What is patriotism?
'Right or wrong, our country' is a popular but flawed expression of patriotism; a morally responsible patriot, on the other hand, tries to protect and improve her country’s moral character. Read more
Ruddy copper butterflies are sexually dimorphic for color and color vision
It seems that reproductive success and sexual dimorphisms for dorsal color and for vision are inexorably interdependent in ruddy copper butterflies. Read more
Winter solstice dawn from Flagstaff Mountain amphitheater
My viewing of winter solstice dawn was quiet, but I had the conviction that this sort of observation reached far back into history, all around the world. Read more
A forensic analysis of a dead ponderosa pine
Why did that one tree die? An expert is on the case. Read more
Cattails are on the move in North America
Invasive propensities of the various species are enhanced and more successful in disturbed environments. Consequently, both native and introduced cattails are expanding their ranges. Read more
Late-fall pollination reflects the globally changing climate
My observation that fall temperatures and pollination seemed to last longer this year is anecdotal, but the anecdote seems to fit into a documented pattern of climate change altering the onsets and durations of the seasons. Read more
Humans ignite almost every wildfire that threatens homes
Wildfires are a natural disturbance for these regions, but when combined with climate change and housing growth in the wildland-urban interface, they become larger and more destructive. Read more
With Kamala Harris, Americans yet again have trouble understanding what multiracial means
News that Sen. Kamala Harris was Joe Biden’s choice for the 2020 Democratic vice presidential nominee drove speculation and argumentation about her identity. The big question appeared to be, “Is Kamala Harris truly African American?” Read more
Ancient cancel cultures: The defacement of statues in America replicates a tradition going back millennia
The result of months of protests over racial injustice and monument destruction may seem like a modern form of American political speech. It’s not. Read more
Police car moths have conspicuous color patterns and fly during the day
Wielding all of these defenses, these moths have little to fear from birds or bats... Read more
100 degrees in Siberia? 5 ways the extreme Arctic heat wave follows a disturbing pattern
What is happening in the Arctic is very real and should serve as a warning... Read more
A justification for unrest? Look no further than the Bible and the Founding Fathers
Martin Luther King did not call for violence, but said “peace is not merely the absence of this tension, but the presence of justice" Read more