🐜 Insect about to go extinct because of chocolate, ancient irrigation network in Mesopotamia, a laundry basket in the Mariana Trench

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Our love for chocolate is causing a tiny, silent crisis. It could mean the end of a giant beetle, one of the largest on Earth.

An ecologist stated that 80% of this population has been decimated due to habitat destruction. The main culprit is cocoa farming, as West Africa contributes over 70% of the world’s chocolate supply, always in high demand.

With the demand continuing to skyrocket, swaths of forests have been cleared, destroying this special beetle's natural habitat. Let's take a closer look at this Must-Read.

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MUST-READ

🐜 World’s largest insect faces extinction due to humans’ chocolate demand

Known for its impressive size and iridescent shell, the Goliath beetle got its name from being the giant of the beetle family. They once thrived in dense rainforests that have cleared to support the cocoa industry.

It can grow up to 4.3 inches long. They play a crucial role in nature as their larvae feed on plant waste and sometimes even scavenge on meat. Scientists even measure environmental health by this beetle, so the ecosystem is under stress.

But the cocoa industry isn’t the only culprit. So is our human fascination with collecting rare insects.

🧑🏽‍🌾 Mesopotamian irrigation system discovered, sheds light on early farming practices

A sprawling, hidden network of ancient irrigation canals has been uncovered near the ancient city of Eridu in southern Mesopotamia.

The water management system dates back before the first millennium BCE. Previously, the knowledge of ancient agricultural practices was only found in cuneiform texts. Crops flourished on either side of the river thanks to the methods employed.

This discovery provides an exceptionally clear window into the lives of Mesopotamian farmers.

🌊 World’s deepest ocean trench yields 7,000 never-seen-before species

A Chinese deep-sea expedition to the Mariana Trench uncovered an astonishing array of life forms thriving in the deepest (and most pressure-intensive) depths.

A new paper in Cell describes the bioluminescent creatures glowing in the dark. Upon reaching the sea floor, lights revealed a vibrant array of plankton. But that’s not all: they also found plastic bags, soda cans, and even a laundry basket in the trench.

However, deep-sea microbes appear to be able to break down some of these pollutants, which could inspire potential biotechnological solutions.

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