Aquatic biology is a branch of biology that focuses on the study of life in water environments, encompassing a wide range of organisms, ecosystems, and processes that thrive in aquatic habitats. From the smallest microorganisms to the largest marine mammals, aquatic biology explores the diversity, adaptations, interactions, and ecological dynamics of aquatic life across freshwater, … Read more
Microbial ecology is the branch of ecology that studies the interactions between microorganisms and their environment, including other organisms, abiotic factors, and biogeochemical processes. Microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, and viruses, play essential roles in ecosystem dynamics, nutrient cycling, energy flow, and biogeochemical transformations. Understanding microbial ecology is crucial for elucidating the functioning of … Read more
Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the study and preservation of biodiversity, ecosystems, and the natural environment. It integrates principles from ecology, genetics, evolutionary biology, population biology, biogeography, and environmental science to address conservation challenges, mitigate biodiversity loss, protect endangered species, restore habitats, and promote sustainable management of natural resources. Conservation biology … Read more
Evolutionary ecology is a multidisciplinary field that integrates principles from evolutionary biology and ecology to study the adaptations, evolutionary responses, and interactions of organisms within ecological contexts. It seeks to understand how ecological factors such as resource availability, environmental conditions, predation pressures, competition, and symbiotic relationships shape the evolution of traits, behaviors, and genetic diversity … Read more
Animal ecology is a branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals in their natural habitats, examining their behaviors, interactions, adaptations, and population dynamics within ecological systems. By understanding how animals interact with their environment and with each other, animal ecologists gain insights into the ecological processes that shape ecosystems and influence biodiversity. … Read more
Biogeography is the scientific study of the distribution of species and biodiversity across space and through time. It examines the patterns and processes that shape the distribution of organisms on Earth, from the smallest microbes to the largest mammals. Biogeographers investigate how factors such as climate, geology, evolutionary history, and human activities influence where species … Read more
Zoology is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals, their behavior, physiology, classification, evolution, and distribution. It encompasses a vast array of organisms, from microscopic protozoa to large mammals, and explores the diversity of life on Earth. Zoologists investigate the structure, function, ecology, and behavior of animals in order to understand … Read more
Botany, the scientific study of plants, encompasses a vast array of topics ranging from plant structure and function to their evolutionary history, ecological interactions, and economic importance. Plants are essential for life on Earth, serving as the primary producers in ecosystems, providing oxygen, food, shelter, and numerous other resources for humans and other organisms. The … Read more
Researcher Ko Mochizuki of the University of Tokyo discovered that two species in the genus Angelica are pollinated primarily by hornets. This overturns the conventional belief that Angelica species are “generalists,” meaning that there is not one primary pollinator but a variety of species. As hornets are rarely primary pollinators, the discovery also impacts future … Read more
On a remote tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean, a pair of marooned pirates have been discovered. While they lack eyepatches and cutlasses, the two new species of pirate spider certainly live up to their nautical name, which refers to their habit of violently taking over the webs of other spiders and killing the occupants. … Read more
Biotic and abiotic factors are essential components of ecosystems, shaping the dynamics of life on Earth. Understanding their interplay is crucial for comprehending the complex web of interactions that sustain life. Biotic factors encompass living organisms and their interactions, while abiotic factors comprise non-living elements that influence ecosystems. Together, they form the intricate balance necessary … Read more
Biodiversity, the rich tapestry of life on Earth, is a critical component of our planet’s health and resilience. It encompasses the variety of species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity within them. The importance of biodiversity extends far beyond its intrinsic value; it plays a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems, supporting human well-being, and maintaining the delicate … Read more
Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It explores a vast range of topics, including the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This discipline delves into various levels of biological organization, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. Through methods like observation, experimentation, and analysis, biologists seek … Read more
Forests are integral to the delicate balance of Earth’s ecosystems, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. As complex and dynamic ecosystems, forests contribute to carbon sequestration, support diverse habitats for countless species, and provide a range of ecosystem services essential for both the environment and human societies. Understanding the multifaceted … Read more
In a groundbreaking study published in The Plant Journal, scientists have meticulously examined the genome of Sosnowsky’s hogweed, a notorious invasive plant known for its ability to cause skin burns through contact with its toxic sap. The research, conducted by a team from Skoltech and the A. A. Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems of … Read more
A possum is a marsupial mammal found in various regions, including North and South America, Australia, and New Guinea. They are known for their distinctive prehensile tail, which can be used for grasping and climbing. There are different species of possums, such as the Virginia opossum in North America and various types in Australia, like … Read more
Recent breakthroughs in the realm of epigenetics, the study of hereditary traits without altering DNA sequences, have uncovered a fascinating revelation: the age of mammals correlates with accumulating epigenetic changes over their lifetimes. In the context of humans, this discovery has given rise to epigenetic clocks, now widely used as aging biomarkers. These clocks accurately … Read more
New research, recently published in the Ocean and Coastal Management journal, highlights the urgent need for improved management of Egyptian fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea to safeguard the region’s marine ecosystems. Scientists from the Sea Around Us initiative at the University of British Columbia and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport conducted … Read more
Ecologists have made a remarkable discovery regarding environmental DNA (eDNA) and its implications for species conservation and management. They’ve found that the genetic material species release into their surroundings can not only confirm species presence but also unveil crucial information about entire populations. This breakthrough, described in a study published in the Proceedings of the … Read more
The idea that large herbivores can play a role in safeguarding local ecosystems by consuming and trampling invasive plant species might raise concerns. You might wonder if these large animals would also harm native plants. However, this notion is challenged by recent research from Aarhus University and the Wildlife Institute of India, which was published … Read more