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Monday, April 2, 2012

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News


Expert task force recommends halving global fishing for crucial prey species

Posted: 01 Apr 2012 04:57 PM PDT

Fishing for herring, anchovy, and other "forage fish" in general should be cut in half globally to account for their critical role as food for larger species, recommends an expert group of marine scientists.

Corals 'could survive a more acidic ocean'

Posted: 01 Apr 2012 01:01 PM PDT

Corals may be better placed to cope with the gradual acidification of the world's oceans than previously thought -- giving rise to hopes that coral reefs might escape climatic devastation.

Picky females promote diversity

Posted: 01 Apr 2012 10:53 AM PDT

Picky females play a critical role in the survival and diversity of species, according to a new study. To date, biodiversity theories have focused on the role played by adaptations to the environment: the species best equipped to cope with a habitat would win out, while others would gradually go extinct. The new study presents the first theoretical model demonstrating that selective mating alone can promote the long-term coexistence of species -- such as frogs, crickets, grasshoppers and fish -- that share the same ecological adaptations and readily interbreed.

New comparison of ocean temperatures reveals rise over the last century

Posted: 01 Apr 2012 10:53 AM PDT

A new study contrasting ocean temperature readings of the 1870s with temperatures of the modern seas reveals an upward trend of global ocean warming spanning at least 100 years. The research shows a .33-degree Celsius (.59-degree Fahrenheit) average increase in the upper portions of the ocean to 700 meters (2,300 feet) depth. Modern data is derived from the international Argo program.

Declines in Caribbean coral reefs pre-date damage resulting from climate change

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 09:32 AM PDT

The decline of Caribbean coral reefs has been linked to the recent effects of human-induced climate change. However, new research suggests an even earlier cause. The bad news – humans are still to blame. The good news – relatively simple policy changes regarding land use and fishing activity can hinder further coral reef decline.

When dinosaurs roamed a fiery landscape

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 09:47 AM PDT

New research reveals dinosaurs may have faced an unexpected hazard: fire. Scientists have shown that during the Cretaceous fire was much more widespread than previously thought.

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