For millions of years, male great bowerbirds have wooed their mates with flowers and seeds. But in today’s urban world, such humble fare may not cut it.

Light pollution prompts plants to shed pollen longer and stronger, according to new research.

© Amir Hamja for The New York Times

Light pollution prompts plants to shed pollen longer and stronger, according to new research.

Severe, hard-to-control blazes in densely populated areas like Los Angeles drove the year’s record losses.

Severe, hard-to-control blazes in densely populated areas like Los Angeles drove the year’s record losses.

© Loren Elliott for The New York Times