Articles for category: Ecology, Marine Biology

great white shark

Sharks are Not Immune to Disease

Sharks have long been surrounded by myths that paint them as invincible creatures. Supposedly impervious to the challenges that plague other species. One such misconception is the belief that sharks are immune to disease. While it’s true that they have impressive immune system, the reality is more nuanced. Sharks (like all living organisms) can fall ...

A fossilized coelacanth

What Ancient Marine Fossils Tell Us About Ocean Life

Anna Lee

Exploring ancient marine fossils offers a window into the distant past, revealing valuable information about ocean life that existed millions of years ago. These fossils provide insights into how marine ecosystems evolved over time, responding to environmental changes and cataclysmic events. Understanding these shifts adds depth to our knowledge of current ocean life and can ...

Southern Quahog

Why Rhode Island’s Quahogs Have More Personality Than You’d Expect

Have you ever looked at a pile of clams and wondered if they’re hiding secrets beneath their shells? In the briny waters of Rhode Island, the humble quahog—yes, that thick-shelled clam beloved in chowder—has a story that’s rich with surprises. These seemingly silent creatures are bursting with quirks, unexpected behaviors, and a resilience that puts ...

14 Things Found Inside Sharks Caught Off the Coast of Florida This Year

14 Things Found Inside Sharks Caught Off the Coast of Florida This Year

Sameen David

There is something both thrilling and unsettling about looking inside a shark’s stomach. Every time marine biologists cut one open, it is like opening a time capsule of our oceans: what the shark has been hunting, what humans have been throwing away, and how our worlds collide without us even noticing. Off the coast of ...

Blue Ring Octopus

This Tiny Marine Creature Has the Most Powerful Toxin Known to Science

Imagine swimming in crystal-clear tropical waters, marveling at the vibrant marine life swirling around you. Suddenly, hidden among the coral and sand, a small, beautifully patterned creature catches your eye. It looks harmless—almost enchanting. Yet, this tiny animal is armed with a toxin so potent that it surpasses every other venom known to science. The ...

Ventral view of Octopus showing its arms.

The Surprising Intelligence of Octopi

When you think of the smartest animals, dolphins, chimpanzees, and even crows probably top the list. But lurking in the depths of the ocean is a creature whose intelligence might just blow your mind: the octopus. With their alien-like appearance and mysterious behaviors, octopuses are far more than just sea creatures; they are brilliant, problem-solving, ...