Biodiversity and Conservation Archives

Martin Dohrn filming a bumble bee hovering over a dandelion. (Image credit: Martin Dohrn/Passion Planet)

Inspire Your Community to Protect Local Pollinators

April 1, 2022March 25, 2022 Science Connectedbees, citizen science projects, pollinators

During the pandemic, acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn got to know the local pollinators in his garden. Find out what happened.

Biodiversity and Conservation Environment Zoology

Ladybirds and Other Natural Pesticides

April 30, 2021May 3, 2021 Science Connectedgardening

Aphids in your garden? Ladybirds, or ladybugs in your garden are natural pesticides. Photos and tips for chemical-free gardening.

A team of researchers led by professor Brian Fields hypothesizes that a supernova about 65 light-years away may have contributed to the ozone depletion and subsequent mass extinction of the late Devonian Period, 359 million years ago. Pictured is a simulation of a nearby supernova colliding with and compressing the solar wind. Earth's orbit, the blue dashed circle, and the Sun, red dot, are shown for scale. (Graphic courtesy Jesse Miller)

Astronomy and Astrophysics Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

Did exploding stars cause this mass extinction?

September 28, 2020April 7, 2021 Science Connectedsupernova

Researchers at the University of Illinois think supernova explosions triggered the end-Devonian mass extinction 359 million years ago.

Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Zoology

Can Coronavirus Infect Non-Human Animals?

September 1, 2020June 7, 2021 Science Connectedanimals, coronavirus, COVID-19, endangered species, primates

A new study suggests that many endangered and threatened species, particularly primates, could be susceptible to the novel coronavirus.

Black Birders: Deja Perkins, a graduate student using citizen science to research birds, is one of the organizers of Black Birders Week. (Credit: North Carolina State University)

Biodiversity and Conservation Citizen Science Diversity in Science Ornithology SciStarter Blog Zoology

Black Birders, Scientists Push for Equality

June 25, 2020June 24, 2020 Science Connectedbirds, citizen science projects, diversity

Black Birders Week helped show the world that Black scientists exist in the great outdoors. Now, participants hope to keep the conversation going.

Biodiversity and Conservation Book Reviews SciStarter Blog

Book Review: Never Home Alone

May 13, 2020April 2, 2021 Science Connectedecology, insects, microbes

Never Home Alone is a 256 page deep dive into the mind of a chatty biologist. Every chapter focuses on a distinct use-case for biodiversity preservation.

Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology Zoology

Megabiota, Largest Life, Vital to Biosphere

March 18, 2020September 2, 2021 Science Connectedclimate change, conservation, extinction

By Mackenzie Myers @kenzwrites Large organisms such as whales, elephants, and redwoods are often featured in awe-inspiring nature documentaries, but they’re more than just oohs and ahs. Their existence or extinction could make or break the planet as we know it. Megabiota—the largest plants and animals—are more likely than smaller organisms to go extinct as a result of climate change. And the rest of us could be in big trouble if they do, according to a recent study. The charisma conundrum Think of successful conservation campaigns. Which animals are deemed…

Biodiversity and Conservation Climate Change Environment

Extreme Wildfires’ Effects on Australian Forests

February 17, 2020July 12, 2022 Science ConnectedAustralia, climate change, fire, global warming, wildfires, wildlife

Australian forests, accustomed to and dependent on natural fire regimes, are suffering in the new extreme wildfires fueled by climate change.

Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology

Intense Lawn Mowing Lowers Biodiversity, Favors Pests

January 22, 2020April 17, 2021 Science Connectedinsects, plants

Mowing lawns less frequently and allowing grass to grow may result in greater plant and pollinator biodiversity and fewer pests. By Neha Jain Looks can be deceiving: a uniformly well-mowed lawn might look good, but ecologically, it is not desirable. According to a recent study that analyzed the results of many studies on lawn mowing, more intensely mowed lawns showed lower plant and insect diversity and a greater abundance of pests. According to the researchers, adopting low-intensity lawn management would bring about a host of environmental benefits including cutting down…

Biodiversity and Conservation Science and Art Science Videos STEM Education Zoology

Urban Animal Adaptations, the Musical

January 20, 2020May 3, 2021 Science Connectedanimals, Science with Sophie

Adaptations! How do animals adapt to live in human cities? Which animal sings the best? Watch them audition for survival and try an experiment with ping pong balls and tongs! This video is brought to you by our very good friend Sophia Shrand, creator and star of the educational science comedy series Science with Sophie. In this episode, we learn how different animal adaptations help them survive and thrive in city environments. We also learn how many different animals Sophie can portray (a lot). Finally, the experiment is fun for…