A distinctive plant that steals nutrients from underground fungi has been identified as a new species by botanists from the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), working alongside local naturalists and stakeholders. The findings were recently published in the journal PhytoKeys. Discovery and classification Discovered in the tropical rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia, the plant, named Thismia … Read more
Aquatic biology is a branch of biology that focuses on the study of life in water environments, encompassing a wide range of organisms, ecosystems, and processes that thrive in aquatic habitats. From the smallest microorganisms to the largest marine mammals, aquatic biology explores the diversity, adaptations, interactions, and ecological dynamics of aquatic life across freshwater, … Read more
Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the study and preservation of biodiversity, ecosystems, and the natural environment. It integrates principles from ecology, genetics, evolutionary biology, population biology, biogeography, and environmental science to address conservation challenges, mitigate biodiversity loss, protect endangered species, restore habitats, and promote sustainable management of natural resources. Conservation biology … Read more
Animal ecology is a branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals in their natural habitats, examining their behaviors, interactions, adaptations, and population dynamics within ecological systems. By understanding how animals interact with their environment and with each other, animal ecologists gain insights into the ecological processes that shape ecosystems and influence biodiversity. … Read more
Biogeography is the scientific study of the distribution of species and biodiversity across space and through time. It examines the patterns and processes that shape the distribution of organisms on Earth, from the smallest microbes to the largest mammals. Biogeographers investigate how factors such as climate, geology, evolutionary history, and human activities influence where species … Read more
Molecular biology is a branch of biology that explores the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, at the molecular level. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, methodologies, and disciplines aimed at understanding biological processes, genetic information flow, gene expression, cellular functions, and molecular mechanisms underlying life. … Read more
Botany, the scientific study of plants, encompasses a vast array of topics ranging from plant structure and function to their evolutionary history, ecological interactions, and economic importance. Plants are essential for life on Earth, serving as the primary producers in ecosystems, providing oxygen, food, shelter, and numerous other resources for humans and other organisms. The … Read more
Marine biology is the scientific study of life in the oceans and other saltwater environments. It is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses various branches of biology, including ecology, physiology, genetics, and oceanography, to understand the complex interactions between marine organisms and their habitats. With over 70% of the Earth’s surface covered by oceans, marine biology … Read more
Researcher Ko Mochizuki of the University of Tokyo discovered that two species in the genus Angelica are pollinated primarily by hornets. This overturns the conventional belief that Angelica species are “generalists,” meaning that there is not one primary pollinator but a variety of species. As hornets are rarely primary pollinators, the discovery also impacts future … Read more
A groundbreaking study, led by Dr. Mark Wong of The University of Western Australia, has provided the first global picture of insect activity patterns across the fundamental day–night cycle. “Through our extensive research, we’ve finally been able to provide a definitive answer to the age-old question of whether there are more insects out at night … Read more
Recent research has overturned long-held assumptions about the genetic diversity of modern Eurasian sheep and shed new light on the early stages of sheep domestication. A study published in the journal Science Advances presents compelling evidence from complete mitogenomes recovered from the ancient domestication site of Asıklı Höyük in central Anatolia, challenging previous notions of … Read more
Scientists with the Missouri Botanical Garden and collaborators have stumbled upon a remarkable new orchid species in Central Madagascar. This orchid, boasting a record-setting nectar spur, is a close relative of the famed “Darwin’s orchid” and necessitates immediate conservation efforts. “Unearthing a new orchid species is always thrilling, but encountering something as extraordinary and captivating … Read more
A groundbreaking collaboration between Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the National Archaeological Anthropological Memory Management (NAAM Foundation) in Curaçao has extended our understanding of the earliest human settlements in the Caribbean, shedding new light on pre-Colombian history in the region. Since 2018, an international team of researchers has been engaged in the Curaçao Cultural Landscape … Read more
The archeology team at the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan) in Tocantins recently concluded the identification and cataloging of another 16 archaeological sites in the Jalapão region, situated to the east of Tocantins. These newly discovered sites enrich the area with panels adorned with pre-colonial rock art, believed to have been created by … Read more
The Grauballe Man, one of the most famous bog bodies ever discovered, is an incredibly well-preserved Iron Age mummy found in a peat bog near the village of Grauballe in Jutland, Denmark. This ancient individual has captivated the imagination of archaeologists, historians, and the public alike, offering valuable insights into the lives, rituals, and beliefs … Read more
Brown bears foraging for food in the Shiretoko Peninsula of Hokkaido, Japan, have been disrupting tree growth in artificial conifer forests, according to a new study published in Ecology. Researchers compared soil and tree samples from human-forested plots with samples from natural forests. They found that the bears’ digging for cicada nymphs damaged tree roots … Read more
The intricate world of orchids, with its mesmerizing array of colors, shapes, and scents, has long captivated botanists and enthusiasts alike. Within the pages of botanical history, orchids stand as symbols of elegance and complexity, revered not only for their beauty but also for their fascinating evolutionary journey through time. A recent study published in … Read more
During the transition from the last glacial period roughly 14,500 to 10,500 years ago, ancient peoples in eastern Jordan’s wetlands altered the landscape, unintentionally creating a haven for birds. A recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory challenges the notion that human activity always harms biodiversity, suggesting instead that it can … Read more
In the depths of the remote African jungles, researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) have unveiled a fascinating discovery: a new genus and five previously unknown species of millipedes. Amidst the lush foliage of Tanzania’s Udzungwa Mountains, Professor Andy Marshall and his team stumbled upon these curious creatures, whose peculiar heads bear … Read more
Biotic and abiotic factors are essential components of ecosystems, shaping the dynamics of life on Earth. Understanding their interplay is crucial for comprehending the complex web of interactions that sustain life. Biotic factors encompass living organisms and their interactions, while abiotic factors comprise non-living elements that influence ecosystems. Together, they form the intricate balance necessary … Read more