Mosses are among the most ancient plants on earth, and their peculiar biology shows it. The lovely leafy green plant that all of us are familiar with? It has just half the normal number of chromosomes, like an egg or sperm!
Keeping Your Own Nature Journal
Taking “forest baths” and recording your observations can be wonderful therapy for modern times. Here are some tips from acclaimed natural history writer Bernd Heinrich for keeping your own nature journal.
Outsmarting Squirrels
Why is it so maddeningly difficult to keep squirrels off birdfeeders? After all, they’re just rodents with brains the size of a ping-pong ball. Squirrels are such amazing problem-solvers because they’re observant, social, experimental and persistent.
Life Under the Ice
Have you ever wondered what could be living underneath the ice of a frozen pond? With no light or air, and temperatures just above freezing, you’d think life would be impossible but….
How Leaves Deal with the Cold
Plants may not move as quickly as animals, but check out the “behavior” of rhododendron leaves when it’s frigid. Their drooping and curling help prevent damage from excess light when it’s too cold to photosynthesize.