Ecology Topics

Dancing Preys, Dancing Predators

Recently, a friend of mine embarked on an excursion through the mountains of Northern Italy, capturing the essence of wilderness through a snapshot of wolf paw imprints in the snow. As I examined the photo, an echo from the past reverberated—a conversation with an old man fifteen years ago, who mused with a knowing smile: Read more
Are men worse than radioactivity?

The recent news reporting the Japanese government’s controversial decision to release, into the Pacific Ocean, treated water from the nuclear plant of Fukushima has sparked concerns and protests worldwide. In an era where nuclear bombs and nuclear power plants accidents have left indelible scars on our collective memory, it’s no surprise that any discussion of Read more
The Dance of Nature: understanding mechanisms driving ecological successions

Nature has an uncanny way of finding balance, and nowhere is this delicate dance more apparent than in the intricate choreography of ecological succession. As ecosystems evolve and transform over time, species jostle for dominance, competing for resources and space. Yet, there exists a nuanced interplay between different mechanisms that include competition, facilitation, interactions with Read more
Exploring Ecological Succession: FOUNDERS AND DOMINATORS

Have you ever observed what happens when a new product appears on the market? Take as an example a hypothetical new type of herbal tea. Let’s say a company starts producing tropical fruit herbal teas, suitable for the summer period: it is quite likely that when they first appear in supermarkets they will be placed Read more
Book review: “The Vine” by Adria L. Dunn

I recently had the chance to delve into a captivating book that delves into the universal theme of hope entitled “The Vine: messages of hope from around the world”, by Adria L. Dunn. The book is an inspiring compilation of 45 letters penned during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic, offering diverse perspectives that Read more
Ecological succession: Nature’s ever changing story

At a distance of 14 km from my home, there is this old river which serenely flows, meandering back and forth toward the sea. In one of the curves of these meanders, a tree fell down eight years ago. I remember even the day that tree fell: it happened during a violent storm, the same Read more