Biodiversity

Things related to the web of life; ecology; wildlife; endangered species

Sudden Spread of 'Rock Snot' Algae in Waters a Science Mystery

The algae mats floating in a stretch of California's Bear River look pretty disgusting. The "didymo" -- short for its scientific name, Didymosphenia geminata -- looks something like shredded toilet paper. It also resembles another of its nicknames: "rock snot." Its behavior has changed in recent years, and it is spreading. It appears in trout streams and threatens trout. New Zealand has banned felt-soled wading boots (often used by fly fishers), which can spread it.

Source: Sacramento Bee, 08/31/2010

Marine Census Final Results Due Oct. 4, 2010

Summaries of marine diversity in eight settings around the globe have been published, with another 17 scheduled to be added in coming weeks. One of the discoveries was that the Gulf of Mexico is the fifth most diverse marine setting in the world for known species.

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"Olympic Gymnast Epke Zonderland Teaches Orangutans How To Swing"

"'Monkey see, monkey do' is about to be put to the test. Seems some cooped-up orangutans, finally moved into more spacious outdoor digs at a Dutch zoo, have forgotten how to swing through the trees. So the zoo, Ouwehands Dierenpark Rhenen, is bringing in Olympic gymnast Epke Zonderland to re-teach them."

Source: Austin American-Statesman, 08/17/2010

The Walrus, Symbol of the Arctic Ecosystem, Finds Itself on Thin Ice

Walruses in the Arctic depend on sea ice as a base for hunting and transportation. The native Yupik and Inupiat people have depended on the walrus for meat, clothing, and tools. Now the climate-driven shrinking of sea ice is threatening both walruses and humans.

Source: ClimateWire, 08/11/2010

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