Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
- Animals
Parrotfish shape the future of coral reefs, one bite at a time
Could these colorful fish aid struggling coral? Yes, but not always. Parrotfish play a complex role in reefs — and sometimes may cause harm.
- Animals
Let’s learn about venom
A bite or puncture from a venomous critter can cause paralysis, flesh rot, organ failure and many more violent — and sometimes fatal — symptoms.
- Animals
A shark encounter inspired this researcher’s career in marine biology
Heidy Martinez never wanted to study sharks as a kid. That changed after encountering a white shark in South Africa.
- Humans
These Korean women spend more time underwater than any other humans
At an average age of 70, these divers in South Korea still forage in the sea for up to 10 hours a day. They spend more than half of that time underwater.
- Animals
Quashing the spotted lanternfly may require help from other species
This invasive pest has spread to 17 U.S. states and may threaten vineyards. But bats, fungi, dogs and even trees may help halt the lanternfly's spread.
- Life
Scientists Say: Biodiversity
The coral reefs at Komodo, one of the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia, are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.
- Animals
Here’s a spider whose barf is worse than its bite
These critters, which often make their homes on houseplants, don’t bother injecting venom. The spiders just vomit it all over their tied-up prey.
- Environment
Scientists Say: Steppe
Expansive, windswept grasslands offer ample grazing for roaming herd animals and more.
- Animals
Frogs evolved a wide variety of vocal sacs to amplify their ribbits
Maybe you've seen frogs with ballooning throats, but what about pop-out poofs and fat ear bumps?
- Animals
Scientists Say: Kleptopredation
It’s a hunter-eat-hunter world out there, and this feeding strategy gives some double-dipping predators a competitive edge.
- Animals
Young capuchins are kidnapping baby howler monkeys
The disturbing habit has emerged among capuchin monkeys on a remote island off Panama. Scientists are baffled — and concerned.
- Plants
Pollinators send out good vibrations — and plants respond sweetly
Snapdragon blooms can distinguish between the sounds of pollinators and thieves. They boost or drop the sugar in their nectar depending who’s arriving.
