Biodiversity in crabs: More than counting species
Biodiversity is often equated with species numbers. A team led by LMU zoologist Professor Carolin Haug has shown that matters are a good deal more complicated than that. The researchers compared the shield shapes of "true" crabs (Brachyura) and "fals.....»»
Study finds fewer invasive alien species on lands of Indigenous Peoples
The introduction of animal and plant species into new regions by humans is increasing rapidly worldwide. Some of these alien species, such as the gray squirrel, have a far-reaching impact on nature as they displace native species......»»
Changing native vegetation laws to allow burning on private land is good fire management, say Australian researchers
Bushfires cause catastrophic biodiversity loss across Australia. In the Black Summer of 2019–20 alone, 103,400 square kilometers of habitat went up in flames......»»
DNA analysis reveals that there are more species of parasitoid wasps than anticipated
When Charles Darwin first encountered parasitoid wasps, he was horrified. In an 1860 letter to American botanist Asa Gray, he wrote: "I cannot persuade myself that a beneficent and omnipotent God would have designedly created parasitic wasps with the.....»»
Deforestation in Brazil"s Cerrado higher than in Amazon: Report
Deforestation in Brazil's Cerrado region, a vast tropical savanna renowned for its rich biodiversity, increased sharply in 2023 and overtook that of the Amazon, according to a report published Tuesday......»»
Biodiversity in the margins: Merging farmlands affects natural pest control
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology demonstrates how the diversity and abundance of arthropods decrease when hedgerows and field margins covered by wild grass and flowers are removed......»»
Mexico Is So Hot, Monkeys Are Falling to Their Death From Trees
Authorities and conservation groups are investigating the deaths of dozens of howler monkeys in Tabasco, where extreme heat and land-use change appear to be threatening the vulnerable species......»»
Only the Hardiest Trees Can Survive Today’s Urban Inferno
In a rapidly warming world, cities need more tree cover to stay cool—but only certain species can handle soaring temperatures, and often they aren’t native species......»»
Researcher says not every exotic species needs to be controlled
Certain invasive exotic species, such as the red swamp crayfish, are harmful to our environment because they nibble on aquatic plants, dig burrows in banks, and transmit crayfish plague to native species. "But there are also non-native fish and crayf.....»»
Climate change is moving tree populations away from the soil fungi that sustain them
As our planet warms, many species are shifting to different locations as their historical habitats become inhospitable. Trees are no exception—many species' normal ranges are no longer conducive to their health, but their shift to new areas that co.....»»
British Columbia needs a unified response to respond to the biodiversity crisis, say researchers
From massive kelp forests to monumental old-growth on land, British Columbia's biodiversity—which is unrivaled in Canada—provides an array of cultural, economic, social and other benefits. B.C.'s wide-ranging ecological zones are home to over 70.....»»
The Cockroach’s Surprisingly Recent Path to Global Domination
A common species of cockroach hails from Asia, according to new research that tracks its spread around the globe.....»»
Crows Rival Human Toddlers in Counting Skills
Counting crows proclaim “caw, caw, caw, caw” when staring at the number four.....»»
Desert poplar"s genetic blueprint: Insights into adaptation and survival mechanisms
Populus pruinosa is a relic species surviving in the harsh desert environments of western China and Central Asia. As global warming and desertification intensify, understanding the genetic mechanisms behind its ecological adaptation is crucial. Previ.....»»
Q&A: Investigating the remarkable reproductive cycle of Michigan"s threatened mollusks
Michigan is home to 43 species of native freshwater mussels, 30 of which are considered to be at risk of extinction. Among the many factors that threaten the hard-shelled bottom dwellers are competition from invasive zebra and quagga mussels, water p.....»»
Abelisauroid, a dinosaur with very tiny arms, identified in Argentina
A team of paleontologists from Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, has identified a new species of abelisauroid dinosaur. Th.....»»
Researchers reconstruct genome of extinct species of flightless bird that once roamed the islands of New Zealand
A team of evolutionary biologists at Harvard University, working with colleagues from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, East Carolina University, Osaka University and the University of Toronto, has reconstructed the genome of an e.....»»
Three sisters garden study finds balanced pollinator-plant network faces an uncertain future
The loss of even one wild bee species can disrupt the reproductive success of certain plants resulting in fewer vegetables, fruits and flowers, say York University researchers who studied how pollinators and plants rely on each other, specifically in.....»»
Biodiversity in crabs: More than counting species
Biodiversity is often equated with species numbers. A team led by LMU zoologist Professor Carolin Haug has shown that matters are a good deal more complicated than that. The researchers compared the shield shapes of "true" crabs (Brachyura) and "fals.....»»
Birdsong and human voice built from same genetic blueprint
Humans have long been fascinated by bird song and the cacophony of other avian sounds—from coos and honks to quacks and peeps. But little is known about how the unique vocal organ of birds—the syrinx—varies from species to species or its deeper.....»»
Combating invasive species globally with new algorithm
A new study at Hebrew University has developed an innovative computer algorithm that suggests how to significantly enhance the management of invasive species. This algorithm offers a cost-effective solution for allocating resources across diverse loc.....»»