Ecosystems

Animals

Orcas can take down the largest animal on the planet

For the first time, scientists observed that orcas can kill blue whales by using the same hunting techniques that have worked on other large whales.

Plants

More than 9,000 tree species may be waiting to be discovered

Scientists estimated how many tree species are on Earth, an important step for forest conservation and protecting biodiversity.

Ecosystems

Scientists Say: Decay

This word can refer to rotting flesh or the transformation of radioactive atoms.

Environment

Recycling a climate-warming gas could make ‘greener’ farmed fish

Instead of warming the climate, methane gas can be collected to help farmers. Along the way, it may also save some fish.

Animals

Rewilding returns lost species to strengthen ecosystems

Restoring the missing species can help undo human-caused problems by aiding forests, slowing climate change and reducing wildfires.

Ecosystems

Secret forest fungi partner with plants — and help the climate

Forest fungi are far more than mere mushrooms. They explore. They move nutrients and messages between plants. They can even help fight climate change.

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.