New biodiversity study throws out controversial scientific theory

Researchers studied a wide range of abundant and rare species. Scott Reef, WA, Australia. Copyright AIMS

Researchers studied a wide range of abundant and rare species. Scott Reef, WA, Australia. Credit: AIMS

Researchers have today released ground-breaking findings that dismiss the ‘Neutral Theory of Biodiversity’.

The theory has dominated biodiversity research for the past decade, and been advocated as a tool for conservation and management efforts.

Professor Sean Connolly from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (Coral CoE) at James Cook University (JCU) is the lead author of the international study, which he says overturns the long-used theory by employing a novel mathematical method. It is the largest study of its kind, covering a broad range of marine ecosystems on Earth.

“The study has important implications for how marine conservation areas are managed,” Professor Connolly says.

The Latest on: Biodiversity research

[google_news title=”” keyword=”Biodiversity research” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]

via Google News

Biodiversity falls below ‘safe levels’ globally

The Latest on: Biodiversity research

Exclusive: Biodiversity startup Dendra Systems has secured a $15.7 million Series B
on May 7, 2024 at 11:30 pm
Dendra Systems has developed an AI-enabled platform to help restore natural ecosystems.
Climate Shifts to Become Main Driver of Global Biodiversity Loss
on May 7, 2024 at 8:18 pm
Climate change could become the most important driver of biodiversity loss by mid-century Climate change could become the main driver of biodiversity decline by mid-century: report Severe ...
How technology is revolutionizing insect research
on May 6, 2024 at 9:16 am
Recent fears of major declines among insects have sent researchers scrambling for data on how they are actually doing.
To bend the curve of biodiversity loss, nature recovery must be integrated across all sectors
on May 1, 2024 at 5:00 pm
The alarming rates of biodiversity loss worldwide have made clear that the classical way of governing biodiversity recovery based on protected areas and programmes for the protection of endangered ...
Advancing eDNA data: NatureMetrics transforms biodiversity research with Sapio Sciences' No/Low Code LIMS Platform
on May 1, 2024 at 2:24 am
This article highlights NatureMetrics' adoption of Sapio Sciences' No/Low Code LIMS platform to streamline complex sequencing workflows, advance biodiversity research, and enhance workflow management ...
Effective conservation efforts are key to saving biodiversity
on April 30, 2024 at 11:49 am
Study confirms effective global conservation efforts crucial for biodiversity, showing a 66% success rate and significant economic benefits.
What are the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss?
on April 29, 2024 at 1:00 am
As we progress into the mid-21st century, climate change is projected to become the primary driver of biodiversity loss.
Plankton help predict ocean biodiversity losses
on April 28, 2024 at 10:00 am
Phytoplankton produce about half of the oxygen we breathe and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to regulate the climate. Zooplankton, including krill and copepods, are a vital food ...
Can granting ‘personhood’ to nature stem biodiversity loss?
on April 28, 2024 at 4:59 am
In India, the Ganges and Yamuna rivers were granted living-person status, where injury to rivers was to be treated equally to injury to human beings. The decision was challenged on the grounds of ...
Conservation slowing biodiversity loss, scientists say
on April 26, 2024 at 12:54 am
Conservation actions are effective at reducing global biodiversity loss, according to a major study. International researchers spent 10 years looking at measures, from hatching Chinook salmon to ...