Articles for category: Ecology

Annette Uy

Sharks Are Adapting to Survival by having Virgin Births in Italian Aquariums

The Oldest Animal Lineages That Have Barely Changed Over Millions of Years

In the vast tapestry of life on Earth, some threads have remained remarkably unchanged for millions of years. These ancient creatures, often referred to as “living fossils,” have survived mass extinctions and drastic environmental shifts, maintaining their original forms while other species around them have evolved or vanished. Their stories are not just tales of ...

A model demonstrating human evolution.

When Evolution Runs in Reverse: Why Some Animals Are Re-Evolving Lost Traits

The concept of evolution often conjures images of forward momentum, where species continuously adapt to thrive in their environments. However, nature sometimes takes an unexpected turn, with some animals re-evolving traits that were once lost. This intriguing phenomenon challenges our understanding of evolutionary dynamics and highlights the complexity of natural selection. By exploring specific examples ...

Trizzy Orozco

Crossing along a river in Yellowstone National Park

Could a Supervolcano in the U.S. Cause a Mass Extinction? The Truth About Yellowstone

Nestled beneath the picturesque landscape of Yellowstone National Park lies one of nature’s most formidable forces—a supervolcano. The mere mention of Yellowstone’s supervolcano can send shivers down one’s spine, conjuring apocalyptic visions of fiery eruptions and darkened skies. But how much of this is rooted in reality, and could it really trigger a mass extinction? ...

Trizzy Orozco

Mycelium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with false color.

How Plants Secretly Communicate Through Underground Fungal Networks

Beneath our feet lies a bustling communication network, more intricate than any human-made system. This network, often called the “Wood Wide Web,” connects plants through miles of underground fungal threads. It’s a world that remains hidden from the naked eye yet plays a crucial role in the survival and thriving of plant ecosystems. The concept ...

Mangrove Tree

How Mangroves Protect Coastlines and Store More Carbon Than Rainforests

Mangroves are nature’s unsung heroes, quietly performing vital ecological roles that many of us overlook. Nestled between land and sea, these unique ecosystems are crucial for both coastal protection and carbon storage. Unlike the towering rainforests that capture our imaginations, mangroves remain modest in their appearance yet mighty in their impact. They have evolved to ...