The hottest Ecology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Links for Winter 2026

Telescopic Turnip • 31 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Some viruses can trigger bacteria to self-organize into a single, coordinated structure, producing collective behaviors that look a lot like a hive mind.
  2. Gene-level molecular clocks suggest mitochondria were acquired relatively late, after the nucleus, cytoskeleton, and vesicle-transport systems had already evolved, which challenges the idea that mitochondria jump-started eukaryotic complexity.
  3. Forbidding children from moving or fidgeting appears to impair creativity, and larger studies are needed before treating stillness as a universal schooling requirement.

Appitalism

¡Do Not Panic! • 471 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Progress should focus on fundamental advancements, like clean water and mass vaccination programs.
  2. Relying on one-and-done technological fixes in crises may lead to temporary relief but not long-term solutions.
  3. Sustainable progress requires system change that respects nature and natural limits, not just technological tweaks.

A Brilliant Insight

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 339 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Ecology
  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 Ecology
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Paul Stamets on Fungi, Heterodoxy and Systems

rebelwisdom • 687 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  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
  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 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 Ecology
  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.

The Birding Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1266 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  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.

Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 299 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  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 Ecology
  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.

When Fill Fails

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Urban infrastructure, like the Light Rail tracks, can suffer from problems due to unstable ground and filling materials. Over time, these materials can sink or degrade, causing issues.
  2. Seattle's tideflats were completely filled by the 1920s to create new land, but this fill was often not properly stabilized. This can lead to things like subsidence during events like earthquakes.
  3. Sound Transit had extensive knowledge of the fill conditions before building the Light Rail but still faces criticism for the ongoing issues. People expect more from transit authorities regarding infrastructure stability.

The Dangers of Mirrored Life

Asimov Press • 444 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🔬 Science Ecology
  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.

Steve Keen: "On the Origins of Energy Blindness”

Building a New Economics • 137 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Nate Hagens' podcast 'The Great Simplification' discusses the critical role of energy in human civilization and the potential for ecological overshoot to lead to major changes for humanity's survival.
  2. The concept of 'Energy Blindness' is explored in a conversation between Nate Hagens and Steve Keen, tracing back to Adam Smith, known as 'the Father of Economics'.
  3. The podcast conversation between Nate Hagens and Steve Keen is available both in audio and video formats for different preferences.

Otters in our Midst

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 279 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Otters are important urban wildlife and their poop, called spraint, can tell us a lot about their diet and health. Researchers study spraint to understand what otters eat and to check for parasites or pollution.
  2. River otters tend to be clean and use specific spots, called latrines, to poop. This behavior might be social, but researchers aren't completely sure why they do it.
  3. Even in polluted areas, river otters are resilient and continue to survive and reproduce. It's important for us to help make urban environments healthier for wildlife.

Tails of the City: Part 2

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 259 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Horsetails have existed since the time of dinosaurs and are among the oldest plants on Earth. They haven’t changed much over millions of years, making them fascinating survivors.
  2. While horsetails are often seen as garden pests, they have historical importance and have been used by various cultures for food and tools. However, some parts can be toxic, especially to horses.
  3. There is a common myth that horsetails can accumulate gold, but research shows they actually indicate arsenic. They are good at collecting silica, which gives them their nickname as 'scouring rush'.

Communing with nature

City Quitters • 199 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. We need to pay more attention to nature and the non-human world around us. Being in nature can help us feel better and remind us of our connection to everything else.
  2. Humans have thought too highly of themselves and this has hurt the planet. It's important to recognize that all living things have value and we should treat them with respect.
  3. It's possible to learn from nature even in urban areas. By being mindful and observing our surroundings, we can develop a deeper connection and appreciation for the world around us.

The Bird with the Silent P

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. White-tailed ptarmigan are unique birds that live in cold, high-altitude areas. They change color from brown in summer to white in winter, helping them blend into their snowy environment.
  2. These birds have feathered feet that act like snowshoes, making it easier for them to walk on snow rather than fly. This adaptation helps them conserve energy in their harsh habitat.
  3. Indigenous knowledge about wildlife, like the ptarmigan's snowshoe ability, is being recognized as valuable by scientists. There's so much to learn from traditional understanding of nature.

Why We Need More Ivy

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Ivy can help cover bare concrete walls along freeways, making them look nicer and reduce graffiti. It's a low-maintenance plant that grows easily and creates a green layer.
  2. Covering walls with ivy can reduce noise pollution and make driving more pleasant. The leaves help absorb sound and create a quieter environment for people nearby.
  3. Ivy also helps improve air quality by capturing pollutants from the air. It acts like a natural filter, making the city environment healthier for everyone.

Utilizing Cosmic Expansion: Innovative Solutions to Earth's Challenges

Space Ambition • 239 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Space exploration could help solve major problems on Earth, including politics, economics, and ecology. By looking to colonize other planets, we can innovate and create better technologies.
  2. Trade between Earth and colonies on Mars could lead to peaceful relationships. Instead of fighting over resources, countries might cooperate to improve their economies.
  3. Moving some industries to space can benefit the Earth's environment. This shift could create new jobs and help us manage resources better, supporting sustainability goals.

The Big Yard: Notes from a Pajama Birdwatcher

The Big Yard • 216 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. The author had a remarkable August with 85 different bird species in their yard.
  2. They are amazed by the rare bird sightings like the flame-colored tanager and Allen's hummingbird.
  3. The author notes the distractions of everyday tasks and wonders what other birds they might be missing.

Web of water

Climate Water Project • 216 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. The interconnectedness of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms impact the climate through the water cycle
  2. Understanding self-regulation patterns of ecology and atmosphere can aid in climate and ecosystem restoration
  3. Exploring the concept of a 'water web' can help illuminate the interactions and interdependencies in ecosystems and climate systems

How to Imbue the Basic Models of Biology With a Positive Vision of the Future

Maximum Progress • 196 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Basic biological models suggest a narrative of exponential growth followed by collapse.
  2. Biology offers a positive vision of the future through sustainable population growth without new resources, like Rubisco enzyme evolution.
  3. Evolutionary innovations, such as the human brain, enable sustainable growth and prosperity, creating a bridge between ecological and economic perspectives.

The Evolutionary Scales of Life

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 15 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Ecological patterns depend on the spatial, temporal, and evolutionary scale you examine; changing the scale can reveal or hide important patterns.
  2. Phylofactorization is an algorithm that finds edges or clades in a phylogenetic tree that best explain differences in traits or ecological patterns, letting you partition life at the scales that matter for a given question.
  3. There is no single correct species or taxonomic scale; instead choose or infer the lineage-level scales that match your question, and tree-based partitioning can also reveal relevant scales in non-biological hierarchical systems.

De-extinction and Redemption

treethinking • 176 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. De-extinction through gene editing and embryology is being pursued for iconic extinct species
  2. De-extinction presents philosophical, practical, and ethical challenges, including concerns about conservation funding
  3. The allure of de-extinction is more religious than scientific, seeking a restoration to a pre-Fall state

Knowing the Gods, Knowing the Smalls

Microanimism • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. The setting described is unique and surreal, with rose bushes and mysterious elements creating a vivid picture.
  2. The story delves into a narrative involving gods, non-gods, and their impact on a strange world, with themes of environmental change and conflict.
  3. An invitation to explore more by subscribing, offering a 7-day free trial to access additional content on Microanimism.

The Botanical World is Full of DMT 🌱

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. DMT is common in nature, found in various plants, animals, and sea sponges.
  2. Our body efficiently disables DMT from taking effect with the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO).
  3. Plants like Acacia, Yopo, and Giant River Reed contain DMT and related tryptamine alkaloids used in rituals and cultural practices.

The Mantis Shrimp Edition

Why is this interesting? • 241 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🔬 Science 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.

An Update on Strategic Beaver Deployment

Think Future • 79 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Futurists pay attention to game-changers, not just trends.
  2. Snow, Supreme Court cases, and beavers can all hold important insights for the future.
  3. Studying beaver behavior could lead to significant breakthroughs for industries and localities.

Sex in Biology Signature Campaign

Heterodox STEM • 156 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🔬 Science Ecology
  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.

There is no nature

storyvoyager • 13 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. There is no separate "nature" — humans and the rest of life share one interconnected planet.
  2. Treating nature as an optional accessory makes it seem nonessential, but we depend on planetary ecosystems for our survival.
  3. Nature isn’t just a walk in the forest or a scenic backdrop; it’s the whole complex system that supports life everywhere.

Problems Posing as Solutions, Part 3

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 117 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Personal, economic, and ecological problems are often presented as solutions with unforeseen negative consequences.
  2. SUVs are becoming an increasing burden on the planet, posing threats to the environment and public safety.
  3. Seafloor mining, especially in the absence of thorough scientific understanding, risks irreversible damage to deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity.

An Enigmatic Beast

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Mountain goats have an interesting history of naming, starting from their scientific name, Oreamnos americanus, which links them to mountains and lambs.
  2. Despite extensive research, scientists still struggle to figure out mountain goats' closest relatives, making them a bit of a mystery in the animal kingdom.
  3. There's a growing recognition of the value of traditional ecological knowledge, especially from Indigenous peoples, which can greatly enhance our understanding of animals like mountain goats.

Operation Mother Goose

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Ecology
  1. Operation Mother Goose began in the 1960s when wildlife officials collected Canada goose eggs to save them from flooding due to dam construction. They hatched the eggs in a game farm to boost goose populations.
  2. The goal was to help the goslings learn from wild geese and join their flocks. Eventually, around 900 geese were released in various locations to increase local populations affected by overhunting and habitat loss.
  3. The release of these geese led to a rapid population growth in the area, but not everyone was happy about it due to the mess the geese made. Still, many appreciate their presence and find joy in watching them.

Finding Washington's First Fossils

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 199 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. The earliest known connections to fossils in Washington come from the Wanapum people, who used ancient petrified wood for tools over 9,000 years ago.
  2. Naturalists like Archibald Menzies and others in the early 1800s began documenting fossils in Washington, although many of their specimens have been lost over time.
  3. The mystery of who first collected fossils in Washington remains, but geologist James Dwight Dana is a strong candidate for making one of the earliest fossil collections.