Showing 20 articles starting at article 1261
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Categories: Biology: Zoology, Environmental: Ecosystems
Published Contours that kill: Geometry influences prey capture in carnivorous pitcher plants
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have shown that the shape, size, and geometry of carnivorous pitcher plants determines the type of prey they trap.
Published Bees struggle to find flowers because of air pollution
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study has found that air pollution is preventing pollinators finding flowers because it degrades the scent.
Published Beaver activity in the Arctic increases emission of methane greenhouse gas
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The climate-driven advance of beavers into the Arctic tundra is causing the release of more methane -- a greenhouse gas -- into the atmosphere. Beavers, as everyone knows, like to make dams. Those dams cause flooding, which inundates vegetation and turns Arctic streams and creeks into a series of ponds. Those beaver ponds and surrounding inundated vegetation can be devoid of oxygen and rich with organic sediment, which releases methane as the material decays.
Published Invasive alien species play key role in 60% of global plant and animal extinctions
(via sciencedaily.com) A new report presents major findings on the gravity of impacts from invasive alien species on our planet.
Published New bio-based glues form adhesive bonds that grow stronger in water
(via sciencedaily.com) Patent-pending adhesive formulations developed from fully sustainable, bio-based components establish bonds that grow stronger when underwater or exposed to wet conditions.
Published Lack of evidence hampers progress on corporate-led ecosystem restoration
(via sciencedaily.com) An international team of scientists analysed publicly available sustainability reports released by 100 of the world's largest companies and found that around two-thirds of these global corporations are undertaking ecosystem restoration. However, the results highlight that despite many businesses claiming to actively rebuild damaged ecosystems, we know very little about what is actually being achieved.
Published Echoes of extinctions: Novel method unearths disruptions in mammal trait-environment relationships
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research explores the historical shifts in mammal traits and biodiversity loss in eastern Africa. The study reveals how environmental changes disrupted mammal communities and highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species.
Published First U.S. study of nest temperature impacts on leatherback hatchlings
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A study shows nest temperatures affect leatherback hatchling shape, performance and nest success. Lower temperatures produced longer hatchlings; highest temperatures produced hatchlings with thicker body depths. Hatchlings from the highest nest temperatures had shorter flippers. Righting response (ability to flip over) scores were significantly lower in hatchlings from hotter nests. Hatchlings that were smaller and/or had a larger body depth struggled to right themselves. The leatherback turtle nests in this study also had an overall lower hatching success (45 percent) than loggerhead (73 percent) and green sea turtles (70 percent).
Published Capturing carbon in savannas: New research examines role of grasses for controlling climate change
(via sciencedaily.com) New research shows that, in addition to trees, humble grasses also play an essential role in capturing carbon.
Published Disease affects blackbirds more than previously thought
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source When humans are ill, we tend to be less active. This also applies to wild animals, but so far, it has not been known how long the reduced activity lasts or which activities are affected the most. New research shows that birds' activity decreases for up to three weeks when they become ill -- something that could mean the difference between life and death.
Published New research highlights opportunities to protect carbon and communities from forest fires
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source As the climate and wildfire crises have intensified, so too have concerns regarding the loss of carbon captured and stored in forests from decades to centuries of tree growth. A new study describes where to optimize ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts and reduce carbon loss due to wildfire, benefitting communities and climate at the same time. The study evaluated where living trees and the carbon they store are at risk of burning in the future. They then compared these areas to communities that are vulnerable to wildfire as identified in the Forest Service's Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Areas of overlap highlight 'opportunity hot spots' where action can reduce the risk from wildfire to both carbon and communities.
Published Fossil spines reveal deep sea's past
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Right at the bottom of the deep sea, the first very simple forms of life on earth probably emerged a long time ago. Today, the deep sea is known for its bizarre fauna. Intensive research is being conducted into how the number of species living on the sea floor have changed in the meantime. Some theories say that the ecosystems of the deep sea have emerged again and again after multiple mass extinctions and oceanic upheavals. Today's life in the deep sea would thus be comparatively young in the history of the Earth. But there is increasing evidence that parts of this world are much older than previously thought.
Published Balancing biodiversity, climate change, food for a trifecta
(via sciencedaily.com) Scientists identify ways landowners in rural Brazil can find win-win situations with biodiversity and farming.
Published Invasive species are animals, too: Considering a humane approach
(via sciencedaily.com) Invasive alien species are animals that may pose a threat to biodiversity, but it's time to deal with that threat in a more ethical way.
Published Large herbivores keep invasive plants at bay
(via sciencedaily.com) Elephants, buffaloes and other heavy herbivores are effective against invasive plants. This is the conclusion of a new study that used Indian data, including data from the world's largest survey of wildlife based on camera traps. But smaller animals can do the same: you don't need elephants to get the same effect, the researchers point out.
Published Bit by bit, microplastics from tires are polluting our waterways
(via sciencedaily.com) Urban stormwater particles from tire wear were the most prevalent microplastic a new study has found. The study showed that in stormwater runoff during rain approximately 19 out of every 20 microplastics collected were tire wear particles with anywhere from 2 to 59 particles per liter of water. Tire rubber contains up to 2500 chemicals with the contaminants that leach from tires considered more toxic to bacteria and microalgae than other plastic polymers.
Published Farms that create habitat key to food security and biodiversity
(via sciencedaily.com) Diversified farming is an important complement to forest protections for reversing tropical biodiversity declines.
Published Blowing snow contributes to Arctic warming
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Atmospheric scientists have discovered abundant fine sea salt aerosol production from wind-blown snow in the central Arctic, increasing seasonal surface warming.
Published Most species are rare, but not very rare
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source More than 100 years of observations in nature have revealed a universal pattern of species abundances: Most species are rare but not very rare, and only a few species are very common. These so-called global species abundance distributions have become fully unveiled for some well-monitored species groups, such as birds. For other species groups, such as insects, however, the veil remains partially unlifted. A new study demonstrates how important biodiversity monitoring is for detecting species abundances on planet Earth and for understanding how they change.
Published Extreme El Niño weather saw South America's forest carbon sink switch off
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Tropical forests in South America lose their ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere when conditions become exceptionally hot and dry, according to new research. For a long time, tropical forests have acted as a carbon sink, taking more carbon out of the air than they release into it, a process that has moderated the impact of climate change. But new research found that in 2015 -- 2016, when an El Niño climate event resulted in drought and the hottest temperatures ever recorded, South American forests were unable to function as a carbon sink.