Environment
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Thermal comfort refers to how we feel mentally about the ambient temperature of our environment, meaning how we body perceive it in our body. While individuals will have different perceptions for both physical and psychological reasons, external factors such as wind, humidity and solar radiation have...

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Lepidopterans are arthropod insects of the order Lepidoptera. They are characterized by two pairs of scaly wings, six legs, two antennae, a three-part segmented body and a modifies proboscis mouthpart. These combined characteristics apply to the insect species we know as butterflies and moths. Lepidopterans...

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Making up the phylum Nemertea, nemerteans are commonly known as ribbon worms. They are unsegmented, aquatic worms that are ribbon-like in shape and inhabit shallow waters. Also known as proboscis worms, their common names refer to the presence of a long, muscular tube that can extend rapidly known as a...

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Just like our bodies have different parts working together, plant roots are surprisingly complex structures. We often think of them as just anchors, but they're actually sophisticated systems with specialized tissues and regions, each essential for the plant's survival. Understanding their anatomy helps...

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Peroxisomes are irregularly shaped cell organelles that are involved in metabolic processes and other functions within the cell. Their name originally derives from their ability to produce hydrogen peroxide as a result of lipid metabolism. Found in eukaryotes, their structure contains a lipid bilayer...

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Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that play a vital role in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Their global success is due in part to their impressive adaptability, which extends to their diverse reproductive strategies. From simple fragmentation to complex sexual cycles, algae...

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Ethology is a branch of zoology that studies the specifics of animal behavior. By studying animal behaviors, we are able to see not only how animals interact with their environment, but how these behaviors have evolved and adapted over time. This is not only a fascinating insight into animal life, but...

Sometimes known as the beast from the east, the Siberian high or Siberian anticyclone is a weather system characterized by very cold air that collects in northeast Eurasia. Formed by high-pressure systems, the Siberian high provides very cold winters which move from their point of origin across various...

Fermentation is a process where tiny organisms like bacteria and yeast cause chemical changes in food and other materials. It's how we get yogurt and wine, but it's used for much more than just food. Fermentation plays a role in everything from making energy to creating new medical materials. Different types...

As cities continue to grow around the world, the importance of urban green spaces is becoming increasingly clear for both the environment and our well-being. These vital areas, ranging from small neighborhood parks to expansive urban forests, offer essential benefits that help make cities livable and...

Aquifers are underground water systems that store and transport groundwater through layers of rock and sediment. These natural reservoirs have shaped human civilization since ancient times, when communities first dug wells to access water. Today, cities and farms worldwide still depend on aquifers for...

A sustainable city is one that has been adapted or designed to manage and mitigate its social, economical and environmental impact. Inhabitants of these cities should expect protection of their human rights and a high-standard quality of life. Sustainability for a city means safeguarding its future. This...

Earth's polar ice caps are massive frozen formations that shape our planet's climate and ecosystems. These vast sheets of ice, found in the Arctic and Antarctic, play crucial roles in regulating global temperature, sea levels, and ocean currents. Understanding how they form, where they exist, and how...

Some of the most extreme habitats in the world appear as if nothing can live in them. Whether due to high temperatures, acidity or salinity, among many other factors, life is sparse. This does not mean no life can survive in these environments. Organisms which can survive extreme conditions are known...

Forests are more than just collections of trees, they are complex and dynamic ecosystems characterized by intricate interactions between living organisms and their environment. These vital habitats, covering vast portions of the Earth's land surface, play a crucial role in regulating climate, supporting...

Archaea is a domain of unicellular microorganisms without a nucleus that are similar to bacteria. Such is their similarity that they were once considered a type of bacteria under the name archaebacteria. Domains are the highest taxonomic rank of all living organisms, with all living organisms falling under...

Living organisms are complex systems made of different types of cells, but which typically begin with only one or two cells. The amount of cells required will depend on the mode of reproduction. Within these initial cells are all the genetic information required to create the new organism, acting as the...

Environmental factors are the building blocks that shape life on Earth, determining how organisms survive, adapt, and interact within their ecosystems. From the physical and chemical conditions that create habitats to the complex web of relationships between living things, these factors work together...

Frost and freeze are common weather terms, but they are often misunderstood or used interchangeably. While both involve cold temperatures, they differ in their formation, effects, and definitions. Frost refers to a thin layer of ice crystals that forms on surfaces when the temperature drops below the dew...

Sea lilies, often mistaken for plants due to their flower-like appearance, are fascinating marine animals that belong to the echinoderm family, closely related to starfish and sea urchins. With a history spanning over 490 million years, sea lilies have adapted to a variety of deep-sea habitats and developed...

The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is one of Earth's most fundamental processes. It describes the continuous movement and transformation of water through our planet's oceans, atmosphere, and land. This natural system, which has operated for billions of years, plays a critical role...

Herbaceous plants represent a vast and diverse group in the plant kingdom, distinguished primarily by their non-woody stems and unique growth patterns. Unlike trees and shrubs, which develop woody tissue, these plants maintain soft, pliable stems throughout their life cycle. From the seasonal blooms in...

Sea sponges, scientifically known as Porifera, are among the oldest and simplest multicellular animals on Earth. These remarkable filter feeders have thrived in marine environments for over 500 million years, surviving multiple mass extinctions through their adaptable nature. From the warm waters of coral...

A storm brings some of the most intense weather you'll experience, from heavy rain to strong winds. These powerful weather events start when warm and cold air masses meet, creating a chain reaction in the atmosphere that can affect entire regions. Understanding how storms work, what types exist, and...

Water pollution poses one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time, threatening both human health and ecological systems worldwide. Every day, various contaminants enter our lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, degrading these vital resources that sustain life on Earth. From industrial...

Tunicates are enthralling marine animals you've probably seen without knowing it. These filter feeders cover rocks and pier pilings along coastlines worldwide, yet most people walk right past them. At first glance, they might not look like much, but these animals tell an important story about life in the oceans...

Reducing your car's pollution doesn't require expensive upgrades or major lifestyle changes. With some simple adjustments to how you maintain and drive your vehicle, you can make a real difference in cutting emissions. From basic maintenance checks to smarter driving habits, these practical tips will...

What makes ecosystems thrive and function? Understanding the difference between biotic and abiotic factors is essential for grasping how ecosystems function. Biotic factors encompass all living organisms and their interactions, while abiotic factors comprise the non-living physical and chemical components of...

Polychaetes, commonly known as bristle worms, are some of the most intriguing creatures in marine ecosystems. With their segmented bodies, bristles, and diverse feeding habits, these worms play a vital role in ocean habitats worldwide. From burrowing lugworms to elegant fan worms, polychaetes exhibit an astonishing...

The Hadal Zone, the deepest part of the ocean, remains one of Earth’s most mysterious and unexplored regions. This dark and high-pressure environment is home to fascinating flora, resilient fauna, and a unique ecosystem that thrives against all odds. From bioluminescent creatures to microbial life surviving on...

Climate change and global warming represent two different but interconnected environmental challenges that are shaping our planet's future. While often used interchangeably, these terms describe different phenomena. Global warming refers specifically to Earth's rising average temperature, while climate...

The cytosol is an amorphous matrix that occupies the spaces between cell organelles. Its function is to act as the main site of signal transduction from the cell membrane to the nucleus and other organelles. It is often confused with the cytoplasm, a related term which encompasses all the parts of the cell...

In a world where urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development continue to encroach upon natural habitats, wildlife corridors have emerged as a critical strategy for conservation. These pathways, which connect fragmented ecosystems, play a vital role in ensuring the survival of countless species...

Sand dunes are accumulations of sand formed by the action of the wind. Their formation is associated with the transport of grains of sand which are deposited in large amounts when they encounter certain obstacles. There are different types of dunes, often defined by their shape and direction in which they...

Frost occurs when water vapor comes in contact with a surface that is freezing and turns to ice. While it is a meteorological phenomenon, it is not exclusively so. Frost can appear on a very cold drink or a popsicle out of the ice box. It can even appear on our nose if the conditions are conducive to...

When checking the weather, you’ve likely seen terms like "drizzle" and "rain" used to describe precipitation. But what exactly is the difference between drizzle and rain? Understanding the distinction can help you prepare for the day ahead, as these terms indicate not only varying intensities but also different...

In the world of biology, organisms are often classified based on how they obtain energy and nutrients. One such classification centers around heterotrophic organisms, which are unable to produce their own food. From the tiniest bacteria to complex animals, heterotrophs rely on external sources to fuel...

Bacterial pili are crucial, hair-like structures that extend from the surface of many bacteria, playing essential roles in survival and adaptation. These tiny appendages help bacteria adhere to surfaces, communicate with other cells, and exchange genetic material, which often leads to increased antibiotic resistance....

Rotifers are tiny animals from the phylum Rotifera, mostly microscopic organisms which inhabit freshwater aquatic environments. Sometimes known as wheel animals or wheel animalcules, they have a segmented body which is divided into a head, trunk and foot. They also have a characteristic corona which is...

The environment encompasses all the living and non-living things around us, forming the natural world that supports life on Earth. It includes everything from the air we breathe and the water we drink to the forests, oceans, and countless ecosystems that maintain the planet's balance. Each part of the...

Plastids are organelles found in certain cells which play a crucial role in the survival of the organism. They are most associated with plants, but they can also be found in algae and some other eukaryotes. One of the key characteristics of plastids is that they are bound by a membrane, allowing for various...

The jet stream is a high-altitude, fast-moving ribbon of air that encircles the Earth, influencing weather patterns and climate across continents. It steers storms, shifts temperatures, and creates distinct weather zones. Formed by temperature differences between the polar and tropical regions, the jet stream...

Also known as a udometer, hyetometer or, most commonly, a rain gauge, a pluviometer is used to measure the amount of liquid precipitation which falls in a specific location during a given period. This liquid precipitation is mostly in the form of rain. knowing rainfall measurements is of great importance...

An anemometer is an instrument used to measure wind speed. This device is essential in various fields such as meteorology, aviation, energy production, navigation and even certain outdoor sports. Its operation varies depending on the type, but all models collect key information to analyze wind intensity....

An altimeter is a device that measures altitude, meaning the vertical distance between a given point and certain fixed level. In most practical uses, this fixed level is sea level. Its use is essential in various activities such as aviation, mountaineering and outdoor sports. In these capacities, accurate...

Also known as soil contamination or land pollution, soil pollution is a type of environmental degradation which affects the natural substrate of the Earth. This degradation is the result of chemical substances being released which harm the land to varying degrees, endangering ecosystems and human health...

Amyloplasts are specific plastids present in plant cells, specifically they are organelles responsible for functions such as starch synthesis and storage. Amyloplast organelles have a double membrane, composed of a smooth outer membrane and an inner membrane that invaginates to form tubules. The inner...

Porpoises are marine mammals of the Phocoenidae family. Although very similar in appearance to dolphins, they are genetically different and are more closely related to other cetaceans. Most live in ocean habitats, but there are some which are known to live in brackish waters and one which is known to...

Thunderstorms are one of nature’s most powerful and dramatic weather phenomena, often marked by flashes of lightning, rumbling thunder, and heavy rain. But have you ever wondered what causes these intense storms to form? Understanding the science behind thunderstorms can help us better appreciate their...

Industrial wastewater, a byproduct of various manufacturing processes, poses a significant threat to our environment if not properly treated. Containing harmful pollutants such as chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxic substances, this wastewater is generated by a wide range of industries, from factories...