Acipenser transmontanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=d55013d210f7439f8ca981b3b73576f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j69i59.492j0j4&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is a species of sturgeon in the family Acipenseridae of the order Acipenseriformes. They are an anadromous fish species ranging in the Eastern Pacific; from the Gulf of Alaska to Monterey, California. However, some are landlocked in the Columbia River Drainage, Montana, and Lake Shasta in California, with reported sightings in northern Baja California, Mexico.Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) &gt; Acipenseriformes (Sturgeons and paddlefishes) &gt; Acipenseridae (Sturgeons) &gt; Acipenserinae Etymology: : Latin, = sturgeon, 1853 (Ref. 45335); transmontanus: The specific name is derived from the Latin acipenser (sturgeon), trans (beyond), and montanus (mountain) (Ref. 27436).More on author: Richardson.

Acipenser transmontanus

Acipenser transmontanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation...

Ammodorcas clarkei NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Ammodorcas clarkei ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The dibatag, or Clarke's gazelle, is a medium-sized slender antelope native to Ethiopia and Somalia. Though not a true gazelle, it is similarly marked, with long legs and neck. It is often confused with the gerenuk due to their striking resemblance. The typical head-and-body length is about 103 to 117 cm. They stand up to about 80 to 90 cm. Male dibatag weigh between 20 and 35 kg, whereas females range from 22 and 29 kg. The length of the curved horns, present only on males, is typically between 10 and 25 cm. The upper parts are gray to fawn, while the dorsal and lateral areas are cinnamon to rufous. The underparts, rump and the insides of the legs are all white. While markings are visible on the face, there are none on the flanks or the buttocks. dibatag or Clarke’s gazelle, is found in the Ogaden region of eastern Ethiopia and adjacent parts of northern and central Somalia. This species is found mostly in the arid southeastern lowlands in Ethiopia, and local concentrations

Ammodorcas clarkei

Ammodorcas clarkei NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The Cape Sable seaside sparrow is a subspecies of the seaside sparrow, a species of bird in the family Passerellidae native to the United States. This subspecies is endemic to southern Florida. It is designated endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Everglades National Park is home to one of eight remaining subspecies of Seaside Sparrow, the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis), which is named for the southernmost point of land in the continental United States. Although the original range of this nonmigratory subspecies likely included all suitable freshwater and brackish water marsh habitats

Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis

Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Ammodramus savannarum floridanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The Florida grasshopper sparrow is an endangered subspecies of grasshopper sparrow native to the dry prairies of south-central Florida. The Florida grasshopper sparrow is one of four subspecies of grasshopper sparrows in North America, and is perhaps the most endangered. Despite biologists' best efforts, attempts at improving the declining population have been largely unsuccessful.The Florida grasshopper sparrow ( Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) is a fascinating grassland bird found only in the dry prairies of south-central Florida. This non-migratory subspecies is critically endangered as a result of range wide habitat loss, restricted distribution and population decline. Its secretive behavior makes this bird a challenge for biologists and land managers

Ammodramus savannarum floridanus

Ammodramus savannarum floridanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Amphispiza belli clementeae NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-populations-dropped/"> Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The San Clemente Island sage sparrow, Amphispiza belli clementeae, is gray with black streaks on its sides and a single black spot on its chest; it has dark cheeks, dark streaks on the sides of its throat, and a white line over the eyes. Length averages 7 in (17.8 cm). In 1898, the San Clemente was separated from the mainland races because of its larger body size and bill.is endemic to San Clemente Island off the coast of southern California. It occurs in three discontinuous patches of maritime sage scrub dominated by boxthorn (Lycium californicum): a narrow coastal belt on the western shore extending north from Seal Cove, a smaller area four kilometers to the south, and a degraded site just north

Amphispiza belli clementeae

Amphispiza belli clementeae NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Amytornis goyderi

NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source...

Anacropora spinosa NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports --Anacropora spinosa ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Anacropora spinosa is a species of briar coral that can be found in the central Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia, the Solomon Islands, Japan, the East China Sea and the oceanic west Pacific Ocean. It is also found in Rodrigues and the Andaman Islands. It occurs in shallow reefs, from depths of 5–15 m. It is particularly susceptible to coral bleaching, disease and reduction of coral reef habitats. species of coral likely to be found in the Coral Triangle area (the Philippines to Timor Leste and east to the Solomon Islands). It is also confirmed to occur in southern Japan. Colonies of Anacropora spinosa have compact branches,that are pale brown in color, occasionally with white tips.. Under the Endangered Species Act, NOAA Fisheries must list threatened

Anacropora spinosa

Anacropora spinosa NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Anaea troglodyta floridalis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network. Anaea troglodyta floridalis F. Johnson &amp; W.P. Comstock, 1941. Family: Nymphalidae. Subfamily: Charaxinae. Identification: Forewing tip is slightly hooked and margin is straight; hindwing has a pointed tail. Upperside is red with dark outer margins but few other dark markings; forewing has a dark bar in the cell. Underside resembles a dead leaf.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. Anaea troglodyta, the Florida leafwing, Portia or Florida goatweed butterfly, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found in southern Florida and on many islands of the Caribbean. In Jamaica, it is known as the Jamaican tropical leafwing and in the Cayman Islands and Cuba it is known as the Cuban red leaf.

Anaea troglodyta floridalis

Anaea troglodyta floridalis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Anairetes alpinus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-populations-dropped/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Anairetes alpinus ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The ash-breasted tit-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae. It is found in Bolivia and Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.Anairetes is believed to be most closely related to the genera Mecocerculus and Serpophaga; however, there is no definitive evidence supporting this claim. They are fairly small birds (11–14 cm) that get their common name from the tit family, due to their energetic tit-like dispositions and appearance, primarily in The ash-breasted tit-tyrant (Anairetes alpinus) is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Anairetes alpinus

Anairetes alpinus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Anas aucklandica nesiotis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Anas aucklandica nesiotis ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.In the past Anas aucklandica (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) has been split into A. aucklandica, A. chlorotis and A. nesiotis following Daugherty et al. (1999). The Campbell teal or Campbell Island teal is a small, flightless, nocturnal species of dabbling duck of the genus Anas endemic to the Campbell Island group of New Zealand.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The Campbell teal or Campbell Island teal is a small, flightless, nocturnal species of dabbling duck of the genus Anas endemic to the Campbell Island group of New Zealand. It is sometimes considered conspecific with the brown teal. The plumage is similar to that of the Auckland teal, dark sepia with the head and back tinged with green iridescence, and a chestnut breast on the male, with the female dark brown all over. Its natural habitat is tussock grassland dominated by Poa tussock grass, ferns and megaherbs. The species also uses the burrows and pathways of petrel species that nest on the islands.

Anas aucklandica nesiotis

Anas aucklandica nesiotis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Anas laysanensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Anas laysanensis ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The Laysan duck, also known as the Laysan teal, is a dabbling duck endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Fossil evidence reveals that Laysan ducks once lived across the entire archipelago, but today survive only on Laysan Island and two atolls. The duck has several physical and behavioral traits linked to the absence of ground-based predators in its habitat. By 1860, the ducks had disappeared from everywhere except Laysan Island. The introduction of European rabbits by guano miners at the end of the 19th century brought the bird to the brink of extinction in 1912, with twelve surviving individuals. Rabbits were eradicated from the island in 1923 and numbers of Laysan ducks began to rise

Anas laysanensis

Anas laysanensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Anas wyvilliana NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-populations-dropped/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Anas wyvilliana ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The Hawaiian duck or koloa is a species of bird in the family Anatidae that is endemic to the large islands of Hawaiʻi. Taxonomically, the koloa is closely allied with the mallard. It differs in that it is monochromatic and non-migratory. As with many duck species in the genus Anas, Hawaiian duck and mallards can interbreed and produce viable offspring, and the koloa has previously been considered an island subspecies of the mallard. However, all major authorities now consider this form to be a distinct species within the mallard complex. Recent analyses indicate that this is a distinct species that arose through ancient hybridization between mallard and Laysan duck

Anas wyvilliana

Anas wyvilliana NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Anaxyrus californicus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-populations-dropped/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.The arroyo toad is a species of true toads in the family Bufonidae, endemic to California and Baja California state. It is currently classified as an Endangered species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because of habitat destruction.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.occur in southwestern California and adjacent Baja California del Norte, Mexico, mostly on the coastal slopes, from the San Antonio River of southern Monterey County southward through the Transverse and Peninsular ranges to the Rio Santo Domingo. They also occupy a few drainages on the desert slopes of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino ranges

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Anaxyrus californicus

Anaxyrus californicus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Anaxyrus canorus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=936e8fd67b7b48e8a29fbd8135682005&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.1925j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The Yosemite toad is a species of true toad in the family Bufonidae. Endemic to the Sierra Nevada of California, the species ranges from the Alpine County to Fresno County. Yosemite toads are only found in the montane to subalpine elevational zone of 1,950–3,445 m asl. The Yosemite toad is similar to the nearby Western toad, but in many ways adapted to a high elevation lifestyle. It was initially described during the Grinnell Survey of California, by an undergraduate student of Joseph Grinnell named Charles Camp.

Anaxyrus canorus

Anaxyrus canorus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Andrias davidianus (=davidianus d.)

Andrias japonicus (=davidianus j.) NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=936e8fd67b7b48e8a29fbd8135682005&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.1925j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

The Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus) is a <a title="Species" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Species">species</a> of <a title="Salamander" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salamander">salamander</a> in the <a title="Family (biology)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_(biology)">family</a> <a class="mw-redirect" title="Cryptobranchidae" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptobranchidae">Cryptobranchidae</a>. The species is <a title="Endemism" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endemism">endemic</a> to <a title="Japan" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan">Japan</a>, where it is known as Ōsanshōuo literally meaning "giant <a title="Zanthoxylum piperitum" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanthoxylum_piperitum">pepper</a> fish". With a length of up to 5 feet (1.5 m), it is the third-largest <a title="Salamander" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salamander">salamander</a> in the world, only being surpassed by the very similar and closely related <a title="Chinese giant salamander" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_giant_salamander">Chinese giant salamander</a> (A. davidianus) and <a title="South China giant salamander" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_China_giant_salamander">South China giant salamander</a> (A. sligoi). There are currently only five known members of the family <a class="mw-redirect" title="Cryptobranchidae" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptobranchidae">Cryptobranchidae</a>: the Japanese, Chinese, and South China giant salamanders, an undescribed Andrias species from eastern China, and the <a title="Hellbender" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellbender">hellbender</a> (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis).

Japanese giant salamanders are widespread across rivers in southwestern Japan. The species frequently hybridizes with Chinese giant salamanders, which were introduced to the area.The Japanese giant salamander can be distinguished from the Chinese giant salamander by the arrangement of <a class="mw-redirect" title="Tubercles" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubercles">tubercles</a> on the head and throat. The tubercles are larger and more numerous compared to the mostly single and irregularly scattered tubercles of the Chinese giant salamander. The snout is also more rounded, and the tail is slightly shorter

Andrias japonicus (=davidianus j.)

Andrias japonicus (=davidianus j.) NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe...

Anguispira picta NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=936e8fd67b7b48e8a29fbd8135682005&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.1925j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Anguispira picta, common names painted snake-coiled forest snail and painted tigersnail, is a rare species of air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Discidae, the disc snails.Anguispira picta, common names painted snake-coiled forest snail and painted tigersnail, is a rare species of air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Discidae, the disc snails.
This species is native to Tennessee in the United States, where it is known only from Franklin County. It may possibly also occur just over the border in Alabama. It is a federally listed threatened species of the United States.

Anguispira picta

Anguispira picta NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Anodorhynchus glaucus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Anodorhynchus is a genus of large blue macaws from open and semi-open habitats in central and eastern South America. It includes two extant species, the hyacinth macaw and Lear's macaw also known as the indigo macaw, and one probably extinct species, the glaucous macaw. At about 100 centimetres in length the hyacinth macaw is the longest parrot in the world. Glaucous and Lear's macaws are exclusively cliff nesters; hyacinth macaws are mostly tree nesters. The three species mainly feed on the nuts from a few species of palms

Anodorhynchus glaucus

Anodorhynchus glaucus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Anodorhynchus leari NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network. Lear's macaw (Anodorhynchus leari), also known as the indigo macaw, is a large all-blue Brazilian parrot, a member of a large group of neotropical parrots known as macaws. It was first described by Charles Lucien Bonaparte in 1856. Lear's macaw is 70–75 cm (28–30 in) long and weighs around 950 g (2.09 lb). It is metallic blue with a faint, often barely visible, tinge of green, and a yellow patch of skin at the base of the heavy, black bill.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=b8d82ea8aeaf42d9bfe752a2afa05139&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.1322j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. Lear's macaw, also known as the indigo macaw, is a large all-blue Brazilian parrot, a member of a large group of neotropical parrots known as macaws. It was first described by Charles Lucien Bonaparte in 1856. Lear's macaw is 70–75 cm long and weighs around 950 g. It is metallic blue with a faint, often barely visible, tinge of green, and a yellow patch of skin at the base of the heavy, black bill.

Anodorhynchus leari

Anodorhynchus leari NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

A team of biologists has recently revealed the origins of a unique DNA duplication mechanism that grants plants additional ways to control genetic instructions.&nbsp;



This discovery, led by Xuehua Zhong from the <a href="https://washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> (WashU), holds promise for innovations in agriculture, particularly in enhancing crop resilience to environmental challenges like heat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a>. 



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr2222" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, delves into DNA methylation - a biological process that plays a key role in gene regulation, directly impacting how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-make-life-and-death-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> respond to environmental stressors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-plant-dna-methylation">Complexity of plant DNA methylation</h2>



DNA methylation involves adding small chemical groups called methyl groups to DNA. This modification determines which genes are turned on or off, shaping various plant traits.&nbsp;



A crucial part of this process involves silencing “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fungus-has-become-more-deadly-thanks-to-jumping-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jumping genes</a>” or transposons, which are mobile DNA sequences that can disrupt normal genetic function if not controlled. In plants, this regulatory role is handled by specialized enzymes, distinct from those found in mammals.



“Mammals only have two major enzymes that add methyl groups in one DNA context, but plants actually have multiple enzymes that do that in three DNA contexts,” Zhong explained, highlighting the unique complexity of plant DNA methylation.&nbsp;



“The question is - why do plants need extra methylation enzymes?” This research could pave the way for advancements in agriculture by helping scientists to tap into plant systems that naturally regulate resilience-related traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-enzymes-in-plant-dna">The role of enzymes in plant DNA</h2>



Zhong’s study focuses on two enzymes unique to plants: CMT3 and CMT2. Both enzymes are part of the chromomethylase (CMT) family, responsible for adding methyl groups to specific DNA sequences.&nbsp;



CMT3 specializes in methylating so-called CHG sequences, while CMT2 targets CHH sequences. Despite their differences, these enzymes share a common ancestry, having evolved through duplication events that provided plants with extra copies of genetic information.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-history-of-the-enzymes-nbsp">Evolutionary history of the enzymes&nbsp;</h2>



Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, also known as thale cress, Zhong’s team traced the evolutionary history of these enzymes.&nbsp;



The experts discovered that CMT2 lost its ability to methylate CHG sequences due to the absence of an amino acid called arginine, a change that occurred during the enzyme’s evolution.&nbsp;



“Arginine is special because it has charge. In a cell, it’s positively charged and thus can form hydrogen bonds or other chemical interactions with, for example, the negatively charged DNA,” explained co-author Jia Gwee, a graduate student at WashU.



CMT2, however, contains valine instead of arginine. Valine lacks the necessary charge to interact with CHG sequences, explaining why CMT2 no longer recognizes these DNA contexts as CMT3 does.&nbsp;



To test this theory, the research team introduced arginine back into CMT2, restoring its ability to methylate both CHG and CHH sequences.&nbsp;



This mutation suggests that CMT2 originally functioned as a duplicate of CMT3 - a backup enzyme with the potential to diversify its function as plant DNA complexity grew.&nbsp;



“But instead of simply copying the original function, it developed something new,” Zhong noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-environmental-stress">Adapting to environmental stress</h2>



The study also uncovered structural features that set CMT2 apart. Notably, the enzyme has a flexible N-terminal region that influences its protein stability, a characteristic that may have helped plants adapt to various environmental conditions.&nbsp;



“This is one of the ways plants evolved for genome stability and to fight environmental stresses,” Zhong explained. This structural adaptation has likely allowed plants equipped with CMT2 to thrive in diverse climates across the globe.



A significant portion of the data for this study came from the <a href="https://1001genomes.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1001 Genomes Project</a>, which maps the genetic diversity of A. thaliana strains worldwide. 



By exploring samples from plants in the wild rather than just laboratory specimens, the researchers gained insights into how DNA methylation contributes to plants’ natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ecosystem-stability-threatened-by-declining-plant-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jumping-genes-and-plant-adaptation">Jumping genes and plant adaptation</h2>



The study also highlights the adaptive potential of transposons, or “jumping genes,” in plant DNA. These mobile sequences are often silenced by methylation to maintain genomic stability, but their occasional movement can aid in environmental adaptation.&nbsp;



“One jump might help species deal with harsh environmental conditions,” Zhong said, explaining how these genetic shifts could help plants survive in challenging environments.



As plants navigate unpredictable climates, the diversification enabled by DNA methylation - particularly through enzymes like CMT3 and CMT2 - can provide the flexibility needed to withstand stressors like extreme temperatures and limited water availability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-for-crop-resilience">Future implications for crop resilience</h2>



Understanding how CMT enzymes contribute to plant resilience opens exciting possibilities for agriculture.&nbsp;



By precisely targeting the genes and methylation processes responsible for drought tolerance, heat resistance, or other resilience traits, scientists could enhance crops’ ability to thrive under changing climate conditions.&nbsp;



“If we find precisely how they are regulated, then we can find a way to innovate our technology for crop improvement,” Zhong explained.



As the world faces growing agricultural challenges, insights into the DNA methylation processes that strengthen plants can provide a foundation for developing crops capable of withstanding increasingly severe environmental pressures.&nbsp;



This research marks a step forward in harnessing plants’ genetic systems to create resilient agricultural ecosystems, offering a promising path to sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-infections-are-threatening-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a> in the face of climate change.



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Plants use DNA duplication to increase their resilience 

A team of biologists has recently revealed the origins of...

The day that Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 is forever seared into the collective memory of the world. An unstoppable surge of lava effectively reduced surrounding life forms to ash within a matter of miles. In an unlikely twist of fate, an experiment involving some resilient gophers triggered a chain of events that initiated the recovery of the mountain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gophers-on-mount-st-helens">Gophers on Mount St. Helens</h2>



Despair had hung in the air after the eruption of Mount St. Helens. A once vibrant ecosystem was reduced to nothing in an instant, reminding us of nature’s fearsome power. However, in the aftermath, a bold theory emerged from the minds of scientists.



The experts speculated that gophers, small burrowing rodents, could play an essential role in the revival of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-building-triggered-a-mass-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">barren landscape</a>.



Quite simply, by digging up and redepositing beneficial bacteria and fungi from deeper soil layers, gophers could aid in the resurrection of the mountain's plant and animal life.



“They’re often considered pests, but we thought they would take old soil, move it to the surface, and that would be where recovery would occur,” said Michael Allen, a professor of plant pathology at <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucr.edu%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-and-persistent-changes">Transformative and persistent changes</h2>



Two years following the eruption, the scientists decided it was time to put their theory into action. 



Gophers were dropped onto parts of the scorched <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountain</a> for a mere 24 hours, and the effects of this short intervention continue to be seen today, 40 years later.



New research published this week in the journal Frontiers in Microbiomes illuminates the enduring impact of this experiment - a persistent change in the communities of fungi and bacteria in areas where gophers had briefly resided. 



This effect was not observed on land surrounding Mount St. Helens where gophers were not introduced.



“In the 1980s, we were just testing the short-term reaction,” said Professor Allen. “Who would have predicted you could toss a gopher in for a day and see a residual effect 40 years later?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gophers-and-mountain-soil">Gophers and mountain soil</h2>



The interaction between gophers and the mountain soil is just one part of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loss-of-mountain-forests-accelerating-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">revitalization</a> puzzle. Another vital aspect is the role of mycorrhizal fungi. 



These tiny organisms have a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, exchanging nutrients and resources. They shield plants against pathogens and crucially, in such barren environments as that of Mount St. Helens post-eruption, they aid plants in becoming established and surviving.



“The fungi transport these things to the plant and get carbon they need for their own growth in exchange,” explained Professor Allen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-research">Broader implications of the research </h2>



The real-world implications of these findings are vast. Take, for instance, two different sides of the mountain. 



One side was covered by an old-growth forest when the eruption blanketed everything with ash. Scientists feared that the forest would collapse due to the loss of needles from the pine, spruce, and Douglas fir trees. However, much to their surprise, the trees rebounded almost immediately in some places.



“These trees have their own mycorrhizal fungi that picked up nutrients from the dropped needles and helped fuel rapid tree regrowth,” said UCR environmental microbiologist and study co-author Emma Aronson.



In stark contrast, the other side of the mountain had been clear-cut prior to the eruption. With no trees or dropped needles to feed the soil fungi, this area remains barren to this day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovery-of-mount-st-helens">Recovery of Mount St. Helens</h2>



The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding and respecting the intricate connections within nature, particularly among elements like microbes and fungi which we can't see.



“We cannot ignore the interdependence of all things in nature, especially the things we cannot see like microbes and fungi,” said Mia Maltz, study lead author and <a href="https://uconn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Connecticut</a> mycologist.



In conclusion, in the searing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aftermath of an eruption</a>, the recovery of Mount St. Helens provides an unforgettable lesson on the resilience of nature, the power of scientific curiosity, and the value of cooperation between species.



And let's not forget the humble gophers, forever to be remembered as the tiny heroes of a scorched and desolate mountain.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiomes/articles/10.3389/frmbi.2024.1399416/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Microbiomes</a>.



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How gophers revived Mount St. Helens after its eruption

The day that Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 is...

Dna,Spiral,,Life,Blueprint.,Double,Helix,Structure,,Genetic,Science,Symbol,

Evolution has always been seen as a complex, random, and unpredictable process, shaping life on Earth in ways we could hardly anticipate. 



But what if there's more order to it than chaos? That's exactly what a team of scientists is suggesting in a new study.



This research, led by Professor James McInerney and Dr. Alan Beavan from the School of Life Sciences at the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a>, hints that evolution might not be as random as we've long thought.



Their research could have big implications for tackling issues like antibiotic resistance, diseases, and even climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-genes-and-the-pangenome">Evolution, genes, and the pangenome</h2>



So, what's this all about? The team analyzed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-the-pangenome-the-clearest-snapshot-ever-taken-of-human-genomic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the pangenome</a> -- the complete set of genes within a species -- to see if evolution follows any predictable paths. 



They wanted to know: Is evolution just a series of accidents, or is there a pattern influenced by a genome's history?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-pangenome">What is the pangenome?</h2>



In simple terms, the pangenome is the complete set of all genes found within a species. 



It includes every gene present in all the different strains or individuals, covering both the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-dna-secrets-revealed-by-genomic-time-machine-and-transposable-elements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">common genes</a> shared by everyone (the core genome) and the unique ones found only in some (the accessory genome). 



So even though individual members might have different genetic makeups, the pangenome represents the full genetic diversity that the species has.



Analyzing the pangenome allows researchers to identify which genes are essential for survival and which ones offer specific advantages, opening up possibilities for new medical and environmental applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-computing-power-required">Big computing power required</h2>



The team used a machine learning approach called <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/random-forest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Random Forest</a> to sift through a massive dataset of 2,500 complete genomes from a single bacterial species. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-machine-learning-can-help-us-protect-chimpanzees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Machine learning</a> algorithms like this are great at finding patterns that might be too complex or subtle for humans to detect on their own. 



This wasn't a quick job -- it took several hundred thousand hours of computer processing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-and-gene-families">Evolution and "gene families"</h2>



First up, they created "gene families" from each gene in every genome. "In this way, we could compare like-with-like across the genomes," explained Dr. Maria Rosa Domingo-Sananes from <a href="https://www.ntu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nottingham Trent University</a>.



Once they had these families sorted out, they focused on the genes and gene families inside the genomes.



"We found that some gene families never turned up in a genome when a particular other gene family was already there," said Dr. Domingo-Sananes. 



"And on other occasions, some genes were very much dependent on a different gene family being present."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-gene-ecosystem-driving-evolution">Hidden gene ecosystem driving evolution</h2>



In other words, they discovered an invisible ecosystem where genes either get along or clash with each other, making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-may-be-the-biggest-roadblock-to-solving-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution predictable</a>.



"These interactions between genes make aspects of evolution somewhat predictable and furthermore, we now have a tool that allows us to make those predictions," added Dr. Domingo-Sananes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-paradigm-shift">A paradigm shift</h2>



Professor McInerney, the lead author of the study, is excited about the possibilities, to say the least. 



"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/missing-law-of-nature-explains-the-evolution-of-everything-that-exists-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">implications of this research</a> are nothing short of revolutionary," he said. 



"By demonstrating that evolution is not as random as we once thought, we've opened the door to an array of possibilities in synthetic biology, medicine, and environmental science."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-applications">Real-world applications</h2>



This research isn't just about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snails-defy-death-and-revive-through-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding evolution</a> for curiosity's sake. It has real-world implications that could affect our lives in significant ways.



But how could this affect us in practical terms? 



"From this work, we can begin to explore which genes 'support' an antibiotic resistance gene, for example," Dr. Beaven explained.



"Therefore, if we are trying to eliminate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/umbrella-toxin-discovery-may-help-human-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance</a>, we can target not just the focal gene, but we can also target its supporting genes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-antibiotic-resistance">Fighting antibiotic resistance</h2>



This approach could be a game-changer in the fight against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-increasing-enterococci-looming-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic-resistant bacteria</a>. 



By understanding the network of genes that work together, scientists could develop more effective treatments.



"We can use this approach to synthesize new kinds of genetic constructs that could be used to develop new drugs or vaccines," Dr. Beavan continued. 



"Knowing what we now know has opened the door to a whole host of other discoveries."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-climate-change">Implications for climate change</h2>



The study's insights might also help in the fight against climate change. 



By engineering microorganisms that can capture carbon or break down pollutants, we could develop new tools to reduce our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-changes-in-diet-can-greatly-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental footprint</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-personalized-medicine">Advancing personalized medicine</h2>



The predictability of gene interactions could also revolutionize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-microbiome-trillions-of-bacteria-unique-like-your-fingerprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personalized medicine</a>. 



Imagine doctors being able to predict how a disease might progress in your body based on your genetic makeup, or which treatments would be most effective for you. 



This research could bring us one step closer to that reality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-gene-manipulation-and-the-future">Evolution, gene manipulation, and the future</h2>



To sum it all up, this new research is shaking up how we think about evolution. Instead of seeing it as a series of random events, the study suggests there's a level of predictability influenced by gene families and genetic history. 



This is obviously a very big deal for many other reasons besides the fact that it upends everything we thought we knew about evolution since Charles Darwin burst onto the scene. 



This discovery means that we might be able to anticipate and even guide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finch-beaks-and-bird-songs-a-new-story-of-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary changes</a> in ways we never thought possible.



The practical applications are vast. From developing new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance to engineering organisms that can help fight climate change, the possibilities are exciting. 



The idea that we can target not just harmful genes but also their "supporting cast" opens up new avenues in medicine and environmental science.



Overall, this study invites us to rethink some fundamental assumptions about life and evolution. It's not just about chance anymore; there's a pattern and order we can tap into. 



As we learn more, who knows what other doors might open? It's an exciting time to be alive, and an exciting time to be a scientist.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2304934120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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New evolution discovery is being called "nothing short of revolutionary"

Evolution has always been seen as a complex, random, and...

A wilting flower is not always a sign of poor health or inadequate care. It could actually be a strategic play, millions of years in the making, created by Mother Nature herself.



Researchers from Macquarie University, along with international collaborators, have discovered a simple strategy that has been overlooked: plants recycle resources from wilting flowers for future reproduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recycling-resources-from-wilting-flowers">Recycling resources from wilting flowers </h2>



"Our research delivers the first direct demonstration that plants can salvage resources from wilting flowers and reuse these resources to promote future reproduction," said lead author Honorary Professor Graham Pyke from <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University</a>.



Why bother with this recycling effort? Well, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a> aren't just pretty faces. They are rich in energy and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. When they wilt, it isn't necessarily the end but rather the beginning of another chapter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wilting-flowers-of-christmas-bells">Wilting flowers of Christmas bells </h2>



The focus of the three-year study was a native of Eastern Australia, the stunning Blandfordia grandiflora. Known commonly as Christmas bells, it casts a striking image with its vibrant red and yellow flowers, especially around December.



"Our research takes place on a plantation containing several hectares of native wet heath where Christmas bells flower quite profusely, along with a commercial shadehouse," noted Professor Pyke.



To assess the abilities of the plant, the team used an array of techniques. They modulated pollination and flower wilting and then gauged the effect on seed production and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-prefer-flowers-with-large-bullseyes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reflowering</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storing-up-chemical-energy">Storing up chemical energy </h2>



The researchers soon realized things weren’t exactly as they had predicted. They found that plants did not use resources from wilted flowers to bolster short-term reproduction.



"These plants salvage resources invested in reproduction during one flowering season and reuse these resources during the next flowering season," explained Professor Pyke.



Blandfordia grandiflora was found to transfer resources from its wilting flowers to its underground corms and roots, effectively storing this "chemical energy" to produce new flowering stems in the subsequent season, often a year later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resource-management-in-wilting-flowers">Resource management in wilting flowers</h2>



Professor Pyke noted that plants work on principles similar to economics. "Plants must make decisions about where to allocate their limited resources; investing in one area means they can't invest as much in another."



This concept of resource allocation prompted Professor Pyke to investigate flower wilting, which he anticipated to be a plant's mechanism of diverting resources to other processes.



The results, however, were not quite what he expected. The plants were storing their reclaimed resources for the next flowering season - not using them right away.



According to Professor Pyke, plants have different ways of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-are-picky-when-choosing-their-mate-for-fertilization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">managing their flowers</a> post reproduction, with wilting being just one of many strategies. Some plants, such as the jacaranda and the frangipani, even shed their flowers before they wilt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seed-production-and-wilting-in-flowers">Seed production and wilting in flowers</h2>



The study findings were confirmed through various experiments. One such experiment compared seed production between plants with flowers that were allowed to wilt and those with petals removed to prevent wilting.



Another experiment stopped seed production in all flowers but allowed wilting in one group of plants. Results showed that plants with wilting flowers were more likely to reflower the next season than those where wilting was prevented.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-that-influence-seed-production">Factors that influence seed production </h2>



The study also took into consideration other factors that might influence seed production, such as stem height, the number of flowers per stem, and flower position.



"Taller flowering stems, for example, produced more seeds and heavier seeds, as did stems with more flowers. But flowers positioned lower down on the plant tended to have fewer seeds, and seeds that weighed less," said Professor Pyke.



"Our findings pave the way for further research into other plant species, and how they recover and reuse the resources from wilting flowers."



An exciting road lies ahead, with a lot to discover. Future research will explore what these salvaged resources are composed of, how plants move and change them, and whether saving these resources outweighs the costs of making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-and-flower-strips-improve-honey-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a> in the first place.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/plb.13720" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Biology</a>.



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Plants with wilting flowers aren't dying - they are saving energy

A wilting flower is not always a sign of poor...

There is a trend sweeping through the Netherlands, and it's centered around a spiritual ritual that involves burning "magic" herbs. This trend, which seems to be a thing of the present, actually has its roots deeply embedded in the past.



Isabela Pombo Geertsma and her team from Utrecht University and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center have taken a closer look at this thriving ritual.



Their findings? The imported plants used in the ceremonies might not be as "magical" as they seem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spirituality-and-ritual-burning">Spirituality and ritual burning</h2>



Religious ceremonies worldwide often involve burning or smoldering dried <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-magic-new-species-discovered-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> material. The smoke that fills the air is considered sacred - a means to connect with ancestors and spirits.



In North America, Indigenous groups use bundles of dried plants, known as smudge sticks, in their traditional ceremonies. 



The smoke released by burning these sticks is used to purify spaces and promote success. Different groups use various plants, including sweetgrass and white sage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-witches-and-the-new-age">Modern witches and the New Age</h2>



But here's the twist; the tradition of using smudge sticks isn’t just limited to Indigenous communities. It has found a place in the practices of modern witches and followers of the New Age movement. 



Geertsma, who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in studying the plant use of witches, discovered this through her work.



Let's break it down. What's the New Age movement? In simple terms, it is a Western spiritual movement that believes in individual spirituality and metaphysical beliefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-sage-in-ritual-burning">White sage in ritual burning </h2>



Many commercially available smudge sticks are made from a North American plant called white sage. Sadly, there is increasing evidence this plant is being harvested unsustainably to meet the burgeoning demand.



It's not just the magnificence of nature that's being affected. It's also impacting the Native North American communities who hold these plants sacred in their ceremonies.



So, why is this happening? Why are people buying these smudge sticks made from white sage? The reasons are twofold. 



One, the plant is traditionally used by certain cultures. Two, the commercialization of the New Age and modern witchcraft movements has made smudge sticks readily available in retail stores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflict-of-connection">Conflict of connection</h2>



Isn't it ironic? People, who want to connect with nature, are buying items imported from thousands of miles away instead of using what's available locally. 



Some even seemed to believe that the American plants "worked better" or had a more pleasant scent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-appropriation-and-ritual-burning">Cultural appropriation and ritual burning</h2>



The popularity of smudge sticks, particularly those made from white sage, brings to the forefront issues of cultural appropriation. 



Indigenous communities, who have nurtured these sacred traditions for centuries, now face the challenge of seeing their cultural rituals commodified and performed without proper understanding or respect for their origins. 



This raises ethical concerns, as the commercialization of these practices often bypasses the voices of the very communities that hold these traditions dear. 



It is crucial for those who partake in such rituals to engage with them respectfully and to consider the impacts of their actions on Indigenous cultures. The sustainability of the plants used for the ceremonies should also be taken into consideration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-alternatives-to-ritual-burning">Sustainable alternatives to ritual burning</h2>



Fortunately, there are more sustainable and locally mindful alternatives available for those interested in incorporating ritual burning into their spiritual practices. 



Many regions have their own <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/15-healing-herbs-you-can-grow-at-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional plants</a> that can be used for similar purposes, such as juniper, lavender, or rosemary. 



By choosing locally sourced or sustainably harvested plants, practitioners can support environmentally friendly practices and reduce the impact of overharvesting endangered species like white sage. 



Embracing local traditions can also promote a deeper connection with one's own culture and landscape, leading to more authentic and ethical engagement with spiritual rituals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-out-local-plants">Seeking out local plants</h2>



According to <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> researchers, most people in the Netherlands have limited knowledge about native plants and their traditional uses. As a result, they're embracing these exotic burning rituals. But the researchers argue that it doesn't have to be this way.



There are Dutch alternatives available. Geertsma and her team identified plants native to the Netherlands, such as common mugwort, common sage, and chamomile, used in some of the bundles examined. 



"You can use all sorts of wild and garden plants for burning. Just think of lavender, rosemary, tansy, and rose. These plants have recognizable scents and evoke specific associations for many people," said Geertsma.



So, while we're on the lookout for spiritual experiences, let's remember that we are part of a larger ecosystem and our choices have an impact.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/21/3003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants</a>.



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The real impact of burning 'magic' herbs in spiritual rituals

There is a trend sweeping through the Netherlands, and it's...

The world is gripped by relentless heat as global warming accelerates at an alarming pace. In the midst of this crisis, coral reefs are severely suffering from widespread bleaching. 



Scientists, governments, and the UN itself, have collectively sounded an urgent plea for increased funding to protect the world's coral reefs, which are teetering on the brink of extinction.



Alarming research has revealed that a staggering 77 percent of global coral reefs are notably affected by bleaching, primarily due to warming ocean waters.



The culprit? Human-induced climate change. According to the UN Capital Development Fund, this year's global bleaching event is the largest on record, significantly impacting both hemispheres.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs-in-a-state-of-emergency">Coral reefs in a state of emergency</h2>



The findings on the state of coral reefs prompted a UN special emergency session, which is typically called to address escalating conflicts or natural disasters. The session was convened on the sidelines of COP16, the UN biodiversity summit, in Colombia.



Coral reefs are much more than just beautiful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-illuminates-fish-interactions-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater structures</a>. They are crucial ecosystems, acting as a support system for over 25 percent of marine life.



Almost a billion people depend on these reefs for food security, coastal protection, or for maintaining their livelihoods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-desperate-call-for-coral-reef-protection">A desperate call for coral reef protection </h2>



The emergency session led to new commitments from the governments of New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. 



Together, they pledged around $30 million to the UN fund for coral reefs, established in 2020. By 2030, the fund seeks to leverage up to $3 billion in public and private finance to support coral reef <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-coral-reefs-is-a-matter-of-humans-rights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. Thus far, around $225 million has been raised.



“Protecting our ocean and its precious habitats is fundamental to life on earth,” said U.K. Minister for Nature Mary Creagh. “But without urgent action, the world’s coral reefs face extinction from global heating, acidification, disease, and pollution; a vital ecosystem lost within our lifetime.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-and-coral-conservation">Technology and coral conservation </h2>



As coral conservation evolves, new approaches and technology are becoming key in combating reef degradation. 



Scientists are looking into coral gardening and assisted evolution, where strong coral species are grown in nurseries and then moved to reefs. 



Advances in marine biotechnology are helping to develop stress-resistant coral strains that can survive rising sea temperatures and acidification.



These innovative methods, which are still being researched, show the diverse efforts needed for long-term reef restoration and sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-community-engagement">Power of community engagement</h2>



Successful coral reef <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-coral-reef-fish-survive-in-the-worlds-warmest-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> depends on the active involvement and education of local communities. 



Educational programs that raise awareness about coral reefs and the effects of human activities can encourage communities to adopt practices like sustainable fishing and reducing pollution. 



By creating a global community of informed citizens, we can work together to protect these vital marine habitats for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-coral-reefs-from-extinction">Saving coral reefs from extinction </h2>



“In 2024, climate change and other human impacts triggered the fourth mass coral reef bleaching event, the most extensive and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devastating</a> on record,” said Peter Thomson, the U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean. “With the window to protect these ecosystems closing rapidly, world leaders must act now.”



“We must secure a sustainable future for coral reefs and the countless lives that rely on them - before it’s too late."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-running-out-of-time-to-save-corals">Running out of time to save corals</h2>



A change in water temperature can cause coral to drive out the nutrition-giving algae, lose color, and become stressed. Coral might bleach for other reasons, such as extremely low tides, pollution, or overexposure to sunlight. 



Ecosystems like the Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the Florida Coral Reef have already experienced significant bleaching.



During the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.N.</a> emergency session at COP16, Kenyan marine ecologist David Obura noted that coral bleaching events are lasting more than one year at a time, which is very concerning. 



So what does all this mean? Well, it’s simple. It means we’re running out of time. 



"We're approaching this point where the planet may lose its first planetary ecosystem," said Thomson. "Coral is the first to go if we continue down the track that we're on at the present."



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Extreme coral bleaching event prompts emergency UN session

The world is gripped by relentless heat as global warming...

October 2024 will be remembered by the locals around Pyramid Lake, Nevada, for a rather unusual display of nature's colors and patterns. 



The usually serene waters of the lake unleashed a stunning exhibition of blue-green algae, dancing and swirling across the surface. 



For the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=944807254356712&amp;set=pb.100064823373179.-2207520000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water Quality Program</a>, this bloom was arguably the most active in recent times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-pyramid-lake-from-space">Studying Pyramid Lake from space</h2>



The bloom, which added a touch of mystery to the lake, was so expansive that it was visible from space. The locals, bemused by this phenomenon, couldn't help but talk about it. 



Luckily, providing a better look at this spectacle was the <a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Landsat 9 satellite</a>, which snapped astonishing natural-color images on October 8, 2024. 



Looking at the images captured by Operational Land Imager-2 (<a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/landsat-9-instruments/oli-2-design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OLI-2</a>), you could see the mesmerizing swirling, whirlpool patterns created by the algae.



Nodularia spumigena, a type of cyanobacteria, is the culprit that is responsible for the bloom. 



This particular species thrives in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warm, saline waters</a> and can pull nitrogen right out of the atmosphere -- handy skills that ensured its survival in Pyramid Lake over the years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-beautiful-but-stay-away">It's beautiful, but stay away</h2>



What's fascinating about Nodularia spumigena, aside from its beauty, is its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. This means it can create its own nutrients and outcompete other organisms when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrogen-overlooked-component-eutrophication-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen levels in the water</a> are low.



But there's a flip side. Nodularia spumigena can produce a toxin called nodularin, which is harmful to both animals and humans. If you come into contact with water contaminated by this toxin, it can lead to serious health issues, especially affecting the liver. 



That's why when blooms of this cyanobacterium occur, health authorities often warn people to steer clear of the water until things return to normal.



Respectively, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe raised a safety flag on October 15, 2024, advising people to avoid contact with the water until it returned to its normal state.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-cyanobacteria-and-phytoplankton">Understanding cyanobacteria and phytoplankton</h2>



Phytoplankton and cyanobacteria are both tiny organisms that live in water, but there's a key difference between them. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-plants-into-carbon-capture-machines-with-cyanobacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyanobacteria</a>, also called blue-green algae, are actually bacteria that can photosynthesize -- they use sunlight to make food, much like plants do. Despite their name, they're not true algae.



These little guys have been around for billions of years, and you can find them almost everywhere: in oceans, lakes, soil, and even in extreme environments like hot springs. Cyanobacteria are actually responsible for producing a lot of the oxygen that made life possible on Earth.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-heatwaves-have-complex-effects-on-phytoplankton-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytoplankton</a>, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes any microscopic organisms in the water that can photosynthesize. This group encompasses a variety of species, including algae and, interestingly enough, cyanobacteria. 



So, in a way, cyanobacteria are a type of phytoplankton, but not all phytoplankton are cyanobacteria.



Now, here's where it gets a bit tricky. While cyanobacteria are crucial for ecosystems and the oxygen we breathe, some species can produce toxins that are harmful to animals and humans. If you've ever heard about beaches closing because of harmful algal blooms, cyanobacteria are often the culprits. 



So, they play a double role: they're essential for life, but under certain conditions, such as this toxic bloom in Pyramid Lake, they can pose some serious health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pyramid-lake-past-present-and-future">Pyramid Lake: Past, present and future</h2>



Pyramid Lake is a piece of history. It's a remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan, created during the last ice age. 



Scientists speculate that the cyanobacteria Nodularia spumigena has been a part of this ecosystem since that era.



This lake isn’t just about the water or the spectacular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-turning-green-thanks-to-climate-change-algae-blooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae blooms</a>. It's home to the endangered cui-ui fish (Chasmistes cuius) -- a species held in high regard by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. 



Anglers will also recognize it as the site where a world-record Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) weighing a whopping 41 pounds was caught in 1925.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-bloom">Monitoring the bloom</h2>



To keep a pulse on these blooms and their implications, scientists and environmental organizations utilize various tools. 



For instance, the <a href="https://www.sfei.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco Estuary Institute</a>'s water quality analysis tool indicated a surge in levels of chlorophyll-a between late September and mid-October. 



This invaluable data helps researchers understand the occurrence and potential impacts of such blooms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-pyramid-lake-for-the-future">Preserving Pyramid Lake for the future</h2>



This beautiful, toxic bloom underscores the importance of monitoring and conserving our aquatic ecosystems. 



Factors like temperature shifts, nutrient levels, and changes in water conditions can spark cyanobacteria growth almost anywhere on Earth.



The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is keeping residents and visitors up-to-date on the lake's condition. 



By heeding safety recommendations and staying informed, we can all play a part in safeguarding ourselves and this delicate ecosystem.



-----



NASA Earth Observatory image by <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/about/wanmei-liang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wanmei Liang</a>, using Landsat data from the <a href="http://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey</a>. Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lukegordon/3377729218/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke H. Gordon</a>. Story by <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/about/lindsey-doermann" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lindsey Doermann</a>.



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Pyramid Lake water turns dark green with beautiful swirling whirlpool currents

October 2024 will be remembered by the locals around Pyramid...

Ever wondered how much water it takes for humans to cultivate the world's primary crops? A recent study illuminates some startling numbers. 



Our demand for water keeps increasing, despite our improved ability to grow more food with less water. This escalating demand could lead to a cluster of environmental and socio-economic problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-footprint-of-crops">Water footprint of crops</h2>



The research, led by experts from <a href="http://www.utwente.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Twente</a>, scrutinized the water footprints of 175 crops spanning from 1990 to 2019. What's a water footprint? Simply put, it's the amount of water used in the production process.



This study separated water into two types - green and blue. The green kind comes from rainfall, while the blue kind is derived from irrigation and groundwater. 



"We need to differentiate between these two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> types as they play different roles in ecosystems and society," said Oleksandr Mialyk, a postdoctoral researcher at the Multidisciplinary Water Management group.



On a brighter note, the study revealed that around 80% of the scrutinized crops in 2019 required less water per ton than they did in 1990. So, we have become better at using less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-a-focus-on-prosperity-and-peace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> to produce more food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surge-in-water-usage-for-crops">Surge in water usage for crops</h2>



Sadly, the productivity rise hasn't stopped the overall water footprint of crop production from inching higher. Since 1990, it surged by nearly 30%, or 1.55 trillion m3 (That's roughly 410,132 billion gallons). 



"Our estimate for 2019 stands at 6.8 trillion m3&nbsp;of mainly green water, which is around 2,400 liters per person per day," said Mialyk.



The most surprising part? A whopping 90% of the total increase happened between 2000 and 2019.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-crops-more-water">More crops, more water</h2>



So, what sparked this rise? The researchers highlight three significant socio-economic factors. First, our fast-paced globalization and economic growth have notably amplified our consumption of a variety of imported crops and crop products.



In addition, there has been a shift in our global diets towards more water-guzzling products like animal produce, sweetened beverages and junk food. 



Finally, many government efforts to secure energy and promote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green initiatives</a> have increased the production of crop-based biofuels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-versatility-in-water-consumption-of-crops">Versatility in water consumption of crops</h2>



Interestingly, these socio-economic shifts have mainly boosted the cultivation of "flex crops." These crops can be transformed into a myriad of products such as food, animal feed, and biofuels.



This flexibility gives farmers, investors, and insurers a safety net, reducing financial risks linked to crop production.



Over the last few decades, largely thanks to aggressive agricultural lobbyism, the production of these flex crops has rapidly shot up. 



The three biggest ones - oil palm fruit, soya beans, and maize (corn for many of us) - account for half the total water footprint increase of crop production from 1990–2019.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-guzzling-nations">Water-guzzling nations</h2>



India, China, and the United States are the biggest water consumers. But, the total water footprint increase has primarily happened in the tropics, often coupled with other environmental impacts like deforestation and biodiversity loss.



"This region offers optimal geographical conditions for crop production while favorable agricultural policies attract investments from large agrifood corporations," explained the researchers.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-implications-of-the-study">Environmental implications of the study </h2>



The intricate relationship between water usage and agriculture bears considerable environmental consequences. Extensive water consumption, primarily of green water, often results in diminished natural resources, ecosystem disruptions, and heightened groundwater depletion. 



These effects lead to losses in biodiversity and degradation of local habitats, which are often difficult to reverse. Furthermore, increased reliance on irrigation can exacerbate soil salinity and reduce soil fertility, posing severe long-term challenges to sustainable agriculture. 



An understanding of these environmental implications is crucial for developing effective water management strategies to ensure future agricultural sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-water-use-for-crops">Increasing water use for crops</h2>



"Our data suggests that humanity will keep increasing&nbsp;water consumption&nbsp;for crop production in the following decades," said Mialyk.&nbsp;



However, all hope isn’t lost. The researchers believe that there remains a lot of untapped potential in improving crop water productivity and shifting production to less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smart-soil-can-absorb-water-from-the-air-and-feed-itself/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water-scarce areas</a>.



Moreover, a broader adoption of less water-intensive diets and minimizing the reliance on first-generation biofuels could also help. 



""Our research shows that we have many problems and now it is time to work on the solutions for a more water-sustainable future of crop production," concluded Mialyk.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad78e9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Trillions of cubic meters of water is used to grow crops each year

Ever wondered how much water it takes for humans to...

Between 635 to 541 million years ago, during the Ediacaran Period, Earth witnessed a remarkable emergence of early life in the form of multicellular organisms. These weren't just tiny microbes; some were over three feet long and could move around. 



What could have triggered this sudden burst of life?



John Tarduno, a professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the <a href="http://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a>, thinks he might have an answer. His team studied Earth's ancient magnetic field and found something intriguing.



Tarduno and his colleagues discovered that Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> during the Ediacaran Period was up to 30 times weaker than it is today. 



This ultra-weak field lasted for at least 26 million years -- the weakest it's ever been, according to their data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-earth-s-magnetic-field">Importance of Earth's magnetic field</h2>



But why does this matter? Earth's magnetic field basically serves as our planet's invisible shield against all of the nasty stuff in the universe that would immediately kill all life on the planet.



It deflects harmful solar radiation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-rays-help-archaeologists-determine-age-discoveries-prehistoric-settlements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a> that would otherwise strip away our atmosphere and expose us to levels of radiation that would be devastating.



Without this magnetic protection, not only could we get fried by cosmic rays, but we might also lose our water and essential gases to space -- making Earth a far less hospitable place to live.



Without it, life as we know it wouldn't be possible. So, if the field was so weak back then, how did <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life manage to flourish</a>?



Well, the timing caught the researchers' attention. The appearance of these large, mobile creatures coincided with the weakest magnetic field on record. 



Tarduno explains, “They were notable for their resemblance to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-of-earths-earliest-animals-found-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early animals</a> -- some even reached more than a meter in size and were mobile, indicating they probably needed more oxygen compared to earlier life forms.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weak-magnetism-linked-to-oxygen-levels">Weak magnetism linked to oxygen levels</h2>



This led them to think about how environmental factors, especially oxygen levels in the atmosphere and oceans, might have played a role. 



If the magnetic field was weak, more charged particles from the sun could strip away hydrogen from our atmosphere. With less hydrogen to react with, oxygen levels could rise.



Imagine that: a weaker shield leading to more oxygen, which in turn supports larger and more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-first-animals-were-very-picky-about-where-they-lived/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex life forms</a>. It's a bit counterintuitive, isn't it?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-answers-in-ancient-rocks">Finding answers in ancient rocks</h2>



To dig deeper, Tarduno's team used some high-tech tools. They examined ancient crystals called feldspar and pyroxene from a type of rock known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-origins-of-earths-largest-igneous-rocks-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anorthosite</a>. 



By studying the magnetism locked inside these crystals, they pieced together a timeline of Earth's magnetic field.



Using a CO₂ laser and a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer, they measured the magnetic signals with great precision. 



Their findings painted a picture of an Earth with a very weak magnetic field during a critical time in life's history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-earth-s-atmosphere-and-life">Implications for Earth's atmosphere and life</h2>



A weaker magnetic field means more solar particles hitting the atmosphere, which can strip away light <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hydrothermal-vents-earths-first-living-beings-hydrogen-gas-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements like hydrogen</a>. 



Over tens of millions of years, this loss of hydrogen could lead to more oxygen hanging around. And more oxygen means more fuel for complex organisms.



Tarduno and his team suggest that this increase in oxygen may have been just what these early creatures needed to thrive. 



“If the extraordinarily weak field had remained after the Ediacaran, Earth might look very different from the water-rich planet it is today: water loss might have gradually dried Earth,” he notes.



Luckily for us, Earth's magnetic field bounced back during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-the-first-animals-appear-on-earth-we-are-now-one-step-closer-to-knowing-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambrian Period</a>, which followed the Ediacaran. This stronger field provided better protection, allowing life to continue evolving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-earth">Looking beyond Earth</h2>



So, what does all this mean? For one, it highlights how interconnected our planet's systems are. 



Processes deep within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-has-begun-moving-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's core</a> can have a big impact on life on the surface. It's also a reminder that when we think about the possibility of life on other planets, we need to consider not just the surface conditions but what's happening deep inside.



“It’s fascinating to think that processes in Earth’s core could be linked ultimately to evolution,” Tarduno explained. “As we think about the possibility of life elsewhere, we also need to consider how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/europa-clipper-will-search-for-signs-of-life-on-jupiters-icy-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interiors of planets</a> form and develop.”



This research opens up new questions. Could other planets with weak magnetic fields have seen similar bursts of life? Or does Earth's unique history make it one of a kind?



As we explore these ideas, it's clear there's still so much to learn about our own planet's past. The Ediacaran Period might have been a time when Earth's defenses were down, but life found a way to take advantage of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-magnetic-fields-and-life">Earth, magnetic fields, and life</h2>



To sum it all up, understanding the interplay between Earth's magnetic field and the rise of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complex-life-emerged-1-5-billion-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex life</a> gives us a whole new appreciation for our planet's history. 



It's wild to think that a weaker magnetic shield, which is supposed to protect life on Earth, might have actually helped life flourish by boosting oxygen levels.



This unexpected connection highlights just how intertwined Earth's systems are -- from deep within its core all the way to the organisms roaming its surface.



As we keep digging (sometimes literally) into these ancient mysteries, we're reminded that there's still so much to learn about how life evolves. 



One thing's for sure: studies like John Tarduno's help us piece together our own story and get us thinking about life's possibilities elsewhere in the universe. 



After all, if something as subtle as a magnetic field can tip the scales, the potential for life beyond Earth might be greater than we ever imagined.



The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01360-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Earth had an issue 600 million years ago that may have kickstarted complex life

Between 635 to 541 million years ago, during the Ediacaran...

A recent observational study suggests that lifetime cannabis use is linked to various changes in brain structure and function in later life.&nbsp;



However, when researchers conducted a genetic analysis on the same data, they found that these associations might not be causal, indicating that other unidentified factors could be at play.&nbsp;



The experts highlight the need for further investigation to fully understand how the frequency and potency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-and-hallucinogen-use-are-at-historically-high-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis use</a> may impact the brain, particularly given the global increase in cannabis use following its legalization in many areas for medical and recreational purposes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-over-long-term-brain-health">Concerns over long-term brain health</h2>



The scientists underscore the importance of a deeper understanding of cannabis’s long-term effects, especially since its use has been linked to deleterious effects on neurocognitive performance, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diet-positively-influences-the-brains-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain structure</a>, and function. 



Moreover, the precise threshold of safe cannabis consumption, if any exists, is currently unknown.&nbsp;



While past observational studies have suggested changes in brain structure among regular users, these studies could not confirm causation, and few have focused on older populations, where the effects of lifelong cannabis use are especially relevant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-links-to-risk-factors">Genetic links to risk factors</h2>



To strengthen the evidence base, the researchers used Mendelian randomization, a genetic method that employs genetic variants as stand-ins for particular risk factors.&nbsp;



In this study, the method was used to identify any potential causal links between cannabis use or dependence and changes in brain structure.&nbsp;



Data was drawn from a large group of <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Biobank</a> participants (15,896 people), which included both genetic profiles collected from 2012-13 and MRI brain imaging data collected from 2014-19.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-structure-and-frequent-cannabis-use-nbsp">Brain structure and frequent cannabis use&nbsp;</h2>



Participants were asked if they had “ever taken cannabis,” with response options ranging from occasional use to over 100 times.&nbsp;



Based on responses, 3,641 participants who answered “yes” were categorized as lifetime cannabis users, averaging 61 years in age, while the 12,225 “no” responders formed a comparison group, with an average age of 64.&nbsp;



Cannabis users were further categorized into low-frequency users (lifetime use of up to 10 times) and high-frequency users (lifetime use of 11 to 100+ times). The participants also reported the age at which they last used cannabis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-and-brain-structure-changes">Cannabis and brain structure changes</h2>



The research team accounted for multiple influential factors, including age at first scan, sex, socioeconomic status, mental health, BMI, blood pressure, and various lifestyle factors, ensuring a more accurate assessment of cannabis-related brain differences.&nbsp;



After adjusting for these factors, the results showed that cannabis use was associated with changes in multiple brain structures and functions.



Participants who had used cannabis at any point in their life displayed lower integrity in their white matter - a part of the brain critical to cognitive function. This was especially prominent in the corpus callosum, the major pathway connecting the left and right sides of the brain.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-differences-in-brain-changes">Gender differences in brain changes </h2>



Additionally, cannabis users had weaker neuronal connectivity in the default mode network, which is generally active during periods of mind-wandering and self-reflection. The researchers noted that these areas are densely packed with cannabinoid receptors, suggesting a possible direct impact of cannabis.



Despite these associations, the study found no significant link between either the length of time since last cannabis use or the frequency of use and changes in brain structure and function.&nbsp;



However, they observed gender differences: significant associations were found across six specific brain regions in men, while associations in women spanned 24 brain structures and regions, primarily affecting white matter integrity in women and functional connectivity in men.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, these results indicate that cannabis may impact male and female brains differently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifelong-cannabis-use-and-brain-structure-nbsp">Lifelong cannabis use and brain structure&nbsp;</h2>



Applying Mendelian randomization to the findings, the researchers found no significant associations between genetically predicted cannabis dependence or lifetime use and changes in brain structure.&nbsp;



“To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest observational study of relationships between cannabis use and brain structure and function to date, and the first Mendelian randomisation investigation,” the authors wrote.&nbsp;



“Cannabis users had significant differences in brain structure and function, most markedly for markers of lower white matter microstructure integrity. Genetic analyses found no support for causal relationships underlying these observed associations."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-the-study">Limitations of the study</h2>



There are several possible reasons for the disparity between the observational and Mendelian randomization findings. The researchers propose that other variables, such as family history, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>, or specific medications, may have influenced the observational findings. 



Additionally, they note that the Mendelian randomization analyses may have had limited statistical power to detect subtle effects.



Further, Mendelian randomization looks at the lifelong impact of cannabis use, while the changes in brain structure noted in observational studies may be due to factors arising at various points in an individual’s life, rather than a cumulative lifelong effect. 



The researchers also point to the limitations of the UK Biobank data, which includes predominantly healthy white participants with few reporting cannabis use disorders. Due to this demographic limitation, the findings may not fully represent the diversity of cannabis users worldwide.



Furthermore, the study faced limitations in assessing critical time points during life that could reveal when cannabis use most impacts brain structure.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



“Our results need to be interpreted with careful consideration. Additional research is needed to understand the effects of heavy cannabis use in this population, including considerations of potency and related information to inform public policy,” the authors wrote.



Further research may be crucial in clarifying the long-term impacts of heavy and frequent cannabis use on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-is-a-powerful-tool-to-boost-brain-health-and-overall-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a>, with implications for both public health policy and individual health awareness.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2024-301065" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Mental Health</a>.



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How does cannabis use affect brain structure?

A recent observational study suggests that lifetime cannabis use is...

Plants are known to engage in fierce competition for essential growth elements - light, water, and nutrients. And one of the most fascinating phenomena observed in the green world is the "shade avoidance" response.



This is an instinctive survival mechanism where plants do everything possible to intercept light in high-density environments. The concept has been studied extensively, and yet, the world of science never ceases to surprise us.



A team in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology at <a href="https://www.wur.nl/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=google-my-business" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wageningen University</a> has recently unveiled a brand new shade avoidance mechanism revolving around the crucial role of the hormone cytokinin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-fight-for-the-light">Plants fight for the light</h2>



So how do plants even realize that they're getting crowded? The answer lies in the minute details of light absorption.



"In densely planted crops, red light is absorbed faster than far-red light, which is instead reflected. The red-to-far-red ratio therefore decreases with greater density. Plants 'see' this through the light-sensitive pigment <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-plants-response-to-light-can-be-manipulated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytochrome</a>," explained Professor Ronald Pierik.



Just think of this pigment as a light switch operated by the red-to-far-red light ratio. As the far-red light increases, likely in densely planted crops, responses such as elongating stems or leaves shifting from horizontal to vertical positions are triggered. 



The objective is simple: the plants must rise above their neighbors to intercept more light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-competition-beyond-light">Plant competition beyond light</h2>



While light competition among plants has been well-documented, Professor Pierik and postdoctoral researcher Pierre Gautrat studied these interactions from another angle.



They considered how plants compete for nutrients like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-adjust-roots-to-reach-their-preferred-form-of-nitrogen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen</a>, and whether the plant's response to far-red light is affected if it does not receive sufficient nutrition.



The fine details of plant communication are mind-boggling. But a simplified version is that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-know-where-to-find-the-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant tissues</a> need to know the nitrogen availability in soil. They receive this information through a "message" passed from the roots.



The message carrier is cytokinin, a hormone produced in the roots that travels to the above-ground part of the plant. More nitrogen equals more cytokinin.



The Wageningen University team found that the shade avoidance response reduced when nitrogen was low. However, by adding extra cytokinin, even with low nitrogen, the length growth was significantly triggered by the far-red light.



This was a breakthrough discovery, indicating that cytokinin has a crucial role in shade avoidance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-cytokinin">The role of cytokinin </h2>



Even more intriguing is that previous research labeled cytokinin as a growth inhibitor. 



"Looking back, all the trials on which that conclusion was based involved seedlings raised in the dark," noted Professor Pierik. "You only get that response when you grow them in the light. And not with ordinary white light, but only with an excess of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflowers-use-multiple-light-response-systems-to-track-the-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">far-red light</a>."



The research also shed light on the genetic level of this mechanism. Certain proteins inhibit plant sensitivity to cytokinin, and these proteins are inhibited when exposed to far-red light.



It's a fascinating game of inhibition which ultimately stimulates sensitivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-crop-cultivation">Impact on crop cultivation</h2>



The architecture of crops has a significant bearing on their productivity. For example, dwarf wheat and rice varieties of the Green Revolution proved to be highly productive as they put less energy into length growth and more into grains. 



These novel findings could help agronomists and growers improve yields in barley, wheat, maize, and rice.



The research ultimately highlights the ongoing enigma of plant biology and its potential to enhance our food production systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-in-sustainable-agriculture">New era in sustainable agriculture</h2>



The implications of these findings extend far beyond the lab, hinting at a future where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-nitrogen-oxide-pollution-could-boost-crop-yields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop yields</a> could be optimized by leveraging our understanding of shade avoidance and cytokinin. 



For farmers, this research offers the possibility of tailoring crop growth under high-density planting conditions, especially as the demand for efficient food production continues to rise. 



With the right balance of cytokinin, crops can potentially be coaxed into maximizing growth even in nutrient-poor soils or densely populated fields. 



This breakthrough could inspire a new era in sustainable agriculture, where crop architecture is finely tuned for resilience and productivity, reducing the need for excessive fertilizer and supporting global food security efforts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52828-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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The quest for light: How plants compete to survive

Plants are known to engage in fierce competition for essential...

Endangered animals