Metals in freshwater environments are causing changes that are not fully understood. Unlike the well-studied impacts of nutrients or climate, the effects of metals on the tiny organisms living in freshwater sediments are a mystery. These microscopic communities are crucial for the health of freshwater ecosystems. They play a significant role in breaking down organic ...
Mountains are key players in keeping Earth's life-support systems running. They are home to a wide range of plants and animals. But they are also in big trouble. The planet is heating up, and these ecosystems are feeling the heat. The big question is: how will they react to these temperature changes? Will it be a slow process or a sudden shift? To find out, a massive...
The Caatinga dry forests are home to a symphony of frogs. Their calls are not just noise; they are crucial for communication and survival. As wind farms pop up across these landscapes, a question arises: How does the constant hum of turbines affect these amphibian musicians? Three frog species were studied: Scinax pachycrus, Scinax x-signatus, and Physalaemus cicada...
Climate change is messing with the way some bugs take care of their kids. Heatwaves are making it tough for parents to do their jobs right. This is a big deal because parental care is super important for the survival of the next generation. Scientists wanted to see how heat stress affects bug parents and their kids. They chose the burying beetle, a species known ...
Imagine a garden where every plant has its genetic code mapped out. This isn't just a fancy idea; it's a plan to tackle some big problems. Urbanization, deforestation, pollution, climate change, and natural disasters are all causing a massive loss of biodiversity. This is a huge issue that affects us all. One solution? A genomic garden. What's a genomic gard...
Imagine this: every year, trillions of dollars are poured into industries that are slowly destroying the natural world. We're talking about agriculture, fossil fuels, forestry, infrastructure, fisheries and aquaculture, and mining. These sectors are not only receiving massive subsidies but also creating huge environmental problems. The latest estimates show that...
The Gonçalves Dias River sub-basin is a unique blend of nature and agriculture. It's home to the eastern part of Iguaçu National Park and the surrounding farmlands. This area is super important for protecting and restoring biodiversity in Paraná. It's also key for creating ecological corridors, which are like nature's highways for animals and plants. The landscape he...
Protecting our environment and keeping biodiversity alive is a big job. The problem is, rules for protection are often too vague. They need to be made more specific to be useful. This guide is all about making those rules work better. It starts by looking at the benefits we get from nature, like clean air and water. These are called ecosystem services. Then,...
Timber fraud is a big deal. It's not just about money; it's about protecting nature. Some people cut down trees that are supposed to be protected. They mix them with cheaper woods to make a profit. This is a huge problem for the environment. It's like stealing from the forest. Scientists have been trying to figure out ways to catch these cheats. One way is by using ...
Ningbo, a bustling city in China, has seen its urban areas grow rapidly. This growth has taken a toll on the natural environment. To tackle this, experts decided to create ecological networks. These networks help connect different parts of the landscape, protect various species, and support the region's long-term development. The study focused on Ningbo and used spe...