Articles tagged with Species Diversity
Researchers analyzed data from 253 primate populations to quantify male-female dominance. They found diverse power relations across species, contradicting previous assumptions about male dominance.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that mixed deciduous-conifer forests promote coexistence between red squirrels and dormice. The team observed both species living side by side in these forests, suggesting a potential role for mixed forest management in supporting biodiversity.
Researchers at The University of Osaka develop AI-powered method to analyze urban vegetation color, structure, and seasonal changes using street view imagery. This allows city planners to enhance the 'feel-good' factor of urban green spaces throughout the year.
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified three new species of frogs in the Cordillera de Huancabamba highlands. The study reveals that these secretive creatures possess unique characteristics, such as prominent tubercles on their bodies and adaptations to the harsh environment.
A new study reveals that global marine biodiversity data is heavily biased towards shallow waters and vertebrates, with vast areas of the deep sea and invertebrates poorly represented. The findings highlight the need for prioritized sampling to fill these gaps and support sustainable ocean management.
The global ocean has experienced a significant reduction in the depth of its photic zones, home to 90% of all marine life, leading to widespread ocean darkening. This change could have profound implications for the planet's marine species and ecosystem services.
Scientists have discovered a new copepod species, Tetragoniceps bermudensis, in Bermuda's cave system, revealing the fragile biodiversity of this unique ecosystem. The finding suggests limited geographic range and probable endemic status for the species.
The latest watchlist identifies 145 non-native animals and plants that could impact biodiversity, ecosystems, human health, and economies in Britain. The top 20 threats include invasive salmon, clams, seaweed, and species like the yellow-legged hornet, raccoon, and Emerald ash borer.
Researchers developed a universal theory to explain species distribution patterns, estimating species numbers at key transition points between phases. The three-phase pattern of Species-Area Relationships shows rapid increase in local areas, slowing down in regional areas, and accelerating on continental scales.
A recent study suggests that highly diverse microbial ecosystems may actually decrease stability under stress conditions. In contrast, low-diversity ecosystems often exhibit increased growth rates and community stability when faced with starvation or high salinity.
A new study predicts that new plant pests and diseases will severely damage UK trees and woodlands by 2050, potentially losing over half of their growth. The research highlights the need for increased tree diversity and resilience to biocontrol measures.
A new study by Prof. Ariel Chipman provides a novel model for understanding the development and evolution of arthropod body plans, tracing patterns back to ancient embryonic processes. The research uncovers a deep evolutionary logic behind the segmented body plans that define the world's most diverse animal group.
Researchers found introduced tree species are picking up speed and decreasing native diversity over time. The study used data from a 120-year-old program to quantify the effects of introduced species on native ecosystems.
A new study found that nutrient availability plays a crucial role in the relationship between precipitation and plant biomass. In grasslands, plant biomass increases with higher mean annual precipitation, but nutrient availability also comes into play. Fertilizing sites with multiple nutrients boosted plant growth and biomass, revealin...
A new study revealed that crocodylian ancestors thrived through two mass extinctions due to their adaptable dietary habits and varied habitats. This discovery may help scientists and conservationists better protect vulnerable species today.
A recent study reveals that tropical forests are home to an incredible diversity of chemical compounds, including terpenoids and alkaloids, which could have practical implications for human health. The researchers found that tree species in higher elevations tend to use similar chemicals to protect themselves from enemies.
A recent WSSA research article reveals that focusing solely on deer or invasive shrubs yields little forest health improvement. Instead, managing both threats is necessary to promote tree regeneration and plant community restoration, according to a study spanning over 10 years in Ohio.
A recent study found that urban bird species exhibit more elaborate colours and less brown plumage compared to those that fail to thrive in cities. This suggests that urbanization plays a role in shaping the colouration of birds in these environments.
A new study led by UCL researchers found that the quality of the dinosaur fossil record worsened during the final 6 million years prior to the asteroid impact. The team analyzed over 8,000 fossils and estimated that dinosaurs may have been doing better than previously suggested in the lead-up to the asteroid impact.
Researchers mapped China's wetlands from 1980 to 2020, revealing a net loss of ~60.9 × 10^3 km^2 due to climate change and human impacts. Meanwhile, the study highlights the importance of sustainable management and conservation strategies to mitigate these losses.
A study analyzing nearly 270,000 seed plant species reveals environmental conditions, particularly climate, play a significant role in shaping global plant distributions. Physical barriers have a smaller effect on ancient plant groups that have had longer periods to disperse widely.
The new service enables users to create and download customised reports summarising species occurrences in a format suitable for biodiversity modelling and indicators. This expansion of GBIF's capabilities aims to improve the usability of biodiversity data, particularly for Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) and indicator workflows.
Researchers have discovered five new species of fungi in the Piloderma genus, including one rare species found only in old-growth forests. The discoveries suggest that diversity in this genus is greater than previously thought and highlight the risk of species disappearance as forests are logged.
A new study led by the University of Exeter shows that social media can be used to monitor animal species relocating due to climate change. The researchers examined posts about Jersey tiger moths on Instagram and Flickr, finding they are unexpectedly common in towns and cities.
Research by Kobe University reveals that restoring abandoned grasslands requires at least 75 years of continuous management to regain plant diversity. Pollinators also take time to adapt, with generalist insects like flies and hoverflies dominating recently restored sites.
A study published in Ecological Applications found that a diversity of corolla sizes in urban flower communities positively impacts wild bee biodiversity. Researchers from Concordia University collected data from 16 sites around Montreal and identified 94 different species of bees and almost 150 different species of flowers.
A groundbreaking study led by CUNY researcher Stephen Chester uncovers the anatomy, lifestyle, and evolutionary connections of Mixodectes pungens, a mysterious 62-million-year-old mammal. The discovery reveals the species was close to humans and other primates on the evolutionary tree.
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country reveals that pollinator diversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and plant reproduction. The research, conducted across 46 countries, found that a decline in wild pollinators has a negative impact on plants' reproductive success.
Researchers analyzed chloroplast genomes of cacao trees from northern Peru to determine the species' age and diversity. The study found that the current known diversity diversified during the Pliocene or Miocene epochs, approximately 7.5 million years ago.
Researchers analyzed satellite data from the Sentinel-2 satellites to predict variations in tree traits and map functional diversity. They found significant differences in forest function across continents, with American tropical forests showing greater functional richness than African and Asian forests.
A new study published in Cell Press journal suggests that the International Space Station is overly sterile, and introducing more natural microbes could help astronauts. Researchers found that human skin was the main source of microbes on the ISS, while chemicals from cleaning products were ubiquitous.
Researchers have discovered fossilized eggs from three feathered bird-like dinosaurs, two herbivorous dinosaurs, and a previously unknown crocodile-like species in the Cedar Mountain Formation. The findings provide valuable insights into the diversity of ancient life forms and their habitats.
Citizen science data from scuba divers reveals distinct seasonal patterns among shark species, including hammerhead sharks and tiger sharks. The study also identified changes in shark populations over time, with some species increasing in abundance while others decrease.
Researchers discovered that the ability to quickly gain or lose complex fish teeth drives rapid species formation. Complex teeth appeared 86 times but are rare in modern fish, whereas African cichlids retain the genetic program for both types of teeth.
A new study found that Neanderthals experienced a drastic loss of genetic variation approximately 110,000 years ago, leading to their eventual extinction. The research measured the morphological diversity in semicircular canals, which revealed lower diversity in classic Neanderthals compared to pre-Neanderthals and early Neanderthals.
Researchers studied pumice rafts from the 2021 Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba eruption in Japan, finding three phases of evolution involving rounding, fragmentation, and biodiversity increase. The study provides valuable information for mitigating the impact of future eruptions on shoreline communities.
Researchers at University of Hawaii at Manoa have discovered 10 new marine sponge species in Kāneʻohe Bay, expanding our understanding of sponge biodiversity in the Hawaiian archipelago. The discovery sheds light on the crucial role sponges play in regulating and sustaining coral reef ecosystems.
A global synthesis identifies 603 species that shape the Earth's surface, with tiny ants shifting soil and salmon reshaping riverbeds. This study highlights the diversity and scale of animals' impact across freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.
A nearly complete skull of the ancient apex carnivore Bastetodon has been discovered in the Egyptian desert, revealing a new species of hyaenodonta. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of hyaenodonts and their global distribution, with findings suggesting they spread from Africa to Asia, Europe, India, and North America.
A recent study reveals that smaller arable fields and organic farming are crucial for maintaining high pollinator diversity in calcareous grasslands. The research team found that these factors significantly increase the abundance of flowers, nesting sites, and various wild insect species, particularly endangered ones.
Despite decades of restoration efforts, biodiversity growth has stalled in restored Danish wetlands. The study highlights the need for concrete measures such as grazing animals and full restoration of watercourses to improve plant species richness.
Researchers found positive correlations in susceptibility to viruses across diverse fruit fly species, suggesting a general pattern of resistance. The study's findings have implications for understanding viral evolution and predicting pandemics.
A Mississippi State University scientist has discovered 16 new species of grasshoppers living in the thorny scrubs of U.S. and Mexican deserts, showcasing the thriving biodiversity in arid ecosystems. The newly uncovered species are native to the southern U.S. and Mexican deserts and were described in a recent scientific journal article.
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has donated thousands of natural history books and journals to Ecuador's National Biodiversity Institute, expanding its research and education programs. The donation, valued at over 8,570 books, 2,000 journals, and 500 articles, will support the work of biodiversity specialists, students, and ...
A new study reveals that increased aridity leads to a decrease in plant species diversity in drylands. The research found that the biomass of dominant plant species can obscure this effect, and past extreme droughts strengthen the link between rainfall and species diversity.
A Kobe University research team found that prescribed burning on young lava flows leads to higher total species richness and prevalence of endangered plant species. The study suggests that acidic soils and shallow depths favor slow-growing plants, allowing rare species to gain a foothold.
Researchers mapped tropical plants and trees in Peru's boiling river, finding plant diversity declined with rising temperatures and only species suited for warm climates thrived. The study predicts a less diverse and more homogenous Amazon rainforest as global warming continues.
Research reveals that Eurasian Steppe grasslands are more susceptible to drought than North American Great Plains due to lower plant diversity. The study found a 43% reduction in annual productivity in Eurasia compared to a 25% reduction in North America under similar extreme drought conditions.
Smallholder farmers in Western Kenya support native-tree restoration for improved crop yields, climate resilience, and food security. However, concerns about increasing tree diversity attracting wildlife and the need for locally designed solutions remain.
A new study from the University of Exeter reveals that Kenyan smallholder farmers face barriers when trying to increase the diversity of trees and shrubs on their land. Factors such as past experiences, influence of other farmers, and perceived ability to grow different tree species play a crucial role in decision-making.
Botanic gardens have reached peak capacity, hindering efforts to gather plant diversity for study and protection. Despite accelerated rates of extinction risk, institutions struggle to conserve threatened plants within collections globally.
The study highlights the importance of semi-dry forests in Nui Chua NP, which have the highest diversity and occupancy of the silver-backed chevrotain. Conservation efforts should prioritize these transitional habitats to protect this flagship species.
New research reveals significant transformations in Great Barrier Reef fish communities, with changes in species richness and composition driven by coral diversity rather than coral cover. The study's findings raise questions about the shifting latitudinal diversity gradient and its implications for ecosystem functioning.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis found that pawpaw patches reduce herbaceous plant species diversity and total understory community size, creating a habitat where the rules of competition are more random. The presence of pawpaws also makes it challenging for land managers to encourage the growth of understory species.
The University of Texas at Arlington's Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center (ARDRC) has expanded its library with a donation of over 10,000 rare items, including books, scientific journals, and reports. This addition will provide scientists worldwide with access to a wealth of literature on reptiles and amphibians.
A new study examines legislation and conservation efforts in the Mediterranean region to protect over 80 shark and ray species. The research reveals substantial differences in countries' efforts, with European Union countries leading implementation of measures.
Physicists at MIT have devised a formula predicting which invasive species will succeed in an ecosystem, based on analysis of soil bacteria. The researchers found that population fluctuations are key to invasion success, and that diversity can either help or hinder the invader.
A recent UC Riverside study found that raking dead grass can boost California's native wildflower diversity, reducing fire danger and increasing plant community changes. The simple, low-cost method of removing invasive grass layers allows native seeds to germinate and grow.
A new study finds that disease-causing bacteria can infect a wide range of plant species, including non-flowering plants, using a common set of pathogenicity factors. The research suggests that the toxin syringomycin interferes with cell membranes across diverse plant species.
The Virginia Tech analysis extends the chart of life by nearly 1.5 billion years, mapping the rise and fall of ancient life from the Proterozoic Eon. The study reveals that global ice ages accelerated the pace of evolution in species counts.