Nature & Wildlife
From birds to flowers, the majority of the Earth’s species stem from a few evolutionary “explosions,” where new habitats or traits sparked rapid diversification. These bursts, in fact, explain most of the planet’s biodiversity. Some of those new habitats were ignited by glaciers.
Nature & Wildlife
At the end of the year, many of our holiday celebrations revolve around food, such as a Thanksgiving feast or a Christmas dinner. This food-intensive season reminds me of a new concept in nature studies: “nature’s chefs.” In essence, nature’s chefs are organisms that provide food—or the illusion of food—to other organisms.
Europe
Rolling hills, trout-filled streams, and beech forests define the Cotswolds—a pastoral stretch that has nurtured both people and wildlife for centuries. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966, this protected region embodies the timeless connection between rural life and the English countryside.
Asia & The Pacific
Big, beautiful and brimming with life, Borneo is a “biological treasure chest,” says Court Whelan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Natural Habitat Adventures.
Nature & Wildlife
I like to think of biodiversity as a symphony orchestra, where each note, each instrument—every single part—is needed to make the whole. In the concert called “biodiversity,” then, every species, from microscopic life to towering trees and vast oceans, plays a vital role.
Nature & Wildlife
Daylight savings time—the practice of advancing clocks to make better use of the longer daylight available during summer so that darkness falls at a later clock time—will end on November 2 this year. That means that we’ll set our clocks to “fall back” into standard time.
Nature & Wildlife
The word birdbrain became a common slang term for a stupid person in the early 20th century. And while it’s still sometimes used as an insult, it’s a misnomer. In fact, the brains of birds are so large (relative to their body size) that scientists say they are practically braincases with beaks.
Conservation
Conservation is a complex and multifaceted undertaking, requiring the concerted efforts of communities, governments, individuals and organizations to safeguard and manage ecosystems, natural resources and wildlife.
Antarctica & Arctic
Part of the reason that I’m so enthralled with Antarctica is because it’s one of the rare places on Earth that has never had an Indigenous population; in other words, there are no native human Antarcticans. Of course, animals other than us have lived there for eons. Perhaps, the best known and most abundant are penguins.
Conservation
Virtual reality (VR)—a technology that simulates a three-dimensional (3D) environment, allowing users to interact with a computer-generated world as if they were physically present—can create dynamic, immersive and personalized experiences.
Nature & Wildlife
Captivating remnants of ancient times, fossils offer a window into Earth’s history and the evolution of life. They document the past, providing clues about extinct species, vanished environments and the processes that shaped our planet.
Nature & Wildlife
Across the animal kingdom, mothers “of all stripes” care for their offspring, playing a vital role in nurturing and protecting them, and teaching them essential skills. They also provide comfort and security, enabling young animals to thrive and reach maturity.
