Ecology - Page 7

Since the beginning of the 20th Century, the world population of tigers has fallen by 97%, from 100,000 individuals to current estimates of just 3,000.

The reason for the abrupt exit is a rise in water levels of as much as 2 metres to a high last experienced over 60 years ago. As water levels increase, the salinity of the water is reduced, which in turn reduces the abundance of algae.

Scientific studies are beginning to prove that several species are altering their behaviour in response to the increase in volume.

The dormouse has become a rare species, one that is highly vulnerable to extinction.

As officials investigate the deaths, the Peruvian health ministry has recommended that people stay away from the country’s beaches.

They evolved from a vespoid wasp and have lost their permanent wings, however most species will develop into winged insects when it is time to mate.

The squirrel parapoxvirus is mostly asymptomatic in its grey host; it has little or no effect. However, once the virus is transmitted to their red cousin it causes the fatal disease known as “squirrel pox”.

This process relies heavily on fungi and bacteria which work individually and form symbiotic relationships with plants and animals.

There are numerous reasons for the decline in abandoned shells, including people collecting shells, ocean acidification damaging shells and the marine life which creates the shells.