Biogeography

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

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.