Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, encompassing the different species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that inhabit an ecosystem, as well as the genetic diversity within species and the complexity of ecosystems in which they live. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the Earth’s environments, contributing to ecosystem services such as soil formation, nutrient cycling, oxygen production, and water purification. Biodiversity also supports human societies through food resources, medicinal plants, and raw materials, while also offering recreational, cultural, and spiritual benefits. However, biodiversity is under threat due to human activities such as deforestation, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction, leading to an accelerated rate of species extinction. Conservation efforts aim to protect and preserve biodiversity through sustainable practices, protected areas, and international agreements, recognizing its intrinsic value and its critical role in sustaining life on Earth.
Emerging technologies are transforming insect research and environmental surveillance. Utilizing AI to analyze DNA, images, sounds, and flight patterns, we can unlock novel insights into…
New research shows that 4,642 vertebrate species globally are at risk due to mineral extraction activities such as mining and drilling. This impact is most…
Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln studied North America’s fossil record over 66 million years, revealing insights into mammalian diversity and ecological shifts that could…
Oyster sanctuaries in Chesapeake Bay are enhancing oyster populations and marine biodiversity, despite the presence of native parasites. Oyster sanctuaries are among the most hotly…
Researchers developed TetrapodTraits, a comprehensive database featuring over 33,000 tetrapod species, aimed at enhancing global biodiversity studies. This tool addresses knowledge gaps and data inconsistencies…
A new venomous snake species, Ovophis jenkinsi, was discovered in Yunnan, known for its aggressive defense and preference for humid environments. A team of Chinese…
Preserving biodiversity hotspots, which constitute only 1.22% of the Earth’s land surface, could halt extinctions safeguard the planet for future generations. In a revolutionary new…
A study identifies over 3,700 species at risk of extinction due to natural disasters, with urgent conservation actions needed to preserve ecosystem functions and prevent…
Culebra Island, located near Puerto Rico, boasts diverse marine ecosystems with extensive coral reefs protected by various reserves. Despite their ecological importance, these reefs face…
A study using foraminifera fossils suggests that shifts in marine community structures can predict future extinctions, highlighting the role of historical data in forecasting climate…
Prehistoric worms’ burrowing activities on ocean floors released oxygen, fostering the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event, according a new study. One of Earth’s most consequential bursts…
A new study by researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Nevada, Reno, and Virginia Tech reveals that climate change has…
A team of around 90 international experts advocate urgent action against the escalating threat of invasive species, calling for collaboration across borders and within countries….
In São Paulo, Brazil, the Silver croaker, an invasive species, has become the predominant fish in the Jaguari reservoir and surrounding rivers, significantly diminishing the…
Despite marine sponges being widespread on our planet, their biodiversity and distribution is still poorly known. Even though the Mediterranean Sea is the most explored…
According to an international team of forest scientists, a type of forest that has been largely ignored and neglected shows significant potential for recovery, improving…
Researchers suggest that governments adopt a novel approach to quantify the benefits of preserving biodiversity and natural environments for future generations. The method can be…
A comprehensive meta-analysis examines the success of various conservation interventions globally and across different time periods. A recent study recently published in the journal Science…