Ecosystems

Earth

Analyze This: Nutrients from sewage may harm coastal ecosystems

A new model suggests that 58 percent of coral reefs and 88 percent of seagrass beds are exposed to excess nitrogen from wastewater.

Animals

Baleen whales eat — and poop — a lot more than we thought

The amount of food that some whales eat and then poop out suggests these animals have a powerful influence over ocean ecosystems.

Environment

Leaky sewer pipes pollute urban streams and bays with drugs

Scientists find that leaking sewer pipes around Baltimore, Md., spew thousands of doses of medicines into the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways.

Climate

Here’s how some sea-loving trees ended up far from the coast

This “relict ecosystem” that’s more than thousands of years old moved inland due to warming and a rise in sea levels.

Environment

Cheatgrass thrives on the well-lit urban night scene

Middle-grade campers team up with ecologists at Denver University to show that streetlights boost the growth of a reviled invasive species.

Environment

Warming cities may see more rain — and frequent flooding

Scientists are seeking to understand why and how to mop up excess precipitation.

Animals

Spiders can take down and feast on surprisingly big snakes

Snared in sticky webs and subdued by poison, even venomous snakes can become a spider’s soup.

Animals

Urchin mobs can literally dis-arm a predator

Urchins are important herbivores — but not strict vegetarians. When hungry enough, they may even rip apart their predators for lunch.

Earth

Only 3 percent of Earth’s land is unchanged by people

A sweeping survey of land-based ecosystems finds that very few still support all the animals they used to. Reintroducing lost species could help.

Ecosystems

Analyze This: Invasive species cost the world billions each year

A new study estimates that invasive species have cost the world more than $1 trillion since 1970. That’s almost certainly an underestimate.

Fossils

Rhinos, camels and bone-crushing dogs once roamed Nebraska

Scientists digging into the remnants of an ancient watering hole in Nebraska discovered evidence of an Africa-like savanna, complete with rhinos.

Ecosystems

Urchin takeover underlies California’s vanishing kelp forests

Some 95 percent of kelp forests along its northern coast are gone. Meanwhile, sea otters are helping slow the loss of surviving kelp farther south.