Ecologists have long known of buckthorn’s ability to push out native plants, but two new studies from Chicago scientists suggest the woody shrub also changes the distribution of large mammals like coyotes, and even causes spinal defects in unborn frogs.
Thanks to an aggressive perennial plant initiative that has tied up lakefront soil with native plant roots, many areas of the Botanic Garden weathered the storm with ease.
Efforts to restore oak savannas in the suburban ring around Chicago are growing, but ecologists are encountering some unexpected issues. Holding back the mighty oak could be lowly rodents.
City life is stressful for animals, too, but some respond better than others. Some Chicago scientists say human influence could be accelerating the pace of evolution.
Charles Darwin ushered in modern biology with his explanation of how different species evolve. But his work leaves us with a paradox: Why should dozens or even thousands of species coexist in a single habitat? The theory suggests they ought to duke it out until just a few winners dominate.
A Chicago researcher says he’s found insight into how ecosystems work from what may be the world’s most basic game: rock, paper, scissors. Stefano Allesina says there’s long been a paradox in ecology.
