Articles for category: Ecology

The Fungus That Turns Ants Into Zombie Soldiers for Its Own Survival

The Fungus That Turns Ants Into Zombie Soldiers for Its Own Survival

Annette Uy

Imagine a world where a tiny organism can control the mind of a creature many times its size. This isn’t science fiction; it’s a startling reality in the rainforests of the world. The culprit? A sinister fungus that turns ants into mindless, zombified soldiers. This fascinating yet eerie phenomenon has intrigued scientists and nature enthusiasts ...

Levee road near the Rio Grande, Rincon, NM.

Can These Levees Hold? The Aging Flood Defenses Along the Rio Grande, El Paso

Trizzy Orozco

Flooding is one of nature’s most powerful forces, capable of reshaping landscapes and impacting lives in profound ways. Along the Rio Grande in El Paso, the question on many minds is whether the aging levees can withstand the test of time and nature. These structures, designed to protect communities from devastating floods, are now facing ...

When Fire Met Jungle: How Volcanic Eruptions May Have Shaped Ancient Civilizations

When Fire Met Jungle: How Volcanic Eruptions May Have Shaped Ancient Civilizations

Annette Uy

In the awe-inspiring theater of nature, few phenomena are as dramatic and transformative as volcanic eruptions. Imagine the earth roaring to life, spewing molten lava, ash, and gases into the sky. Now, picture this fiery spectacle occurring amidst lush, verdant jungles. What happens when fire meets jungle? The answer might be more profound than you ...

A fisherman casts a net in shallow mangrove waters, showcasing traditional fishing methods.

How Mangroves Drink Saltwater and Still Thrive

Maria Faith Saligumba

Picture this: you’re standing at the edge of a tropical coastline where the ocean meets the land, and there before you grows a forest that shouldn’t exist. These trees are literally drinking seawater – something that would kill most plants in hours – yet they’re thriving, growing tall, and creating one of Earth’s most productive ...

Lava Tube Cave, Washington.

The Lava Tubes of the Pacific Northwest: Hidden Worlds Beneath Our Feet

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine a world beneath your feet, hidden in darkness, where ancient rivers of molten rock once flowed. The Pacific Northwest, known for its lush forests and towering mountains, holds secrets beneath its surface that are just as captivating. These secrets are the lava tubes—hidden worlds formed by volcanic activity, offering a glimpse into the fiery ...