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Showing posts from August, 2020

Endangered Tiger Population Continues Growing Streak

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An enthusiast of the natural world, Westbury, New York, resident Valerie Varnuska enjoys walking outdoors, observing the stars, and learning about scientific discoveries. Valerie Varnuska possesses an interest in several areas of science, including conservation. To preserve biodiversity, conservationists have put out a call to action for governments around the world to implement policies that protect threatened and endangered species. Initiatives put in place in nations across Asia have resulted in the successful comeback of several tiger species. When conservation efforts were first enacted in 2010, the wild tiger population in Asia dwindled to less than two dozen in some regions. Thirteen countries, including India, Nepal, and China, pledged to double the number of tigers by 2022. As of 2020, the tiger population grew from 3,200 to 3,900. The rise is attributed to an increased focus on preserving the tiger’s natural habitat. India alone has established more than 40 reserves since 197

Findings Show Ancient Primates Crossed the Atlantic

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In addition to her interests in volunteer work, travel, and new recipes, Valerie Varnuska of Westbury, New York, maintains an interest in diverse scientific topics. Valerie Varnuska is especially fascinated by the fields of astronomy and paleontology. After the discovery of ancient monkey teeth in Peru in 2015, paleontologists have hypothesized that these small primates   traveled from Africa to South America on large, floating landmasses that broke away from the mainland more than 30 million years ago. For many years, it was believed that this migration occurred only once. However, molars from a different but contemporary primate species were unearthed in 2020. This evidence suggests that two separate groups of monkeys made their way across the Atlantic Ocean. Scientists believe that the monkeys were able to make the perilous journey because of their small size. The primates sustained themselves on the limited food and water on the landmass until they reached the new continent. After