The hottest Ecology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Birds being other birds

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Some birds, like the Stellers jay and raven, can imitate the sounds of other birds, which can be surprising and confusing. It's interesting to see how these smaller birds can mimic larger ones.
  2. Birds like mockingbirds and parrots are known for their ability to mimic various sounds, sometimes up to 200 different ones in their lifetime.
  3. Only a few species, including humans, parrots, and songbirds, can learn and repeat sounds they hear, which is quite rare in the animal kingdom. This ability is also linked to the capacity to dance to music!

My Little Cockroach

Banana Peel Pirouette • 79 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Cockroaches have been around for millions of years and are found on every continent except Antarctica, adapted to urban environments due to global commerce.
  2. Humans have a unique disgust towards cockroaches, though other pests like mice and pigeons coexist with us and are even celebrated in popular culture.
  3. Our fear and loathing towards cockroaches stem from the way they challenge our perceptions of hygiene and control over the environment, showing how closely intertwined our lives are with these creatures.

Building the Future by Hand

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 98 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. The Green Revolution Requires a Blue-Collar Revelation - Trades jobs are in high demand for the clean energy transition.
  2. If You Go to College, Study the Real World - Encouraging students to study practical skills, even alongside a college degree.
  3. Future Career Advice for Students - Emphasizing the importance of hands-on work and making a meaningful impact on the world.

'Birdwatchers and shorebirds both dream of fluddles'

This Week in Birding • 98 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Shorebirds like sandpipers and plovers are vulnerable due to their small size and need to forage constantly for survival during migration.
  2. Stopover sites for shorebirds, like fluddles, are threatened by human activities like monoculture farming practices.
  3. Efforts are being made to preserve and monitor wetlands like fluddles to provide vital habitats for shorebirds and support their migration journeys.

Lusus naturae

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Rockpeckers are birds that create holes in rocks and are important for understanding geology. They use their unique feeding habits to extract silica from plants, which helps them carve out these holes.
  2. Scientists are exploring the connections between rockpeckers and other birds like rock wrens. There are still many questions about their behavior and nesting habits, with research ongoing to learn more.
  3. Interestingly, rockpeckers share a similar hole-drilling ability with piddock clams, highlighting the idea of parallel evolution. This shows that different species can develop similar traits to survive in their environments.
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Of Seals, Sea Lions, and the Locks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Harbor seals and sea lions can adapt to both saltwater and freshwater environments. They often move between these waters, showing their ability to thrive in different conditions.
  2. These animals have a unique way of navigating locks to switch from saltwater to freshwater. They can either wait for the locks to fill or use special culverts that help them travel.
  3. The history of these seals goes back to the Ice Age when they may have lived in freshwater lakes. This history could explain why they are drawn to freshwater today.

Not So Silent Spring

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. The sounds of spring are important, with creatures like Pacific chorus frogs and Steller's Jays making their presence known through their calls. These sounds are not just pleasant but also play crucial roles in their behaviors and interactions.
  2. Sound has a long history on Earth, with many natural noises existing for billions of years. Most modern sounds from animals, however, are relatively recent developments in Earth’s timeline.
  3. There's a growing concern about a 'sonic crisis,' where humans are losing touch with the sounds of nature. It's important for us to listen to these sounds to appreciate and protect our environment.

Green Goo (Republished)

De Novo • 110 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🔬 Science Ecology
  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.

Baitballs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Baitballs are when schools of fish, like herring and sand lance, gather together as a defense against predators. This helps reduce the chance of any single fish being eaten.
  2. When birds like gulls dive into the water, it often signals the presence of baitballs. Their activity gives hints about the underwater life that we usually can't see.
  3. Baitballs are important for the ecosystem because they provide food for many animals, including seals and birds. Observing these events can give insights into the health of marine life.

My Identity Crisis

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Ecology
  1. Many people feel lost about how to create real change in society. It can be tough to find hope when seeing things get worse and worse.
  2. There's a struggle between taking care of ourselves and looking out for our planet and communities. Some folks seem to care more about their own comfort than helping others.
  3. Technology that was hoped to bring positive changes can sometimes just make things worse. It's important to keep an eye on how it affects society, especially when it comes to our environment.

🚀 1,000 Subscribers and Beyond!

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Ecology
  1. Right to repair is a common sense issue that is supported by the general public as it is a fairly simple concept that people can relate to.
  2. The right to repair movement goes beyond just fixing phones and computers; it touches on labor, ecological systems, and technology, providing a critical lens to view larger societal problems.
  3. Repair is a global concern that transcends national and cultural boundaries, highlighting its universal importance as a human activity.

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

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

The Fate of the Chubby Unicorn

Who is Robert Malone • 10 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Rhinos, often called 'Chubby Unicorns,' are in danger of extinction due to poaching for their horns. These horns are very valuable and have caused severe decline in their population, especially in Asia.
  2. Conservationists are working hard to save rhinos, using tracking devices and other methods to protect them from poachers. This work is challenging but crucial for the survival of the species.
  3. There is ongoing debate about legalizing the trade of rhino horns, but many conservationists fear it could worsen poaching. So far, efforts to save them focus more on direct conservation methods.

Oh Good, Screwworms Are Back

Marginally Compelling • 29 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Screwworms are a dangerous pest that can harm livestock and humans by laying eggs in their open wounds. Their return is a worrying issue that many are talking about.
  2. Scientists once used a method called the sterile insect technique to eradicate screwworms, which involved breeding and sterilizing them to reduce their population.
  3. Current problems like Covid and ineffective management have allowed screwworms to make a comeback, turning a solved issue into a potential new crisis.

The Iron and the Forest

Anima Mundi • 20 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Technology has advanced a lot, but we've often forgotten to work together with nature. It's important to design our systems in a way that respects the environment.
  2. Nature has its own ways of solving problems that we can learn from. For example, forests help each other thrive without competition, and we should do the same in our communities.
  3. Real progress should focus on long-term health for both people and the planet. Instead of quick fixes, we need solutions that take care of the environment and ensure a better future.

Fifty Coyotes in Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Coyotes have adapted well to urban environments like Seattle, showing that they can thrive despite human efforts to control their population. They are survivors and often even increase their numbers when faced with threats.
  2. Many myths exist about coyotes, including the idea that they are dangerous to pets and people. In reality, coyotes are not aggressive and usually avoid confrontation with humans and their pets.
  3. Coyotes play an important role in urban ecosystems, helping to remind us that nature is all around us, even in the city. Their presence can bring joy and a connection to the natural world.

The Nova Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine

Thinking about... • 272 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Ecology
  1. Avoid presenting a manmade catastrophe as a simple two-sided issue.
  2. Be mindful of highlighting the unreliability of sources and avoid unfair comparisons.
  3. Provide context by considering physical objects, historical contexts, and relevant factors in storytelling.

Friday Finds - Bonus Links

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Ecology
  1. There are new tutorials available for those interested in AI and humanities. These tutorials aim to help people learn how to use AI tools effectively.
  2. The Leverhulme Programme is offering opportunities in ecological data science. This program is designed for doctoral training and focuses on important ecological research.
  3. A team is looking to hire a remote R programmer. They want someone to create an easy-to-use package for analyzing complex models in R.

Can a Hermit Crab Be Rich?

Creating Inequality • 39 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Hermit crabs can be seen as 'rich' based on the size of the snail shells they possess, which determines their level of wealth.
  2. The distribution of wealth in hermit crabs closely resembles that of human societies, showing similarities in terms of inequality.
  3. Factors like individual differences and wealth transfer through vacancy chains may explain the similarity in wealth distributions between hermit crabs and humans.

Scolding Crows

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Crows are very protective of their young and can become aggressive towards humans and other animals that come too close to their territory. It's not uncommon for a crow to scold you if you're in their area.
  2. Crows have been observed to mob other predators, like hawks and eagles, to protect themselves and their young. This shows their smart and social behavior as they work together to fend off threats.
  3. Studies have shown that crows can recognize faces and remember individuals who pose a threat to them. They teach younger crows to scold these dangerous figures, demonstrating their ability to learn and pass on knowledge.

Nurse Buildings

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 19 May 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Nurse buildings, like the Colosseum, are structures where plants can thrive, thanks to their materials and existing cavities that hold seeds and moisture. This creates a unique environment for plant growth.
  2. The Colosseum has over 600 plant species recorded, showing how nature can reclaim man-made structures, even after efforts to remove them.
  3. Living walls in buildings can enhance urban spaces by providing natural beauty and habitat for plants, making cities greener and more inviting.

An Ode to Our Backyard

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. A beautiful backyard can transform a house into a home. The presence of large trees and wildlife makes the space special and enjoyable.
  2. Seeing local wildlife, like bald eagles and Cooper's hawks, enriches daily life and connects people to nature. It's exciting to observe their behaviors and know they're nearby.
  3. Urban areas can still hold wildness and beauty, making life more interesting. Appreciating the nature around us can create a sense of wonder and gratitude.

Links for Summer 2025

Telescopic Turnip • 17 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Bacteria can communicate using electrical signals, which might help us treat skin infections by gently convincing them to leave instead of killing them.
  2. A new drug that mimics the wakefulness hormone orexin shows promise for narcolepsy, and could potentially help others reduce their sleep needs.
  3. Research into mimicry and the evolution of bird songs reveals fascinating insights into how animals adapt and communicate over time.

School of Rock

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Coccolithophores are tiny marine plants that can bloom in huge numbers. These blooms are so big they can be seen from space, turning the water a vibrant color.
  2. Chalk used in schools comes from coccoliths, the remains of these tiny organisms. The famous White Cliffs of Dover are made from billions of these tiny critters that lived millions of years ago.
  3. The shift from chalk and slate blackboards to whiteboards means students might be missing the natural connection to where their materials come from. Using chalk was a way for kids to engage with nature's wonders.

Holey Moley

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 30 Dec 21
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Holes in nature, like those made by bees or woodpeckers, are often overlooked but are important homes for various creatures. These tiny spaces showcase how life adapts to different environments.
  2. Antlion pits are clever traps made by larvae to catch unsuspecting ants. The way they build these pits shows how animals can be both creative and ruthless in finding food.
  3. Saguaro cacti serve as long-term homes for birds, forming unique living spaces called boots. These holes highlight how plants and animals can work together and support each other's lives.

The three types of changes for a sustainable future

Technology, Environment, and Art • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Type I changes are superficial changes that may sound good but do little to solve sustainability issues.
  2. Type II changes make a significant positive impact on the environment while still operating within current systems.
  3. Type III changes are radical, revolutionary changes that challenge the status quo and are essential for creating a truly sustainable future.

Birds of a Feather

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 10 Mar 22
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Pelicans have a unique way of flying together in groups, almost like a dance. They often switch from flying to floating and follow each other's movements.
  2. At Point Lobos, you can see pelicans landing on trees and diving for food. Their diving technique is impressive and shows how skilled they are at catching fish.
  3. The behavior of pelicans can also attract other birds that try to steal their food. It's interesting to see how pelicans react when other birds try to take their meals.

Return to the Ice Age

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 03 Feb 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. The Last Glacial Maximum was a time when massive glaciers covered large areas, shaping the landscape we see today. It would have been incredible to witness the immense Missoula floods that occurred then.
  2. During the last ice age, the area now known as the Puget lowland was completely different, with thick ice sheets and unique ecosystems. When the ice melted, it brought about a variety of fascinating animals and plants.
  3. Today, we live in a much warmer climate, which contrasts sharply with the icy world of the past. Understanding this history helps us appreciate the changes in our environment.

Nature doesn't need rights

storyvoyager • 11 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Nature doesn’t need rights; instead, we need to change how we view our connection to it. We should stop trying to dominate it and start working with it.
  2. Our focus on accumulating wealth is harming the planet. We need to shift our mindset towards nurturing nature instead of consuming it.
  3. Real change can happen if we take inspiration from communities that are in touch with nature. When we listen to those who are connected to the land, we can rebuild ecosystems and create a better future.

Building the Society We Want

Never Met a Science • 88 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Ecology
  1. Social media has greatly influenced society and its bans would bring rapid change.
  2. Technology developments must be considered with an understanding of values, tools, and actions in achieving societal goals.
  3. Lessons from historical movements like Romanticism and Ecology can guide discussions on technology and society today.

Headlines from a Warming World no 7

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Hurricane Otis quickly went from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane, causing severe destruction in Mexico. This rapid intensification illustrates the dangers posed by warmer ocean temperatures due to climate change.
  2. The Amundsen Sea is warming three times faster than in the 20th century, leading to an increased melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet. This melting is expected to contribute significantly to rising sea levels, affecting coastal communities globally.
  3. Children and young people are facing serious mental health challenges related to climate change, known as eco-anxiety. Their concerns about air pollution and extreme weather highlight the urgent need for action on climate issues.

Through the Eyes of Specialists

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 15 Sep 22
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Getting out in nature with specialists allows for a deeper understanding of ecosystems. Their knowledge helps reveal the small but important changes in the environment that we might not otherwise notice.
  2. Stocking fish in high lakes is a rewarding and careful process. It's fulfilling to see fish thrive in their new homes, especially when they bring joy to future anglers.
  3. Geology is complex, and even simple rocks can hide fascinating histories. Experts can help us understand the geological stories behind the landscapes we see.

A Desert Plant Condo

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 02 Dec 21
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Desert trumpets are unique plants that grow tall and have a bulbous shape, which helps them support themselves in the dry desert climate. They start growing just after spring rains, making them easy to spot.
  2. The inflated stems of desert trumpets store carbon dioxide, allowing the plant to continue photosynthesis even when it's dry, which helps reduce water loss. This unique adaptation is important for survival in harsh conditions.
  3. Wasps often use the stems of desert trumpets to build nests. However, some wasps can parasitize each other, creating a complex food chain right inside the plant's stems.

Hope is a Baby Orca

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 24 Nov 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. Baby orcas bring hope after a time of sadness. The story of a mother orca named Tahlequah, who mourned her lost calf, reminds us that new life can inspire hope.
  2. People are starting to care more about sustainability and the natural world. There’s a shift towards protecting the environment, which is helping to restore ecosystems like Puget Sound.
  3. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference. Believing that what we do matters can empower us to take steps toward a better future.

Our Great Opportunity

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  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.

We need a new ecology of thought

storyvoyager • 6 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology
  1. We are deeply connected to nature and must remember this bond to protect our planet. Understanding where we come from can help us appreciate and take care of our environment.
  2. Modern society often sees itself as separate from nature, which contributes to environmental harm. We need to change how we view our relationship with the Earth to make better choices.
  3. Every action we take affects the planet in some way. We must respect resources and think more about how our daily lives impact the natural world.

Toward Sympoietic Mycomusicology

Cybernetic Forests • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jun 22
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Mushrooms play a significant role in transforming materials to support life, showcasing a symbiotic relationship with the environment.
  2. The coordination and information exchange within mushroom bodies and networks can be likened to circuit boards, showing potential for capturing digital information.
  3. Exploring the connection between mushrooms and synthesizers delves into the concept of sympoiesis, highlighting the collaborative production and distribution of control and information.

Microbial Time

Microanimism • 2 HN points • 27 May 24
🔬 Science Ecology
  1. Time in the microbial world operates differently than human time - it can be glacial or lightning fast, impacting how we interact with and perceive these organisms.
  2. Microbes have a complex system of classification based on their abundance and genetic diversity, leading to the concept of 'ecotypes.'
  3. Microbial time, diverging from human time, affects how we approach issues like pandemics or environmental solutions that involve manipulating microbial behavior.