Biogeography

Biogeography is the study of the geographical distribution of plants and animals.

Human Eyesight is Sharper Than It Is For Most Animals

Caitlin Dempsey

A team of researchers from Duke University assesses the visual acuity of over 600 species encompassing insects, birds, mammals, fish, and other animals.

Cormorant: Raven of the Sea

Caitlin Dempsey

Cormorants are a family of about 40 aquatic birds, mostly of medium to large size.  All species of cormorants are ...

More Animals Are Becoming Nocturnal Thanks to Human Activity

Caitlin Dempsey

Researchers from UC Berkeley undertook a study that looks at the effect of human activity on the daily activity patterns of wildlife.

Study Finds a Lower Abundance of Songbirds in Poorer Urban Areas in England

Caitlin Dempsey

A recently published study looked at the spatial relationship between people and birds across urban areas in Southern England in order to understand patterns of abundance and species richness among birds in populated areas.  

An aerial view of a chinstrap penguin rookery. Photo: Dr. Mike Goebel, NOAA NMFS SWFSC Credit: NOAA NMFS SWFSC Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) Program, public domain

King Penguins Like to Maintain Just the Right Amount of Personal Space

Caitlin Dempsey

Researchers found a liquid-like spacing in King penguin colonies is the result of a balance between territorial pecking and a need to form in large groups as protection against predators.

Coral Bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef

Elizabeth Borneman

The Great Barrier Reef has undergone two severe bleaching events in successive years. This has been caused by the warming of the oceans due to climate change.

Map showing forest distribution in drylands. Yellow areas are plots without forests and green areas are plots with forest cover. Source: Bastin et. al, 2017).

By Using High-resolution Satellite Imagery to Survey Drylands, Researchers Boosted Estimates of Global Forest Cover by 9%

Caitlin Dempsey

Researchers, using high-resolution satellite imagery, have discovered there is about 40-47% more forest cover in dryland biomes than previously thought.

A melanistic Eastern Gray Squirrel. Photo: Caitlin Dempsey.

Seven Words to Know About Squirrels

Caitlin Dempsey

Here are seven words anyone who loves to learn about squirrels should know.

Mercury Levels Greatest Among Marine Birds in Western North America

Elizabeth Borneman

A research study has identify areas in North America that are hotspots affecting mercury blood levels in birds.

These Extremophiles Produce Brilliant Colors

Caitlin Dempsey

An extremophile is an organism that can live in extreme physical or geochemical conditions.

Red mangrove habitat, Everglades National Park. Photo: NPS

Mangrove Ecosystems’ Importance and Vulnerability to Climate Change

A.J. Rohn

Scientists in Australia have discovered that mangrove ecosystems in Queensland are dying at rates that have never been seen before.

Your Dog Licking Your Mouth is a Perfect Example of Exaptation

Elizabeth Borneman

An example of behavioral exaptation is the practice of wolves licking the mouths of dominant, alpha wolves to show their submission to the hierarchy of the pack.

A map showing marina protected areas with labels in Northern California.

Negotiations Underway at United Nations for Marine Protected Areas

A.J. Rohn

The United Nations is currently developing regulations for ocean waters beyond national boundaries and exclusive economic zones, extending beyond 200 miles.

The Pando quacking ashen colony near Fish Lake in Utah. Photo by J Zapell, USDA Forest Service.

Geography of Tree Extremes

Caitlin Dempsey

Where are the tallest, largest, and oldest trees in the world?

Close up view of a Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Isla Guadalupe, Mexico.

The White Shark Café

Elizabeth Borneman

The White Shark Café is an area of the Pacific Ocean where great white sharks are fond of swimming.

Changes in fire season length from 1979 to 2013. Map by Joshua Stevens, using data provided by Matt Jolly, USDA Forest Service.

Fire Seasons Becoming Longer and More Frequent

Elizabeth Borneman

Research on fire seasons indicates that around 25% of Earth’s vegetated surfaces now experience a longer fire season.

GAP ecological gap analysis map. Map: USGS.

Gap Analysis

Elizabeth Borneman

Gap analysis in ecology identifies areas where species lack protection, comparing actual habitats to areas conserved in order to guide conservation efforts.

How Geography Influences Animal Evolution: The Story of a Caribbean Lizard

Joe Akintola

Why are some animal bigger than other? Is evolution only influenced by genes? Does colder and hotter environment have an ...

Caused by Monarch butterflies in flight?

Mass Movements So Large You Can See Them on Radar

Caitlin Dempsey

The U.S. National Weather Service in Saint Louse, Missouri recently reported that a butterfly shaped pattern on its radar was the result of... butterflies.

Unique Features of the Australasian Geographic Zone

Elizabeth Borneman

Australasia is a unique geographical and ecological zone compromised of Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and other small islands nearby.

Bristlecone pine forest in Great Basin National Park. Photo: USGS, public domain.

Island Biogeography of the Great Basin

Rachel Quist

The theory of island biogeography is one of the explanations as to why speciation occurs.

Line in the Sand – How the Same Species Differ Across Borders

Caitlin Dempsey

A study from the University of Haifa looked at differences between rodent, reptile, and ant lion species in Jordan and Israel.

Bothriocyrtum californicum (California Trapdoor Spider). Photo: Davefoc, MediaWiki Commons, CC BY 3.0

Biogeography of the Californian Trapdoor Spider

Caitlin Dempsey

Californian trapdoor spiders are found in a wide range of habitats and climates, ranging from hot, dry cresote bush scrub to cool montane red fir forests, and wet coast redwood forests.