Articles tagged with Species Diversity
Researchers found cranial shape variation within species reflects genetic diversity. Genetic drift and mutation processes underlying genetic diversity are likely drivers of this variation.
The study calculates mammalian phylogenetic diversity loss due to extinctions since the Last Interglacial. Global losses exceed expected random extinctions, with recovery estimated at 3-5 million years for PD lost during this period.
Researchers at the University of Stirling investigate how female dance flies use sexual ornaments to attract mates, finding that females deceive males by inflating their appearance to increase food rewards. This discovery sheds light on the role of sexual selection in creating diversity among species.
Researchers have developed a new approach to conserving tree species, focusing on increasing genetic diversity and efficiency in protection. The method can be tailored for successful conservation of any species, including custom-tailored seed collection protocols.
The study reveals that animal biodiversity has expanded episodically to the present day, contrary to theories of a single Cambrian explosion. The development of life until the Cambrian period included a wide range of designs, with regulatory genes playing a key role in increasing diversity.
Research reveals a 73% decrease in bird abundance and 45% drop in species diversity at nine sites surveyed on the Pajarito Plateau. The decline may signal early effects of drought, hotter temperatures, and bark beetle outbreaks on piñon pine trees.
Researchers analyzed ecological features and DNA sequencing data to reconstruct the tree of life of aquatic macroinvertebrates in Europe. They found that oldest lineages have higher functional diversity than younger ones, which is influenced by their ability to colonize new habitats.
A new study reveals that animal and fungal species have a significant impact on forest performance, including carbon storage and climate regulation. The research, conducted over ten years in subtropical forests, found that biodiversity must be considered as a whole to maintain forest health.
A team of international scientists found that preserving phylogenetic diversity among species can preserve 18% more functional diversity than selecting species at random. However, in some areas and groups, this method was less effective, highlighting the need for further research and adaptation.
Scientists have discovered significant differences in gonad development between Steinernema carpocapsae and C. elegans, highlighting the diversity of neuronal anatomy across nematode species. This research has practical applications for commercializing biocontrol products and advancing our understanding of genetic processes.
A study of nearly 50,000 New Zealand children found that greener neighborhoods are less likely to develop asthma, while low plant diversity is associated with a higher risk. Biodiversity conservation may provide concrete health benefits beyond its ecological significance.
A comprehensive survey of mammalian microbiomes found humans to have a significantly lower diversity of skin microorganisms compared to other mammals. This difference may be attributed to modern hygiene practices, habitat, and co-evolution between host and skin microbial communities.
A team of scientists analyzed ant species distributions to understand why biodiversity is higher in the tropics. Their research suggests that time is key to species diversity, with tropical habitats having had more time to accumulate species.
A new study by James Cook University found that palm oil plantations in Colombia can have devastating impacts on wildlife, but also identified factors that can improve species diversity within plantations, such as dense undergrowth vegetation and proximity to forest.
Climate change in Quebec could lead to a greater diversity of species in national and provincial parks. By 2100, up to half of the protected regions may see an increase in species turnover of over 80%. The researchers suggest rethinking conservation strategies to prioritize site resilience and connectivity.
Researchers studied 4,450 species in American tropics, finding Amazonia as primary source of diversity, with over 2,800 lineages. The study highlights the role of dispersal in assembling regional biotas across Mesoamerica and northern South America.
Researchers analyzed genetic material from organisms to assess dark diversity of sharks and found three times more species in wilderness areas than traditional visual methods. The results suggest a lower estimated dark diversity of sharks in the region, potentially impacting IUCN Red List classifications and aiding conservation efforts.
Scientists have identified thermal energy and low climate stress as key drivers of coral species diversity in the Indian Ocean. The study, published in the Journal of Biogeography, found that optimal levels of warm water and reduced stress support high species richness, while extreme temperatures kill many species.
A new ancestor of modern sea turtles has been found in Alabama, dating back to the Late Cretaceous epoch. The discovery reveals two distinct species within the Peritresius clade, expanding the known evolutionary history of these marine reptiles.
Researchers used geometric morphometrics to analyze shell shape in eastern box turtles, finding a gradient of variation that carries through to modern box turtles. The study suggests some fossils represent lost subspecies or extinct species, while others show a closer relationship to modern species.
Researchers have identified a new species of ancient reptile, Colobops noviportensis, with unusually developed jaw muscles, revealing insights into prehistoric environments and animal adaptations. The discovery sheds light on the origins of modern vertebrates in a world already inhabited by diverse physical extremes.
A new study from the University of Guelph finds that climate change and environmental factors are more threatening to fish diversity than predators in freshwater lakes. The research highlights the importance of monitoring lake conditions, including warming temperatures and water quality impacts, to protect species diversity.
A study by UK scientists reveals that species living in symbiosis with others may be the most vulnerable to extinction, with rising sea levels threatening freshwater habitats. The research suggests that these ecosystems are delicately balanced and threatened, making them prone to extinctions.
Researchers found Neotropical fruit species in Central and South America have larger geographic ranges when linked to human diets, suggesting human impact on species distribution. Human use of these fruits may have driven the expansion of their ranges.
A study found that nursery stock availability and homeowner preferences significantly influence the diversity of tree species in the Salt Lake Valley. The researchers collected data from over 15,000 trees in six neighborhoods with different median home ages and household incomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Mammalogy reveals that over 1000 new species of mammals have been described globally during the last dozen years. This rate of species discovery parallels that seen in global amphibians, driven by advances in DNA analysis methods and field exploration.
A study published in Biological Conservation found that widespread insects are threatened with a decline in species diversity, genetic diversity, and ability to adapt to environmental changes. The research highlights the importance of maintaining genetic diversity through population exchange for common species.
Scientists used integrative taxonomy to recognize five well-defined species in the genus, including a newly described species from Colombia and Venezuela. The study highlights the importance of accurate species recognition for conservation priorities, with lianas contributing significantly to tropical forest diversity.
A team of scientists has discovered a new species of giant extinct burrowing bat in New Zealand, dating back to the Miocene era. The fossilized remains of Vulcanops jennyworthyae were found near St Bathans, with estimates suggesting it was three times the size of an average bat today.
A study by University of Chicago scientists found that mass extinctions removed species but retained ecological variety, whereas environmental changes lead to significant losses in functional diversity. The researchers analyzed two major mass extinctions and discovered a pattern of survival among functional groups.
Many Midwestern retailers are selling oriental bittersweet, an invasive species, as native American bittersweet. Researchers found that 54% of plants labeled 'American bittersweet' were actually oriental bittersweet, which can outcompete and harm the native plant.
A new study reveals that an invasive Australian tree species, Pittosporum undulatum, is posing a significant threat to the global biodiversity hotspot in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. The species has already outpaced native trees, reducing their regeneration and threatening rare and endangered species.
A study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution reveals that G+C composition is generally strongly favored across different species, regardless of genome size or location. The researchers used large-scale DNA sequencing data to demonstrate a correlation between G+C content and the expectations based on neutral mutations.
A University of Colorado Boulder-led study confirms that climate factors limit species expansion in stressful environments, but interactions with other species play a crucial role in shaping range limits. The researchers found that stress impacts plant growth, survival, reproduction, and germination, which drives the pattern.
Researchers developed a statistical model to study the origin of genetic diversity in Amazonian sardines, revealing interactions between geographical distance, waterfalls, and floodplain size. The approach could be used for conservation strategies, helping to assess human impact on biodiversity in various ecosystems.
Researchers found that old-growth forests with diverse tree sizes and species can buffer the effects of warming temperatures on birds. The study suggests that large trees function as heat sinks during warm periods and multiple canopy layers provide climate buffering effects, supporting stable populations of some bird species.
A study on late Permian ecosystems sheds light on biodiversity and species distribution near the equator. The research found an unusual variety of species in fiery, hot deserts, challenging the assumption that tropical regions are diversity hubs.
A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that dogs have significantly more cortical neurons than cats, indicating a higher level of intelligence. Dogs possess about 530 million neurons, while cats have around 250 million, suggesting that dogs are brainier than cats.
A new study reveals that mass extinctions have predictable consequences, leading to low diversity and the emergence of dominant species. The researchers analyzed nearly 900 animal species between 260-175 million years ago and found a global pattern of 'disaster faunas'.
A new study found that white-tailed deer prefer native plants to invasive species like garlic mustard and Japanese stiltgrass. This leads to a decrease in native plant diversity and an increase in non-native species, altering forest ecosystems.
A team of scientists discovered that tropical fungi form species-specific associations with seeds, influencing survival and germination rates. The study found that different fungi can aid or hinder seed development, depending on the seed species, providing new insights into the persistence of tropical forest diversity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.