All posts tagged: Migrations

Flies undertake epic migrations that may be vital for pollination

Flies undertake epic migrations that may be vital for pollination

Published by skeptic

Pied hoverflies migrate to the UK from mainland Europe Will Leo Hawkes Many species of flies migrate for hundreds or thousands of kilometres, often in vast numbers, a review of the evidence shows. These largely overlooked migrations mean flies may play a key role in many ecosystems, in particular by carrying pollen for much longer distances than other pollinators such as bees. This role could be especially important as the world gets hotter, says Will Hawkes at the University of Exeter in the UK, by allowing plants to acquire genetic variants from… Article amended on 3 May 2024 The picture caption was amended to correctly identify the species depicted. Source link

The Irish Migrations That Transformed Britain in the Dark Ages

The Irish Migrations That Transformed Britain in the Dark Ages

Published by skeptic

  SUMMARY Irish migrations during the Dark Ages significantly impacted Britain, with settlers influencing Cornwall and Wales through cultural integration and the introduction of the Ogham script, evidenced by numerous inscriptions. Conflict arose as native leaders like Cunedda Wledig opposed the Irish settlers, driving them from regions in Wales and shaping the early medieval political landscape of the British Isles. The establishment of the Irish kingdom of Dal Riada in Scotland and the friendly Irish kingdom of Brycheiniog highlight the complex interplay of migration, warfare, and alliance during this period.   During the Roman era, Britain experienced a measure of tranquility. Even though there were usurpations and break-away empires at times, the Britons themselves had a relatively stable existence on their island. However, after the Romans left in 409, the Dark Ages began, opening the door to considerable change in Britain. It is widely known that the Anglo-Saxons began migrating en masse to Britain in the fifth century, an event that eventually led to modern England. It is much less well-known that the Dark Ages …