Birds of a feather flock to bad weather: Study reveals how seabirds chase cyclones

Oceanic seabirds can spend weeks at a time traveling thousands of kilometers in search of food on the open ocean. A new study finds a perplexing and never-before-seen behavior in which birds intentionally follow cyclones across the north Atlantic. Researchers compared the trajectories of storms with GPS tracks of birds and examined how ocean conditions change in the wakes of cyclones. They conclude that cyclones enhance mixing of ocean waters and bring prey to the surface where they are easily accessible food sources for birds.

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Mowing through challenges: cutting-edge ways to improve grassland restoration efforts

A new study explores how grassland restoration can be limited by seed dispersal, plant competition, and environmental factors. Drawing from ecological theory to test the best restoration strategies, researchers recommend mowing to manage weeds and promote native plant success. In years with plenty of rain, adding seeds of small native plants to areas where grass has been removed is an effective strategy to increase native herbaceous plant cover.

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Navigating the Seas of Change: The Divergent Impact of Ocean Acidification and Warming on Marine Trophic Levels

Ocean acidification and warming are profoundly altering marine ecosystems, impacting organisms from the bottom to the top of the food chain. Trophic levels—ranging from primary producers to apex predators—illustrate the complex web of energy transfer within these systems. In response, a team of scientists conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to better understand how ocean acidification and warming would affect different marine trophic levels. Amidst these changing environments, understanding these energy dynamics becomes essential for devising effective conservation strategies.

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