Pressures from grazers hastens ecosystem collapse from drought

Extreme droughts, intensified by a warming climate, are increasingly causing ecosystem collapse in many regions worldwide. But models used by scientists to predict the tipping points at which drought stress leads to ecosystem ...

Predators help prey adapt to an uncertain future

What effect does extinction of species have on the evolution of surviving species? Evolutionary biologists have investigated this question by conducting a field experiment with a leaf galling fly and its predatory enemies. ...

Slug ecology and management in no-till field crops

As acreage of row crops managed with conservation tillage increases, more growers are encountering slugs, elevating their importance as crop pests. Slugs can eat virtually all crops, and they are challenging to control because ...

Toxin-producing bacteria integrated into a pest insect

A small cicada-like insect called the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) threatens the world's citrus industries, transmitting an incurable and lethal citrus disease. This notorious pest harbors two bacterial species ...

Invasive wasp tests nature's strengths and weaknesses

A wasp that has already caused major damage in the Southern Hemisphere could spread throughout North America, although nature's defenses are currently keeping the insect under control, according to a Dartmouth study.

Invasive weed could fuel malaria transmission

An invasive weed could escalate the spread of malaria in East Africa after scientists found new evidence that it creates a favorable breeding ground for female mosquitoes, which transmit malaria.

Cycad pest uses small size to hide from predators

One way to keep from getting eaten is to run. But recent research at the University of Guam's Western Pacific Tropical Research Center shows that sometimes it's better to just hide.

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