Researchers from MIT and the Institute of Marine Research in Norway recorded the largest predation event ever, where over 10 million capelin were consumed by 2.5 million cod off Norway's coast. Using advanced underwater-acoustic sensing, the team observed the predator-prey dynamics over a vast area. This event highlights the risks of shoaling behavior and the importance of understanding such interactions, especially as many fish species face extinction threats. The study, published in Nature Communications Biology, underscores the potential ecological impacts of large-scale predation events.
Scientists from USC Dornsife have uncovered new insights into the devastating end-Triassic mass extinction, revealing the drastic impact of rising greenhouse gases and escalating temperatures on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Their findings, published in Proceedings of Royal Society B, show that while both realms suffered greatly, land-based ecosystems were hit harder, with 96% of terrestrial genera going extinct. The study's ecospace framework offers a fresh perspective on ancient life and carries significant implications for understanding and addressing today's environmental challenges, particularly in the context of rapid climate change and loss of biodiversity.
