<p>Plants protect themselves. They often produce chemicals that discourage animals from feeding on them. For herbivores, survival means eating enough food while avoiding dangerous toxins. This delicate balance shapes how animals forage and adapt to their environment.</p>



<p>The challenge is not only about survival in the present moment. It is also about long-term adaptation. Animals that fail to strike this balance risk starvation or poisoning, while successful ones pass on their strategies to future generations. </p>



<p>This ongoing evolutionary tug-of-war between plants and herbivores defines much of the natural world.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.usu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a> ecologist Sara Weinstein believes these choices reveal much about survival. “Understanding how these animals navigate these choices is fundamental to understanding what these creatures need to survive and how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/woodrats-duplicated-their-genes-to-survive-eating-poisonous-plants/">species</a> respond to changing conditions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-woodrats-and-toxic-plants">Woodrats and toxic plants</h2>



<p>Among the many plant eaters, woodrats offer a surprising case study. Native to North America, these rodents consume a wide range of plants.</p>



<p>“Woodrats are remarkable in their ability to eat truly awful, toxic plants,” said Weinstein. “If there are no other options, woodrats can consume plants like creosote bush, mesquite and juniper, which are full of disagreeable compounds like alkaloids and terpenes.”</p>



<p>Weinstein and colleagues from several universities recently published findings from an eight-year survey of woodrat populations across North America.</p>



<p>“Woodrats are a phenomenal model organism for understanding how wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-super-sized-domestic-animals-and-shrunk-wildlife/">animals</a> make choices about what to eat,” Weinstein explains. Their habitats provide varied food choices, allowing researchers to study how animals decide among safer or riskier plants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-diets-of-woodrats">Analyzing the diets of woodrats </h2>



<p>Unlike city-dwelling rats, woodrats avoid people. "Woodrats are very distant cousins of the better known, and omnivorous, New York pizza rat,” Weinstein noted. “You are unlikely to see woodrats, unless you’re in relatively undeveloped habitat.”</p>



<p>Despite their shy nature, woodrats are widespread across the United States. Their abundance makes them excellent research subjects, especially since multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-survivors-dragonflies-face-their-toughest-test/">species</a> often share the same environment.</p>



<p>“Compared to large herbivores like deer, moose or elephants, woodrats are much easier to capture and handle,” said Weinstein. “They also readily provide us with material for diet analyses, because they tend to defecate in traps.”</p>



<p>These droppings become data-rich samples. Weinstein noted that each sample combines about a day of food choices. This allows scientists to capture a snapshot of their diets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-in-herbivore-diets">Patterns in herbivore diets</h2>



<p>Advancements in DNA metabarcoding, using next-generation sequencing, have transformed diet research. </p>



<p>“It’s a very powerful and accessible technique to characterize the unseen,” Weinstein said. This method has helped reveal important patterns in how herbivores eat.</p>



<p>Despite progress, dietary niche breadth remains poorly understood. The research shows that both specialization and generalization carry costs for herbivores.</p>



<p>“A longstanding notion is that if you’re highly specific in what you eat - you only eat one thing - then, if you lose access to that plant - say, it disappears because the ecosystem changes or an invasive species pushes it out - you’re going to be in trouble,” said Weinstein.</p>



<p>Generalists adapt more easily, shifting diets when needed. Yet the story is more complex. Most woodrat populations are generalists, but at the individual level, these generalists’ diets may not be as broad as we previously assumed, explained Weinstein.</p>



<p>“We tend to think of generalists as being a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. However, it looks like most generalists are more aptly described as jacks-of-all trades, master of some.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-ecosystems">Implications for ecosystems</h2>



<p>Individuals often select consistent subsets of plants, helping them manage risks from toxins. These findings matter beyond woodrats.</p>



<p>“Ultimately, these constraints on animal diets have important implications for our understanding of food webs, species interactions and which populations are more likely to persist in changing ecosystems,” said Weinstein.</p>



<p>The study highlights how much we still have to learn about herbivores. By tracing dietary strategies across individuals, populations, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-just-birds-and-beetles-iridescence-found-in-unexpected-animals/">species</a>, scientists gain insight into resilience and vulnerability in a changing climate. </p>



<p>In the end, the secret lives of woodrats remind us that even the smallest animals can unlock big lessons about survival.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2413556122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: Sara Weinstein</p>



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Woodrats reveal how herbivores survive eating toxic plants

Plants protect themselves. They often produce chemicals that discourage animals from feeding on them. For herbivores, survival means eating enough food while avoiding dangerous toxins. This delicate balance shapes how animals forage and adapt to their environment. The challenge is not only about survival in the present moment. It is also about long-term adaptation. Animals that fail to strike this balance risk starvation or poisoning, while successful ones pass on their strategies to future generations. This ongoing evolutionary tug-of-war between plants and herbivores defines much of the...

<p>In an extraordinary display of nature's power, Hurricane Idalia, which recently devastated parts of the United States, pushed flamingos out of eastern Mexico into states as far north as Ohio.</p>



<p>Scientists believe the flamingos were on their migratory path between Cuba and the Yucatan when they got swept up by the intense winds of Idalia. "We have never seen anything like this," said Jerry Lorenz, the state director of research for <a href="https://fl.audubon.org/">Audubon Florida</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-rare-flamingo-sightings">Rare flamingo sightings</h2>



<p>As Hurricane Idalia tore through the Caribbean sea and hit Florida, flamingos began appearing in its wake. They were first spotted in Florida, a state where their presence has become exceedingly rare due to hunting.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Flamingo sightings soon spread from Georgia to the Carolinas, Virginia, and even inland states like Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Ohio. Following the trajectory of the hurricane, the locations of these sightings almost mapped the storm's path.</p>



<p>"It's just really surprising that if you follow the path of Idalia, it really does kind of fall out to the north and south of that central track," said Lorenz.</p>



<h2 id="h-unprecedented-event">Unprecedented event</h2>



<p>Florida, despite being emblematic for these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/demand-for-lithium-comes-at-a-cost-to-flamingos/">birds</a>, is home to only one percent of the global flamingo population. The appearance of "flamboyances" (a term used to describe a group of flamingos) was an astonishing sight to locals.</p>



<p>Lorenz told the media: "We will get a flamingo or two following storms but this is really unprecedented."</p>



<p>A particularly noteworthy sighting occurred at the scenic Caesar Creek Park lake, near Waynesville in southwest Ohio. Here, an adult and a juvenile flamingo were observed "just hanging out and sleeping in about a foot of water near the shore," according to eyewitness Jacob Roalef.</p>



<h2 id="h-resilient-birds">Resilient birds</h2>



<p>With over 150 flamingos displaced by Idalia's powerful winds, their well-being and return have become a topic of discussion among experts and bird enthusiasts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While Lorenz assures that the resilient flamingos are capable of flying thousands of miles and should have no issues returning before the onset of the winter season, he urges bird-watchers to exercise caution. "These birds are stressed right now. They just went through a terrible ordeal."</p>



<h2 id="h-unexpected-treat-for-bird-watchers">Unexpected treat for bird watchers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Nate Swick from the <a href="https://www.aba.org/">American Birding Association</a> told ABC News that Hurricane Idalia was the kind of storm that bird watchers dream of "because you never know what kind of species it will bring with it."&nbsp;</p>



<p>While ocean-going birds like terns are commonly associated with such storms, flamingos were a surprise. "No one really expected that flamingos would be the bird that Idalia was known for," Swick told ABC News.</p>



<p>One particular flamingo was identified by a unique alphanumeric code, which traced back to Río Lagartos, a breeding colony in Mexico. This confirmed that the birds were from the Yucatan Peninsula.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-do-flamingos-navigate-storms">How do flamingos navigate storms?</h2>



<p>The experts do not know how birds travel within a storm. One theory is that flocks get caught up in the front edge of the storm, in the northwest quadrant, which meteorologists refer to as "the dirty side" of the storm due to the stronger winds, said Swick.</p>



<p>He told NPR that the birds were likely either in Yucatan or on their way to Cuba when the storm hit them. The flamingos went with the winds instead of fighting against them, as the eastern portion of the storm drove the birds up the western side of Florida.</p>



<h2 id="h-returning-home">Returning home</h2>



<p>Swick noted to NPR that flamingos are big, strong birds, more than capable of making their way back home - like they did in 2019 following Hurricane Barry. That particular storm pushed a handful of flamingos into western Tennessee and Missouri.</p>



<p>"They kind of hung around there for a little while, and then eventually started making their way back," Swick told NPR. "I think the flamingos are likely to start heading towards the coast, whether or not they know which direction to go, I don't know. Birds are capable of things that we cannot imagine."</p>



<h2 id="h-flamingos-in-florida">Flamingos in Florida</h2>



<p>Historically, flamingos were native to Florida but were hunted extensively in the 19th century for their feathers, which were coveted in women's fashion.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lorenz spoke about the occasional flamingos that visit South Florida for breeding purposes, emphasizing the efforts to rejuvenate wetlands for their permanent return.</p>



<h2 id="h-phenomenal-event">Phenomenal event</h2>



<p>This is not the first instance of flamingos being rerouted by storm systems, but the sheer numbers observed post-Hurricane Idalia are unprecedented. As Greg Neise of the American Birding Association noted, "It's been pretty phenomenal."</p>



<p>Birders are reveling in the unexpected opportunity to observe the flamingos in the United States. While many of the birds may soon find their way back home, their brief visit will be remembered for years to come.</p>



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Flamingos were blown out of Mexico as far north as Ohio by Hurricane Idalia

In an extraordinary display of nature's power, Hurricane Idalia, which...

<p>Human societies assign significant importance to names, and all languages have them. While forming an integral part of our identity, they also facilitate communication.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although personal names have always been considered exclusive to humans, a recent study led by the <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/">Colorado State University</a> has now suggested that wild African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-value-of-elephants/">elephants</a> might use distinct calls – the equivalent of elephant names - to identify each other, paving the way for novel insights into language evolution.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This amazing study, currently available only as a preprint and awaiting peer review, examined the calls of wild elephants from two Kenyan regions: the expansive Samburu ecosystem in the north and the southern Amboseli National Park.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the dataset, we gathered 625 calls, and family groups exchanged 597 of them within the same group. The study identified 114 unique initiators and 119 unique recipients of these calls. The analysis was confined to calls aimed at a single individual elephant, thus ensuring the recipient’s identification -- the elephant's name.</p>



<h2 id="h-acoustic-characteristics">Acoustic characteristics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To determine if the call could predict the receiving elephant’s identity, the researchers assessed the elephants’ acoustic characteristics and subjected the data to a series of statistical tests.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings were compelling. According to the study's lead author, “receivers of calls could be correctly identified from call structure statistically significantly better than chance.”</p>



<h2 id="h-vocal-labels-from-elephant-communication">Vocal labels from elephant communication</h2>



<p>Moreover, the researchers investigated if the calls mirrored the recipient’s own vocal patterns. Such phenomena, where creatures recognize and react to their vocal tag, are evident in species like dolphins.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, in the case of elephants, something unprecedented occurred: the callers did not seem to be replicating the recipient’s call. Thus, this study provides the first evidence for vocal addressing of conspecifics without imitation of the receiver’s calls in nonhuman animals.</p>



<h2 id="h-recorded-calls">Recorded calls</h2>



<p>The experts also selected 17 elephants and played recordings of calls addressed to them to observe their responses.</p>



<p>“Further supporting the existence of vocal labels, subjects approached the speaker more quickly and vocalized more quickly in response to test playbacks than control playbacks,” the authors reported.</p>



<p>The elephants’ social structures offer some insights into this amazing behavior, which could be the first evidence of a non-human species using a naming system akin to humans to refer to their conspecifics.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-social-dynamics-of-elephant-names">Social dynamics of elephant names</h2>



<p>“Due to their fission-fusion social dynamics, elephants are often out of sight of their closely bonded social partners and produce contact rumbles to communicate over long distances,”&nbsp;the authors explained, referring to elephants’ tendency to segregate themselves into smaller units, which occasionally come together to form massive assemblies, often larger than one hundred individuals.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Although vocal labels might enhance their coordination when they can't see each other, they only used them in a minority of vocalizations. This is most likely because in many contexts there is no need to employ them. Finally, calling each other by their names could also play a major role in fostering social connections, as it happens between humans.</p>



<p>The findings, published as a preprint on <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.25.554872v1.full.pdf">bioRxiv</a>, raise important questions about the complexity of elephant social cognition, offering new insights into the fascinating and unique behaviors of this species.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-elephant-communication">More about elephant communication&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Elephants are highly social animals and communicate in various ways. Understanding these communication methods provides valuable insights into elephant behavior and can aid in conservation efforts.</p>



<h3 id="h-vocal-sounds">Vocal sounds</h3>



<p>Elephants produce a wide range of sounds, the most famous being trumpeting. People use this to signal distress, anger, excitement, or call for attention for various reasons.</p>



<h3 id="h-infrasound">Infrasound</h3>



<p>Elephants produce infrasonic sounds, which are low-frequency sounds below the range of human hearing. These can travel long distances, allowing elephants to communicate with each other over several kilometers. Such communications can convey information about estrous cycles, potential threats, or coordinating movements among herds.</p>



<h3 id="h-tactile-communication">Tactile communication</h3>



<p>Touch is an essential form of communication among elephants. They use their trunks to greet, comfort, or play with each other. Physical contact helps in reinforcing bonds within the group.</p>



<h3 id="h-visual-signals">Visual signals</h3>



<p>Body posture, ear flapping, tail raising, and other physical displays can signal various emotions and intentions. For example, an elephant flapping its ears can be a sign of aggression or agitation.</p>



<h3 id="h-chemical-communication">Chemical communication</h3>



<p>Elephants have a keen sense of smell and use it for communication. They can detect pheromones released by other elephants and gather information about their reproductive status or emotional state.</p>



<h3 id="h-seismic-communication">Seismic communication</h3>



<p>Recent research suggests that elephants might detect vibrations in the ground produced by other elephants' vocalizations, potentially serving as another long-distance communication channel.</p>



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Elephants call each other by names and may be the first non-humans to do so

Human societies assign significant importance to names, and all languages...

<p>The story of early bird evolution has long fascinated scientists. It is well-established that birds descended from theropod <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/">dinosaurs</a>, a transition occurring by the Late Jurassic period.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, there are still gaps in this evolutionary story that have been challenging to fill due to a limited variety of fossils from the Jurassic era, which ended around 145 million years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-fujianvenator-prodigiosus">Fujianvenator prodigiosus</h2>



<p>Researchers have recently described the discovery of a 150-million-year-old avialan theropod found in Zhenghe County, Fujian Province. The skeletal remains are shedding new light on the earliest days of bird evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was a collaboration between the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> in Beijing and the Fujian Institute of Geological Survey (FIGS).</p>



<p>The new species, named Fujianvenator prodigiosus, has a skeletal structure that reflects characteristics shared with avialans, troodontids, and dromaeosaurids. This highlights the complexity of the pathways which emerged during early bird evolution.</p>



<h2 id="h-unique-characteristics">Unique characteristics</h2>



<p>Dr. WANG Min from IVPP, the study's co-lead author, remarked on the species' unique characteristics:&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our comparative analyses show that marked changes in body plan occurred along the early avialan line, which is largely driven by the forelimb, eventually giving rise to the typical bird limb proportion."</p>



<p>"However, Fujianvenator is an odd species that diverged from this main trajectory and evolved bizarre hindlimb architecture."</p>



<h2 id="h-diverse-ecosystem">Diverse ecosystem</h2>



<p>Certain features of Fujianvenator suggest it thrived in a swamp-like habitat and could have been adapted for rapid movement, or perhaps functioned as a long-legged wader. Researchers previously did not associate such an ecological role with early avialans.</p>



<p>But Fujianvenator wasn't alone in its environment. XU Liming from FIGS is the co-lead author of the study. He explained, "Besides Fujianvenator, we have found abundant other vertebrates, including teleosts, testudines and choristoderes." This paints a vivid picture of a diverse and dynamic Late Jurassic ecosystem.</p>



<h2 id="h-zhenghe-fauna">Zhenghe Fauna</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the region's geological history provides context for this discovery. During the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous transition, southeastern China underwent significant tectonic changes due to the subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate. This activity birthed a landscape similar to where the older Yanliao Biota is preserved.</p>



<p>"The extraordinary diversity, unique vertebrate composition, and paleoenvironment strongly indicate that this locality documents a terrestrial fauna, which we named the Zhenghe Fauna," said study co-author Dr. ZHOU Zhonghe.</p>



<p>Researchers pinpoint the fauna's age between 150-148 Ma. This makes Fujianvenator one of the youngest and most southerly members of Jurassic avialans.</p>



<p>The Zhenghe Fauna reveals a snapshot of the Late Jurassic's terrestrial world, and the joint research teams are eager to continue unraveling its secrets.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-early-bird-evolution">More about early bird evolution</h2>



<p>The evolution of birds is a fascinating journey that stretches back over 150 million years. Here's a brief overview of some of the milestones in early bird evolution:</p>



<h3 id="h-dinosaur-lineage">Dinosaur lineage</h3>



<p>Birds belong to the group called theropods, the mostly meat-eating dinosaurs that include the Tyrannosaurus rex and the Velociraptor.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One of the most groundbreaking realizations in paleontology was the discovery that birds didn't just evolve from dinosaurs. They ARE dinosaurs.</p>



<h3 id="h-archaeopteryx">Archaeopteryx</h3>



<p>Found in the Late Jurassic limestones of Germany, Archaeopteryx is one of the most famous transitional fossils. It lived about 150 million years ago and had features of both birds and dinosaurs. It had feathers and could possibly fly, but it also had teeth, a bony tail, and claws at the end of its wings.</p>



<h3 id="h-avialae">Avialae</h3>



<p>This is a group within theropods that includes all modern birds and their closest fossil relatives. As the press release mentioned, the earliest evolution of the Avialae has been difficult to piece together due to limited fossil records.</p>



<h3 id="h-feathers">Feathers</h3>



<p>The discovery of feathered fossils in China, particularly from the Yanliao Biota and the Jehol Biota, revolutionized our understanding of early bird evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It has become clear that many theropods, not just the direct ancestors of birds, had feathers of some kind. Feathers might not have evolved for flight initially but possibly for insulation or display.</p>



<h3 id="h-physiological-changes">Physiological changes</h3>



<p>Over time, several physiological changes occurred in theropods, setting the stage for the emergence of birds. These included the hollowing out of bones, making them lighter; the shift of the center of gravity to the hip area for better balance during flight; and the evolution of a wishbone.</p>



<h3 id="h-diverse-early-birds">Diverse early birds</h3>



<p>The early Cretaceous period (around 130-120 million years ago) in China has provided fossils of a variety of early bird species. These discoveries have revealed that early birds were much more diverse in size, habitat, and behavior than previously thought.</p>



<h3 id="h-flight">Flight</h3>



<p>There's an ongoing debate about how flight evolved. The two main theories are the "trees-down" hypothesis (birds first glided down from trees) and the "ground-up" hypothesis (birds developed flight from running on the ground). Both theories have their sets of supporting evidence.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06513-7"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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New extinct species provides a glimpse into early bird evolution 

The story of early bird evolution has long fascinated scientists....

<p>A team of scientists led by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a> has recently argued that the shoulder rotation and elbow extension we use to grab something from an elevated shelf or play catch may have originally evolved as a safety mechanism to help our primate ancestors descend from trees without facing injury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the experts, due to gravity acting on their heavier bodies, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apes-may-have-begun-walking-upright-to-eat-leaves-not-fruits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apes</a> and early humans developed movable shoulders and bendable elbows to control their descent from trees.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As early humans transitioned from forests to open grasslands, these flexible limbs became instrumental in food collection and tool usage for both hunting and protection.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To better understand various climbing techniques, the researchers used sports-analysis and statistical tools to study videos and images of wild chimpanzees and small monkeys known as mangabeys climbing in the wild.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The investigation revealed that both species climbed trees in a similar manner, with their shoulders and elbows positioned close to their bodies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, when descending, chimps stretched their arms upwards, gripping branches akin to how humans descend a ladder, with their weight causing them to descend rear-end first.</p>



<h2 id="h-downclimbing">Downclimbing&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Luke Fannin, a graduate student in Ecology, Evolution, Environment and Society at Dartmouth and the study’s lead author, emphasized the significance of “downclimbing” in the evolution of apes and ancient humans, who are both genetically closer to each other than they are to monkeys.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Through their extensive video recordings taken in natural settings, the researchers could analyze the physical adaptations these animals developed for downward climbing.</p>



<p>“Our study broaches the idea of downclimbing as an undervalued, yet incredibly important factor in the diverging anatomical differences between monkeys and apes that would eventually manifest in humans,” Fannin said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Downclimbing represented such a significant physical challenge given the size of apes and early humans that their morphology would have responded through natural selection because of the risk of falls.”</p>



<h2 id="h-getting-out-of-a-tree">Getting out of a tree&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Our field has thought about apes climbing up trees for a long time - what was essentially absent from the literature was any focus on them getting out of a tree. We’ve been ignoring the second half of this behavior,” added co-author&nbsp;Jeremy DeSilva, a professor of Anthropology at Dartmouth.</p>



<p>“The first apes evolved 20 million years ago in the kind of dispersed forests where they would go up a tree to get their food, then come back down to move on to the next tree. Getting out of a tree presents all kinds of new challenges. Big apes can’t afford to fall because it could kill or badly injure them. Natural selection would have favored those anatomies that allowed them to descend safely.”</p>



<h2 id="h-shoulder-flexibility">Shoulder flexibility </h2>



<p>This flexibility in shoulders and elbows, inherited from ancient apes, would have enabled early humans like the <em>Australopithecus</em> to safely ascend and descend trees.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once <em>Home erectus </em>began to use fire to protect itself from nocturnal predators, the human anatomy changed once more, with broader shoulders capable of a 90-degree angle allowing our ancestors to efficiently throw weapons such as spears.</p>



<h2 id="h-early-ape-anatomy">Early-ape anatomy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“It’s that same early-ape anatomy with a couple of tweaks. Now you have something that can throw a spear or rocks to protect itself from being eaten or to kill things to eat for itself. That’s what evolution does - it’s a great tinkerer,” DeSilva explained.</p>



<p>“Climbing down out of a tree set the anatomical stage for something that evolved millions of years later. When an NFL quarterback throws a football, that movement is all thanks to our ape ancestors.”</p>



<p>Despite chimpanzees’ lack of grace, their limbs – which are remarkably similar to those of modern humans - have efficiently adapted to make sure that the animals can reach the ground safely.</p>



<h2 id="h-shoulder-movement">Shoulder movement&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“It’s the template that we came from - going down was probably far more of a challenge for our early ancestors, too,” Fannin said. “Even once humans became upright, the ability to ascend, then descend, a tree would’ve been incredibly useful for safety and nourishment, which is the name of the game when it comes to survival.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>We’re modified, but the hallmarks of our ape ancestry remain in our modern skeletons.”</p>



<p>The scientists also analyzed the anatomical structure of both chimp and mangabey arms using specimens from <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a> and the <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a>. Chimps, like humans, possess a shallow ball-and-socket shoulder joint, allowing a broader range of movement. Moreover, they can fully extend their arms due to the reduced length of the bone behind the elbow (known as the “olecranon process”).&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, mangabeys and other monkeys are built more like quadrupedal animals such as cats and dogs, with deep pear-shaped shoulder sockets and elbows with a protruding olecranon process making the joint resembling the letter “L.” Although such joints are more stable, they have limited flexibility and range of movement.</p>



<h2 id="h-resisting-the-pull-of-gravity">Resisting the pull of gravity</h2>



<p>The investigations also revealed that the angle of a chimp’s shoulders was 14 degrees larger during descent than when climbing up, while their arm extended outward at the elbow 34 degrees more when coming down from a tree then when going up. In the case of mangabeys, such differences were far less pronounced, not exceeding four degrees.</p>



<p>“If cats could talk, they would&nbsp;tell you that climbing down is trickier than climbing up and many human rock climbers would&nbsp;agree. But the question is why is it so hard,” said co-author Nathaniel Dominy, a professor of Anthropology at Dartmouth.</p>



<p>“The reason is that you’re not only resisting the pull of gravity, but you also have to decelerate. Our study is important for tackling a theoretical problem with formal measurements of how wild primates&nbsp;climb up and down. We found important differences between monkeys and chimpanzees that may explain why the shoulders and elbows of apes evolved greater flexibility.”</p>



<h2 id="h-controlled-descent">Controlled descent&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Mary Joy, another co-author and a Dartmouth 2021 graduate, observed distinct differences in the way chimps climb down trees compared to ascending them, while reviewing videos filmed by DeSilva.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It was very erratic, just crashing down, everything’s flying. It’s very much a controlled fall,” she explained. “In the end, we concluded that the way chimps descend a tree is likely related to weight. Greater momentum potentially expends less energy and they’re much more likely to reach the ground safely than by making small, restricted movements.”</p>



<p>Joy, also a trail runner, drew parallels from her personal experience, emphasizing that controlled descent, like chimps demonstrate, might be more energy-efficient.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When I’m moving downhill, the slower I’m going and restricting my movement, the more I’m fatiguing. It catches up to me very quickly. No one would think the speed and abandon with which chimps climb down from trees would be the preferred method for a heavier primate, but my experience tells me it’s more energy efficient.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Movement in humans is a masterpiece of evolutionary compromises. This increased range of motion that began in apes ended up being pretty good for us. What would the advantage of losing that be? If evolution selected for people with less range of motion, what advantages would that confer? I can’t see any advantage to losing that,” she concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.230145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Royal Society Open Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Apes evolved shoulders as "brakes" to safely climb down trees

A team of scientists led by Dartmouth College has recently...

<p>Blackbirds, a common sight in many regions, carry with them a secret burden, one that may be more threatening than expected.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In a study from <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/">Lund University</a>, biologists investigated the effects of diseases on blackbirds. The findings challenge prior assumptions and shedding new light on the everyday struggles faced by wild animals.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For the study, birds were subjected to a simulated bacterial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-sleep-increases-risk-of-infection/">infection</a>, a strategy devised to spur their immune responses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This allowed researchers to measure and compare their activity levels against those of birds that did not undergo immune system stimulation. The team used miniature data loggers to meticulously track the birds over several weeks.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We found that the birds whose immune system was stimulated had reduced activity for three weeks, which is much longer than we expected," said Arne Hegemann, the lead biologist of the study.</p>



<p>"We could also see that the 'sick' blackbirds stopped their activities almost an hour earlier in the evenings compared to the control group.”</p>



<h2 id="h-significant-impacts">Significant impacts</h2>



<p>It's a revelation that stands in stark contrast to previously held beliefs in the scientific community. Prior to this, it was widely assumed that the effects of a compromised immune system in birds would only take a day or two to dissipate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, this research shows that not only does it take birds a significantly longer period to recover, but the disease also curtails the duration of their daily activity, rather than diminishing the intensity of activity throughout the day.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“First of all, it is important to understand what happens to wild animals when they are affected by disease. Even mild ailments and short disease spans can have far-reaching consequences for animals, not least because it affects their everyday life," said Hegemann.</p>



<p>An intriguing yet unresolved question from the study pertains to the exact nature of the birds' reduced activity. Were they resting or simply remaining stationary? One thing, however, was clear – sick blackbirds turned in for the night considerably earlier.</p>



<h2 id="h-greater-consequences">Greater consequences</h2>



<p>“The difference is that when we humans are sick and have symptoms such as fever, reduced appetite or body pain, we may stay at home for a day or two and then return to normal life. Wild animals have the same symptoms but for them the consequences are greater," explained Hegemann.</p>



<p>"If small birds get sick and have 45 minutes less time per day to look for food, it can be the difference between life and death for both them and their young ones.”</p>



<p>The study not only improves our understanding of the impact of disease on blackbirds but also raises awareness about the unseen trials faced by wildlife on a daily basis.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-blackbirds">More about blackbirds</h2>



<p>Blackbirds are more than just common garden birds; they play a significant role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations.</p>



<h3 id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h3>



<p>Males are easily recognizable by their all-black plumage and bright yellow eyes, as well as a yellow-orange beak. In contrast, females have a brown body with a slightly rufous hue on the chest and throat. Their beaks are brownish-pink, and they have a faint mottled pattern.</p>



<h3 id="h-habitat-and-distribution">Habitat and distribution</h3>



<p>Blackbirds are primarily found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They have also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. They are versatile in terms of habitat, thriving in woods, gardens, parks, and hedges.</p>



<p>While they are generally not migratory, blackbirds in the colder regions of Europe and Asia will move south to warmer areas during the winter months.</p>



<h3 id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>These birds are omnivorous. Their diet mainly consists of insects, worms, and berries, but they also feed on fruits, seeds, and other small creatures.</p>



<h3 id="h-behavior-and-breeding">Behavior and breeding</h3>



<p>Blackbirds are known for their melodious songs, especially the males, who sing from high perches to mark their territory and attract females.</p>



<p>They usually breed between March and July. The female builds the nest, which is often a cup shape made of grass and mud.</p>



<p>Typically, a pair of blackbirds will produce 2-3 broods a year, with each brood consisting of 3-5 eggs.</p>



<p></p>



<h3 id="h-song">Song</h3>



<p>One of the most distinguishable features of the blackbird is its song. The male's melodious and varied song can often be heard during early morning and late evening, especially during the breeding season. Their song is known to be pleasing to the ear.</p>



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When blackbirds get sick, it takes weeks for them to recover

Blackbirds, a common sight in many regions, carry with them...

<p>The origin of humanity has been a topic of debate for many years, and a recent discovery in Turkey has added a new piece to the puzzle. Historically, the most widely accepted belief has been that the birthplace of apes and humans was Africa. However, an ancient ape skull found in Turkey is now challenging this narrative.</p>



<p>The age of the ape skull, named Anadoluvius turkae, could change our understanding of the evolutionary journey of humans.</p>



<h2 id="h-time-gap">Time gap</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sabertooth-skull-offers-new-clues-about-the-extinct-mammal/">skull</a> is estimated to be around 8.7 million years old. The significance of this timeframe lies in the fact that, up until now, there has not been any trace of early hominins, including humans and African apes, in Africa until seven million years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This time gap has opened a new discussion among scientists: did our ancestors, the precursors of African apes and humans, first evolve in Europe before making their way to Africa?</p>



<h2 id="h-skull-discovery">Skull discovery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The skull was discovered in 2015, but the debate around its significance gained momentum after it was described in a recent publication in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05210-5"><em>Communications Biology</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor David Begun is a paleoanthropologist at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/">University of Toronto</a> and the co-senior author of the study.</p>



<p>The skull was recovered from the Çorakyerler fossil locality near Cankiri, a city in Turkey about 87 miles north of Ankara.</p>



<p>“The completeness of the fossil allowed us to do a broader and more detailed analysis using many characters and attributes that are coded into a program designed to calculate evolutionary relationships,” said Professor Begun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The face is mostly complete, after applying mirror imaging. The new part is the forehead, with bone preserved to about the crown of the cranium. Previously described fossils do not have this much of the brain case.”</p>



<h2 id="h-anadoluvius-lifestyle">Anadoluvius lifestyle</h2>



<p>The researchers say Anadoluvius was about the size of a large male chimpanzee (50-60 kg) – very large for a chimp and close to the average size of a female gorilla (75-80 kg). The ape lived in a dry forest setting, and probably spent a great deal of time on the ground.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We have no limb bones but judging from its jaws and teeth, the animals found alongside it, and the geological indicators of the environment, Anadoluvius probably lived in relatively open conditions, unlike the forest settings of living great apes,” said study lead author Ayla Sevim-Erol.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“More like what we think the environments of early humans in Africa were like. The powerful jaws and large, thickly enameled teeth suggest a diet including hard or tough food items from terrestrial sources such as roots and rhizomes.”</p>



<h2 id="h-early-hominines">Early hominines</h2>



<p>Anadoluvius and other fossil apes from nearby Greece (Ouranopithecus) and Bulgaria (Graecopithecus) form a group that come closest in many details of anatomy and ecology to the earliest known hominins, or humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The new fossils are the best-preserved specimens of this group of early hominines and provide the strongest evidence to date that the group originated in Europe and later dispersed into Africa.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study’s detailed analysis also reveals that the Balkan and Anatolian apes evolved from ancestors in western and central Europe.</p>



<h2 id="h-hominin-evolution">Hominin evolution</h2>



<p>"Our findings further suggest that hominins not only evolved in western and central Europe but spent over five million years evolving there and spreading to the eastern Mediterranean before eventually dispersing into Africa, probably as a consequence of changing environments and diminishing forests," said Professor Begun.</p>



<p>However, while these findings are monumental, Professor Begun is cautious about their implications.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This new evidence supports the hypothesis that hominins originated in Europe and dispersed into Africa along with many other mammals between nine and seven million years ago, though it does not definitively prove it," said Professor Begun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For a more comprehensive and&nbsp; understanding, Begun emphasizes the importance of additional fossils dating back seven to eight million years from both continents, Europe and Africa.</p>



<h2 id="h-opposing-views">Opposing views</h2>



<p>Not everyone in the scientific community agrees with this new theory. Professor Chris Stringer, a leader in human evolution research at the <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/">Natural History Museum in London</a>, believes that the narrative remains largely unchanged.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This has been a long-running debate regarding great ape and our origins," said Professor Stringer. He references a recent paper in the journal <em>Science</em> which concluded, "Current evidence suggests that hominins originated in Africa from Miocene ape ancestors, unlike any living species."</p>



<p>With two opposing perspectives, what remains clear is that the story of our evolutionary past is still unfolding. This discovery might be a piece of the puzzle, but whether it’s a cornerstone or just another fragment remains to be seen.</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Sevim-Erol, A., Begun, D.R., Sözer, Ç.S. et al.</em></p>



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Did humans first evolve in Europe? Ape skull sparks new debate

The origin of humanity has been a topic of debate...

Red,Fox,,Vulpes,Vulpes,,Small,Young,Cubs,Near,Den,Curiously

<p>In a world constantly grappling with the dangers of climate change, another major challenge is flying under the radar: the pervasive spread of invasive alien species (IAS).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The threat posed by invasive species is alarmingly emphasized in a landmark report by the <a href="https://www.ipbes.net/node/36759">Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services</a> (IPBES).</p>



<p>The report reveals a staggering number: over 37,000 alien species have been introduced across the globe due to human activities.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-invasive-alien-species">Invasive alien species&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Among these, over 3,500 are invasive and pose a substantial risk to nature, human well-being, economies, and food security. Such species have traditionally been overlooked, which can lead to irreversible damages.</p>



<p>“Invasive alien species are a major threat to biodiversity and can cause irreversible damage to nature, including local and global species extinctions, and also threaten human wellbeing,” said Professor Helen Roy.</p>



<p>However, it's crucial to note that not all alien species are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">invasive</a>. In fact, only specific subsets, roughly 6% of alien plants and 14% of alien vertebrates, among others, are known to be invasive.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-cause-for-concern">Cause for concern</h2>



<p>One of the biggest concerns is their ability to adversely affect those most dependent on nature, such as Indigenous Peoples and local communities. For them, invasive species threaten not just their quality of life but also their cultural identities.</p>



<p>Another significant cause for concern is the economic aftermath. The report indicates that by 2019, the global economic cost had exceeded $423 billion annually, showcasing a drastic increase over the decades.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-local-extinctions">Local extinctions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Historically, many of these alien species were introduced due to their perceived benefits. But the negative impacts of those that become invasive are profound, both for nature and humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Anibal Pauchard noted that invasive species have factored in 60% of global animal and plant extinctions recorded, with at least 218 invasive species accounting for over 1,200 local extinctions.</p>



<h2 id="h-adverse-impacts">Adverse impacts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Examples of these adverse impacts are numerous: from the transformation of habitats by North American beavers to the damage caused to commercial shellfish beds by the European shore crab.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The implications are far-reaching, affecting food supplies, health (such as the spread of malaria by invasive mosquitoes), and even livelihoods.</p>



<h2 id="h-global-impact-from-alien-species">Global impact from alien species</h2>



<p>Highlighting the global nature of this issue, Pauchard emphasized that biological invasions should not be regarded as a localized problem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It would be an extremely costly mistake to regard biological invasions only as someone else’s problem,” said Pauchard. “Although the specific species that inflict damages vary from place to place, these are risks and challenges with global roots but very local impacts, facing people in every country, from all backgrounds and in every community – even Antarctica is being affected.”</p>



<p>The impact is genuinely global, even touching remote regions like Antarctica. However, the majority of negative impacts are concentrated on land, especially forests, with islands being particularly vulnerable.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>So what does the future hold? Professor Roy suggests that under 'business-as-usual' conditions, the total number of alien species will continue its upward trend, spurred on by increasing global trade and human travel.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But this scenario may not even capture the full picture, with multiple drivers of change predicted to intensify, amplifying the impact of invasive species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Climate change, in particular, could exacerbate the situation, with invasive plants potentially resulting in more intense wildfires, leading to increased CO2 emissions.</p>



<p>However, the news isn't all grim. The report suggests that with targeted and effective management, the threat from invasive alien species can be mitigated.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-prevention-is-the-best-option">Prevention is the best option</h2>



<p>Professor Pauchard optimistically points out that prevention remains the most cost-effective option, with other strategies such as eradication, containment, and ecosystem restoration also showing promise in specific contexts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The good news is that, for almost every context and situation, there are management tools, governance options and targeted actions that really work,” said Pauchard.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Prevention is absolutely the best, most cost-effective option – but eradication, containment and control are also effective in specific contexts. Ecosystem restoration can also improve the results of management actions and increase the resistance of ecosystems to future invasive alien species. Indeed, managing invasive alien species can help to mitigate the negative effects of other drivers of change.”</p>



<p>The report applauds efforts such as the Australasia's border biosecurity measures, which reduced the spread of the brown marmorated stink bug.</p>



<h2 id="h-insufficient-measures">Insufficient measures</h2>



<p>Though efforts to tackle this issue exist, the current measures remain vastly insufficient. While 80% of countries have set targets related to managing invasive species, only 17% have established laws or regulations addressing the issue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A silver lining is that with proper tools and governance options, managing these species becomes achievable. Professor Peter Stoett urges for a cohesive, integrated approach across countries and sectors, emphasizing the importance of public engagement and coherent policies.</p>



<h2 id="h-global-biodiversity-framework">Global Biodiversity Framework&nbsp;</h2>



<p>With the Global Biodiversity Framework committing to a 50% reduction in the introduction and establishment of invasive species by 2030, this IPBES report provides invaluable insights and tools to achieve this goal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The immediate urgency of invasive alien species, with extensive and growing harm to nature and people, makes this report so valuable and timely,” said Dr. Anne Larigauderie, the Executive Secretary of IPBES.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The Governments of the world agreed, in December last year, as part of the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to reduce the introduction and establishment of priority invasive alien species by at least 50% by 2030."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This is a vital, but also very ambitious commitment. The IPBES Invasive Alien Species Report provides the evidence, tools and options to help make this commitment more achievable.”</p>



<h2 id="h-a-substantial-threat">A substantial threat</h2>



<p>Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), reiterated that invasive alien species pose a substantial threat to livelihoods and food security around the world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"They can, for example, manifest as destructive crop or forest pests or displace species targeted by fisheries. They are an important driver of biodiversity loss and hence a threat to the various ecosystem services that support agricultural production and sustainable livelihoods," said Andersen.</p>



<p>"The information contained in this report will contribute greatly to efforts to combat the spread of invasive alien species and to meeting Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework."</p>



<p>"It will be especially valuable for all of us who work to integrate the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity into the world’s agrifood systems to enhance their productivity and resilience."</p>



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37,000 invasive alien species are wreaking havoc around the world

In a world constantly grappling with the dangers of climate...

<p>Forests are commonly viewed as ideal habitats for most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-efforts-are-not-enough-to-save-antarctic-wildlife/">wildlife</a>, especially forest-dwelling creatures. It would seem that farms are less hospitable environments for wild animals, but a surprising new study has provided a twist in this narrative. </p>



<p>The research suggests that diversified farms create habitats that help bridge the gap between wildlife conservation and food security.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>Over the course of 18 years, researchers from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/">Stanford University</a> found that many forest-dependent bird populations in Costa Rica are efficiently supported by diversified farms with varied crops and tree patches.</p>



<p>One particularly interesting finding of the study was that bird populations on diversified farms were increasing as bird populations in natural forests were declining.</p>



<p>The Stanford team, led by Nicholas Hendershot, conducted a comparative analysis of bird populations across different landscapes: forests, diversified farms, and intensive agriculture.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-tracking-the-health-of-ecosystems">Tracking the health of ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Surprisingly, the steepest declines in bird populations were recorded in forests, followed by intensiveagricultural regions, which were often populated by invasive species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Birds are kind of a proxy we use to track the health of ecosystems. And the birds we’re seeing today aren’t the same as we saw 18 to 20 years ago. This paper really documents this pattern,” said Hendershot.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study implies that while diversified farming can be a tool for biodiversity conservation, biodiversity in turn plays a significant role in ensuring food security.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Birds, with their varied dietary patterns, help in controlling pests by feeding on insects and assist in pollinating crops.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Identity does seem to matter a lot for pest control and other ecosystem services birds provide. These species are not interchangeable,” said Hendershot.</p>



<p>“We need a constant stream of pollinators servicing farms. About three-quarters of the world’s crops require pollinators to some extent, and that 75% is our most nutritious food – think of all the vitamins and minerals packed into fruits, nuts, and veggies,” said study co-author Gretchen Daily.</p>



<p>"We need a constant stream of birds, bats, and other wildlife to help control pests: they suppress the vast majority naturally. And we need to start building flood protection, water purification, carbon storage, and many other vital benefits back into agricultural landscapes, way beyond what can be achieved in protected areas alone.”</p>



<h2 id="h-diversified-farms">Diversified farms&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While protected forests play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, diversified farms offer more than just food production. They act as bridges, connecting fragmented forested areas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Diversified farms have shown immense potential in supporting biodiversity. “I’m always surprised by how important how you manage a farm is for biodiversity,” said Hendershot.</p>



<p>“We believe the findings of our research are new to science, but in a sense, it merely confirms what Indigenous communities around the world have already known for a long time, which is that humans can and should have reciprocal relationships with the rest of the local ecological community they are part of,” said study co-author Professor Tadashi Fukami.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-beacon-of-hope">Beacon of hope&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Costa Rica stands as a beacon of hope and a success story in terms of conservation. With rapid deforestation in the 1980s and 90s, the nation has made a remarkable comeback.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By implementing the world's premier payment for ecosystem services (PES) program, forests now cover almost 60% of Costa Rica, a significant leap from the 40% in 1987.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The country is working towards doubling its protected forest cover and launching a new PES to motivate farmers to embrace best management practices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This study will serve as an important guide for Costa Rica's policymakers by demonstrating the long-term benefits of diversified farming. “We need to recognize the vital work many farmers are doing that supports biodiversity," said Daily.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2303937120"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>,&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-diversified-farms">More about diversified farms&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Diversified farming refers to a type of agriculture that involves growing a variety of crops and/or raising multiple species of livestock in the same space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This farming strategy is in contrast to monoculture, where only one crop or animal species is cultivated over an extended area. Here are some key points about diversified farms:</p>



<h3 id="h-resilience">Resilience</h3>



<p>Diversified farms can be more resilient to pests, diseases, and market fluctuations. If one crop or livestock fails or its market price drops, there are other products that can compensate.</p>



<h3 id="h-soil-health">Soil health</h3>



<p>Different crops have different nutrient requirements and pest profiles. By rotating crops, farmers can reduce the chance of depleting the soil or encouraging the proliferation of a specific pest.</p>



<h3 id="h-ecosystem-services">Ecosystem services</h3>



<p>Diverse ecosystems often provide more ecosystem services like pollination, pest control, and water filtration.</p>



<h3 id="h-economic-stability">Economic stability</h3>



<p>By producing a range of products, farmers can access different markets and revenue streams, potentially smoothing out their income over the year.</p>



<h3 id="h-integrated-pest-management">Integrated pest management</h3>



<p>With a mix of crops and animals, some pests that might thrive in a monoculture setting might be naturally controlled in a diverse farm.</p>



<h3 id="h-reduced-chemical-input">Reduced chemical input</h3>



<p>By mimicking natural ecosystems, diversified farms can often reduce the need for chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.</p>



<h3 id="h-consumer-demand">Consumer demand</h3>



<p>There's growing consumer demand for diverse, local, and sustainably grown products. Diversified farms can often better meet this demand.</p>



<h3 id="h-local-food-systems">Local food systems</h3>



<p>Diversified farms often play a crucial role in local food systems, providing a variety of produce and products throughout the seasons.</p>



<h3 id="h-biodiversity">Biodiversity</h3>



<p>These farms can support a greater variety of wildlife and beneficial insects because of the diverse habitats and food sources they provide.</p>



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Diversified farms can support both food security and wildlife conservation

Forests are commonly viewed as ideal habitats for most wildlife,...

<p>At the core of Earth's biodiversity lies a fundamental question: Why do certain species thrive in abundance, while other species are dangerously rare? A recent groundbreaking study has shed light on this mystery, offering new insights into a debate that has been ongoing since the time of Darwin.</p>



<p>A pattern, long observed in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-gain-a-stronger-connection-with-nature/">nature</a>, has become more evident with over a century's worth of data: Most species are, intriguingly, rare, yet not exceedingly so. Meanwhile, only a select few species dominate in numbers.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-species-distribution">Species distribution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This phenomenon, known as the global species abundance distribution (gSAD), has been documented more conclusively for certain species, like birds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, when it comes to insects and several others, the clarity fades. This was the primary discovery made by an international team led by the <a href="https://www.idiv.de/en/index.html">German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research</a> (iDiv).</p>



<p>The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02173-y"><em>Nature Ecology and Evolution</em></a>, highlights the vital role of biodiversity monitoring in capturing the diverse essence of life on our planet.</p>



<p>The enigma of species distribution is not new. Charles Darwin, over 150 years ago, pondered in his revolutionary work, "The Origin of Species": “Who can explain why one species ranges widely and is very numerous, and why another allied species has a narrow range and is rare?”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-two-primary-models">Two primary models</h2>



<p>This query sparked the exploration of the gSAD, leading to the proposition of two primary models in the last century.</p>



<p>The first, introduced by R. A. Fisher - a renowned statistician and biologist - asserted that a vast majority of species are exceptionally rare. This perspective, known as the log-series model, implies that common species are a minority.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, F. W. Preston, both an engineer and ecologist, brought forth the log-normal model, suggesting that truly rare species are few and far between, with most exhibiting an intermediate level of abundance. Yet, until this recent study, the scientific community remained divided on which model truly depicted Earth’s gSAD.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To address this conundrum, the researchers analyzed data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), which contains over a billion species observations spanning from 1900 to 2019.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Corey Callaghan, the study's lead author, extolled the GBIF database, acknowledging its significance in "bringing together both data collected from professional and citizen scientists all over the world.” The data was meticulously categorized into 39 species groups, from birds to mammals, each with its unique gSAD.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The analysis revealed a potential universal pattern: most species are rare, but not exceedingly so, a finding consistent with Preston's log-normal model. However, the complete gSAD picture emerged only for specific groups, like birds and cycads. For others, the data remained limited.</p>



<p>Professor Henrique Pereira, the study's senior author, remarked on the intriguing shift witnessed with increasing data: “You start seeing that there are, in fact, more rare species than very rare species. This shift, evident for birds and cycads, illustrates the unveiling of the full species abundance distribution as Preston envisaged."</p>



<p>Yet, as Callaghan emphasized, there's a vast expanse of biodiversity yet to be charted. "Even though we have been recording observations for decades, we have only lifted the veil for a few species groups,” he said.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While the new study has made strides in unveiling gSADs for varied species, it has also opened doors to another profound question: Just how many species inhabit our planet? It appears that while some groups, like birds, have been exhaustively documented, others, including insects and cephalopods, remain shrouded in mystery.</p>



<p>These recent revelations not only bring us closer to answering Darwin’s question but also hint at the possible ecological and evolutionary mechanisms shaping species' rarity and abundance. Yet, this challenge will become much more complicated as human actions continue to reshape Earth's biodiversity.</p>



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Nature's puzzle: Why are some species rare and others are common?

At the core of Earth's biodiversity lies a fundamental question:...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-show-signs-of-cognitive-sophistication/">Ants</a> forage for food either individually or in groups, by recruiting other members of their colonies to help search for and transport food back to their nests. Now, a team of biologists led by the <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/">University of California, Los Angeles</a> (UCLA) has found that ants’ foraging strategies play a larger role in how they build their nests than innate, evolutionary “blueprints” do.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the experts, when building their nests, ants reach a balance between architectural constraints and transportation efficiency, a finding which could help humans design more efficient transportation networks tailored to a variety of specific needs.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Scientists have long thought that the way ants build their nests is more influenced by the evolutionary history of each individual species than current ecological conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the new study has revealed that the environments in which ants live and the ways they transport food are actually the main factors dictating how each species builds its own specific types of nests.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



<p>These findings could have major implications for the ways humans could design more efficient transportation systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, congestion on Southern California’s freeways could be improved if there were dedicated lanes or roads for trucks traveling to and from major logistics hubs such as ports, distribution centers, and warehouses.</p>



<p>“Ants deal with the same issues we deal with when it comes to living in crowded spaces,” said lead author Sean O’Fallon, a doctoral student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA. “We’re densely packed in cities, and ideally we should be densely connected, but there are constraints to how closely packed together we can be. There’s only so much space to construct buildings and roads.”</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To better understand how ants build their nests, the researchers analyzed data from 439 nests representing 31 different ant species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While information about 397 of these nests came from previously published studies, the authors also collected data from 42 additional nests located at the Archbold Biological Reserve near Venus, Florida.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The analyses revealed that nest structures were largely determined by factors such as whether ants foraged alone or in teams, as well as the techniques they used to recruit other ants to help locate and carry food.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thus, the ants’ behavior and activity seemed to play bigger roles in nest construction than any innate evolutionary template.</p>



<p>“You can think of the nest itself as a transportation network - it’s where ants live, but it’s also a kind of highway network they move things in and out of,” said senior author Noa Pinter-Wollman, a professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA.</p>



<h2 id="h-common-foraging-strategies">Common foraging strategies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The scientists investigated four common foraging strategies employed by ants. While in some species, individual ants forage for food, in others, an ant brings food to the nest as a way of recruiting other ants to accompany it to the food source.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ants may also form a continuous trail between the food source and the nest which can persist for months, or they leave pheromone trails that other members of their colony can follow in large numbers (a phenomenon known as “mass recruitment”).</p>



<h2 id="h-nest-chambers">Nest chambers</h2>



<p>Ants’ nests consist of a tunnel connected to an entrance chamber, where ants “enlist” other conspecifics to help them find and transport food.&nbsp;</p>



<p>From this entrance chamber, more tunnels lead down to other chambers, which are connected by yet more tunnels to even deeper chambers. Different chambers have different purposes, such as food and waste storage or rearing offspring.</p>



<p>The scientists discovered that in ant species that use mass recruitment to forage, the nests’ entrance chambers were bigger than they were in other species’ nests, in order to allow a larger number of insects to interact.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-network-density">Network density&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, they also expected that nests for mass recruitment foragers would have greater network density – i.e. larger number of connections between chambers – than other species’ nests, to facilitate more movements of ants and resources throughout the nest.</p>



<p>Surprisingly though, the investigations revealed that, for ants representing all four foraging strategies, network density was relatively low, even in the case of large nests with hundreds of chambers. In fact, nests with the most chambers tended to have the lowest network density.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Although further research is needed to elucidate this phenomenon, the researchers assume that this could simply reflect an architectural constraint, since too many tunnels between chambers can weaken the structural integrity of the nest, causing the entire system to collapse.</p>



<p>“Ants have to balance the efficiency of highly connected nests with architectural stability. On one hand, they want transportation to be faster, but if they start making too many connections, the nest will crumble” Pinter-Wollman concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2022.0146"><em>Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Ant nests could help humans build better transportation systems

Ants forage for food either individually or in groups, by...

<p>When it comes to colossal appetites in the reptile kingdom, pythons often steal the limelight. Their infamous capability to swallow prey much larger than their heads has made headlines worldwide. </p>



<p>But what if there was a diminutive contender with an appetite so voracious it could out-eat even the mighty python? Enter the Gans’ egg-eating snake, <em>Dasypeltis gansi</em> – an unassuming African snake species with a penchant for <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Gans-egg-eater-snake_credit-Bruce-Jayne_2big.jpg">gobbling up eggs whole</a>.</p>



<p>In a recent study led by Biologist Bruce Jayne from the <a href="https://www.uc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cincinnati</a>, it was revealed that this little snake's appetite is unparalleled in the realm of reptiles. "They probably would hold the Guinness world record," commented Jayne, who is a professor of biological sciences in UC's College of Arts and Sciences.</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-the-gans-egg-eating-snake">Studying the Gans’ egg-eating snake</h2>



<p>Although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-pythons-eat-prey-as-large-as-a-deer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pythons</a> may be giants in the world of snakes, the spotlight in this study shines brightly on <em>Dasypeltis gansi</em>. “It’s spectacular but on a small scale,” Jayne added. "People focus on big snakes eating big things, but if you correct for their size, these little guys are pretty scary.”</p>



<p>Published in the <a href="https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jzo.13102">Journal of Zoology</a>, the study delves into the eating habits of the Gans’ egg-eating snake. Named in honor of herpetologist Carl Gans, this snake, which reaches lengths of approximately three feet, has an anatomy quite unique from its counterparts. </p>



<p>While it might be slimmer than many of its egg-devouring peers in the U.S., such as the notorious chicken coop-raiding black rat snake, the Gans’ snake is in a league of its own. This is thanks to the stretchy skin between its left and right lower jawbones. It enables the snake to <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Gans-egg-eater-snake_credit-Bruce-Jayne_3medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consume eggs significantly larger than its head</a>. </p>



<p>Jayne observed, “They can consume prey three to four times bigger than snakes that are generalists such as the black rat snake.”</p>



<p><a href="https://youtu.be/cz0-G75xxjQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to watch the Gans’ egg-eating snake in action...</a></p>



<h2>Burmese python vs. Dasypeltis gansi is no contest</h2>



<p>Once consumed, the snake undergoes an intricate process. It contorts its spine to crack the egg, savoring the gooey contents within, and eventually regurgitating the empty, shattered shell.</p>



<p>To put things into perspective, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-pythons-eat-prey-as-large-as-a-deer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burmese python</a>, one of the most massive snakes on Earth, has shown remarkable eating abilities in previous research. Jayne's <a href="https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2022/09/uc-study-explains-how-burmese-pythons-can-eat-deer-other-big-prey.html">earlier studies</a> illustrated that adult Burmese pythons could ingest deer weighing over 70 pounds and even 100-pound alligators. </p>



<p>Yet, when the cross-sectional area of the prey is considered, the unassuming Gans’ egg-eater can consume prey more than double that of a Burmese python of a similar weight.</p>



<h2>Evolution in action</h2>



<p>What drives such an evolutionary marvel? According to Jayne, this incredible ability serves as an effective survival strategy for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snakes-had-an-evolutionary-explosion-after-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snake</a>. While many prey animals, such as birds, mice, and rats, provide more calories due to their elongated shapes, bird eggs are almost spherical. This poses a challenge as it offers lesser mass per cross-sectional area. </p>



<p>"One likely reason this extreme gape evolved in African egg-eating snakes is that they specialize on a prey shape with a modest amount of mass per cross-sectional area,” Jayne explained. "That puts a premium on having a wide mouth."</p>



<p>Evolution has also played its part in the snake's dental anatomy. As a specialist in egg-eating, the Gans’ snake has a soft mouth and very few teeth, which might otherwise impede its ability to grip a smooth-shelled egg effectively.</p>



<p>However, don’t be fooled by its gentle eating habits. When threatened, this snake can put on quite the performance. Taking a cue from the venomous saw-scaled vipers, the Gans’ egg-eater is adept at mimicking these dangerous counterparts to fend off potential predators. </p>



<p>“They put on quite a show, making a hissing sound by rubbing their scales together. They’ll flatten their heads and strike,” said Jayne. “It’s comical because it’s all bluff. They’re toothless wonders.”</p>



<p>In the grand tapestry of nature, it's often the quiet achievers that surprise us the most. In the case of the Gans' egg-eating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venomous-snake-bites-are-more-likely-to-occur-in-warmer-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snake</a>, it might be small, but its appetite is mighty, teaching us that size doesn't always matter.</p>



<h2>More about Gans’ egg-eaters (Dasypeltis gansi)</h2>



<p>When we think about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venomous-snake-bites-are-more-likely-to-occur-in-warmer-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snakes</a>, the image often conjured is of a slithering, venomous creature or a massive python consuming large mammals. Rarely do we imagine a small, harmless snake with a penchant for eggs. </p>



<p>Enter <em>Dasypeltis gansi</em>. It is a fascinating species that has caught the attention of herpetologists and nature enthusiasts alike.</p>



<h3>A name with historical ties</h3>



<p><em>Dasypeltis gansi</em>, often referred to as Gans' egg-eating snake, pays homage to the renowned herpetologist Carl Gans. This name is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to studying reptiles, given the unique characteristics of this snake species.</p>



<h3>A unique dietary habit</h3>



<p>What sets <em>Dasypeltis gansi</em> apart from other snakes is its singular diet: eggs. Unlike its carnivorous cousins, this snake doesn't hunt live prey. Instead, it searches for bird eggs, consuming them whole. </p>



<p>Once it locates an egg, it swallows it, employing its specialized vertebral structure to crack the egg within its body. After extracting the nutritious contents, the snake regurgitates the empty shell, ready to hunt for its next meal.</p>



<h3>An anatomical wonder</h3>



<p>As mentioned previously, the anatomy of <em>Dasypeltis gansi</em> is a marvel tailored for its egg-centric diet. It has a stretchy skin between its left and right lower jawbones, enabling it to swallow eggs significantly larger than its head. This ability to consume eggs much bigger than its mouth would suggest is a testament to nature's ability to evolve based on dietary needs.</p>



<p>While many snakes have developed intricate venom systems or powerful muscles to subdue their prey, <em>Dasypeltis gansi</em> has evolved a soft mouth and few teeth. These adaptations ensure nothing hinders its ability to grip and swallow the smooth-shelled eggs.</p>



<h3>Size and habitat</h3>



<p><em>Dasypeltis gansi</em> is a modest-sized snake, growing to about three feet in length. Despite its size, its egg-eating prowess surpasses even some of the larger snake species. </p>



<p>Native to Africa, this species thrives in various habitats. They move from woodlands to savannas, always on the lookout for bird nests.</p>



<h3>A master of defense</h3>



<p>Although harmless, <em>Dasypeltis gansi</em> is no easy prey. When threatened, it mimics venomous snakes to deter potential predators. </p>



<p>By flattening its head and hissing, often by rubbing its scales together, it creates an illusion of being a venomous threat. This act of mimicry is a classic example of nature's deceptive tactics for survival.</p>



<h3>A significant contribution to the ecosystem</h3>



<p>While some might view the consumption of eggs as detrimental, <em>Dasypeltis gansi</em> plays a vital role in its ecosystem. By keeping bird populations in check, it ensures a balanced environment. Furthermore, its presence provides a food source for larger predators, ensuring the circle of life continues unhindered.</p>



<p>In summary, <em>Dasypeltis gansi</em>, the egg-eating snake, is a remarkable testament to nature's adaptability and the intricate balance of the food chain. Its unique dietary habits, combined with its ability to mimic more dangerous species, make it a fascinating subject of study. It is also a reminder that nature is full of surprises, often hidden in the smallest of creatures.</p>



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These snakes are the true eating champions, not Burmese pythons

When it comes to colossal appetites in the reptile kingdom,...

White-necked,Jacobin,(florisuga,Mellivora),Is,A,Large,And,Attractive,Hummingbird

<p>Every year, National Hummingbird Day sweeps in with the delicate flutter of iridescent wings, offering bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike the chance to honor one of Earth’s most captivating creatures.</p>



<p>But what precisely defines this day? And why does the hummingbird, above all other bird species, deserve its own national celebration? Let's uncover the wonders behind this special occasion.</p>



<h2 id="h-origins-how-it-all-began">Origins: How it all began</h2>



<p>Established in 1996 by birding enthusiast Penny Elliston, National Hummingbird Day celebrates these tiny wonders on the <a href="https://www.audubon.org/features/celebrate-hummingbirds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first Saturday of September each year</a>. Elliston initiated this day with the hope of raising awareness about the importance of these birds in ecosystems and inspiring communities to engage in hummingbird conservation.</p>



<h2>Why celebrate hummingbirds?</h2>



<p>The reasoning behind dedicating an entire day to these creatures is manifold.</p>



<h3>Ecological impact</h3>



<p>Hummingbirds act as vital pollinators for various plants. As they sip nectar, their heads brush against the flower's reproductive parts, transferring pollen and facilitating the process of fertilization.</p>



<h3>Cultural significance</h3>



<p>Across various cultures, hummingbirds symbolize love, beauty, and resilience. Their ability to hover and fly backward has led many to view them as symbols of timelessness and adaptability.</p>



<h3>Biological wonders</h3>



<p>Their rapid wing beats, exceptional flight agility, and iridescent colors make hummingbirds a subject of fascination. They push the boundaries of what we understand about avian physiology and behavior.</p>



<h2>How to celebrate</h2>



<h3>Bird watching expeditions</h3>



<p>Many bird enthusiasts and nature clubs organize hummingbird watching trips. Joining these can offer insights into hummingbird behavior and habitats.</p>



<h3>Gardening for hummingbirds</h3>



<p>Planting native flowers and shrubs that attract hummingbirds can be both a way to celebrate and a conservation effort. Plants like trumpet vine, bee balm, and salvia often serve as hummingbird magnets.</p>



<h3>Educational workshops</h3>



<p>Various parks, nature reserves, and institutions conduct workshops on hummingbird biology, photography, and conservation.</p>



<h3>Adopt a hummingbird</h3>



<p>Some organizations offer symbolic hummingbird adoptions. The funds often go towards hummingbird research and conservation efforts.</p>



<h3>Share on social media</h3>



<p>Spreading love and information about hummingbirds through platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook can raise awareness and foster appreciation among a broader audience.</p>



<h2>Conservation efforts and challenges</h2>



<p>While National Hummingbird Day is a celebration, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges these birds face. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-will-not-be-able-to-retreat-to-high-altitudes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Habitat loss</a>, climate change, and the use of pesticides in gardens can threaten hummingbird populations. On this day, many organizations emphasize the importance of creating hummingbird-friendly habitats, reducing chemical use in gardens, and supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-evolved-to-survive-harsh-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation initiatives</a>.</p>



<p>In summary, National Hummingbird Day is not just about admiration but also about action. While we marvel at the wonders of these aerial acrobats, we must also pledge to ensure that future generations witness their mesmerizing flights. By participating actively in this day, we can spread awareness, foster love for nature, and contribute to the preservation of these remarkable birds.</p>



<h2>More about hummingbirds</h2>



<p>Hummingbirds, with their iridescent feathers and rapid wing beats, rank among the natural world's most enchanting creatures. These tiny dynamos, often no larger than the palm of your hand, display feats of aerial acrobatics unrivaled in the bird kingdom. Let's dive into the mesmerizing universe of these remarkable birds.</p>



<h3>Physical characteristics: More than meets the eye</h3>



<p>The first thing that captures our attention when observing a hummingbird is undoubtedly its dazzling plumage. These feathers can reflect sunlight in a prism of colors, producing hues that seem almost otherworldly. This shimmering effect results from microscopic platelets in the feathers that refract light, rather than from pigments.</p>



<p>Hummingbirds generally range in size from 7.5 to 13 cm in length. The Bee Hummingbird, found in Cuba, is the smallest bird species in the world, weighing a mere 2 grams. They possess a long, specialized bill that aids in extracting nectar from deep within flowers. Their tongue is tube-shaped, allowing them to lap up nectar efficiently.</p>



<p>Beyond their radiant colors, hummingbirds boast some of the most specialized adaptations in the bird world. Their uniquely ball-and-socket jointed wings allow for a full 180-degree range of motion. This evolutionary feature enables them to hover in mid-air by flapping their wings in a figure-eight pattern, a capability few other birds possess.</p>



<h3>High-energy lives in the fast lane</h3>



<p>Hummingbirds lead lives of ceaseless activity. Their wings can beat up to 80 times per second, and their hearts can race at an astonishing 1,200 beats per minute. Such rapid movement requires a tremendous amount of energy.</p>



<p>To sustain this high-energy lifestyle, hummingbirds consume up to half their body weight in food daily. Their primary energy source? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sipping-on-nectar-hummingbirds-consume-a-surprising-amount-of-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nectar</a>. This sugary fluid provides them with the fast-burning fuel needed for their turbo-charged lives. But nectar alone isn't enough. Hummingbirds also snack on insects and spiders for essential proteins, vitamins, and fats.</p>



<p>With such a high metabolism, these birds are constantly on the edge of starvation. Remarkably, they can slow their metabolic rate at night, entering a state akin to hibernation called torpor. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy when food is scarce.</p>



<h3>Hummingbirds are migratory marvels</h3>



<p>Many species of hummingbirds embark on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/do-hummingbirds-migrate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-distance migrations</a>, a demanding journey that seems almost impossible for such tiny creatures. For instance, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which breeds in North America, makes a nonstop flight of 18-20 hours across the Gulf of Mexico to winter in Central America.</p>



<p>Such feats demand an efficient fuel storage system. Before migration, hummingbirds double their body weight, storing fat as an energy reserve. This stored fat then powers their long, strenuous flights.</p>



<h3>Intricate courtship and reproduction</h3>



<p>The courtship rituals of hummingbirds are a sight to behold. Males often woo potential mates with impressive aerial displays, diving and soaring in U-shaped patterns while emitting distinctive calls. Some species even have specialized feathers that produce a musical hum during these dives.</p>



<p>Once a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-hummingbirds-mimic-males-to-avoid-violence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">female</a> selects her mate, the pair's involvement usually ends. The female alone constructs the nest, incubates the eggs, and feeds the chicks. Hummingbird nests, often no bigger than a walnut, consist of spider webs, lichen, and plant material, providing a soft, stretchable home for the growing chicks.</p>



<h3>Crucial role in ecosystems</h3>



<p>Hummingbirds play several crucial roles in the ecosystems they inhabit, most notably as pollinators and as members of the food web. Here's a more detailed look at their ecological contributions:</p>



<h4>Pollinators</h4>



<p>Hummingbirds are primary pollinators for a wide range of flowering plants, especially those with tubular, brightly colored flowers.</p>



<p>As a hummingbird feeds on nectar, its head comes into contact with the flower's anthers, picking up pollen. When the bird visits the next flower, some of this pollen is transferred to the flower's stigma, facilitating pollination. This symbiotic relationship provides hummingbirds with food and plants with an efficient means of reproduction.</p>



<p>Some plants are specifically adapted to hummingbird pollination, with their flower shapes, colors, and blooming times catering precisely to the preferences and behaviors of these birds.</p>



<h4>Predator and prey dynamics</h4>



<p>While hummingbirds consume nectar for energy, they also eat insects and spiders for proteins, fats, and other essential nutrients. Thus, they play a role in controlling the populations of these small creatures.</p>



<p>Conversely, hummingbirds are prey for various animals, including larger birds, spiders, praying mantises, and even some species of fish that can catch them as they skim over water. Their presence supports the diets of these predators.</p>



<h4>Seed dispersal</h4>



<p>Although this is not a direct role played by hummingbirds, their pollination activity indirectly aids in seed production for various plants. More pollination often means more seeds, which leads to the propagation of numerous plant species.</p>



<h4>Niche specification</h4>



<p>Within ecosystems, different species often evolve to fill specific niches to reduce competition for resources. In many habitats, hummingbirds have evolved alongside specific plants, creating a mutual reliance. This specialization reduces competition between hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding animals, ensuring that multiple species can coexist and thrive.</p>



<h4>Indicator species</h4>



<p>Due to their high metabolic rate and sensitivity to environmental changes, hummingbirds can serve as indicator species. A decline in hummingbird populations can signal changes in the ecosystem, whether due to habitat destruction, pollution, or other factors.</p>



<h4>Cultural and economic impact</h4>



<p>Beyond the natural ecosystem, hummingbirds play a role in human-affected ecosystems as well. Many people set up feeders or plant gardens specifically to attract these birds, fostering a sense of connection with nature and promoting local ecotourism.</p>



<p>Hummingbirds, in their diminutive size, encapsulate a universe of wonders. From their breathtaking aerial displays to their vibrant, shimmering colors, these birds continue to captivate and inspire. </p>



<p>On this National Hummingbird Day, by understanding and appreciating their intricacies, we grow more connected to the myriad marvels of the natural world.</p>



<p>---</p>



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National Hummingbird Day: Celebrating nature's aerial acrobats

Every year, National Hummingbird Day sweeps in with the delicate...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



<p>Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



<p>The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



<p>At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.</p>



<p>"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-astrobiology">Implications for astrobiology</h2>



<p>The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



<p>On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.</p>



<p>This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.</p>



<p>Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.</p>



<p>The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators.  Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas.  These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.</p>



<p>Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.</p>



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



<p>Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.</p>



<p>Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



<p>385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.</p>



<p>The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.</p>



<p>Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



<p>The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."</p>



<p>This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.</p>



<p>Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet <em>Archaeopteris</em>: the first modern tree</h2>



<p>The star of this ancient forest is <em>Archaeopteris</em> – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur <em>Archaeopteryx</em>. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.</p>



<p>William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.</p>



<p>Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



<p>These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.</p>



<p>This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.</p>



<p>All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h2>



<p>Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.</p>



<p>Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."</p>



<p>The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



<p>In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.</p>



<p>Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



<p>Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.</p>



<p>Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.</p>



<p>These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.</p>



<p>The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



<p>Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?</p>



<p>The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What was acid rain?</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The science behind it</strong></h2>



<p>Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.</p>



<p>While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The crisis at its peak</strong></h2>



<p>During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Environmental devastation</strong></h2>



<p>The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.</p>



<p>By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.</p>



<p>Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic impact</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The solution: government action and technology</strong></h2>



<p>Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Clean Air Act of 1990</strong></h2>



<p>The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cap-and-trade success</strong></h2>



<p>Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.</p>



<p>The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Technology advances</strong></h2>



<p>Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.</p>



<p>The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today"><strong>Why we don't hear about it today</strong></h2>



<p>Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Success doesn't make news</strong></h2>



<p>There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mission accomplished</strong></h2>



<p>The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone"><strong>Is it really gone?</strong></h2>



<p>The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.</p>



<p>EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What this teaches us</strong></h2>



<p>The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.</p>



<p>Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.</p>



<p>This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.</p>



<p>Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.</p>



<p><strong>3. What made the solution successful?</strong> Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.</p>



<p><strong>4. Do other countries have acid rain problems?</strong> Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.</p>



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a></p>



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>



<p></p>



<p>Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. </p>



<p>Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. </p>



<p>These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.</p>



<p>Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. </p>



<p>For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.</p>



<p>Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. </p>



<p>Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.</p>



<p>This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. </p>



<p>With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.</p>



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



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<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

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<p>A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. </p>



<p>Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. </p>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. </p>



<p>Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. </p>



<p>The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.</p>



<p>Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.</p>



<p>Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.</p>



<p>This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. </p>



<p>The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

<p>Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.</p>



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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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

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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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"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

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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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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>



<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>

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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