How does moonlight affect life on Earth?

Animal life and agriculture are heavily influenced by moonlight

Moon

Edited and resized image by Benjamin Voros is available on Unsplash

Here on Earth, thanks to the gravitational force of the moon, we have incredible phenomena, such as the tides. But what about moonlight, how does it affect us? Light reflected from the moon has effects on life on Earth... But it can be more surprising than a wolf's howl.

The behavior of the moon and animals

Moon

Some animals, especially nocturnal species, have adapted their hunting and mating activities to moonlight. They simply see better at night or are helped by moonlight. In contrast, smaller animals know they are at risk from lighting, so they hide when the moon is bright. And just as moonlight can influence predator/prey schedules, it can also change some mating behaviors.

For example, certain species of badgers mark their territories more frequently during the new moon - during the full moon period, the habit occurs much less. One possible explanation for the difference is that badger mating rituals are lengthy, so mating in the glow of a full moon would put mating badgers in danger. As a result, these badgers are calmer during bright nights and are more active throughout the other phases of the moon.

Many coral species are born at or near the full moon period. Other factors, such as weather and water temperature, also influence their spawning, but the event always occurs close to the full moon.

Ball garden armadillos dig larger holes during the full moon period. One explanation is the increased prey activity when the moon lights up the night sky, causing more risks for armadillos that don't hide well.

Certain species of owl become more active during the full moon, in their mating calls and showing their feathers to potential mates. Owl feathers may be more visible in the light of a brighter moon.

the moon and agriculture

Recently, it was discovered that the plant Feminine Ephedra it only puts out a sugary residue to attract pollinators during the full moon in July. Research still needs to understand exactly how the plant "knows" how to follow the lunar cycle. However, there is disagreement among scientists that shrub pollination is related to the lunar cycle.

Humans, of course, also depend on moonlight. We did a lot more before the creation of artificial light, but some things haven't completely changed. Some farmers grow crops based on the lunar calendar. There is a debate among farmers about whether planting for the moon has any positive effect on crops.

Because the moon is so closely linked to life on Earth, it is difficult to know what is affected by moonlight alone and what is affected by additional factors, but its influence is undeniable. Why else would there be so many songs about this?



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