The underground fungi networks that help sustain Earth’s ecosystems are in need of urgent conservation action, according to researchers from the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN). The scientists found that 90 percent of mycorrhizal fungi biodiversity hotspots were located in unprotected ecosystems, the loss of which could lead to lower carbon emissions […]
A cost-effective secret to keeping pests at bay in an apple orchard? Perennial flowers. At least according to findings from a new study that explored how planting strips of wildflowers could affect apple orchards in England. In the study, scientists compiled data on the costs to plant perennial wildflower strips in apple orchards as well […]
In a recent study, scientists have found that the species Eichhornia crassipes, also known as the common water hyacinth, has strong potential as a remediator for microplastics in the environment. In the study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, researchers collected water hyacinths from a river in Shanghai, China and relocated the plants […]
Our planet’s plants and soils reached the peak of their ability to absorb carbon dioxide in 2008, and their sequestration rate has been falling ever since, according to a new analysis by a father-and-son team in the United Kingdom. At first, the added carbon led to warmer temperatures, vegetation growth and a longer growing season. […]
The most comprehensive worldwide analysis of wildlife genetic diversity ever undertaken has found that it is plummeting at an astonishing rate, but that conservation efforts can help protect species. Two-thirds of the populations studied were declining in genetic diversity. However, the researchers found that conservation was sustaining — and even increasing, in some cases — […]
While scientists have long known that pesticide use could impact pollinators, a new study reveals how fertilizer could negatively impact these important organisms. Not only that, but the research, which was conducted at the site of the longest ecological experiment in global history, revealed that high fertilizer use could also lead to a decline in […]
More than a third of animals on Earth are herbivores, but since plants don’t have a lot of calories it can be hard for grazers to eat enough to meet their energy needs. To add to the problem, climate change is lowering the nutritional value of certain foods that these plant eaters rely on. Fossil […]
In the ultramafic mountains of central Sabah, Borneo, grow “giant pitcher” plants. They are characterized by their large, bell-shaped lower and upper pitchers and upright, narrow lids. The plant uses its pitchers to capture rainfall and insects. A team of botanists from Sabah Forestry Department’s Forest Research Centre in Malaysia — along with two colleagues […]
Scientists have discovered that, rather than competing with other organisms, the ancient resilience of ferns may facilitate and ease the path of other plants and animals in reestablishing themselves in damaged landscapes. The NASA-supported study looked at the recovery of biospheres following major disasters like wildfires using a “facilitative” framework — one where organisms’ actions […]
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