Tardigrades, often called water bears, are microscopic, eight-legged animals famous for their almost superpower-like ability to survive extreme conditions. They can endure complete desiccation, freezing temperatures, and even massive doses of radiation. Most commonly found in mosses and lichens, tardigrades actually inhabit a wide range of environments, across both terrestrial and marine habitats. In this talk, Witold Morek will explore how these remarkable survival abilities evolved and reveal the genetic secrets behind them.
Tag Archives: Biological Recording Company
Unwelcome Guests: How Insect Pests are Impacting Britain’s Forests
Climate change and global trade are driving rising threats to British forests from insect pests, with impacts ranging from reduced timber yields to losses in biodiversity and carbon storage. Drawing on a comprehensive assessment of 56 pest species, this presentation highlights the origins, impacts, and management of both native and non-native pests, identifies tree genera most at risk, and examines the role of trade, climate, and management in shaping outcomes. This talk will highlight several high-impact pests, including large pine weevil and bark beetles and advocate for a systems-level Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to strengthen forest resilience and anticipate future threats.