ecology and society – Page 2

Friday, April 26, 2024

Islands and Alleles: How genetics can help protect endangered species

May 16, 2019September 19, 2022 Sarah Shainker 0 Comments Climate, Conservation, Ecology, ecology and society, ecosystems, environmental science, genetics, invasive species, islands

When talking about diversity in the natural world, we often think of the bright colors and bold patterns of fish gliding among a reef, or the variety of flying, creeping, and crawling critters found in the layers of a rainforest canopy. However, diversity even within a single species is an important indicator of a population’s health and stability. This type of diversity can be invisible to us when contained in the form of genes that control which traits organisms possess. In this study, scientists helped us to see the invisible diversity of an endangered skink and learn how to more effectively conserve this diversity.

Environmental Science Human Exposure and Public Health

Dung Beetles and Soil Bacteria Promote Food Safety

April 10, 2019March 13, 2020 Aidan Barry 0 Comments agriculture, ecology and society, environmental science

Having a diverse farm benefits everyone Not only will the soils be richer and the number of different crops grow higher but also diversity may also potentially be safer. By limiting the use of pesticides and maintaining various landscapes throughout a farmland, organic farming increases the number of insects, namely beetles, and bacteria that help break down potential pathogens before they infiltrate the growing crops. Jones and colleagues examined 70 vegetable fields throughout California and conducted several laboratory experiments to find that organic farms had richer, more diverse communities of beetles and soil bacteria that help breakdown foodborne pathogens.

Ecosystems Environmental Science

It’s Not Just About Fish: How Understanding Ecosystem Services Can Lead to Marine Conservation

April 2, 2019April 2, 2019 Olivia Box 0 Comments coastal environments, ecology and society, ecosystem services, Ocean

What is the value of a fish? It’s role in the ecosystem, or the community that relies on the species? A team of scientists from the UK explores these interactions in their recent paper, which details the use of ecosystem services in marine conservation.