Science
U.S. birds’ Eastern, Western behavior patterns are polar opposites
Study analyzes avian cross-country biodiversity changes over a year
Newswise — COLUMBUS, Ohio – There is much more to avian biodiversity in the United States than the number of different species living in a given region or community, but the diversity of birds’ ecosystem contributions – assessed through measures of their diet, body structure and foraging methods – are much tougher to study.
And with hundreds of species migrating south for the winter and north for summer breeding, birds’ ecosystem function patterns change over space and time – creating a serious analytical challenge.
But two scientists from The Ohio State University have established what could be considered a baseline map of annual avian functional and species diversity patterns in the U.S., logging 11,000 code-running hours at the Ohio Supercomputer Center to produce their findings.
And what they found was a stunner: Functional diversity patterns in the West, where species and functional richness are both highest during the breeding season, are the polar opposite of what is seen in the East, where functional diversity is lowest when species richness is high. That pattern in the East is particularly puzzling because it means the overall diversity of birds’ ecosystem contributions are highest when a huge number of migratory species are gone.
“This tells us that, probably, migratory birds in the East versus the West have very different functional contributions to assemblages,” said lead author Marta Jarzyna, assistant professor of evolution, ecology and organismal biology at Ohio State.
“It suggests that resident birds in the East have a wider array of functional characteristics than migratory birds, and in the West, it’s the opposite: Migratory birds contribute more to functional richness than resident birds.”
Jarzyna, also a core faculty member in Ohio State’s Translational Data Analytics Institute, completed the study with James Stagge, assistant professor of civil, environmental and geodetic engineering at Ohio State. The study was published Feb. 22 in the journal Current Biology.
The researchers used 2019 data from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Status and Trends, which provided seasonal abundance estimates for over 800 species. Beyond quantifying species richness, Jarzyna and Stagge also incorporated four characteristics to derive estimates of functional diversity: birds’ body mass, diet (ranging from bugs and rodents to nectar and seeds), foraging niche (in or near water or the ground, or in spaces among or above trees) and activity time, at night or during the day.
The collaboration with Stagge was key to incorporating the passage of time, Jarzyna said: As a hydrologist studying climate data, he was proficient in research techniques used to analyze seasonal variations.
Scientists have known for some time that knowledge of the functional richness birds bring to their communities tells us much more about biodiversity than a simple count of resident and migrating species, Jarzyna said.
“Different species obviously have different characteristics and different traits, and contribute in different ways to the community composition and ecosystem functioning,” she said.
“You can have 10 species in a community that just eat seeds, or 10 species in a community, five of which eat seeds and five of which eat insects. The community with more diverse attributes will have more functional diversity, even though in terms of species richness they might be exactly the same.”
To date, efforts to describe avian functional diversity have tended to focus only on one breeding season at a time – a summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This study is the first to take species and their traits’ differences into consideration as their abundances change across the country over all 12 months of a year.
By determining that functional diversity patterns in the East and West differ so dramatically, the researchers now have a much better handle on what is going on across the seasons – but lots of questions remain about why.
“Why is it in the East that in the winter, when we are seeing so many species leaving those regions, we see an increase in functional richness? It didn’t make a lot of sense that you would gain this other dimension of diversity while losing something else,” Jarzyna said. “It’s not the case in the West, where we are seeing both the highest species richness and highest functional richness in the summer.”
Though one could surmise that topography or climate have something to do with these differences, Jarzyna said there is no way to know for sure without further study.
“We still don’t even know about individual species’ contributions to functional diversity and whether there is, indeed, a difference between migratory and resident birds,” she said.
Having a better understanding of how functional diversity among birds – and other species – changes over space and, the researchers noted, time, in particular, is needed to inform forecasting, conservation and management of biodiversity.
“I would argue that we can’t conserve anything if we don’t understand where it is and what it is,” Jarzyna said. “It’s the first step to telling us, ‘this is what we’ve got, and this is how it’s changing.’ What we are going to do about it is the next step.”
This work was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center at Ohio State.
Source: Emily Caldwell Ohio State University
Space and Tech
Exciting News: NASA Live Coverage of Roscosmos Cosmonauts on a Spacewalk!
Don’t miss NASA’s live coverage of Roscosmos cosmonauts on a spacewalk outside the International Space Station! #SpaceExploration
Get ready to witness a truly incredible event – a spacewalk outside the International Space Station conducted by two Roscosmos cosmonauts! NASA will be providing live coverage of this historic moment on Thursday, April 25, starting at 10:30 a.m. EDT. You definitely don’t want to miss this!
The spacewalk, expected to begin at 10:55 a.m. EDT, could last up to an impressive seven hours. So make sure to clear your schedule and prepare yourself for some out-of-this-world action!
But don’t worry if you can’t be near a TV, because NASA has got you covered. They will be streaming the spacewalk on various platforms including NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and their very own website. How convenient is that?
If you’re wondering how to catch this incredible event, fret not! NASA has made it super easy for everyone to enjoy the live coverage. You can stream NASA TV through numerous platforms, including social media. Just follow the instructions provided and you’ll be all set to witness history!
During this captivating spacewalk, Expedition 71 crewmates Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub will embark on their mission. Their primary objective is to complete the deployment of a panel on a synthetic radar system located on the Nauka module. They will also be installing equipment and experiments on the Poisk module, which will be used to analyze the level of corrosion on various surfaces and modules of the space station. Science at its finest!
This noteworthy spacewalk will mark the 270th in support of the International Space Station. For Kononenko, this will be his seventh spacewalk, and he will be wearing the distinguished Orlan spacesuit with the red stripes. Chub, on the other hand, will be going on his second spacewalk and will be wearing the awe-inspiring spacesuit with the blue stripes. Talk about a fashionable space adventure!
So grab your popcorn, gather your friends and family, and get ready for an exhilarating experience. This upcoming spacewalk promises to be an event that will leave you in awe of the immense accomplishments and ongoing science conducted aboard the International Space Station.
Remember, you can catch all the action on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and their website. Don’t miss out on this thrilling live coverage. Be a part of history and witness the wonders of space exploration firsthand. See you there!
Get breaking news, images, and features from the space station on the station blog, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Learn more about International Space Station research and operations at:
https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
News
NASA Leadership Visits Mexico: Strengthening Cooperation for a Brighter Future
NASA leadership visiting Mexico to strengthen cooperation in space exploration, climate change, and STEM education. Exciting partnership ahead! 🚀🌎🔬 #NASA #MexicoCooperation
In a remarkable effort to deepen ties and enhance space collaboration with nations across the globe, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy will be visiting Mexico City on April 22 and 23. This visit aims to foster bilateral cooperation in various innovation and research areas, including Earth science and exploration. Recognizing the significance of such interaction, this blog post delves into the details of this auspicious visit, highlighting the potential benefits and areas of collaboration between NASA and Mexico.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation:
NASA’s engagement with senior Mexican government officials, such as President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Mexican Space Agency (AEM) leaders, underscores the intent to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. With a collective focus on addressing climate change, both NASA and AEM are working collaboratively to achieve mutual goals. This cooperation extends not only to environmental challenges but also encompasses technology development, space exploration, and scientific research.
Nanosatellite Technology Demonstrators:
Mexico’s involvement as a signatory of the Artemis Accords reinforces the country’s commitment to participating in a practical and prosperous alliance for space exploration. NASA and AEM are investing effort and resources in nanosatellite technology demonstrators, which hold immense promise for the future of space exploration. Through joint endeavors, both organizations are pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge while fostering innovation and pushing the frontiers of human capabilities.
Ecological Focus on Earth Day:
The timing of the visit is significant as it coincides with Earth Day on April 22. Mexico’s collaboration with NASA in Earth science initiatives will be at the forefront of discussions during the visit. By leveraging NASA’s expertise and missions, Mexico aims to further expand its understanding of our planet’s dynamics. Topics such as air quality analysis and improved water resource management hold immense potential, enabling both countries to address pressing ecological challenges and work towards sustainable solutions.
Inspiring the Next Generation:
Nelson and Melroy’s commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and excellence extends to engaging with students in Mexico. The NASA officials will participate in dialogue with students, emphasizing the importance of STEM education and their pivotal roles as members of the Artemis Generation. By inspiring young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, NASA aims to empower the future workforce, ensuring continued progress and innovation.
NASA’s visit to Mexico serves as a testament to the importance of international cooperation and scientific collaboration. The shared vision of addressing global challenges, such as climate change, necessitates partnerships that transcend borders. Through strengthened ties with Mexico and initiatives focusing on Earth science, nanosatellite technology, and STEM education, NASA and its Mexican counterparts are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future. Such cooperative endeavors hold the potential to unlock breakthrough discoveries, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of explorers.
For more information about NASA’s international partnerships, visit:
Office of International and Interagency Relations Mission
The mission of the Office of International and Interagency Relations (OIIR) is to provide executive leadership and coordination for all NASA international and interagency activities and partnerships, and for policy interactions between NASA and other U.S. Executive Branch offices and agencies.
OIIR Organizationabout Office of International and Interagency Relations Mission
About OIIR
OIIR serves as the principal Agency liaison with the National Security Council, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and U.S. departments and agencies.
OIIR is responsible for:
- Ensuring that NASA’s international engagements are in alignment with Administration direction and U.S. laws and regulations
- Negotiating cooperative and reimbursable agreements with foreign space and aeronautics partners
- Providing advice and guidance to Agency leadership on the implementation of NASA interagency and international partnerships
- Providing management oversight and staff support of NASA’s advisory committees, commissions and panels
- Managing the NASA Export Control Program
- Coordinating foreign travel by NASA employees
astronomy
Catch a Glimpse of the Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaking This Weekend
“Experience the Lyrid meteor shower, a celestial spectacle gracing our skies this weekend. Don’t miss out on shooting stars streaking across the night sky!”
Spring nights are set to dazzle with the arrival of the Lyrid meteor shower, marking the first of two celestial spectacles gracing our skies this season. As we gear up for a weekend of shooting stars, let’s delve into what makes the Lyrids special, how to witness their peak, and what to expect for this year’s show.
What Makes the Lyrid Meteor Shower Special?
Originating from debris shed by Comet Thatcher, the Lyrid meteor shower is an annual springtime event renowned for its vibrant fireballs and occasional bursts of meteor activity. These bursts, which occur approximately every 60 years, promise an awe-inspiring display of shooting stars, though the next anticipated outburst isn’t slated until 2042.
How to See the 2024 Lyrid Meteor Shower
Running from April 14 to 30, with peak activity occurring overnight from April 21-22, the Lyrid meteor shower offers skywatchers a celestial extravaganza. To catch a glimpse of this cosmic show, look toward the constellation Lyra, rising above the northeast horizon around 10 p.m. While technically visible from the southern hemisphere, the northern hemisphere provides the optimal viewing conditions.
Will 2024 Be a Good Year for the Lyrid Meteor Shower?
This year, the Lyrids coincide with a bright waxing gibbous moon, potentially obscuring many meteors from view. However, don’t let this deter you; seek out dark-sky destinations for enhanced visibility, or await the upcoming Eta Aquariids shower, peaking on May 6 under a dim, near-new moon.
As we anticipate the Lyrid meteor shower’s peak this weekend, let’s embrace the wonders of the cosmos and revel in the beauty of shooting stars streaking across the night sky. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a casual observer, this celestial event promises to inspire awe and ignite a sense of wonderment in us all.
Facts About the Lyrids!
The April Lyrids meteor shower is a celestial event that occurs annually from April 15 to April 29. The radiant of this meteor shower is located in the vicinity of the constellations Lyra and Hercules, near the bright star Vega. Typically, the peak of the shower is around April 22-23 each year.
The April Lyrids meteor shower is caused by the particles of dust shed by the long-period Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. This is the most intense annual shower of meteors that results from the debris of a long-period comet. The reason for its intensity is that the comet Thatcher has a relatively short orbital period of about 415 years as compared to other intermediate long-period comets with orbital periods of 200-10,000 years. The Lyrids have been visible and recorded since 687 BC. No other modern shower of meteors has been observed and reported as far back in time as the Lyrids.
The peak of the shower usually occurs around April 22 and the morning of April 23. Typically, there are 5 to 20 meteors per hour, with an average of around 10. However, the number of meteors seen will depend on the observer’s location, as light pollution in cities will make it harder to see them compared to rural areas. The best time to observe the meteors is during nights without the Moon in the sky, and most April Lyrid meteors are usually around magnitude +2. Some meteors can be brighter and are known as “Lyrid fireballs”. These fireballs can cast shadows for a split second and leave behind smokey debris trails that last for minutes.
Once every 60 years, the shower intensifies as the planets direct the dust trail of the comet, which has completed one orbit, onto Earth’s path. This leads to an outburst of April Lyrid meteors. Previously, it was believed that the outbursts were caused by a dust cloud moving in a 60-year orbit. However, observations in 1982 and 1922 showed rates of 90 April Lyrids per hour at the peak. An even stronger storm occurred in 1803, with up to 700 meteors per hour, witnessed by a journalist in Richmond, Virginia.
Shooting stars. This electrical phenomenon was observed on Wednesday morning last at Richmond and its vicinity, in a manner that alarmed many, and astonished every person that beheld it. From one until three in the morning, those starry meteors seemed to fall from every point in the heavens, in such numbers as to resemble a shower of sky rockets …
In recorded history, the oldest meteor shower is the one that occurred on March 23.7, 687 BC (according to the proleptic Julian calendar), which was noted in Zuo Zhuan. The shower was described as follows: “On the 4th month in the summer in the year of xīn-mǎo (of year 7 of King Zhuang of Lu), at night, the sky is so bright that some fixed stars become invisible because of the meteor shower; at midnight, stars fell like rain.” In the Australian Aboriginal astronomy of the Boorong tribe, the Lyrids are associated with the scratchings of the Mallee fowl (represented by Vega) during its nest-building season.
(Wikipedia)
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