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...

Speyeria zerene myrtleae  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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe.

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.

Speyeria zerene myrtleae

Speyeria zerene myrtleae  NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Sphaerodactylus micropithecus 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe

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.

Sphaerodactylus micropithecus

Sphaerodactylus micropithecus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Spheniscus demersus 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Spheniscus demersus 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe

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.

Spheniscus demersus

Spheniscus demersus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Spheniscus humboldti 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe

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.

Spheniscus humboldti

Spheniscus humboldti NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

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.

Spheniscus mendiculus

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

Sphenodon guntheri

Sphenodon punctatus 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa

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.

Sphenodon punctatus

Sphenodon punctatus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Sphyrna lewini 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Sphyrna lewini 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa.  North America was reached by its first human populations during the last glacial period, via crossing the Bering land bridge approximately 40,000 to 17,000 years ago.

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.

Sphyrna lewini

Sphyrna lewini NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Sterna antillarum 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Sterna antillarum 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa

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.

Sterna antillarum

Sterna antillarum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Sterna antillarum browni 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Sterna antillarum browni 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa

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.

Sterna antillarum browni

Sterna antillarum browni NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Sterna dougallii dougallii

Sternotherus depressus 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Sternotherus depressus 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa

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.

Sternotherus depressus

Sternotherus depressus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Streptocephalus woottoni 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Streptocephalus woottoni 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe. In 2013

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.

Streptocephalus woottoni

Streptocephalus woottoni NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Streptopelia picturata rostrata 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Streptopelia picturata rostrata 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa

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.

Streptopelia picturata rostrata

Streptopelia picturata rostrata NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Strigops habroptilus 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Strigops habroptilus 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.  North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa

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.

Strigops habroptilus

Strigops habroptilus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Strix occidentalis caurina 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Strix occidentalis caurina 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa

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.

Strix occidentalis caurina

Strix occidentalis caurina NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Strix occidentalis lucida 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Strix occidentalis lucida 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa

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.

Strix occidentalis lucida

Strix occidentalis lucida NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Hummingbird flower mites are tiny hitchhikers with an electrifying secret. These minuscule arachnids have developed a remarkable survival strategy.



A new study reveals that the mites use static electricity generated by their hummingbird chauffeurs to leap from one flower to another.



The remarkable relationship between the mites and hummingbirds has puzzled researchers for years. 



In particular, scientists have questioned what determines the moment that the mites choose to hop onto or off of a hummingbird. This is a crucial part of the mites' survival, as it enables them to transition from flower to flower for sustenance and reproduction.



After years of speculation and study, researchers may have finally found the answer.



It all started with Carlos Garcia-Robledo, an associate professor in the <a href="https://eeb.uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology</a>, who noted that the mites seemingly preferred the first flower that a hummingbird visited. This observation led him to question why the mites were not hopping onto second or third flowers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-static-electricity-helps-mites-jump">Static electricity helps mites jump</h2>



Initially, the scientific community speculated that some kind of smell signal influenced the mites. However, after conducting experiments, Garcia-Robledo felt there had to be another explanation.



“I knew that it was not maybe the smell that played a major role in this because if you bring the mites to a laboratory, they don’t care much about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flower-smells-like-dead-insects-to-attract-coffin-flies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smells of flowers</a> and so on. I knew it had to be something else,” he said.



The turning point came after Garcia-Robledo read a study about ticks and static electricity. An idea clicked. 



“Maybe something electrostatic was happening there. These mites are so tiny that they live at another level of perception, so of course, even little electric fields are important for them. This could help explain the mystery of how they can be fast enough to hitchhike on this family of birds,” he noted.



Armed with this new idea, Garcia-Robledo collaborated with Konstantine Manser, a Ph.D. student at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, and Diego Dierick, a scientist at the <a href="https://tropicalstudies.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Organization for Tropical Studies</a>. The team quickly constructed simple devices to test their theory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-mite-s-electric-path">Unveiling the mite's electric path</h2>



To their astonishment, the results were immediate and compelling. The researchers observed that the mites reacted to the static electricity.



“We turned on the device, and instantaneously, they started to respond. That’s how we figured out that they were using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-of-static-electricity-has-finally-been-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">static electricity</a>,” explained Garcia-Robledo.



Further testing revealed that the mites were not just responding to static electricity but to a specific frequency of the electric field. 



“The mites respond to the bouncing of a signal that is associated with the size, geometry, and vibration of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-an-amazing-sense-of-touch-for-precise-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a>, which reach frequencies between 20 and 160 Hz,” noted Garcia-Robledo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-mites-sense-different-signals">Different mites sense different signals</h2>



These discoveries have opened a new chapter in our understanding of hummingbird flower mites.



Each of the 19 mite species at La Selva demonstrates a unique preference for specific flowers and has unique structures in their legs that potentially allow them to detect different electrical frequencies.



“We think that there may be some specificity in the electric signals or different charges for flowers,” noted Garcia-Robledo.



As we continue to unravel the mysteries of hummingbird flower mites, we are reminded of the complex and little-understood ways in which life adapts and thrives.



In these tiny hitchhikers, we find another reflection of the incredible diversity and adaptability of our natural world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-masters-of-electricity">Masters of electricity</h2>



The ability of hummingbird flower mites to detect and respond to static electricity is probably the result of millions of years of evolutionary fine-tuning.



These tiny arachnids don’t just react to any electric field; they are sensitive to specific frequencies generated by the movement and vibrations of hummingbirds. 



But how did this ability develop, and why is it so crucial to their survival?



Researchers suspect that mites with a heightened sensitivity to electrical fields had an evolutionary advantage. Being able to time their jumps with precision ensures that they reach the right <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a>, and minimizes the risk of getting stranded in an unsuitable environment. 



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



Over generations, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-rules-natural-selection-change-significantly-often-daphnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural selection</a> may have favored mites with specialized structures in their legs. As Garcia-Robledo's team observed, these structures seem to help the mites detect and interpret electric signals.



The discovery that mites use electric fields for travel raises broader ecological questions. Could other tiny organisms also exploit similar mechanisms? 



Insects, pollen, or even microbes might interact with electrostatic forces in ways we have yet to fully understand. 



This new perspective challenges researchers to rethink how small-scale biological systems interact with invisible physical forces, and opens the door to discoveries beyond mites and hummingbirds.



While the full extent of electrostatic sensing in nature remains a mystery, one thing is certain - these tiny mites are not just passive passengers. They are finely adapted travelers that use hidden forces to navigate their microscopic world with astonishing precision.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2419214122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Hummingbird flower mites use static electricity to travel

Hummingbird flower mites are tiny hitchhikers with an electrifying secret....

Forests along Brazil’s rivers have played a crucial role in connecting the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests for millions of years. These green corridors have allowed tree species to migrate between the two forests, even though they are separated by vast expanses of dry forest and savanna. 



Until now, researchers believed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> migration only occurred during wetter climatic periods when rainforests expanded across South America. However, a new study from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> reveals a different story.



The research challenges the long-held assumption that tree species only moved between the Amazon and Atlantic forests during rare climate shifts. Instead, the study suggests that species have been dispersing continuously over time, using riverside forests as natural highways. 



This discovery reshapes the understanding of how rainforest biodiversity has evolved and highlights the ongoing importance of these ecological corridors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-migration-through-generations">Tree migration through generations</h2>



Rather than short-term bursts of movement, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-tree-species-are-moving-to-colder-and-wetter-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> have migrated slowly over many generations. The researchers found that trees growing along rivers helped species move gradually across the dry landscapes of Brazil.



“Rather than tree species being exchanged during specific wetter periods in the past, we found that species have dispersed consistently over time,” said Dr. James Nicholls of <a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RBGE</a>.



The study was focused on 164 species of Inga trees, a genus found widely in Latin American rainforests. By analyzing the DNA of these trees, the researchers reconstructed their evolutionary history, determining when different species diverged from their ancestors.



Mapping the locations of various&nbsp;Inga&nbsp;species further revealed patterns of movement between the Amazon and Atlantic forests.



This detailed genetic analysis uncovered a consistent pattern of species migration that spanned millions of years. The findings suggest that rainforest connectivity has depended not just on large-scale climate changes but also on localized ecological networks along rivers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-trees-migrate-more">Amazon trees migrate more</h2>



The study identified 16 to 20 instances where tree species from the Amazon successfully established themselves in the Atlantic forest. These events were spread across evolutionary history rather than being concentrated in specific periods when Brazil had a wetter climate. 



The findings indicate that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-moving-to-soils-that-lack-the-fungi-to-support-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> have been able to migrate across dry regions at a slow but steady pace, rather than relying on rare climate-driven rainforest expansions.



Interestingly, the researchers found only one or two cases where tree species moved in the opposite direction—from the Atlantic rainforest to the Amazon. This suggests an imbalance in species migration, likely due to the Amazon’s vast size and greater seed production. 



Because the Amazon is much larger, it likely sends out a greater number of seeds, increasing the chances of successful migration to the Atlantic forest.



This discovery reshapes the understanding of rainforest dynamics, showing that species movement is not just a relic of past climate changes but an ongoing process. It also suggests that even in modern times, forest corridors remain vital for biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-brazil-s-riverside-forests">Protecting Brazil’s riverside forests</h2>



The research highlights the importance of conserving forests along Brazil’s rivers. These green corridors allow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forests-which-tree-species-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> to continue moving between the two rainforests, maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. 



Brazilian law already provides legal protection for riverside forests, recognizing their critical role in preserving the country’s natural ecosystems.



“This legal protection - and efforts to preserve these riverside forests - are highly valuable for long-term habitat connectivity,” said Professor Toby Pennington from Exeter’s Department of Geography and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/institutes/gsi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Systems Institute</a>.



Beyond their role in species migration, these forests are essential for sustaining the extraordinary biodiversity of the Atlantic rainforest trees.



The Atlantic rainforest is home to approximately 3,000 more plant species than the Amazon, yet only 20% of it remains intact. Habitat destruction has put many species at risk, making conservation efforts more urgent than ever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-rainforest-connections">Maintaining rainforest connections </h2>



“In the short term, we need to protect these precious rainforests. In the long term, our study shows that we must also conserve the connections between them,” said Pennington.



Protecting the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests requires more than just safeguarding individual patches of forest. It also depends on maintaining the ecological links that have allowed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-have-an-amazing-ability-to-adapt-to-new-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> species to migrate and adapt over millions of years.



Ensuring the survival of riverside forests will not only help preserve the unique biodiversity of both rainforests but also support the broader health of Brazil’s ecosystems.



The study was funded by the United States <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, emphasizing the global importance of understanding and protecting these critical rainforest connections.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1559" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Rainforest trees use rivers as highways for migration

Forests along Brazil’s rivers have played a crucial role in...

The Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is a vital part of the Amazon's rich biodiversity, but its genetic diversity has faced centuries of disruption. 



Factors such as European colonization, extensive deforestation, and the extinction of large seed-dispersing animals like the giant sloth have all played a role in its decline.



The Brazil nut tree is also a symbol of ecological resilience, economic sustenance, and the intricate web of life within the rainforest. But now, its future is at stake as human activities are constantly shifting the ecology of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-trees-are-critically-endangered-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a> Basin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomic-data-from-brazil-nut-trees">Genomic data from Brazil nut trees</h2>



A team of researchers recently embarked on a mission to investigate the genetic diversity and population dynamics of Brazil nut trees.



“This research provides an amazing opportunity to study how human actions, even in the distant past, have affected genetic makeup in a wild species over short time scales,” noted Detlef Weigel, an expert at the the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/151769/biology-tuebingen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a> for Biology Tübingen. 



The scientists used up-to-date genomic techniques to analyze a total of 270 Brazil nut tree samples. These samples, each with known archaeological evidence, were collected from various locations.



The result of this analysis was a detailed genomic data sheet that identified over 126,000 genetic variants in the Brazil nut tree's genome. The data is a treasure trove of insights into the genetic health and adaptability of the species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-diversity-of-brazil-nut-trees">Genetic diversity of Brazil nut trees</h2>



The study suggests that, when compared to the diversity of other species, there has been a steep decline in the genetic diversity of Brazil nut trees over the past 20,000 years. But, it's not all gloom and doom.



Areas that have been managed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indigenous-communities-provide-clues-to-healthy-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indigenous communities</a> show more complex genetic backgrounds, revealing a deep connection between plant life and Indigenous land stewardship.



For example, younger trees (less than 200 years old) in the Tefé National Forest (TEF) show a greater diversity of genes. This is thanks to their adaptation to previous natural disturbances and to the management approaches of local communities that have led to genetic resilience. 



This exemplifies how traditional ecological practices can uphold the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echoes-of-the-past-whalings-long-term-impact-on-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic diversity</a> and health of a species while providing a model for sustainable management.



Victor Caetano-Andrade, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Coevolution of Land Use and Urbanisation at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, shared his insight.



“We aimed to bridge gaps in our understanding of the long-term anthropogenic influences on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-herbivore-extinctions-drastically-affect-forest-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest ecosystems</a>. Our findings demonstrate how Indigenous land management practices play a significant role in maintaining the genetic diversity of Brazil nut populations,” said Caetano-Andrade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strengthening-collaboration-and-conservation">Strengthening collaboration and conservation</h2>



This innovative study highlights the crucial partnership between scientists and Indigenous land stewards. By leveraging their historical ecological knowledge, we can create more inclusive and effective conservation policies.



Looking ahead, the scientists plan to broaden their investigation to more regions and additional species within the Amazon rainforest.



The ultimate goal is to develop comprehensive conservation frameworks that protect Brazil nut trees and bolster the ecosystem's resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-economic-impacts">Ecological and economic impacts </h2>



The loss of genetic diversity in Brazil nut trees affects more than just the species itself. The impacts extend to other aspects of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainforest</a> ecosystem, as well as to local economies.



The Brazil nut tree is a keystone species that plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity. These trees provide food and shelter for countless organisms - ranging from pollinators like orchid bees to large, fruit-eating mammals.



Reduced genetic diversity weakens the tree’s resilience to climate change, pests, and diseases, and increases the risk of population decline.



Moreover, this genetic bottleneck has economic consequences for communities that rely on Brazil nut harvesting as a primary source of income.



Declining tree health and lower yields could threaten a sustainable industry that has supported Amazonian livelihoods for centuries. 



Maintaining genetic variation through conservation efforts and Indigenous land stewardship will be essential for safeguarding not only the species but also the ecological and economic stability of the region.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0960982224016919" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Genetic legacy of the Brazil nut tree has been altered by human activity

The Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is a vital part...

The city of Sydney in Australia has gained new attention for something unexpected. Instead of sunbathers by the shore or bustling restaurant queues, curious groups have appeared at the Royal Botanic Garden to experience a "corpse flower." 



This flower is famous for being the largest bloom in the world, and for its overpowering odor. Some call it revolting; others call it mesmerizing. Either way, there’s no denying its draw.



The plant’s official name is <a href="https://gustavus.edu/academics/departments/biology/titanarum/faq.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amorphophallus titanum</a>, but its fans know it by a more colorful nickname: the corpse flower. Either way, its flowers have an odor that’s powerful enough to attract thousands.



<a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/713188-emily-white" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Emily White</a>, a horticultural scientist at the <a href="https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Garden</a>, has studied rare tropical species for over a decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-irresistible-stench">An irresistible stench</h2>



This short-lived spectacle <a href="https://www.usbg.gov/gardens-plants/corpse-flowers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">only blooms</a> for about 24 hours every few years, when it releases a scent that many liken to the stench of rotting meat. 



Visitors report everything from hints of rancid socks to the smell of forgotten leftovers.



Staff members say nearly 20,000 people have navigated the winding pathways and stood patiently in line for a chance to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-does-the-corpse-flower-smell-like-rotting-flesh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">see (and smell) the flower</a> up close.



Native to the rainforests of western Indonesia, the corpse flower was discovered in 1878 by Italian botanist <a href="https://www.kew.org/plants/titan-arum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Odoardo Beccari</a>. 



It has intrigued plant enthusiasts ever since, partly because it grows from an underground corm that can weigh hundreds of pounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corpse-flower-blooms-for-just-one-day">Corpse flower blooms for just one day</h2>



To see the plant in bloom is a rare event. The flower only lasts about a day, meaning that people who wish to see and smell it need to rush to the garden before the bloom collapses. 



If you miss it, there’s no knowing when it might come around again.



The wait might be four or five years, or even longer. The staff extended visiting hours and accepted donations from fascinated guests, hoping to give everyone a chance to witness the ephemeral wonder before it faded.



By the next afternoon, the flower would be spent, and the pungent smell would vanish, leaving just a tall, withered structure behind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-the-corpse-flower-stink">Why does the corpse flower stink?</h2>



The smell may be disagreeable to humans, but it’s essential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-orchids-have-fingers-to-pollinate-themselves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a>.



While most flowers use pleasant fragrances to lure bees or butterflies, the corpse flower’s stench entices flies and beetles that specialize in feeding on carrion.



These insects mistake the odor for that of a rotting carcass, crawl deep into the bloom, and help transfer pollen in the process. 



This trick is vital to the corpse flower’s reproduction, though it can seem downright repugnant to most people brave enough to get close.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-eat-the-fruit">Don't eat the fruit</h2>



Once pollination occurs, the flower produces bright red, round fruits that appear over the course of a few months. 



In the wild, they would be eaten by certain birds, like rhinoceros hornbills, which help disperse the seeds across the rainforest floor.



The fruits are poisonous to humans and not intended as a snack. Even if they form successfully, the plant requires substantial energy to generate them, so it usually remains dormant for years before attempting another bloom.



“We expect multiple corpse flower blooms per year,” states the <a href="https://www.usbg.gov/gardens-plants/corpse-flowers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Botanic Garden</a> on their official website, although they note that the timing is unpredictable.&nbsp;



Curious onlookers everywhere have tuned in to live feeds hosted by botanical institutions. Many gardens around the world keep at least one corpse flower in a specialized greenhouse, hoping for the day it sets off a flurry of excitement.



<a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/66511-largest-single-flower" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guinness World Records</a> shows that the tallest known specimen reached 10 feet 2 inches (just over 3 meters) when it bloomed in New Hampshire in 2010. 



The combination of size, smell, and rarity makes the corpse flower a consistent headliner whenever it decides to bloom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corpse-flower-conservation">Corpse flower conservation</h2>



Despite its fame in public displays, the corpse flower faces major challenges in nature. 



Environmental pressure has reduced the number of wild plants, and it is officially classified as Endangered by the <a href="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/amazing-species/amorphophallus-titanum/pdfs/original/amorphophallus-titanum.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Union for the Conservation of Nature</a>.



Intensive logging and conversion of the plant’s Sumatran habitat into palm oil plantations have taken a toll. 



Several botanic gardens cooperate on cross-pollination and seed-sharing programs to broaden the gene pool, including the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, Kew in London, and various U.S. institutions.



These programs aim to safeguard the species through <a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110810104854504" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ex situ</a> conservation efforts, an important lifeline for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-earths-most-endangered-plants-from-extinction-proving-difficult-botanic-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants threatened</a> by habitat loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascination-for-all-ages">Fascination for all ages</h2>



The corpse flower isn’t just an oddity for expert gardeners. Families with kids on school breaks have dropped by the glasshouse to see - and sniff - something unlike any rose or lily.



Its short-lived bloom offers an unforgettable lesson in biodiversity. Even the worst smell can be a good teacher.



If the lines of visitors are any clue, plenty of people want to learn more about this plant’s unusual approach to survival. 



The spectacle reminds us that nature is full of surprises, and sometimes the most memorable experiences are the ones that leave your nose crinkled and your eyes wide.



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Corpse flowers smell like death, but thousands rush to see them bloom

The city of Sydney in Australia has gained new attention...

Colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, may have just found an unlikely foe in a common weed.



Artemisia herba-alba, a plant also commonly known as white wormwood or herba alba, has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years. It was originally used in the Middle East and North Africa.



This aromatic herb, which has been used to treat ailments such as bronchitis and digestive issues, is now capturing the attention of scientists for an even more meaningful purpose.



A recent study by researchers at the <a href="https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sharjah</a> sheds light on the potential for white wormwood to fight colorectal cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-battle-against-colorectal-cancer">The battle against colorectal cancer</h2>



Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is a worldwide health concern. Ranked as the third most common type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-thrives-on-human-stress-as-it-spreads-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> globally, it is responsible for nearly 10% of all cancer cases.



Colorectal cancer mainly affects patients over the age of 50 and is the second leading cause of death from cancer. With one million mortalities and two million new cases recorded in 2020 alone, there is an urgent need for more effective CRC treatments.



Study lead author Dr. Lara Bou Malhab is a research associate at the Sharjah University Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences.



“Artemisia herba-alba&nbsp;could be a promising natural ingredient for new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/better-cancer-tests-produce-better-cancer-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer treatments</a> based on (our study’s) findings," noted Dr. Bou Malhab. "Colorectal cancer is a common and serious illness, making it essential to find new and better treatments.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-plant-works">How the plant works </h2>



Extracts isolated from Artemisia herba-alba were found to contain compounds with the ability to combat colorectal cancer. These compounds arrest the growth of the malignant cells and trigger self-destruction irrespective of the genetic makeup of these cells.



The compounds also interfere with the cell division in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-fingerprint-of-cancer-cells-revealed-in-hydrogen-atoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer cells</a> through proteins like Cyclin B1 and CDK1.



Furthermore, the herb extracts inhibit a pathway that significantly contributes to tumorigenesis, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.



“Our findings highlight the immense potential of Artemisia herba-alba as a natural source for developing innovative therapies against colorectal cancer, addressing the urgent need for treatments with fewer side effects and greater efficacy," said Dr. Malhab.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-substances-as-effective-drugs">Natural substances as effective drugs</h2>



Despite the call of modern medicine, the use of natural substances in synthesizing effective drugs with fewer side effects is an area that cannot be ignored, particularly in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer medications</a>.



Current chemotherapy drugs are plagued by the issues of cancer cells developing resistance and collateral damage in the form of side effects. This study, therefore, could have significant implications if noted and implemented by pharmaceutical giants.



While further research is necessary to unravel the specific molecular mechanisms and the clinical efficacy of Artemisia herba-alba in cancer treatment, there's no denying the potential that this unassuming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbs-and-spices-linked-to-lower-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herb</a> carries within its leaves. 



This study has contributed an important piece to the larger puzzle of creating more effective cancer treatments that are less harmful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colorectal-cancer-a-growing-global-concern">Colorectal cancer: A growing global concern</h2>



Colorectal cancer remains one of the major health challenges facing the world. The incidence rates of this cancer have been on the rise, mainly due to lifestyle factors, an aging population, and genetic predispositions.



Though early detection through screening programs has improved survival rates, treatment options remain limited and often involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation - all of which carry significant drawbacks.



Traditional chemotherapy causes severe side effects, such as immune suppression, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress.



This is why natural compounds such as Artemisia herba-alba are gaining attention. Experts are looking at plant-based solutions that could offer targeted cancer-fighting properties with fewer side effects.



If further research confirms the herb’s effectiveness, it will open doors to more accessible, well-tolerated therapies that could revolutionize colorectal cancer treatment.



With colorectal cancer cases estimated to reach 3.2 million annually by 2040, the need for better treatments has never been greater.



In light of this discovery on Artemisia herba-alba, researchers are bound to look towards nature for their future pharmacological discovery in cancer treatment.



The full study was published in the journal Food Science &amp; Nutrition.



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Medicinal plant has great potential to fight colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths...

Imagine a world where the vibrant colors and splendor of Earth's wild plants and flowers dotting landscapes around the globe fall victim to extinction and vanish, one species at a time.



While this disturbing notion might seem far-fetched, the reality is that it's already beginning to happen.



Plant conservation is at a critical crossroads as botanic gardens around the world struggle to protect Earth’s most endangered plants. 



A recent review of the processes behind this global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biobanking-historic-initiative-aims-to-genetically-rescue-endangered-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species preservation</a> challenge provides scientists with details about exactly what these institutions face in their fight to save endangered and threatened plant species from extinction.



The critical question that emerges is - how can the guardian angels of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-plants-genus-spread-farther-grow-faster-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant kingdom</a>, botanic gardens, rise to meet this challenge?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-100-years-of-plant-conservation">100-years of plant conservation</h2>



The study examined records of fifty botanic gardens and arboreta around the world over the past 100 years, from 1921 to 2021. 



Encompassing over 500,000 plants between them, the goal was to uncover trends and shifts in living plant collections housed at these facilities.



The study's findings suggest that the collections at these gardens have reached their maximum capacity. 



In addition, due to various limitations and rules placed on collecting wild plants in different parts of the world, acquiring and protecting diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> for conservation and study has become challenging.



The research also revealed that, on a global scale, the retention of threatened plants within these collections has not been successful despite the escalating extinction risk.



It raises serious questions about the priority given to combatting biodiversity loss across these gardens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurdles-in-saving-plants-from-extinction">Hurdles in saving plants from extinction</h2>



The study was spearheaded by Professor Samuel Brockington from <a href="https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/museums/cambridge-university-botanic-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge University Botanic Garden</a>.



“A concerted, collaborative effort across the world’s botanic gardens is now needed to conserve a genetically diverse range of plants, and to make them available for research and future reintroduction into the wild,” Brockington implored.



The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, stated that the Convention on Biological Diversity (<a href="https://www.cbd.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBD</a>) has considerably diminished the rate of plant collection from the wild.



This has greatly hampered the international exchange of plants.



“The impact of the Convention on Biological Diversity is a remarkable demonstration of the power and value of international agreements," stated Professor Brockington, who is also a Professor of Evolution at the University of Cambridge's <a href="https://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Plant Sciences</a>.



"But it seems to be preventing individual botanic gardens from working with many globally threatened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> that we could help save from extinction.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-botanic-garden-meta-collections">Botanic garden meta-collections</h2>



Given that nearly 40% of the world’s plant diversity is at an increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of extinction</a>, botanic gardens cannot single-handedly prevent species extinction. 



Therefore, a collective approach is proposed to store and safeguard diversity in living collections. 



Botanic gardens need to function as a 'meta-collection,’ pooling their resources, sharing data, and expertise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done">What can be done?</h2>



While individual institutions like the <a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh </a>have achieved remarkable success in plant conservation, their efforts highlight both the potential and the limitations of working in isolation.



Global organizations such as Botanic Gardens Conservation International (<a href="https://www.bgci.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BGCI</a>) have made strides in promoting collaboration through conservation consortia, yet these initiatives remain exceptions rather than the standard practice.



Smaller or regionally focused botanic gardens often face resource constraints that limit their capacity for impactful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. 



Without sufficient funding, expertise, or infrastructure, their ability to participate in large-scale projects is significantly hindered. 



Furthermore, the lack of robust data-sharing systems and collaboration across institutions exacerbates the challenge, preventing the formation of a cohesive global strategy.



The successes of these individual institutions and organizations serve as a foundation, but a more unified and coordinated effort is essential to effectively combat biodiversity loss on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-plant-extinction">Climate change and plant extinction</h2>



As climate change transforms growing conditions across different regions globally, it will be more challenging for individual botanic gardens to grow a diverse range of species. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-climate-changes-have-drastic-effects-on-tropical-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> affects our work directly by altering local weather conditions - we’ve already seen record-breaking temperatures in Cambridge in recent years," Brockington lamented.



"That’s going to affect how well our plants survive, so we need to think rationally and collectively about the best locations to hold different species across the global network of living collections."



Genetic diversity plays a critical role in protecting plants at risk of extinction. The more individual plants of a species are in a collection, the greater the genetic diversity is likely to be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-we-go-from-here">Where do we go from here?</h2>



Last year, Cambridge University Botanic Garden advertised for a new "Expedition Botanist" to lead global plant-collection expeditions and contribute to vital conservation efforts.



Brockington believes in the importance of these expeditions and proposes a collaborative collection approach that creates equitable international partnerships.



The CBD, signed by 150 government leaders in 1992, commits each country to protect its biodiversity and promote sustainable development. 



Today, there are about 3,500 botanic gardens and arboreta worldwide, committed to studying, conserving and providing access to the world’s plants.



Organizations like the BGCI, a charity, work to mobilize botanic gardens and establish partnerships to secure plant diversity, benefiting people and the planet.



To sum it all up, we're in a race against time for these botanic gardens to adapt, innovate and collaborate in their fight against plant extinction. The future of our plant kingdom hinges on these collective efforts.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02633-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Saving Earth's most endangered plants from extinction is proving to be very difficult

Imagine a world where the vibrant colors and splendor of...

In the worldwide push to reduce carbon emissions, land-based mitigation strategies (LBMS) - such as planting forests and growing biofuels - are an increasingly popular solution.&nbsp;



However, a new study cautions that while these efforts can help tackle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, they may also threaten wildlife if not implemented with care. Overall, the study finds that restoring forests has the most positive effect on biodiversity, but warns of unintended consequences from other approaches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aligning-climate-goals-with-biodiversity">Aligning climate goals with biodiversity</h2>



A team of researchers,&nbsp; including Dr. Evelyn Beaury of the <a href="https://www.nybg.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Botanical Garden</a> (NYBG), argues that policymakers must weigh the ecological impacts of land-based mitigation strategies as they strive to meet climate targets.



“As efforts to address climate change accelerate, it is urgent to ensure that in deploying LBMS we do not inadvertently imperil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>,” the researchers wrote.



Beaury is an assistant curator at NYBG’s Center for Conservation and Restoration Ecology. This initiative is dedicated to advancing collaborations with global conservation programs, training future biodiversity leaders, and promoting the sustainable use of plant resources at both local and international levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-based-mitigation-strategies">Land-based mitigation strategies</h2>



Countries worldwide, from Austria to Zimbabwe, have committed to adopting LBMS over millions of acres to curb carbon outputs and achieve climate objectives. The principal strategies include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/success-story-reforestation-has-helped-keep-the-eastern-us-relatively-cool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reforestation</a>: Reintroducing forests in areas where they once existed.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afforestation</a>: Establishing forests on lands such as savannahs and grasslands that have historically been treeless.</li>



<li>Bioenergy Cropping: Cultivating fast-growing plants like switchgrass to generate renewable energy.</li>
</ul>



Although these measures have gained momentum, comprehensively predicting their effects on biodiversity has been challenging, since different ecosystems and species respond in complex ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-mitigation-strategies-and-biodiversity">Climate mitigation strategies and biodiversity </h2>



The study is the first to systematically evaluate how reforestation, afforestation, and bioenergy cropping might affect biodiversity on a global scale.&nbsp;



Led by Dr. Jeffrey Smith, an associate research scholar at <a href="https://environment.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University’s High Meadows Environmental Institute</a>, the research team modeled how over 14,000 animal species could be impacted by these climate mitigation methods - encompassing creatures from tiny mice to large moose.



“Plant-based mitigation strategies do not have the same effect on the climate or on biodiversity everywhere they are deployed. Our research suggests that we cannot assume plant-based solutions always indirectly reduce the biodiversity crisis,” said Dr. Beaury.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reforestation-a-win-win-for-wildlife">Reforestation: A “win-win” for wildlife</h2>



The study highlights reforestation as the approach most likely to deliver mutual advantages for both climate and biodiversity. By bringing back forests to places where they naturally existed, habitats improve for many species, and carbon sequestration rises, helping mitigate global warming.&nbsp;



Animals such as spotted salamanders, red-bellied woodpeckers, and even jaguars can benefit from the added forest cover.



“Reforestation is an obvious ‘win-win’ for biodiversity,” said Dr. Beaury. “Restoring lost forest provides habitat as well as reduces the impacts of climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-from-afforestation-and-bioenergy">Risks from afforestation and bioenergy</h2>



Although afforestation and bioenergy cropping can curb climate threats, they pose direct hazards for wildlife. Afforestation usually means planting trees in savannahs and grasslands, fundamentally altering habitats that support unique species.&nbsp;



Ostriches, lions, elk, and grouse are among the animals at risk if these natural ecosystems become uniform forests or bioenergy plantations.



While such transformations may counteract warming and climate pressures, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> they cause can overshadow any biodiversity gains.&nbsp;



The study concludes that immediate declines in habitat overshadow the positive climate effects, making these tactics less favorable for preserving wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observed-declines-in-resilient-species">Observed declines in “resilient” species</h2>



Even species known to tolerate a range of environmental stresses have suffered under afforestation or intense bioenergy cropping.&nbsp;



The study is one of the first to provide quantitative, global evidence of this impact, confirming ecologists’ long-standing concern that large-scale modifications to ecosystems might do more harm than good in certain contexts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-way-forward-careful-deployment">The way forward: Careful deployment</h2>



As national climate strategies intensify, these findings emphasize the importance of carefully matching LBMS to local conditions to avoid harming biodiversity. 



Where ecosystems naturally support forests, reforestation stands out as a solution that harmonizes climate gains with ecological health. 



Conversely, converting grasslands and savannahs to forest or monoculture plantations demands careful evaluation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-necessary-balancing-act">A necessary balancing act</h2>



As climate change progresses, governments worldwide are deploying LBMS on an unprecedented scale. The researchers argue that these strategies must address both carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation to be truly sustainable.&nbsp;



Rather than assuming plant-based solutions will inherently benefit wildlife, policymakers should base decisions on detailed ecological assessments, ensuring that the drive to mitigate climate change does not inadvertently intensify the biodiversity crisis.



By integrating local ecological knowledge with climate targets, decision-makers can adopt balanced solutions that foster both a stable climate and thriving ecosystems - a critical step toward a healthier planet for both people and wildlife.



The research team included Dr. Jonathan Levine, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Princeton, and Dr. Susan C. Cook-Patton, senior forest restoration scientist at <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nature Conservancy</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adm9485" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Climate action and biodiversity: Striking the right balance

In the worldwide push to reduce carbon emissions, land-based mitigation...

Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet often overlooked components of our marine landscapes, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet. 



These underwater meadows are cherished for their ability to promote biodiversity, boost coastal protection, and improve water quality. 



Beyond these benefits, seagrass meadows are also remarkably adept at capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂), making them a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-seagrass-meadows">Threats to seagrass meadows </h2>



Climate change poses significant threats to seagrass ecosystems. Rising sea temperatures can stress seagrass plants, making them more susceptible to disease and reducing their growth rates. 



Ocean acidification, another result of increased CO2 in the atmosphere, affects the delicate balance of the marine environment, altering the chemistry that seagrasses depend on. 



Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and storms intensified by climate change, can physically damage seagrass beds. Meanwhile, rising sea levels may reduce the amount of sunlight these plants receive, hindering photosynthesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-zobluc-project">Unveiling the ZOBLUC project</h2>



A new research initiative is focused on investigating and enhancing the potential of seagrass meadows as carbon sinks. The project - Zostera marina as a Blue Carbon Sink in the Baltic Sea (ZOBLC) - is a result of the combined efforts of several institutions.



With funding from the German Federal Environment Ministry's Nature-based Climate Action Programme (ANK) and state funds, the project has a budget of around €6 million to unravel the secrets of seagrass meadows.



To break it down, Zostera marina is the scientific term for seagrass, and blue carbon refers to the carbon stored by coastal and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>.



The term 'sink' points to the role these meadows play in capturing and storing CO₂ - much like a sink that drains water away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-mission">Focus of the mission</h2>



ZOBLUC's strategy rests on three fundamental pillars - the study of seagrass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-alkalinity-may-safely-boost-the-carbon-storage-capacity-of-seawater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage capacity</a>, the restoration of meadows, and active community participation in the restoration process.



“Seagrass meadows are like underwater peatlands,” noted Dr. Thorsten Reusch, a professor of Marine Ecology at <a href="https://www.geomar.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GEOMAR</a> who is steering the scientific aspect of the project. “They store carbon, which is preserved in oxygen-poor sediments for centuries.”



ZOBLUC aims to locate blue carbon hotspots that can serve as primary zones for protection.



The second pillar of the project focuses on ensuring that restored meadows can withstand future climatic challenges. 



“There’s little point in replanting seagrass that won’t survive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising water temperatures</a> in a few years’ time,” said Dr. Reusch. To prevent this, the team will expose seagrass to various stressors in an effort to breed resistant and resilient populations.



The third pillar seeks to involve local communities in the restoration process. The plan is to train volunteers to plant seagrass shoots - the most effective restoration method so far. 



“It’s important to complete the training course and only use areas that we have checked for suitability for restoration," noted Dr. Reusch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-peek-into-the-future">A peek into the future</h2>



The road ahead involves comprehensive mapping of the present <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-meadows-can-recover-after-major-die-offs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seagrass meadows</a> in the Baltic Sea. 



This task will be accomplished using advanced optical and acoustic surveying technologies. Additionally, drones will be used to monitor newly planted areas.



The findings from the ZOBLUC project will be disseminated through workshops and integrated into policy recommendations to bolster the protection and restoration of seagrass meadows in the Baltic Sea. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seagrass-and-climate-resilience">Seagrass and climate resilience</h2>



As the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> intensify, seagrass meadows are emerging as a natural defense against environmental challenges. 



Their dense root systems help stabilize coastal sediments, reducing shoreline erosion and mitigating the impact of rising sea levels. 



Moreover, seagrass meadows act as nurseries for a variety of marine species, ensuring the resilience of coastal ecosystems against changing ocean conditions. 



By understanding and enhancing these natural defenses, the ZOBLUC project aims to provide a blueprint for other regions facing similar climate threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-value-of-seagrass-meadows">The value of seagrass meadows</h2>



Beyond their environmental benefits, seagrass meadows offer significant economic value. Healthy seagrass beds support local fisheries by providing critical habitats for commercially important species, such as fish and shellfish.



Additionally, they contribute to the tourism industry by maintaining clear waters and vibrant marine life that attract snorkelers and divers. 



Protecting and restoring these meadows not only safeguards biodiversity but also enhances coastal economies, making their conservation a win-win for both nature and local communities.



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Natural climate solutions: Enhancing the role of seagrass meadows

Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet often overlooked...

Have you ever wondered what farmers in ancient times ate thousands of years ago? Their diets, shaped by the landscapes that the farmers inhabited and the resources available to them, offer a window into the past.



It's fascinating to see how their meals evolved from humble grain-based recipes - rooted in necessity and tradition - to the complex, rich, and intricate flavors we enjoy today.



While historians and archaeologists have been unraveling the secrets of ancient civilizations for decades, one fascinating piece remained undisclosed - the exact menu of the earliest farmers.



What ingredients did they rely on to sustain their communities? How did they supplement their cultivated crops with nature’s bounty?



But recently, a compelling study, drawing on cutting-edge archaeological techniques, has shed new light on this captivating subject, revealing surprising insights into the diverse and resourceful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-hunter-gatherer-ancestors-did-much-more-gathering-than-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets of our ancestors</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-ancient-farmers-eat">What did ancient farmers eat?</h2>



Unfolding the story requires a journey to Southern Scandinavia and Northern Germany, specifically Oldenburg LA 77, a region once known for its Middle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-neolithic-mountain-settlers-used-complex-farming-methods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neolithic</a> settlements. 



Oldenburg LA 77 is located in a former wetland area known as the Oldenburger Graben, resting on the southwestern coast of the Baltic Sea. 



This area was home to a number of settlements, and this once-secluded village stands as a reflection of the evolution of society, gradually shifting from isolated farmsteads to more concentrated, populated villages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-farming-diets">Ancient farming diets</h2>



During the excavations, scientists discovered plenty of artifacts including houses, wells, and an array of daily life materials such as pottery fragments and grinding stones. 



"Grinding stones are truly archives for preserving information about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-foods-linked-to-drastically-lower-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant foods</a>. Even a small fragment of them can carry plenty of plant microfossils, including starch grains and phytoliths," noted Dr. Jingping An, a research assistant in the study.



And so, it is these grinding stones from Oldenburg LA 77 that provided the breakthrough in this gastronomical mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examining-grinding-stones">Examining grinding stones</h2>



The study, led by experts from the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1266 in Kiel, analyzed ancient plant microfossils preserved on these grinding stones. The findings were impressive, to say the least.



Various food ingredients were discovered, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bread-wheat-gave-rise-to-civilization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wheat</a>, barley, fruits of wild grasses, knotweeds, and acorns. Starch-rich tubers, and possibly a small number of wild legume seeds, were also detected. 



These wild ingredients shed light on our ancestors' use of nature's bounty.



"Charred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domesticating-wild-plants-may-result-in-more-resilient-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild plants</a> have been documented by archaeobotanical analyses of soil samples from this Neolithic village, but this study further confirms their consumption by looking directly into food processing," noted Professor Wiebke Kirleis, who led the research.



"People in the past knew how to enrich their diet," added Dr. An. 



Undoubtedly, our ancestors were culinary explorers, well-versed in supplementing their meals with the best of what their environment had to offer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similar-diets-among-ancient-farmers">Similar diets among ancient farmers</h2>



Interestingly, a similar dietary pattern was observed in a different site - the Frydenlund site in Denmark - which was part of the same Funnel Beaker Culture. 



Plant microfossils from wild plants were also found on the grinding stones at this site.



Ultimately, the study offers a fascinating insight into the culinary lifestyle of our earliest farmers. They were not just farmers but also skilled food processors, adept at harnessing the variety of ingredients around them to enrich their meals and lead a wholesome life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-neolithic-farmers">Legacy of Neolithic farmers</h2>



The dietary choices of Neolithic farmers were not only shaped by necessity but also by an intuitive understanding of their environment. 



Their ability to blend cultivated grains with wild plants provided a balanced and diverse diet that sustained growing communities. 



Today, this ancient knowledge continues to influence modern dietary trends, with a renewed focus on whole grains, plant-based nutrition, and sustainable food sources. 



Studies of early farming practices offer valuable insights into how our ancestors adapted to their surroundings, utilizing locally available ingredients to create nourishing meals. 



The enduring legacy of ancient farmers highlights the importance of biodiversity and traditional knowledge in shaping the way we eat today.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352409X24005418" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Archaeological Science</a>.



Image Credit: Susanne Beyer, Kiel University



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Surprising diet of early farmers from 5,000 years ago revealed by new technology

Have you ever wondered what farmers in ancient times ate...

Nature has long been a treasure trove of medicinal compounds, with plants and animals providing the foundation for many important drugs. 



Morphine, aspirin, and paclitaxel all originate from natural sources, offering immense therapeutic benefits. However, despite their rich chemical diversity and centuries of use in medicine, mushrooms remain largely underexplored in medical research.



Their potential for drug discovery has yet to be fully realized. A recent breakthrough by researchers from Shinshu University, Japan, is changing this landscape. 



The team has successfully achieved the first total synthesis of inaoside A, a natural compound found in the edible mushroom&nbsp;Laetiporus cremeiporus. 



This advancement, published in the&nbsp;Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry, is a significant step toward understanding the bioactive properties of inaoside A and other mushroom-derived compounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-compound-in-organic-chemistry">New compound in organic chemistry</h2>



The research from <a href="https://www.shinshu-u.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shinshu University</a> was led by Professor Atsushi Kawamura from the Department of Biomolecular Innovation, along with Mr. Tomoya Takao from the Department of Agriculture and Dr. Hidefumi Makabe from the Department of Biomolecular Innovation.



Their work focuses on the synthesis of inaoside A, a compound classified as an α-D-ribofuranoside. While the α-D-ribofuranoside structure is commonly found in nature, it remains far less studied than its β-anomer counterparts.



"Although the α-D-ribofuranoside structure is frequently found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-brittle-star-tissue-could-transform-regenerative-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural products</a>, there have been fewer reports of the synthesis of α-D-ribofuranosides than of the β-anomers. Thus, the synthesis of α-D-ribofuranosides has attracted much attention from organic chemists," explained Dr. Kawamura.



This structural class is of particular interest because of its potential biological activities. Scientists suspect that inaoside A may have important medicinal properties, but without an efficient synthesis method, further exploration was difficult.&nbsp;



"The total synthesis of inaoside A is an important objective because its varied bioactivities need to be investigated," said Dr. Kawamura.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synthesizing-mushroom-compounds-for-medicines">Synthesizing mushroom compounds for medicines</h2>



Developing a synthetic route for inaoside A posed several challenges. To create the compound, the research team needed to use a key reaction known as α-selective Schmidt glycosylation. 



This reaction attaches a glycoside to another molecule in a highly specific manner, ensuring that the final product maintains the correct structural orientation.



Using retrosynthetic chemistry, the team worked backward from the desired final product to determine the ideal starting materials. They identified two essential precursors: an aglycone derived from vanillin and a ribofuranosyl trichloroacetimidate. 



However, an obstacle remained - Schmidt glycosylation typically favors the formation of β-ribofuranosides rather than the desired α-ribofuranosides.



To overcome this issue, the researchers modified their approach by selecting a different substrate. They employed a 2,3,5-tri-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-protected ribofuranoside, which facilitated α-selective glycosylation with remarkable precision. 



This strategic modification allowed them to achieve an α/β ratio of 4:1 to 5:1, ensuring the successful synthesis of inaoside A with high selectivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-inaoside">Significance of inaoside</h2>



The ability to synthesize inaoside A in the laboratory is a major milestone in natural product research. By creating a reliable synthetic method, scientists can now study this compound in greater detail, examining its potential medicinal applications and biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functions</a>.



"By elucidating the chemical structures and biological activities of natural products derived from mushrooms, we aim to discover the potential of edible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-is-given-a-robot-body-and-runs-wild-in-fascinating-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mushrooms</a> as functional foods. These natural products could contribute to advancing pharmaceutical science by serving as pharmaceutical leads," noted Dr. Kawamura.



With a stable supply of inaoside A now possible, researchers can conduct further studies on its bioactivity. Understanding its interactions within biological systems could lead to the development of new pharmaceuticals or functional food ingredients. 



The study of mushroom-derived compounds is still in its early stages, but this success demonstrates that fungi hold significant promise for future drug discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-mushroom-derived-medicines">Future of mushroom-derived medicines</h2>



Now that inaoside A can be synthesized efficiently, the research team is eager to explore its full potential. Further investigations are already underway, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-leather-mycelium-latest-eco-friendly-fashion-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structural modifications</a> and biological testing to determine its therapeutic properties.



"Further studies on inaoside A, including more detailed investigation of its bioactivities, the synthesis of derivatives, and structure-activity relationship studies, are in progress. We would like to develop this chemical into a socially meaningful compound," said Dr. Kawamura.



This research marks an important step toward unlocking the vast chemical diversity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-magic-new-species-discovered-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mushrooms</a>. As scientists continue to explore these natural compounds, they may uncover new leads for drug development, functional foods, and other biotechnological applications. 



The successful synthesis of inaoside A serves as a reminder that nature still holds many secrets waiting to be discovered.



The study is published in the <a href="https://aces.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajoc.202400547" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry</a>.



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First total synthesis of mushroom compound could transform medicine

Nature has long been a treasure trove of medicinal compounds,...

For 130 years, the enigmatic nature of the orchid Stigmatodactylus sikokianus puzzled scientists and botanists alike.



Named in 1889 by renowned Japanese botanist MAKINO Tomitaro, the fungus-consuming plant features a distinct appendage reminiscent of a tiny finger on its stigma - the part of the flower that accepts pollen.



But why is this appendage there, and what purpose does it serve? Despite its popularity among Japan's iconic orchids, the function of this unique feature remained a mystery - until now.



<a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a> botanist SUETSUGU Kenji specializes in orchids that feed on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-fungi-determine-the-gradient-of-forest-diversity-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil fungi</a> rather than sunlight. Stigmatodactylus, he realized, fit this bill perfectly.



“I’m particularly interested in their pollination mechanisms, employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates taxonomy, ecology, and evolutionary biology," said Kenji.



His fascination with these unique orchids propelled him to investigate further, questioning the purpose and ecological role of the finger-like appendage that had attracted so much attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-orchid-that-self-pollinates">The orchid that self-pollinates </h2>



Kenji's research sheds light on a unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-apocalypse-australasia-is-facing-a-hidden-pollination-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a> method. He found that Stigmatodactylus sikokianus predominantly self-pollinates, which means it doesn’t require insects to transport pollen from one plant to another.



Interestingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-faced-with-competition-some-plants-learn-to-self-pollinate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-pollination</a> occurs roughly three days after the flower opens. This delay bears significant ecological implications.



Given the plant's natural habitat in dark forest understories, it is rarely visited by potential pollinators.



“While self-pollination likely guarantees reproductive success, relying solely on this method risks inbreeding. This may drive the evolution of mechanisms that combine the benefits of self-pollination and outcrossing," said Kenji.



"Delayed self-pollination, postponed until opportunities for outcrossing are exhausted, is likely one such adaptation - a failsafe mechanism.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-novel-self-pollination-mechanism">Novel self-pollination mechanism </h2>



While meticulously observing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-plants-adapt-to-changing-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, Kenji noticed that the finger-like appendage plays a crucial role in self-pollination.



On the third day after the flower opens, the stigma collapses and makes contact with the pollen-carrying anther, aided by the finger-like appendage, thereby fertilizing the plant. 



“The movement of the stigma appendage represents, to the best of our knowledge, a novel self-pollination mechanism in orchids,” said Kenji.



He noted that since there are 28 species in the Stigmatodactylus family, many of which share this unique appendage, this self-pollination mechanism could be common in other species too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-traditional-research-with-modern-science">Bridging traditional research with modern science</h2>



Kenji hopes his work will help bridge the gap between historical botanical research and contemporary scientific inquiries. 



“The significance of this discovery lies in its ability to bridge historical botanical research and contemporary scientific inquiry. It underscores the value of integrating meticulous taxonomic analysis with ecological and evolutionary studies to gain novel insights," said Kenji.



"This study demonstrates that traditional natural history research, unifying taxonomy, evolution and ecology, still has the power to uncover new phenomena today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-self-pollinate-to-survive">Orchids self-pollinate to survive</h2>



Understanding the unique pollination mechanism of Stigmatodactylus sikokianus offers significant implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-their-incredible-adaptability-orchids-are-disappearing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orchid conservation</a> efforts.



Many orchid species are highly specialized and depend on specific ecological conditions to thrive. 



The newfound knowledge about the self-pollination strategy of Stigmatodactylus sikokianus sheds light on how other orchid species may have evolved to adapt to low-pollinator environments.



This insight can guide conservationists in designing better habitat protection strategies and cultivation techniques to ensure the survival of orchids facing similar ecological challenges. 



Furthermore, it highlights the need to preserve the dark forest understories where these delicate plants flourish, as habitat destruction poses a major threat to their existence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-evolutionary-significance">Broader evolutionary significance</h2>



The discovery of the delayed self-pollination mechanism in Stigmatodactylus sikokianus raises intriguing questions about the broader evolutionary adaptations of orchids and other flowering plants.



In ecosystems with scarce pollinators, plants must develop creative reproductive strategies to ensure their survival. 



This ability to self-pollinate suggests that evolution has equipped some orchids with a dual approach - allowing time for potential cross-pollination before resorting to self-fertilization as a last resort.



The findings contribute to our understanding of plant reproductive biology and may inspire further research into similar mechanisms in related plant families.



By studying these adaptations, scientists can better comprehend how plants respond to environmental pressures and how they might adapt to future changes, such as climate shifts and habitat fragmentation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ppp3.10624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants People Planet</a>.



Image Credit: IKEDA Tetsuro



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Some orchids have 'fingers' to pollinate themselves

For 130 years, the enigmatic nature of the orchid Stigmatodactylus...

Endangered animals