Articles tagged with Species Diversity
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.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
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.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
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.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and other biologists investigate how bats sense their environment using advanced imaging techniques and molecular biology. The study aims to reveal the genetic, developmental, and anatomical basis of natural selection for sensory structures in mammals.
Researchers found that environmental filtering is the main driver of plant diversity variation along resource gradients in ancient dunes. The study used a chronosequence of soils to test alternative theories and provided new insights into biodiversity.
A new study finds that diversified farming systems retain more evolutionary history than intensive agriculture, suggesting a strategy for conserving biodiversity. This is encouraging news as human activities drive half of known life to extinction.
A joint project between NC State University and the University of Florida is using cookies, citizen science, and robust research methods to collect data on ant species diversity. The School of Ants project has already yielded surprising findings, including the spread of invasive species across the US.
A study in southern England found that queen bumblebee queens often disperse widely, sometimes several kilometers away, before founding their own nests. This suggests that genetic diversity is maintained through queen dispersal, highlighting the importance of preserving flower-rich habitats for bumblebee conservation.
A four-year survey collected 150 leaf litter samples across 6 natural reserves in China, revealing a significant latitudinal gradient in species diversity of Chinese litter-dwelling thrips. Thrips constitute up to 3% of total macroinvertebrate individuals in tropical and subtropical zones, but only 0.3% in temperate regions.
Researchers from India, US, Germany, and Sweden study songbirds in the Himalayas, finding significant genetic differences between closely related species. The team concludes that the region's saturated habitats hindered new species evolution.
Researchers found a striking lack of diversity in the earliest known fossil bird fauna, with larger birds and water birds missing from the sample. The scientists applied a statistical technique to modern-day birds to relate physical characteristics to behavior, diet, and habitat.
A recent study published in Urban Ecosystems found that a lack of plant diversity is a significant contributor to the widespread defoliation caused by cankerworms in cities. Increasing plant diversity can help limit future damage. Native plants were particularly hard hit, while nonnative species were largely ignored.
A new species of Alopoglossus lizard has been discovered in the tropical Andes, characterized by its metallic greenish head and orange belly. The study suggests that this diversity of shade lizards has been underestimated, with six previously described species found to be distinct from one another.
Scientists at the University of Central Florida discovered a new grasshopper species, Liladownsia fraile, named after Grammy-winning singer and activist Ana Lila Downs Sanchez. The vibrant, colorful insect measures about an inch long and is recognized for its efforts to preserve indigenous culture.
Three new species of tarantulas were discovered in northern Argentina, shedding light on the region's unique arachnid diversity. The newly identified species belong to the subfamily Theraphosinae and are named after local locations and cultural figures.
Scientists reconstructed the skull of Nimbacinus dicksoni and found that it had a high bite force for its size, suggesting it could hunt vertebrate prey exceeding its own body mass. The research suggests that Nimbacinus dicksoni was an opportunistic hunter with potential prey including birds, frogs, and other marsupials.
A new family tree of hummingbirds reveals a rapid diversification rate, with over 140 new species emerging in the Andes and more than 338 recognized species worldwide. The study shows that hummingbirds continue to evolve and generate new species today, driven by coevolution with plants.
Studies of two vesper bat species genomes reveal a link between DNA transposons and rapid evolution. The authors propose that transposable elements enabled the introduction of microRNAs, influencing gene expression and driving species diversification.
Dr. Gavin Svenson has discovered 19 new species of bark mantises in Central and South America, revealing a previously unknown diversity of these insects. The newly described species exhibit remarkable camouflage abilities, including mimicry of bark, moss, and lichen to avoid detection.
Scientists discover extraordinary diversity and specialization in tropical insects, with each fly having a unique ability to escape parasitic wasp species. This specialization leads to increased niche diversity in the community, revealing that insects are more diverse than thought.
The study of crab diversity has led to a new dataset with DNA and mitochondrial sequences from 140 species and 58 families. Freshwater crabs have two independent origins, separated from marine relatives after Pangaea's break-up.
Researchers found that rare and common plant species had similar tolerances to widely used herbicides, suggesting a lack of persistent effects on plant communities. The study highlights the need for alternative strategies, such as preserving farmland habitats, in plant conservation efforts.
A recent study reveals that the tropics are the main source of global mammal diversity, driven by higher speciation rates and lower extinction rates. The research, published in PLOS Biology, suggests that tropical regions have been a continuous source of biodiversity, allowing for repeated colonization of temperate regions.
A new CU-Boulder study analyzed over 1,000 scientific studies on North American mammal responses to human-caused climate change, finding that only 52% of species responded as expected. Large mammal body size and restricted times during a day were key traits tied to climate change responses.
A new study has found that fungi regulate diversity in rainforests by making dominant species victims of their own success. Fungi spread quickly between closely-packed plants of the same species, enabling a wider range of species to flourish.
A new species of toad, Rhinella yunga, was discovered in the Peruvian Yungas ecoregion. The species has a unique body coloration and is distinct from related species due to its absence of a tympanic membrane.
A study published in ZooKeys found up to 11 species among populations previously considered two widespread treefrog species. The genetic variation of dozens of Amazonian populations across six countries revealed a large amount of cryptic diversity, with four new species formally described.
Researchers found diverse aging patterns in 46 species, including those that weaken and strengthen with age, and remain unaffected by the process. Some species experience high mortality early on in life, while others become more fertile with age. The study reveals no correlation between aging patterns and typical lifespan.
Researchers from UEA compiled a comprehensive review of primate eating habits, finding that smaller primates eat more insects while larger ones consume more leaves. The study also reveals that some monkeys can easily meet their 'five a day' fruit intake within an hour.
A new study reveals that biodiversity is higher in the tropics due to increased genetic diversity among subspecies, which are more likely to arise in harsher environments typical of higher latitudes. This counterintuitive finding suggests that species turnover and extinction rates may be balanced near the equator.
A recent study describes 286 new species of wasps within the tribe Heterospilini from Costa Rica, with an estimated additional 50-100 species to be added. The findings highlight the country's astonishing biodiversity, particularly within the braconid family of parasitoid wasps.
The supposedly widespread liverwort species was found to be a complex of geographically restricted species, with implications for biogeography studies. The study's results also highlight the importance of accurately identifying plant species, as it can lead to the discovery of new bioactive compounds.
The discovery of Dmanisi's unique skull sheds light on early human evolution, suggesting that Homo erectus was a single species with diverse individuals. The analysis of five well-preserved skulls reveals that the variation within the species is more significant than previously thought.
Researchers estimate 16,000 tree species in Amazonia, with 227 dominant species having 50% of the region's tree population. This study provides valuable information for conservation efforts and further research.
A new study reveals a direct correlation between ancient reef abundance and decapod crustacean diversity. Modern reef decline may lead to a 50% decrease in crustacean species, affecting human food sources and marine ecosystems. The study's findings suggest that reefs promote the evolution of diverse crustacean populations.
Three new species of Oreophryne frogs are described from Papua New Guinea, with total body lengths of around 20 mm. The discovery brings the number of Oreophryne species reported from the north-coast region to seven, with many more remaining to be described.
Scientists estimate a minimum of 320,000 viruses in mammals, which could provide critical information for early detection and mitigation of disease outbreaks. This undertaking would cost approximately $6.3 billion, but limiting discovery to 85% of total viral diversity could bring the cost down to $1.4 billion.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham identified a genetic mutation causing blue eggs in native South American and European breeds. The mutation triggered an accumulation of biliverdin, a green-blue pigment, in the eggshell. This finding could inform future research on agricultural breeding techniques.
A team of researchers studied anomodonts, ancient relatives of mammals, to understand their response to the largest mass extinction in Earth history. Despite ecological opportunities arising from species loss, anomodonts remained anatomically conservative and did not evolve new features.
A new species of Spider Water Beetle, Ancyronyx buhid, has been discovered in the Philippine Rainforest Creeks, showcasing the country's diversity as a global hotspot. The beetle's unique characteristics make it an ideal bioindicator species for healthy ecosystem conditions.
A new coral reef species, Echinophyllia tarae, has been discovered in the Gambier Islands of French Polynesia. The species is a zooxanthellate coral that grows on dead coral fragments and contributes to coral reef formation.
Researchers found a striking degree of convergence in Anole lizard species across four Caribbean islands, with each island's species resembling those on others. The study provides evidence for the predictability of evolution over millions of years.
UC Berkeley researchers found that a decrease in new species origins is crucial to extinction, alongside increased extinction rates. This study applies to slow changes over millions of years and provides insights into the pressures on modern flora and fauna.
Scientists have discovered a remarkable diversity of flying reptiles, including 30 species and five genera, from the Cretaceous period in England. The fossils show varying head crests and teeth sizes, suggesting different feeding preferences.
Researchers found reduced populations of small, bottom-dwelling fishes like darters and increased sedimentation rates due to dredging alter habitats, leading to regime shifts in fish species. This study highlights the complex effects of human activities on aquatic ecosystems in large rivers.
A new species of blenniiform fish, Haptoclinus dropi, has been discovered in the biodiversity-rich waters of the southern Caribbean. Measuring only 2cm in length, it features a unique color pattern and four divisions on its dorsal fin.
A new study reveals that Southeast Asian monitor lizard species are being harvested and traded in unsustainable volumes, threatening their survival. The trade, particularly for pet owners, has led to over-exploitation and extinction, with many species facing critical threats.
Scientists have discovered a new species of ant from the Philippines with a distinctive dark stripe across its eyes, which resembles a pirate eye patch. The function of this bizarre pigmentation pattern remains unclear, but researchers speculate it may serve as a tool to distract and confuse predators.
A 505 million-year-old fossil, Kooteninchela deppi, discovered in British Columbia, is a distant ancestor of lobsters and scorpions. Its 'scissor hand-like' claws were named after Johnny Depp's starring role in Edward Scissorhands.
Two new water mite species have been discovered in South Korea and the Russian Far East, expanding the known diversity of this group. The discovery, published in ZooKeys, brings the total number of described species to over 400 worldwide.
New research from University of Toronto Scarborough confirms that environments with distantly related plant species are more productive. The study suggests that such diversity can enhance species function and fill different environmental niches, leading to increased carbon drawdown and potential climate benefits.
A recent study uses DNA sequencing to identify five new species of lichen-forming fungi, highlighting the importance of recognizing cryptic diversity in various ecosystems. The research also provides a reference database for specimen identification, enabling more accurate and reliable species recognition.
Two new species of Ypsolophid moths have been discovered in the Russian Far East by Russian scientists. The discovery adds to the existing 30 known species of Ypsolophids worldwide, highlighting their thermophilic nature and increasing global biodiversity awareness.
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.
Researchers have developed a new method for assessing biodiversity using DNA-soup from crushed-up insects and next-generation sequencing technology. This bulk-collected insect goo reveals diverse and poorly characterized insect communities, even in small areas.
A recent study suggests that well-managed residential development, such as provided by homeowners associations, can support native wildlife and promote species diversity in suburban neighborhoods. HOAs manage multiple properties, covering larger areas and implementing coordinated urban conservation initiatives.
Two new species of woodlizards were found in the Peruvian jungle, increasing the country's biodiversity. The newly described lizards, Enyalioides azulae and Enyalioides binzayedi, share a similar territory with slight differences in altitude ranges.
A study describes 9 new wasp species of the Paramblynotus genus from Africa and Madagascar, adding to the already rare Mayrellinid family. The discovery provides insights into the biology and ecology of these parasitoid wasps.
A new species of long-horned beetle has been discovered in Yunnan Province, China, characterized by its striking blue-greenish body and blue legs. Seven previously unknown species have also been recorded from the region, including rare ones found only in China, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
A recent study led by George Washington University Assistant Biology Professor Alex Pyron used DNA sequencing technology to discover a new species of blindsnake in Sri Lanka, revealing the island's immense biodiversity. The research also shed light on the evolutionary relationships between snakes and other reptiles globally.
Researchers have identified 138 new species of beetles within the Operclipygus genus, significantly expanding our understanding of tropical insect diversity. The study, published in ZooKeys, reveals that these tiny beetles play a crucial role in controlling pest populations and highlights the need for continued conservation efforts.
A recent study documents more than 100 species of amphibians and reptiles in Luzon's Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The region's unique biodiversity includes 32 endemic amphibian species and 76 native reptile species.
A recent issue of ZooKeys published 27 new moth species from North and South America, including the Neotropical tigermoth family. These discoveries expand the geographic reach of moth diversity in the region.