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Saturday, December 17, 2011

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News


Caterpillars mimic one another for survival

Posted: 16 Dec 2011 02:44 PM PST

In the world of insects, high risk of attack has led to the development of camouflage as a means for survival. Researchers have uncovered some of the most extensive evidence of caterpillars using another strategy previously best-known in adult butterflies: mimicry.

Barracuda babies: Novel study sheds light on early life of prolific predator

Posted: 16 Dec 2011 08:29 AM PST

Marine biologists shed light on the larval stage of the barracuda, as well as several other closely related species.

Genomic sequences of two iconic falconry birds -- Peregrine and Saker Falcons -- successfully decoded

Posted: 16 Dec 2011 08:28 AM PST

The genomic sequences of two iconic falconry birds -- peregrine and saker falcons -- have been successfully decoded.

Remote wilderness polluted by humans

Posted: 16 Dec 2011 08:25 AM PST

Nitrogen from human activity has been polluting lakes in the northern hemisphere since the late 19th century. The clear signs of industrialization can be found even in very remote lakes, thousands of kilometers from the nearest city.

Rapid rise in wildfires in large parts of Canada? Ecologists find threshold values for natural wildfires

Posted: 16 Dec 2011 05:42 AM PST

Large forest regions in Canada are apparently about to experience rapid change. Based on models, scientists can now show that there are threshold values for wildfires just like there are for epidemics. Large areas of Canada are apparently approaching this threshold value and may in future exceed it due to climate change. As a result both the area burnt down annually and the average size of the fires would increase, researchers say.

Winter diets? The secret is to chill the extremities

Posted: 16 Dec 2011 05:42 AM PST

Large mammals living in temperate climates frequently have difficulty finding food during winter. It is well known that they lower their metabolism at this time but does this represent a mechanism for coping with less food or is it merely a consequence of having less to eat? The puzzle has now been solved – at least for the red deer.

Study of skates and sharks questions assumptions about 'essential' genes

Posted: 15 Dec 2011 11:16 AM PST

Biologists have long assumed that all jawed vertebrates possess a full complement of nearly identical genes for critical aspects of their development. But new research shows that elasmobranchs, a subclass of cartilaginous fishes, lack a cluster of genes, HoxC, formerly thought to be essential for proper development.

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