Ecosystems

Animals

Urchin mobs can literally dis-arm a predator

Urchins are important herbivores — but not strict vegetarians. When hungry enough, they may even rip apart their predators for lunch.

Earth

Only 3 percent of Earth’s land is unchanged by people

A sweeping survey of land-based ecosystems finds that very few still support all the animals they used to. Reintroducing lost species could help.

Ecosystems

Analyze This: Invasive species cost the world billions each year

A new study estimates that invasive species have cost the world more than $1 trillion since 1970. That’s almost certainly an underestimate.

Fossils

Rhinos, camels and bone-crushing dogs once roamed Nebraska

Scientists digging into the remnants of an ancient watering hole in Nebraska discovered evidence of an Africa-like savanna, complete with rhinos.

Ecosystems

Urchin takeover underlies California’s vanishing kelp forests

Some 95 percent of kelp forests along its northern coast are gone. Meanwhile, sea otters are helping slow the loss of surviving kelp farther south.

Animals

Science and Indigenous history team up to help spirit bears

When scientists and Indigenous people work together, their efforts can benefit bears and people.

Animals

Explainer: Black bear or brown bear?

If you see a bear, check size, shape and more to find out what type it is.

Animals

Changing people’s behavior can make bear life better

Black bears don’t always live life on the wild side. More and more, they live near people. Here’s how people and bears can get along.

Climate

Changing climate now threatens northern lakes year round

Lakes in northern climes are getting warmer, and that’s not good for people, plants or animals.

Animals

More playtime and meatier meals might reduce kitty kills

Keeping cats indoors is the best way to prevent them from killing wildlife. But small changes to diet and play can help, too.

Agriculture

Healthy soils are life-giving black gold

Scientists explain why everyone needs to value the soils beneath our feet — and why we should not view them as dirt.

Agriculture

Soil (and its inhabitants) by the numbers

Teeming with life, soils have more going on than most of us realize.