Why are insects thriving in England’s rivers?
Researchers have studied insects in English rivers for thirty years. The Environment Agency monitoring data shows that insects and other invertebrates are increasing and it may be linked to lower levels of metals in the rivers, such as zinc and copper.
The New Scientist magazine (19 May 2023) reported that insects are more abundant now than at any time over the past thirty years.
Continue reading “Why are insects thriving in England’s rivers?”
Why is seabird poop good for the environment?
The poop of seabirds is important for the environment, writes Jason Bittel for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Jason Bittel writes that seabird droppings – from Penguins and especially flying seabirds – help to fertilize plants, and whole colonies of seabirds depositing their poop can have a positive affect on coral reefs and climate.
Continue reading “Why is seabird poop good for the environment?”
How hardy is the Cockroach?
There are about 30 Cockroach species across the world, from nine different families. All of them are said to be very hardy, which means that they can survive many challenges in their environment.
Continue reading “How hardy is the Cockroach?”
Animal scientists, called zoologists, study animal habitats and populations as well as behaviour. They observe the implications of changing conditions. If climate conditions change, animals might face changes to their food, water, and other resources. For example, if plants and animals die during a drought, it will impact the lives of other animals that feed on them.
When the habitat changes, some animals migrate, some move, some adapt, some die, some thrive, and some change their behaviour. For example, animals may look for different food and prey that they would not usually eat if their usual prey moves out of the region or if the vegetation changes.
Continue reading “Animals and the Climate”
What does adaptive mean?
An animal is adaptive if it is able to adapt, or adjust, to different environments or conditions than its usual environment.