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Articles on Ecosystems

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The beaver lives at the intersection of the aquatic and forest environments, so its presence increases interactions between these two ecosystems. (Shutterstock)

Beavers are the undiscovered engineers of the boreal forest

Beavers are an important ecosystem engineer in the boreal forest and researchers are demystifying their secrets.
Smaller predators steer clear of wolves, but that brings them closer to people – and the dangers humans pose. Star Tribune via Getty Images

When wolves move in, they push smaller carnivores closer to human development – with deadly consequences

Reintroducing wolves can restore important ecological processes, but it can have unintended effects when smaller predators like coyotes are driven closer to people, a team of ecologists found.
Trees are rooted to the ground — but they move into new areas as the wind carries their seeds or seedlings are planted. (Shutterstock)

How to move without legs or wings: Helping trees migrate to new regions

The rapidly changing climate presents many challenges for the sustainability of forest ecosystems. Assisting the migration of trees is a tool to address these challenges.
Smouldering fire in a drained peatland near Fort McMurray, Alta. produces smoke from underground. These ecosystems are affected by rising temperatures, drought, wildfire and various human actions including drainage. (Leyland Cecco)

Up in smoke: Human activities are fuelling wildfires that burn essential carbon-sequestering peatlands

New research shows that northern peatlands may not help regulate our climate by the end of the century.
Fires are increasing in high mountain areas that rarely burned in the past. John McColgan, Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Fire Service

Fire danger in the high mountains is intensifying: That’s bad news for humans, treacherous for the environment

Fires here can affect meltwater timing and water quality, worsen erosion that triggers mudslides, and much more, as two scientists explain.
Roads require de-icing strategies in northern regions, but this practice has negative effects on aquatic biodiversity.

Freshwater ecosystems are becoming increasingly salty. Here’s why this is a concern

Although it has been considerably less studied than other environmental problems, salinization presents major challenges for biodiversity in freshwater and coastal areas.

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