Apr 14
If you walk alongside a river, you might notice long strands of algae called Cladophora. Marc Peipoch of the Stroud Water Research Center says this type of algae plays an important role in streams. “Other small algae can take use of it and grow on top of the Cladophora or some insects will have some …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/biodiversity/the-wisdom-in-the-adage-everything-in-moderation/
Apr 09
Red-eared sliders are popular pet turtles. But according to Sara Stahlman of Pennsylvania Sea Grant, “People don’t often realize that these turtles can grow to be up to twelve inches, and they can actually live longer than 30 years. So most pet owners just aren’t prepared for that long-term commitment and so what they do …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/biodiversity/one-small-turtle-one-big-reason-not-to-let-it-go/
Mar 30
In some northeastern wetlands, tiny brown butterflies called Bog Coppers feed on wild cranberry flowers. Their habitat requirements are very specific: “You not only need a bog, but you need the host plant, which is cranberry. They rarely move more than just a few meters away from their host plant,” says naturalist Jerry McWilliams. …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/development/butterflies-and-bogs/
Mar 27
Lake Erie has only about two percent of the water in the Great Lakes… But roughly half the fish. “During 40 of the 55 years between 1915 and 1970, Lake Erie produced more fish for human consumption than the other four Great Lakes combined,” says Jeff Reutter, former Director of Ohio Sea Grant. He says Lake …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/agricultural-runoff/so-many-fish-so-little-lake/
Mar 20
Squeaky salamanders that sound like dogs? Yes, they’re a thing—and they could be living at the bottom of a lake or river near you. Listen up: Say hello to the mudpuppy! Actually a splotchy-brown salamander with red feathery gills, this creature is the one of few salamanders that can actually make noise—and its noise is …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/creature-features/mudpuppy-love/
