Animals may use holes for temporary shelter, to bear young or to live in year-round. View full text of this story. It's a combination of organic and inorganic material that comes in a variety of colors and textures. Soil supports plant life and shelters numerous underground animals. Things live, die, rot and change form among its depths.
Soil hides surprising secrets, from trash to fossils.
View full text of this story. For example, a fallen log may signal the death of a tree, but it creates a whole new world for creatures seeking food and shelter on the ground. When outdoors, it's worthwhile to take the time to study the landscape on smaller scale such as the rotting oak log featured in this issue for signs of activity that might otherwise be overlooked. View full text of this story.