Anthropogenic effects, as a biological process, encompass the direct and indirect impacts of human activities on biological systems, altering organismal physiology, behavior, population dynamics, community structure, and ecosystem function. These effects arise from mechanisms such as habitat modification, pollution, overexploitation, introduction of invasive species, and climate forcing via greenhouse gas emissions. At the biological level, anthropogenic effects drive phenotypic plasticity, rapid evolutionary change, altered life-history strategies, and disrupted species interactions (e.g., predation, competition, mutualism). They also modify biogeochemical cycles, primary productivity, and trophic networks, frequently resulting in biodiversity loss, shifts in species ranges, and changes in ecosystem resilience and stability.
We live in a time often characterized as a polycrisis. One of those crises is human-caused climate change, an issue currently being discussed by delegates at the COP30 climate talks in Belém, Brazil.
Environment
Nov 19, 2025
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Human influence across centuries continues to define biodiversity and carbon storage in the world's largest rainforest, according to a new international study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ...
Ecology
Nov 18, 2025
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Agriculture, wastewater, dams, the runoff of fine sediments from croplands and, last but not least, climate change with its rising temperatures are changing the quality and structure of freshwater ecosystems, especially rivers. ...
Ecology
Nov 12, 2025
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Insectivorous birds found in the understory of the Eastern Himalayas are under threat due to habitat degradation, a new study from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has found.
Plants & Animals
Nov 12, 2025
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New research has found that the world has reached the first of many Earth system tipping points. These will cause catastrophic harm unless humanity takes urgent action.
Environment
Nov 10, 2025
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More than 99% of the world's 7.7 billion people have one or more of their environmental rights threatened, according to new research.
Environment
Nov 10, 2025
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A new study reveals that the impact humans are having on the Amazon rainforest is so profound it is even changing the evolutionary history and functionality of the forests.
Evolution
Nov 10, 2025
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Human-caused climate change boosted the destructive winds and rain unleashed by Hurricane Melissa and increased the temperatures and humidity that fueled the storm, according to an analysis released Thursday.
Environment
Nov 6, 2025
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Wolves roaming the Mongolian steppes cover more than 7,000 kilometers a year. The Arctic tern flies from pole to pole in its annual migration. Compared to these long-distance travelers of land, sea and sky, humans might seem ...
Plants & Animals
Oct 27, 2025
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43
From agriculture and urban land clearance to loss of habitat and feral animal predation, native wild animals and their food sources face a rising tide of threats caused by human activities.
Plants & Animals
Oct 23, 2025
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