Long-term warming destabilizes aquatic ecosystems through weakening biodiversity-mediated causal networks
Climate change destabilizes aquatic ecosystems through weakening the interactions between species richness and biomass of phytoplankton and the chemical and physical environmental factors. This is the conclusion of a study on long-term data series of 10 aquatic ecosystems using the convergent cross mapping (CCM) method.
Species distribution models have limited spatial transferability for invasive species
In this synthesis study, a research team led by IGB shows that species distribution models have limited spatial transferability for invasive species and how this relates to species characteristics and model parameterization.
Pragmatic animal welfare is independent of feelings
In this Letter to Science the researchers argue that effective application of animal welfare in conservation is also possible if it is based on objective and measurable parameters of animal welfare – without relying on concepts such as consciousness, sentience or pain.
Homogenization of the terrestrial water cycle
Plant uniformity in highly managed agricultural landscapes has led to increases in flood and drought frequencies and magnitudes, as well as a poorer water quality. The study explores the risk of the homogenization of the terrestrial water cycle.
Most invasive species largely conserve their climatic niche
In this synthesis study on the niche conservatism hypothesis of invasive species, a research team led by IGB found that invasive species occupy similar niches between their native and exotic ranges and show only limited niche expansion, supporting this hypothesis.
Knowledge gaps and management priorities for recreational fisheries in the developing world
A survey with fisheries experts to gather information on recreational fisheries in developing countries shows that recreational fishing is socially important and is expected to grow in most countries. Recreational fisheries were described as mainly consumption oriented. Most often, tourists use marine waters, whereas resident recreational fishers use fresh waters.
A fast-response automated gas equilibrator (FaRAGE) for continuous in situ measurement of CH4 and CO2 dissolved in water
To better understand the production and loss processes of methane and carbon dioxide in water bodies, their concentrations need to be measured with high spatial and temporal resolution. For continuous in situ measurement of CH4 and CO2 dissolved in water, researchers from IGB developed a Fast-Response Automated Gas Equilibrator (FaRAGE).
Integrating perspectives to understand lake ice dynamics in a changing world
Extending ice records and standardising sampling protocols are among the recommendations that shall help researchers to better predict how changing ice cover will affect aquatic ecosystems.
iEcology: harnessing large online resources to generate ecological insights
Using data from the online world to gain new insights for environmental research. The researchers describe the possibilities, challenges and potential future fields of application of iEcology.
The sterlet sturgeon genome sequence and the mechanisms of segmental rediploidization
Researchers have succeeded in sequencing the sturgeon genome, delivering a missing piece of the puzzle essential to understanding the ancestry of vertebrates. The genetic material of the sterlet has undergone very little change over the past 300 million years or more.