What is a stromatolite? A stromatolite is produced by cyanobacteria. The distinctive layers are produced as calcium carbonate is precipitated over the growing mat of bacterial filaments. Photosynthesis in the bacteria depletes carbon dioxide in the surrounding water and makes it less acidic thus initiating the precipitation of the calcium carbonate. The minerals, along with … [Read more...] about Giant Stromatolites of Capitol Reef National Park
environmental history
For years, the Vatican referred to capybaras as “fish”
What does this mean for Venezuelans enjoying the rodent as a ‘meat-free’ dish? A giant rodent originally from South America, the Capybara, is the most oversized living of its kind. With a heavy, barrel-shaped body and, short head, reddish-brown fur on the upper part of its body, the capybara was categorized as "fish" by the Vatican for years. Capybaras are great swimmers … [Read more...] about For years, the Vatican referred to capybaras as “fish”