Informing America, One Click at a Time
Amwoga Khalwale Terracing is an agricultural practice that involves creating flat, stepped areas on sloped land to reduce soil erosion and manage water flow. These terraces resemble a series of steps carved into a hillside, allowing farmers to cultivate on terrain that would otherwise be too steep for effective farming. By slowing down the flow of water … Read more
A computer is an electronic device that processes data and performs tasks according to a set of instructions called a program. It can store, retrieve, and manipulate information, making it useful for everything from simple calculations to complex simulations. Computers consist of hardware (the physical components) and software (the programs and operating systems), working together … Read more
Soil Erotion Soil erosion is the process by which the top layer of soil is removed from the land surface by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice, or through human activity. This topsoil is the most fertile layer, rich in organic matter and essential nutrients for plant growth. When it is lost, the … Read more
Hazelnut trees belong to the genus Corylus, which is part of the birch family, Betulaceae. The genus includes both shrubs and small trees, and about 15 recognized species exist globally. These plants are deciduous and typically grow in temperate regions, known for their characteristic rounded, serrated leaves, drooping catkins, and edible nuts. Hazelnuts are also … Read more
Cottonwood trees belong to the genus Populus, within the Salicaceae or willow family. They are closely related to aspens and poplars, sharing similar features like fast growth, broad leaves, and wind-dispersed seeds. The three main cottonwood species are Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), and Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), each native to different … Read more
Raccoons belong to the family Procyonidae and the genus Procyon, within the order Carnivora. Despite being classified as carnivores, raccoons are omnivorous and highly opportunistic feeders. Their closest relatives include coatis, kinkajous, olingos, and ringtails, all members of the same family. The most widespread species is the common raccoon (Procyon lotor), though several subspecies and … Read more
Jacaranda trees belong to the genus Jacaranda in the family Bignoniaceae, which also includes other flowering trees and vines. The most well-known species, Jacaranda mimosifolia, is a deciduous or semi-evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. Botanically, jacarandas are classified as angiosperms—flowering plants with seeds enclosed in fruits. Their fern-like compound leaves … Read more
Jellyfish are classified under the phylum Cnidaria, a group that also includes corals, sea anemones, and hydroids. Within this phylum, most jellyfish belong to the class Scyphozoa, which includes the so-called “true jellyfish.” Other jellyfish-like creatures fall under classes such as Cubozoa (box jellyfish) and Hydrozoa, but all share a similar body structure and possess … Read more
Kale belongs to the species Brassica oleracea, within the Brassicaceae family, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. It falls under the Acephala group, meaning “without a head,” distinguishing it from cabbages that form tight leaf heads. Botanically, kale is a leafy biennial grown as an annual, and it is known for its … Read more
Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in certain plants, particularly those in the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. Chemically, it acts as a stimulant and is well known for its presence in tobacco (Nicotiana species), where it contributes to the addictive properties of smoking and chewing products. In plants, nicotine functions as a natural defense mechanism. … Read more