Beavers, Beetles, Cottonwoods And The Wonders Of Chemistry ("Field Notes," June 23, 2015. Written by Chris Paige; read by Caroline Kurtz.)
In the great stands of old cottonwood trees along prairie rivers, chemical skirmishes are taking place between beavers, cottonwoods, and a certain species of beetle. Beavers gnaw on the trees; the trees fight back with toxic compounds; and the beetles move in to feast on the toxins. But in this apparent conflict, all three species benefit.
