 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Rainfall, rivers predict fish biodiversity
Princeton, N.J. (UPI) May 12, 2008 U.S. scientists say they have found water dynamics can play a pivotal role in the biodiversity of river networks. Princeton University Professor Ignacio Rodr��guez-Iturbe and colleagues say they've invented a method for turning simple data about rainfall and river networks into accurate assessments of fish biodiversity, allowing better prediction of the effects of climate change and the ecological impact of man-made structures like dams. The researchers say the mathematics behind the new method also can be used to model and predict the transmission of waterborne illnesses, as well as vegetation patterns on land adjacent to rivers. The researchers said their computer simulation program allows them to use rainfall measurements and the structure of river networks to predict how many species of fish will occupy any given region. "It is an extremely simple model, but it predicts absolutely fantastically well all of the characteristics of biodiversity that we were interested in," said Rodr��guez. "Our model implies that water dynamics have a commanding effect on biodiversity in river basins." The study appears in the May 8 issue of the journal Nature. Related Links Darwin Today At TerraDaily.com
UNEP sounds alarm over decline in migratory birds
Nairobi (AFP) May 8, 2008The United Nations Environment Programme on Thursday voiced concern over declining numbers of migratory birds globally, in what it said was an alarming sign of the state of world biodiversity. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright Space.TV Corporation. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space.TV Corp on any Web page published or hosted by Space.TV Corp. Privacy Statement |
