Author: Shreya Dasgupta Researchers studying the effects of termites in an old-growth tropical forest in Malaysian Borneo found that both termite numbers and activity increased during the El Niño drought of 2015-2016, resulting in higher leaf litter decomposition and soil moisture compared to a test plot where the termite population had been artificially suppressed. These improvements […]
Top photo: African elephant bull. Michelle Gadd/USFWS, CC BY Author: Bob Jacobs, Colorado College Conservationists have designated August 12 as World Elephant Day to raise awareness about conserving these majestic animals. Elephants have many engaging features, from their incredibly dexterous trunks to their memory abilities and complex social lives. But there is much less discussion […]
Top photo: He comes in peace. Matt Bertone, CC BY-ND Author: Matt Bertone, North Carolina State University I know it may be hard to convince you, but let me try: Don’t kill the next spider you see in your home. Why? Because spiders are an important part of nature and our indoor ecosystem – as […]
Top Photo: Red fox under cover of darkness in London. Jamie Hall. For use only with this article. Author: Kaitlyn Gaynor, University of California, Berkeley For their first 100 million years on planet Earth, our mammal ancestors relied on the cover of darkness to escape their dinosaur predators and competitors. Only after the meteor-induced mass […]
