Environment

Chromoplasts are a type of cell organelle that are present exclusively in certain plants, algae and other eukaryotes. Specifically, they are a type of plastid. They are responsible for pigment generation in plants, meaning they give color to flowers and other parts. In addition, their functions include...

Also known as tropical dry forests, dry forests are a relative description. While rainforests have periods throughout the year when there is more rainfall, high rainfall occurs throughout the year. In a dry forest, there are distinct wet and dry seasons with periods of little to no rain. As with rainforests,...

World Car Free Day is celebrated on the 22nd September as part of a global movement that promotes sustainable mobility and the reduction of the use of private cars. This day aims to reduce the environmental impact produced by these means of transport. In turn, the hops is not only to improve people's...

Leucoplasts are small rounded structures that belong to the plastid family. These are membrane-bound organelles which are found in certain cells, mainly plants and algae. The functions of leucoplasts include lipid synthesis, carbohydrate storage and starch production. There are three types to carry out these...

Granivorous animals are those that carry out seed predation as their main form of nourishment. This means they search for seeds and grains to acquire the nutrients they need for survival. Without them, they will be unable to survive. There are other animals which will supplement their main diet with seeds,...

A sclerophyllous forest is an ecosystem characterized by the presence of vegetation adapted to Mediterranean climate conditions. This is largely defined by its dry summers with hot temperatures and wet winters which are relatively mild. The flora and fauna of these ecosystems have specific adaptations to...

Hot springs can be found all around the world, with notable concentrations in Latin American countries, as well as in Europe and Asia. These natural formations are popular tourist attractions due to the numerous health benefits they offer. he warm, soothing waters of hot springs help to relax both the...

Examining the concept of an endorheic basin is important for understanding how water is distributed and used in different regions of the world. This is very important for geographical and hydrological studies. An endorheic basin is defined as a region in which rainwater and river water have no outlet to...

Sea level rise is a serious and urgent result of climate change, mainly caused by melting polar ice caps and glaciers, as well as seawater expanding as it heats up. As global temperatures keep rising, sea levels are increasing at a rapid pace, threatening coastal communities, natural habitats, and important...

Bodies of water, ranging from expansive oceans to winding streams, are crucial elements of our planet. They are categorized by their size, origin, and physical properties, and play a fundamental role in sustaining life on Earth. These bodies of water are integral to ecological health, human well-being, and...

Monsoon climates are characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons driven by seasonal wind shifts. This climatic pattern is prevalent in regions near the equator, particularly in South Asia, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and parts of Australia. Monsoon climates have a profound impact on agriculture, as the...

A chaparral is a biome characterized by dense and shrubby vegetation which have a Mediterranean climate. The latter means they have dry summers and went winters. This type of biome is most associated with the United States, but there are chaparrals outside of the US such as in the Mediterranean basic, Chile,...

There is a lot of waste we can see piling up in landfills and even in areas where it is illegally discarded. Such waste is varied in nature, including decomposing organic matter, chemical spills, oxidized metals and plastics both macro and micro. Different types of waste decompose at different rates...

Clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops are just a few examples of fascinating creatures belonging to the bivalve family. These aquatic invertebrates are distinguished by their unique two-part shells, which protect their soft bodies. Whether they inhabit freshwater lakes or salty oceans, bivalves play a crucial...

Hydrology is the scientific discipline that studies the water cycle on Earth, including its distribution and movement, as well as its physical and chemical properties. This discipline covers the analysis of precipitation, water runoff, soil infiltration, river currents, aquifer recharge, evaporation and...

We know that different ecosystems can vary greatly in terms of biodiversity and geographical features. However, we can define ecosystems by certain characteristics. For example, a marine ecosystem is defined by saltwater and a desert ecosystem is defined by a lack of precipitation. One of the most defining...

Nature is a complex interplay of competition and cooperation. While survival often hinges on outcompeting others, many species have evolved mutually beneficial relationships. Unlike the predator-prey dynamic where one thrives at the expense of another, mutualism represents a win-win scenario, with both...

Fynbos is the term for a type of vegetation characteristic of the southwestern region of South Africa, known for its extraordinary biodiversity and adaptations to its Mediterranean climate. This ecosystem is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It is one of the world's six floral kingdoms and is home to a rich...

Life as we know it thrives within specific parameters, but Earth is also home to extraordinary organisms that defy these limitations. Among them are halophilic bacteria, microbes that not only survive but flourish in environments saturated with salt. From the depths of salt mines to the sun-baked surfaces...

Have you ever stopped to think about how some animals in the vast ocean manage to find sustenance? Unlike the known powerful predators with razor-sharp teeth, many aquatic creatures rely on a much more delicate approach – filter feeding. These fascinating animals are the ultimate opportunists, extracting...

Glial cells are structural, metabolic and trophic support cells for neurons. They are found in both the central nervous system and in the peripheral nervous system. For any function in an organism to be carried out, specialized cells are required. Despite being part of the central nervous system, glial cells...

Woody plants are a diverse and essential group of flora characterized by their durable, lignified stems and trunks. Defined by their robust internal structure, called secondary xylemthey, they differ significantly from their soft-stemmed herbaceous counterparts. These plants form the backbone of many...

Hydrography is the science responsible for the study and mapping of the Earth's bodies of water, both above and below the Earth's surface. This science provides essential data for navigation, resource management and prevention of natural disasters. Its findings are not only used by experts, but it helps...

Supercells are a particular type of thunderstorm distinguished by a persistent, rotating updraft called a mesocyclone. This rotating updraft plays a crucial role in propelling supercells to become the powerhouses of severe weather. Unlike regular thunderstorms, supercells have the potential to produce...

Have you ever witnessed a dramatic lightning show, only to find not a single drop of rain? This phenomenon, known as a dry storm, might seem counterintuitive, but it's a surprisingly common occurrence in dry and hot regions. Unlike regular thunderstorms that bring rain, dry storms only tease the dry...

Berries are more than just a tasty treat. They're a fascinating example of co-evolution, a partnership between plants and animals that benefits both sides. As animals munch on the berries, they also help spread the plant's seeds far and wide. And forget the image of berries as all small and round. They...

Also known as the horse family, equines are part of the taxonomic family Equidae. In the order Perissodactyla, they are four-legged mammals which are defined by robust bodies, placental birth, herbivorous diet and herd living. There are various types of equines, all with their own specific characteristics....

Air might seem like a simple, invisible blanket around our planet, but it's actually a fascinating mix of gases that play a crucial role in keeping us alive and shaping the Earth. Mostly made up of nitrogen and oxygen, air is not just essential for breathing; it also helps regulate temperature, protects...

Cirrus clouds are a type of wispy cloud that forms in the upper layers of the atmosphere, generally above 6,000 meters. They are composed mainly of ice crystals. There are numerous types of cirrus clouds with specific classification according to their characteristics such as formation and meteorological...

Organic fertilizers are a choice that both many home gardeners and industrial agricultural business are making. The reasons behind this movement toward organic vs. inorganic fertilizers has a lot to do with sustainability. Synthetic fertilizers are often cheaper and very effective when used in farming. However,...

Altocumulus clouds are a type of cloud found in the middle part of the Earth's atmosphere, typically between 2,000 and 7,000 meters above sea level. They are characterized by their patchy appearance, causing a formation of multiple white or gray clouds across the sky. There are different types of altocumulus...

Both tornadoes and hurricanes are extreme weather events defined by their destructive ability and association with thunderstorms. One of the key differences between tornadoes and other thunderstorms are their size, duration and level of destructiveness. Distinctions are also made between their formation...

Did you know that by 2050, nearly half of the world's population could be living in areas experiencing water stress? Water stress occurs when the demand for freshwater outpaces the available supply in a particular region. This imbalance can be caused by limited freshwater resources, increasing demand,...

Have you ever been enjoying a calm day at the beach when suddenly the water rapidly recedes, only to come crashing back in a powerful wave? This unexpected surge might not be a traditional tsunami, but a meteotsunami, a giant wave caused by powerful weather events. Unlike its earthquake-triggered counterpart,...

For millennia, humanity has cast its nets into the ocean's bounty. Early fishing practices were small-scale and focused on meeting immediate needs. However, with population growth and technological advancements, the impact on fish stocks became increasingly evident. In this sense, the Industrial Revolution...

Bodies of water such as oceans and lakes have different characteristics depending on the part in question. When the body of water is sufficiently large, it can be divided into various parts known as zones. These zones have varying characteristics, influenced by various factors. One of the most important is...

The threat of desertification to ecosystems, livelihoods, and food security is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. During this process, fertile lands are transformed into arid, unproductive terrain, largely due to climate change and unsustainable human activities such as deforestation,...

Fog is a meteorological phenomenon that significantly impacts various human activities, from marine navigation to international infrastructure transportation. There are different types of fog, each with specific characteristics and formation mechanisms. Advection fog is defined as a fog formation that...

The pelagic zone is a part of the open ocean which is divided into different layers. It begins horizontally at the end of the neritic zone, but extends vertically from the surface to the depths of the ocean. The different layers of the pelagic zone have different characteristics, impacting the types...

Seed dispersal is the process by which seeds are moved away from the parent plant. Plants can't walk around and sow their seeds in new locations, so they've evolved clever ways to hitch a ride on wind, water, animals, or even just rely on gravity. This movement not only increases individual plant survival...

Sleet is a form of precipitation that combines characteristics of snow and rain, resulting in partially frozen water droplets falling from the sky. For this reason, it is also known as rain and snow mixed, a very matter-of-fact description for the same phenomenon. Sleet is formed when snowflakes pass through...

The blueprint of life, DNA, holds the secrets of inheritance and variation. But how does this blueprint get shuffled and combined to create new possibilities? Enter genetic recombination, a fascinating process where genetic material is exchanged between chromosomes, leading to a vibrant dance of genes....

As part of the larger cell nucleus, the nucleolus is a suborganelle which is responsible for the biosynthesis of ribosomes in the cell, among other functions. It is a nuclear body which is distinguished by its presence as a dark, spherical structure within the nucleus of cells. Its own structure that...

Binary fission is a method of asexual reproduction that involves the simultaneous duplication of DNA and division of the cytoplasm. In doing so, it generates two identical daughter cells. This mainly takes place in prokaryotic cells such as bacteria, but it can also take place in unicellular eukaryotes....

Ever admired a rose up close and then compared it to a tulip? Unlike most flowers, the colorful parts of a tulip aren't classic petals, but rather structures called tepals. While petals are the usual colorful attractors for pollinators, some flowers, like tulips or lilies, have these unique tepals....

Chromatophores are specialized cells that contain internal pigments that reflect light. The functions of chromatophores include camouflage, communication and protection against ultraviolet radiation. There are different types of chromatophores, including melanophores, erythrophores, xanthophores, iridophores...

Volcanoes erupt, spewing forth molten rock and ash, and with them come several unfamiliar terms. Magma, lava, fissures and much more. These words might not be part of your daily vocabulary, but understanding them is crucial to really appreciate the of these natural wonders. Volcanoes have a profound...

Hurricanes are extreme weather events which have been known to decimate land areas which incorporate multiple countries at the same time. Primarily affecting coastal communities, they have devastating consequences on the areas they affect. This includes the destruction of infrastructure, damage to natural ecosystems...

Unlike car exhaust fumes that dissipate quickly, ozone is a hidden danger lurking in our air. This gas isn't directly emitted, but rather forms when pollutants react under specific conditions, like sunshine. The result? Ozone, which can travel long distances and pose a significant health risk. According...

A wind shear is a strong change in wind direction or intensity that occurs over short distances. In nature, this phenomenon is usually generated by the development of storms, jet streams, trade winds and/or sea or mountain breezes. Physical obstacles from natural or even manmade sources can also result in...