The hottest Ecology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

The Whale Fall Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Marine Biology Ecosystems Environmental Science Biodiversity Ecology
  1. When a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, it becomes a feast for many sea creatures. This event leads to a chaotic but vital ecosystem around the whale carcass.
  2. After larger scavengers eat their fill, bacteria step in to break down the whale's body, turning it into nutrients for other life forms. This process creates a thriving community in a place that usually has little life.
  3. The cycle of life and death in the ocean shows that nothing goes to waste. Even in death, a whale can support new life for decades, reminding us that everything in nature is interconnected.

Complexity Thoughts: Issue #46

Complexity Thoughts • 259 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🔬 Science Ecology Evolution Neuroscience Human behavior Complex Systems
  1. Biodiversity is important for the stability of ecosystems, as different species contribute to their health and resilience. Losing biodiversity can harm not just the species we see, but also the tiny organisms that support them.
  2. Ecosystem synchrony is a concept that helps us understand how different ecosystems respond to changes in their environment. It looks at how similar patterns in ecosystem functions can reveal important information about their health.
  3. Belief dynamics show how people's beliefs change over time, influenced by their social networks. Understanding these dynamics can help tackle issues like misinformation and social conflict.

Sex in Biology Signature Campaign

Heterodox STEM • 156 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biology Evolution Ecology Genetics Research
  1. Some biology societies have stated that sex is not simply male or female, which has caused confusion.
  2. A group of biologists has written a letter saying that sex should actually be defined by gamete type, meaning there are two sexes.
  3. They are asking other biologists to sign this letter to support their view and clarify the definition of sex.

Robin: The Gateway Bird

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 399 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Nature Birdwatching Ecology Urban wildlife
  1. Robins are often the first birds people notice, making them a great introduction to birdwatching. They are recognizable and often found in urban areas, but many people overlook them.
  2. Despite being common, robins have interesting behaviors and adaptations. For example, they use their eyesight and hearing to find food, like earthworms, in clever ways.
  3. Connecting with local nature, like watching robins, can help us appreciate our surroundings and understand the ecosystem better. Observing these familiar birds can be surprising and fulfilling.

📉 Well, they ran the numbers on degrowth — and it's not good

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Degrowth Ecology Consumption
  1. Degrowth means living better with less stuff, focusing more on well-being than just economic growth. It suggests we should intentionally reduce production and consumption to fit within our planet's limits.
  2. However, following the degrowth idea doesn't guarantee a perfect, eco-friendly world. It might not look like a dreamy utopia where nature and humanity perfectly blend together.
  3. Research shows that reducing consumption to meet basic needs is challenging and requires significant changes in how we live. Simply downsizing isn't easy and can have complex implications.
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Mount St. Helens - An Awful Place

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 499 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🔬 Science Geology Ecology Environmental Science Natural History
  1. Mount St. Helens had a huge eruption in 1980, which produced a lot of dramatic scientific observations and remarkable descriptions. Scientists used strong words to convey the massive impact of the event.
  2. The landscape at Mount St. Helens has undergone significant changes since the eruption, showing how nature can recover and adapt after destruction. Visitors can see new growth, diverse plants, and wildlife returning to the area.
  3. The experience of visiting Mount St. Helens is filled with awe and inspiration. It's a reminder of nature's power and resilience, making it a special place for reflection and appreciation.

Pikas Hit the Trail

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 399 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Evolution Climate Biodiversity
  1. Pikas are cute animals that have traveled a long way from Asia to North America over millions of years. They didn't just hop across in one go; it took many generations to spread out.
  2. Pikas have a unique relationship with their parasites, which helps scientists understand their history better. These tiny creatures help tell the story of the pikas and how they adapted over time.
  3. Climate change is a big threat to pikas today. As their homes warm up, they may struggle to find suitable places to live, especially since they can't go any higher into the mountains.

The Dangers of Mirrored Life

Asimov Press • 444 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology Synthetic Biology Ecology Bioethics Genetics
  1. Creating mirrored organisms could be very dangerous. They might spread quickly, infect humans, and even cause extinctions of vulnerable species.
  2. Scientists worry that mirrored cells could escape labs and evade our immune systems. This means they could thrive and multiply without us even knowing.
  3. Most experts believe we should be cautious and avoid creating these mirrored life forms. It's better to discuss the risks now than to face the consequences later.

No, Kerosene did NOT save the Sperm Whale

Material World • 1323 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Ecology Wildlife Sustainability Natural resources
  1. Sperm whales have unique features, like the biggest heads and brains among large animals. They are incredible divers and eat mysterious creatures from the ocean's depths.
  2. Whale oil was popular because it made great lantern fuel and was used in various industries. Even after kerosene was discovered, the hunting of sperm whales actually increased due to new uses for their oil.
  3. Whale populations only recovered significantly after international bans on whaling and the development of synthetic substitutes for whale oil. It shows that technology and regulations are important for conservation.

The Mantis Shrimp Edition

Why is this interesting? • 241 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology Zoology Marine life Animal Behavior Ecology
  1. Mantis shrimp can punch very fast, making them the fastest strikers in the animal world. It's incredible how quickly they can hit their targets.
  2. These shrimp are very protective of their territory and will aggressively defend their space against intruders.
  3. Their powerful punches are so strong that they can even break glass, showing just how strong these small creatures really are.

Death Comes to the Beach

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🔬 Science Marine Biology Natural History Ecology Wildlife Conservation Bioethics
  1. A small bird was saved from a drainage pipe, showcasing the joy of saving wildlife. It’s a reminder that nature can surprise us and that we can make a difference.
  2. Opalescent squid lay their eggs in clusters that wash ashore, but most will die out of water. This highlights the fragility of marine life and how conditions affect their survival.
  3. Pelagic gooseneck barnacles live on floats in the ocean but end up on shore after they die. Their life cycle shows the interesting connections between different marine creatures and their environments.

High Water and Lake Washington

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 279 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Restoration Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Lake Washington's water level is controlled artificially now, which is different from how it used to fluctuate naturally by as much as nine feet each year. This change was mainly due to the building of the Lake Washington Ship Canal in 1916.
  2. The current management of the lake helps local properties but is not good for the environment. Plants that normally thrive with seasonal changes are struggling because they can't grow properly in the constant water level.
  3. Union Bay has seen a lot of restoration work from being a dump to a vibrant natural space. It shows that even after mistakes, communities can come together to create a healthier ecosystem.

The Possibility of Pikas

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 419 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Conservation Wildlife Climate
  1. Pikas are small mammals that usually live in rocky areas at high elevations, but some have been found at lower elevations, like the Columbia River Gorge. These unique habitats help them survive despite the warmer climate.
  2. Researchers found that moss plays an important role for pikas at lower elevations by keeping them cooler and happier. Moss helps create a nice environment for these little creatures as temperatures can often be too hot for them.
  3. Pikas are adapting to their new lower habitats by spending less energy storing food for winter and more time in the shade of trees. This shows they might have the ability to adjust to climate change better than some other animals.

Forest Feed: How Trees Like, Share, & Communicate Through Mycelial Networks 🌲🍄

Tripsitter • 179 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🔬 Science Communication Networks Ecology
  1. Forests operate as interconnected organisms, with trees communicating and sharing resources through underground mycelial networks.
  2. The symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi, known as mycorrhizae, plays a vital role in enhancing the forest ecosystem.
  3. Trees use the mycelial network to warn each other of dangers, nourish weaker trees, and even collectively defend against threats like pests.

Wolverine: The Creature Most Voracious

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🔬 Science Animal Behavior Ecology Natural History Mythology
  1. Wolverines are known for their huge appetites and can eat a lot of food at once. They are so gluttonous that they can overeat and need to find narrow spaces to relieve themselves.
  2. These animals have a varied diet and are both hunters and scavengers, eating everything from birds to rodents. They do face tough winter conditions without hibernating, relying on their hunting skills.
  3. People often view wolverines negatively, calling them destructive and cunning. However, they are simply doing what they need to survive in harsh environments and shouldn't be unfairly blamed.

Taking Off, but Leaving a Lasting Mark: Airport Construction's Environmental Legacy

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Biodiversity Pollution Sustainable Development Ecology
  1. Airport construction can harm the environment, leading to deforestation and loss of wildlife habitats. Many airports, like Heathrow and Istanbul, have caused significant damage to local ecosystems.
  2. Building or expanding airports increases greenhouse gas emissions. The aviation industry is responsible for a notable share of global carbon pollution, which could increase significantly without changes.
  3. It's important for airport authorities to engage with local communities and consider environmental impacts. Using cleaner fuels and adding green designs can help lessen the negative effects.

Our Great Opportunity

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Sustainability Societal Change Spirituality Technology
  1. Destruction can help us see a clearer path towards fixing our problems and taking better care of our planet. Sometimes, leaving behind old ideas and systems can lead to new and better ways of doing things.
  2. Moving towards a regenerative society needs big changes in how we think and how we do things together. Everyone needs to join in to create a powerful global effort that focuses on caring for the Earth.
  3. The current crisis isn't just about technology or politics; it's a deeper issue that involves our values and beliefs. We need to change the way we understand ourselves and our connection to nature to find real solutions.

The Birding Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1266 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity Conservation Birding
  1. Birdwatching can be a rewarding hobby that connects us with nature and can lead to deep emotional connections with birds.
  2. Ecological grief is a real and intense response to environmental losses, including bird deaths caused by human-driven changes.
  3. Efforts like building natural bridges and enacting bird-friendly legislation demonstrate steps we can take to protect wild animals amidst ongoing environmental challenges.

Sounding the Climate Change Alarm: Lessons from Carl Sagan

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Climate Science Environmental Policy Sustainability Ecology
  1. Carl Sagan connected the extreme climate of Venus to warnings about Earth's future. He showed us that understanding other planets can help us prevent our world from facing similar climate issues.
  2. Sagan proposed four key actions to tackle climate change: using fossil fuels more efficiently, developing alternative energy, reforestation, and helping the world's poorest. These ideas are still very important today.
  3. Despite Sagan's warnings and advancements in some areas, we are facing more climate challenges now. It's crucial that we change our thinking and take long-term actions for the planet's future.

Dungeness Spit

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 299 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Geology Ecology Natural History
  1. Dungeness Spit is a five-mile-long sandy spit named by Captain George Vancouver in 1792, originally known as Tsi-tsa-kwick by the S’Klallam people. It's interesting how names can connect us to history and culture.
  2. This spit is about 5,000 years old and was formed as glaciers melted, causing the land to rise and create new sediment. Nature shows us how changes over time can create beautiful landscapes.
  3. Dungeness Spit is always changing, with natural forces moving materials like rocks and logs. It's a reminder of how dynamic and alive our natural world is, constantly evolving and adapting.

A Newsletter About Climate Solutions (yes those, but mostly the other kind)

As If We Were Staying • 4 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Regeneration Activism Ecology Innovation
  1. The newsletter focuses on finding and creating alternatives to climate-related issues, aiming for a positive future. It's important to think about how we can improve the world rather than just focusing on problems.
  2. The creator has experience in both science and climate action, blending knowledge of biology and technology with grassroots climate solutions. This combination of backgrounds helps in understanding complex environmental challenges.
  3. The writing aims to tackle both technical solutions and the emotional aspects of climate change, encouraging readers not to give up and to stay engaged in sustainable practices. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and community in addressing these issues.

The Anthropocene: What's In A Name?

Surfing the Future • 139 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Climate change Sustainability Biodiversity Evolution
  1. Naming periods of significant change is crucial for understanding history and its impact on the present and future.
  2. The concept of Anthropocene, denoting the era where human activities have significant geological impacts, sparks debates among scientists about its start date and implications.
  3. Embracing new paradigms like sustainability and circularity is essential for addressing climate and biodiversity emergencies, even if the recognition like the Anthropocene remains a point of contention.

Rainshadows and other Ephemeralities

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 499 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity Urban Nature Environmental awareness
  1. Rainshadows, or ghost leaves, show us signs of plant life, reminding us of the interactions in nature. They are a fascinating way to notice how the environment communicates with us.
  2. Flight maps are shadows left by birds flying above, which can help us spot them better. They add excitement to our walks as we try to find the birds that made those marks.
  3. Crows exhibit interesting behaviors like mobbing to protect themselves from predators. Observing such actions gives us insight into how animals interact and learn from each other.

A Brilliant Insight

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 339 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Nature History Ecology Birding Environmentalism
  1. Steller's jays are unique birds that have a lot of personality. They helped a naturalist realize he was in America during his explorations, showing the importance of paying attention to nature.
  2. Observing birds can spark curiosity and help you connect with your surroundings. Noticing animals and plants enhances our understanding of the environment.
  3. The ongoing debate about naming birds after people might distract from more pressing issues like climate change. It's crucial to focus on the roles animals play in ecosystems instead.

Urban Umwelt in Awe of Animals

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 199 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Animal Behavior Urban wildlife
  1. Animals have unique ways of sensing their world that we often can't understand. For example, dogs like Taylor use their amazing noses to gather information that goes beyond what we can perceive.
  2. The concept of 'umwelt' shows that each species experiences their environment differently. This means animals interact with their surroundings in ways that are complex and rich, not simple or automatic.
  3. Learning about how animals sense the world can help us appreciate their lives and experiences more. It reminds us that our way of sensing things isn't the only way and that every creature has its own valuable perspective.

Paul Stamets on Fungi, Heterodoxy and Systems

rebelwisdom • 687 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Evolution Psychology
  1. Fungi play a critical role in ecosystems, being essential for survival and offering various benefits to humans.
  2. Mycelium networks demonstrate resilience and adaptability, showing how diversity and innovation can emerge from minorities and unconventional thinking.
  3. Psilocybin mushrooms provide not just physical effects, but also potential societal and spiritual benefits, connecting different cultures and promoting collaboration over conflict.

Tails of the City: Part 1

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 419 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Urban Nature Conservation
  1. Cattails are really useful plants that have been used for many things like making mats, pillows, and even food. They grow well in wetlands and can be found along roadsides.
  2. Seattle has lost many wetlands due to development, but there are efforts to bring some areas back to a wetland-like state. Wetlands are important for the health of the environment and many species.
  3. Despite the benefits of wetlands, there are still challenges to their protection, with some recent laws making it easier to harm them. It's important to recognize how valuable they are for both nature and people.

Consciousness is Organic - redux

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 196 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🔬 Science Consciousness Climate Evolution Biodiversity Ecology
  1. Consciousness is organic - a reminder that our minds are intertwined with the natural world, emphasizing the need to live in harmony with the environment.
  2. The concept of planetary intelligence explores the collective knowledge and responsibility of civilizations on a global scale, urging a shift towards more mindful and balanced technological growth.
  3. The human mind is identified as a key threat in the Anthropocene era, highlighting the necessity for self-improvement to address the planet's pressing issues.

The Memory of a Tree

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 439 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Ecology Urban Nature Cultural heritage Community
  1. Western red cedars are very important to the Indigenous people, who use them to make many items, from canoes to hats. These trees are seen as a source of life and culture.
  2. Trees like the Wedgwood cedar hold memories of the past. They witness changes in the environment and community, connecting the present to history.
  3. Cutting down the Wedgwood cedar would mean losing a piece of nature and the stories it holds. These trees are not just plants; they carry the life and memories of the area around them.

Green Goo (Republished)

De Novo • 110 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Ecology Synthetic Biology Genetics Environmental Science
  1. Synthetic biology can create engineered organisms, which may outcompete natural organisms and harm ecosystems. We need to be careful about the kinds of organisms we create and the possible consequences.
  2. Creating mirror-image organisms could lead to unexpected environmental problems. If these organisms take over, they could cause damage far beyond what we're prepared for.
  3. We should invest in ways to contain engineered organisms and be aware of the risks of releasing them into nature. It's important to proceed cautiously when considering big changes to global ecosystems.

Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 299 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Ecology History Education
  1. The book 'Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales' explores the rich fossil history of Washington State, showcasing a vast timeline of plants and animals that lived there over hundreds of millions of years.
  2. It features twenty-four profiles that connect specific fossils with their geological and human history, making the science behind them more engaging and accessible.
  3. The authors include beautiful fossil photos and aim to deepen readers' appreciation for the paleontology and geology of Washington State through these stories.

Nature to the North

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Wildlife Conservation Environmental
  1. Seeing hundreds of bald eagles feeding at once is a spectacular sight. They gather to feast on fish when conditions are just right.
  2. Some tree stumps can stay alive and continue to grow even after being cut down. This shows how interconnected nature can be through shared resources.
  3. Sea stars, which faced a severe disease, are now showing signs of recovery. Those that survived may pass on stronger genes to help their species adapt.