Ecosystems
- Microbes
Mystery microbes of the sea
Biologists find archaea a true curiosity. They make up one of life’s three main branches. The two better known branches are bacteria and eukaryotes (u KARE ee oatz). That last branch includes animals, plants and fungi. But archaea have remained mysterious. Very little is known about them. In fact, their unique status wasn’t even recognized until relatively recently, in 1977.
- Animals
Alien carp leap onto the scene
Last summer, Alison Coulter got a big surprise as she piloted a boat along the Wabash River in Indiana. Startled by her boat’s motor, a 60-centimeter (24-inch) carp leaped out of the river. In some cases, jumping Asian carp have broken a boater’s nose, jaw or arm.
- Animals
Gorgeous eco-bullies
‘Foreign’ lionfish — aquarium castoffs — have been invading American coastal waters at an alarming rate and gobbling up the natives.
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- Animals
Infectious animals
Critters spread many germs that can sicken each other — and even kill people.
- Environment
Fungi as carbon keepers
A common type of fungus stores most of a forest floor’s carbon underground.
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- Ecosystems
Predators as climate helpers
In lakes and streams, fish and insects can help protect aquatic plants that gobble up greenhouse gas.
- Oceans
Icy inns at Earth’s end
Intrepid researchers discover icebergs host large and lively communities of life.
- Animals
Python-palooza!
Monster-sized Burmese python bearing record-number of eggs retrieved in the Florida Everglades.
- Animals
Tiny earthworms’ big impact
Invasive earthworms change North American landscapes, for better or worse.
- Oceans
Life beneath the ‘berg
Scientists find Antarctic icebergs play a new and bigger role in the climate cycle.
