Fairy circles have puzzled scientists for decades. But new research hopes to reveal insights into their mysterious origin.
The drylands of Namibia and Australia are home to some peculiar formations. Mysterious ring-like patterns of vegetation surround barren patches of soil, but no one knows why.
"There are many hypotheses regarding the formation of fairy circles, for example, they are described as a consequence of the self-organization of vegetation," Emilio Guirado, from the University of Alicante in Spain, told"Social insects such as termites, which build their nests at certain distances from each other, are also hypothesized to form fairy circles. Another hypothesis focuses on toxic latex from Euphorbia, a genus of succulent plants," Guirado said.
Photo of fairy circles in Western Namibia. These sandy formations have puzzled scientists for decades.It took a month before the model produced its first results, but Guirado said it was well worth the wait:"When we saw that there were hundreds of undescribed sites in areas never studied before we were very happy and excited about the find."Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Viking Trade Routes Reached Over Hundreds of Miles to The Arctic, Study FindsThe Vikings were notorious raiders, but they were traders too, establishing vast trade routes that flourished from the 8th to 11th centuries.
Read more »
Rite Aid plans to close hundreds of stores as part of bankruptcy, reports sayDrug store chain Rite Aid is negotiating with creditors over a bankruptcy plan.
Read more »
Rite Aid plans to close hundreds of stores, according to Wall Street Journal reportRite Aid, which is now based in Philadelphia, has nearly 2,100 stores nationwide.
Read more »
Senate confirms chairman of joint chiefs as GOP senator still blocking hundreds of military nomineesThe Senate has confirmed Gen. CQ Brown as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, putting him in place to succeed Gen. Mark Milley when he retires at the end of the month.
Read more »