Ecosystems

Animals

Polar bears leave thousands of tons of food scraps for other species

The new finding quantifies how much of polar bears' food goes uneaten. As these bears decline, Arctic scavengers risk losing a critical food source.

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.

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.

Ecosystems

Scientists Say: Transplant

Transplant means to move something from one place to another. A transplant can involve something as small as a cell or as large as a whole population.

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.