Derek de Witt

While previous examples of threatened species had suffered declines due to habitat loss, others have been subjected to direct human exploitation. In particular, the Atlantic cod has shaped the history of North America and Europe for centuries.

Carnivorous plants supplement their nutrient intake by capturing and digesting small animals. However, their habitat requirements are highly specialized and can be vulnerable to habitat loss.

An interesting fungus, with a funny name and a unique set of habitat requirements, is the first species on our journey about endangered species. It suffers from habitat loss and local extirpation, but its population decline is not severe enough to be considered threatened yet.

Sometimes, we don't know enough about a species to be able to categorize its threat of extinction. But why? Reasons can vary, but usually have to do with the difficulties of studying smaller, well-camouflaged organisms.

There are species on the brink of extinction, at risk of no longer existing. This series will focus on the smaller on more easily forgotten species under threat and give them a little time to shine.

Did you know that vampires live among us? They do, though not supernatural ones like Count Orlok pictured here. Instead, there are a number of real-life bloodsuckers that have filled a unique parasitic niche.

Some parasites, rather than taking the host's nutrients, will steal their effort and work instead. In particular, a number of species have devised methods for getting others to provide parental care for their offspring.

Larger parasites can't always survive inside the body of the host, so they must remain on the outside. Sometimes, what they extract from their host, like blood, also influences this.

Natural selection feedback loops can occur when both organisms benefit in a symbiotic relationship, but they also exist when one species harms another. Thus, parasitic relationships are numerous and varied, including those the exist entirely within the host's body.

Sometimes a symbiotic relationship can be as simple as one species following around another for an easy meal. The behavior of one can stir up the prey of another, allowing them to eat without as much effort.