Ecosystems

Ecosystems

Coastal Surge: Ecosystems likely to suffer as more people move to the shores

Rapid development and population growth on and near U.S. coastlines in the near future will probably spell trouble for ecosystems in these areas, scientists say.

Ecosystems

Bird Dilemma: More seabirds killed when boats discard fewer fish

A long-term study of great skuas shows that when fishing fleets discard less fish, birds that scavenge for waste make up for the loss by increasing attacks on other seabirds.

Ecosystems

Mangrove Might: Nearby trees boost reef-fish numbers

Coastal mangroves give an unexpectedly important boost to reef fish.

Ecosystems

Brazil Nut Loss Looms: Harvest may be too heavy to last

A study of 23 spots in Amazonian forests has raised the question of whether the collection of Brazil nuts—praised as a model of gentle forest use—has reached such levels that it may not be sustainable.

Ecosystems

Brazil Nut Loss Looms: Harvest may be too heavy to last

A study of 23 spots in Amazonian forests has raised the question of whether the collection of Brazil nuts—praised as a model of gentle forest use—has reached such levels that it may not be sustainable.

Ecosystems

New Farmers: Salt marsh snails plow leaves, fertilize fungus

A salt marsh snail works the leaves of a plant in what researchers say looks like a simple form of farming.

Ecosystems

UK halts badger kill after study of TB

Partial results from a new study have pushed the United Kingdom to stop its controversial, decades-old policy of killing local badgers if cattle catch TB.

Ecosystems

Will Climate Change Depose Monarchs? Model predicts too-wet winter refuges

A computer analysis suggests that eastern monarch butterflies may not be able to tolerate the increasingly moist climate in Mexico, their current wintering site.

Ecosystems

Killer Consequences: Has whaling driven orcas to a diet of sea lions?

Killer whales may have been responsible for steep declines in seal, sea lion, and otter populations after whaling wiped out the great whales that killer whales had been eating.

Ecosystems

Risky High Life: Mountain creatures prove extra-vulnerable

Some of the species hardest hit by climate change will be those living in particular mountain highlands.

Ecosystems

Shark Serengeti: Ocean predators have diversity hot spots

The first search for oceanic spots of exceptional diversity in predators has turned up marine versions of the teeming Serengeti plains.

Ecosystems

Virtual skylarks suffer weed shortfall

A new mathematical model raises the concern that switching to transgenic herbicide-tolerant crops could deprive birds of weed seeds.