This Antarctic octopus has a warning about sea level rise

In a DNA study that tracked the movements of a Turquet octopus in the Southern Ocean, researchers found evidence of significant melting of the massive ice sheet in West Antarctica some 120,000 years ago compared to today. Genetic data from octopus shows free movement between seas, suggesting that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet was absent at the time. The finding raises concerns about possible ice sheet collapse contributing to sea level rise. The study highlights the urgent need to address climate change as global temperatures approach critical thresholds.

A study published in the journal Science suggests that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is at risk of collapse, which could contribute to a significant rise in sea levels. Here's a more detail of the data:

Octopus DNA Evidence:

The researchers studied the DNA of Pareledone turkeda, or Turquet and octopus, a small species of octopus that lives around Antarctica. The Ross and Weddell Sea octopuses are currently separated by the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Genetic analysis showed that around 120,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, octopus populations from the two regions intermingled and exchanged DNA. This suggests that there may not have been an ice sheet in West Antarctica at the time, allowing the octopus to move freely between seas.

Last inter glacial period:

The last inter glacial period occurred before the last ice age, with temperatures similar to today's and #039; The sea level was 5-10 meters higher during the last ice age compared to today. The study suggests that the West Antarctic ice sheet may have contributed to the rise in sea level at the time.

Climate change and glacier stability:

Current global temperatures are about 1.2 degrees Celsius higher than in the pre-industrial era, and global temperatures are close to the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold. If global warming exceeds 1.5 degrees Celsius, this could be a tipping point for the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The complete melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could cause a rise in average sea level of up to five meters (16 feet).

Uncertainty and turning point:

The study does not predict when the glacier may collapse, but suggests that the Earth is approaching a critical temperature level. Once a tipping point is reached, estimates of complete melting range from 200 to 2,000 years. Human activity can affect the speed of this process.

Comparison with the last interglacial:

The last ice age is a valuable analogue for today's climate change, although the causes of warming are different. Greenhouse gases cause temperature changes today much faster than natural cycles during the last ice age.

Geological models are supported by biological evidence:

Genetic evidence from octopus populations complements the mathematical models that geoscientists use to reconstruct past glaciers and sea levels. Other studies of terrestrial animals and invertebrates have also provided biological evidence of past melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Advances in genetic sequencing:

Some of the octopus specimens used in the study were collected more than 30 years ago and kept in museums. Advances in genetic sequencing technology have helped researchers extract valuable information from these samples.

Collaboration between biologists and geoscientists:

The research highlights collaboration between biologists and geoscientists, with biological evidence providing additional support for geological models. Biological evidence helps explain patterns observed in populations and complements physical evidence collected by geoscientists. Together, the research shows that the stability of the West Antarctic ice sheet is closely linked to global warming, and the octopus DNA evidence supports the idea that the ice sheet may be approaching a tipping point that will affect future sea level rise. .

As the Arctic region warms, its waters release carbon

The Mackenzie River Basin, one of North America's largest rivers, significantly increases carbon dioxide emissions in the Arctic Ocean and challenges the region and its position as a major carbon sink.

Despite absorbing about 180 million tons of carbon each year, recent studies show that melting permafrost and carbon-rich outflows from the Mackenzie River cause parts of the Arctic Ocean to release more carbon dioxide than it absorbs.

Pic Source: https://www.britannica.com/place/Mackenzie-River/The-lower-course

The study, conducted using advanced computer modeling techniques, focuses on the Beaufort Sea, where the Mackenzie River flows into the Arctic Ocean. Rising temperatures in the Arctic region have caused increased melting and thawing of the river and its estuary. Located in Canada and the Northwest Territories, the region is the culmination of the second largest river system in North America, which originates in Alberta and extends for a thousand miles. The Mackenzie River acts as a transporter of mineral nutrients along with organic and inorganic matter to the Beaufort Sea, forming a mixture of dissolved carbon and sediment. Some of this carbon is released naturally into the atmosphere. Although scientists originally considered the southeastern Beaufort Sea to be a weak to moderate sink of carbon dioxide, recent data from the remote region have raised considerable uncertainty.

To address this shortcoming, the research team used ECCO-Darwin, a global ocean biogeochemical model developed by NASA and #039 Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The model incorporates more than two decades of ocean observations collected from marine and satellite-based instruments. By simulating freshwater discharge from 2000 to 2019 and related elements and compounds, including carbon, nitrogen and silica, the researchers found that discharge from the Mackenzie River triggered a strong discharge in the southeastern Beaufort Sea. This upset the carbon balance, resulting in net emissions of 0.13 million tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to the annual emissions of 28,000 petrol cars. The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere was influenced by seasonal changes, which were stronger in warmer months when river flows were higher and sea ice was less.

The Arctic region has been a source of climate change since the 1970s, warming three times faster than the global average. The study highlights the importance of understanding the influence of coasts and rivers on the Arctic carbon cycle. About half of the Arctic Ocean consists of coastal waters, where the interaction between land and sea is complex. The insights gained from this study extend beyond the study area and provide a broader perspective on environmental change in the Arctic.

Scientists are closely monitoring these changes, including increased river flow and increased runoff of organic matter, as well as the positive effects of open-water phytoplankton blooms due to retreating sea ice. The ECCO-Darwin model plays a central role in the study of these phenomena and their interrelationships in the arctic environment. Because ocean waters act as a critical buffer against climate change, sequestering up to 48% of the carbon from burning fossil fuels, understanding and mitigating these changes remains critically important.

Mystery Behind Dozens of African Elephant Deaths Finally Explained

"In August 2020, veterinarian Chris Foggin, in the midst of operating on an anthrax-suspected elephant, faced a harsh situation when five more dead elephants were discovered in Zimbabwe, encouraging urgent efforts to collect post-mortem samples before decomposition."

In late August 2020, veterinarian Chris Foggin was wearing a mask and operating on an elephant suspected of having died of anthrax when he received a call that there were more deaths.

The next day, five more dead elephants were found in the scorching Zimbabwean sun.
Foggin knew he and his team couldn't get to all the dead elephants to collect post-mortem tissue samples, but he collected what he could before the carcasses decomposed.
By November, a total of 35 African elephants ( Loxodonta africana ) had died in northwestern Zimbabwe, just across the border from neighboring Botswana, where more than 350 elephants had died months earlier. Concerns grew when poaching, starvation and anthrax, a naturally occurring deadly bacterial disease, were ruled out. In September 2020, the government of Botswana determined that elephant deaths in Botswana were caused by an unspecified blue-green algal toxin that may have contaminated waterholes.
Three years later, another culprit in the mysterious deaths of 35 elephants in Zimbabwe emerged: Pasteurella bacteria similar to a strain called Bisgaard taxon 45, which has been linked to infections in other wildlife but is not known to kill African elephants.

Examining tissue samples at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust laboratory, Foggin discovered that several of the dead elephants' organs had been torn from their blood vessels, leading him to suspect hemorrhagic septicemia or blood poisoning.  
In all, six of the 15 elephants had genetic or biochemical evidence of Bisgaard's 45 taxa, and no poisons, toxins or viral infections were detected.
Bacterial septicemia adds to the growing list of disease threats to elephant conservation, including tuberculosis, anthrax and virulent poisoning. Foggins and his colleagues write in their paper published in October.
Despite all the epidemiological studies, the source of infection and the route of infection are not known. Elephants are highly social animals, and at least 11 elephants died in about 24 hours in an area of ​​about 50 square kilometers, researchers said.
It was very fast, Foggin told National Geographic that It was so dramatic.
The outbreak was preceded by successive periods of bad rains and the region was in the grip of a drought during the mass deaths.
So one possibility the researchers offer is that the heat and dryness may have somehow triggered bacteria that are thought to be harmless in other animals to infect or spread among the elephants.
In 2015, Pasteurella species killed about 200,000 antelopes during a heat wave in central Kazakhstan.
But there are still many unanswered questions about Bisgaard's taxon 45 and the 2020 death rate in Zimbabwe, veterinary epidemiologist and co-author Laura Rosen wrote in a recent blog about the events.
We still don't know how the bacteria got into this landscape - has it always been here? Is it commonly found in elephants but not previously identified? 
To answer some of these questions, the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust is now equipped to test 45 taxa of Pasteurella Bisgaardi. The organization plans to continue looking for the bacteria in elephants and large carnivores after re-examining samples from previous elephant deaths. The identification of septicemia as a cause of sudden death gives veterinarians and conservationists a new and important differential diagnosis to move forward, Rosen writes.
The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.

Also check this link: https://ecosphereblogging.blogspot.com/2023/12/whale-seti-pioneering-encounter-with.html

Loss of ice on the Antarctic glacier has accelerated rapidly as a result of ocean warming

   Antarctic Glacier Collapse: Unprecedented Ice Loss and Acceleration

Several Antarctic glaciers, including the severely damaged Hektoria Glacier, are experiencing unprecedented acceleration and ice loss, with Hektoria losing 25 kilometers of ice from its front in just 16 months. The dramatic retreat, caused by warm ocean temperatures causing retreating sea ice, has scientists worried about possible similar events in other regions of Antarctica.

Hector Glacier, along with Green Glacier and Crane Glacier near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, faced a significant change in 2002 when the Larsen B Ice Shelf, which had supported and stabilized the glaciers for more than 10,000 years, suddenly burst into thousands of icebergs. . Ice shelves, no longer contained by the ice shelf, rushed into the ocean and dumped billions of tons of ice.

After a period of stabilization since 2011, characterized by the formation of land-bearing ice, the glaciers suffered an unexpected failure in early 2022. Unusual waves, more than 1.5 meters high, came in from the northeast and broke the ice holding the land. This event caused an accelerated retreat of the glaciers, with Hektoria losing an astonishing 25 kilometers of ice, including both floating and stable ice on the sea floor.

The study, presented at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union, emphasizes the role of sea ice in the dynamics of the glacier, which was previously overlooked in the projections of sea level rise. As Antarctic sea ice shrinks from 2022, there are concerns that exposed coastal areas could face increased waves, which could accelerate glacier retreat.

As the current Antarctic summer progresses,

As the current Antarctic summer progresses, scientists, including UC Boulder glaciologist Ted Scambos, are keeping an eye on the situation. The continued retreat during the summer months when sea ice is absent highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between sea ice dynamics and glacier stability in Antarctica.

"Photographer Discovered Remarkable Hidden Gem at Plain Sight"

"Secret Sentinel: Photographer Discovers Massive Cedar, Keeps Location Hidden for Conservation"

TJ Watt, a British Columbia wildlife photographer and founder of the Ancient Forest Alliance, has stumbled upon one of the largest old-growth cedar trees off Vancouver Island's coast. Named "The Wall," the colossal tree, over 1,000 years old, stands at 151 feet tall with a diameter of 17 and a half feet. After waiting over a year to disclose its existence, Watt decided to keep the location a secret in consultation with the Ahousahti First Nation, considering the sensitivity of these areas and the potential for environmental impact.

Photo credited to: TJ Watt, a British Columbia wildlife photographer

Watt emphasized the importance of safeguarding such significant trees, stating, "These are sensitive areas, and everything can be pretty trampled on if you know where it was found." He meticulously measured and documented The Wall before unveiling it to the public, describing it as a "freak of nature" that expands as it grows, expressing awe and wonder at its uniqueness.

While Canada's largest documented tree, the Cheewhat Giant, is taller and wider, The Wall's undisclosed location aims to protect it from potential threats. Old-growth forests, vital for natural habitat, species diversity, and carbon storage, face ongoing threats from pollution, extreme weather events, and logging. Despite protections for some trees, the Ancient Forest Alliance reports that 80% of Vancouver Island's original old-growth forests have already been logged, underscoring the significance of preserving hidden treasures like The Wall.

Reindeer's blue eyes act as night goggles to help them find food in the winter

Animals' eyes change color as the colder months approach to improve UV visibility, helping them detect lichens essential to survival.

Scientists have determined that Rudolph does not rely on his famous red nose to guide other reindeer, thanks to their unique night vision. The study discovered why reindeer are the only mammals whose eyes change color according to the season, changing from golden orange in summer to blue in winter. This adaptation helps them see better in snowy conditions and allows their eyes to emit ultraviolet light.

The study, led by Professor Nathaniel Dominy of Dartmouth College and Dr Catherine Hobaiter and Professor Julie Harris of the University of St Andrews, found that the color change helps reindeer absorb twice as much UV radiation as reflected from the sun. from the snow This enhanced vision allows them to see clearly in the dark and find food such as lichens. Hobaiter explained that it is difficult for the human eye to see lichens in white snow, but species essential to reindeer stand out as dark spots in the reflective snow landscape. Reindeer eat mainly Cladonia rangiferina, commonly known as "boa moss" a species of lichen that is essential for their survival. The purpose of the research was to find out if reindeer's night vision is specially adapted to search for this lichen.

Scotland, with its diverse lichen population, provided an ideal research environment. Working in the Cairngorms Mountains, the team photographed different types of lichens under UV light and found that different species absorb or reflect light differently. Boa moss absorbs light particularly strongly.

Professor Dominy emphasized that for reindeer in the white landscape, a direct route to food is crucial for energy conservation in a desert environment where food is scarce. The study sheds light on the reindeer's remarkable adaptations and shows how their unique vision plays a crucial role in their survival strategies.

Whale SETI: Pioneering encounter with humpback whales reveals potential for non-human intelligent communication

 A group of scientists from the SETI Institute, the University of California, Davis, and the Alaska Whale Foundation had a close encounter with non-human (aquatic) intelligence. The Whale-SETI team studied the communication systems of humpback whales to develop intelligence filters to search for extraterrestrial intelligence. When the humpback whale was called into the sea by an underwater loudspeaker, the humpback whale approached the group's boat responding to the whale's "hello signal" in a conversational style. In exchange, Twain answered each repeat call and reconciled the differences between each signal.

A description and analysis of the encounter is published in a recent issue of Peer J. entitled: "Interactive bioacoustic reproduction as a tool to detect and study non-human intelligence: a 'conversation' with an Alaskan humpback whale." "We believe this is the first such communication between humans and humpback whales using a humpback 'tongue,'" said lead author Dr. Brenda McCowan of U.C. Davis. "Humpback whales are highly intelligent, have complex social systems, make tools—from cups to nets to catch fish—and communicate extensively through both song and social calls," said co-author Dr. Fred Sharpe of the Alaska Whale Foundation.
"Given the current technological limitations, an important assumption in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that extraterrestrials are interested in contacting and thus targeting human receptors. This important assumption is certainly supported by the behavior of humpback whales," said Dr. Laurance Doyle of SET. Institute, author of the work.
In addition to Antarctica as a proxy for Mars, the Whale-SETI team is investigating intelligent terrestrial non-human communication systems to develop filters that can be applied to any received extraterrestrial signals. The mathematics of information theory is used to quantify communication complexity - (eg, the rule structure embedded in a received message). Other team members and authors of the paper include Dr. Josie Hubbard, Lisa Walker, and Jodi Frediani, who specialize in animal intelligence, humpback whale analysis, and humpback whale imaging and behavior. Another paper from the group will be available soon on the non-vocal communication behavior of humpback whales - bubble rings made in the presence of (and possibly for) humans. The authors would like to thank the Templeton Foundation's Multiple Intelligences Program for financial support of this work.

Examining Life's Tapestry: Unveiled: Zoology, Agriculture, and Nature Conservation

Welcome to a digital haven where the natural world's wonders come to life. In this blog, we take a trip through the various fields of zoology and agriculture, as well as the important conservation efforts that connect them. Explore the interconnected tales of plants, animals, and the delicate equilibrium of our planet's ecosystems as we unravel the tapestry of life.

Zoology: 

A Symphony of Life In the field of zoology, we delve into the enthralling world of animals, which ranges from the smallest insects to the most majestic mammals that inhabit the planet. Learn about the intricate behaviors, one-of-a-kind adaptations, and fascinating diversity that make each species an essential component of the intricate web of life. You will be brought closer to the untold tales of the animal kingdom as a result of our exploration, which goes beyond the confines of textbooks.

Agriculture: 

Cultivating a Sustainable Future As our focus shifts to agriculture, we investigate the areas where human ingenuity meets the bounty of the earth. We talk about sustainable farming practices that feed people and the environment. These practices range from ancient farming methods to cutting-edge technologies. Learn about the intricate relationship between crops and pollinators, the secrets of healthy soil, and the significance of sustainable farming in the face of global challenges.

Nature conservation: 

A Shared Obligation, but our journey does not end there. As we address the pressing need to safeguard and conserve our precious natural resources, conservation takes center stage. Explore the topics of biodiversity, climate change, and how important each of us is to the conservation narrative. Find out about successful conservation projects and how you can help the environment in a practical way.

Be a part of the adventure with us! This blog is more than just a collection of information; It is an invitation to join a community that is committed to comprehending, valuing, and preserving the delicate equilibrium of life on Earth. There is a place here for you if you are fascinated by the intricate web of animal behaviors, sustainable food production, or the urgent need for conservation.

Let's explore, learn, and act together in support of the beauty of zoology, the richness of agriculture, and the essential preservation of nature. Welcome to a place where responsibility and curiosity meet, and where every discovery contributes to a more harmonious relationship with the planet we call home.