By Richard D. Bardgett | August 1, 2011
As the planet warms plant growth will likely increase—locking up some of that extra carbon dioxide by converting it into vegetative biomass—but that’s not the whole story. In addition to direct effects of rising temperatures and altered rainfall, more carbon will also flow through trees down to and out of their roots, altering the activities of complex soil communities. A robust understanding of the dynamics of soil microbial and animal communities has only recently emerged, and some studies posit that soil communities may release more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, creating a positive feedback loop that worsens warming.
By Sabrina Richards
Almost 10 percent of mammals in the Western Hemisphere won’t be able to shift their territories in time to avoid the consequences of climate change.
By Sabrina Richards
Orange-loving Trinidad guppies are curiously attracted to orange spots on prawn pincers, which may make it easier for the predators to snatch them up.
