Tag

Species Richness

All articles tagged with #species richness

"Optimal Temperature for Life on Earth in a Warming World: 20°C"
science1 year ago

"Optimal Temperature for Life on Earth in a Warming World: 20°C"

Research suggests that 20°C is the optimal temperature for life on Earth, with many species' thermal ranges overlapping at this temperature. As global temperatures rise, the 20°C effect may have significant implications for biodiversity, species richness, and ecosystem processes. The findings indicate that species richness declines above 20°C, potentially impacting marine and land species differently in their ability to adapt to climate change. Understanding the 20°C effect could provide new insights into how temperature influences ecosystem processes, species distribution, and the evolution of life on Earth.

"Hidden Biodiversity: Soil Holds Over Half of Earth's Species, Study Reveals"
environment2 years ago

"Hidden Biodiversity: Soil Holds Over Half of Earth's Species, Study Reveals"

A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that more than half of all species on Earth reside in the soil, making it the most species-rich habitat. Soil is home to 90% of fungi, 85% of plants, and over 50% of bacteria. Mammals, at 3%, are the group least associated with soils. The study highlights the importance of soil biodiversity for climate change feedbacks, global food security, and human health. However, soil remains understudied, and the actual figure of species living in soil could be even higher. The degradation of soil due to intensive farming, pollution, deforestation, and global heating poses a threat to soil biodiversity, but adopting less intensive agricultural practices and increasing habitat conservation can help restore and protect soil ecosystems.