How a butterfly tree becomes a web
Evolution is often portrayed as a tree, with new species branching off from existing lineages, never again to meet. The truth however is often much messier. In the case of adaptive radiation, in which species diversify rapidly to fill different ecolo.....»»
Is there snow in that tree? Citizen science helps unpack snow"s effect on summer water supplies
The snow that falls in the mountains is good for more than just skiing, snowshoeing and breathtaking vistas. The snowpack it creates will eventually melt, and that water can be used for hydropower, irrigation and drinking water......»»
Monarch butterfly populations are thriving in North America
For years, scientists have warned that monarch butterflies are dying off in droves because of diminishing winter colonies. But new research from the University of Georgia shows that the summer population of monarchs has remained relatively stable ove.....»»
Joshua Tree park closes trail so bighorn sheep can get water
A popular hiking trail to an oasis in Joshua Tree National Park has been temporarily closed so bighorn sheep can get undisturbed access to water......»»
Alerce tree in Chile may be the oldest in the world
Chilean environmental scientist Jonathan Barichivich has been making waves in the dendrochronology community of late due to his study and findings regarding an alerce tree in Alerce Costero National Park—he believes the tree may be the oldest in th.....»»
Exotic tree plantations can disturb local wildlife
Initiatives using non-native tree species can impact tropical insects in neighboring forests, according to an international study......»»
Red pandas face a fractured future
The much-loved red panda is renowned for its tree-climbing ability and adorable nature, but new research shows the endangered mammal is being driven closer to extinction......»»
Indigenous Borneans knew a tree was two distinct species. Genetic analysis confirms they were right
More than 200 years ago, a Spanish botanist described Artocarpus odoratissimus, a species of fruit-bearing tree found in Borneo and the Philippines. The Iban people, who are indigenous to Borneo, know the tree to have two different varieties, which t.....»»
Research finds tree plantations encroaching on essential ecosystems
Trees store carbon, filter the air, create habitat, and supply a host of other benefits for animals and people. Planting the right trees, in the right places, in consultation with local communities, can support goals like addressing climate change an.....»»
Grab an AncestryDNA kit for over 40% off during Walmart+ Weekend
Save 44%: Want to find out the full extent of your family tree? The AncestryDNA + trait kit can help you do that. As of June 3, it's on sale for $67 — a nice $52 off — as part of Walmart+ Weekend. Statistically speaking, there's probably.....»»
Monarch butterfly numbers in Mexico rise by 35%
Mexican experts said Monday that 35% more monarch butterflies arrived this year to spend the winter in mountaintop forests, compared to the previous season......»»
What the World’s Largest Organism Reveals About Fires and Forests
In Oregon, the tree-killing Humongous Fungus never would have gotten so large without the accidental help of modern fire suppression tactics......»»
Is the World"s Oldest Tree Growing In a Ravine In Chile?
sciencehabit shares a report from Science Magazine: Some 5400 years ago, about the time humans were inventing writing, an alerce tree (Fitzroya cupressoides) may have started to grow in the coastal mountains of present-day Chile. Sheltered in a cool,.....»»
Tree loss on Madagascar not caused by small-scale fires used for land clearing
Once humans discovered how to tame fire, they began using it for heat and cooking as well as to scare away animals and to alter their environs, especially burning areas to plant and to restore grazing land. In Madagascar, scientists and conservationi.....»»
Aerodynamics of perching birds could inform aircraft design
If you have ever watched a bird land on a tree branch, you may have noticed that it rapidly pitches its wings upward at a high angle to execute a smooth landing. However, for some birds, they land by folding their wings as they perch instead, creatin.....»»
Improved method to make branched polymers
Branched polymers, polymers that look like tiny tree branches, have significant potential for water filtration, the biomedical field, nanoelectronics, and other applications. Researchers have now come up with a better way for efficiently creating the.....»»
Chemists synthesize psychotropic compound from rainforest tree
The bark of the Galbulimima belgraveana tree, found only in remote rainforests of Papua New Guinea and northern Australia, has long been used by indigenous people for both healing and ceremony. A tea brewed from the bark not only induces a dreamlike.....»»
What we"re still learning about how trees grow
What will happen to the world's forests in a warming world? Will increased atmospheric carbon dioxide help trees grow? Or will extremes in temperature and precipitation hold growth back? That all depends on whether tree growth is more limited by the.....»»
Water makes tree branches droop at night
A new study using a time-series of terrestrial laser scanning measurements shows that changes in the water status of leaves and branches causes branches to move downward at night, up to 20 cm depending on the tree species. Leaves and branches repleni.....»»
Climate change increases risks of tree death
Planting a tree seems like a generally good thing to do for the environment. Trees, after all, take in carbon dioxide, offsetting some of the emissions that contribute to climate change......»»
Removing "climber" plants doubles tree growth, and more conservation strategies
Protecting nature starts with science. Here's a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts......»»