Many plant and animal species that originate from warmer regions are able to acclimate to more northern climates as temperatures increase due to climate change. A new study by an international team of researchers has concluded that, as climate change continues, the likelihood of alien plant species from regions nearer to the equator being introduced […]
The Australian lungfish is a river fish native to southeastern Queensland. According to fossil records, the ancestors of this ancient fish appeared about 380 million years ago. As their name suggests, lungfish don’t just breathe with their gills, but also have a lung to supplement oxygen intake during unusual circumstances, such as when there is […]
Animal species that live in cities must be adaptable to survive, including not being too picky about what they eat. Now, a global consortium of scientists has conducted a study and termed the collection of characteristics that go along with learning to have this flexibility “urban trait syndrome.” The study used data from six continents […]
Just in time for World Rhino Day (September 22), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announced that the white rhino population has increased for the first time since 2012. Although the increase is promising, experts warn that poaching still threatens the species. According to the IUCN, the white rhino count at the end […]
Originally introduced to North America in the 1800s, the European starling is a magnificent bird, tawny brown with white spots in winter, shining with iridescent purple and green feathers in summer. Not only are they dazzling, since starlings are also some of the most skilled vocal learners, with the ability to mimic the calls of […]
A new study by an international team of 29 scientists from eight countries provides the third update to the planetary boundaries framework. The update shows how human activities are increasingly impacting our planet, thus augmenting the risk of triggering drastic changes in Earth’s overall conditions. The nine planetary boundaries represent the limits within which humans […]
More than 80 percent of the world is affected by light pollution. Humans have become so accustomed to not seeing stars in the city that, following a blackout caused by a 1984 earthquake in Los Angeles, people reported seeing a “giant silvery cloud,” which was in fact our own Milky Way galaxy showing up in […]
Fungi are like no other species on Earth. They’re not plants or animals, they thrive in damp, dark environments and have an otherworldly feel. And while their unique kingdom is the largest of any on the planet, more than 90 percent remain unidentified. Among mushrooms’ many unique characteristics, they reproduce by glowing in the dark. […]
The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest on the planet. It is home to more animal and plant species than any terrestrial ecosystem, including one-third of the world’s tropical trees. This diverse sanctuary is also one of the last refuges for jaguars, pink river dolphins and harpy eagles, according to WWF. Brazil has an […]