The hottest Ecology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Scolding Crows

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Animal Behavior Environmental Science
  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 Botany History Architecture Urban Design
  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 Wildlife Ecology Nature Conservation Environment
  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.

School of Rock

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Geology Education
  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 Biology Ecology Naturalism Environmental Science
  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.
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The three types of changes for a sustainable future

Technology, Environment, and Art • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Ecology Conservation Environmental Activism
  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.

Boundaries

Natural Selections • 6 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Environmental Policy Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Nature often defies clear boundaries. Things like rivers and lakes change over time, making it hard to say exactly where one starts and another ends.
  2. Humans try to impose strict borders on nature, like property lines, but those boundaries can fail. Nature is fluid and doesn't always fit into our definitions.
  3. The idea of what makes an individual can be fuzzy too. Our actions and connections blend with those of others, showing that we are part of a larger network.

Things That Caught My Eye #8:

Natural Selections • 4 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🔬 Science Nutrition Astronomy Ecology Anthropology Botany
  1. Indigenous people often fed muscle meat to their dogs, focusing on eating nutrient-rich organs instead. This shows they had important knowledge about nutrition that many of us overlook today.
  2. The skeletons of large game animals were usually found as broken bone chips, which indicates a careful use of all parts of the animal for nutrition, especially the marrow.
  3. There is a curiosity about whether Earth ever had a ring like the other large planets in our Solar System, and this raises questions about our planet's history.

Birds of a Feather

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 10 Mar 22
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Ornithology Behavior Conservation
  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 Geology Climate change Ecology Natural History
  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.

Headlines from a Warming World no 7

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Natural Disasters Ecology Mental health
  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 Geology Botany Natural History
  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 Botany Ecology Naturalism Environmental Science Adaptation
  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 Conservation Species Ecology Sustainability Community
  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.

Toward Sympoietic Mycomusicology

Cybernetic Forests • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jun 22
🔬 Science Music Technology Ecology Philosophy
  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 Microbiology Evolution Taxonomy 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.

Hanky-Panky in the Sea

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 24 Feb 22
🔬 Science Biology Marine life Ecology Zoology
  1. Rockfish have a unique way of mating that involves a dance and internal fertilization, which leads to them producing many offspring. Some can even reproduce at over 100 years old!
  2. Geoducks are known for their impressive reproductive abilities, releasing millions of eggs after males eject sperm into the water. They can produce these for over a century as well.
  3. Olympia oysters are hermaphrodites, starting life as males and switching between genders based on their environment. This means they have a different way of reproducing compared to other sea creatures.

Of Acorns and Oaks and Ants

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 14 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Botany Wildlife Conservation Naturalism
  1. Acorns are a great food source for many animals and even humans. They're high in carbs, protein, and fat, making them a nutritious option.
  2. Some ants live inside acorns, using them as homes after other creatures have left. They clean out the empty acorns and set up their colonies there.
  3. Oaks are important trees that have been part of human culture for a long time. They provide beauty with their fall colors and have fascinating connections to history and nature.

Clam Slamming

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 29 Sep 21
🔬 Science Biology Ornithology Ecology Behavior Environmental
  1. Gulls drop clams from heights to crack them open, showing they learn and get better at doing this as they grow older. They choose harder surfaces to help break the clams more easily.
  2. Crows also use a similar technique to open walnuts and adjust their drop heights based on how many times they have already dropped the nut. This shows their intelligence in problem-solving.
  3. Sometimes, using this dropping method can lead to accidents, like when a poet was supposedly killed by a turtle dropped by an eagle. It's a reminder to be careful about falling objects!

Of Douglas fir and History

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 79 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
🔬 Science Botany Ecology Natural History Cultural History Environmental Science
  1. Douglas fir trees are not just beautiful; they play a significant role in the natural history of their environment. People can connect with nature by observing the wildlife that feeds and nests in these majestic trees.
  2. The naming of the Douglas fir reflects a rich history of exploration and study, showing how different cultures, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, have interacted with and valued the tree. Names can tell us stories about a place and its people.
  3. Learning the scientific names of plants can make people feel more connected to nature. It encourages curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us.

Hair Ice

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 79 implied HN points • 26 Feb 21
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Climate Nature
  1. Hair ice is a unique ice formation that looks like fine white hair and is created by a winter-active fungus called Exidiopsis effusa. It grows on decaying wood and is visible in certain cold conditions.
  2. The fungus helps to shape the hair ice by breaking down lignin in the wood, allowing the ice to grow in a delicate, curly form. This process demonstrates a fascinating relationship between nature and fungi.
  3. Hair ice can only be found in a specific northern latitude range and adds beauty to winter walks, reminding us to appreciate the small wonders in nature around us.

Cemeteries: A Great Place for Geodorks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 19 Aug 21
🔬 Science Geology Natural History Ecology Biology Urban Studies
  1. Cemeteries are interesting places for geology lovers. You can find unique rocks and stones used in tombstones that tell stories about the local geology.
  2. Different styles of tombstones, like treestumps, have special meanings. They often include symbols that represent aspects of life, such as doves for peace or frogs for resurrection.
  3. Visiting cemeteries can be a calming experience. They offer quiet spaces to explore nature, observe wildlife, and enjoy beautiful sights like lichens and weathered stones.

Whither the Storks of Alsace ?

Euro Desk Paris • 19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🔬 Science Climate Birds Migration Ecology Weather
  1. Storks in Alsace, France may be changing their migratory patterns due to various factors like climate change and human influence.
  2. The presence of storks in a region can be influenced by micro-climates and environmental conditions that affect their behavior.
  3. Understanding the impact of changing climates on migratory birds like storks is crucial for conservation efforts and wildlife management.

The Street Smart Naturalist

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
🔬 Science Natural History Ecology Education Research Writing
  1. The writer enjoys creating newsletters that let them explore human and natural history. They see it as a fun way to connect with a community.
  2. They plan to keep the newsletter free but are offering paid subscriptions for those who want to support their work. Subscriptions come with extra benefits.
  3. The writer encourages readers to engage more by commenting and suggesting story ideas. They look forward to future topics and interactions.

Herring

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 26 Mar 21
🔬 Science Marine Biology Ecology Environmental Science Zoology Conservation
  1. Herring spawning events are vital to Puget Sound's ecosystem and attract a variety of wildlife. These events help connect the food chain and support many animals, both sea life and birds.
  2. Each female herring can lay a huge number of eggs, which provide food for young fish and other creatures. This means herring play a crucial role in nourishing the local food web.
  3. Herring are not only important for marine life but also for Indigenous communities. They have been a key food source for these communities historically and continue to be significant today.

A Most Curious Slug

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 04 Nov 21
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Natural History Zoology Conservation
  1. The slug _Arion rufus_ is often seen as a garden pest today, but it was once considered an intriguing species. In the past, scientists like Tracey Storer appreciated its uniqueness and collected it for study.
  2. This slug was first spotted in Detroit in 1912 and has since spread to other areas like Seattle, where it has become a common problem for gardeners.
  3. Despite being viewed negatively, slugs have interesting adaptations, such as their ability to cover themselves in slime for protection. Some people are even starting to be kinder to them instead of killing them outright.

Bad News for Bugs in Bogs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 12 Aug 21
🔬 Science Botany Ecology Evolution Research Nature
  1. A new plant called Triantha occidentalis can trap bugs using sticky hairs. It's sneaky because it doesn't look like usual carnivorous plants, which usually have noticeable traps.
  2. This plant gets nutrients by digesting the insects it catches. It produces an enzyme to help break down its tiny meals.
  3. Unlike many carnivorous plants, Triantha's trapping hairs are near its flowers, but they only catch small bugs. This way, it can still attract bigger bugs that help it pollinate.

Terror of the Docks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jul 21
🔬 Science Marine Biology Ecology Environmental Science Natural History Biodiversity
  1. Teredo clams, often called shipworms, are actually bivalve clams that eat wood. They can cause significant damage to wooden structures, like piers, making them a big problem for dock builders.
  2. These clams have been around for thousands of years, munching through wood in many parts of the world. Their destructive nature has been noted by writers and maritime workers throughout history.
  3. Modern efforts to control shipworm damage include using less wood in construction. Despite past challenges, these clams are still here and likely will be part of our marine ecosystem for a long time.

Surf scoter

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 22 Apr 21
🔬 Science Biology Wildlife Ornithology Ecology Environmental Science
  1. The surf scoter is a bird known by many different names, highlighting the variety of ways people refer to it. This shows how unique and interesting this bird is.
  2. Surf scoters are very active, especially in the morning and evening, diving for food like insects and crustaceans. They spend more time underwater than on the surface while feeding.
  3. During mating season, male surf scoters compete for the attention of a female in a dramatic display of courtship. The female chooses among them while they show off their skills in the water.

Puget Sound Quiz Answers

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 15 Apr 21
🔬 Science Ecology Biology Conservation Geology Education History
  1. There are many fun facts about Puget Sound, including unique archaeological discoveries and local species that can live for over 200 years.
  2. Names of places in Puget Sound often reflect its history, including Spanish explorations and notable figures like Charles Wilkes.
  3. The impact of human activity on Puget Sound is significant, especially in terms of pollution, which negatively affects local wildlife like salmon and rockfish.

Young and Restless

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 21
🔬 Science Geology Natural History Ecology Environmental Science
  1. Seattle's geology is really active and always changing. This means the ground can shake, and the city’s landscape can shift unexpectedly.
  2. There are ancient clams found in Seattle that were pushed up from underwater due to an earthquake 1,100 years ago. This shows how powerful nature can be.
  3. People in Seattle are starting to realize how connected they are to the land’s history and geology. It's important to stay aware of the potential dangers that come with living in such a dynamic area.

Beyond Gay Birds: The Enchanting Worldview of Queer Ecology

As If We Were Staying • 1 implied HN point • 25 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Ecology Social justice Environmental Studies Cultural critique
  1. Queer Ecology goes beyond just finding queer behavior in animals. It challenges our views on nature and encourages us to see connections and interdependence in all living things.
  2. This field of study highlights how our understanding of ecology has often been limited by narrow cultural perspectives. By considering diverse viewpoints, we can uncover a fuller picture of our natural world.
  3. It invites us to rethink our relationship with nature, moving from a stance of fear or indifference to one of wonder and respect. We can learn so much more when we appreciate the intelligence and connections present in non-human life.

Snakes and Singularities

Adjacent Possible • 1 HN point • 13 Mar 24
🔬 Science Evolution Cultural Evolution Biology Ecology Technology
  1. Snakes have evolved diverse traits through sudden phase shifts rather than incremental changes, expanding their adaptive possibilities significantly.
  2. Cultural and technological evolution also experience periods of sudden expansion and contraction of possibilities, akin to biological evolution's singularities.
  3. In addition to platform shifts, singularities in evolution can be driven by the emergence of single new traits leading to significant consequences in exploring new ecological niches.

The Shock That Comes With Recognition

The Snap Forward • 0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Sustainability Ecology Natural Disasters
  1. Recognition of a sudden change in the world can be shocking, especially when people are unprepared for it.
  2. Upcoming announcements include a book and a condensed class focused on readying ourselves for living in a changing world.
  3. Writing is becoming slower due to physical challenges, leading to a shift towards shorter, more frequent podcasts as an alternative.