Biodiversity

An international team of scientists has documented nearly 800 species, many previously unknown, living nearly 4,000 meters below the Pacific Ocean's surface. Their five-year study in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone also tested the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, finding significant local reductions in animal numbers and diversity. The findings, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, provide crucial data for regulating future extraction of critical metals.

29 Mwezi wa kwanza, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

A rare desert plant known as the threecorner milkvetch has flourished at the Gemini Solar Project near Las Vegas, Nevada, following construction that preserved the local ecosystem. Scientists observed a significant increase in the plant's population, attributing it to the shading effect of solar panels that reduces soil evaporation. This success highlights potential benefits of ecovoltaics in minimizing environmental disruption from renewable energy developments.

A new study reveals that some ant species achieve evolutionary success by investing less in individual worker protection, allowing for larger colonies. Published on December 19, 2025, in Science Advances, the research analyzed over 500 ant species and links thinner cuticles to bigger societies and higher diversification rates. This strategy echoes broader patterns in social evolution, from insects to potentially human parallels.

19 Mwezi wa kumi na mbili, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers at the American Museum of Natural History have announced the discovery of more than 70 new species this year, spanning dinosaurs, mammals, insects, and even a novel mineral. Many of these finds emerged from reexaminations of long-held museum specimens, highlighting the untapped potential of natural history collections. The discoveries underscore the ongoing richness of Earth's biodiversity amid modern technological advances.