Evolution

Like a champion Casanova in the sky

After migrating thousands of miles from their southern wintering grounds, males of a certain species of shorebird log thousands more…

Biochemistry Biological oceanography Climate Change Ecology Evolution Genetics

Clamate Change: How clams may be able to cope with a warming world

Global temperatures are increasing at a rate never before seen in Earth’s history. Although efforts to mitigate this are still…

Biology Conservation Ecology Evolution Genetics genomics

Ain’t no killing the killifish (for now): on the virtues of genetic diversity

Atlantic killifish are spared extinction in the face of pollution thanks to their remarkable genetic diversity.

Evolution

Swashbuckling spiders sailed the high seas

Long before the Vikings reached North America, a group of coastal spiders was already sailing around the world using prevailing…

Behavior Book Review Coral Ecology Evolution Parasitism Seagrass

Grunts and Gnathiids: One Fish’s Daily Migration to Escape Parasites?

Animals move for a number of reasons. The French grunt leaves the coral reefs at night for seagrass. A group…

Climate Change Coral Ecology Evolution Microbiology Natural History

Speed dating: how finding that special symbiosis saved some coral from climate change

Choosing the right symbiont might be a coral's ticket to cheating global warming.

Climate Change Evolution

Who benefits from more CO2? Harmful algae.

Climate change will produce both winners and losers, but we might not like who ends up winning! New research shows…

Behavior Biology Ecology Evolution Noise

Loud and Order: How reef fish vocalize to keep schools cohesive

Many animals use vocalizations to send signals to their group, but never before has this been documented in fish, until…

Behavior Biological oceanography Biology Book Review Developmental Biology Evolution

Killer whale pods: hunting dynamics

Killer whale pods spend almost all of their time together, with the exception of when they hunt. Why are they…

Biochemistry Biology deep sea Evolution Genetics

Light on the Tree of Life: Evolution of Bioluminescence

The darkness can be scary sometimes--but that's when evolution can get pretty crazy in its adaptations. Meet some of the…

Behavior Biology Book Review deep sea Developmental Biology Ecology Evolution Genetics Physiology

Parenthood: The Most Rewarding Experience or The Ultimate Sacrifice?

Our human parents make a lot of sacrifices for us! They devote their time and energy, provide for us, invest…

Behavior Biology Developmental Biology Ecology Evolution Genetics Sea Turtles

Why Mom Cares.

Does mom care? If you are a skink from the wrong neighborhood she might, otherwise, you are on your own…

Behavior Biology Ecology Evolution Natural History

Fooled Ya! How marine animals stay hidden in plain sight

It’s April Fools’ Day! Today’s the day when you try to prank people, convince them your lies are true, and…

Book Review Ecology Evolution Seagrass

Seagrass Fights Back Against Grazing!

If you were a plant, like seagrass, how would you prevent other creatures from eating you? Do you even try?…

Coral Evolution Geology Ocean Exploration

Happy Birthday Charles Darwin

207 years ago, a renowned naturalist and geologist was born; Charles Darwin. Today OceanBites is honoring Charles Darwin and his…

Biology Conservation Evolution Fisheries Natural History

Sea of Love: Hermaphroditic fishes

Finding a date on Valentine’s Day can be hard! Whether you are single or in a relationship, we are trying…

Ecology Evolution

Sea of Love: The Fascinating Story of Sexual Parasitism

When they think of deep sea fish, most people think of that crazy fish from Finding Nemo with the big…

Biology Evolution Natural History

How to See Through a Shell

You may never have heard of this funny little ocean creature, but the chiton is pretty incredible. Why? It has…

Biology Book Review Ecology Evolution

Cuttlefish “freeze-out” their predators

Cephalopods such as cuttlefish are known to use camouflage behavior to avoid being eaten. Sharks are able to find disguised…

Ecology Evolution Human impacts Invasive Species

Death by evolution: how a hapless adaptation aided in the untimely demise of a Lake Victorian fish

Scientists have demonstrated that a human-induced extinction of a tropical lake fish was unwittingly assisted by a millions year old…