Earth
These ultra-long experiments outlive their scientists — on purpose
To study phenomena that unfold over decades or even centuries, scientists may launch projects they may never see finished.
Ecosystems
Articles on ecosystems
More Stories in Ecosystems
- Earth
Let’s learn about rivers
Rivers vary a lot in size and terrain, but all share a few basic features.
- 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.
- Animals
Whale pee is an ocean bounty
Some migrating cetaceans move thousands of miles to their breeding grounds, where whale urine fertilizes ocean waters with valuable nutrients.
- Ecosystems
Scientists Say: Ecosystem
The interplay between living things and the physical environment gives rise to Earth’s thriving, life-sustaining ecosystems.
- Environment
Study uncovers secrets in water’s underground treks
Water's subterranean travels can be long, slow — and carry pollutants far from where they first got drawn into the Earth.
- Animals
Captive-breeding axolotls may help avoid their extinction
The axolotl program's success shows promise in helping protect this highly popular amphibian — currently found in only one lake — from dying out in the wild.
- Animals
The ‘bone collector’ caterpillar wears its prey as camouflage
For months, the caterpillar scavenges spider webs for scrapped insect body parts to cover its protective case. Later, that case will serve as its cocoon.
- Animals
Freshwater fish are in trouble: Here’s how we can help them
Human activities threaten the survival of many freshwater fish species. Research is now pointing to how we can best overcome those threats.
- Plants
For some trees, acting as lightning rods helps them survive
Being struck by lightning is usually bad. But for one tropical tree, a mighty zap can kill rivals and parasitic vines.
