Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

Birds, not wind, brought life to Iceland’s youngest island


When Surtsey erupted from the sea in 1963, it became a living experiment in how life begins anew. Decades later, scientists discovered that the plants colonizing this young island weren’t carried by the wind or floating on ocean currents, but delivered by birds — gulls, geese, and shorebirds serving as winged gardeners. Their findings overturn long-held beliefs about seed dispersal and reveal how deeply interconnected life truly is.

None

Get the Android app

Or read this on ScienceDaily

Read more on:

Photo of Iceland

Iceland

Photo of LIFE

LIFE

Photo of Birds

Birds

Related news:

News photo

Indoor hydroponic gardening improves mental health and quality of life for cancer patients - EurekAlert!

News photo

Biologists Discover Life in One of Earth’s Most Hostile Places

News photo

Mosquitoes infiltrated Iceland. Will they survive the winter?