Natural History Archive

RSS

96-million-year-old fossil pollen sheds light on early pollinators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The collapse of honeybee colonies across North America is focusing attention on the honeybees’ vital role in the survival of agricultural crops, and a new study by University of Florida and Indiana University Southeast researchers shows insect pollinators have likely played a key role in the evolution and success of flowering plants for nearly 100 million years.

Filed under Natural History, Research, Sciences on Thursday, December 20, 2007.

Fossils excavated from Bahamian blue hole may give clues of early life

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Long before tourists arrived in the Bahamas, ancient visitors took up residence in this archipelago off Florida’s coast and left remains offering stark evidence that the arrival of humans can permanently change — and eliminate — life on what had been isolated islands, says a University of Florida researcher.

Filed under Environment, Natural History, Research, Sciences on Monday, December 3, 2007.