion U. study
Artificial coral reefs can be more attractive to divers than natural formations and help mitigate potential reef damage. A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that artificial reefs around the world can evaluate aesthetic, behavioral, and attitudinal aspects of diving experiences.
Diverse landscapes are more productive and adapt better to climate change
Researchers from University of Zurich investigate role of biodiversity in real-world ecosystems, finding diverse landscapes produce more biomass and adapt better to climate change. The analysis of 450 landscapes across Switzerland revealed a positive correlation between biodiversity and annual growing period length.
Nature gem within the city: What grows in the biodiversity-rich Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve
The Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve in Kuala Lumpur still retains important biodiversity, with 425 plant species recorded, including 159 new species. The reserve's diversity was confirmed through surveys conducted between April 2015 and May 2016.
Scientists from the California Academy of Sciences uncover factors that shape sea life
Researchers from California Academy of Sciences propose a new model of island biogeography for marine organisms, describing the surprising ways they fill niches and diversify. The study reveals that fast-dispersing marine species quickly colonize available ocean niches, leaving no chance for adaptation.
Financial incentives could conserve tropical forest diversity
A study by University of Missouri researchers found that conservation payment programs in Ecuador's Amazon Basin forests reduced deforestation and maintained biodiversity. The protected areas had twice the number of species of commercial timber value and at risk of extinction compared to non-protected forests.
DNA links male, female butterfly thought to be distinct species
A recent DNA study by international researchers found that the female sunburst cerulean-satyr and its male counterpart belong to the same species. The discovery corrects a classification error made in 1911 and sheds light on true species diversity of Neotropical butterflies.
Scientists name new species of dinosaur after Canadian icon
A new species of troodontid theropod has been identified and named Albertavenator curriei in honour of renowned Canadian palaeontologist Dr. Philip J. Currie. The discovery was made by ROM scientists who compared the dinosaur's skull bones to those of its close relative Troodon.
Climate change: Biodiversity rescues biodiversity in a warmer world
Researchers found that climate warming can both increase and decrease biodiversity, with higher diversity providing a buffer against environmental changes. In a study, warming meadows led to more nematode species, but those species were also more similar to each other, limiting the 'insurance' effect of increased diversity.
Graduate research fellow investigates how fungi and fire enable pine savanna ecosystem to thrive
A graduate research fellow investigates how fungi and fire enable pine savanna ecosystems to prosper, discovering mutualisms that promote equilibrium and fire adaptation. The study aims to understand the role of plant-fungal interactions in shaping ecosystem dynamics.
UMass Amherst biologist hopes to unlock secrets of flowers' diversity
Biologist Madelaine Bartlett aims to uncover the molecular underpinnings of floral diversification in flowering plants. Her research has the potential to improve grass crop yields and understand evolutionary development.
Changes in conservation planning can benefit vulnerable mammals
A new study by Colorado State University researchers provides the first biological map of priority areas that capture multiple dimensions of mammalian biodiversity. This approach can help safeguard vulnerable mammals and ensure their evolutionary potential to adapt in a rapidly changing world.
Fern fossil data clarifies origination and extinction of species
A new study from the University of Turku reveals that ferns' survival during mass extinctions is linked to environmental changes, while species origination is driven by factors such as low diversity levels after major events. This finding clarifies the contrasting views on biodiversity regulation.
Global forest network cracks the case of tropical biodiversity
Researchers found that self-suppression is stronger in tropical forests and changes systematically with latitude, contributing to the biodiversity gradient. The Janzen-Connell hypothesis proposes that host-specific natural enemies suppress locally common species, giving rare species space to flourish.
Australian origin likely for iconic New Zealand tree
New fossil research from the University of Adelaide suggests that the ancestors of the iconic New Zealand Christmas Tree, P?hutukawa, may have originated in Australia. The fossils, found near St Helens, East Coast Tasmania, date back to around 25 million years ago and describe two new species of Metrosideros.
150-year records gap on Sulawesi ends with 5 new species in the world's largest tree genus
A team of ecologists has introduced five new species of the Syzygium genus, one of the world's largest tree genera, to the island of Sulawesi. The discovery highlights the vast, undocumented plant diversity on the island and raises concerns about the conservation of endemic species.
Birds of all feathers work together to hunt when army ants march
A Drexel University study reveals that birds of different species cooperate to access food sources by following army ant marches. Facilitation theory supports this behavior, where species help each other exploit shared resources.
Birds of a feather
A new large-scale study found that species with faster genetic differentiation rates produce more species over time. The study analyzed genetic sequences from 17,000 individuals across 173 bird species, demonstrating a link between population differentiation and speciation rates.
The Spanish plant that was classified by mistake
Scientists from Granada and Almería discover a new species of plant in the Málaga region, previously misclassified as Linaria salzmannii. The plant, Linaria becerrae, has distinct flower characteristics and is found in sandy substrates in the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes natural area.
Genetic analysis of New World birds confirms untested evolutionary assumption
Biologists analyzed genetic sequences from 17,000 individuals in 173 bird species, finding a positive correlation between population differentiation rates and speciation rates. The study supports the long-held assumption that genetic differences between populations predict species diversity.
Study finds greater risk of extinction among high diversity amphibian groups
A new study found that species from groups with high ongoing diversification are at greater risk of extinction than slowly diversifying lineages. Saving just 20 species could safeguard an estimated 1.4 billion years of evolutionary history for fast-speciating amphibian groups.
Targeted conservation could protect more of Earth's biodiversity
A new study suggests that setting aside an additional 5% of land to protect key species can triple their protected range and safeguard their functional diversity. This approach prioritizes global representation over local conservation, offering a more effective strategy for biodiversity conservation.
Time flies: Insect fossils in amber shed light on India's geological history
Researchers have discovered three new species of fungus gnats in Indian amber, closely resembling their European fossil relatives. This discovery disproves the concept of a strongly isolated Indian subcontinent, suggesting regular faunal exchange between India and Europe.
Sowing new seeds of knowledge about the drivers of plant diversity
A new study by Dr John Dwyer and Professor Daniel Laughlin has improved understanding of how climatic stress controls plant diversity in Australian wildflower communities. The research found that species with different combinations of traits can grow together in certain environments, but are likely to struggle under climate change.
Gladiator games: In the natural world, biodiversity can offer protection to weaker species
A new study by Yale researchers found that maintaining a diverse collection of species in fungal communities not only safeguards weaker species but also protects the genetic diversity of the larger community. This phenomenon, known as biodiversity begetting biodiversity, can help protect threatened ecosystems like coral reefs.
New species of dinosaur increases the already unexpected diversity of 'whiplash dinosaurs'
A new sauropod species, Galeamopus pabsti, has been described from 150 million-year-old fossils in Wyoming, USA. The discovery expands the already unexpected diversity of 'whiplash dinosaurs', known for their elongated necks and tails.
Newly discovered Egyptian carnivore named after Anubis, ancient Egyptian god of underworld
A new species of extinct carnivorous mammal, Masrasector nananubis, was identified in Egyptian fossils dating back 34 million years. The hyaenodont was a teratodontine with largely complete skulls and limb bones.
Tracing the puzzling origins of clinging jellyfish
A recent genetic study of clinging jellyfish populations has discovered unexpected connections between communities in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, challenging previous assumptions about their origins. The research suggests that there may be more than one species of Gonionemus, with different variants found in various locations.
Ant-plant symbioses: Adapting to changes in partner abundance
Researchers found that ant-plant symbioses break down at least 12 times over the past few million years, as plants adjust their host selection criteria based on altitude and potential tenants. Higher-altitude species tend to form domatia with larger access holes.
Of Star Trek, Mark Twain and helmets: 15 new species of wasps with curious names
The study describes 15 new species of parasitic wasps with unique names inspired by Star Trek characters and Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper. The wasps inhabit the Neotropical region and have distinctive features, including large heads and specialized larvae that target lanternflies and planthoppers.
Strong interaction between herbivores and plants
A new study by University of Cologne researchers reveals that herbivores have a significant positive impact on plant biodiversity. The interaction between nutrient availability and consumer species diversity is found to be crucial in maintaining producer diversity, highlighting the importance of preserving this balance for ecosystem he...
'Spectacular-looking' endangered frog species discovered in Ecuador's cloud forests
A new species of rainfrog, the Ecuadorian rainfrog (Pristimantis ecuadorensis), has been documented in Ecuador's cloud forests. The discovery highlights the region's high biodiversity and emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect this newly identified species.
Hawaiian biodiversity has been declining for millions of years
The study found that Hawaii's older islands have experienced a decline in species diversity over millions of years due to shrinking land areas. The research used a new method to analyze species diversity on the different islands and concluded that most groups are now in long-term evolutionary decline.
Soft coral exhibit strikingly different patterns of connectivity around British Isles
Researchers found distinct genetic differences between soft coral populations in northwest Ireland, southern Portugal, and southwest Britain. These findings suggest that some marine species can be as disconnected as those divided by mountains or motorways, highlighting the need to protect each species in multiple locations.
Seven new species of night frogs from India including 4 miniature forms
Scientists from India have discovered seven new frog species in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, with four being miniature-sized and among the smallest known frogs. The discovery highlights the high diversity of Night Frogs in the region, particularly in diminutive forms.
Better explaining the world around us
A new framework developed by the University of Queensland has improved the accuracy of biodiversity models in ecology, conservation biology, and global change research. The framework assesses species interactions and detects higher-order interactions that were previously overlooked.
Life begets life: The diversity of species on Earth is generating itself
A new research hypothesis proposes that biodiversity is autocatalytic, with species enabling the existence of others and creating niches for coexistence. This view offers a possible answer to the fundamental question of why so many species can coexist in the same ecosystem.
Genomic tools for species discovery inflate estimates of species numbers, U-Michigan biologists contend
A new study from University of Michigan biologists found that genomic tools can lead to inflated diversity estimates by misidentifying normal genetic variation as species boundaries. The multispecies coalescent model, widely used for quick species determination, overestimates species numbers five to 13 times higher than true numbers.
Sweat bees on hot chillies: Native bees thrive in traditional farming, securing good yield
A study by Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that traditional farming practices on the Yucatán Peninsula create attractive habitats for native sweat bees, improving pollination services. The researchers discovered that moderate farming with slash-and-burn practices has no direct negative impact on native bee populations.
How soil bacteria and fungi drive plant diversity
New studies reveal how soil biota affects plant diversity, with arbuscular mycorrhizas and ectomycorrhizas playing key roles in tree species recruitment and survival. The presence of certain fungi can increase or decrease local diversity, depending on the type of plant.
Why are Australia's shrublands like 'knee-high tropical rainforests'?
A new study found that diverse shrublands in South-Western Australia thrive due to beneficial root-associated organisms. The research suggests that these microorganisms equalize growth differences between plant species, allowing for long-term coexistence in highly competitive environments.
Ice Age 'skeleton crew' offers insights for today's endangered species
A Yale University study tracked Ice Age mammals to understand how they impact ecosystems. The research found that even small extinctions can have significant effects on functional diversity.
Hidden diversity: 3 new species of land flatworms from the Brazilian Araucaria forest
The study reveals three new species of land flatworms from the Brazilian Araucaria forest, contributing to the region's high biodiversity. The discovery sheds light on the importance of these organisms as bioindicators for habitat impact assessment.
Temperature drives biodiversity
A new study reveals that temperature is the primary driver of biodiversity, with warmer climates hosting more diverse ecosystems. The research, conducted at Mount Kilimanjaro, examined eight plant groups and 17 animal groups, finding a strong correlation between temperature and species diversity.
UTHealth: Rapid population decline among vertebrates began with industrialization
Researchers at UTHealth found that industrialization led to a rapid decline in vertebrate populations, with an average decline of 25% every 10 years for endangered species. Preserving ecosystems and habitats is crucial to preventing this decline.
Scientists examine 'perfect storms' fueling vast tropical biodiversity
Researchers integrate fossil data into theories to understand global patterns of biodiversity, finding that local and long-term factors work together in a 'perfect storm'. This approach helps explain the latitudinal diversity gradient, with the tropics having the greatest number and variety of species.
Efficiency of insect biodiversity monitoring via Malaise trap samples and DNA barcoding
The study used DNA barcoding to identify insects from Malaise trap samples, assigning species names to 35% of specimens. The workflow for semi-automated identification was efficient, but coverage gaps remain, particularly for Diptera and Hymenoptera.
Intensification of land use leads to the same species everywhere
A study by TUM and 300 scientists found that intensified land use leads to a decrease in species diversity and a loss of unique plant communities on grasslands. Even moderate land use results in the homogenization of species, with only a few species remaining across regions.
Ottawa confirmed as the biodiversity hotspot for a subfamily of wasps in North America
A study reveals Ottawa as a biodiversity hotspot for Microgastrinae wasps, with 158 species recorded. This surpasses the total number of species found in Canada and Ontario, showcasing the region's unique habitats and diversity.
Three new bird species discovered in Africa
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered three new bird species in African forests, challenging the idea of low evolutionary diversification. The study's findings highlight the importance of continued exploration and sampling to fully document avian biodiversity.
Bushmeat hunting drives biodiversity declines in Central Africa
A study by Duke University researchers found that bushmeat hunting is drastically shaping wildlife communities, leading to sharp declines in large mammal populations and increases in rodent and small bird populations. The research suggests that the problem will worsen as the human population in the region increases.
Scientists identify northeast Mindanao as major 'bull’s-eye’ of biodiversity
A team of researchers has identified northeast Mindanao as a major hotspot for biodiversity in amphibians and reptiles. The region is home to 126 species, including frogs, lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodiles.
Drivers of evolution hidden in plain sight
Changes in protein modifications generate biological diversity needed for evolution, allowing species to adapt to environments. Most phosphorylation sites arose relatively recently in evolution, contributing significantly to evolutionary diversity and highlighting potential avenues for therapeutic research.
Warming temperatures can reduce marine diversity but increase freshwater species
Researchers found that habitat warming decreases Anomura species diversity in marine environments, while increasing it in freshwater habitats. This suggests a habitat-dependent response to climate change, challenging the universal trend of increased diversity with warming temperatures.