Articles for category: Ecology

Forest of old black walnut trees

The Tree That Poisons Its Neighbors to Steal the Sun

Maria Faith Saligumba

Imagine walking through a lush forest, where the sunlight dances through the leaves, painting golden patches on the earth below. But look closer—beneath the towering branches, a silent war is raging. One tree, seemingly regal and serene, is secretly plotting against its neighbors. It releases invisible toxins, sabotaging those who dare grow too close, all ...

donkey grazing

Why Donkeys Deserve More Respect: Celebrating World Donkey Day With Science

Trizzy Orozco

It’s easy to overlook the quiet, unassuming donkey—until you realize just how much these remarkable animals have shaped human history. For centuries, donkeys have carried more than just burdens; they’ve borne the weight of entire civilizations on their sturdy backs. Yet, despite their importance, donkeys are often dismissed as stubborn or simple-minded. On World Donkey ...

Tranquil lush exotic rainforest located near calm shallow pond under blue sky on clear day

How the Health of Wild Species Reflects the Health of Ecosystems

Annette Uy

Ecosystems are complex networks of living organisms and their physical environments, intricately linked through the exchange of energy and nutrients. They can range from expansive rainforests to small ponds, each playing a crucial role in sustaining the planet’s biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms within an ecosystem. Each species, whether ...

The Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico Is One of the Brightest on Earth

The Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico Is One of the Brightest on Earth

Maria Faith Saligumba

Imagine standing at the edge of a moonless shoreline, your toes sinking into warm sand, and suddenly the water before you erupts in a dazzling blue-green glow. Each movement—whether a paddle’s stroke, a fish’s dart, or your own hand swirling through the dark—sends shimmering light rippling across the bay. To witness this living light show ...

The Oregon Cave That Breathes — Yes, It Has Lungs

Annette Uy

Imagine walking into a cave so alive that you can feel it inhale and exhale, as if it’s sharing the same breath as you. Deep in the forests of southern Oregon, this isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a real phenomenon that leaves scientists and adventurers awestruck. The Oregon Caves, often called the “breathing cave,” has captured ...

Elephant in the middle of a forest.

The Connection Between Deforestation and the Loss of Wildlife Habitat

Trizzy Orozco

Deforestation is a phenomenon that has garnered increasing attention as awareness about environmental issues has grown. Central to the concern about deforestation is its profound impact on wildlife habitats. Forests are home to a significant percentage of the planet’s biodiversity, and their destruction poses a serious threat to countless species of plants and animals. This ...

When Ecosystems Collapse: The Tipping Point You Can’t See Coming

When Ecosystems Collapse: The Tipping Point You Can’t See Coming

Annette Uy

Imagine waking up to a world that looks familiar, yet something feels eerily off: forests grow silent, rivers run murky, and the air seems heavier. It’s not a scene from a dystopian novel, but a reality that’s closer than we’d like to believe. Ecosystems—those complex webs that support every living thing—are far more delicate than ...