island, ecology

A study shows that by killing off seabirds on islands, rodents slash the flow of nutrients into the ocean.

In an unusual evolutionary twist, local stick spiders have come up with an almost identical repertoire of color morphs in multiple locations.

The elimination of the biting pests was an added bonus after researchers unleashed a rat-eradication endeavor on the tiny islands.  

Removal of non-native vegetation from an island ecosystem revives pollinator activity and, in turn, native plant growth.