Natural Sciences on ZME Science

Pterodactylus: "Winged Finger"

Pterodactylus, the first identified pterosaur, reshaped our view of prehistoric flight and Mesozoic ecosystems.

Pteranodon: "Toothless Wing"

Pteranodon were not only among the largest pterosaurs, but also one of the largest flying animals ever.

Pachycephalosaurus: "Thick-Headed Lizard"

Like humans, this dinosaur's thick skull was supposedly only for showing off.

How to collect rocks -- the comprehensive guide for the amateur geologist

Collecting rocks is one of the best hobbies to connect you with nature.

Ankylosaurus: "Fused Lizard"

Fossil records speak of one that could deter the Tyrannosaurus. If the Rex was an unstoppable force, this dinosaur is the immovable object.

Iguanodon: "Iguana Tooth"

Early paleontologists seriously thought it looked like a rhinoceros iguana.

Can peacocks fly? A look at nature's trade-offs

Most birds, by design, are built to fly. Peacocks, on the other hand, are not.

Gypsum: mineral characteristics, properties, uses

Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O). It is renowned for its wide use in the manufacturing of plaster, drywall, and fertilizers. The mineral forms in geological time from the evaporation of water (it’s an evaporite mineral) and as a hydration product of anhydrite. It’s a versatile and widespread mineral, […]

Pressure in geology: How pressure plays a key role in rock formation

Rocks aren't simple, inert objects. They are dynamic, moving from one structure to another, holding inside them clues of processes that transformed them -- including pressure.

What are crystals? What the science says

Healing crystal? Na. Geology is interesting enough without making things up.

The role of temperature in forming rocks

Without temperature, there is no geology.

Ceratosaurus: "Horned Lizard"

You've heard of the mighty Tricerotops, but here's another three-horned dino you should definitely know.

What's the difference between rocks and minerals

The primary difference between rocks and minerals lies in their composition and formation.

How bumblebees beat honeybees at the pollination game and other buzzing facts

Bumblebees excel in buzz pollination, vibrating flowers to release more pollen than any other bee, showcasing their superior pollinating abilities.

Argentinosaurus: "Argentina Lizard"

A brief explainer for an ABSOLUTELY HUMONGOUS titanosaur. Let's take a look at what is believed to be the largest land animal ever.

The Sword-billed hummingbird: The only bird with a beak longer than its body

This bird evolved a sword...to avoid a fight.

Diplodocus: The long-necked iconic dinosaur of the Jurassic

A short explainer for a looong dinosaur. Let's take a look at one of the most iconic Jurassic sauropods.

What white crocodiles can teach us about albino animals

Albino crocodiles are extremely rare -- and for a very good reason.

Do all snakes lay eggs? It's complicated

A third of all snakes don't actually lay eggs.

The 10 Smallest Dinosaurs to Ever Walk the Earth

Usually, the word dinosaur hints at an immense and vicious creature. Well, that's not always the case...

Giganotosaurus: The Largest Carnivorous Dinosaur

Giganotosaurus was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs, reshaping our understanding of prehistoric predators.

Carnotaurus: "The Meat Eating Bull"

Carnotaurus, known as the 'meat-eating bull' is unique for its distinctive horns, well-preserved skin, and swift speed.

The 10 Largest Dinosaurs to Ever Walk the Earth

A rundown of the most impressive dinosaur titans.

Hematite: mineral characteristics, properties, uses

Hematite forms through various geological processes and is even found on Mars.

10 Cretaceous Dinosaurs You Should Know

Welcome to Cretaceous Park! Doesn't really roll off the tongue...

Pyrite: mineral characteristics, properties, uses

The object of desire of many fools, pyrite is one of the most fascinating minerals.

10 Jurassic Dinosaurs You Should Know

The Jurassic period saw dinosaurs such as Allosaurus and Apatosaurus rise to prominence.

Brachiosaurus: 'The Arm Lizard'

In an era of prehistoric giants, the Brachiosaurus stands out as a fan favorite from the Late Jurassic epoch.

10 Triassic Dinosaurs You Should Know

The Triassic period saw the emergence of early dinosaurs, from the agile Coelophysis to the towering Plateosaurus, marking a crucial evolutionary milestone.

Where our salt comes from -- a dive into the spectacular and harsh world of salt extraction

Salt is a rock that humans have used for millennia. It can be extracted in several ways and used in several ways. Here's how.

Herrerasaurus: "Herrera's Lizard"

Paleontologists initially thought it wasn't even a dinosaur.

Apatosaurus: The Deceptive Lizard

Apatosaurus is one of the most controversial and debated sauropods ever discovered.

Volcanoes on other planets -- Venus' Maat Mons, Earth's Karymsky, Mars' Olympus Mons, Io, and Enceladus

Ever wondered what volcanoes on other worlds look like? Well, look no further! Volcanoes have always captivated humanity, but their allure extends far beyond Earth. In fact, other words have volcanoes as imposing as Earth’s — or even more so. From planets like Venus and Mars to the surprising eruptions on moons like Io and […]

Feldspar minerals: properties, types, uses

Feldspars are the most abundant class of minerals in the Earth's crust.

The Mica minerals: geology, characteristics, types, and uses

Mica is a generic term for a group of complex potassium-aluminum silicate minerals.

How igneous rocks form

Igneous rocks, born from the fiery heart of our planet, crystallize from molten magma.

How sedimentary rocks form

Sedimentary rocks are formed through a fascinating process where layers of material are compacted and cemented over millions of years.

How metamorphic rocks form

Metamorphism is an extremely important geological process.

What's the difference between weathering and erosion?

Exploring the slow yet relentless forces that sculpt our planet.

Calcite geology: mineral properties, crystal structure, uses

Calcite is a common mineral and the principal constituent of limestone and marble.

The main types of minerals and their importance in geology

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid substance with a specific chemical composition and a defined crystalline structure. Unlike rocks, which can be aggregates of different minerals, each mineral is composed of the same material throughout. Essentially, minerals are composed of the same substance throughout and have a specific internal arrangement of atoms, rocks […]