Sharks existed before trees.

A pyrocumulus cloud can form above large wildfires — the heat creates its own thunderstorm that can produce dry lightning.

Ball lightning is a poorly understood phenomenon — glowing spheres that float through walls have been documented by thousands of witnesses.

The Year Without a Summer in 1816 followed a massive volcanic eruption.

Carbon sequestration by trees depends heavily on species, age, and climate — old-growth forests store more carbon than plantations.

A single lightning bolt contains about one billion joules of energy but lasts only a fraction of a second.

The kinkajou uses its 13 cm tongue to reach nectar in flowers — acting as an accidental pollinator.

Wildfires release stored carbon instantly — forests can take centuries to recover that carbon sequestration capacity.

Certain plants have waxy leaves to reduce water loss.