Climate Change
‘Air-Conditioning’ Rivers and Streams Could Save Overheated Fish
Warming waters pose a danger to Atlantic salmon. A new effort aims to lower the temperature in waterways used by the fish to spawn
Ecology2770 articles archived since 1845
Ecology
Can We Save Every Species from Extinction?
The Endangered Species Act requires that every U.S. plant and animal be saved from extinction, but after 50 years, we have to do much more to prevent a biodiversity crisis
Ecology
Thousands More Puzzling ‘Fairy Circles’ Have Been Found around the World
These mysterious spots of barren soil have fascinated scientists for years. Now evidence of their existence beyond two known locations is stirring up a fresh round of contention
Ecology
A Beautiful Newfound Fungus Mummifies Its Spider Prey
A striking purple species is one piece of the fungal kingdom’s uncharted diversity
Pollution
Maui Fires Could Contaminate the Island’s Waters
Researchers in Hawaii are studying the effects of the deadly blazes on its island of Maui, including how they have impacted drinking-water quality and might affect local marine ecosystems...
Animals
The Hot Secret behind a Deep-Sea ‘Octopus Garden’
Thousands of usually solitary octopuses gather to brood eggs in a special spot off California
Ecology
Turtle Shells Record Nuclear History
Minuscule amounts of uranium detected in the shells of turtles point to a new way to track such materials’ impacts on people and ecosystems
Climate Change
Disappearing Glaciers Expose Vast New Ecosystems That Need Protection
New habitats that are emerging as mountain glaciers melt away represent huge ecological shifts and present new challenges for conservation
Ecology
In This Ancient Garden, Plants Can Cure or Kill You
Apothecaries founded this famous garden—one of the most ancient botanical gardens in Europe—to teach their students which plants poison and which plants cure.
Ecology
Strange Ecosystem Found Thriving below Seafloor Hydrothermal Vents
An expedition using a deep-sea remotely operated vehicle has uncovered a hidden underground ecosystem below hydrothermal vents on the seafloor
Ecology
More than Half of Earth’s Species Live Underground
Researchers set out to calculate how much of Earth’s life dwells in the planet’s least admired environment
Ecology
The Fungi Economy, Part 2: Here’s How Plants and Fungi Trade beneath Our Feet
Atmospheric carbon is a currency that plants use to “buy” nutrients from fungi in the soil. To find out where this economy will go next, the devil is in the details. And the details are in the dirt...
Ecology
The Fungi Economy, Part 1: Just like Us, Trees Are Experiencing Inflation
Like us, plants and fungi have complex economies. By burning fossil fuels, we’ve been devaluing their currency.
Ecology
How ‘Zombie’ Fires Rise from the Dead in Spring
As “zombie” fires become more common, new research shows they arise from an unexpected source
Ecology
Just like People, Orangutans Get Smoker’s Voice
New research has discovered that wildfire smoke hurts these primates’ voice—and health.
Ecology
Watch Baby Octopuses Hatch from a Surprising Deep-Sea Nursery
Elated researchers watched baby octopuses hatch en masse near Pacific Ocean hydrothermal vents
Conservation
Humans Are Predators of at Least One Third of All Vertebrate Species
Humans prey on more vertebrate species for use as pets and in medicine and other products than we do for food
Ecology
Cute and Ugly Pygmy Lorises Are Actually Two Different Species
It turns out there are two species of mysterious, venomous pygmy lorises
Ecology
Parrots Are Taking Over the World
Smart, adaptable and loud, parrots are thriving in cities far outside their native ranges
Ecology
How to Protect Yourself from Ticks and the Dangerous Diseases They Spread
Experts explain why tick-borne illnesses are increasing in the U.S. and offer tips to prevent bites
