Bits of Ecology

Quantifying the invasive species problem, Florida´s case: 137 non-native reptiles & amphibians

Last week we took a look at the slowness of species migration before the age of the 747. Today we speed up time by a thousand – to get to the ecological reality of globalisation.

Biodiversity feedback: loss of amphibian species further increases threat of deadly fungus infections

Worldwide amphibians are the most threatened class in the animal kingdom. In recent years Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a fungal pathogen, has caused havoc among many species of frogs, toads and salamanders, decreasing populations and wiping out others.

Inter-ocean transport before the age of globalisation

What happens on a daily basis now, used to occur just twice in millions of years – for this one horn snail at least. Snail’s airlift chance before age of globalisation: mistaking heron’s leg for reed?

Climatic CO2 benefits of fertiliser offset by increased N2O emissions

Since the 1860’s nitrogen additions to the terrestrial biosphere have more than doubled, due to human activities. Since nitrogen is a key nutrient needed for plant growth and therefore used as a fertiliser, the additions have made a drastic increase … Continue reading →

Genetic manipulation of circadian rhythm may open up all-season crop yields

Just like human beings plants too have a biological clock, which prepares them to make optimal use of both day and night – and which helps them to nicely tune their annual growth cycle within the appropriate seasons. It is … Continue reading →

Solar power industry responsible for large lead emissions

The fact that the use of fossil fuels can be harmful for the environment is well known. Previous research even showed that coal-fired power plants are responsible for heavy metal emissions like mercury and we all know that the lead … Continue reading →

New model predicts environmental effects of drugs

Pharmaceutical products although usually beneficial to human health often end up in the environment with just the opposite effect on wildlife. But we are at risk as well since increasing amounts of drugs end up in our drinking water. To … Continue reading →