# Meta-analysis of 214 studies: noise altered at least one trait in 80% of 177 species

- Published: 2026-11-06 18:50 UTC
- Section: Planet › Ecology & recycling
- Tags: anthropogenic noise, noise pollution, meta-analysis, 177 species, predator-prey interactions, soundscape protection, habitat conservation, selection pressure, fitness decline
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-7b9be4e73a343daf4a8fa600_meta_analysis_of/

**A meta-analysis in Science covering 177 aquatic and terrestrial species found noise-linked declines in fitness and abundance and disrupted predator-prey interactions.**

![Meta-analysis of 214 studies: noise altered at least one trait in 80% of 177 species](https://sgzwpqqelzmajkcubgkl.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/rt-media/2026/11/d94356f6b4496933.jpg)
*Owais Al Qarni, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0*

Researchers published in Science a phylogenetically controlled meta-analysis of 214 experimental studies on anthropogenic noise. The studies covered 177 aquatic and terrestrial species with ranges across six continents [1].

Noise altered at least one physiological, developmental or behavioral trait in 80% of the species studied. The analysis also found declines in fitness and abundance and disruptions of predator-prey interactions [1].

Effects were recorded in every habitat. Response mechanisms differed for some traits and species, which produced winners and losers, the authors report [1].

The authors conclude that noise acts as a new selection pressure on ecosystems and as a widespread stressor, and that soundscape protection is needed alongside habitat conservation. They note that only multispecies analyses can reveal such species- and ecosystem-level impacts [1].

## Sources

1. [Science](https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adu9593)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-7b9be4e73a343daf4a8fa600_meta_analysis_of/