Ecology
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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Atlantic sturgeon were fished almost to extinction − ancient DNA reveals how Chesapeake Bay population changed over centuries
Atlantic sturgeon were fished almost to extinction − ancient DNA reveals how Chesapeake Bay population changed over centuries Sturgeon can be several hundred pounds each. cezars/E+ via Getty Images Sturgeons are one of the oldest groups of fishes. Sporting an armor of five rows of bony, modified scales called dermal scutes and a sharklike tail […]
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