Sex involved in plant defense
Researchers found that sexually produced evening primrose plants withstand caterpillar attacks better than asexual relatives. The study suggests that plant sex influences the evolution of defenses against herbivores.
Herbivores
Articles tagged with Herbivores
Prairie dogs: influencing the accumulation of metals in plants?
Researchers found that prairie dogs prefer plants with low levels of selenium, suggesting that high levels act as a deterrent. This suggests that plants may use metal hyperaccumulation to defend against herbivores, including prairie dogs.
Plant communication: Sagebrush engage in self-recognition and warn of danger
Researchers found that sagebrush plants can communicate danger to their clones by emitting volatile cues, allowing them to avoid being eaten by herbivores. This complex behavior suggests that plants are capable of more sophisticated behavior than previously thought.
Airborne ecologists help balance delicate African ecosystem
A new study uses airborne technology to analyze the impact of large herbivores on African savannas, finding that their presence leads to less plant growth and more bare ground. The research also reveals structural differences in vegetation between herbivore-free and grazing areas.
Climate change opens new avenue for spread of invasive plants
A team of scientists found that climate change allows certain plants to defend themselves against local enemies more effectively than native plants. This shift in the balance of ecosystems could lead to an increase in invasive plant species and a loss of biodiversity.
The fastest flights in nature: High-speed spore discharge mechanisms among fungi
Researchers captured spore discharge mechanisms using ultra-high-speed cameras, revealing that fungi propel spores with explosive pressure loss, similar to inkjet printer nozzles. This breakthrough has implications for plant disease control, terrestrial ecology, and biomimetics.
Rabbits to the rescue of the reef
Scientists found that rabbit fish are efficient herbivores capable of controlling weedy growth on coral reefs. The fish concentrate their efforts on the reef crest, but less effectively on slopes and flats, highlighting the need for a diverse 'guild' of species to maintain reef resilience.
Big vegetarian mammals can play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, study finds
A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that large herbivorous mammals can have a significant impact on ecosystem health. In an experiment in central Kenya, the removal of cattle, elephants, and zebras led to an increase in the populations of trees, beetles, lizards, and other species.
Batfish to the rescue!
A rare species of batfish has emerged as a potential savior for coral reefs, consuming large amounts of seaweed that were choking the reef. By removing a cage, scientists observed the batfish cleaning up most of the weed in just five days and completely clearing it in eight weeks.
New moth variety disarms plants guarded by selenium
Researchers discovered a new diamondback moth variety that can thrive on hyperaccumulator plants guarded by toxic levels of selenium. The moth's adaptation allows it to accumulate selenium like the plant, rendering its defense ineffective. This finding suggests a potential
After insects attack, plants bunker sugars for later regrowth
Scientists discover GAL83 gene that allows plants to store carbon in roots, reducing damage from herbivore attacks. This adaptation enables plants to withstand voracious insects and extend seed production period.
Predators keep the world green, ecologists find
A study in a Venezuelan reservoir found that predator-free islands had significantly fewer plant species and smaller sapling densities than larger land masses. The researchers concluded that the presence of predators is essential for maintaining biodiversity and preventing ecosystem collapse.
Native plant eaters have gourmet palates
Research at Georgia Tech suggests that native plant eaters prefer exotic meals over native plants, contradicting the enemy release hypothesis. This finding supports the 'new associations' hypothesis, which states that newly introduced plants may lack defenses against native consumers due to their evolutionary history.
Highlights from the April issue of Ecology
Researchers found that Brown-headed cowbirds can affect the sex of host offspring, while commercial fishing led to changes in open-ocean fish communities. Additionally, a study on plant defense theory revealed that outbred plants are more resistant to certain insect herbivores.
Multi-species herbivore outbreak follows El Niño drought in Panama
A multi-species herbivore outbreak occurred in Panama following an El Niño drought, causing moth larvae to devour 250% more leaf material than usual. The short-lived event was brought under control quickly by natural predators and diseases, but highlights the potential impact of climate change on forest ecosystems.
Survival strategies in nature
Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology gained new insights into chemical signaling within plants after herbivore attack, highlighting the value of genetically modifying plants to study complex ecological interactions. Transgenic Nicotiana attenuata plants were found to attract novel herbivore species despite being defe...
Tropical scientists find fewer species than expected
Researchers estimated that New Guinea's plant community is dominated by clusters of closely related plant species, which are fed upon by a greater number of insects. This discovery leads to revised estimates of total world species numbers, with the range being between 4.8 million and 6 million.
Biodiversity crucial to Earth's ecosystems
Researchers found that losing species initially leads to reduced productivity, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in complex ecosystems. The study used a larger food web system, revealing a more dramatic effect than previously thought.
Picky eaters rare among tropical insects
A new study estimates 3.7 to 5.9 million insects worldwide, down from Erwin's initial estimate of 30 million. The research suggests that specialist herbivores are rare, and genera rather than species are the preferred unit for biodiversity calculations.
Scripps scientists find ‘ignored’ species play key role in ecosystem interactions
A new study by Scripps scientists reveals that intermediate-sized predators can have significant impacts on ecosystems, contrary to previous conclusions. The research highlights the importance of considering all species, not just larger ones, for maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity.
Predicting the species diversity of large herbivores in nature reserves
Researchers from Wageningen University predict the species diversity of large herbivores in nature reserves by analyzing soil fertility and rainfall data. The study finds that areas with fertile soil and average rainfall are ideal for high species diversity, contrary to expectations.
Herbivores, pull up a chair to the table: salt marsh plants at higher latitudes more palatable, according to new study
Research suggests that herbivores prefer northern salt marsh plants over tropical ones, with a striking trend of consuming greater quantities of northern plants regardless of species or time of year. The reasons for this preference are unclear but may be linked to physical and chemical defenses.
Ecological Consequences Of Jasmonate-Induced Responses For Plants In Native Populations
Research on Nicotiana attenuata reveals that induced defenses can have both ecological benefits and costs, including resource-based costs and potential negative impacts on seed production. The discovery of endogenous wound signals, such as jasmonic acid, has provided tools to activate defenses independently of herbivore attack.
Bison Grazing Increases Biodiversity In Grasslands
Research reveals that bison grazing can increase plant species diversity in stressed grasslands, countering the effects of fire and fertilizer. By reestablishing grazing, scientists find that biodiversity can be retained in ecosystems impacted by human activities.