Two stars may collide into a stunning “red nova” in 2022 (or a few months earlier, most probably between September 2021 and September 2022), and for a few weeks become one of the brightest objects in Earth’s night sky, scientists predict. When two stars merge, they increase in brightness 10 thousandfold.
In the last few thousand years, humans have had a powerful impact on Earth. Within a geological blink of an eye, we exploded out of Africa to colonize virtually every inhabitable space on the planet. We dammed the rivers, domesticated animals, deforested many areas, changed the chemistry of the atmosphere and the seas… the list goes on. But, what would happen if humans became extinct in the future?
One may think “humans are so intelligent, so it’s very unlikely that
In the past, there were five major extinction events (a widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth), and a lot of minor ones. Now, we are in the middle of the sixth one, called the “Holocene extinction event”. And the cause is… guess what? Humans.
According to the WWF’s (World Wildlife Fund) new Living Planet Report (2016), now we are in the middle of the biggest mass extinction on Earth, since the dinosaurs, which was around 65 million years ago. And the world is set to lose two-thirds of its wildlife by as close as 2020.
An alligator’s brain weighs only 8 or 9 grams, and it has the size of a walnut, but that
In 2006, Planet Earth, the British television series produced by the BBC Natural History Unit “has changed our view of the world”. It was the first nature documentary series filmed in high definition. The making took five years and it was the most expensive nature documentary series ever commissioned by the BBC. Now, ten years later, in February 2016, the BBC announced a six-part sequel had been commissioned, titled Planet Earth II. In October 2016, BBC released the trailer of Planet Earth II.
What are the fastest land animals? Like all the “biggest”, “fastest”, “largest”, etc. animals lists on the Internet, there is a tendency to overestimate also their top speeds. Even the speed of the world’s fastest land animal, the cheetah’s top speed is usually highly overestimated
The Okavango Delta is a unique pulsing wetland where the 1,600 km (990 mi) long Okavango River reaches a tectonic trough in the middle of the Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana. Each year approximately 11 cubic kilometers of water spread over the 6,000-37,500 km2 area. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as well as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa (see notes 1).
In a striking turn of events, the Sunshine State is dealing with a new, unexpected predator. Nile crocodiles, native to sub-Saharan Africa, have recently been identified in Florida, significantly expanding their known geographical range. This finding not only poses a fresh challenge to local ecology but also raises critical questions about invasive species management. The discovery has sent ripples through the wildlife and conservation communities, leading to a scramble for understanding and action.
Step back in time and delve into the awe-inspiring world of Earth’s largest prehistoric mammals. These colossal creatures, which once roamed the ancient landscapes, captivate our imaginations with their sheer size and extraordinary adaptations. From towering herbivores to formidable carnivores, the fossil record holds evidence of these titans of the past. Unearthed marvels that defy our present-day reality, these magnificent beings offer a glimpse into a bygone era of our planet’s history. Join us on a journey to discover the captivating tales of these ancient giants and unlock the secrets of their remarkable existence.
In the wild, the struggle for survival often hinges upon a carnivore’s ability to capture and overpower its prey. Among the many factors that contribute to their predatory prowess, bite force stands out as a paramount attribute. The intensity and strength of a carnivore’s bite are crucial for immobilizing and subduing prey, breaking through tough hides and shells, and even establishing dominance within their own species. Here are the top 22 most powerful bites in carnivore land mammals.