Ants that are infected by a certain fungus climb plants, clamp onto a leaf, and die — allowing the fungus to sporulate.

Sharks have existed longer than trees.

Some trees can communicate with each other using underground fungal networks.

The United States has lost half its wetlands since European settlement — reducing flood protection and wildlife habitat.

The crash of a thunderclap is a sonic boom — the superheated air expands faster than sound.

Some plants like the telegraph plant move their leaves visibly in response to light — observable without time-lapse.

A bolt of lightning is only about as wide as a thumb — the bright flash makes it appear much wider.

Mangrove trees can desalinate seawater — their roots filter out up to 90% of salt.

The tallest tree in the world, Hyperion (a coast redwood), stands 115.9 meters tall in California.