Articles for author: Maria Faith Saligumba

The Fish That Swallows

The Fish That Swallows Prey Larger Than Itself in One Gulp

Imagine being able to eat something twice your size in a single bite—no chewing, no slicing, just one mind-boggling gulp. In the mysterious depths of the world’s oceans and rivers, this isn’t science fiction or the stuff of myth. It’s reality for a handful of extraordinary fish that routinely defy the limits of what seems ...

brown antelope and zebra on field at daytime

The Importance of Genetic Diversity for the Survival of Species

Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species. It encompasses the differences in DNA sequences among individuals, which can lead to variations in traits such as morphology, physiology, and behavior. This diversity is crucial for the survival and adaptability of species in ever-changing environments. The wider the genetic pool within a species, ...

Ġgantija

The Megaliths of Malta Were Built by Stone Age Overachievers

Imagine standing on a sun-drenched Mediterranean island, your shadow stretching across ancient stones that have witnessed more than 5,000 years of history. Malta’s megalithic temples rise from the earth like silent sentinels, mysterious and awe-inspiring. These prehistoric structures are so massive, so intricate, that even today, scientists and visitors alike are left breathless by the ...

Two orcas gracefully swim in the vast blue ocean near Faro, Portugal, showcasing marine beauty.

Studying the Brains of Dolphins and Whales and What We Can Learn About Intelligence

Dolphins and whales, collectively known as cetaceans, have long fascinated scientists and the public alike due to their complex behaviors and apparent intelligence. These marine mammals exhibit a range of sophisticated social interactions, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities that rival, and in some aspects even surpass, those of primates. Understanding the brains of dolphins and ...

school of fish beside coral

The Relationship Between Global Warming and Coral Bleaching

Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea” due to their immense biodiversity. These underwater ecosystems are built by tiny animals called coral polyps, which form symbiotic relationships with algae known as zooxanthellae. The algae are crucial for coral health, providing nutrients through photosynthesis. Coral reefs not only support a wide ...

skeletonizing leaf beetle from Java

The Flesh-Eating Beetles Used to Clean Skeletons in Museums

Imagine stepping behind the velvet ropes of a natural history museum, into a private back room where the secrets of preservation are kept. Here, you won’t find old brushes or harsh chemicals—what you’ll discover is far more alive and astonishing. In rows of glass tanks and plastic boxes, an army of flesh-eating beetles is hard ...

Liquid being transferred to a small vial using a dropper.

The Use of Wildlife Monitoring to Track Health and Disease in Animal Populations

Wildlife monitoring is a vital component in understanding and preserving biodiversity. It involves the systematic observation and recording of animal populations and environmental conditions to assess the health and status of wildlife. With concerns about biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and climate change rising, wildlife monitoring serves as an essential tool for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers ...

The bogs

Ireland’s Bogs Preserve Dead Bodies… and Also Really Weird Spoons

It’s almost impossible to believe, but beneath the misty, windswept surface of Ireland’s bogs lies a hidden world where history sleeps undisturbed—sometimes for thousands of years. These marshy landscapes are more than just wild, hauntingly beautiful places; they are time capsules, holding secrets of ancient lives, deaths, and daily rituals. Imagine a place where human ...

Data being tracked through a monitor.

How AI and Big Data Are Revolutionizing Wildlife Conservation Efforts

In recent years, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data has emerged as a transformative force in wildlife conservation efforts. As our planet faces unprecedented biodiversity loss, with an estimated one million species at risk of extinction, innovative solutions are needed more than ever. AI and big data technologies are providing conservationists with ...