Beavers are changing the face of the Arctic
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 16 July 2018
Beavers are moving into the Arctic due to climate change, creating wetlands that may benefit biodiversity but also accelerate permafrost thaw and greenhouse gas release. Researchers are tracking this shift via satellite and studying its ecosystem impact.
Keywords: permafrost, wetlands, Alaska, ecosystem engineers, Ingmar Nitze, Alfred Wegener Institute, biodiversity
Kidnapping in the Antarctic animal world?
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 10 September 2018
In the Southern Ocean, some amphipods “kidnap” pteropods and carry them piggyback to gain protection from predators, exploiting the pteropods’ chemical defenses. The pteropods, however, starve while captive, making the relationship one-sided and parasitic.
Keywords: pteropods, Southern Ocean, predator-prey, chemical deterrents, Hyperiella antarctica, Clione limacina, Spongiobranchaea australis
Cause of mussel poisoning identified
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 19 March 2009
After over a decade of research, scientists identified the neurotoxin azaspiracid's source as the dinoflagellate Azadinium spinosum. This tiny alga, isolated by the Alfred Wegener Institute, poses a risk to mussel consumers and may improve toxin monitoring.
Keywords: azaspiracid, Azadinium spinosum, dinoflagellate, shellfish poisoning, neurotoxin, toxic algae, Alfred Wegener Institute
