Herbivores

Leaf traits drive herbivory across forests: Silicon and heat tolerance matter

Researchers found that plant species with tougher leaves actually suffered more from insect damage, while those with higher silicon concentrations sustained less. In contrast, plants with higher heat tolerance experienced greater herbivory. Understanding these drivers is crucial for predicting forest health under future climate scenarios.

You are what you eat: how diet drives evolution

Researchers have discovered how diet influences the composition of intestinal tissue in cichlid fishes, a key aspect of evolutionary diversification. The study found that different diets lead to distinct cellular adaptations, including changes in the number and type of cells involved in nutrient absorption.

‘Last titan’: Southeast Asia’s biggest dinosaur discovered

Dinosaur dental fossils reveal bird-like parental care bonds

Birds caught stealing from their neighbors

A new study reveals that birds in Hawaiian forests engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing materials from neighboring nests. The behavior, common among the scarlet I'iwi and crimson Apapane, could threaten species already under stress due to habitat loss and climate change.

Avoiding the very hungry caterpillar

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that predatory mites avoid laying eggs on plant leaves bearing traces of caterpillars. Additionally, they discovered that even when predators are unlikely to encounter caterpillars, they still avoid their traces.

Feeding biochar to cattle may help lock carbon in soil and cut agricultural emissions

A recent study found that adding biochar to cattle feed can create a cascading environmental benefit by improving soil carbon storage. The researchers discovered that approximately 70-90% of the biochar survived digestion and retained key characteristics associated with long-term stability.

Study sheds new light on what drives evolution of gut microbiomes

Researchers found that six species exhibited little to no evidence of phylosymbiosis, while five closely related bovids showed patterns consistent with the concept. Drier environments may reveal phylosymbiosis due to reduced microbial diversity.

Pandemic ‘beneath the surface’ has been quietly wiping out sea urchins around the world

A study found that a global pandemic is quietly wiping out sea urchins around the world, with populations nearing local extinction in the Canary Islands. The 2022-2023 mass mortality event affected the entire population of the species across the archipelago, causing a 74% decrease in La Palma and a 99.7% decrease in Tenerife.

Learn the surprising culprit limiting the abundance of Earth’s largest land animals

A new study found that the density and distribution of Earth's largest land animals are limited by sodium availability in their local flora. In many areas, wild herbivores cannot get enough salt in their diet, leading to interesting behaviors such as elephants consuming sodium-rich rocks and gorillas fighting for salty foods.

Elephants, giraffes and rhinos go where the salt is

A new study reveals that elephants, giraffes, and rhinos are unable to get enough salt from their habitats, leading to sodium deficiency. The researchers found that larger-bodied species are more affected by sodium scarcity, which influences their habitat selection and behavior.

November research news from the Ecological Society of America

Researchers explored the impact of urbanization on pollinators, found that trees' root systems shift with age, and discovered sea urchin 'halos' as indicators of ecosystem vulnerability. The studies highlight the need for tailored conservation strategies to address regional ecological challenges.

New archaeological study challenges the paleo diet, revealing humans have always eaten processed plant foods

A new archaeological study reveals that early humans relied heavily on a wide range of plant and animal foods, challenging the traditional paleo diet narrative. Humans have always been flexible eaters, using diverse plant resources to unlock key calories and nutrients.

Non-hibernating pikas' protein restriction tweaks their gut microbiome to help them survive the winter, when winter-active herbivores often struggle to find dietary protein

Researchers discovered that non-hibernating pikas alter their gut microbiota to increase urea nitrogen salvaging, maintaining protein homeostasis during winter. This adaptation helps the animals cope with the scarcity of dietary protein during the cold season.

African wildlife poop sheds light on what shapes the gut ecosystem

Researchers analyzed feces samples from 11 herbivore species in Namibia's Etosha National Park to understand how environmental factors shape their gut microbiomes. The study found five types of bacteria serving as environmental indicators, which could help monitor ecosystem changes and animal adaptation.

Humans get attached to horses as they do to pets

A new study using a validated survey has found that most people form an emotional attachment to their horses, similar to human-pet relationships. The Horse Attachment Questionnaire, adapted from a pet questionnaire, measured anxiety and avoidance in horse owners across 21 countries.

Picky eaters endure: Ecologists use DNA to explore diet breadth of wild herbivores

A large-scale survey of woodrat populations in North America reveals that costs of specialization and generalization dictate diet breadth. Woodrats' diets are not as broad as previously thought, but individuals select a consistent subset of plants to manage risks and costs.

What can prairie dogs teach us about wildfire management?

Research suggests that black-tailed prairie dogs can reduce wildfire behavior by altering landscape features and promoting the growth of fire-resistant vegetation. By incorporating prairie dog activity into fire behavior models, land managers could develop more effective strategies for prevention and mitigation.

Two big events shaped the herbivores during 60 million years but their role remains

A new study reveals that large herbivores' ecosystems stayed remarkably stable over long periods of time, with only two major global shifts causing significant changes. The first shift occurred around 21 million years ago, while the second shifted 10 million years ago, leading to a decline in functional diversity.

Study finds dehorning of rhinos drastically reduces poaching

An international study found that dehorning rhinos resulted in a drastic reduction of poaching, with a 78% decrease in poaching rates. The study analyzed data from 11 Greater Kruger reserves and found that dehorning reduced incentives for poaching, making it an effective conservation strategy.

Elephant instead of wild boar? What could have been in Europe

Studies suggest that straight-tusked elephants ( Palaeoloxodon antiquus ) could still inhabit Europe today due to the continent's suitable climate. The species helped shape Europe's landscape, maintaining open spaces and light woodlands that still support native plant species.

New study explores the link between diet, blood sugar and cancer risk across species

A new study found that birds have lower cancer rates despite high blood sugar levels, challenging existing assumptions. The research suggests that some species have evolved natural biological defenses against cancer, which could inspire new approaches to prevention and treatment in humans.

Hidden allies

Researchers found that an endophytic fungus boosts poplars' natural defenses and those induced by insect damage, altering the plant's chemical defense profile and supporting it with a self-produced defense substance. The fungus also influences interactions between insect populations living on trees.

Fossil eggshells from Utah's Cedar Mountain Formation include Cretaceous period eggs from 3 feathered bird-like dinosaurs, 2 herbivorous dinosaurs, and a crocodile-like species found for the first time outside Europe

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.

Livestock grazing influences insect populations in the Himalayas

A long-term study in the Spiti valley of the Himalayas found that livestock grazing leads to reduced spider populations and increased grasshoppers and disease carriers like ticks and mites. The researchers suggest rewilding native herbivores and improved surveillance to mitigate these changes.

Marine herbivores chomp eelgrass, making it susceptible to wasting

Sea snails and isopods grazing on eelgrass create wounds that make it susceptible to wasting disease. The study found a significant association between invertebrate grazing and disease prevalence across the Pacific Coast.

Herbivore or carnivore? – A new toolbox for the study of extinct reptiles

Researchers compiled a reference framework of isotope compositions indicating the type of diet for extant reptiles, providing a useful dataset to reconstruct the diet of fossil reptiles. The analysis showed that calcium isotope ratios are higher in insectivorous reptiles and lower in herbivores and carnivores.

Fly vs. wasp: Stealing a defense move helps thwart a predator

Researchers found that fruit flies have stolen a toxin-producing gene from bacteria to defend against parasitic wasps, which can turn fly larvae into surrogate wombs for baby wasps. This discovery highlights the importance of horizontal gene transfer in animal evolution and suggests it may be more common than previously thought.

Fossil dung reveals clues to dinosaur success story

Researchers at Uppsala University analyzed fossilized feces of dinosaurs, revealing undigested food remains and plants, which helped recreate the structure of ecosystems during the Late Triassic period. The study suggests that early herbivorous dinosaurs' love for plant shoots was crucial to their evolutionary success.

In greening Arctic, caribou and muskoxen play key role

A University of California, Davis study reveals that large grazing wildlife like caribou and muskoxen influence the timing and abundance of Arctic plants. The research found that plants where these animals were present emerged earlier and were more abundant later in the season.

More evidence that Europe’s ancient landscapes were open woodlands: Oak, hazel and yew were abundant

A new study reveals that European forests before modern humans arrived were dominated by light woodland and open vegetation. Hazel, oak, and yew thrived in these dynamic ecosystems, providing a diverse mix of habitats.

Plant green-up and herbivory in Greenland

A study in Greenland found that plant species exhibited earlier green-up when grazed by herbivores, while others showed later growth. Herbivory also led to increased plant abundance in most affected species.

Large herbivores have lived in Yellowstone National Park for more than 2,000 years

Researchers analyzed steroids from animal dung in lake sediments to determine the dominant large herbivores that lived in northern Yellowstone National Park. The study found bison and elk as primary species for the last 2,300 years, with impacts on local ecosystems.

Harnessing plant odors to revolutionize sustainable agriculture

Understanding plant-to-plant communication through VOCs can lead to innovative strategies for crop protection and yield improvement, potentially revolutionizing sustainable agriculture. This review explores the molecular pathways behind this complex biochemical strategy and its potential applications.

Study finds mutualistic relationships changing with climate

Climate change could be disrupting symbiotic relationships between insects and plants, with urban areas showing less herbivory despite lacking protective ants. The study found that urban plants were not decimated without their normal protector ants, suggesting alternative defense mechanisms.

Reducing herbivore damage using biodiversity instead of insecticide

Researchers developed a new method to analyze interactions between neighboring plant individuals, identifying genes involved in associative resistance. Mixing different plant genotypes reduced herbivore damage by up to 24.8% compared to planting individual genotypes.

Animals with higher body temperatures are more likely to evolve into herbivores, study finds

A University of Arizona study has found a consistent pattern: Animals with higher body temperatures are more likely to evolve into herbivores. This relationship holds true across major land vertebrate groups, and is linked to the unique digestive challenges posed by plant-based diets.

Two closely related species of haplodiploid spider mites interact on mountains

Researchers investigated the interaction and genetic introgression between two closely related spider mite species in Japan's mountains. The study found extensive overlapping distribution, hybrids, and genetic introgression, shedding light on speciation in haplodiploid organisms.

Streetlights running all night makes leaves so tough that insects can’t eat them, threatening the food chain

Scientists found that tree leaves exposed to high levels of artificial light at night become tougher and less susceptible to insect damage, potentially harming urban food chains. This study highlights the impact of light pollution on plant properties and ecosystems.

Discovered how to obtain aubergines or roses without prickles

An international team of researchers has identified the LOG gene responsible for forming prickles in several plant species. The discovery enables the development of new prickle-free varieties of crops like aubergines and blackberries, as well as ornamental plants such as roses.

New research sheds light on relationships between plants and insects in forest ecosystems

A new study published by US Forest Service researchers explores the impact of leaf-eating insects on forest ecosystems worldwide. The findings suggest that warmer climates affect plant-herbivore interactions, leading to changes in carbon and nutrient cycling in broadleaved forests globally.

Invasive insect herbivore alters ecosystem services delivered by cycads

A study found that invasive cicad aulacaspis scale alters leaf litter decomposition dynamics of cycad species, releasing nutrients too quickly. This damage threatens ecosystem balance and conservation efforts in invaded islands.

Phytochemical diversity and herbivory are higher in tropical forests: Study

Researchers found that tropical tree communities exhibit higher levels of phytochemical diversity, leaf herbivory, and specialized herbivory compared to less diverse subtropical and subalpine forest communities. This study highlights the importance of biotic interactions in maintaining biodiversity in tropical regions.

Why are scientists concerned about the effects of non-native horses and burros on natural ecosystems?

New research found that non-native burros are altering plant growth, reducing ground cover and foliage density, and negatively impacting native wildlife species in the Sonoran Desert.

Are plants intelligent? It depends on the definition

Researchers argue that plants can solve problems and adapt to their environment based on information received from neighboring plants. This suggests a form of intelligence in plants, challenging traditional notions of central nervous systems.

400,000-year-old stone tools designed specifically for butchering fallow deer, following the disappearance of elephants

Researchers from Tel Aviv University discovered 400,000-year-old stone tools, Quina scrapers, used to butcher and process smaller game like fallow deer. The unique tools were made of non-local flint, likely sourced from the Mountains of Samaria, a calving area for the deer.

Diverse headgear in hoofed mammals evolved from common ancestor

Researchers found that horns and antlers share fundamental aspects and likely originated from a single ancestral structure. The study supports the idea that headgear evolved as elaborations on this shared bony structure inherited from a common ancestor.

Loss of large herbivores affects interactions between plants and their natural enemies, study shows

Researchers found that the loss of large herbivores like tapirs and deer reduces leaf damage caused by pathogens, leading to increased plant species richness. In contrast, insect damage remains unaffected, suggesting a more complex relationship between plants and their natural enemies.

Rose essential oil: A safe pesticide for organic agriculture

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science found that rose essential oil increases the transcript levels of PIR1 and PIN2, key plant defense genes, in tomato plants. The study also showed that REO reduces leaf damage caused by pests and attracts beneficial predators to protect against herbivores.

New habitats affect plant defense

Research found that introduced ribwort plantain populations have higher concentrations of chemical defense compounds than native populations, despite showing slightly greater feeding damage. Climatic conditions also play a role in the accumulation of volatile compounds and the plants' ability to cope with environmental stresses.

Herbivores, displaced by ocean warming, threaten subtropical seagrass meadows

A new study reveals that tropical herbivores moving into subtropical waters are at risk of overgrazing seagrasses, which could lead to the decline of these vital habitats. To mitigate this, researchers emphasize the importance of protecting water quality and providing sufficient light for seagrasses to thrive.

Large native herbivores aren’t better for the local plants than introduced species

A new large-scale study finds that functional traits, not nativeness, play a key role in shaping the effects of large mammalian herbivores on plant communities. Introducing feral cattle or water buffaloes into local areas could be a good idea for complementing native deer and promoting plant diversity.

Global study: Wild megafauna shape ecosystem properties

A global meta-analysis of six continents reveals that large wild herbivores have a significant impact on ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem variability. The study found that megafauna communities with larger herbivores tend to have positive effects on local plant diversity, while smaller species communities decrease it.

Scammed! Animals ‘led by the nose’ to leave plants alone

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a method to shield plants from herbivorous mammals by fooling them with artificial odors, mimicking plants they naturally avoid. This approach is more humane and low-cost than current methods, and shows promise for protecting valuable plants globally.

Invasive ants change lion predation in Kenya

Research in Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy reveals invasive big-headed ants have reduced lions' effectiveness at killing zebras. Lions now primarily target African buffalo instead, maintaining population stability.

Researchers prove human influence on large herbivore diets during anthropocene

A study published in Ecology Letters reveals that human population growth and land-use changes led to significant dietary shifts in large herbivores in eastern China. The researchers found that these herbivores adapted by altering their diets, with increased interspecific differences and expanded intraspecific dietary ranges.

MSU research suggests pandas are active posters on ‘social media’

A new study suggests that giant pandas are active users of 'social media' in the form of scent-marking trees. The research team analyzed DNA from fresh panda poop to determine which bears were close to each other and used this information to explore their social network. The findings reveal that during non-mating seasons, pandas tend t...

Coevolution helps Santa's reindeer feast after flight

Researchers discovered that reindeer's vision evolved to spot Cladonia rangiferina, a type of lichen, during winter. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy by finding food from a distance, making it easier to survive in cold environments. The study provides new insights into the extraordinary visual system of reindeer.

Kariyat: global study on plant-herbivore interactions ‘opens window of possibilities’

A global study on plant-herbivore interactions has confirmed variability in insect eating habits across different members of the same species of plants. Latitude is found to be a significant factor affecting herbivory variability, with more kinds of insects feeding on plants and its relatives at higher latitudes.

New research reveals a fishing threshold for reef resilience

A study led by Arizona State University found that herbivore fishing to less than 80% of their unfished density compromises reef resilience due to algae overgrowth. The research, published before regulatory decisions in Hawai'i, highlights the critical role of herbivores in maintaining coral reef health.