Biodiversity
Higher temps may put monarch butterflies at risk
Higher temps may put monarch butterflies at risk Higher temperatures may increase the vulnerability of monarch butterflies to parasites, such as Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, which can cause smaller wingspans, lower weight, and shorter lifespans. The study found that monarchs exposed to elevated temperatures were 22% less tolerant of infection, meaning they were more susceptible to parasite […]
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‘Supergene’ helps butterflies mimic wing patterns to stay safe
‘Supergene’ helps butterflies mimic wing patterns to stay safe Researchers have discovered how a single genetic switch, called doublesex, helps butterflies mimic wing patterns to protect themselves from predators. The study found that this supergene, which controls complex traits like color patterns and mating behaviors, gained its ability to control wing patterns by becoming linked […]
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New species are being discovered faster than ever before
New species are being discovered faster than ever before New species are being discovered at an unprecedented rate, with over 16,000 new species identified each year, according to a recent study. The study analyzed taxonomic histories of roughly 2 million species and found that scientists are discovering species quicker than ever before, contradicting the idea […]
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From record warming to rusting rivers, 2025 Arctic Report Card shows a region transforming faster than expected
From record warming to rusting rivers, 2025 Arctic Report Card shows a region transforming faster than expected The Arctic is transforming faster than expected, with record warming, rusting rivers, and wildfires becoming more frequent. The region is experiencing a dramatic shortening of the snow season, sea ice is thinning and melting earlier, and wildfire seasons […]
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Extinction rates have actually slowed down
Extinction rates have actually slowed down Contrary to previous studies, extinction rates have actually slowed down over the past 100 years, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. The study, led by Kristen Saban and John Wiens, analyzed data from almost 2 million species that went extinct […]
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Central Brazil Cerrado
Central Brazil Cerrado The Serra de Caldas, also known as the Caldas Novas dome or Caldas Ridge, is a monolithic oval-shaped plateau located in central Brazil’s state of Goiás. The plateau stands approximately 300 meters above the surrounding landscape and covers an area of about one-fifth of Brazil’s land area. The Serra de Caldas is […]
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Ancient fossils show how the last mass extinction forever scrambled the ocean’s biodiversity
Ancient fossils show how the last mass extinction forever scrambled the ocean’s biodiversity Mass extinctions can have a profound impact on ocean biodiversity, as evidenced by the last mass extinction event that occurred 66 million years ago. The asteroid impact that caused this extinction event led to the loss of around 70% of species, including […]
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Beyond de-extinction and dire wolves, gene editing can help today’s endangered species
Beyond de-extinction and dire wolves, gene editing can help today’s endangered species Gene editing can help today’s endangered species by providing solutions to conservation problems, such as disease resistance and genetic diversity. The use of gene editing for conservation purposes raises legal and definitional challenges, particularly under the Endangered Species Act, which requires a clear […]
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Few bird species can escape climate change
Few bird species can escape climate change A new study finds that few bird species can escape the effects of climate change due to their inability to relocate quickly enough or far enough. The study analyzed data on the movements of 406 North American bird species and found that, on average, birds relocated between 40-50 […]
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The right city park design can support both people and wildlife
The right city park design can support both people and wildlife Urban parks can support both people and wildlife if designed thoughtfully, according to a new study by University of Florida scientists. The study found that the size of the green space is a strong predictor of both human utility and biodiversity, highlighting the need […]
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