New species in the North Sea
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 2 May 2018
Researchers have discovered a new amphipod species, Epimeria frankei, in the North Sea using advanced mitogenomic analysis. This finding reveals hidden biodiversity in well-studied regions and highlights the power of modern genetics in taxonomy.
Keywords: amphipod, Alfred Wegener Institute, North Sea, cryptic species, mitogenomics, marine biodiversity, DNA barcoding
How is the ecosystem around the Antarctic Peninsula changing?
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 7 June 2018
In Antarctic autumn 2018, scientists aboard Polarstern found krill and salps thriving in unusually warm, ice-free waters with high phytoplankton. Their research highlights changing species dynamics and carbon cycles as climate change alters polar ecosystems.
Keywords: carbon cycle, Southern Ocean, Bettina Meyer, Volker Strass, topAWI, ocean warming, zooplankton
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
