The researchers found that birds were more evolutionarily similar on smaller, more isolated islands than on larger, less remote places. The team had expected to find that forested areas had more numerous and more varied species of birds compared to farmland areas.
But they were surprised to find that the opposite was true: Areas with farms and human settlements had more species of birds and greater diversity than forested areas.
"Usually, one predicts that there should be fewer species of birds living in agricultural areas where trees have been removed and the land manipulated than in natural habitats like forests," said Luke O. Frishkoff, assistant professor of biology at The University of Texas at Arlington.
"Human activities have extensively modified habitats on three-quarters of all the Earth's surface worldwide, and islands are no different," Frishkoff said.
Birds New Species Bird Flu Research Rainforests Environmental Awareness Ecology Sustainability
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Island birds more adaptable than previously thoughtScientists still don't fully understand the consequences that pollution and climate change can have on the world around us. Now, a study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B examining bird populations living on islands shows we may know even less than previously thought.
Read more »
Mission Bay's 'bowling pin' island will keep guiding planes and helping birds nestThe new 20-year lease comes just in time for the start of nesting season for endangered least terns, which use the island as one of four key nesting sites in Mission Bay
Read more »
Angry Birds Mystery Island Trailer Sets Release Date for Prime Video SeriesPrime Video has shared the official trailer for Rovio Entertainment Corporation's upcoming animated series Angry Birds Mystery Island.
Read more »
Little Island announces 4 months of free summer shows and eventsLittle Island announces 4 months of free summer shows and events
Read more »
Suffolk County police cracking down on underage vape sales on Long IslandNicotine flavors like Mexican Mango and Watermelon Ice might appeal to teens and children, but they are illegal to sell in Suffolk County.
Read more »
Pro-Palestinian protesters retake MIT encampment, occupy building at Rhode Island School of DesignPro-Palestinian demonstrators at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology retook a barricaded encampment, those at the Rhode Island School of Design occupied a building, and Columbia University said its university-wide commencement ceremony will not happen following weeks of protests.
Read more »