What is divergent evolution?
In the intricate web of life, the phenomenon of divergent evolution stands as a testament to nature's boundless creativity and adaptability. Here's why.
What is an exoskeleton?
These marvels of evolutionary engineering, crafted by millions of years of adaptation, serve as both armour and architecture for a vast array of creatures across the globe.
Spellbinding photo of baby octopus celebrated in LCE Photographer of the Year 2024
A breathtaking image of an octopus larvae, a musing orangutan and an acrobatic long-tongued bat awarded prizes in the London Camera Exchange's inaugural photography competition.
How nature can help us in creating a greener future
Nature is providing solutions to the climate crisis — but we need to do what we can to help
What’s the difference between hair and fur?
One of our favourite questions, and the answer might surprise you!
“This place was just crazy rich with dinosaur footprints”. Scientists buzzing after huge prehistoric discovery in Alaska
A team of researchers have found a large group of dinosaur tracks, fossilised plants and tree stumps in north-west Alaska, offering new insights into climate and animal movement 100 million years ago.
Barnacle-covered football takes top prize in British Wildlife Photography Awards 2024
A thought-provoking image of a football covered in invasive goose barnacles has won this year's British Wildlife Photography Awards.
What's the oldest tree in the world?
There is some debate surrounding the world's oldest tree. Here's why
Can hippos breathe underwater?
How exactly have these notoriously aggessive animals evolved to function under the water?
Mantis shrimp have the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom. Here’s why
We reveal a fascinating insight into evolution's optical wonders
Birds
What is a chicken wishbone?
Just how useful is a wishbone to a chicken? Find out with our expert guide
“How worried should I be?” A quest through Australia's rainforest in search of the world's most dangerous bird
Deep in the heart of a rainforest in Queensland, Stuart Portugal's childhood dream of encountering a cassowary in the wild could become a reality. But despite being one of the world’s tallest species of bird, catching a glimpse of this elusive creature is easier said than done.
Songbird slaughter: Almost half a million birds trapped and killed by gangs in Cyprus
Progress to reduce the number of birds illegally killed on the island is at risk if support to tackle criminal gangs isn't maintained, says report.
Why don't woodpeckers get concussions?
What prevents a woodpecker from experiencing brain damage when relentlessly hammering into a tree?
Gannet and great skua among UK seabirds devastated by avian flu, finds new report
The impact of bird flu that ripped through the UK's seabird colonies is worse than feared, according to a new RSPB report. But the banning of industrial sandeel fishing offers hope for the long-term future of some threatened species.
Raptors in freefall: Birds of prey experiencing population collapse across Africa
Rampant development and climate changes are leading to raptors all but disappearing from large areas of the continent, according to new research.
How to identify wildlife
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How to identify wildlife paths and beds
Tall vegetation in midsummer makes it easy to spot the regular paths that wild animals take - and where they rested.
How to identify mammal bones on the seashore
Mammal expert Steve Harris discusses which mammal bones you might find washed ashore, and how to identify them.
How to identify baby birds
Identify common baby birds with this handy chart
Roe deer guide: what they eat, how big they are and how to age a roe deer by their antlers
Learn all about the roe deer, Britain's most widespread deer
Heron vs egret: what's the difference between these two leggy, long-necked, elegant birds?
Know your herons from your egrets? Tom Hibbert from The Wildlife Trusts takes a look at some of the differences…
Plants
Weirdest plants in the world: Discover some of the world's wackiest flora
Meet some of the weirdest and oddest plants on the planet
What's the fastest growing plant?
Did you know the fastest growing plant in the world can grow nearly a metre a day?
A tree that grows underground and a volcano-dwelling orchid. Discover 10 weird and wonderful plants and fungi new to science
Kew scientists pick 10 of their favourite plants and fungi named in 2023, with highlights including two new species of tree that grow underground, an orchid found on a volcano and three species of Antarctic fungi.
What's the tallest tree in the world?
Did you know the tallest tree species in the world can grow to more than 100 metres? Learn all about them