Ecosystems

Ecosystems

Lakeshore Nature Preserve

This nature preserve at the University of Wisconsin–Madison protects undeveloped lands along the shore of Lake Mendota. Even if you can’t visit it in person, the award-winning interactive map will help you appreciate the qualities of this beautiful slice of nature. Go to: http://www.lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu

Ecosystems

Warming Sign? Larger dead zones form off Oregon coast

Unprecedented recent changes in the yearly pattern of ocean currents off North America's West Coast have wreaked havoc on aquatic ecosystems there, another possible symptom of Earth's warming climate.

Ecosystems

An unexpected, thriving ecosystem

A diverse group of creatures beneath an Antarctic ice shelf could give pause to researchers who infer past ecological conditions from fossils found in such sediments.

Ecosystems

Saving Whales the Easy Way? Less lobstering could mean fewer deaths

A provocative proposal suggests that the U.S. lobster fleet in the Gulf of Maine could reduce the number of traps, maintain its profits, and improve life for endangered right whales.

Ecosystems

Alien Alert: Shrimpy invader raises big concerns

A shrimplike European invader just discovered in the Great Lakes could prove ecologically disruptive to populations of native lake animals.

Ecosystems

Most Bees Live Alone

Concern about honeybee shortages has inspired new interest in bees that lead solitary lives and don't bother storing honey.

Ecosystems

Going Native: Diverse grassland plants edge out crops as biofuel

Biofuels made from mixtures of plants native to prairies can yield more net energy than do biofuels derived from corn and soybeans.

Ecosystems

Brave Old World

If one group of conservation biologists has its way, lions, cheetahs, elephants, and other animals that went extinct in the western United States up to 13,000 years ago might be coming home.

Ecosystems

Worthless waters

The biological riches of the oceans will be spent within decades if current trends continue.

Ecosystems

On the Rise: Siberian lakes—Major sources of methane

Field studies suggest that Siberian lakes are a much larger source of atmospheric methane than had been previously recognized.

Ecosystems

Bad-News Beauties

Discarded aquarium fish are the likely source of an alien species that's breeding in the Atlantic and could threaten economically important U.S. fisheries.

Ecosystems

Madagascar’s Fantastic Forests

Produced by WBUR in Boston to accompany a special program on Madagascar, this award-winning Web site offers a remarkably detailed look at life on this island, with a focus on the struggle to preserve Earth’s diversity of life. It includes photo galleries, audio clips, videos, maps, and much more. Go to: http://www.wbur.org/special/madagascar/