Mouthbrooding,Jaw,Fish,With,Eggs,In,Its,Mouth,,Indonesia

<p>Mouthbrooding refers to the parenting strategy in which the adult keeps their eggs or young offspring in their mouth! Also called oral or buccal incubation, this approach to parenting may have you raising an eyebrow. </p>



<p>But let’s let go of our attachments to mammalian wombs and childsafe cribs (at least for the length of this article) and consider that the mouth could offer a safe cozy spot for some species. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-mouthbrooding">What is Mouthbrooding?</h2>



<p>Mouthbrooding is a fascinating life history strategy, but it makes a lot of sense. Many fish and amphibians lay hundreds of eggs in very vulnerable places. Mouthbrooders reduce that risk dramatically. By housing their eggs and fry (juveniles) in their mouths, very few are predated. </p>



<p>Among these different species, there are a couple of different types of mouthbrooding behaviors: maternal and paternal mouthbrooding. We’ll dive into both of these more with our review of sexual selection.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/shutterstock_305243708.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1904127"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">African cichlid. Photo from <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/ET1972">ArtEvent ET</a> on <a href="http://shutterstock.com">Shutterstock</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paternal-vs-maternal-mouthbrooding-animals">Paternal vs. Maternal Mouthbrooding Animals</h3>



<p>Depending on the species, sometimes the mouthbrooder is the female (maternal mouthbrooding) and sometimes the male (paternal mouthbrooding). For maternal mouthbrooding fish, the female will lay the eggs, scoop them up in her mouth, then the male will fertilize them. On the other hand, in species with paternal mouthbrooding, spawning happens before the male houses the fertilized eggs.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sexual-selection">Sexual Selection</h4>



<p>Interestingly, these differences have brought to light some fascinating trends about sexual selection. Sexual selection is the theory that certain traits give an individual a greater advantage in winning a mate. </p>



<p>For example in the avian world, the more beautifully colored males with the most charming songs win the attention of the females. For mouthbrooding animals, the mate that extends parental care (i.e. provides the mouth for brooding), is the subject of intense competition by the other mate. </p>



<p>For example, in cichlid fish, the females are usually the mouthbrooders. Therefore, the males intensely compete with one another for mates. For the <a href="http://www.mit.edu/~lxs/cichlids/breeding.html">African cichlid</a>, the male will first dig out a nest in the substrate, then perform a dance to attract the female into the den.  It’s the reverse for cardinalfish, in which the males are the mouthbrooders. </p>



<p>In that case, the females compete with one another for their mates. The reason for this competition has to do with time and energy. In both paternal and maternal mouthbrooding fish, the parent that doesn’t mouthbrood has a higher reproductive rate than a clutch of eggs can hatch. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-mouthbrooding-animals">Types of Mouthbrooding Animals</h3>



<p>While there are a few mouthbrooding frogs, the behavior is actually more typical in fish. In fact, this strange form of parental care is found in nine different families of fish. Examples of this uncommon parenting strategy have shown up independently throughout the animal kingdom. Here are a bit more details on these fascinating animals that evolved to incubate their young in the parent’s mouths.&nbsp;</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-darwin-s-frogs">Darwin’s Frogs</h4>



<p>Just three species of pointy-nosed frogs make up the family <em>Rhinotermitidae</em>. Also known as Darwin’s frogs, these amphibians hop around the forests of Chile and Argentina. All three species display paternal mouthbrooding. After the female lays her eggs, the male cares for them in his mouth. </p>



<p>The wiggling larvae force the male to swallow the eggs. They then complete their metamorphosis in his vocal sac, only to emerge from his mouth as fully developed frogs. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/shutterstock_639016705.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1904129"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The chocolate gourami is a mouthbrooding fish. Photo from <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Chonlasubworavichan">chonlasub woravichan</a> on <a href="http://shutterstock.com/">Shutterstock</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mouthbrooding-fish">Mouthbrooding Fish</h4>



<p>There are nine families that each include at least one mouthbrooding species of fish. For some families, all the species evolved to be mouthbrooders, while in others, just a single species developed the trait. Coincidentally, many of these species are popular freshwater aquarium fish.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Fish Family</strong></td><td><strong>Mouthbrooding Type?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Cichlids (Cichlidae)</td><td>Many maternal, some paternal</td></tr><tr><td>Cardinalfish (Apogonidae)</td><td>All paternal</td></tr><tr><td>Sea Catfish (Ariidae)</td><td>All paternal</td></tr><tr><td>Bagrid Catfish (Bagridae)</td><td>One biparental species</td></tr><tr><td>Snakeheads (Channidae)</td><td>Some paternal&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Snailfish (Liparidae)</td><td>At least one paternal species</td></tr><tr><td>Jawfish (Opistognathidae)</td><td>All paternal</td></tr><tr><td>Gouramis (Osphronemidae)</td><td>Mostly paternal with few maternal</td></tr><tr><td>Arowanas (Osteoglossidae)</td><td>Some paternal</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-to-mouthbrooders">Challenges to Mouthbrooders</h2>



<p>When your mouth is full of eggs, other, more typical mouth functions become more difficult. With limited space in the buccal cavity, mouthbrooding fish typically don’t eat while they have eggs in their mouths. </p>



<p>Depending on the species, it can be one to two weeks before the eggs hatch. That’s quite a long time to fast! So these parents face quite the evolutionary trade-off: sacrifice significant amounts of energy to give the young a safe place to hatch.</p>



<p>While the primary goal of mouthbrooding is to protect the young, there’s a chance that a few might be swallowed. In the case of unfertilized eggs, the mouthbrooding female might intentionally swallow them. </p>



<p>But some species of cardinalfish have been documented to even eat some of the fertilized offspring. It’s unclear whether this act of <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/685303">cannibalism</a> is completely accidental or they’re just desperate for a snack. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brood-parasitism">Brood Parasitism</h3>



<p>Another very brutal risk to mouthbrooders is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brood-parasitism-animal-kingdom/">brood parasites</a>. A common phenomenon in birds, a mother will lay her eggs in another bird’s nest to avoid taxing parental care. This happens to mouthbrooding fish as well! </p>



<p>For example, the mochokid catfish will trick a neighboring, mouthbrooding cichlid into including its eggs in its brood. Unfortunately for the cichlids, the catfish eggs hatch first, and the young fry feed on the yolk of the remaining eggs. </p>



<p>The animal kingdom is full of stories of animals going to impressive lengths to protect their young. While a bit strange, mouthbrooding is not different.&nbsp;</p>



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Mouthbrooding: Everything You Didn’t Want to Know

Mouthbrooding refers to the parenting strategy in which the adult...

Deep-sea,Stingray

<p>70% of the world's surface is the ocean - and much to the horror of humans through the millennia, scary sea monsters are actually a real thing. They prowl the vast waters of our globe and emerge with terrifying results in stories - and real life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>From the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, from the North to the coast of New Zealand, there are fascinating sea creatures that strike fear into the hearts of the bravest explorers and threaten the most unsuspecting coastal tourist. At the same time, these scariest sea animals are wonderful, enchanting, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-vents-are-favorable-to-the-formation-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">living examples of evolution</a>, adaptive behaviors, and thrilling possibilities within nature.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Perhaps that's why they play such a massive role in our collective imaginations as well: the Kraken of Nordic sea lore, the loch ness monster of Scotland, the Lukwata sea monster of Uganda. The list of fables, legends, and sea shanties is as deep as the deep-sea waters where some monstrous animals swim. Science is just beginning to catch up and we can look to organizations like NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) and others for emerging information on the truth behind the scary stories.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So let's dive in: today we'll look at the ecosystem of the ocean - the playground and habitat of an estimated one million animal species - and rip through some flash-points of the scariest swimming creatures among the masses. We'll also look at the ways in which the changing, warming oceans make even the most fearsome creatures vulnerable to disturbance and possible extinction. Scary stories abound!&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-an-ecosystem-of-monstrous-proportions"><strong>An Ecosystem Of Monstrous Proportions</strong></h2>



<p>When you think about it, the ocean itself is a bit of a monster - a living, breathing system of giant proportions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, most life on earth is aquatic. Less than 5% of the oceans have been explored. The longest Mountain range is underwater. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://kealakai.byuh.edu/twenty-fun-facts-about-the-ocean" target="_blank">70% of the world's oxygen</a> - a fiendish amount - is produced by the ocean. The pressure on the seafloor will crush you. 90% of the Earth's volcanic activity happens in the ocean and the <a href="https://earth.google.com/web/@-18.57813014,147.57013641,-41.94434357a,0d,60y,201.23400896h,83.69613794t,0r/data=ClUaUxJNCiUweDZiZGYxNDQ2ODIyYzcxM2I6MHgxOTJhNTc0MTM2ODMzY2RhGXLEtTV9STLAITRUe8dfdmJAKhJHcmVhdCBCYXJyaWVyIFJlZWYYASABIjAKLEFGMVFpcE5ZdE5CTzd6bi01bGxXVzNEbGxTbGtxRHAxS0FTaGM4Q1JvZWR2EAU">great barrier reef</a> of Australia is so massive it can be seen from the moon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The stats continue on in epic, sublime ways: the largest blue whale on record is as long as an 11-story building. The rounded sound ever recorded was of an iceberg falling into the ocean - and could be <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://kealakai.byuh.edu/twenty-fun-facts-about-the-ocean" target="_blank">heard 3,000 miles away.</a> The ocean exists as a living fossil of itself, providing important clues and records of sea animals what has occurred on planet earth. It contains limitless secrets for us to slowly piece together, like a salty sea foam puzzle.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_1137771782.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1900841"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/posteriori">posteriori</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-some-specific-scary-sea-monsters"><strong>Some Specific Scary Sea Monsters</strong></h2>



<p>There are plenty of secrets of the monstrous seven seas that we have yet to understand. But there are plenty of real-life sightings to send a shiver-of-a-jellyfish sting up your spine.&nbsp; The depths of the ocean are where mysticism meets horror movies - and the surface is by no means safe, either.&nbsp; Read on for a thoroughly-inconclusive list.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-box-jellyfish"><strong>Box Jellyfish&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>Box Jelly is especially scary because to encounter a box tentacle is usually a death sentence for a human being. Named for their shape, they are considered the <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/box-jellyfish.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most venomous animal</a> in the ocean according to NOAA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their tentacles are loaded with poison darts known as nematocysts. People and animals that encounter these booby-trap-laden strings can become paralyzed, have heart failure, and die within minutes. There are 50 or so species of box jellyfish, and only a couple have the venom count to kill people. Those species are found in the Ind-Pacific region and Australia. Terrifyingly, they do not live in deep water but are a coastal species.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_68332459.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1900842"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/lienkie">Daleen Loest</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h4 id="h-is-it-actually-dangerous"><strong>Is It Actually Dangerous?</strong></h4>



<p>Yes - box jellyfish live up to the hype. We often do not live up to their tentacles. Avoid these sea creatures at all costs.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-frilled-shark"><strong>Frilled Shark</strong></h3>



<p>The frilled shark is what many scientists consider a "living fossil" with its strange lizard-like head, ruffled throat, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/ecology/deepsea-frilled_shark.htm" target="_blank">long body, and tiny fins.</a> It definitely looks a lot like how a "sea serpent" of folklore is described. While it doesn't exactly add validity to stories like the Loch Ness monster or the Midgard serpent, it does have an "enchanting beast" quality to its appearance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Frilled sharks rarely swim up to surface waters. Instead, they are a species of shark that moves through various life cycles in the area of the ocean known <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/ecology/deepsea-frilled_shark.htm" target="_blank">as the "twilight zone". </a>Want to take a look at another "living fossil" of the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/everything-youve-wanted-to-know-about-deep-sea-fishing/" target="_blank">deep sea</a> with an unnerving smile? Check out the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/3877998" target="_blank">Goblin Shark.</a>&nbsp;</p>



<h4 id="h-is-it-actually-dangerous-1"><strong>Is It Actually Dangerous?</strong></h4>



<p>No - these sea monsters just look scary. They are active predators but pose no threat to humans.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_134776526.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1900858"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/demarfa">Natursports</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-fangtooth-fish"><strong>Fangtooth Fish</strong></h3>



<p>Fangtooths have a look that will haunt your dreams - and will continue to inspire the art-imitates-life-forms of various installations and horror films. It has <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/5-strangest-deep-sea-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">razor-sharp teeth of terrifying lengths</a> - perfect for catching prey such as fish and crustaceans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are deep-sea swimmers along with Anglerfish. Their habitat ranges in tropical and temperate seas <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/animals-a-to-z/fangtooth" target="_blank">at 1,640 to 6,561 feet deep.</a></p>



<h4 id="h-is-it-actually-dangerous-2"><strong>Is It Actually Dangerous?</strong></h4>



<p>No - these fangtooths live so deep, they pose no threat to us - just the other animals that they feast and hunt for.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-viperfish"><strong>Viperfish&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>Another fish with an appearance that can absolutely give you nightmares is the viperfish. It's a broad title for any species of marine fish in the genus Chauliodus. These species are characterized by needle-like teeth and hinged jaws that will remind you of an underbite.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These are also deep-sea swimmers. Similar to other species living in the dark depths of the ocean, they lure in their prey with <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://academic.oup.com/sysbio/article-abstract/1/3/113/1696037" target="_blank">light-producing organs called photophores.</a></p>



<h4 id="h-is-it-actually-dangerous-3"><strong>Is It Actually Dangerous?</strong></h4>



<p>Nope - again, these fish swim so deep that they pose no risk to us.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Giant_squid-1-1024x921.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1900860"/><figcaption>Specimen of giant squid nicknamed&nbsp;<em>Wheke</em>&nbsp;plastinated&nbsp;from 2005 and displayed on 26&nbsp;March 2008 in the&nbsp;Grande galerie de l'Évolution&nbsp;of the&nbsp;muséum national d'histoire naturelle&nbsp;in Paris. Photo via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_Natural_History,_France#/media/File:Giant_squid.jpg">Wikipedia.org</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-giant-squid"><strong>Giant Squid</strong></h3>



<p>Indeed, the giant squid is much more than a fictionalized creature in the lake on the Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry grounds. The giant squid is a real-life animal and the second-largest mollusc we know of in Earth's history. It is an excellent example of deep-sea gigantism, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://daily.jstor.org/why-deep-sea-creatures-get-weirdly-giant/" target="_blank">a phenomenon and zoology term</a> that describes species of animals that are significantly larger than their shallow-water cousins.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Why is this? <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/3838549?mag=why-deep-sea-creatures-get-weirdly-giant&amp;seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McLain et al.</a> propose that "limited resources [in deep water] select for larger body sizes that can better withstand periods of famine or ability to cover larger distances in search of scarce prey."&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2019, a giant squid sighting was documented <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/21/science/giant-squid-cephalopod-video.html" target="_blank">on video near the Gulf of Mexico</a>, reigniting the public's fear and fascination. In this instance, the squid was only a juvenile but was still an estimated 10 feet long.&nbsp;</p>



<h4 id="h-is-it-actually-dangerous-4"><strong>Is It Actually Dangerous?</strong></h4>



<p><a href="https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/science/colossal-squid/difference-colossal-squid-giant-squid-octopus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Squid and octopus</a> (giant, or otherwise) are formidable fighters. While they do not typically attack humans, they are well equipped to defend themselves if they feel threatened.</p>



<h3 id="h-vampire-squid"><strong>Vampire Squid</strong></h3>



<p>A name worthy of a horror movie in and of itself, the vampire squid is indeed a real-life thing - - a sea creature that is actually quite small with an intriguing appearance. It's scientific name&nbsp; is Vampyroteuthis infernalis. It lives in tropical and temperate waters in areas identified by "extreme deep-sea conditions". It is the only known survivor of the order Vampyromorphida and is a species that produces bioluminescence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The arms of this squid will <a href="http://www.thecephalopodpage.org/vsfh.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regenerate if bitten or ripped off.</a> Often, the discarded limbs then act as a diversion for the vampire squid to escape. It's a defense mechanism that is equal parts scary and amazing.&nbsp;</p>



<h4 id="h-is-it-actually-dangerous-5"><strong>Is It Actually Dangerous?</strong></h4>



<p>According to NOAA, vampire squids are not even slightly dangerous to humans - they simply live too deep for us to encounter them.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_390021130.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1900862"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Martin+P">Martin Prochazkacz</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-great-white-shark"><strong>Great White Shark&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>One of Finding Nemo's charming villains with a soft side, the Great white shark is no stranger to our psyches. Horror stories, films, and encounters abound.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These monsters are a species of large mackerel shark found in the coastal waters of all major oceans. It's only predator in the wild is, occasionally, the killer whale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While scientists explain that humans are not the "<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20090426174140/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/01/0123_040123_tvgreatwhiteshark.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preferred prey</a>" of the great white shark - it's just that these creatures are curious, and are willing to take a taste test. Not a comforting thought for surfers and swimmers, to say the least.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Similar to the drama around bears, lions, and tigers on land, the idea of a shark attack ends up being much bigger, culturally, than the actual risk. For example, there were <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/yearly-worldwide-summary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8 reported shark attacks in 2021</a>. For some context, over 40% of the world's human population lives in coastal areas. These attacks are exceedingly rare.&nbsp;</p>



<h4 id="h-is-it-actually-dangerous-6"><strong>Is It Actually Dangerous?</strong></h4>



<p>Even if these attacks are more rare than we might realize, there's no doubt about it. Great white sharks are dangerous animals.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-protecting-our-sea-monsters"><strong>Protecting Our Sea Monsters&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Of course, the scariest story of all the scariest sea monster stories are the monstrous implications of human impact on our oceans, coastlines, and fragile marine ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition to warming water and unknown impacts on deep sea migration and global currents impacting weather, there are the immediate crises that our societies must address.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/beach-dangers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contaminated water</a> from oil rigs, untreated sewage, boats, pets, broken septic systems, and fertilizers accumulate in the ocean. People become outraged when their favorite swimming beach is closed due to dangerous contamination - and yet, the companies and public industry responsibility is rarely held accountable or reformed in a sustainable way.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The same goes for the terrifying amounts of plastic in our oceans, in the bodies of the animals that live there, and of course, <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/beach-dangers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in our own systems.&nbsp;</a></p>



<p>And of course, there is a lot of conversation about the fishing industry - much overdue - and the ways in which extractive and exploitative fishing methods ravage the populations of tasty fish, <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral-overfishing.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and demolish additional species</a> habitats and behaviors in the process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scary sea creatures are impacted by all of this of course - along with the more beloved marine-dependent creatures that whole throngs of people identify with - like sea turtles, dolphins, lobsters and other crustaceans, Giant Isopods, crocodiles, and oh so many species of birds. There is an endlessly nuanced web of life that depends on healthy oceans. All of it, ourselves included, depends on our ability to shift our own species' behavior. Either we do so or we are the true monsters.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Scary Sea Monsters That Are Actually Real

70% of the world's surface is the ocean - and...

Deep,Sea,Fishing,Reel,On,A,Boat,During,Sunrise

<p>Deep-sea fishing sure sounds like an intense adventure to endure. And for those people who were not raised within a tradition of coastal subsistence, the learning curve around deep water can be a steep dive into the unknown. But with these deeper waters comes big fish. Plus there are buckets of fun and funds in the form of a booming tourist industry for ocean communities and beach visitors alike.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you're just getting into the waters of sportfishing and charter boat day trips, there's a lot you'll want to know about the origins, techniques, and impacts around this form of fishing. And while we may not have time to cover <em>everything</em> you want to know about deep-sea fishing today, we'll definitely troll our way to a snapping good start.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-origins-of-deep-sea-fishing"><strong>Origins Of Deep Sea Fishing&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Thanks to the clues remaining in the fossil record, archeologists estimate that humans have been fishing for subsistence for at least <a href="https://www.npr.org/2010/07/05/127937070/the-human-edge-finding-our-inner-fish" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">500,000 years.</a> The first evidence we have found (so far) of deep-sea fishing is a bit more recent, however, dating back to 42,000 years ago in the <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/when-humans-first-plied-deep-blue-sea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">area of East Timor.</a></p>



<p>For many various areas of the globe, fishing practices were (and are) integral communal practices that shaped culture and tradition through generations, shifting with technology of course, but still part of an expansive lineage of hungry and enterprising humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What started with hands and rudimentary tools evolved into various techniques. Today we have whole multi-million dollar industries around lures and rods. Plus, there are government agencies that regulate most individuals with fishing licenses. There are strict guidelines on what, when, and where we are permitted to fish. We've come a long way from where we started. You'll want to do plenty of research on the laws and practices of whatever location you plan to fish, as areas will differ.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-dangers-of-deep-sea-fishing"><strong>Dangers Of Deep Sea Fishing</strong></h2>



<p>You might love deep sea fishing so much, you wish it could be your full-time job. But before you hand in the resignation papers to your desk job, it's important to note: even in our more modern era, these practices of offshore fishing are a far seagull-cry away from a relaxing sail in the bay. This is especially true when it comes to making a livelihood in these industries. Ever heard of the reality TV show "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRO6H8puHF8&amp;ab_channel=Discovery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Deadliest Catch</a>"?</p>



<p>According to a study published by <em>BMJ Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine</em>, data from the 19th century indicates high mortality rates of fishermen of the deep sea - at <a href="https://oem.bmj.com/content/28/1/27.short" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">least double that of coal miners</a> and 20 times the rate of workers in industrial manufacturing around the same time. These strikingly high numbers are still a reality due to the dangerous conditions of the sea, compounded by weak or failing vessels, negligent navigation, and excessive fatigue. Often, these fishermen worked incredibly long hours - a detriment to their boats and their lives in many cases.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-booming-tourist-industry"><strong>A Booming Tourist Industry&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>However, making a living as an industrial deep-sea fisher is pretty different than deep-sea fishing for fun on a private charter or party boat fishing thanks to a gift certificate from a supportive family member.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Deep-sea fishing is a booming aspect of some coastal tourist industries. Sportfishing for a full day or half-day is a common vacation for passionate fishers from any area. Charter boats accommodate day fishing trips for groups or individuals. With the right amount of research, resources, and know-how, people can time their trips to be able to fish year-round.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Deep-sea fishing charters might <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-actually-is-deep-sea-fishing/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=14016588382&amp;utm_content=130809272808&amp;utm_term=&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoP6LBhBlEiwAvCcthEHAgKSID-XJR9J_O2FnZU5XAz4tqRevAVjStDzVqk86uOHQ63Is-hoCLpEQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">troll with live bait</a>, chum, pop, or jig. There are all sorts of terms and techniques. Various charters and fishing boats will utilize depending on the area and the intended fish to catch.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_577915762.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1897951"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Go2dim">Go2dim</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-deep-sea-fish-of-interest"><strong>Deep-Sea Fish Of Interest&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>So, where to go to deep sea fish?&nbsp;</p>



<p>That all depends on what you hope to catch, the season you're in, and the money you have to get there.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-actually-is-deep-sea-fishing/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=14016588382&amp;utm_content=130809272808&amp;utm_term=&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoP6LBhBlEiwAvCcthEHAgKSID-XJR9J_O2FnZU5XAz4tqRevAVjStDzVqk86uOHQ63Is-hoCLpEQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The west coast of North America</a> is known for yellowtail, sturgeon, albacore tuna, rockfish, sea bass, and barracuda. On the other side of the continent, popular finned catches include bluefin and yellowfin tuna, cod, striped bass, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruption-fishing-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mackerel</a>. The Gulf of Mexico pulls tons of tourists to the deep waters each year - where parties troll for dorado, shark, king mackerel,&nbsp; red snapper, and more. Hawaii is another popular destination for avid fisherpeople. There, lures sink in the water in hopes of snagging sea creatures such as yellowfin ahi tuna, giant blue marlin, dorado, sailfish, swordfish, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-actually-is-deep-sea-fishing/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=14016588382&amp;utm_content=130809272808&amp;utm_term=&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoP6LBhBlEiwAvCcthEHAgKSID-XJR9J_O2FnZU5XAz4tqRevAVjStDzVqk86uOHQ63Is-hoCLpEQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and wahoo</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-deep-sea-fishing-in-a-changing-climate"><strong>Deep-Sea Fishing In a Changing Climate&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>It's not all fun and games, however. And our climate arrogance is catching up to us the same way we hope to catch a delicious meal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The deep-sea is one of our planet's last great wildernesses. It covers <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169534702024928" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">62% of the planet</a> and drops to over 1000 meters deep in some locations. These areas are still largely unexplored. New technology reveals unknown habitats and species almost as fast as we can search. However, with this technology, comes industry and economic interest. With some much still unknown, these conflicting human impulses of curiosity and extraction are laid bare - with some <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169534702024928" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devastating consequences</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, when deep-sea fishing commenced in the Northeast Atlantic in the 1970s, there has been a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982215009380">marked decline of commercial fish species</a>. This includes species such as <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/endangered-species-conservation/endangered-and-threatened-species-new" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bluefin tuna, sturgeon, and salmon. </a>Many fisheries in the deep sea have a pathetic track record in regard to sustainable practices. Even as individuals organize for change and governing bodies pass protective legislation, there are issues. We struggle to maintain the enforcement of fishing regulations and willing compliance by those working within the industry. Limits to trolling depths as well as greater incentives for sustainable practices within the industry are a good starting point.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_251648188.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1897952"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/photonatura">Leonardo Gonzalez</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-conclusion"><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The deep-sea is our largest ecosystem. It's impossible to know <em>everything</em> about fishing there. We're learning new things about the depths of these saltwater bodies every day. We do know that many species that live in the open waters and deep seas exhibit characteristics and life patterns that are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982215009380" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerable to disruption and exploitation</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As you continue to learn and explore the world of deep-sea fishing, it is critical to keep the longevity of these ecosystems in mind. We have to remember that our actions impact these amazing places. Unless we hold ourselves to a more sustainable standard, there won't be fun deep sea fishing trips - or a livable planet - in future years to come.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Everything You've Wanted to Know About Deep-Sea Fishing

Deep-sea fishing sure sounds like an intense adventure to endure....

You've been rocking on the boat all day and haven't had even the faintest nibble. Suddenly, the line jerks and you run over to it to begin an hours-long battle with the mystery fish. Imagine the thrill of finally pulling a 1000 pound marlin out of the depths of the open ocean during your deep-sea fishing charter. It's a thrill that some fisherpeople get addicted to, a feeling they live for.
<p data-marked="true">Our deep oceans contain the biggest fish in the world. Fishers will travel the world over for the chance to reel in a honkin' tuna or a shiny Dorado. Deep-sea fishing is a considerable recreation and travel industry that supports fishing guide businesses around the world.</p>


[caption id="attachment_1892427" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1892427 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/sea-3652697_1920.jpg" alt="open ocean" width="1920" height="1280" /> Ain't much to look at when you're deep-sea fishing. Photo by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/dimhou-5987327/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dim Hou</a> via <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/sea-water-ocean-quiet-horizon-3652697/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pixabay</a>.[/caption]
<h2>What is Deep-Sea Fishing?</h2>
<p data-marked="true">Most people call any type of recreational fishing done below 100 feet in ocean waters deep-sea fishing.  While commercial fishing boats often fish at these depths, this article won't cover that kind of deep-sea fishing.</p>
<p data-marked="true">Any sort of freshwater or saltwater bay fishing isn't considered deep water fishing. Since the deep seas are, by their nature, far from land, deep-sea fishing is always done on a boat. Sometimes boats can get to deep-sea depths relatively close to shore. Other times this sort of fishing is done dozens, or even hundreds, of miles from the nearest land.</p>
<p data-marked="true">Some fisherpeople also call this type of fishing sport fishing or trophy fishing.</p>


[caption id="attachment_1892430" align="alignnone" width="1280"]<img class="wp-image-1892430 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/hanging-3045269_1280.jpg" alt="deep-sea fishing lures" width="1280" height="835" /> Various kinds of deep-sea fishing lures. Photo by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/paulbr75-2938186/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paul Brennan</a> via <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/hanging-hook-lures-fishing-3045269/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pixabay</a>.[/caption]
<h2>Different Types of Deep-Sea Fishing</h2>
<p data-marked="true">Most fishers hire a guiding company for their deep-sea fishing excursions. These fishing charters vary depending on the location, guide company, and species of fish. One thing is certain; deep-sea fishing isn't for those without their sea legs. The open ocean has big, rolling waves, which constantly rock even the nicest boats. With only water on the horizon, even strong-stomached anglers can get nauseous. You can opt for either a deep-sea fishing charter with a group or as a private charter.</p>
<p data-marked="true">Guides will usually let their customers try various kinds of fishing methods during a deep-sea fishing excursion. These methods can include trolling, chumming, popping, and jigging. Trolling is where anglers dangle their lines behind a quickly moving boat, sometimes with live bait. Chumming includes throwing bait onto the water to lure deep-sea fishes up to the surface. Jigging is a type of lure fishing where the lure is attached to a lead weight that makes it dance in a particular way deep beneath the surface. Fishers usually set these jigs at various depths with the boat slowly drifting along. Popping is a more unusual way to deep-sea fish. It involves using larger lures called 'poppers' that slap the water to make sounds that entice nearby fish.</p>

<h3>Half-Day Trips</h3>
<p data-marked="true">The cheapest option for sport fishing trips is usually a half-day tour. These shorter tours typically don't go too far from the land because it takes a long time to venture way out into the ocean.</p>

<h3>Full-Day Trips</h3>
<p data-marked="true">Full-day fishing trips are a common type of trophy fishing. These charter boats leave the shore early in the morning and sometimes return after sunset. Full-day trips give anglers a better chance of trying different methods of deep-sea fishing.</p>

<h3>Night Fishing Adventures</h3>
<p data-marked="true">Some kinds of fish only bite at night. To catch these fish some guides lead night-time deep-sea fishing tours.</p>

<h3>Multi-Day Excursions</h3>
<p data-marked="true">These deep-sea fishing trips are the creme de la creme. While they are the most expensive, they also offer the widest variety of opportunities. Fishers can expect to fish during different times of day with multiple methods. This variety gives anglers the best chance to catch their dream fishes.</p>


[caption id="attachment_1892431" align="alignnone" width="1280"]<img class="wp-image-1892431 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/boat-5429345_1280.jpg" alt="deep-sea fishing" width="1280" height="857" /> Dorado, or mahi-mahi, is an exciting deep-sea fish species to catch. Photo by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/larsen9236-47917/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lisa Larsen</a> via <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/boat-fishing-fishing-boat-5429345/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pixabay</a>.[/caption]
<h2>What Kinds of Fish do Sport Fisherpeople Catch?</h2>
<p data-marked="true">Most of the desired deep-sea fish live in the pelagic zone of the ocean. The pelagic zone is all of the ocean that isn't close to some sort of boundary. These boundaries include the seafloor, the ocean surface, and any coast. Deep-sea fishers usually aren't going for <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/seven-surprising-secrets-of-the-deepest-sea-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">those awfully strange</a>, truly deep-ocean fish that live near the seafloor. The pelagic ecosystem is based on photosynthetic plankton. These plankton live near the upper reaches of the pelagic zone because they need sunlight to live. Pelagic fishes will <a href="https://www.vox.com/unexplainable/22348461/ocean-twilight-zone-mysteries-unexplainable-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">migrate to different depths</a> or locations based on the availability of plankton.</p>
<p data-marked="true">All coasts of the U.S. have deep-sea fishing opportunities. The East coast <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/files/Articles/491041/fmars-07-00012-HTML/image_m/fmars-07-00012-g005.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">represents about 40%</a> of recreational marine fishing. The Gulf of Mexico and Hawaii account for <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/files/Articles/491041/fmars-07-00012-HTML/image_m/fmars-07-00012-g005.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">20% each</a>. Alaska and the West coast account for <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/files/Articles/491041/fmars-07-00012-HTML/image_m/fmars-07-00012-g005.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">about 10% each</a>. Abroad, coastal countries around the world offer unique deep-sea charters and experiences.</p>

<h3>West Coast</h3>
<p data-marked="true">Off the California, Oregon, and Washington coast, people like to fish for yellowtail, sturgeon, albacore tuna, rockfish, barracuda, white sea bass, and lingcod. The ocean around California's Channel Islands is a uniquely beautiful place to fish with abundant deep-sea fisheries.</p>

<h3>East Coast</h3>
<p data-marked="true">Off the East coast of the U.S. people catch bluefin and yellowfin tuna, cod, striped bass, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruption-fishing-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mackerel</a>. People can even leave for these trips from mega-cities like New York and Boston.</p>

<h3>Gulf of Mexico</h3>
<p data-marked="true">The Gulf of Mexico is a major deep-sea fishing destination. People can access the Gulf of Mexico from Florida, Texas, the eastern coast of Mexico, and the Caribbean islands. This gulf is a particularly biodiverse body of water, making it an interesting place to sport fish. Fishers can catch Dorado, shark, king mackerel, red snapper, and Spanish mackerel.</p>

<h3>Alaska</h3>
<p data-marked="true">Alaska is world-renowned for its fishing. This massive state has plenty of open ocean to choose from. Deep-sea fishers can expect to fish for massive halibut and salmon, as well as crab.</p>

<h3>Hawaii</h3>
<p data-marked="true">Who wouldn't want to fish the tropical waters of Hawaii? As the only islands for hundreds of miles around, Hawaii is an excellent jumping-off point to quickly access the true open ocean. Fishers can fish for awesome species in Hawaii like the Yellowfin ahi tuna, giant blue marlin, dorado, sailfish, swordfish, and wahoo.</p>


[caption id="attachment_1892429" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1892429 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/charter-4682523_1920.jpg" alt="deep-sea fishing rods" width="1920" height="1281" /> Fishing rods wait for bites from deep-sea fish. Photo by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/jasongillman-1088827/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jason Gillman</a> via <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/charter-fishing-water-marine-4682523/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pixabay</a>.[/caption]
<h2>Does Deep-Sea Fishing Harm Fish Populations?</h2>
<p data-marked="true">In raw numbers, deep-sea fishing doesn't account for a whole lot of the global fish take. <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.00012/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Less than 1%</a> (by mass) of marine fish killed annually are by recreational fishers. Industrial fishing fleets take the vast bulk of the world's catch, with subsistence artisanal fishers taking varying degrees depending on the fishery. <a href="http://www.seaaroundus.org/data/#/eez/44?chart=catch-chart&amp;dimension=sector&amp;measure=tonnage&amp;limit=10" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Bahamas</a> is an extreme case where 30% of fish taken out of the ocean is for recreation.</p>
<p data-marked="true">However, even though recreational fishing doesn't take a huge amount of fish out of the ocean, some scientists are concerned with the species of fish and the particular individuals that recreational fishers target.</p>

<h3>Small Numbers Can Be Deceiving</h3>
<p data-marked="true">Even though deep-sea fishers don't catch that many fish, the particular species and individuals they target can affect fish populations. Trophy fishers often aim to catch the big fish species that reproduce slowly. <a href="https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/fish/Atlantic_bluefin_tuna/natural_history.html#:~:text=LIFE%20CYCLE%3A%20Atlantic%20bluefin%20tuna,octopus%2C%20crabs%2C%20and%20sponges." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tuna</a> often live 40 years. Most other deep-sea fishes sought by recreational fishers live decades. Fish that live a long time typically take more years to reach their reproductive age. This means that if the adults from a population of these fish are reduced by overfishing, it can take a long time for their population to rebound.</p>
Moreover, sport fishers target the largest individuals of these slowly reproducing species. By their nature, these large fishes are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308597X14001754?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">often the best reproducers</a> in the population. Some scientists are concerned that targeting the healthiest individuals of a population puts significant pressure on the population. Sports fishers are increasingly turning to catch-and-release methods instead of killing fish. While this method is preferable from the fish's standpoint, it can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/catch-release-fishing-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">still have lasting impacts</a> on the fish.
<p data-marked="true">In particular, the trophy fishing of <a href="http://www.seaaroundus.org/sea-around-us-collaborator-says-shark-fishing-should-be-considered-ocean-vandalism/#more-18610" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">threatened species of sharks</a> is alarming.</p>
<p data-marked="true">Lastly, outside of the U.S., <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.00012/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">scientists don't have much data</a> on what species of fish and how many fish recreational fishers take out of the oceans. Their estimates vary from 0.5 million tons per year to 10 million tons per year! Without this data, it is difficult to say the extent to which recreational fishing impacts fish populations.</p>

<h2>Get Fishing!</h2>
<p data-marked="true">With a fish species, a destination, and a budget in mind, you can figure out the fishing trip that is right for you. Maybe it's near your home, or perhaps it is a getaway to some tropical coastline half the world away. Best of luck on your angling adventures!</p>
<p data-marked="true">Featured image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/scottslm-10594535/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scott</a> via <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/deep-sea-fishing-boat-fishermen-boat-5847660/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pixabay</a>.</p>
Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

What Actually is Deep-Sea Fishing?

You've been rocking on the boat all day and haven't...

<p>Frigid temperatures, dense coniferous forests, and cold winters are all common features of the taiga biome. Much of the world’s land is covered by this frozen biome and many fascinating, uncommon animals make their home here. Even though the taiga is such an important ecosystem in the northern hemisphere, not much is said about this forest biome, and many of the animals that live here seem completely mysterious. Here’s some information about what the taiga actually is, where you can find it, and the kinds of plants and animals you can find there.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/nature-3417266_1920-1024x602.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891877"/><figcaption><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/cedriklesage-8298732/">CedrikLesage</a> / Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-what-is-the-taiga-biome">What Is the Taiga Biome?</h2>



<p>Taiga biomes are the dense, evergreen forests of high latitudes in the northern hemisphere. In Canada and the US, the term "boreal forest" often replaces "taiga"; the two are actually the same biome. Whatever the name, these forests occur in subarctic regions, just below the arctic circle. Because of the massive amount of land the taiga covers, it is considered the world’s largest terrestrial biome. In fact, taiga covers 17 million square kilometers (6.6 million square miles) on three continents! Taiga is also one of the newest ecosystems in the world. Before 12,000 years ago, during the last ice age, all of the world’s land that is now taiga was underneath miles of ice. After the ice retreated, plants began to colonize the new real estate. Now, it is covered in dense forests.</p>



<h2 id="h-taiga-climate">Taiga Climate</h2>



<p>In general, the taiga is characterized by a very cold climate. It is the third coldest biome on earth, after the tundra biome and permanent ice caps. Average temperatures through the year range from -5 to 5 °C (23 to 41 °F), depending on location. But, the temperature range from the summer and winter months is huge. During the summer, a normal temperature would be 18 °C (64 °F). In contrast, a winter day would be closer to -20 °C (-4 °F). Temperatures in the Siberian taiga can easily get down to -50 °C (-58 °F) during the coldest part of the year! These frigid temperatures mean that animals adapted to taiga biomes can survive in subzero temperatures for much of the year.</p>



<p>Precipitation in the taiga is low. On average, precipitation is from 200-750 mm (7.9-29.5 in) per year. Most of the precipitation comes as snow which can stay on the ground for months until summer temperatures cause it to melt. However, in the coldest and northernmost regions, precipitation can persist and create <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-permafrost-is-releasing-even-more-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">permafrost</a>. Fog is the other most important type of precipitation in taiga biomes, which helps trees reach their largest sizes, especially in coastal regions.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/night-4685148_1920-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891879"/><figcaption><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/rauschenberger-4614580/">rauschenberger</a> / Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-where-is-the-taiga-biome">Where Is the Taiga Biome?</h2>



<p>You can find the taiga on two gigantic landmasses - North America and Eurasia. The country that has the most taiga is Russia, followed by Canada, and the United States. Taiga in Russia occurs in the vast region of Siberia - one of the most expansive and unpopulated places on earth. In Canada, the taiga occurs north of temperate deciduous forests in the east, and as an extension of evergreen forests in the west. Canada also has the most national parks in taiga biomes. Other countries have taiga, albeit much less, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/day-and-night-over-scandinavia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scandinavian</a> countries of Norway, Finland, and Sweden. Taiga occurs between 50°N and 70°N, and most of it is immediately below the arctic circle.</p>



<h2 id="h-taiga-flora">Taiga Flora</h2>



<p>The taiga is home to many plants that are adapted to cold temperatures and a short growing season. Because North America and Asia used to be connected via the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bela/learn/historyculture/the-bering-land-bridge-theory.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bering land bridge</a>, both of these continents share many of the same species. The short growing season and oblique sunlight greatly limit photosynthesis in the taiga. In general, the taiga is dominated by evergreen conifers. The coniferous trees that show up the most are spruce, pine, and larch. Many deciduous trees are present as well, such as birch, alder, willow, and poplar. Despite the presence of these trees, deciduous forests are less common than evergreen forests in the taiga. The diversity and species assemblages change depending on the region. Some have mixed stands containing a few species, while others are dominated by a single species.</p>



<p>One of the most common trees in the taiga occurs in easter Siberia. The Dahurian larch (<em>Larix gmelinii</em>) is an incredibly widespread tree, spanning from eastern Siberia, to Mongolia, northeastern China, and North Korea. In the taiga, the Dahurian larch experiences some of the coldest temperatures the taiga has to offer. It’s also a unique conifer in that it’s actually deciduous, dropping its needles in the fall to withstand the cold, dry winter.</p>



<p>In Canada and the US, the taiga is full of evergreen trees like balsam fir (<em>Abies balsamea</em>), black spruce (<em>Picea mariana</em>), tamarack larch (<em>Larix laricina</em>), and hemlock (<em>Tsuga</em> spp.). Groundcover includes various wildflowers and shrubs. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lichens-thrived-after-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lichen</a> is also abundant in the taiga, along with mosses and other bryophytes, and mushrooms like morels.</p>



<h2 id="h-animals-of-the-taiga-biome">Animals Of the Taiga Biome</h2>



<p>Many mysterious creatures make their home in the taiga. Due to the cold temperatures, all of the animals that live in this biome must be adapted to frigid conditions in one way or another. Many of the following animals are pretty common, but some are truly enigmatic inhabitants of the taiga biome.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/tiger-6175826_1280-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891880"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Cle+Na">Cle Na</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-siberian-tigers">Siberian Tigers</h3>



<p>Siberian tigers are one of the most endangered <a href="https://www.wcs.org/our-work/wildlife/big-cats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">big cats</a> in the world. They’re also the world’s largest cat, growing to be a whopping 300 kilos (660 pounds) and 3 meters (10 feet) long. These huge, top predators are incredibly important animals in the taiga. They occur primarily in eastern Siberia, but some make it down to northern China and North Korea. Thanks to the low human population of eastern Siberia, these tigers are well protected from threats in the Russian taiga. Still, humans pose a great threat to these animals through poaching and habitat destruction.</p>



<h3 id="h-crossbills">Crossbills</h3>



<p>In the summer, the taiga is rich in birds. Most, however, vacate the taiga towards the end of summer and migrate somewhere warmer. The crossbill is one of those brave birds that decide to stay in the taiga during summer. They have distinctive, crossed beaks (hence their name) which allow them to pry open cones to eat the enclosed seeds. Their beak grants them the ability to survive in the taiga during the winter months when most other birds would be helpless.</p>



<h3 id="h-boreal-chorus-frogs">Boreal Chorus Frogs</h3>



<p>Not many amphibians live in the taiga thanks to its cold, snowy winter and short summers. The boreal chorus frog is one of them and seems to thrive in this unforgiving biome. This tiny frog species is native to central Canada and makes its home not only in taiga but further north in the tundra, too. They are tiny frogs, measuring at most 4 cm (1.5 inches) in length. In the winter, they hibernate underneath the deep snow. However, in the spring, they emerge from their slumber and begin to breed. A breeding population of boreal chorus frogs erupts in loud, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/sounds-chorusfrogs.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prolonged calls</a> that echo through the taiga.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/great-grey-owl-hybrid-3016287_1280-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891881"/><figcaption><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/georg_wietschorke-3238642/">Georg_Wietschorke</a> / Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-great-gray-owls">Great Gray Owls</h3>



<p>Great gray owls live mainly in the taiga biome of North America, Scandinavia, and Russia. Like all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spotted-owls-greatly-benefit-from-yosemites-fire-management-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">owls</a>, they are efficient hunters, catching prey silently and effortlessly amongst dense trees. They aren’t the largest owl species, but they are one of the largest birds in the taiga. Their hearing is so sharp, they are able to pinpoint the location of prey even under deep snow.</p>



<h3 id="h-lynx">Lynx</h3>



<p>Lynx are elusive, predatory cats with characteristic pointed ears. There are four species, two of which live in the taiga - the Canada lynx in Canada and Alaska, and the Eurasian lynx in northern Europe and Asia. These mysterious animals hunt small to medium mammals like snowshoe hares and minks, but some are brave enough to even hunt deer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/animal-1660429_1920-1024x675.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891882"/><figcaption><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/danielbrachlow-2171695/">DanielBrachlow</a> / Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-wolverines">Wolverines</h3>



<p>Wolverines are part of a group of animals called mustelids, which make up the family Mustelidae. Minks, martens, otters, stoats, and weasels are all different types of mustelids, but the wolverine might just be the most mysterious mustelid. The wolverine is one of the largest species in the family and is renowned for its ferocity and strength. Wolverines mainly scavenge for their food but are capable of hunting live prey. Thanks to their brazen attitude, they can take on prey much larger than themselves, such as deer.</p>



<h3 id="h-martens">Martens</h3>



<p>Another member of the mustelid family, martens are much smaller than their wolverine cousins. Like many members of this family, the American marten is entirely opportunistic, feeding on pretty much whatever it wants whenever it is available. Their diet is highly dependent on the seasons, eating fruit, fish, foliage, insects, and small rodents whenever each food item is most abundant.</p>



<h3 id="h-moose">Moose</h3>



<p>Moose are some of the largest animals in the taiga, even compared to bears and tigers. These truly massive animals live all throughout the taiga - from eastern Canada to Alaska, and across the water from Siberia to Scandinavia. Despite their size, moose are still prey for top predators like tigers and wolves. They are also important herbivores, eating even woody stems of plants during the winter when no fresh, green leaves are present.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/bear-2400929_1920-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891883"/><figcaption><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/lynnea-1528424/">lynnea</a> / Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-salmon">Salmon</h3>



<p><a href="https://pacificwild.org/salmon-a-keystone-species/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Salmon are keystone species</a> in the taiga. These biomes often host countless rivers and streams, which salmon return to in order to spawn. As the salmon make their way upstream, many animals intercept the swimming creatures for a nutritious meal. Even though many salmon won’t make it to their ultimate spawning grounds, hundreds do. After the salmon spawn, they die. Dying salmon make an incredibly important food resource for countless animals such as bears and wolves, and the carcasses of the fish provide nutrients for scavengers like ravens and wolverines. This yearly influx of salmon makes them some of the most important species in the ecology of the taiga.</p>



<h3 id="h-mosquitoes">Mosquitoes</h3>



<p>Mosquitoes are some of the most hated animals on earth - and also the deadliest thanks to the diseases they help spread. In the taiga biome, they are abundant. In Alaska alone, there are more than 30 species of mosquitoes. During the relatively warm summer months, mosquito populations explode. Even though their presence is unwelcome to many mammals like caribou, they are a vital food resource for birds and amphibians like frogs. Their sheer abundance alone gives rise to the argument that mosquitoes, like salmon, are keystone species in the taiga.</p>



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Mysterious Creatures of the Taiga Biome

Frigid temperatures, dense coniferous forests, and cold winters are all...

Chordates

The phylum Chordata belongs to the animal (or deuterostome) kingdom....

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beneath the surface of the ocean is a vast and mysterious world of deep-sea wonders. Over the course of human history, we’ve learned a lot about these bodies of water and these discoveries have shaped tradition, migration, and science in tidal ways.&nbsp;</span></p>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>However, many people do not realize how little we know of the ocean</strong> - especially the deepest parts of our globe’s seabed.&nbsp;</span></p>



<h2 id="h-diving-into-the-deep-sea">Diving Into The Deep Sea</h2>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by the sea - </span><a href="https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/how-much-water-there-earth?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">312,000,000 cubic miles of water</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Numbers like this can be difficult to wrap your mind around. Regardless, less than 5% of Earth’s oceans have been explored. That’s a lot of room for surprising secrets - many of which we clearly have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-species-discovered-in-the-deep-sea-near-japan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">yet to discover</a>.&nbsp;</span></p>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Under the water’s surface, the light fades quickly, and at 650 feet, it is completely black. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-deep-is-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deeper down you go</a>, the harsher the conditions become for survival, though plenty of creatures (many yet to be discovered!) have figured out how to do just that. It is a mysterious part of our planet, with secrets to be discovered with each dive. Here are seven facts you might be surprised to learn about these deepsea creatures and the habitat where they survive.&nbsp;</span></p>



<h2 id="h-secret-1-the-majority-of-life-on-our-planet-is-aquatic">Secret 1: The Majority Of Life On Our Planet Is Aquatic</h2>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Creatures of the deep sea might seem like distant anomalies to us humans, but as it turns out, we land-dwellers are the actual weirdos. The majority of life on earth is aquatic - and it’s these salty waters from which we all evolved. Scientists estimate that there are over </span><a href="https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/nature/habitats/ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">one million animal species</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in the ocean - 95% of which are invertebrates, such as shrimp and squid. The deepest sea creatures are part of a vast ecological network of these expansive and mysterious oceanic ecozones.&nbsp;</span></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shutterstock_306095060.jpg" alt="deep sea jellyfish" class="wp-image-1887977"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Blue+bird">H.Tanaka</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-secret-2-aqua-incognito">Secret 2: Aqua Incognito</h2>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even though we’ve sent a man to the moon and found a coronavirus vaccine in record time, science and discovery work still has plenty of mysteries to unearth and understand. This is especially true of Earth’s oceans since over 80% of the ocean remains </span><a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/exploration.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">unmapped, unobserved, and unexplored</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This is because most parts of the ocean are difficult to get to, and it can be really expensive to do so. Scientists have relied on sonar mapping to explore many parts of the seafloor but this still leaves many questions unanswered.&nbsp;</span></p>



<h2 id="h-secret-3-creatures-of-mysterious-currents">Secret 3: Creatures Of Mysterious Currents</h2>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The deepest sea creatures live in what scientists sometimes call the “inner space” of the Ocean. Within this space, we know that there are hefty currents at work like “</span><a href="https://ocean.si.edu/ecosystems/deep-sea/what-we-dont-know-about-deep-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">an engine that controls our climate</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">” though we still don’t understand the nuances of how this engine functions. As glaciers and polar ice melt accelerate due to climate change, we know that an excess of cold water is funneling into this inner space of the ocean. But how will that impact these currents? And eventually our entire planet? The impacts could be massive in scale. Because there is still so much to learn, we aren’t sure what to expect. But, at the current rate of carbon emissions, we will definitely find out, one way or another.&nbsp;</span></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shutterstock_361651271.jpg" alt="ocean above the Deepest Sea Creatures" class="wp-image-1887979"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Marcus+Brown">Marcus Brown</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-secret-4-slow-growers">Secret 4: Slow Growers</h2>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deep-sea creatures are often </span><a href="http://www.savethehighseas.org/amazing-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">slow growers</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This is an adaptive trait in response to the limited food resources in such extreme conditions. This is also why so many of these swimmers have a very slow metabolism.&nbsp;</span></p>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, with human impact, these adaptive traits make many species vulnerable. In fact, some scientists compare deep-sea fishing to the harvest of old-growth forests for timber. We may be harvesting and disrupting delicate systems that we don’t yet have the science to understand. Only, deep-sea fishing might be worse - we can’t </span><a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-02/osu-ldf021307.php#:~:text=Deep%2Dsea%20fishes%20grow%20slowly,to%2040%20years%2C%20Heppell%20said." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“replant” the fish</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> like we would trees.&nbsp;</span></p>



<h2 id="h-secret-5-longevity-in-the-deep">Secret 5: Longevity In The Deep</h2>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Due to many creatures’ slow growth, their life cycles are often longer too. Many deep-water fish species can live to 30 years of age or longer. The orange roughy, for instance, can live up to </span><a href="http://www.savethehighseas.org/amazing-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">150 years old</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. These slow, long growers often have later maturity development which can result in low reproductive capabilities. This, paired with the fact that so many of the deep-sea species are endemic to their area, means that they are very vulnerable to environmental changes and </span><a href="http://www.savethehighseas.org/amazing-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">extinction</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> even without human impact.&nbsp;</span></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shutterstock_378002446.jpg" alt="orange Deepest Sea Creatures" class="wp-image-1887980"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Zoonar+GmbH">Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-secret-6-deep-sea-coral-archive">Secret 6: Deep-Sea Coral Archive</h2>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re unfamiliar with the ecology of coral reefs, you may be surprised to learn that coral is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-worlds-coral-dead/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">living, growing organism</a> in its own right.&nbsp;</span></p>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As corals succumb to mass bleaching and die-off events due to human-caused climate change, it is especially concerning to discover that these very same organisms might hold clues to climate change solutions. Like a library or an archive, deep-sea corals </span><a href="http://www.savethehighseas.org/amazing-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">contain a record</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of climate conditions that might provide valuable answers to how we might restore ecosystems to a healthy and sustainable balance of life.&nbsp;</span></p>



<h2 id="h-secret-7-deep-sea-hermaphrodites">Secret 7:&nbsp; Deep-Sea Hermaphrodites</h2>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many fish in the deeper parts of the sea begin their lives <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-can-change-sex/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as females</a>, but if a male is needed, are able to biologically transition </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">in order to procreate</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. These hermaphrodite fish are born with both female and male reproductive organs - and it’s an ingenious adaption. While there might be "more fish in the sea”, the pickings can be incredibly slim when you’re swimming so deep. Mating behaviors </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">have evolved to solve that problem</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with sex-change strategies.&nbsp;</span></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shutterstock_1705865143.jpg" alt="deep sea coral" class="wp-image-1887999"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Divefriday">Divefriday</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The surprising secrets of the deepest sea creatures are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-in-deep-ocean-sediments-can-survive-boiling-hot-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">yet to be discovered</a>. And that’s the most exciting part about this area of study. It's also why it is so important for us to protect our planet and the oceans.</span></p>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With unchecked human greed and consumption, we are destroying the secrets of these wondrous places. Unfortunately, we're going this before we have a chance to discover them. It is a dim prospect for the future, especially when some of the answers and lessons we must learn are lurking in these very ecosystems. </span></p>



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Seven Surprising Secrets of the Deepest Sea Creatures

Beneath the surface of the ocean is a vast and...

Pufferfish are one of the most recognizable fish around the globe. I first learned of pufferfish through the popular kid's show, Spongebob. One of the characters is Mrs. Puff, who is a sassy driving instructor. Spongebob is an awful driver and every time he crashes, Mrs. Puff puffs up into that classic, silly-looking pufferfish.
<h2>Pufferfish Are Intriguing Animals</h2>
Since you've landed on this webpage, perhaps you've heard some of the crazy facts about puffers. Obviously, pufferfish puff up to a surprising size when frightened. They do this by sucking tons of water (or air if out of water) into their elastic stomachs. This behavior is to intimidate predators. Since puffers aren't particularly fast fish, they rely on scaring predators rather than swimming away.

In particular, they rely on the incredible potency of the toxin they produce. Puffers kill people around the world every year with their deadly tetrodotoxin. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say that the puffers had no intention of killing a human. Since humans insist on eating these dangerous fish, they invite a deadly risk into their diet.

This fish toxin is amongst the most toxic things known to humankind. It is <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/group/pufferfish/#:~:text=To%20humans%2C%20tetrodotoxin%20is%20deadly,there%20is%20no%20known%20antidote.&amp;text=Amazingly%2C%20the%20meat%20of%20some%20pufferfish%20is%20considered%20a%20delicacy.&amp;text=In%20fact%2C%20many%20such%20deaths%20occur%20annually." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">1,200 times more deadly</a> than cyanide. Apparently, the amount of tetrodotoxin in a single puffer is enough to kill 30 fully grown humans. Yikes!

[caption id="attachment_1885720" align="alignnone" width="2560"]<img class="wp-image-1885720 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/shutterstock_1752413384-scaled.jpg" alt="saddled pufferfish" width="2560" height="1440" /> A beautiful saddled pufferfish. Who would expect such a pretty fish to be full of such potent toxins![/caption]

Like humans, dolphins aren't completely deterred by the puffer's toxins. In fact, it appears that they suckle on these fish to <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/dolphins-seem-to-use-toxic-pufferfish-to-get-high-180948219/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">get high off of the toxin</a>. After all, medicines and drugs are just poisons at a lower dosage. How did the dolphins first discover that merely sucking on the fish would produce a psychoactive effect when eating the same fish would kill them?

Alright, last fun fact about pufferfish. Some species make <a href="https://reefbuilders.com/2012/09/20/underwater-crop-circles-japan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stunning, geometric patterns</a> in the sand as nests! These attractive nests are made by males to lure in potential mates. Pufferfish obviously have a good aesthetic taste.
<h2>What Is a Pufferfish?</h2>
'Pufferfish' are a family of fish that is part of the order <em>Tetraodontiformes</em>. This order includes fish that look similar to the puffers, such as porcupine fish and boxfish. It also includes some different looking types, such as sunfish and triggerfish. A difference between pufferfish and porcupine fish is that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pufferfish-protective-spikes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">puffers' spines</a> are only visible when they are puffed up, while porcupines fishes spines are always visible.

Tetraodontidae, the puffer family, means 'four teeth.' This refers to the four teeth on the top and the bottom of the puffers' mouths that fuse into plates. These plates are sturdy and strong. The puffers use them to crunch hard marine shells of muscles, clams, and even crabs. Pufferfish can live on a vegetarian diet of algae but prefer meaty crustaceans when available.

There are about<a href="https://www.fishbase.se/summary/FamilySummary.php?ID=448#:~:text=FAMILY%20Details%20for%20Tetraodontidae%20%2D%20Puffers&amp;text=Chiefly%20marine.,of%20Atlantic%2C%20Indian%20and%20Pacific." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> 200 species</a> of pufferfish around the world in 39 different genera. This is a relatively diverse family of fish. The smallest puffer is only an <a href="https://www.tfhmagazine.com/articles/freshwater/the-dwarf-puffer-a-pleasant-little-surprise" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">inch long</a>, while the largest is about 3 feet. Most puffers prefer warm, shallow tropical and subtropical ocean waters.

[caption id="attachment_1885722" align="alignnone" width="2560"]<img class="wp-image-1885722 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/shutterstock_1239623398-scaled.jpg" alt="Stellate puffer" width="2560" height="1920" /> A large stellate pufferfish at a coral reef.[/caption]
<h2>Do They Live in Freshwater?</h2>
Yes! While puffers live primarily in the ocean, there are species of pufferfish that live in brackish water. <strong>There are also 35 species of pufferfish that live exclusively in freshwater habitats.</strong> <a href="https://www.aquariadise.com/freshwater-puffer-fish-5-true-freshwater-puffers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">These types of puffers</a> are restricted to the tropics and subtropics, mainly in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Home aquarium enthusiasts enjoy these puffers. It is much easier to keep a freshwater aquarium than a saltwater aquarium, and the tiny pygmy pufferfish is a cute addition to these aquascapes.

Freshwater pufferfish prefer rivers to lakes. They thrive in the Amazon and the winding river complexes that lace Bangladesh and Myanmar.
<h2>Will Pufferfish Live in the Open Ocean?</h2>
Most puffers live close to land. In general, they like coral reefs, brackish water estuaries, and shallower waters. They can fare alright in protected seas, but not the open ocean. For example, pufferfish occupy the <a href="http://www.fao.org/3/y4162e/y4162e70.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">entire Gulf of Mexico</a> but not the open waters of the expansive Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
<h2>How Far North Do Pufferfish Live?</h2>
The Northern Puffer, as its name implies, voyages further north than other species of puffers. It lives along the entire Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. It even reaches all the way up to Newfoundland in Canada! The northern pufferfish lives in protected areas, typically with brackish water.

<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/studying-chesapeake-bay-watershed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Chesapeake Bay</a> is prime habitat for them, where they are caught for a small commercial fish market. The northern puffer doesn't produce tetrodotoxin, making it safer for people to prepare and eat the fish.

Other northern-reaching pufferfish <a href="https://www.fishbase.de/summary/Takifugu-rubripes.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">include species</a> that inhabit the East Sea, which is between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-unpredictable-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Niño</a>, the winter weather pattern that causes waters on the Pacific Coast of the U.S. to warm, can change pufferfish distribution as well. The warm waters during an El Niño year can guide pufferfish from Baja California to venture as far north as <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Pufferfish-possibly-sighted-in-Monterey-Bay-6588734.php#:~:text=She%20clarified%20that%20the%20puffer,the%20two%20fish%20I%20found.%22" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Monterey Bay</a> in Central California. While these individual fish are probably flukes amongst the greater population, perhaps they will migrate towards central California as the oceans warm due to climate change.

[caption id="attachment_1885724" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="wp-image-1885724 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/shutterstock_1122804059.jpg" alt="juvenile puffer" width="2000" height="1333" /> A striking orange puffer all puffed up.[/caption]
<h2>Humans Have Changed Puffer Distribution</h2>
Humans have<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/invasive-species-plants-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> shuffled thousands of species</a> around the world during globalization. Puffers are no exception. A non-native pufferfish has appeared in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. This puffer presents new challenges to countries like Lebanon. The <a href="https://www.discovermagazine.com/environment/toxic-pufferfish-invade-eastern-mediterranean-killing-people-and-irking-fisherman" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">fish has killed at least seven people</a> with its toxin. It also has sharp teeth that can bite through fishing nets, causing problems for fishermen.

This puffer likely swam through the Suez Canal. This canal connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the small bit of land that connects Egypt to the Middle East.

However, there are about a <a href="https://mbr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41200-019-0170-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dozen species of puffers</a> native to the Mediterranean, a few of which even live in the nearby fresh-water Black Sea.
<h2>How Can I See One of These Fish?</h2>
The easiest way to see a puffer is at an aquarium. In the wild, they are easiest to spot while snorkeling near a coral reef. If you see one out there, try to listen for their hard teeth cracking shellfish! It's quite a loud sound. Be sure to bring a fish guide so you can identify which kind of puffer you see. Since there are 200 species, it can take some effort to identify the right one!

Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Where Do Pufferfish Live?

Pufferfish are one of the most recognizable fish around the...

Not many people can say first-hand what the bottom of the ocean looks like. Fewer people have been to the deepest part of the ocean than have walked on the surface of the moon. Our maps of the floor of the ocean are far less detailed than those of the surface of the moon. Despite covering 71% of the surface of our planet, and being the likely birthplace of all life, we know surprisingly little about our oceans.

The bottom of the ocean is filled with rare and unique species seen nowhere else. Many of these look otherworldly, and some of the species that live here are still completely unknown to science. However, despite knowing so little, what we have learned, seen, and photographed is incredible.
<h2>Uncharted Territory</h2>
<img class="alignnone wp-image-1877222 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1280px-Elevation.jpg" alt="A map of the elevation of the earth including the bottom of the ocean." width="1280" height="640" />
The ocean floor is huge and covers <a href="https://ocean.si.edu/planet-ocean/seafloor/just-how-big-ocean" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">360 million square kilometers</a> of the earth’s surface. Though we have detailed topographical maps of the rest of the earth’s surface, this is harder to do for the ocean. The satellite radar techniques used to chart the topography on land don’t work well through water. This leaves us with only low-resolution maps of the ocean floor. Each pixel of these maps represents a 5km by 5km square. This only gives a vague idea of the geology and geography of our oceans. However, more advanced sonar methods provide a 10 fold improvement or greater!
<h3>Mapping the Ocean Floor with Sonar</h3>
The ocean poses particular technical challenges, which is why so little is known. The process of creating high-resolution maps of the ocean floor is time-consuming and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/map-ocean-floor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">expensive</a>. In order to map the ocean floor, <a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/lewis_clark01/background/seafloormapping/seafloormapping.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">specially equipped ships move directly over the area</a>. This process is slow and difficult. Therefore, only <a href="https://dosits.org/people-and-sound/examine-the-earth/map-the-sea-floor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">10-15% of the ocean floor has been mapped</a> directly with sonar.
<h3>Malaysia Airline MH370</h3>
Interestingly, some of the highest quality broad seafloor maps we have came from <a href="https://geoscience-au.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=038a72439bfa4d28b3dde81cc6ff3214" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the search for the missing airplane, MH370, </a>in March of 2014. The plane was believed to have crashed into the Indian Ocean along the path of the last satellite with which it communicated. In hopes of finding the aircraft, 710,000 square kilometers of the ocean floor were mapped in detail. These maps have 15 times more detail than previous maps of the area. This included maps of regions of the seafloor over 40 million years old. This area is covered with 300 meters of sediment. This would be enough muck to bury the entire Eiffel Tower. This search also revealed details of the Broken Ridge and Diamantina Trench. These features are a result of the tectonic shifts that occurred 40 million years ago.

The type of information collected during this search is very useful to oceanographers and geologists. The floor of the ocean contains many hints to our planets tectonic history. The ocean floor also has significant impacts on weather patterns. Understanding the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/bottom-ocean-looks-like-3d-maps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details of the seafloor’s topography</a> could help predict weather patterns. <a href="https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2016/june/redbird-reef/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Researchers at the University of Delaware</a> have developed “fingerprint algorithms” that use high-resolution maps of the ocean floor to analyzed past storms in order to improve predictions.
<h2>The Abyssal Plains</h2>
The ocean contains amazing mountain ranges, volcanoes, incredibly deep trenches, and strange creatures. However, the majority of the ocean floor is far more boring. The <a href="https://www.reference.com/geography/bottom-ocean-look-like-4fc4d2ad9011a1d2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">abyssal plains</a> cover the majority of the ocean. These vast, flat expanses cover over half of the Earth’s surface. They are mostly filled with featureless sediment stretching for immeasurable distances.

[caption id="attachment_1877224" align="alignnone" width="1280"]<img class="wp-image-1877224 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1280px-BlackSmoker.jpg" alt="bottom of the ocean" width="1280" height="854" /> This "black smoker" is a hydrothermal vent that supports life in the deep sea.[/caption]

Occasionally, the carcass of a whale or a hydrothermal vent interrupts the vast emptiness of the abyssal plains. In those cases, isolated ecosystems thrive off of the rare pocket of energy. This expanse starts after the continental shelf, where the ocean drops off to an <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/oceandepth.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">average depth of 3.7 km</a>.

Enormous trenches and mountain ranges also interrupt the vast abyssal plains. The trenches are the most remote places on the planet. <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-deep-is-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Challenger Deep is the deepest point in the ocean</a>, reaching 10.9 km (6.8 miles) below the surface. This is so deep that if Mt. Everest began at the bottom of the Challenger Deep, its peak would be in complete darkness, still 2 km (1.3 miles) below the ocean surface.

Only three people have ever been to the Challenger Deep, on two separate occasions. In 1960, French oceanographer Jacques Piccard and Navy Lt. Don Walsh descended to the deepest point on earth. In <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2017/05/04/what-does-the-deepest-point-on-the-planet-look-like/#587865a45e17" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">an interview with Jim Clash of Forbes</a>, Lt. Don Walsh described the appearance of the Challenger Deep:
<blockquote>“It was yellowish-white and didn't look quite like sediments we had seen before. It's diatomaceous ooze, the skeletons of diatoms. Because calcareous ooze is shells of small critters in the sea, and calcium-based, it dissolves at great depths. So we were left with bottom sediment inert to pressure -- just little balls of glass, if you look at them microscopically. To me, it was like being in a big bowl of milk.”</blockquote>
<h2>Litter in the Depths</h2>
Though the bottom of the ocean sounds like an untouched pristine environment, humans have left their marks here too. <a href="https://ocean.si.edu/planet-ocean/tides-currents/ocean-trash-plaguing-our-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Like the rest of the ocean</a>, <a href="https://www.upworthy.com/a-rover-dived-to-the-bottom-of-the-ocean-15-photos-show-what-it-found-there" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">human trash litters the remote ocean floor</a>. Shopping bags, beer cans, microplastics, and <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/academia.edu.documents/44552519/Anthropogenic_Litter_and_macrophyte_detr20160408-23751-1gm948l.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">even missiles</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-ocean-dive-garbage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> are found in these newly explored areas</a>. Without knowing much about these ecosystems, it is hard to know what the impacts of this trash are. Some seem to provide new habitats for some species. However, these <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2015.00003/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">may disturb the ecosystem in irreversible ways long before we understand these systems</a>.

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-ocean-plastic-threaten-species/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Decreasing human trash</a>, particularly plastics, is the most important step we can take to protect these and many other ecosystems.

Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

What Does the Bottom of the Ocean Look Like?

Not many people can say first-hand what the bottom of...

Betta fish are something of an aquarium superstar. Their unique colors and behavior even gave them a supporting role in a <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057076/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Bond film</a>. In North America, betta fish refer to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia/animal/betta-splendens/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Siamese fighting fish, or <i>Betta splendens</i></a>.

The name betta fish is something of a misnomer since<a href="https://www.fishbase.se/identification/SpeciesList.php?genus=Betta" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> the genus <i>Betta </i>includes over </a><a href="https://www.fishbase.se/identification/SpeciesList.php?genus=Betta" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">70 </a><a href="https://www.fishbase.se/identification/SpeciesList.php?genus=Betta" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">different species.</a> Most of these species are not called betta fish and are far less common in aquariums. The broad category or "genus" is generally capitalized and italicized as in <i>“Betta.”</i> When referring to the Siamese fighting fish, it is written without capitals or italics as “betta fish.”
<h2>A Common Pet</h2>
[caption id="attachment_1876895" align="alignnone" width="1280"]<img class="wp-image-1876895 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/betta-2446693_1280.jpg" alt="What are Betta fish?" width="1280" height="853" /> A yellow and blue betta fish with large flowing fins.[/caption]

The Siamese fighting fish is an extremely popular species in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aquarium-fish-caught-cyanide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aquarium trade</a>. These fish come in a wide array of bright and colorful patterns. People have bred them for many centuries, and there are many different varieties with unique appearances and behaviors.

Siamese fighting fish are relatively easy to care for. Unlike most fish, they can breathe oxygen from the air, not just the water. This makes it possible (though not recommended) for them to live in small tanks without moving water. Therefore they are often kept in ornamental vases, <a href="https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/betta-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">too small for movement</a>. Some people mistakenly believe they can feed on the roots of plants, and therefore neglect to feed them.

As their name suggests, Siamese fighting fish are also unusually aggressive. These fights are often organized as a spectator sport with betting. Therefore, people bred them to fight for long periods. In contrast, the fish only fight for <a href="http://www.bettafishcenter.com/Betta-Origins.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a few minutes in the wild</a>. However, over the centuries breeders have selected more aggressive fish, leading to fights that last for hours!

The practices of keeping these fish in unusually small containers and forcing them to fight are not <a href="https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/cruel-practices/betta-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">humane</a>. Additionally, <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/180889/7653828" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">they are threatened in the wild</a>, though this is primarily due to loss of habitat. Nearly all betta are bred in captivity, not threatening wild populations. Additionally, wild specimens do not have the desirable traits of bred varieties. Therefore, they make great pets when purchased ethically and cared for humanely. Check with your local pet stores about their fish practices before purchasing.
<h3>Betta Origins</h3>
Betta fish are native to Southeast Asia, where they commonly live in rice paddies and drainage ditches. Their habitat in short-lived pools creates the unique characteristics that make them easy pets.

In these pools, betta fish must adapt to flooding and drought. When these pools become stagnant, they don’t get any oxygen from the water. Therefore, the fish must breathe oxygen out of the air to survive. These adaptations make it possible for them to survive in small stagnant bodies of water. However, <em>B. splendens</em> living in stale small vases or tiny bowls are certainly not living their best lives.
<h3>Siamese Fighting Fish</h3>
Historically, people used betta fish as fighting fish. Even the name “betta” is supposedly <a href="http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artdec15macro/MeganWoodrow__FinalProject_BettaFish_Magazine_FINAL-web.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a reference to an ancient clan of warriors</a> called the “Bettah.” Though often pronounced like the greek letter β, the correct pronunciation is closer to “bet - tuh.” Their technical name (to avoid confusion with the <i>Betta</i> genus) is “Siamese fighting fish.” In Thailand, they are called “plakat,” which means biting fish.

Siamese fighting fish were traditionally bred for aggression and bravery. This is where they get their true common name, the Siamese fighting fish. These aggressive fish looked very different from the popular varieties that we see today. Their colors <a href="https://www.petmd.com/fish/care/evr_fi_facts-about-betta-fish" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">were generally far drabber</a>. Their fins were small, and they were usually a green-brown hue. When agitated, they would become <a href="http://petmd.com/fish/care/evr_fi_facts-about-betta-fish" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">far more colorful</a>.

Though it is not clear when people first bred these fish, people were certainly breeding them in Southeast Asia by the early 19th century. <a href="http://www.bettafishcenter.com/Betta-Origins.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Westerners began breeding these fish between 1875-1910</a>.
<h3>Modern Betta Fish</h3>
Today, betta fish are far showier than they were 200 years ago. Today, most breeders use selective breeding to select for showy fins and bright colors. These many varieties are not unique species and can be bred to create new types.
<h2>Caring For Your Fish</h2>
[caption id="attachment_1876893" align="alignnone" width="960"]<img class="wp-image-1876893 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/betta-fish-433421_1280.jpg" alt="What are Betta fish?" width="960" height="1280" /> Keeping these fish in small vases with plants is not recommended and may make the fish unhealthy.[/caption]

Taking care of betta fish is relatively easy. They are adaptable species that will tolerate some less than ideal conditions. However, providing a clean, healthy environment will make your <em>B. splendens</em> healthy and happy. This is not only humane but will extend your pet's life. Here are some basic tips on caring for betta fish.
<h3>Habitat</h3>
Betta fish are able to live in very limited conditions, with little space or oxygen. However, this causes them to be unhealthy. Experts recommend giving betta a larger fish tank, between 2-5 gallons.

<em>B. splendens</em> are solitary and enjoy their privacy. Therefore, it is a good idea to provide them with rocks and plants where they can hide. <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/aquascaping/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aquascaping</a> is a great way to create a healthy, living aquarium that is also attractive.

Though betta fish do not like to be kept with other fish of the same genus, you may keep them in a community. Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/royal-gamma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">common aquarium species</a> can live with bettas without fighting. Additionally, female bettas can generally live together without fighting.
<h3>Diet</h3>
You should feed betta specialized food flakes. These are generally made of a combination of brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia. You can also give your betta a tasty treat of whole bloodworms and brine shrimp!

Avoid over-feeding your fish, as this can cause obesity! It also leaves debris in the tank, requiring more cleaning. Your fish should be able to <a href="https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/betta-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">eat all of its food in about 5 minutes</a>.
<h3>Water</h3>
[caption id="attachment_1876889" align="alignnone" width="1377"]<img class="wp-image-1876889 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/evangeline-e1566513447573.jpg" alt="Female betta fish in a tank, what are betta fish" width="1377" height="870" /> Female fish are often less colorful than male bettas. Photographer: Penelope Moskowitz, Model: Evangeline[/caption]

Being from a tropical region, betta fish prefer warm water. Keep temperatures between <a href="https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/betta-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">24-27 °C (75-81 °F.)</a> A slightly acidic <a href="https://www.petsit.com/facts-about-betta-fish" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pH of 6.5 to 7</a> is ideal.

You should change a betta fish’s water regularly, especially in smaller tanks without circulation. This keeps the water clean and ensures the fish has plenty of oxygen.

When adding tap water, be sure to <a href="https://www.wikihow.com/Dechlorinate-Water" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dechlorinate the water</a>. Tap water contains chlorine to keep it drinkable, but this is unhealthy for fish. You may want to only replace about one-third of the tanks water at a time, to make any changes in pH and temperature more gradual.

For more details on caring for your fish, check out <a href="https://bettafish.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bettafish.org</a>.

Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

What Are Betta Fish?

Betta fish are something of an aquarium superstar. Their unique...

Look below, we live on that tiny little bit of light inside the blue circle. This is a photo taken of Earth from 4 billion miles away by the spacecraft, <em><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-2-approaches-interstellar-space/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Voyager 2</a>.</em>

&nbsp;

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1876321" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pale-blue-dot.jpg" alt="earth, space" width="792" height="895" />

&nbsp;

Carl Sagan, the popular astronomer, once said <strong>"Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives."</strong> All the materials we use to build homes, cars, and furniture comes from our one and only planet. When it comes down to it, these materials don't come from Home Depot or Target. They come from forests, mines, and oceans. Our food doesn't come from Safeway or Walmart. It comes from farms, pastures, and fisheries. Our water doesn't come from the tap. It comes from the beneath the ground or from the sky. These raw materials, such as lumber, metals, food, and water are <em>"natural resources."</em>

Humans have built the world's economy upon the use, and many times exploitation, of these resources. To understand natural resources, it is helpful to break them into categories. The two most broad categories are<strong> renewable and non-renewable resources. </strong>

&nbsp;
<h2><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1876247" style="font-size: 16px;" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/industry-2023592_1280.jpg" alt="coal, natural resources, mining" width="1280" height="856" /></h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>Non-renewable Resources</h2>
Non-renewable resources are <strong>resources that nature doesn't quickly remake</strong>. Natural resources that fall into this group include gasoline, coal, natural gas, gold, sand, and metals. Fossil fuels were made 360-300 million years ago, when the earth was covered in swamps. Dying plants and algae fell to the bottom of swamps. Over a long period of time, a thick layer of rocks and sediment settled on top of the plant material. The pressure from the rocks above squeezed the plants under high pressure. By some miracle of chemistry, this created high-energy fossil fuels. The conditions to remake these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-fuels-lower-energy-return/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">fossil fuels</a> don't exist on Earth today, so they are considered non-renewable. By contrast, biofuels, where humans use industrial processes to create fuels, are renewable.

Metals are a huge category of non-renewable resources. This group includes everything from uranium to gold to aluminum to iron. These metals were made during the formation of the Earth, under super-high pressures. These conditions don't exist on Earth (we would be very dead if they did), so these metals can't form today. All the metals in our cans, cars, and appliances come from a limited supply on our planet.

&nbsp;
<h2>Economists Versus Environmentalists?</h2>
Traditional economists argue that humans will not run out of non-renewable resources like oil, because we will always create new technologies that will help us find more oil, or find a way to replace it. There are many examples throughout history that prove this type of thinking right. However, environmentalists argue that, while we haven't run out of metals or sand or oil yet, we will at some point in the future.

These two types of thinking can lead to different ways of using these resources. The economists want to use them as quickly as possible to grow the economy faster. On the other hand, environmentalists want to conserve resources to avoid running out of them in the future.

&nbsp;
<h2><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1876246" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logs-498538_1280.jpg" alt="logging, natural resources" width="1280" height="848" /></h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>Renewable Resources</h2>
Renewable resources are <strong>resources that nature can replenish year after year</strong>, even with humans using some of them. These resources include air, lumber, fish, crops, wind, and sun. The sun and wind are very clear renewable resources. The sun will burn for another five billion years, so it is certainly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">renewable</a>. The wind is typically a product of the sun, therefore it will also be around forever.

Crops and trees are great renewable resources. Plants suck in sunlight to create more wood and food. Incredibly enough, plants don't take any mass out of the soil they live in. They use water, which comes as rain, air, and sunlight (all renewable resources) to create all the wonderful materials we use to live.

Fish reproduce and make a surplus of eggs every year. For example, each salmon lays upwards of 5000 eggs. Enough of these eggs survive to become adult fish that humans can take some fish without decreasing their population. In fact, Alaskans caught 114 million salmon last year. Incredibly enough, this is a sustainable amount of salmon. The earth provides an incredible amount of renewable resources for us. However, it can be easy to take too many of them. A difficult question to answer is <strong>h</strong><strong>ow much is enough?</strong> While renewable resources may seem endless, there is a limit to how many of them we can use.

&nbsp;
<h2>Fish - A Diminished Renewable Resource</h2>
At least<a href="https://sustainablefisheries-uw.org/fact-check/how-many-fisheries-are-overfished/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> one-third of all fisheries</a> in the world are over-fished. This means that humans take fish out of the ocean at a rate faster than the fish can replace. When this process happens for too long, the number of fish in the ocean is too low to replace itself, and the fishery will collapse.

&nbsp;
<h3>Atlantic Cod</h3>
&nbsp;

[caption id="attachment_1876244" align="alignnone" width="1700"]<img class="wp-image-1876244 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/overfishing.jpg" alt="fishing, overfishing" width="1700" height="1146" /> Photo courtesy of <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Trawlers_overfishing_cod.jpg">Asc1733 </a>[/caption]

&nbsp;

This process happened in the Atlantic Cod fishery off the eastern coast of Canada. This fishery was one of the largest in the world. However, humans created better technologies to find cod in the 60's. This technology allowed humans to find and kill more fish than the fish population could replace.

&nbsp;

[caption id="attachment_1876245" align="alignnone" width="765"]<img class="wp-image-1876245 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/codpopulatin.jpg" alt="cod, atlantic cod, overfishing" width="765" height="599" /> <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Surexploitation_morue_surp%C3%AAcheEn.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Graph courtesy of Lamoit</a>[/caption]

&nbsp;

After decades of overfishing, the fishery completely disappeared 1992. The Canadian government has banned cod fishing from 1992 until now. The fish have not come back in many places and have come back very slowly in others. The government recently allowed fishing for a few years in areas that seemed to be recovering. However, after just two years of fishing, the population seemed to decrease, so Canada banned fishing again. We have lost three decades of fish because of that spike in the graph above, which lasted about ten years. We don't know how long it will take for the Atlantic Cod to truly recover, so it's possible we won't because able to eat these fish for many more decades.

The lasting impact of poor fishery management is the loss of nearly 40,000 jobs and enough seafood to feed 135 million Americans. This food was free food provided by nature that no longer exists.

The Atlantic Cod fishery is an alarming example of how humans can overuse a renewable natural resource. In the coming decades, our changing climate will make it more difficult to predict how to manage resources, like the Atlantic Cod. As the climate changes, the habitat for each species of fish will change. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-communities-fewer-options/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This could pose challenges for fishing communities everywhere. </a>

&nbsp;
<h2>How Much Is Enough?</h2>
Currently, humans are overusing many of the Earth's renewable resources. As a result, many resources could face a future like the Atlantic Cod. With 8 billion people living on the planet, there aren't unlimited resources for everyone. Check out the <a href="http://www.footprintcalculator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Human Footprint Calculator</a> to see how many Earth's worth of resources we would need if everyone in the world lived your lifestyle. When living your life, consider asking yourself 'how much is enough?' when it comes to the things you buy and use!

&nbsp;

What Are Natural Resources and How Do We Use Them?

Look below, we live on that tiny little bit of...

Bright,Blue,Poisonous,Frog

<p>The animal kingdom of Planet Earth is a wild and wondrous place - but it is often a dart or sting away from danger. We've all heard stories, and perhaps lived the realities, of encountering poisonous animals, venomous creatures, and monstrous organisms. </p>



<p>These creatures dominate folklore, pop culture, horror stories, and even experimental medical treatments and spiritual practices. It is a bubbling cauldron of toxic possibilities and necessary caution. </p>



<p>However, the terms venomous and poisonous are often thrown about quite casually - and interchangeably. This leads to confusion and misunderstanding - and to stay safe, it's important to stay informed, too.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Today we're taking a look at the definitions of venomous and poisonous - where they overlap and how they differ. </p>



<p>We're going to look at what happens with venom and poison to cause fatal results in the bodies of ill-fated, curious passers-by, and focus on some examples of harrowing venomous, poisonous organisms that enchant, mystify, and frighten most people (and inspire others). </p>



<p>We'll also look briefly at certain scientific theories and medicinal breakthroughs that have occurred in our societies in conjunction with an ever-deepening understanding of poison, venom, and the animals that wield these strategies of survival. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangerous-definitions">Dangerous Definitions </h2>



<p>To understand these terms, it's important to define them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, venomous animals are "capable of putting poison or venom into another animal's body usually by biting or stinging it · containing venom". </p>



<p>Comparatively, "poisonous" is defined as "a substance that can cause people or animals to die or to become very sick if it gets into their bodies especially by being swallowed".&nbsp;</p>



<p>So, in summation, biologists (as well as online dictionaries) identify venomous creatures as those that bite or sting to inject their toxins. Poisonous organisms, on the other hand, are those that unload toxins when consumed or absorbed. Here are some examples: a scorpion and a box jelly are venomous. </p>



<p>Some species of mushrooms,  pufferfish, and poison ivy are poisonous and should not be consumed in most instances (pufferfish being an exception and a regional delicacy). </p>



<p>Both poison and venom are powerful defense mechanisms that animals utilize to their own benefit of survival - whether they are coming from a perfectly poised stinger or upon arrival at the insides of an unsuspecting digestive system. These categories can be fluid in the sense that what might be deadly toxic to humans might not be the case for another animal and vice-versa.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_560609749.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1900772"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/bjcher">Cheryl Thomas</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-venomous-vs-poisonous-where-in-nature-to-be-aware">Venomous vs Poisonous: Where In Nature To Be Aware </h2>



<p>Poisonous and venomous organisms are found all over the planet, in various ecosystems and biomes. Some parts of the world are more infamous than others as far as threats to look out for: Australia, equatorial jungles, and the ocean are hot spots that take up a lot of space in our venom-wary imagination in this regard.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-venomous-vs-poisonous-snakes">Venomous vs. Poisonous Snakes</h3>



<p>Snakes will send a shiver up most people's spine - especially when encountering one unexpectedly. In certain parts of the world, this can be a really dangerous moment. Venomous snakes and poisonous snakes (there are both) can cause serious injury and even death, depending on the species of snake. Some of these species of epic legend and lore include vipers, Asian tiger snakes, black mambas, and rattlesnakes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you happen to encounter a venomous snake (or a species you have yet to identify), safety experts recommend remaining calm and not disturbing the snake - give it a safe distance and an area to take cover in. </p>



<p>Pay close attention to the colors and markings of the snake in order to later identify it (this could be lifesaving if bitten). Never try to handle or remove a snake yourself if you cannot identify it or know it to be a venomous snake. Contact a professional and keep children and animals well away from the area. Snakebites kill over 100,000 people each year and may have <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/11/11/666" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolved independently over 100 times.</a> </p>



<p>Snake venom inflicts death on humans and other animals - but it also "can also <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12974396/#:~:text=Snake%20venom%20contains%20several%20neurotoxic,cancer%20and%20many%20other%20diseases." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">be used for the treatment</a> of thrombosis, arthritis, cancer and many other diseases."<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/11/11/666"> </a>Snake venom is now considered a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6832721/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">valuable therapeutic tool</a> in the medical field.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There are also snakes that are not venomous, but poisonous -&nbsp; <a href="https://lucec.loyno.edu/natural-history-writings/poisonous-and-venomous-snakes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">such as garter snakes</a>. These snakes, as long as you don't cook them up and eat them, can be an exciting animal-life encounter devoid of concern for venomous bites - and a teachable moment in that some animals that move in unnerving ways are critical elements of a healthy ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_1998822314.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1900773"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Laurence+Suryanata">Lauren Suryanata</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-venomous-vs-poisonous-frogs">Venomous vs. Poisonous Frogs </h3>



<p>Certain species of frogs are commonly known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-that-protects-poisonous-animals-from-themselves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"poisonous" amphibians</a> - especially poison dart frogs whose bright colors have made for some memorable conservation campaigns. Their vibrant appearance also <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-makes-poison-dart-frogs-poisonous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">serves as a warning</a> to those who should encounter one - do not touch. They live in the tropical forests of central and South America. Similar to the monarch butterfly, these amphibians have toxic secretions due to their plant diet. </p>



<p>There are some species of poisonous toads as well. The larger the toad, the bigger the gland that excretes toxins. In North America, these poisonous toad species include the cane or marine toad (<em>Bufo marinus</em>) and the Colorado River toad (<em>Bufo alvarius</em>). This is less of a concern for us (not many people munch on toads) and more something to watch for in domestic pets.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-venomous-vs-poisonous-insects">Venomous vs. Poisonous Insects </h3>



<p>There are between <a href="https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/fun-facts-bugs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6 and 10 million species</a> of insects on the planet. Bees, ants, and wasps are just a few examples of venomous species - even though they don't have fangs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There are other, less obvious insect critters with sometimes venomous intent - like stinging caterpillars. A study from Kentucky explains that these venomous crawlers can cause anywhere from "a mild itching to the more severe pain, swelling, blistering, dermatitis, and <a href="https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">even intestinal disturbances."</a>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even the monarch butterfly is a venomous species! This is due to the plant these insects consume - milkweed.  The milkweed plant creates toxic substances called "glycosides" - a defense mechanism that the migrating butterflies have evolved to withstand and depend upon. A bird that decides to take a bite out of those orange and black wings will get sick, though likely not die. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poisonous-organisms-of-the-ocean">Poisonous Organisms Of The Ocean </h3>



<p>Of course, venomous and poisonous are not exclusively land-dwelling. There is plenty to worry about in <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-much-of-the-ocean-have-we-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the salty waves of the ocean</a> that cover about <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/how-much-water-there-earth#:~:text=About%2071%20percent%20of%20the,percent%20of%20all%20Earth's%20water." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">71% of the earth's surface</a> area.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Jellyfish are particularly notorious for their venomous stinging tentacles. Some stings are light and irritating, others extremely painful and temporarily debilitating. In the case of the box jellyfish, a sting is lethal. According to NOAA, they are <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/box-jellyfish.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the most venomous marine animal.</a></p>



<p>Sting Rays - named for their stinging tails - are generally regarded as gentle creatures in the water that blend in very well with the coloring of the seafloor. Generally, they only sting when disturbed or stepped on. They can grow up to 6.5 feet long. In 2006, the beloved "crocodile hunter" Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray - which sent shock waves around the globe and left many heartbroken. This sort of attack is extremely rare, however. Sting Rays are much more likely to flit away than to fight. </p>



<p>Pufferfish, blowfish, or any other members of the Tetraodontidae family<strong> </strong>are fish, considered some of the most toxic vertebrates on earth. Many of these species contain tetrodotoxin - a highly toxic poison, though certain species are also considered a delicacy in Japan as well. What's dinner without a little danger? This delicacy is catching on in western countries now, and not without some risks. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-poisonous-take-away">A Poisonous Take Away </h2>



<p>Let's conclude with an important note: as human development continues and wild spaces become more contained and constricted, our interactions with wildlife can become more deadly. </p>



<p>Our societies continue to encroach and decimate the habitats of wildlife - and the call to change course has never been more urgent. </p>



<p>In reflecting on our relationships within an ecosystem and the important role that all species play within them, we might illuminate a healthy respect and regard for the animals with which we share this planet - even the really scary ones that can kill us.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Venomous vs. Poisonous, What's the Difference? (Hint: They'll Both Kill You)

The animal kingdom of Planet Earth is a wild and...

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Secrets of the Ocean's Mysterious Mesopelagic Zone

Our oceans shape our world. They drive the weather patterns...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.</p>



<p>"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.</p>



<p>"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.</p>



<p>"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."</p>



<p>"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?</p>



<p>One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

How does salt makes things taste better?

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;</p>



<p>'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."</p>



<p>"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Santiago, Chile in South America

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<p>Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.</p>



<p>The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."</p>



<p>"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."</p>



<p>"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."</p>



<p>The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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<p>Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.</p>



<p>According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."</p>



<p>Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. </p>



<p>Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> </em>Staff Writer </p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.</p>



<p>"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."</p>



<p>Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.</p>



<p>"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."</p>



<p>Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.</p>



<p>In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.</p>



<p>The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.</p>



<p>The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.</p>



<p>The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. </p>



<p>Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.</p>



<p>The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.</p>



<p>At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.</p>



<p>"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."</p>



<p>The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.</p>



<p><em>Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."</p>



<p>The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.</p>



<p>"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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<p>Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how  Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.</p>



<p>According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. </p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.</p>



<p>“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”</p>



<p>The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.</p>



<p>The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.</p>



<p>“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.</p>



<p>"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.</p>



<p>"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."</p>



<p>"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."</p>



<p>According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.</p>



<p>"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.</p>



<p>"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."</p>



<p>"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."</p>



<p>According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.</p>



<p>The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. </p>



<p>The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.</p>



<p>The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.</p>



<p>"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."</p>



<p>"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes why satellite images and measurements of our planet have become "essential to our survival, offering a new outlook of our world."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Rising sea levels pose one of the biggest societal threats associated with climate change. According to ESA, satellite altimeter missions such as Copernicus Sentinel-6 are essential in monitoring global and regional changes in sea level.</p>



<p>"Unbeknown to many, the island of Crete, Greece, plays an important role in the Copernicus satellite altimetry constellation and on an international stage," reports ESA.</p>



<p>"Satellite altimetry data have to be continuously monitored at the ESA’s Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration where different techniques have pioneered the use of transponders to provide the best measurements to validate satellite altimeters in space soon after launch."</p>



<p>Dr. Craig Donlon explains that, by understanding planet Earth through satellite measurements, we are able to find evidence of change.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Satellites have become essential to our survival

[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...