Oikos is a journal issued by the Nordic Ecological Society and is one of the leading peer-reviewed journals in ecology. Oikos publishes original and innovative research on all aspects of ecology, defined as organism-environment interactions. Emphasis is on theoretical and empirical work aimed at generalization and synthesis across taxa, systems and ecological disciplines. Papers can contribute to new developments in ecology by reporting novel theory or critical empirical results, and "synthesis" can include developing new theory, tests of general hypotheses, or bringing together established or emerging areas of ecology. Confirming or extending the established literature, by for example showing results that are novel for a new taxon, is given low priority. We publish standard papers and short papers in the Forum section that aim to stimulate discussion by promoting ideas and synthesis of high novelty. Forum papers should strive for novelty, conceptual unification and serve as a point of departure for future work rather than retrospective summaries of established fields or topics. Papers in the Forum section is given priority in the publication process.
New research recently published in Oikos shows that predators play a unique and important role in ecosystems by creating "ecological hotspots"—localized areas important for plants and animals.
Plants & Animals
Aug 28, 2023
0
19
Many plant species, probably including a third of all trees, are threatened by extinction. One of the growing threats is rapid climate change and the inability of plants to move rapidly enough, or cross barriers, to places ...
Ecology
Oct 13, 2022
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3
A new study led by UC Santa Cruz researchers suggests that pumas in the Santa Cruz Mountains don't make accurate assessments of where they are most likely to be killed by humans, especially when it comes to the threat of ...
Plants & Animals
Mar 30, 2022
0
14
Erigeron canadensis (horseweed) is a serious invader in disturbed habitats and agricultural fields. It may experience nutrient pulses of different magnitudes and timings due to a variety of disturbances arising from human ...
Agriculture
Nov 9, 2021
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10
As a foundational species, giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is vital to the ecosystem of the temperate, shallow, nearshore waters where it grows. When the kelp flourishes, so do the communities that rely on the fast-growing ...
Plants & Animals
Oct 26, 2021
1
22
Humans are shaping environments at an accelerating rate. Indeed, one of the most important current topics of research is the capacity of animals to adapt to human-induced environmental change and how that change affects the ...
Ecology
Oct 19, 2021
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8
In recent years, community science—also known as citizen science—has become a global phenomenon, engaging millions of people through wildlife observation platforms like iNaturalist and contributing unparalleled amounts ...
Ecology
Jun 14, 2021
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4
The population growth of an endangered butterfly species is greatest in habitats with microclimatic variability, according to a study carried out collaboratively by the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and ...
Plants & Animals
May 5, 2021
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2
A team of researchers, led by the University of Granada, has unraveled the complex relationship between lions and hyaenas concerning the carrion on which they feed, which will help to better understand how the two largest ...
Plants & Animals
Nov 4, 2020
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29
The polar willow (Salix polaris) may not seem like much when you look at it—just a jumble of tiny green leaves in a dense mat that pokes out of the tundra.
Plants & Animals
Jun 4, 2020
0
6
