Articles for category: Animal Behavior, Ecology, Human–Animal Dynamics

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute: Guardians of Global Biodiversity

From Menageries to Conservation Hubs: The Evolution of Zoos

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine walking into a Victorian nobleman’s private garden, where exotic animals paced behind ornate iron bars for the entertainment of wealthy guests. Now picture yourself in a modern zoo, watching endangered rhinos graze in a carefully crafted habitat designed to mirror their African homeland, while researchers collect data that could save their species from extinction. ...

a forest filled with lots of tall trees

Nature’s Freeloaders: What Commensalism Really Looks Like in the Wild

Maria Faith Saligumba

Imagine sneaking into your neighbor’s house every day, eating their food, using their utilities, and sleeping on their couch—all while they remain completely oblivious to your presence. You’re not harming them, but you’re definitely getting a sweet deal out of the arrangement. This scenario might sound like the plot of a quirky comedy, but it’s ...

Ants and Human Inspiration

Tiny Crawlers and Big Roarers: A Nature Tour for Curious Young Minds

Trizzy Orozco

Every morning, as the sun rises, a spectacular performance begins in forests, grasslands, and even your backyard. Millions of tiny creatures scurry through fallen leaves, while somewhere in the distance, the thunderous roar of a lion echoes across the savanna. From the smallest beetle measuring less than a millimeter to the mightiest elephant weighing several ...

The Power of Citizen Science

5 Times Citizen Scientists Made Major Contributions to Science

Trizzy Orozco

Picture this: you’re sitting in your backyard, casually observing birds, when suddenly you notice something unusual. Maybe it’s a migration pattern that doesn’t quite match what you’ve read about, or perhaps a species showing up where it shouldn’t be. What if I told you that observation could lead to a groundbreaking scientific discovery? This isn’t ...

7 U.S. Beaches Where Horseshoe Crabs Still Spawn by the Moon

7 U.S. Beaches Where Horseshoe Crabs Still Spawn by the Moon

Gargi Chakravorty

Picture yourself walking along a moonlit beach in late spring when something extraordinary unfolds before your eyes. Thousands of ancient creatures emerge from the depths, following a ritual that has remained unchanged for nearly half a billion years. These remarkable horseshoe crabs are called “living fossils” because they have retained many ancient characteristics over approximately ...

12 State Programs That Quietly Saved Endangered Species

12 State Programs That Quietly Saved Endangered Species

Gargi Chakravorty

While federal conservation programs often grab the headlines, some of the most remarkable wildlife recoveries in America have happened through innovative state-led initiatives. These programs, operating far from the national spotlight, have quietly pulled numerous species back from the brink of extinction using creative funding mechanisms, groundbreaking partnerships, and locally tailored conservation strategies. From the ...

10 U.S. Glaciers Retreating Fast - And 5 That Stabilized

10 U.S. Glaciers Retreating Fast – And 5 That Stabilized

Gargi Chakravorty

The mountains across America tell a chilling story. Once mighty glaciers that carved valleys and sustained rivers for thousands of years are vanishing at an alarming rate. Scientists document roughly two-thirds of the world’s glaciers disappearing by the end of this century if current warming trends persist. Yet some frozen giants defy expectations. While most ...

The Nazca Lines: Messages from the Past

How Old Is Human Civilization Really? The Debate Over Ancient Structures Older Than the Pyramids

Trizzy Orozco

The quest to understand the true age of human civilization has intrigued scholars, archaeologists, and enthusiasts for decades. The Pyramids of Giza, standing tall for thousands of years, have long been considered some of the oldest man-made structures. However, recent discoveries have sparked heated debates about structures that might predate these iconic monuments. The discussion ...

Voices from the Field: Rangers, Scientists, and Locals

Breaking the Lab Ceiling: How Women of Color Are Transforming Science

Trizzy Orozco

In laboratories across the globe, a quiet revolution is reshaping the future of scientific discovery. While news headlines often focus on breakthrough technologies and Nobel Prize winners, a more profound transformation is happening beneath the surface. Women of color are breaking through centuries-old barriers, bringing fresh perspectives to research that’s solving humanity’s greatest challenges. From ...