Leah Markum
Stories by Leah Markum
How are Igneous Rocks Formed? Unravel the Fiery Origins of Earth’s Building Blocks
Igneous rocks form from magma cooling between 1,100-2,400 degrees Fahrenheit; extrusive types harden on surfaces while intrusive types cool underground.
Nature’s Hidden Gems: A Deep Dive into Mushroom Identification
Identify mushrooms by examining caps, stems, gills, spore prints, color changes, and comparing with field guides.
What is Schist? Exploring the Formation, Uses, and Types of This Unique Rock
Explore schist, a metamorphic rock with flat layers, used in construction, jewelry, and historical buildings; formed in mountain-building subduction zones.
All About The 7 Stunning Woodpeckers in Tennessee + ID Guide and Photos
Seven woodpecker species inhabit Tennessee's forests, with reinforced three-layer skulls and zygodactyl feet adapted for gripping trees at any angle while drumming.
30+ Types of Amphibians: Identification Guide with Pictures + Facts
Amphibians are cold-blooded vertebrates with bare, moist skin that spend youth in water and adulthood on land. Over 8,000 species exist worldwide.
27+ Types of Spiders in Arkansas: ID Guide, Chart and Photos
Arkansas' 27 spider species include brown recluses and black widows; most are predators that control pests and avoid humans.
What Do Wild Rabbits Eat? A Diet of the Obvious and the Odd
Wild rabbits eat grasses, herbs, roots, seeds, bark, flowers, and fruits, with diet varying seasonally by habitat and plant availability.
18 Different Types of Wasps: A Guide to Their Diversity + Chart and Photos
Explore 18 wasp superfamilies with one representative family each. Learn how these diverse insects hunt, parasitize, and survive.
10 Best National Parks in Arizona for Hikers and Nature Lovers
Ten Arizona parks offer diverse landscapes from the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest to saguaro cacti and volcanic peaks.
