A new study has revealed that certain sea stars rival polar bears as the most prolific predators in coastal Arctic ecosystems.
In coastal ecosystems around the Arctic peninsula, polar bears have long been considered the top predators. But a new study suggests that sea stars could be surprising contenders to rival the famous white bears at the summit of the local food web.
In marine food webs, researchers often focus on pelagic, or open water, food chains that contain tiny, surface-dwelling plankton all the way up to large predators such as polar bears , which often sit at the top of multiple food chains. But the seafloor, or benthic, realm is often overlooked in marine food webs because scientists believed it has no real top predators of its own.
The researchers analyzed data on 1,580 individual animals living in the Southampton Island coastal ecosystem to create the new food web. They found that the benthic and pelagic components each had a similar number of steps, or trophic levels, in their respective food chains.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
In Norway, sled dogs train and play in warming ArcticBOLTERDALEN, Norway (AP) — Out of the dark, frozen vastness in this Arctic valley, a chorus of barks and howls trumpeted the return of Green Dog's oldest puppies from a dogsledding training run through the polar night on Tuesday afternoon.
Read more »
This weekend in Anchorage: The Best of Alaska showcase plus dancing, comedy and a classic Chaplin filmDozens of Alaska’s top businesses and services will be celebrated Saturday with the Best of Alaska Showcase. If you prefer the nightlife, there are comedy and dancing options this weekend as well.
Read more »
Move aside, meme stocksTreasury bill yields have risen so fast that they are now far above the yields that most Americans are getting on their savings or money market accounts.
Read more »
SAG Award Nominations Revealed as Show Announces Move to NetflixThe Banshees of Inisherin, Everything Everywhere All at Once and Ozark all lead the noms.
Read more »
Casey White’s defense attorneys file motion to move trialDefense attorneys for Casey White have filed a motion to move his murder trial from April 17
Read more »
Scandal-hit EU assembly set to move on anti-corruption planA European Parliament official says the president of the EU assembly wants to clamp down on the activities of former lawmakers and lobbyists in response to a major corruption scandal
Read more »