Ecology
Fossils offer clues to animal life millions of years ago
Fossils offer clues to animal life millions of years ago Fossilized bones from animals that lived 1.3 to 3 million years ago have been analyzed for metabolism-related molecules, revealing insights into their health, diets, and environments. The study found warmer and wetter conditions across these environments compared to today, with many metabolites pointing to genes […]
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With wolves absent from most of eastern North America, can coyotes replace them?
With wolves absent from most of eastern North America, can coyotes replace them? Coyotes have expanded their range across eastern North America, potentially filling the ecological role left by wolves that were extirpated from the region. Research found that coyotes and wolves have different diets, with wolves eating more medium-sized herbivores like beavers and nutria, […]
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Wildlife recovery means more than just survival of a species
Wildlife recovery means more than just survival of a species Traditional wildlife conservation policy aims to protect endangered species until they reach a minimum population threshold, but this approach may not be enough to restore ecosystems or cultural connections between humans and animals. The concept of “thrive” in species recovery involves recovering a species’ ecological […]
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Biosphere 2’s latest mission: Learning how life first emerged on Earth – and how to make barren worlds habitable
Biosphere 2’s latest mission: Learning how life first emerged on Earth – and how to make barren worlds habitable Biosphere 2, a research facility near Tucson, Arizona, is now being used to study how life transforms landscapes and makes barren worlds habitable. The facility’s Landscape Evolution Observatory is an ideal location for studying primary succession, […]
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Moose have lived in Colorado for centuries – unpacking the evidence from history, archaeology and oral traditions
Moose have lived in Colorado for centuries – unpacking the evidence from history, archaeology and oral traditions Moose have been living in Colorado for centuries, contrary to previous assumptions that they were only occasional visitors. A recent study found that moose and elk are altering valley ecosystems by reducing willow plants, which deprives beavers of […]
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This tropical plant builds isolated ‘apartments’ to prevent battles among the aggressive ant tenants it relies on for survival
This tropical plant builds isolated ‘apartments’ to prevent battles among the aggressive ant tenants it relies on for survival Researchers have discovered that certain tropical plants, such as Squamellaria, build isolated “apartments” to prevent battles among aggressive ant tenants that rely on them for survival. The plants’ unique structure, called a domatium, is divided into […]
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The rise and fall – and rise again – of white-tailed deer
The rise and fall – and rise again – of white-tailed deer White-tailed deer were nearly extinct in North America by the early 20th century, with only 300,000 individuals remaining, but their population has since rebounded to around 30-35 million. The species’ decline was largely due to European colonization and the introduction of a trans-Atlantic […]
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Humans are one of the biggest threats to lions
Humans are one of the biggest threats to lions Humans are one of the biggest threats to lions, responsible for an average of 22 lion fatalities per year in areas around Etosha National Park. The study found that there was no single reason behind the killings, but rather a combination of environmental, cultural, and climatic […]
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Billions of cicadas are emerging, from Cape Cod to north Georgia – here’s how and why we map them
Billions of cicadas are emerging, from Cape Cod to north Georgia – here’s how and why we map them Billions of cicadas from Brood XIV are emerging across 12 states in May and June 2025, creating a loud and noisy spectacle as they mate and lay eggs. The emergence of these cicadas is part of […]
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50 years later, Vietnam’s environment still bears the scars of war – and signals a dark future for Gaza and Ukraine
50 years later, Vietnam’s environment still bears the scars of war – and signals a dark future for Gaza and Ukraine The Vietnam War had devastating environmental consequences, including widespread deforestation, pollution, and contamination of soil and water. The US government initially denied responsibility for Agent Orange cleanup, but eventually agreed to remediate contaminated sites […]
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