Nature
Forests on land kicked off life in the deep sea
Forests on land kicked off life in the deep sea Forests that evolved on land around 400 million years ago played a crucial role in sparking life in the deep sea, according to new research. The study found that the deep ocean didn’t become permanently oxygenated until about 390 million years ago, much later than […]
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Symbolism of cemetery plants: How flowers, trees and other botanical motifs honor those buried beneath
Symbolism of cemetery plants: How flowers, trees and other botanical motifs honor those buried beneath The use of plants in cemeteries dates back to the early 1800s, when rural cemeteries were developed outside city limits to address overcrowding and pollution issues. Cemetery plants were chosen for their symbolic meanings, such as weeping willow trees representing […]
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An Indigenous approach shows how changing the clocks for daylight saving time runs counter to human nature – and nature itself
An Indigenous approach shows how changing the clocks for daylight saving time runs counter to human nature – and nature itself Daylight saving time (DST) is often debated as to its necessity, but an Indigenous approach highlights how it runs counter to human nature and nature itself. The traditional Western view of DST assumes humans […]
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Giant ground sloths’ fossilized teeth reveal their unique roles in the prehistoric ecosystem
Giant ground sloths’ fossilized teeth reveal their unique roles in the prehistoric ecosystem Giant ground sloths, which lived in what’s now Southern California as far back as 35 million years ago, played vital roles in shaping ecosystems across the Americas before their extinction at the end of the Pleistocene. Researchers analyzed fossilized teeth from two […]
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Why and how does personality emerge? Studying the evolution of individuality using thousands of fruit flies
Why and how does personality emerge? Studying the evolution of individuality using thousands of fruit flies Fruit flies, like all animals, have unique personalities that emerge from their individual experiences and genetic makeup. A study using thousands of fruit flies found that even simple behaviors, such as turning left or right in a maze, can […]
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Natural World Heritage sites under growing threat, but bright spots remain
Natural World Heritage sites under growing threat, but bright spots remain The health of UNESCO World Heritage natural sites is declining due to climate change, invasive species, and lack of funding, affecting 57% of sites with a positive conservation outlook. Climate-related changes are considered “high” or “very high” threats to 43% of heritage sites, including […]
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Flamingos are making a home in Florida again after 100 years – an ecologist explains why they may be returning for good
Flamingos are making a home in Florida again after 100 years – an ecologist explains why they may be returning for good Flamingos have been spotted in Florida again after 100 years, with over 300 birds blown into the state by Hurricane Idalia in 2023. The return of flamingos to Florida may be a sign […]
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Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary: How a technological marvel for trade changed the environment forever
Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary: How a technological marvel for trade changed the environment forever The Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary marks a significant milestone in American history, but its origins were far from tranquil. The canal was built to facilitate trade and commerce between New York City and the Great Lakes heartland, but it came at […]
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3-legged lizards can thrive against all odds, challenging assumptions about how evolution works in the wild
3-legged lizards can thrive against all odds, challenging assumptions about how evolution works in the wild Researchers have discovered that 3-legged lizards can thrive against all odds, challenging assumptions about how evolution works in the wild. A global survey of over 60 colleagues worldwide documented 122 cases of limb loss across 58 lizard species, revealing […]
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How to identify animal tracks, burrows and other signs of wildlife in your neighborhood
How to identify animal tracks, burrows and other signs of wildlife in your neighborhood Identifying animal tracks and signs can be a fun and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts. With practice, you can learn to recognize different species and their habits. Some common signs of wildlife in your neighborhood include paw prints, burrows, holes, and […]
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