Thursday, December 29, 2016
December 29, 2016
Did you know that the largest ant in the world can grow to about an inch or inch and a half? In addition to its large size, the Dinoponera (giant Amazonian ant) is equipped with strong venom. Its sting is known to cause pain that can last for 2 days. Like with many insects, males tend to get the short end of the stick. After copulation, the queen ant will bite through the male's gaster (part of its abdomen) and pulls out the genital capsule so that it may serve as a sperm plug. Ouch...
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
November 16, 2016
Did you know that maggots can live in your mouth? Myiasis is a condition in which fly larvae infest and feed on the tissue of a living host. I thought this condition would only happen when there was broken skin, but apparently the mouth works too. When someone sleeps with their mouth open, the flies can be attracted to the smell of their breath. However this is more applicable in tropical areas where oral hygiene isn't important. Other risk factors include dental extractions and infections. Eeps!
Monday, November 14, 2016
November 14, 2016
Did you know that carnations are not only perfect for Mother's Day, but as a snack too? Yup! You can eat carnations. They are said to have a peppery, spicy taste. You can add them to a salad, place them in wine, or even candy them for desserts. Yum!
Saturday, November 12, 2016
November 12, 2016
Did you know that there are spiders that look like the black widow? The false black widow spider is smaller and a bit paler in color than its cousin, the black widow. They are quite common in the United Kingdom and do bite humans, but only when humans disturb them. Are those bites deadly? Not really. There is swelling and pain, but the symptoms are less severe than those associated with the black widow's bite. What's so awesome about these little guys? Some of them eat the BLACK WIDOW!
Friday, November 11, 2016
November 11, 2016
Did you know that the stoat is capable of killing prey much larger than itself? The stoat looks like a large weasel with a black tip on its tail. During the winter, its fur changes from a light brown to a majestic white. As cute as it is, this little guy isn't a picky eater. It has been caught grabbing baby birds from nests and hunting down rabbits a lot bigger than itself. The stoat is known to "surplus kill" where it kills more prey than it can eat so it can store the leftovers for later.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
October 4, 2016
Did you know that the tailless whip scorpion is pretty harmless? Although called a scorpion (and sometimes a spider), the tailless whip scorpion is actually an amblypigid. An amblypigid is still considered an arachnid, but it uses it's front two legs as feelers. In addition to those two front feelers, there are six long walking legs and thorny pedipalps that give the scorpion it's threatening appearance. But no worries, the scorpion produces no venom or toxins. It can bite but would prefer not to. Even if you did get bitten, it would be as if you got pricked by a thorn.
Monday, October 3, 2016
October 3, 2016
Did you know that the "Big Lick" walk, prized in horse show competitions, can be the result of soring? Some owners and trainers like to show off their horses' high kick trots. However to make the movement more exaggerated, some trainers resort to soring. This process involves exposing the sensitive tissue around the horse's feet to pressure and having them stand on platform shoes (stacks) embedded with nails for extra weight. Some trainers also rub diesel or kerosene around the ankles, and then tie weights around them. As a result, the horse kicks its feet up high when it walks.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
September 13, 2016
Did you know that any female bee larvae can become queen? In fact, the selection process is pretty random. When it comes time to choosing a new ruler for the hive, worker bees select several female larvae and provide them with large amounts of royal jelly. Future drones and worker bees are only given a small amount of royal jelly. They are fed the secretion as it's produced. However the future queen bees are bathed in it and their royal jelly contains royalactin. The royalactin turns on the genes that will have the larvae develop into a fertile females.
Friday, September 2, 2016
September 2, 2016
Did you know that bear bile can be used as medicine? Bear bile has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. It contains ursodeoxycholic acid which can be used to dissolve gallbladder stones when surgery cannot be used. However just because it works doesn't mean black bears should be stuffed into small cages and have needles poked into their gallbladder to extract the bile. Like with pangolin scales, there are herbal alternatives. Although bear bile farms have been found in both China and Vietnam, the practice is only illegal in Vietnam. Luckily in a 2011 poll, 87% of the Chinese people disagreed with the practice. Traditional medicine experts even stated that a lack of bear bile would not harm anyone.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
Did you know that there are scaly mammals? The pangolin's body is covered in keratin scales (your hair and nails of made of that same material). When threatened, the pangolin can roll up in a ball. Don't confuse that with the armadillo which has a leather shell made of plates of dermal bone. The pangolin is hunted for bushmeat and medicine. Because of hunting and deforestation, many species of pangolin are endangered. Despite international efforts to ban pangolin scale and meat trade, illegal trafficking still exists in East Asia (and Africa) due to the belief that pangolin scales can cure cancer and help with lactation issues. Despite several Chinese medicinal experts listing other herbs that have the same effect, demand for pangolin scales has only grown.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
August 21, 2016
Did you know that some individuals have to battle dry, flakey skin all the time? Many people have experienced dandruff and skin rashes during the cold winter, but individuals affected by psoriasis have to deal with much more. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes the skins cells to multiply rapidly, causing red plaques to form and layers of dead skin cells to build up. It is as if the skin is covered with silver scales. Unfortunately there is no cure, only treatments. Topical ointments can help promote the shedding of the scales and alleviate itching. Other treatments include phototherapy and systemic treatments (pills and injections).
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
August 10, 2016
Did you know that zebrafish can glow in the dark? The zebrafish is a great model organism for research. It produces offsprings every week (spawning occurs during the morning), has transparent embryo (so we can observe them), and shares 70% of our genes. It's also a popular aquarium fish because of its robust nature. To make zebrafish even more popular, Yorktown Technologies genetically modified them to be different colors and glow in the dark. Thus they are called GloFish. They are the only genetically modified animal available to the public in the US.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
July 28, 2016
Did you know that Caterpie is based on the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar? Its swollen thorax is green and decorated with two large spots. These spots and the large thorax make the caterpillar's body look like a head. When the caterpillar is attacked, its osmeterium (a fleshy organ that releases smelly odors) becomes inverted and protrudes out of its head. It makes the caterpillar resemble a snake's head. Now to test if you're really a Pokemon fan...what color is the osmeterium?
Monday, July 25, 2016
July 25, 2016
Did you know that you can make ice cream out of fish? Akutaq, or Eskimo ice cream, is a traditional dish of the native people of Alaska. This dessert can be made of reindeer fat, seal oil, ground fish, snow, and fresh berries. (No wonder the name translates to mixed them together.) The dish is usually served during ceremonies. Each family has their own unique recipe and you can lose social standing if you're caught making more than one kind of akutaq.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
July 24, 2016
Did you know that white tuna sushi may not actually be made of white tuna? Escolar (occasionally called butterfish) is sometimes used as a substitute. Although delicious and much cheaper than the white tuna, the escolar is full of wax esters. Those esters cannot be digested by humans, and so end up acting like laxatives. Those who have eaten the fish reported symptoms such as cramping, nausea, and explosive diarrhea. That may be why Japan and Italy banned it.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
July 23, 2016
Did you know that you can eat raw whale? Muktuk is a traditional Inuit/Eskimo dish that consists of whale skin and blubber from the bowhead whale (and occasionally beluga and narwhal). Although usually eaten raw, the dish can be served breaded and fried.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
June 19, 2016
Happy Father's Day!
Did you know that that you can eat chocolate covered locusts? In 2013, Israel was attacked by a locust invasion. However the people found a creative way to tackle the problem...eating the pests! (Locusts are considered kosher.) The insects can be fried or covered in chocolate. Not a bad idea considering all the protein you can get.
Did you know that that you can eat chocolate covered locusts? In 2013, Israel was attacked by a locust invasion. However the people found a creative way to tackle the problem...eating the pests! (Locusts are considered kosher.) The insects can be fried or covered in chocolate. Not a bad idea considering all the protein you can get.
Friday, June 17, 2016
June 17, 2016
Did you know leeches can attack you even when you're on land? The tiger leech is a large terrestrial leech that can be found on bushes up to one meter above the ground. They can release their grip from plants and land on other animals, including humans. Its mouth is located on the anterior sucker. It is shaped so that the slits form a Y. Beyond those slits are sharp teeth and you can bet that those bites hurt. Oh! Don't forget the anticoagulants that prevent your blood from clotting.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
June 16, 2016
Did you know that despite its size, the devil's flower mantis is actually a shy insect? The devil's flower mantis is one of the largest praying mantis species. It wards off predators but using a deimatic display in which it raises its body, points out its front legs, and shows off its colors. Because of its size and beautiful appearance, some people want to have it as a pet. If stressed (which happens easily to this little guy), the insect will panic, run within its enclosure, and bump into things. It will even show off its deimatic display. Such behavior isn't common for the devil's flower mantis. In nature it prefers to be still most of the time and generally waits for prey to come by.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
June 5, 2016
Did you know that agave tequila is not only good for making tequila, but for the making of escamole as well? Escamole is a dish made from ant larvae and pupa. They are harvested from the tequila plant's roots. But be careful, the ants are known to be aggressive (which apparently adds more thrill to the harvest). The larvae are usually pan fried in butter and spices, and served in tacos and omelets. They are light in color, look like corn kernels, and have a nutty taste.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
June 4, 2016
Did you know that there are grapes in the sea? Sea grapes (海ぶどう) are actually a type of green algae that is served in the Japan (specifically Okinawa), Philippines, and Malaysia. The leaves are more like little bubbles. So biting into them releases bursts of saltiness along with a nice crunch. In Japan, this sensation is called puchi-puchi. Sea grapes are usually served with soy sauce and vinegar.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
June 2, 2016
Did you know that there is a mockingbird that eats sea lion placenta? Like the vampire finch, the Española mockingbird also feeds on blood. In fact, it eats just about anything it can get its beak on. Fruits, insects, eggs, lizards, and other birds...sea lion placenta... These guys have also been seen landing near human camps to eat their food and peck at their water bottles. A lot of guts for a tiny bird...
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
June 1, 2016
Did you know that there are vampire birds too? The vampire finch is a small bird found on the Galapagos Islands. Because of the dry climate and lack of freshwater, the birds have resorted to drinking the blood of larger birds. They peck at base of the tail feathers of their host until blood is drawn. In addition to blood, the vampire finch also feeds on other birds' eggs. Just roll them off a cliff and...CRACK! Snack time!
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
May 31, 2016
Did you know that centuries before Listerine came about, urine was used as mouthwash? The Greeks were the ones who began the fad. Why? Urine contains ammonia which not only kills bacteria, but can also whiten teeth. The Roman aristocrats purchased theirs from far away places, like Portugal. The more exotic the urine, the whiter your teeth will be...or so they believed.
Monday, May 30, 2016
May 30, 2016
Did you know that there is a tree that bleeds? Well...maybe not blood but it sure looks like it. The dragon's blood tree is native to Socotra, an island located in the Indian Ocean. Its name comes from the fact it produces a red sap, which has been used in traditional medicine. However that's not the only unique characteristic of this tree. Its appearance resembles an upside umbrella because only the youngest branches produce leaves.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
May 10, 2016
Did you know that the Kasugai Flower's Kiss candy not actually made of flowers? It is actually made of plum and condensed milk! Despite the ingredients, the candy does give off a flowery scent and the delicious sweetness always reminds me of spring. But be careful! Three bite size pieces is a serving and each serving is 70 calories...I won't say how many I've eaten already. >.<
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
May 3, 2016
Did you know that in Japan, Hina Matsuri (雛祭り) is celebrated on March 3rd? Hina Matsuri, also known as Girls' Day and Doll Festival, is celebrated by displaying hina ningyo (雛人形) on a platform covered in red carpet. The dolls represent members of the imperial court. Family members gather together to enjoy snacks, like hina arare (雛あられ), and wish the girls good health and happiness. It is said that hina matsuri came about from nagashi bina (流し雛), a custom in which paper dolls (with bad luck written on the backs) were placed on small straw boats and floated down rivers. It was believed to dispel impurities and misfortune.
Monday, May 2, 2016
May 2, 2016
Did you know that high fructose corn syrup is made from cornstarch by converting glucose into fructose? This conversion is possible thanks to the amazing glucose isomerase, which is found in many species of bacteria. (Unfortunately organic chemistry was never forte but I tried to understand the process.) When the glucose enters the active site of the enzyme, a histidine residue catalyzes a proton transfer to an oxygen molecule. After gaining the positive hydrogen, the oxygen breaks its bond with a carbon. The carbon then creates a pi bond with another oxygen, forming an open chain. The metals in the enzyme catalyze a hydride shift creating a carbocation. The resonance structure allows the sugar to become an enol. However enols are reactive and will react with surrounding water molecules, leading up to fructose.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
April 23, 2016
Did you know that the chocolate shop, Max Brenner, was named after TWO co-founders? Oded Brenner was the bald man behind all the sweets. He shadowed a chocolatier in Paris before creating his own shop with Max Fichtman in 1996 in Israel. Since then the store has expanded to a chain AND all of the chocolate is kosher. In case you guys haven't tried it, there's a store at Union Square. :P
Friday, April 22, 2016
April 22, 2016
Did you know that there are predatory worms lying underneath the sands of the ocean floor? The bobbit worm is an aquatic worm that bury itself underneath the sand and waits for a prey to swim by. This critter has 5 antennae, which it uses to detect prey close by. Once it senses a meal, it darts out of the sand and latches on with all of its sharp teeth. The worm can also inject a toxin into the prey, allowing the worm to stun or kill prey much larger than itself.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
April 21, 2016
Did you know there is a 10 foot living fossil swimming in the freshwater bodies of North America? Usually found near the South, the alligator gar is the largest fish in the gar family. This primitive fish has kept some of the characteristics of its early ancestors such as the spiral valve intestine. It can also breathe underwater and on land thanks to its swim bladder. Now if the 10 foot part doesn't scare you, maybe the fact that these guys have two rows of jagged teeth on the top jaw will. This characteristic is not found in other gars. But thanks to those extra teeth, the fish can impale and hold prey.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
April 20, 2016
Today is more like a fun fact about me.
Did you know that I like writing poems?
Almost An Adult
Did you know that I like writing poems?
Almost An Adult
I am almost but not yet an adult.
Because I find that I have many faults.
There’s a lot I know and a lot I don’t know.
Mistakes will be made and sometimes my confidence fades.
But I remind myself that I am still a seed.
I depend on you friends to do me a good deed.
Please sprinkle some wisdom and occasionally constructive
criticism.
Help knowledge take root and my skills bear fruit.
I promise with some patience and dedication,
I will tackle problems without hesitation.
But you might be teaching for a while because learning makes
me smile.
No matter how old I may be, there’s always a bit of child still
in me.
So I am almost but not yet an adult.
Monday, April 18, 2016
April 18, 2016
Did you know that nails can curve upward to look like spoons? This condition is called koilonychia and is actually pretty common. There is a dip in the nail bed that causes the nail above to also curve upward. However most cases are mild and the nails only appear wavy. Spoon nails can be related to trauma, iron-deficiency anemia or family history. In severe cases, the nails curve so much that they are able to hold droplets of water in the indents. The nails can even split down the middle!
Sunday, April 17, 2016
April 17, 2016
Did you know that a rattlesnake's tail is made of the same material in your hair and nails? That's right! The rattle is made up of layers of keratin. The snake contracts special muscles to shake its rattle and the sound is amplified because the segments are hollow. When a rattlesnake is born, its "pre-button" falls off and the "button" is formed. As a rattle snake ages and sheds its skin, new layers are formed over the "button". However the number of layers is not a good indication of the snake's age because the rattle is prone to damage and can even fall off.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
April 7, 2016
Did you know that pineapples are good for tenderizing meat? Pineapples contain a protein called bromelain. Bromelain is a protease, meaning it breaks down proteins. So when you eat pineapples, that protein is breaking you down too. :O But bromelain is used for more than just tenderizing meat (and your tongue). It can also be used in reducing inflammation, removing dead tissue, and slowing clotting.
Also recommended by a friend!
Also recommended by a friend!
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
April 6, 2016
Did you know that dermestidae beetle larvae are used to clean bones for taxidermy? Most of these crawlers are scavengers, so they feed on decaying material. However they're not very picky. The larvae can be found eating skin, pollen, hair, dead insects, and even natural fibers. While some species are known to cause damage, a good number are used by natural history museums to clean animal bones. They have even been used to clean human skulls. What else do they clean? Cricket colonies! They clear out the dead ones so you can feed your reptilian friends the live ones!
Special thanks to a friend for the fact!
Special thanks to a friend for the fact!
Thursday, March 24, 2016
March 24, 2016
Did you know that the shark has a fishy fan club? Remoras are fish with dorsal fins that have evolved to become like suction cups. The remora attaches itself to the belly of a shark, eating any scraps of prey the shark leaves behind and parasites that grown on the shark's skin. Some sharks are aware of the benefits and they purposely swim slower to allow remoras to attach. However not all sharks are willing to risk their survival by having extra baggage. Some species of sharks purposely swim away or turn to avoid having a remora attach to them. Others just eat their annoying little fans.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
March 23, 2016
Did you know that the ring of pink flesh for smoked meat is a sign of good barbecued meat? Myoglobin is an oxygen binding protein that makes the color of meat red. When you cook the meat, the meat usually turns brown because the myoglobin becomes denatured. When you smoke meat in a barbecue, the gas produced (nitrogen dioxide) is absorbed and produces nitric oxide. This binds with the myoglobin and locks in the pink color, preventing the meat from turning brown.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
March 16, 2016
Did you know that melons can cost about hundred dollars each? The Yubari melon (夕張メロン ) is a type of cantaloupe hybrid grown in Yubari, Hokkaido. It's prized for both its sweetness and its beautiful proportions. These melons are usually purchased in pairs. In fact one pair was sold for $23,500! Because they are so expensive, farmers give them little hats to protect them from the sun.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
March 15, 2016
Did you know that hens only have one ovary? Well they have two, but only the left ovary and left oviduct fully develop. Like in humans, when the ovum is about to be released it ruptures from the ovary. However in a hen's case, it is surrounded with yolk. As it travels through the oviduct, the egg white develops around it. Eventually the egg enters the shell gland which is where the egg shell forms. Hens use about 8 to 10% of their own calcium (from their bones) to form the shell. All of this happens in a little over a day!
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
March 9, 2016
Did you know that some people can end up developing allergic reactions to fruits as they get older? This is known as oral allergy syndrome. The reaction is caused by allergens in the pollen and raw fruit. Individuals with oral allergy syndrome are usually allergic to birch, grass, and ragweed pollen. However just because you have a pollen allergy doesn't mean you'll end up not being able to eat raw fruits. And if you can't eat the raw version, you always have the processed or cooked version.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
March 3, 2016
Did you know there are fish that can eat the Man-of-War? The Nomeus gronovii fish, or man-of-war fish, is about 3 inches long and can usually be found swimming among the tentacles of the Portuguese Man-of-War. Some have even found the fish nibbling on the tentacles. Although the fish is not completely resistant to the toxin (only ten times as much as a normal fish :P), it's agility helps it to avoid the stings. So why not swim around with a giant jellyfish that will protect and feed you?
Sunday, February 28, 2016
February 28, 2016
For my friends in New York and looking forward to this year's Sakura Matsuri...
Did you know that the sakura trees in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden are a type of Yaezakura called Kanzan? One of the most common sakura trees in Japan is called Somei Yoshino. The flowers are pale pink and have five petals. The Yaezakura flowers have more than five petals. The Kanzan can have blossoms with up to 50 petals each AND they're bright pink. So it's no wonder that it rains pink at the Sakura Matsuri.
Did you know that the sakura trees in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden are a type of Yaezakura called Kanzan? One of the most common sakura trees in Japan is called Somei Yoshino. The flowers are pale pink and have five petals. The Yaezakura flowers have more than five petals. The Kanzan can have blossoms with up to 50 petals each AND they're bright pink. So it's no wonder that it rains pink at the Sakura Matsuri.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
February 27, 2016
Did you know that snow monkeys (also called Japanese macaques) have learned to use coins to buy food from vending machines? Now there is a rumor going around about these monkeys stealing purses and wallets, so they can obtain the coins. Is this true? I've seen clips of these guys taking hats or snacks...but money too? xD
Friday, February 26, 2016
February 26, 2016
Did you know that there are fireflies in the ocean? The firefly squid (ほたるいか in Japanese) is about three inches long. The animal has photophores that allow it to produce light. This bioluminescence protects the squid from predators. When predators are looking up from the ocean depths, the bright light emitted from the squid allows it to blend in with the light shining from the sun/moon. In other words, there is no shadow from above so the predators think there is no prey. Each year, the firefly squids travel to Toyama Bay for spawning. Since these squid only live for about a year, many wash up on the shores and provide tasty snacks for both the seabirds and locals. Just be sure to eat them cooked.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
February 25, 2016
Did you know that trepanning was a Medieval surgical procedure in which a hole is scraped into a person's head? The purpose was to expose the dura mater, which lies underneath the skull, to treat health problems involving the brain. When someone acted funny or complained of a chronic migraine, they had a hole drilled in their head to release evil spirits. However trepanning was also used as an emergency surgery for removing shattered pieces of bone in the head.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
February 10, 2016
Did you know that adding salt to an ice and water mixture actually makes it stay cooler longer? At 0°C the rate at which the ice melts equals the rate at which the water freezes. When salt is added, it lowers the freezing point. In other words a lower temperature is required to freeze the water. So it the ice initially melts, but the salt also chills the surrounding water. As the ice melts, all that cold water mixes with the water already present. Thanks to the salt, the water can reach a temperature lower than the original freezing point. Since the specific heat of water is higher than ice, the water can absorb more heat.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
January 21, 2016
Did you know that I have been posting facts of the day since January 21, 2013? Yay for three years! Unfortunately I did not start my blog until August 2015. But I have posted many of my old facts from before so they can all be in one place. Now for the real fact of the day...
Did you know ants don't have lungs? In fact, they don't even have blood vessels. Instead their respiratory system consists of spiracles, tiny holes on the side of their body, and trachea, tubes allowing oxygen to travel directly to the tissues. Although it's a great way to get oxygen directly to your cells without having to you know...exchange gas at the lungs and then pump the oxygenated blood around the body through arteries...an insect's tracheal lining needs to comes off when an insect molts. So in addition to shedding its skeleton, it also needs to pull its "lungs" out of its mouth. Eeps!
Did you know ants don't have lungs? In fact, they don't even have blood vessels. Instead their respiratory system consists of spiracles, tiny holes on the side of their body, and trachea, tubes allowing oxygen to travel directly to the tissues. Although it's a great way to get oxygen directly to your cells without having to you know...exchange gas at the lungs and then pump the oxygenated blood around the body through arteries...an insect's tracheal lining needs to comes off when an insect molts. So in addition to shedding its skeleton, it also needs to pull its "lungs" out of its mouth. Eeps!
Saturday, January 16, 2016
January 16, 2016
Did you know you could make frozen watermelon treats for your doggy friends? (I know. Might not be the best time for the year for frozen treats, but at least you'll have the recipe for the summer. :D) First you mix together watermelon puree, unsweetened coconut milk, and a bit of honey. Then you pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze them into little snacks. All the ingredients are safe for dogs and it can help them keep cool during the summer. (All credits to the youtuber, Gone to the Snow Dogs!)
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
January 12, 2016
Did you know that you are not suppose to put your hand near a dead rattlesnake? Why? Even after 30 minutes, the snake's nervous system is still functioning. Rattlesnakes have thermal sensors at the front of their faces, so anything emitting heat right in front of it causes the snake to automatically lunge forward and bite. It's a pretty handy reflex when it comes to hunting at night...maybe not so much when you're dead.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
January 10, 2016
Did you know that there is a mussel that feeds off fish blood? The Lampsilis Mussel has a fleshly extension in the shape of a fish. This "bait" fools larger fish into trying to eat it. Once contact occurs, the mussel releases its young, which can live inside one of those larger fish and feed off its blood.
Friday, January 8, 2016
January 8, 2016
Did you know that the Monarch butterfly has a doppelganger...the Viceroy butterfly? Both species look almost identical AND both are toxic. A perfect example of Mullerian mimicry.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
January 7, 2016
Did you know the male angler fish is much smaller than the female? Once it's time to mate, he bites into the female. Over time his body begins to fuse with hers. Eventually he loses his mouth, eyes, and most of his internal organs. The only things left are his testes which the female can use to impregnate herself. The female angler fish can fuse with as many as 6 males.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
January 6, 2016
Did you know honey is just regurgitated nectar? When a honey bee collects nectar from flowers, she (all worker bees are females) stores it in the second stomach, the "honey stomach." While in the stomach, the nectar is broken down into simple, more digestible sugars by the bee's enzymes. Afterwards, she heads back to the hive and passes the nectar to another worker bee using their tongues! This worker bee also processes the nectar. Eventually the product is placed into one of the honeycomb cells and left to dry out into a thick syrup.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
January 5, 2016
Did you know a Venus Fly Trap doesn't automatically close when an insect lands on it? Instead it needs a signal. The plant has 6 tiny hairs located near the center of each of its leaves. When a fly touches two of these hairs within 20 seconds, the leaf quickly snaps shut.
Monday, January 4, 2016
January 4, 2016
Did you know there is a fish that can live both on land and in water? The Mudskipper can breathe air and keeps its skin moist by rolling in the moist sand along beaches. The male of one species digs a u-shaped tunnel for its young. There is an opening, a tunnel underwater, and a chamber full of eggs. The eggs are located out of the water, where there is more oxygen. However, the male needs to swim back and forth between the opening and chamber to gulp and then supply the oxygen to the chamber. Such hard working dad!
Sunday, January 3, 2016
January 3, 2016
Did you know there is danger lurking under the ocean floor? The Indian Walkman, also called the Demon Stinger Fish, is a venomous fish that blends into the surrounding sand. It has poisonous spines along its back and modified fins that look like four little insect legs. This walking fish would even travel 200 miles to find its mate! Remember to be cautious when diving in shallow waters. A part of the ocean floor you think is just sand and rock may be an Indian Walkman. If felt cornered, it will charge.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
January 2, 2016
Did you know that the barbel fish get their food from a walking cafeteria? That's right! The hippo! When hippos enter their lake, barbel fish gather around cleaning their skin and mouths. They nibble off any unwanted parasites AND they even eat the hippos' droppings.
Friday, January 1, 2016
January 1, 2016
Happy New Year! The fact to start off 2016 is...
Did you know that there are sharks that hunt along the ocean floor? The wobbegong is a bottom dwelling shark that spends most of its time resting on the sea floor. It camouflages with its surroundings and waits to gulp down its prey. Pretty typical of ambush predators. Unlike the hammerhead shark, which needs to continue swimming or else it'll drown, the wobbegong passes water through nostrils on the top of its head. This water then passes through the gills, allowing the shark to breathe. Pretty cute fella!
Did you know that there are sharks that hunt along the ocean floor? The wobbegong is a bottom dwelling shark that spends most of its time resting on the sea floor. It camouflages with its surroundings and waits to gulp down its prey. Pretty typical of ambush predators. Unlike the hammerhead shark, which needs to continue swimming or else it'll drown, the wobbegong passes water through nostrils on the top of its head. This water then passes through the gills, allowing the shark to breathe. Pretty cute fella!