Does cloning create identical copies?

EMBRYOS ARE MADE OF STEM CELLS that divide to give rise to different types of cells, everything from skin to brain cells. Scientists once thought that reproductive cloning creating a genetically identical copy of an individual organism - would be impossible without using stem cells and that the path leading to mature 'differentiated' cells was irreversible. But clawed frogs proved them wrong...

Tool-using animals

Our pick of 10 species that exhibit this special skill

Mission Blue

Sylvia Earle has dedicated her life to marine conservation; she tells BBC Wildlife why protecting the ocean is essential to all life on earth

RESHARK

The world's first shark rewilding initiative has seen zebra sharks released in the waters of Indonesia's Raja Ampat archipelago

ON DECK

Ferries aren't just for transport, they're also perfect vessels for conservation

IT'S A COLOURFUL LIFE

Delve into the unique and complex biology of the clownfish, arguably the world's most famous fish

BAHAMAS BENEATH

A dive into the waters of this famous island nation with the creatures that call it home

"To save the reef, we need everybody involved"

Indigenous peoples may hold the key to protecting the Great Barrier Reef

SPINNING AROUND

Going around in circles proves fruitful for this filter-feeder

BLINDED BY THE LIGHT

On balmy evenings, amorous beetles put on a spellbinding show in North American forests

MARK CARWARDINE

\"Any environmental campaigner who does protest risks imprisonment\"

Reprieve for raptors on Scottish moors

It is hoped that a new law regulating the grouse-shooting industry will tackle raptor persecution

Triassic titan identified

Remains of a prehistoric marine reptile found in Somerset are identified as a new giant ichthyosaur

GILLIAN BURKE

\"Is damaging habitats to fuel the green transition justified?\"

Lionfish invade the Mediterranean Sea

As the predator continues to expand its global range, concern grows over its impact on local ecosystems

Sperm whales poo on attacking orcas

Marine biologists are left scratching their heads after the ocean giants appear to use faeces to foil predatory orcas

Blowin' in the wind

Seek out cottongrass on high ground

Australian cheetah released in Africa

A captive-born cub from Sydney will help boost the genetic diversity of wild populations

Springwatch

The seasonal spectacular returns to BBC Two

Grub's up

It's a full-time job keeping young songbirds fed at this time of year

Flightless birds

Our pick of 10 curious birds that have lost the ability to fly

ALL YOU EVER NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT THE Shoebill

THIS PREHISTORIC-LOOKING BIRD IS affectionately known by some as 'king of the marshes' as it is huge (up to 1.5m tall with a 2.4m wingspan) and resides in the freshwater marshes and swamps of East Africa.

Slime: protector, lubricant and glue

GOO, GUNGE, GUNK... WHILE THERE are many names for the stuff that makes things slippery or sticky, slime isn't a single material but a label for a variety of substances with similar physical properties. Those qualities are desirable to many living things, which is why slime is made by such a wide range of organisms.

How do parrots learn to swear?

THERE ARE FEW THINGS AS GLORIOUSLY entertaining as the effing and blinding of a potty-mouthed parrot.

Why are walruses so chubby?

AS A GENERAL RULE, TERRESTRIAL mammals are furry, while aquatic ones are fat. It doesn't work across the board: sea otters rarely leave the water but have the densest fur of any mammal.

What is the lotus effect?

WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF WATCHING the clock on the wall of a dentist's waiting room, you can always pass a bit of time with a rummage through the bowl of fragrant botanical wonders next to the leaflets about expensive cosmetic work.

Are there any plants in Antarctica?

CONTINENTS DON'T COME ANY MORE inhospitable than Antarctica, where life must contend with the longest, darkest, coldest winters and a year-round blanket of snow and ice.

LANDLORD OF THE WILD

The humble aardvark is seldom praised for its work digging out homes for other animals

CRACK DOWN

As the new Amazon drama Poacher hits our screens, we take a look at the fight to end ivory poaching in India

Wild words

Spending time observing and writing about the natural world can be transformational