Ecosystems
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Ecosystems
From sea to squid, thanks to slime
Scientists have revealed new details about the genes — and the goo — that enable luminescent bacteria to colonize their symbiotic marine partner.
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Plants
Climatic effects of tree-killing hurricanes
A new analysis suggests storm damage returns millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere each year.
By Sid Perkins -
Ecosystems
Living Physics
From green leaves to bird brains, biological systems may exploit quantum phenomena.
By Susan Gaidos -
Animals
Swarm Savvy
How bees, ants and other animals avoid dumb collective decisions
By Susan Milius -
Ecosystems
Exxon Valdez: Tidal waters still troubled
From birds and clams to herring, many species continue to show persistent impacts of an oil spill that occurred two decades ago.
By Janet Raloff -
Ecosystems
Exxon Valdez killed future for some killer whales
An Alaskan oil spill disrupted family structure in killer-whale groups, with lasting and dramatic repercussions.
By Janet Raloff -
Humans
Otters and oil: Problems remain
The behavior of Alaska's southern sea otters may unwittingly expose them to toxic oil-spill residues.
By Janet Raloff -
Ecosystems
U.S. bird populations in decline, report says
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar releases a review of U.S. bird populations.
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Ecosystems
Too much intermingling puts native trout in trouble
Even a small amount of hybridizing may cause problems for the native westslope cutthroat trout.
By Susan Milius -
Agriculture
Gut bacteria ally with Bt
A new study finds that a particular microbe makes caterpillars susceptible to the insecticide.
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Ecosystems
Fish shrinkage reversible, but better hurry
In an experiment, scientists show that, although it takes generations, fish can rebound from evolutionary pressures created by selective harvesting, which has pushed some populations to become small and slow-growing.
By Susan Milius -
Ecosystems
Marine census: Surprising number of creatures bipolar
Census of Marine Life offers a preview of massive international census gives fuller count, shows some sea species at both poles.
By Susan Milius