tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81718948239097369062024-02-07T16:35:43.628-08:00All About AnimalsInformation About Earth's Most Interesting CreaturesShelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-68305855393326344372017-02-01T13:49:00.001-08:002017-02-01T13:49:54.605-08:00What Species of Snake are Venomous?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvinJ-JOQq0W_uJ1XTZXX7m9ym-XwZdn2-ssdaGpJUD-1DzD6dvopxtlqG00oQrLHuFB1gLnTHDn2CKynD0yIsmtfWkQdh3tuLbwhi5OH5bOEDQqFtldm9B-iKf8vefKvq-Ku_GbHIkQ/s1600/Western+Diamondback.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvinJ-JOQq0W_uJ1XTZXX7m9ym-XwZdn2-ssdaGpJUD-1DzD6dvopxtlqG00oQrLHuFB1gLnTHDn2CKynD0yIsmtfWkQdh3tuLbwhi5OH5bOEDQqFtldm9B-iKf8vefKvq-Ku_GbHIkQ/s320/Western+Diamondback.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Diamondback <br />Boston Science Museum, 2010</td></tr>
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If you are attempting to decide whether or not a snake is venomous, it is important to remember that not all venomous snakes are easily recognized. There are thousands of species of snakes on the planet and hundreds of these species are venomous. It is also important to note that some venomous snake species closely resemble their non venomous cousins and vice-versa. If you are planning to attempt to handle a snake, you should seek an education in the handling and identification of these animals. You should never, under any circumstances, handle a wild snake that you don’t positively recognize to be harmless, unless you are an experienced snake handler.<br /><br />The only way to be sure a snake is venomous is to be aware of what the species looks like. There is no universal red flag that tells you a snake is venomous, so be careful. There are four families of snakes that include venomous species. These are the Colubridae, Viperidae, Elapids and Hydrophiidae. Here we will discuss some of the characteristics of each family and some of the venomous species found within these families.<br /><b><br />Hydrophiidae</b><br /><br />Hydrophiidae are more widely known as Sea Snakes. Every species of Hydrophiidae that has been found thus far is highly venomous. These snakes are very dangerous to humans, so do not disturb them. Usually they would rather not bite you, but they will if they are threatened. It is relatively easy to recognize a Hydrophiidae because they all live in salt water and have flattened tails for swimming.<br /><br /><b>Colubridae</b><br /><br />Colubridae make up around 75% of the world's snake population and it has been estimated that around 20% of them are venomous. Twenty percent may not seem like a lot, but that is hundreds of species of venomous Colubrids. These snakes are found all over the world, so it is a good idea to educate yourself on the Colubrids in your area so that you can tell the difference between a harmless garter snake and a venomous Colubrid.<br /><br /><b>Viperidae</b><br /><br />Every snake species that belongs to the Viperidae family is venomous. They have hinged fangs that fold back when they close their mouths, but inspecting a snake’s teeth is an impractical way to decide if it is venomous. However, many of these species have triangular heads and slender necks. This is not a surefire way to tell if a snake is venomous, but if you see a snake does have this triangular shape to its head, it is a good idea to leave the area carefully. <br /><br />Species of Viperidae include all rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, the bushmaster, and of course vipers. Pit vipers are recognizable for the pits that appear between their nostrils and eyes. There is one on each side. However, these cannot be seen from a distance. Rattlesnakes are recognizable for the rattles that appear on their tails. Thankfully, they shake these when threatened and it makes a distinctive noise. Unfortunately, young rattlesnakes can deliver a venomous bite, but they only have one rattle and therefore can’t make the telltale sound. Cottonmouths can be recognized when they open their jaws, which they do when they are threatened. The insides of their mouths are white, hence the name.<br />
<br /><b>Elapids</b><br /><br />All species of the Elapid family are also venomous. They tend to have shorter fangs that are fixed rather than hinged. This group contains some of the most notorious of the venomous snake species, such as cobras, mambas, kraits, taipans and coral snakes. It is very difficult to tell the difference between a coral snake and the harmless kingsnake, because they both have yellow, black and red bands over the entire length of their bodies. A good way to remember the difference between the two is to use this rhyme, “if red touches yellow, kill a fellow, if red touches black, friend of Jack.”<br /><br />If you plan to spend time outdoors, pick up a field guide on snakes in that area before venturing into snake territory. If you are unfamiliar with the snakes in an area and come across one, you should treat it as if it were venomous. This means leaving the snake alone and allowing it to wander off or, if the snake is aggressive, you can leave the area immediately, being careful not to step on any other snakes.<br />
<br />Try to bring a friend with you whenever you wander outside; this can be helpful if you are bitten. The unafflicted person should try to remember what the snake looks like so they can describe it to a doctor. Ideally the doctor would like to see the snake, but if you cannot catch the snake safely, don’t try. It is also important to know that recently deceased snakes can still deliver venomous bites.<br /><br /><b>Sources</b><br /><br />Stillwell, Steven E., Snake Mystique, retrieved 7/4/09, buckmasters.com/bm/resources/articles/tabid/135/articleType/ArticleT-d/919/Snake-mystique.aspx<br /><br />Abby, Michael, “Viperidae” A Dictionary of Zoology 1999, retrieved 7/4/09, encyclopedia.com/doc/108-Viperidae.html<br /><br />Colubrids:Colubridae-Physical Characteristic, Habitat, Diet, Behavior and reproduction, Colubrids and People, Conservation, staus-GEOGRAPHIC RANGE</a7>,retrieved 7/4/09, http//animals.jrank.org/pages/3893/Colubrids-Colubridae.htm <br /><br />Garamone, Jim, Dealing with That Snake in the Grass, retrieved 7/4/09, defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=45207Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-25879747325092806162017-01-03T14:06:00.003-08:002017-01-03T14:06:56.064-08:00The Dumbo Octopus: Nature's Disney Character <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/Opisthoteuthis_californiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/Opisthoteuthis_californiana.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opisthoteuthis californiana<br />photo taken by NOAA</td></tr>
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Way, way, waaaay down beneath the ocean's surface is a creature so cute that it was named after a Disney character. Dumbo octopi (Grimpoteuthis) hang out in deep ocean habitats around the world. They live so close to the ocean floor in the coldest, darkest regions of the sea that normal human fishing activity does not affect them. Chilling–quite literally–at 9,800 to 13,000+ feet below has given these roughly 17 species of umbrella octopi some rather interesting adaptations.<br /><br />Chances are that you are never going to personally see a Dumbo octopus swimming around its natural habitat. (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYaHIUhfR3A" target="_blank">Here's a video</a>, so you can do it from home.) This is kind of a bummer, given that these cute little octopi are roughly 8" to 12" long and have two adorable ear-like fins growing from their heads. The beak even lends to the whole "Dumbo the elephant" thing they've got going on. Beyond that, the resemblance disappears. Dumbo octopi are a blend of yellows, oranges, pinks, browns or even blues. They are largely opaque, giving them a dreamy quality as they float around using their webbed tentacles to steer.<br /><br />Dumbo octopi may be the deepest dwelling of the octopus species, but that doesn't keep them safe from natural predators. Diving fish and opportunistic ocean mammals may make a meal out of a slow Dumbo. It can use its tentacles to jettison through the water, but there's no way of knowing how successful this method is for them. As for their hunting habits, their beaks allow them to swallow their prey–usually worms and small crustaceans–whole. They just need to get in the right position for rapid ingestion.<br /><br />When it comes to reproduction, Dumbo octopi are well adapted. Females have eggs in several states of development throughout the year. Males inject their semen into the females, who can store it until conditions for laying eggs on the ocean floor are right. She will use the sperm when she needs it and move on with her life.<br /><br />You may not be likely to encounter a Grimpoteuthis, but I think it's worth knowing there are adorable little partially see-through octopi floating around at the bottom of the ocean. It really contrasts my view of hideous anglerfish creeping out of the dark to razor-bite the dookie out of anyone who dares venture into the deep.Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-81696992605728923612016-11-22T11:10:00.000-08:002016-11-22T11:11:10.376-08:00Sao Paulo's Snake Island and It's Deadly InhabitantsJust outside of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in the Atlantic Ocean, there is a legendary island that scares away fishermen and tourists. It is tiny and home to thousands of inhabitants that could kill you with a single bite. They live both on the ground and in the trees. This island is Ilha de Queimada Grande and its inhabitants are golden lancehead snakes (<i>bothrops insularis</i>).<br />
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Ilha de Queimada Grande is also known as "Snake Island" or the "Island of the Golden Snakes." Humans do not live on this island for fear of these creatures. In fact, the Brazil Navy enforces a no visitors rule with the exception of some scientists and those who accompany them. This is for the safety of visitors. It is also good for the golden lancehead. These snakes are indigenous to Ilha de Queimada Grande. One disaster could wipe them off the island and the Earth.<br />
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The inner part of Snake Island is thick forest. The outer edge is made up of steep, rocky inclines. There are no beaches, so access is limited. Very few other animals exist on this island, so the diet of most pit vipers is out of the question for the golden lancehead. This has made for an unusual adaptation. Golden lanceheads feed mainly on birds. Therefore, they not only spend a lot of time in trees, their venom has notoriously rapid results. Their prey has to be immobilized faster, as birds cannot be tracked on the ground if they fly away from their attacker. What this means for a human is that the necrosis and hemorrhaging caused by this venom occurs faster than that of this creature's equally deadly cousins.<br />
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Local fishermen tell stories about the island's last lighthouse keeper and the demise of his family. It is said that snakes snuck into the lighthouse and bit each of them as they slept. Not one survived. Another story is that of a fisherman who went ashore on Ilha de Queimada Grande, was bitten and made it back to his boat only to bleed to death in it before he could leave the island. The former story is rather strange because snakes do not display pack behavior. It seems highly unlikely that the snakes would come into the lighthouse and make it a point to bite everyone inside. The latter scenario is much more convincing. The anticoagulants in this snake's venom are quite dangerous.<br />
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Golden lanceheads are close cousins of the fur-de-lance. They can grow to be more than three-and-a-half feet long. Males are smaller than females. They are yellow in color and may have slightly darker, brownish markings. They thrive on Snake Island because they have no natural predators. It is said there is between one and five golden lanceheads on Ilha de Queimada Grande per 1.2 square yards. That is a lot of snakes for an area of that size. However, it is not a lot of snakes for a world population. That is why the IUCN has the golden lancehead on their critically endangered list.<br />
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<b>Sources</b><br />
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Snake Island, retrieved 12/4/10, <a href="http://nationalgeographic.com/fieldtales/snakeisland">nationalgeographic.com/fieldtales/snakeisland</a><br />
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<br />Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-10596398416507302732016-10-28T12:07:00.000-07:002016-10-28T12:07:29.749-07:00Superb Bird-Of-Paradise: A Master of Disguise<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lophorina_superba_by_Bowdler_Sharpe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lophorina_superba_by_Bowdler_Sharpe.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superb bird-of-paradise <br />mid-transformation</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Superb_Bird_of_Paradise" target="_blank">Birds of paradise</a> are some of the most colorful and eye-catching exotic birds on the planet. Among them is the striking superb bird-of-paradise or Lophorina superba, which is native to the rainforests of New Guinea. These little creatures measure around 10 inches and are known mostly for the males' frankly hilarious mating display. <br /><br /> When at rest, the male superb bird-of-paradise is relatively normal in appearance. It does have bluish-green iridescent feathers at its chest and head, but that is all that is visible. However, this bird is hiding some special features that he uses to attract a mate. The pretty feathers at his chest are actually part of a shield. Some of the black feathers along his back are part of what is known as his cape. He can manipulate the colored feathers on his head and some black ones along his bill in conjunction with these other parts to masquerade for the ladies. <br /><br /> After meticulously cleaning an area on a branch, the male superb bird-of-paradise calls out to the honeys. When one approaches, he lifts his breast shield, cape, head and bill feathers until they line up to give him the appearance of a deep black elliptical creature with shining blue-green markings. Once he's got the right look, he hops about on his branch, making sure to keep his huge disguise facing his potential mate. While he hops, he snaps his tail feathers together, creating a sharp, repetitive clacking noise. <br /><br /> In contrast, the females and young of the species blend into their surroundings. They have reddish-brown uppers with brown chests and bellies. These ladies don't let their average looks stop them from being notoriously picky. There are more of them than there are of the flashy males, so they feel comfortable refusing up to 20 potential mates before finally settling in to make a family. <div class="MsoNormal">
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Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-48613155000560117292016-10-12T09:15:00.000-07:002016-10-12T09:15:03.260-07:00The Beast of Bray Road: A Curious Cryptid
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span>The Beast of Bray Road is a creature that witnesses claim to have seen in Racine, Walworth and Jefferson counties in Wisconsin. The first reported sightings of the creature happened on Bray Road near Elkhorn, Wisconsin. These sightings are what lent the beast its name. However, sightings do not only occur on Bray Rd. In fact, the beast has not been sighted there since the early 1990s. <br /><br /> No one knows what the Beast of Bray Road, also known as Manwolf, is. Some people believe it is a werewolf, others that it is a Bigfoot and, of course, there are people who believe that it is some heretofore-unknown species. There really is no way to know unless a specimen is found. There is also the possibility that they Beast of Bray Road is, in fact, some creature that we are well aware of that simply scared some people enough that they believed it was something bigger and scarier than it really is. Common theories as to what known animal the beast could be include wolves and bears. <br /><br /> The creature is described as around 6 ft. tall with grayish and brown fur. Its face is said to resemble a wolf, and its ears are pointed. It has three long claws on each hand/paw. It has shiny yellow eyes. Its body has been likened to that of a lean, muscular man that tends to sit back on its haunches or kneel. <br /><br /> The Beast of Bray Road can run and walk on all four of its legs or just its hind legs. It has been seen eating its prey or its scavenged carrion in its hands with its palms facing upward. It has never attacked anyone, but some witnesses claim that it has acted aggressively toward them. This aggressive behavior includes running at people and jumping on their vehicles. The creature’s diet is not known for sure, but it has been seen eating the carcasses of small road kill. <br /><br /> Sightings of the Beast of Bray Road may go back as far as the 1930s. However, it wasn’t sighted frequently or reported thoroughly until 1989 through 1992. Most of the sightings have occurred when one or more people stumbled upon or drove past the animal while it was eating or possibly hunting/scavenging. Sightings of the animal have tapered off since the 90s, but the creature can supposedly still be seen in the woods of the area. <br /><br /> Perhaps the Beast of Bray Road is some cousin of other cryptids in the United States. Alternatively, it could simply be an animal that has yet to be classified or captured, which would make it a true cryptid. It could also be a group of wild animals that has become so adjusted to human life that individuals feel comfortable approaching people and vehicles. It could also be that people are frightened enough to see more than what is really there. Whatever the Beast of Bray Road is or isn't, we will never know until one is captured or it is conclusively proven that the Beast of Bray Road is a case of mistaken identity, which would be difficult to do. <br /><br /><b>Sources</b> <br /><br />
Creature History, <a href="http://beastofbrayroad.com/history.html" target="_blank">Evidence and Happenings</a>, retrieved 11/24/09 Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-52459845132317461842016-10-02T10:58:00.001-07:002016-10-02T10:58:12.583-07:00Freshwater Sharks<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Glyphis_garricki_csiro-nfc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Glyphis_garricki_csiro-nfc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern River Shark<br />CSIRO National Fish Collection</td></tr>
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Most of the world’s shark species are found in the ocean, but there are some elusive and not so elusive sharks out there that live in freshwater. Granted, there are only two types and possibly only five or six species of freshwater sharks, but they do exist and at least one is quite dangerous. <br /><br /><h4>
Bull Shark </h4>
<br /> <a href="http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/bull-shark/" target="_blank">Bull sharks</a> are typically found in rivers or near warm shores in tropical areas. However, these animals are not strictly fresh water dwellers. Some of them spend all of their time in fresh water, while others swim to salt water for mating and birthing. They are able to transition between the two because they have the ability to control the amount of urea and sodium in their bodies. They also urinate frequently to rid themselves of excess fresh water. <br /><br /> Bull sharks are medium-sized sharks that are grey on their top half and white on the bottom. They have short, blunt noses that they use to head butt their prey before attacking. They weigh between 200 and 500 pounds and can be up to eight feet long. On average, they live about 16 years. Their diet consists of just about any meat that swims near them, so humans should be weary in areas where bull sharks have been sighted. Bull sharks are one of the three most dangerous shark species in the world. <br /><br /><h4>
River Sharks </h4>
<br /> River sharks are some of the most elusive and rare fish species on Earth. We don't know much about them. For the most part, their diet, mating habits, populations, behavior, life expectancy, specific locations and size are all mysteries. It is believed that they eat fish, though not enough research has been done on them to know for sure. They are also believed to spend their entire lives in rivers, making them the only true fresh water sharks in the world. To date, there are only around five known species, two of which may actually be one and the same. Of the five known species of river sharks, the speartooth river shark and the New Guinea river shark may be the same. The other three species include the <a href="http://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/priority_species/lesser_known_species/ganges_shark/" target="_blank">Ganges river shark</a>, which is critically endangered, the Bizant river shark and the Borneo river shark. <br /><br /> So you see, there are freshwater sharks in the world. In the case of the bull shark, we can only marvel at its adaptations and avoid its aggressive behavior. In the case of river sharks, we can only hope that we will be able to obtain more information about these creatures in the future. <br /><br />Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-83594924622484606362016-09-26T06:43:00.001-07:002016-09-26T06:43:34.196-07:00Saint Dane: A Hybrid Sweetheart<a href="http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/s/saintdane.htm" target="_blank">Saint Danes</a> are a hybrid mix of the Saint Bernard and Great Dane dog breeds. They are also known as Great Bernards. They are usually bred by mating a purebred Saint Bernard with a purebred Great Dane. A mixture of either of these breeds with a Saint Dane will also produce a Saint Dane.While Saint Danes are not purebred dogs, they are also not mutts. They are not mutts because their lineage is traceable on both sides to purebreds or to Saint Danes who have purebred lineage. That is what makes Saint Dane a hybrid breed.<br /><br />A hybrid dog breed’s appearance and behavior is best assessed by looking at both parent breeds. This is a good way to guess how the animal will behave and what their needs will be. <br /><br /><b>Saint Bernard</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/st-bernard/" target="_blank">Saint Bernards</a> are huge dogs. Their minimum adult height is 2 feet 3 inches and their adult weight ranges between 130 and 180 pounds. They were initially bred as guard and rescue dogs so they are very powerful. They also have an excellent sense of smell.<br /><br />Saint Bernards are typically white with brown markings all over their bodies. They can have long or short hair and they shed a lot. They need frequent grooming. They also have very large heads and they drool constantly.<br /><br />Despite their size, Saint Bernards are fantastic family dogs but because of their size, they should be monitored around small children. It is very easy for a full-grown Saint Bernard to inadvertently knock an adult over, let alone a child. They need daily exercise and a lot of space to run around. A properly cared for and exercised Saint Bernard should be a cinch to train.<br /><br /><b>Great Dane</b><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-dane/" target="_blank">Great Dane</a> is also known as the “gentle giant.” Their minimum adult height is 2 feet 4 inches and they weigh between 110 and 170 pounds when full-grown. They were initially bred as guard dogs, but are gentle by nature.<br /><br />Great Danes can have many different color variations. They can be Blue, Black, Harlequin, Mantle, Brindle and Fawn in coloration. They have short fur and need minimal grooming. They have slender snouts and lean bodies.<br /><br />Like the Saint Bernard, Great Danes need exercise every day. They are gentle, but also very energetic. They make great family dogs because of their sweet personality, but their size is daunting.<br /><br /><b>Saint Dane</b><br /><br />As you can see, the Saint Danes parent breeds are very similar in size and temperament, but can differ in appearance. Therefore, Saint Danes vary in fur color, markings and length as well as snout size and amount of drooling. They can have long or short hair, so grooming needs are on a dog-to-dog basis.<br /><br />Saint Dane owners describe them as friendly and loyal. They share all of the personality traits of the two breeds they are born from. Though, like all dogs, behavior depends largely on their upbringing. These are very big dogs and they should be treated with respect.<br /><br />If you would like to own a Saint Dane, you should be prepared to take care of him or her. They need a lot of space and plenty of exercise. They also eat an awful lot. They can be a wonderful, loving addition to any family, but only families who can accommodate their needs should adopt them.<br /><br />Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-70525190936294916062016-08-28T09:34:00.000-07:002016-08-28T09:34:47.338-07:00Cryptid: Chupacabra
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--></style>For roughly fifteen years or longer, a strange creature has been sighted in various parts of the world, mainly Latin America. This creature sucks the blood from livestock, particularly goats, if the stories are to be believed. The beast only appears at night and vanishes after it attacks. The only evidence it leaves behind is dead animals, all with two puncture wounds like vampire teeth. It is known as Chupacabra or "goatsucker." As far as cryptids go, it is young, but its infamy has spread far and wide, both as something to fear and as something to scoff at. <br />
<br /> Chupacabra may have first appeared in Puerto Rico in the 1990s. However, some sources say sightings go back much further. People simply had different names for the creature. Since the sightings in Puerto Rico, Chupacabra has been seen in Mexico, numerous South American countries, the United States and supposedly even Russia. How a creature could spread around the globe so fast without being captured or identified is anyone's guess. Perhaps it is because descriptions of Chupacabra are so contradictory and far-fetched that people are mistaking known creatures for this cryptid. <br /><br /> The Chupacabra's appearance is a much debated and contradictory subject. Here we will discuss some of the creature's supposed attributes. It is hard to come up with a clear picture of what the creature is supposed to look like from this information, but you can decide which Chupacabra you think is the most realistic, if any. <br /><br /> Chupacabra has gray skin like that of an alien a la Roswell photos. It is also said to have green skin like that of a frog. Its skin may be leathery and reptilian, furry and reptilian or feathered and reptilian. Descriptions have covered all three. Other interesting skin characteristics the Chupacabra may have are webbed toes, fingers, arms and legs. It may also have "feathery spines" running down its back to its hindquarters. It is sometimes said that Chupacabra has a tail and that the spines follow the creature's tail to the tip. It has been described as winged as well. <br /><br /> The size of Chupacabra is another mystery. It could be the size of a large rodent with wings, but it is too large to be a bat. It could also be between 4-1/2 and 5-1/2 feet tall. The gait of the creature is up for debate as well. When it is not described as a rodent, it is described as walking on its hind legs, but being capable of running on all four. Other sources say that it moves like a kangaroo. It may also be able to move in and out of this "realm" without notice. <br /><br /> The face of Chupacabra may be dog like, rodent-like, alien-like or demon-like. The alien Chupacabra is rather popular. It has vertically oval red glowing eyes and a vertically oval-shaped head-like the grays of Roswell fame. One more notable feature is its scent. Some say that Chupacabra reeks of sulfur. <br /><br /> The varying descriptions of Chupacabra would give any skeptic pause. There are so many variations that the idea it is the same creature is difficult to swallow. The sulfur scent that some witnesses describe has obvious religious connotations. It is said that the Devil and demons smell of sulfur. People who are on the brink of being demonically possessed supposedly report the smell of sulfur. It makes one wonder if superstition is not playing a huge role in the spread of Chupacabra throughout Latin America. <br /><br /> On the other hand, many people believe the Chupacabra is real. They fear the creature, despite authorities' assurances that all the attacks attributed to this cryptid are actually wild animal attacks. All photographic and biological evidence of the creature have been proven hoaxes. That, in and of itself, says a lot but does not prove that Chupacabra is not real and sucking the life out of livestock around the world. <br /><b><br /> Sources </b><br /><br /> Neer, Katherine, How Chupacabras Work, retrieved 10/27/10, science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/strange-creatures/chupacabra2.htm <br /><br /> Frank B. Chavez II, Origins of Chupacabra, retrieved 10/27/10, ehow.co.uk/list_6827258_origins_chupacabra.html <br /><br /> Chupacabra, retrieved 10/27/10, monstropedia.org/index.php?title=ChupacabraShelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-1215825748030681792016-07-24T13:42:00.000-07:002016-07-24T13:42:11.924-07:00Differences Between Monkeys and ApesMonkeys and apes are both
primates. Both are also members of the same suborder of primates (anthropoids).
Incidentally, this is the same suborder that humans belong to. They are grouped
this way because they are very similar creatures. However,
despite the fact that monkeys and apes share many similar characteristics, they
are different in many ways. <br />
<br /><b>Body Structure and Appearance</b><br />
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<br /></div>
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One of the most obvious
differences between monkeys and apes is that most monkeys have tails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apes do not. Monkeys have prehensile
tails that they use to help them swing from branch to branch. This makes them
more adapted for life in the trees than apes. However, apes can use their arms
to swing from branch to branch because their shoulders are structurally
different from those of monkeys. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Apes have a more upright posture
than monkeys. Though both apes and monkeys generally walk on all fours, apes can stand upright. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Apes have wider chests than
monkeys. They also have broader noses and longer arms. Most ape species are
also significantly larger than monkeys, with very few exceptions.</div>
<br /><b>Intelligence</b> <br />
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<br /></div>
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Apes have larger brains in
comparison to their body size than monkeys do. They are able to use tools, much
like humans. They also have more advanced powers of deduction than monkeys.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Both monkeys and apes share
similar feelings and expressions with humans. However, apes are more closely
related to humans genetically. In fact, they are the only animals that can
communicate with humans using a human language. They can learn sign language
and express themselves with it. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Behavior</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Apes, chimpanzees in particular,
have been observed using tools to hunt prey. They sharpen sticks and use them
as spears. This is not behavior you see in monkeys. In fact, chimps do this
to hunt monkeys sometimes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Apes nest in trees and on the
ground. Monkeys nest exclusively in trees. This may have something to do with
predation. A lot of ape species are big enough to fend off most predators. Monkeys are not.</div>
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<br /></div>
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These are the most obvious
differences between apes and monkeys. There are other more subtle differences too.
There are also differences that are species specific. For example, one species
of apes may display different social behavior than monkeys that other ape
species do not. Therefore, this is not an exhaustive list of the differences between
monkeys and apes. There are too many species of ape and monkey (more of monkeys
than apes) to list all of their individual characteristics here.<br />
</div>
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<b>Sources</b><br />
<br />
<i>(Note: Sources were retrieved at the time this article was written in 2010) </i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
Great Apes & Other Primates,
retrieved 1/16/10, nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Primates/Facts/default.cfm</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
Apes vs. Monkeys: What’s the
difference?, retrieved 1/16/10,
hsus.org/animals_in_research/chimps_deserve_better/monkey-use-in-research/apes_vs_monkeys_whats_the.html</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
Ellis, Jessica, What is the
Difference Between Monkeys and Apes, retrieved 1/16/10, wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-monkeys-and-apes.htm</div>
Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-26666927605856375272016-06-28T08:13:00.000-07:002016-06-28T08:13:05.948-07:00Spitting Cobras Aim To Kill<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/Equatrorial-spitting-cobra_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/Equatrorial-spitting-cobra_001.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equatorial spitting cobra<br />looking fierce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cool, terrifying, whatever you want to call them, <a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/54842/what-spitting-cobras-are-aiming" target="_blank">spitting cobras</a> are unarguably fascinating. They are a group of cobra species that have the ability to “spit” their venom from their fangs. They are similar to other cobra species, aside from this odd defense mechanism. They have similar eating and mating habits and are also alike in appearance. It's tough to tell the difference, but it's good to avoid cobras whether they prefer to spit or bite, anyway.<br /><br />There are currently eleven known species of spitting cobras on Earth. Their color, markings and size differ greatly between the species. The difference in size can be several feet. Some spitting cobras are only a few feet long, while the largest spitting cobra ever found was more than nine feet in length. Spitting cobras can be red, brown or black, with or without markings. However, they do have one feature in common; all spitting cobras are hooded, like the king cobra. <br /><br />An interesting fact about spitting cobras is that they do not actually spit their venom; technically it is sprayed out of their fangs. After the snake uses its muscles to force the venom into its fangs, it uses a burst of air from its lungs to propel the venom out of its mouth. They do this mainly as a way to defend themselves, and they can aim their venom rather accurately when threatened. The venom that is expelled from the snakes fangs can travel up to ten feet.<br /><br />Most spitting cobras are equipped with hemotoxic and neurotoxic venom. This venom is harmless if it lands on unbroken skin. However, you should be careful not to touch or spread the venom and to wash it off carefully. If the venom enters the blood stream through broken skin, it can be deadly. A spitting cobra will often aim for the eyes, which can be a problem if it hits its target. The venom can cause complete and permanent blindness if it isn’t treated properly.<br /><br />Spitting cobras are also capable of delivering their venom through a bite. They will typically use this method for prey only, but the bite is dangerous for the unlucky who are on the receiving end. The large brown spitting cobra is particularly dangerous as it can potentially deliver more venom per bite than any other snake species on Earth.<br /><br />The large brown spitting cobra is the most recent discovery among spitting cobra species. It is also the biggest and most deadly. Its venom is not as toxic as the king cobra, but far more can be delivered in one bite. There may be even more spitting cobras out there, just waiting to be discovered, but it is doubtful that any can deliver as much venom as the large brown.<br /><br />Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-671162419008064042016-06-21T13:03:00.000-07:002016-06-21T13:03:33.179-07:00Animals That Can Literally Shock You<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/Electric_catfish_0623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/Electric_catfish_0623.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electric catfish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every creature on Earth is capable of producing electricity. However, this biologically produced electricity occurs in varying levels and is typically used up to complete biological functions. In other words, it cannot be stored and emitted. That is not the case with a few creatures. Some animals are able to store and emit the electricity produced by their bodies. With these electrical emissions, these animals can shock predators and prey or scare humans away with a jolt that can be mind jarring. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Electric Rays </h4>
<br />
<a href="http://www.britannica.com/animal/electric-ray" target="_blank">Electric rays</a> are flattish, roundish saltwater creatures. They are also known as torpedo rays. Electric rays can weigh more than 200 pounds and be up to six feet long. <br />
<br />
Electric rays store electricity in two organs. When necessary for hunting and self-defense, the rays deliver a jolt of electricity from these two organs. The most powerful shock they are capable of delivering is about 220 volts. Historically, this jolt of electricity has been used as a pain reliever. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Star Gazers </h4>
<br />
Star Gazers are fish that can be found around the world. They have interesting facial features. Their eyes are located atop the head and the mouth opening is in front of the eyes, facing up. Inside the mouth is a fleshy appendage used to lure fish into their mouths whilst star gazers hide in the sand. <br />
<br />
Like the electric ray, the shock from star gazers comes from electricity-storing organs. However, the shock is slight overkill. Star Gazers hunt in hiding and trick their prey directly into their jaws. There is little reason to deliver a shock, though they may, like other electricity-emitting animals, use it for navigation purposes. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Electric Catfish </h4>
<br />
Electric catfish are simply catfish that can store and emit electricity. They are found in freshwater in Africa. Like electric eels, electric catfish use their electricity to hunt, defend and navigate.<br />
<br />
The electric catfish has a single organ that allows for shocking. The organ is located beneath the skin and envelops nearly the entire fish. When needed, the organ emits up to 350 volts of electricity. This is often followed by several lesser shocks. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Electric Eels </h4>
<br />
Electric eels are not actually eels. Taxonomically speaking, they are more like carp or catfish. Electric eels live in ponds and streams in South America. The largest specimens are more than 8 feet long. <br />
<br />
Electric eels are the most powerful of the electricity-emitting animals. They can deliver a jolt of up to 600 volts. This poses minimal danger to humans, but can exacerbate or create heart problems and has been known to cause drowning. This amazing amount of electricity is stored in roughly 6,000 cells in the electric eel's body. <br />
<br />
Many other animals emit electricity. However, most of them give off weak levels of electricity compared to the above shockers. While they pose little danger to humans, children and people with heart conditions should avoid these animals, lest they be mistaken for predators. <br />
<br />Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-7794849413670147082016-05-30T08:14:00.001-07:002016-05-30T08:14:12.779-07:00Interesting Facts About Snapping Turtles<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/Common_snapping_turtle_-_Chelydra_serpentina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/Common_snapping_turtle_-_Chelydra_serpentina.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common snapping turtle<br />Photo courtesy of Brad Gratwicke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Snapping turtles are bitey creatures that are found in the United States, Canada, and northern South America. There are three known species of snapping turtles–the <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/common_snapping_turtle.htm" target="_blank">common snapping turtle</a>, the <a href="http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/alligator-snapping-turtle/" target="_blank">alligator snapping turtle</a> and the Florida snapping turtle. All of these species have powerful beak-like jaws that can easily bite off a person’s finger or toe, hence the name. Do you want to know more about these favorites of leisurely fishermen? Read on.<br /><br />Snapping turtles are strictly fresh water turtles. You can spot them in lakes, ponds, streams and marshes. They are omnivorous. They eat vegetation, snakes, fish, crayfish, carrion and insects. They can go for days or even weeks without eating. <br /><br />Most snapping turtles are grey, brown, green or black. They have long tails in comparison to other turtle species and have smaller shells than other turtles. In fact, their shells are so small that they cannot pull their heads and bodies in like other turtles. That leaves more of their bodies exposed.<br /><br />A fully grown common snapper’s carapace is usually between 10 and 18 inches long. These turtles can weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. An alligator snapper can grow to be up to 200 pounds with a carapace of up to 26 inches. Common snappers can live 30-40 years, sometimes longer in captivity. An alligator snapper can live 20-70 years; they can grow to be even older in captivity as well.<br /><br />Alligator snappers have the second strongest bite strength of all the creatures on Earth, according to some sources. Others say they have a similar bite strength to humans. Either way, they can take off a finger, so don’t let one bite you. <br /><br />Alligator snapping turtles have spiky, plated shells and can stay underwater for up to three hours. They also have a worm like protuberance growing out of their mouths that is used as a fishing lure.<br /><br />Snapping turtles mate from April to November and will lay up to 83 eggs at a time. Females can store sperm for years so they can reproduce even when they don’t have a mate. They lay their eggs and leave them. They do not rear their young or even care for the eggs. The eggs take between nine and eighteen weeks to hatch and their sex is determined by the temperature of their surroundings during the incubation period.<br /><br />Snapping turtles are known for their aggressive behavior, though they are usually only aggressive on land. When they feel threatened, they will hiss and may even give off an offensive odor. They can also strike very quickly with their jaws, so injuries from snapping turtles are relatively common.<br /><br />These turtles spend most of their time in the water with the exception of nesting females. If you do see one out of the water just avoid it and be sure to keep your eyes open for others. Do not attempt to pick up these turtles, they have long necks and will bite if provoked. They hibernate in mud burrows during the winter so it is highly unlikely that you will see them at that time.<br />Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-28114257323536377792016-05-09T13:42:00.000-07:002016-05-09T13:42:27.065-07:00Tennessee's Elephant Sanctuary
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In Hohenwald, Tennessee, there is a 2,700-acre stretch of land like no other in the United States. It is the Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee. This vast stretch of land is home to numerous African and Asian elephants and their understanding caregivers. It is the largest place like it in the country and its reach is global. <br /><br /> The Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee was founded by experienced elephant trainers and elephant enthusiasts Carol Buckley and Scott Blais. Their mission was to create a place where elephants that need special care can get it, while enjoying a life that is as free from stress as possible where they can roam in a natural habitat created for them. All of the animals Carol and Scott take in are former circus and zoo animals that have spent their lives cooped up and handled extensively. The Elephant Sanctuary gives them a life that is free from those hindrances.<br />
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<br /> The Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee contains three separate sanctuaries for the animals. There are specially designed barns and elephant "houses" on the property. Six years after the sanctuary opened, a 700-acre parcel was added, which includes a 25-acre lake. Eighteen hundred and forty acres were added in July of 2003. Since that time, no more land has been added, but the most recent purchase is being improved for pastures. Elephants are known to roam tens of miles each day in the wild. The land at the Sanctuary allows them to do so comfortably, whereas zoos and circuses often do not provide space for their elephants to roam.<br /><br /> If you want to see animals in captivity, go to the zoo, the circus or Las Vegas. The Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee has no such animals. The environment they create there is as noninvasive to the creatures' lifestyle as possible. The Sanctuary is not open to the public and the animal caregivers are not there to interfere with or control the natural behavior of its inhabitants. <br /><br /> The caregivers at the Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee use a technique called "passive-control" in the handling of the Sanctuary's elephants. The animals do not perform and are not asked to bend to the will of the humans who care for them. No negative reinforcement is used and the animals are never denied food, water, shelter or social interactions. They are allowed to express themselves, as elephants are wont to do, without interference from caregivers. The animals are never chained, either. In fact, Sanctuary leaders are vocal in their opposition of this tactic, which is common in elephant handling. <br /><br /> The Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee is home to only female elephants. At this time, there are 13 living there. They keep only females because male and female Asian elephants do not live together in the wild. Nonetheless, the Sanctuary is open to taking in male elephants that are in dire need of care and has done so in the past. Sadly, their only male inhabitant was very ill when he was confiscated from his owner and brought to the sanctuary. Despite every effort from the Sanctuary, he passed away within months of his arrival. <br /><br /> The Sanctuary is involved in several education programs, both locally and globally. Part of their mission is to educate children about elephants and the plight of the endangered Asian elephants. These animals will not be around forever if we do not take responsibility for our part in their population decrease. Keeping them in zoos and circuses is not enough. In fact, it is only more of an affront and those elephant-lovers at the Sanctuary want to spread that message. <br /><br />Try to catch a glimpse of Sanctuary elephants on their <a href="http://www.elephants.com/elecam/index.php" target="_blank">EleCam</a>. <b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<b>Sources </b><br /><br /> The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, retrieved 11/3/10, elephants.com/about/aboutSanctuary.php <br /><br /> Passive Control Elephant Management, retrieved 11/3/10, elephants.com/management.php <br /><br /> *This establishment is run entirely on donations and is a non-profit organization. <br />
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Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-29967876135533977552016-04-27T07:54:00.000-07:002016-04-27T07:54:02.768-07:00All About Painted Turtles<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Chrysemys_picta_dorsalis_(aka).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Painted turtle" border="0" height="179" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Chrysemys_picta_dorsalis_(aka).jpg" title="Painted turtle" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted turtle<br />Courtesy of Andrew Karwath</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Painted Turtles are a small North American species. They are well known for the unique, colorful and beautiful patterns on their plastrons (the lower half of their shells). They are also popular as pets because of these painting-like markings and their relatively small size. <br /><br />Painted Turtles live in the southern parts of Canada, most of the Continental United States and Northern Mexico. They dwell in freshwater, such as ponds, streams and rivers (slow flowing). They bask nearby or on floating logs, usually in the morning hours. When they move from one location to another, people may spot them outside of their typical habitat.<br /><br />Painted Turtles are remarkable in their appearance. Their carapaces (the upper half of their shells) are typically green or black. The outer edge of the shell has red vertical stripes. The plastrons of these turtles can be solid yellow or orange, yellow with a dark pattern in the center or it can have a bright red and yellow design that gives them their name. The flesh of these turtles is green or black and they have bright yellow or red stripes on their heads and legs.<br /><br />The carapace of a Painted Turtle is usually 4-7 inches in length, but they can be up to 10 inches. The females of the species are noticeably larger than males. However, they mature slower.<br /><br />These creatures are omnivorous. They eat vegetation, carrion, insects, worms, tadpoles and small fish. They must bask after eating. They cannot properly digest their food properly unless their temperature is regulated.<br /><br />Mating seasons for Painted Turtles occur in the spring and fall. Nesting usually occurs in the spring and during the start of summer. They spend much of their time in the water, but females must nest on land. They lay 2-5 clutches of eggs a year and leave these eggs immediately after covering the nest. The gender of the Painted Turtles offspring is determined by the eggs temperature during the incubation period. Typically, hotter temperatures (85-degrees Fahrenheit or more) produce female offspring, while lower temperatures (less than 85-degrees Fahrenheit) produce males.<br /><b><br />Interesting Facts About Painted Turtles</b><br /><br />-Painted Turtles hibernate in the muddy bottoms of ponds and streams. At the right temperature, they can survive for up to five months in this state without oxygen. <br /><br />-Painted Turtles cannot eat unless their entire head is submersed in water.<br /><br />These turtles are very popular as pets because of their size and appearance, but pet owners should be cautious of how they obtain these turtles. In some states it is illegal to capture wild turtles to keep as pets. <br /><br />Sources<br /><br />Painted Turtles, retrieved 5/16/09, answers.com/topic/painted-turtle-1<br /><br />Painted Turtle-Chrysemys Picta, retrieved 5/15/09, herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=73&Itemid=26 Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-78715301844639046622016-03-30T09:17:00.001-07:002016-03-30T09:17:10.138-07:00Rare North American Frog Species
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North America seems to be a
haven for frogs and toads. There are more than a hundred species in North
America and not a single state or country on the continent is without one or
more species. Frogs are abundant in North America. However, there are some
species of frogs on the continent that are rare and sometimes elusive. Habitat
tends to be the cause of rarity for all of the following frog species. For some
it is habitat loss that is causing a problem with the population. Others just
have a naturally small range. Either way, the effect is the same. These frogs
are very difficult to find.</div>
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<b>Rare North American Frogs:
Florida Bog Frog</b></div>
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The Florida Bog Frog can only be
found in a very small portion in the Midwestern area of Florida’s panhandle. In
that area, they can only be found in the drainages of the East Bay River, the
Titi Creek and the Lower Yellow River. They are not considered endangered,
however, their very limited range makes them very vulnerable to habitat
destruction or alteration. </div>
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Florida Bog Frogs are green or
murky green in color. They may have darker greenish spots on their backs and/or
light yellowish-green spots on their sides. They have very little webbing on
their rear feet. They grow to be between 1-3/8 inches and 1-15/16 inches in
length.</div>
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As is the case with most frog
species, Florida Bog Frogs are much easier to find during the mating season,
when the males are emitting their mating calls. This happens between April and
August, sometimes as late as September. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Rare North American Frogs: Pine
Barrens Treefrog</b></div>
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The Pine Barrens Treefrog can be
found in New Jersey, the far western Florida panhandle, a very small portion of
southern Alabama, and small portions of both North and South Carolina. They can
be found in boggy areas where they breed in the spring and summer. Males are
often more active in their mating calls after it rains.</div>
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Pine Barrens Treefrogs are
medium green with a white and brown stripe from their snout all the way down
their sides. The stripe may be speckled yellow near the frog’s joints. They
grow to be between 1-1/8 inches and 2 inches in length.</div>
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<b>
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<b>Rare North American Frogs:
Relict Leopard Frog</b></div>
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Relict Leopard Frogs are only
found in a very small area in southeastern Nevada into northwestern Arizona. Their
population has declined and their range has decreased in size due to invasive
species and habitat changes. </div>
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Relict Leopard Tree Frogs are
light brown to dark greenish-black in color. They often have darker markings
all over. They may grow to be between 1-3/4 inches and 3-1/2 inches in length.
They breed between February and April and again in November. However, their
calls are very difficult to hear because they are often made underwater.</div>
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With the right habitat
conservation efforts and/or captive breeding and release programs, not only can
we ensure that these rare frog species will survive, but we may also be able to
increase their numbers. Some of these frog species are already receiving the
help they need. Others are not in dire need of any assistance, but habitat
conservation should always be kept in mind. </div>
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<b>Source</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Elliott, Lang & Gerhardt,
Carl & Davidson, Carlos, The Frogs and Toads of North America Houghton
Mifflin Harcourt, 2009 p. 228-229, 292-293, 204-205, 52-55</div>
Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-998010383561932742016-03-14T09:22:00.000-07:002016-03-14T09:22:11.025-07:00Ways That Snakes Defend Themselves<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/Crotalus_adamanteus_(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/Crotalus_adamanteus_(5).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]-->Snakes are highly efficient
predators. They are stealthy, they are fast and some of them are even packing
lethal venom. It is hard to imagine that such skilled hunters would need
defense mechanisms, but obviously they do. No animal on Earth is exempt from
becoming prey. Snakes may be preyed upon by predatory birds, other snakes,
small mammals and more. Lucky for them, most snake species have evolved with
instinctual defensive behaviors and/or physical attributes that aid in their
defense. Here are just a few of the more common ways that snakes can defend
themselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ways That Snakes Defend
Themselves: Warnings</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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When a member of some species of
snakes is startled by something that it feels may be a threat, it may
attempt to scare the creature off by giving it a warning. The most well known
of these snake warnings is the rattle. <a href="http://www.desertusa.com/reptiles/rattlesnakes.html" target="_blank">Rattlesnakes</a> will use their rattle as a
way of saying “If you get close, I’m going to bite you.” This can be effective
against animals that know the sound comes from a very dangerous snake. Other
ways that snakes may warn potential predators are to hiss, puff themselves up
so they look larger or to open their mouths wide as if to strike. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ways That Snakes Defend
Themselves: Balling</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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A very popular snake to keep as
a pet is known as the Ball Python. This snake is thus named because of its
habit of wrapping its body around its head when it is threatened. This is
called balling. They are not the only snakes that do this to protect their head
from damage, but they are the only species that are nicknamed for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ways That Snakes Defend
Themselves: Tail Loss</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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There are at least three species
of snakes that are capable of ridding themselves of their tails. They do this
when a predator has them by the tail. This way, the more important half of
their body can escape to safety while their attacker munches on their tail. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ways That Snakes Defend
Themselves: Play Dead</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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There are several species of
snakes that will pretend they are dead when confronted by a predator. Some will
roll over on their back and let their mouth hang open. Others will go one step
further by giving off a nasty scent that mimics the smell of decomposition.
However, this isn’t very effective when they meet with a predator that doesn’t
mind eating a dead snake. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Ways That Snakes Defend
Themselves: Camouflage</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Snakes can camouflage themselves
in many ways. This is a great defense mechanism because it makes it very
difficult for a predator to spot them. Some snakes can blend into their
surroundings really well by hiding in leaf litter or holding very still so they
look like a branch or a vine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Ways That Snakes Defend
Themselves: Venom</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
Now, most venomous snakes rarely
resort to using their venom as a defense. They prefer to use their venom to
kill prey. Nonetheless, they will not hesitate when need be. Spitting cobras
(which don’t actually ‘spit’) spray their perceived threat with venom strictly
as a warning. They never use their ‘venom spit’ to kill prey. Of course, a
venomous snake without this ability will bite if they have to. They don’t want
to, but they will, with the exception of a scant few highly aggressive venomous
snake species. They do want to bite you and will if you get close enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
So you see, snakes are not only
very good at causing the rest of the animal kingdom to go on the defensive,
they are actually quite good at playing defense themselves. Remember, if you
see a snake displaying any of these behaviors, they are threatened by you. The
best thing you can do is to leave them alone and walk away. They’ll eventually
calm down and go about their business. Also, if you will be walking outdoors,
know the snake species in the area, if possible. Some snakes are very
territorial–not many, but some. The best defense against the smaller species
of this category is high boots.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<b>Sources</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Chris Mattison, Snake, p. 26-29,
DK Publishing, INC. 1999<o:p></o:p></div>
Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-3081720322520343812016-03-02T11:49:00.000-08:002016-03-02T11:49:21.684-08:00Wood Frogs<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/Lithobates_sylvaticus_(wood_frog).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wood frog" border="0" height="240" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/Lithobates_sylvaticus_(wood_frog).jpg" title="Wood frog" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood frog</td></tr>
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<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1<![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]-->Wood frogs are interesting
little creatures that can be found in the northern parts of North America. They
are relatively common animals, but that doesn't make them any less interesting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Wood frogs can be found in the
wooded areas, grasslands and tundra of northern North America. They can be
found in, near or far from bodies of water in their habitat. Adult wood frogs
tend to move away from the water during the summer months. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A fully-grown wood frog is
typically around three inches long. They are brown, tan or pinkish in color
with a white underbelly and may also have differing patterns of blackish
stripes and spots on their bodies. All wood frogs have one black stripe on
either side of their face that begins at the front of the face, goes past the
eyes and to the eardrum located near the back of the animal’s head. They have
two ridges, one on either side of the back. A telltale feature that a wood frog
has are toes on their front legs that are not webbed as completely as that of
some other frogs. Males also have enlarged thumbs. This not only makes it easy
to tell what kind of frog they are, but it also aids in discovering the sex of
the animal, if you should have the need to do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wood frogs mate in the early
months of spring. During the mating season, the male wood frogs will spend time
in the water, calling out to potential mates. Once they see another frog that
they are interested in mating with, they will jump onto it’s back and hold on.
They do this to decipher the sex of the other frog, as they are unable to do
this without feeling the frog to see if it is swollen with eggs. If a male frog
jumps on another male frog, the offended frog will give a croak of warning and
the offender will jump off of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Female wood frogs will lay more
than one thousand eggs at a time. They lay the eggs into the water and the eggs
are sometimes attached to pond debris or plant life. Wood frogs reproduce in a
group setting, so all of the eggs wind up in the same area, they then become
covered in algae, causing an “egg mat” to form on the surface of the water. The
tadpoles are a brownish-black color when they hatch. They are adults within two
months of hatching.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Wood frog tadpoles will eat
algae when they are young and quickly graduate to insect larvae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adults eat insects, snails, slugs and worms. Birds
of prey, raccoons and other small forest dwelling carnivores or omnivores may
eat them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The most interesting thing about
wood frogs is their ability to freeze during hibernation. In the climates that
these frogs dwell in, it is necessary to hibernate and in many of these areas,
it is very cold during the winter. Wood frogs are able to find themselves some
shelter under natural debris, rather than digging deep into mud or earth to
hibernate, because they are able to freeze several times during hibernation and
then thaw out in the spring. For more information regarding wood frog
hibernation click here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<b>Sources</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
Wood Frog, retrieved 10/13/09,
fcps.edu/islandcreekers/ecology/wood_frog.htm<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wood Frog, retrieved 10/13/09,
enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?reenum=AR0033 <o:p></o:p></div>
Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-61021157031359326532016-02-23T11:35:00.001-08:002016-02-23T11:35:55.468-08:00Reindeer<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Caribou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Caribou.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<a href="https://naturalhistory.si.edu/arctic/html/caribou_reindeer.html" target="_blank">Reindeer</a> may be famous for being Santa Claus’ magical Christmas Eve helpers, but they are amazing even outside of children’s stories. These majestic creatures are capable of surviving in largely uninhabitable areas that would kill some species. Reindeer are skillful foragers, great swimmers and are even kept by humans for milk and labor.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Reindeer are hooved, herbivorous mammals with large antlers atop their heads. Caribou and Reindeer are the only deer species in which both male (buck) and female (doe) specimens have antlers, though the male’s antlers are noticeably larger than the females. Reindeer can grow to be up to four feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh around 550 pounds. They have long fur, which is a brownish color in the Summer and a whitish color in the Winter.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Reindeer live in some of the coldest places on Earth. They are found in Greenland, Russia, Scandinavia, Canada, Alaska and even the Arctic Tundra. There are two types of Reindeer. There are the Tundra Reindeer and the Forest Reindeer. The difference between the two is really described by their names. There are other subtle differences, but location and the size of migratory herds are the most noticeable. Forest Reindeer migrate in smaller herds than Tundra Reindeer.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The Reindeer mating ritual happens in October. Forest Reindeer bucks will fight each other for a doe’s affection by locking antlers until one of them defers. Tundra Reindeer also display this behavior, but not as often as the Forest Reindeer. Pregnant Reindeer females gestate through the Winter and usually give birth to one calf in May or June.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Reindeer eat leaves, shoots, moss and grass during the Summer. They also eat mushrooms, when they are available, in the late Summer and in the Fall. During the Winter, Reindeer have to work hard for their food by digging deep in the snow to get to the Reindeer Moss that is their primary source of food at this time. Reindeer are ruminating mammals, meaning they chew very slowly and repeatedly, much like cows.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Reindeer live mostly in small herds, especially the does. During migration they form much larger herds. In Autumn, these animals migrate south and in the Spring they migrate north again. Migratory herds of Tundra Reindeer can have up to 500,000 individuals in them. Reindeer spend a lot of their lives moving around. Reindeer can rarely stay in one place for very long.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>Sources</b></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Reindeer, retrieved 6/17/09, brittanica.com/EBchecked/topic/496558/reindeer</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
Reindeer, retrieved 6/17/09, encyclopedia.com/topic/reindeer.aspx</div>
Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-38511955831224596912016-02-11T19:13:00.000-08:002016-02-11T19:13:13.461-08:00A List of Unusual Animals<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Condylura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Star-nosed mole" border="0" height="203" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Condylura.jpg" title="Star-nosed mole" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star-nosed mole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
Compiled here is a short list of some of the strangest animals on the planet. Some of them are cute, some of them are ugly and some of them are downright scary looking. All of these creatures have one thing in common. They are unique.<br />
<br /><b>
The Star-Nosed Mole (condylura cristata)</b><br />
<br />
The Star-Nosed Mole is a small creature that is found in parts of Canada and in the Northeastern United States. They are covered in blackish-brown fur and grow to be between 5.9 to 7.8 inches in length. They weigh less than two ounces. They live in low wetland areas and forage for their food in tunnels that they dig near streams and ponds.<br />
<br />
The Star-Nosed Mole is a very minuscule mammal with one very strange feature. This animal has twenty-two fleshy pink tentacles that protrude from its snout. Because the Star-Nosed Mole is functionally blind, scientists believe that the creepy pink tentacles are used for finding food. How they work is not currently known.<br />
<br /><b>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/Albinoaxolotl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/Albinoaxolotl2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Axolotl<br />Photo by Orizatriz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Mexican Walking Fish (axolotl)</b><br />
<br />
The Mexican Walking Fish is actually not a fish at all but a salamander that is closely related to the Tiger Salamander. These creatures, when healthy, are bright pink or orange in color. They grow to be around 9 inches long and can only be found in Lake Xochimilco in Mexico or in captivity. They are listed as critically endangered.<br />
<br />
These salamanders very rarely leave the water and spend most of their time walking on four legs at the bottom of the lake. This is probably the reason for the misnomer. Three sets of gill stalks jut out from the back of this creatures head, giving the Mexican Walking Fish a very odd appearance. They also have very long thin digits on their feet which add to the effect. Though all in all Mexican Walking Fish, are actually very cute.<br />
<br /><b>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Leafy_Sea_Dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Leafy_Sea_Dragon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leafy sea dragon<br />Photo by dro!d</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Leafy Sea Dragon (phycodurus eques)</b><br />
<br />
The Leafy Sea Dragon is a cousin of the sea horse. They can be found in the waters around Southern and Western Australia. They grow to be about 11.5 inches long and they feed on smaller fish and plankton.<br />
<br />
Leafy Sea Dragons have the same general body shape as that of the seahorse. Like the seahorse they have long snouts and no teeth. The resemblance ends there. This ocean creature has fleshy appendages that grow out of its entire body. These appendages have the shape, color and appearance of seaweed. Although once you realize that they are not clumps of seaweed they are actually quite beautiful.<br />
<br /><b>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/RedPanda2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/RedPanda2.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Panda<br />Photo by ltshears</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Red Panda (ailurus fulgens)</b><br />
<br />
The Red Panda is an omnivorous mammal found in mountainous regions in certain parts of Asia. They eat mostly bamboo and spend most of their time up in trees. They live in mountains at altitudes between 5,905 feet and 15,748 feet.<br />
Red Pandas bodies are around 19 inches in length and they have long tails that are between one and two feet long. They weigh around 11 pounds.<br />
<br />
Red Pandas are covered in long, soft, red and black fur. The fur on their feet and stomachs is black while the fur on their back, head and tail is red. They have unique white and light brown markings on their faces and their tails have six rings that are a lighter shade of red than the rest of their bodies.<br />
<br />
These animals are very cute and really not that odd-looking. What makes the Red Panda unique is that they are not actually pandas, they look like red raccoons but they are not. They are actually the only living example of the Ailuridae family on Earth.<br />
<br /><b>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Aye-Aye_Daubentonia_madagascariensis_in_Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Aye-Aye_Daubentonia_madagascariensis_in_Paris.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aye Aye<br />Photo by Dr. Mirko Junge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Aye-Aye (daubentonia madagascariensis)<br />
</b></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The Aye-aye is a smallish primate that lives in the deciduous forests and rainforests in eastern Madagascar. The length of their body and head can grow to be about 13 inches in length and their tails can grow to be around 17 inches in length. An adult Aye-Aye only weighs around 5.5 pounds.<br />
<br />
Aye-ayes are a combination of creepy and comical in appearance. In adulthood they are covered in black or brown fur and they possess very rodent-like features. Their eyes are bright yellow and quite round. Their overly large ears have a shape that is reminiscent of the ears of a cat.<br />
<br />
The strangest feature of the Aye-aye is its middle finger, which can grow to be three times longer than its other digits. Natives of Madagascar believe that if an Aye-aye points its middle finger at a person then that person is doomed to die soon. Supposedly the only way to counteract its evil is to kill the offending primate.<br />
<b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/Representatives_of_ceratioid_families.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/Representatives_of_ceratioid_families.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evolution of the Anglerfish<br />Photo by Masaki Miya</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Female Humpbacked Anglerfish (melanocetus johnsonii)</b><br />
<br />
The Humpbacked Anglerfish is a deep-sea Anglerfish that dwells in moderate to tropical ocean waters at a depth of about 6,600 feet. The female Humpbacked Anglerfish grows to about 20 inches in length and has a rather formidable appearance. Her male counterpart only grows to be about an inch long.<br />
<br />
Female Humpbacked Anglerfish are some of the scariest looking creatures on Earth. Their jaws are huge in relation to their bodies and are filled with sharp needle-like teeth. These teeth can fold back into her mouth when she swallows prey. The strangest feature of the female Humpbacked Anglerfish is a long finger-like fin that protrudes from her head and dangles near her mouth. This fin is used to lure in her prey.<br />
<br />
These are only some of the strange creatures to be found here on Earth. There are many more out there that are truly amazing. Some are still waiting to be discovered.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /><b>
Sources</b><br />
<br />
Wikipedia, <i>Red Panda, </i>retrieved 5/27/09,wikipedia.com/wiki/red_panda</div>
<div class="p1">
<br />
Wikipedia, <i>Star-Nosed Mole, </i>retrieved 5/27/09, wikipedia.com/wiki/star_nosed_mole<br />
<br />
Wikipedia, <i>Axolotl</i>, retrieved 5/27/09, wikipedia.org/wiki/axolotl<br />
<br />
Wikipedia,<i> Leafy Sea Dragon, </i>retrieved 5/27/09,wikipedia.org/wiki/Leafy_sea<i>_dragon</i>retrieved 5/27/09,www.wikipedia.org/wiki/aye-aye<br />
<br />
Wikipedia, <i>Aye-Aye</i>, retrieved 5/27/09, wikipedia.org/wiki/Aye-aye<br />
</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Wikipedia, <i>Humpbacked Anglerfish, </i>retrieved 5/27/09, wikipedia.com/wiki/humpbacked_anglerfish</div>
Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-77216195046141905442016-02-03T13:03:00.000-08:002016-02-03T13:03:23.445-08:00Wholphins: Hybrid Cross Between a False Killer Whale and a Bottlenose Dolphin<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/Baby_wolphin_by_pinhole.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wholphin photo" border="0" height="256" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/Baby_wolphin_by_pinhole.jpeg" title="Wholphin photo" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kawli'Kai<br />Photo by Mark Interrante</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Dolphins and other marine mammals are among the most beloved
creatures of the sea. It could be because we, as humans, are mammals, so we
feel a special kinship to these oxygen dependant, thinking/feeling and
magnificent animals. We are most familiar with the large whales, killer whales
and bottlenose dolphins because they dominate marine conservation efforts and
sea life shows around the world. What many of us are likely not familiar with
is possibly the most rare hybrid marine mammal in the world–the wholphin.
This creature, as you may have guessed from its name, is a cross between a false killer whale and a dolphin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The only known full wholphin specimen is a cross between a
male false killer whale and a female Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. The wholphin
is a fertile female named Keikaimalu born in 1985. She lives at Sea Life Park
in Oahu. Examples of differences from her parent species that she possesses are
her coloring and her teeth. She is darker than her mother is. Keikaimalu also
has fewer teeth than her mother does and more teeth than her father does - 66
to be exact. It is uncertain if this would be the case for all 50/50 (50%
dolphin and 50% false killer whale) wholphins, as there has not been enough
study on this hybrid species.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keikaimalu has successfully reproduced three times in her
lifetime - which can reach between 40 and 60 years, if she is anything like her
parent species in that regard. Her first calf only lived a few days. Her second
calf lived nine years. While nine years is better than a few days, this
wholphin's lifetime was much shorter than that of her mother, the average
bottlenose dolphin and the average false killer whale. It is unclear if these
two calves' hybrid parentage had anything to do with their abnormally short
lives. The third time Keikaimalu birthed a calf was in 2005. This wholphin is a
female whose father is a bottlenose dolphin. Her name is Kawili'Kai. As of
2010, she is still alive and well at Sea Life Park. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Kawili'Kai is not a 50/50 wholphin like her mother, as she
is only 50% wholphin or 25% false killer whale and 75% bottlenose dolphin.
Kawili'Kai's most false killer whale trait is her size. She weighs more than an
Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. She is also dark like her mother. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is believed that there are wholphins in the wild, though
none of them have had their DNA tested, which is the only true way to say if a
creature is a wholphin. They are not dissimilar enough in appearance to be
conclusively proved a wholphin by a picture or sighting. Nonetheless, their two
parent species are capable of breeding and have the same range and habitat.
Therefore, it is certainly possible. Keikaimalu may be the only 50/50 wholphin
specimen in the world and her daughter may be the only offspring of a wholphin,
but there is no way to be sure. For now, we must assume that she is one of a
kind. At least, she is exceedingly rare. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sources</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Wholphin Pictures, retrieved 1/7/11,
seapics.com/feature-subject/dolphin-and-porpoise/wholphin-pictures.html<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Wholphin Store, retrieved 1/7/11, sealifeparkhawaii.com<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-1042955505884426532016-02-01T16:10:00.001-08:002016-02-01T16:10:25.283-08:00Red Panda: More Like a Racoon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Ailurus_fulgens_RoterPanda_LesserPanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Red Panda" border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Ailurus_fulgens_RoterPanda_LesserPanda.jpg" title="Red Panda" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Panda snacking<br />Photo by Brunswyk</td></tr>
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Ailurus fulgens or the Red Panda
is not, in fact, a panda at all. It is actually the only living member of the
Ailuridae family. They are red black and white and strongly resemble racoons.
They have long tails that are bushy and striped. Their bodies are red and their
faces are white with red markings. They have long pointy ears. Their fur covers
their entire body, including the bottoms of their feet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Red Panda Habitat, Range and
Territories</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Red Pandas are found in
mountainous regions in the Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces of China. They are also
found in Myanmar, Nepal, India and Bhutan. They live in deciduous and
coniferous forests in temperate climates. Their primary source of food is
bamboo leaves, so they live in the small areas of these forests where bamboo is
available. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Adult Red Pandas are mainly
solitary creatures. They maintain territories that are between one and two
square miles in area. They mark these territories with their urine, anal gland
secretions and secretions from glands in the soles of their feet. Their
territories may overlap, but there is very little interaction between the
animals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Red Panda Mating and Life Cycle</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The mating season for the Red
Panda occurs in the early months of winter. During this time the mating males
and females will form short relationships. The female will gestate for roughly
134 days. During the gestation period, she will build a nest made of leaves and twigs in a
crevice or hollow tree. Female Red Pandas always give birth between 4:00 p.m.
and 9:00 a.m. and they will give birth to between one and four cubs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Red Panda cubs will remain in
the nest for roughly three months. They will stay with their mother until the
start of the following mating season. They will be full grown in about one year
and sexually mature within a year and a half. Adult Red Pandas weigh between
seven and fourteen pounds and have an average length of 42 inches from their
heads to the tips of their tails. They can be expected to live an average of eight
to ten years in the wild.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Red Panda Diet</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Red Pandas are oddly classified
as carnivores, when, in fact, they are decidedly omnivorous. They subsist
mainly on the leaves of small bamboo trees, but they also eat bird eggs, the
leaves off of other plants and berries. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Red Panda Status and
Conservation</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Red Pandas are on the IUCN
endangered species list. Their main threat is the deforestation of their
natural habitat. They are left with very little options for habitats, as it is.
Despite the fact that they are well spread out in their region, they are
confined to small patches of woods, where bamboo grows. There is currently an
estimated 2,500 adult Red Pandas in the wild. However, there are hundreds of
them kept in captivity, where they seem to thrive. Hopefully, a little
awareness and a lot of careful breeding and habitat conservation will save
these animals from extinction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Sources</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
Red Panda, retrieved 12/20/09,
redpandanetwork.org/redpanda.php<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
Heath, Terrell & Platnick,
Josh, Ailurus fulgens, retrieved 12/20/09,
animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/sile/accounts/information/Ailurus_fulgens.html<o:p></o:p></div>
Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-70348028064122327672016-01-30T14:35:00.001-08:002016-01-30T14:35:46.138-08:00Rhinopithecus Strykeri: The Monkey That Sneezes When it Rains<div class="MsoNormal">
With all of the animal species on this planet that have been
documented, it is sometimes hard to imagine that there are species out there
that have yet to be studied, but there are. A group of biologists and
primatologists has recently documented such a species. They published their
findings in the American Journal of Primatology on October 26, 2010. The
"new" species is a snub-nosed monkey they dubbed <a href="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/49678000/jpg/_49678575_photoshopreconstructionofrhinopithecusstrykericreditdrthomasgeissmann.jpg" target="_blank">Rhinopithecus strykeri</a>. This particular species has an interesting trait. The locals in
Myanmar who are familiar with the monkey say it sneezes when it rains because
the drops fall into its upturned nostrils. Unfortunately, this very trait makes
the species easy to hunt. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Snub-nosed monkeys are typically found in China and Tibet.
There are a handful of species, all with flat noses and wide faces. They have
very prominent lips as well. All snub-nosed monkeys, including Rhinopithecus
strykeri, are endangered species according to IUCN. Rhinopithecus strykeri is
classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. This means that the population
of these monkeys is at risk of reducing drastically within a mere three
generations. Chances are they will become extinct without intervention.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rhinopithecus strykeri is up to two feet tall, is almost covered in black fur and has a tail that is nearly one and a half times the
length of its body. The skin around its nose and eyes is devoid of fur,
revealing the pink skin underneath. The nose is virtually non-existent. There
are simply two upturned nostrils. There is a white patch of fur beneath the
lower lip, which is very thick. There are also white tufts of hair on the
animal's ears and rump. This sneezing monkey's face is reminiscent of the Ewoks
in Star Wars Episode VI.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The group of biologists and primatologists learned of the
sneezing snub-nosed monkey when they were surveying gibbons in the Himalayas in
northeastern Kachin State in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in early
2010. Locals who hunt the animals showed them skulls and hides from the monkeys
and told them of their interesting sneezing affliction. Intrigued by the
information, they sought the animals and found them. Unfortunately, they also
found that there are only an estimated 260-330 of these monkeys left. They are
threatened by loggers, construction and hunters. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sources</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Live Science, Scientists discover monkey that sneezes when
it rains, retrieved 10/29/10,
mnn.com/lifestyle/pets-animals/stories/scientists-discover-monkey-that-sneezes-when-it-rains<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Viegas, Jennifer, Snub-Nosed Monkey Sneezes When it Rains,
retrieved 10/29/10,
news.discovery.com/animals/snub-nosed-monkey-sneezes-when-it-rains.html<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Gray, Louise, New species of monkey sneezes when it rains,
retrieved 10/29/10,
telegraph.co.uk/earthnews/8087632/New-species-of-monkey-sneezes-when-it-rains.html<o:p></o:p></div>
Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-5428515462405828782016-01-27T17:02:00.003-08:002016-01-27T17:02:47.612-08:00Marine Iguanas: The Lizards of the Ocean<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Marine_Iguana_head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marine iguana" border="0" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Marine_Iguana_head.jpg" title="Marine iguana" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marine Iguana<br />Photo by Brian Gratwicke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
Marine Iguanas can be found on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal%C3%A1pagos_Islands" target="_blank">Galapagos Islands</a>. The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic island chain off of the northwest coast of South America. These islands are home to some of the rarest and most unique endemic species on the planet. One of these endemic species is the Marine Iguana. These creatures are the only iguanas on Earth that have adapted to living on the shores of, and feeding in, the ocean.</div>
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<div class="p1">
They have several features that distinguish them from land iguanas. They have short, snubbed noses and flat tails. They have longer and sharper claws than other iguanas. Larger Maine Iguanas (mostly males), have the ability to dive and stay underwater for more than 30 minutes. They are able to dive in the cold water, despite being cold blooded, because these iguanas have the ability to slow down their heart rate and restrict blood flow in order to preserve heat. The smaller Marine Iguanas are unable to do this because they are not able to retain heat as well as the larger ones.</div>
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<div class="p1">
All of these unique features serve an important purpose for the Marine Iguana. The long, sharp claws are great for clinging to the lava rocks that line the shores of the Galapagos islands. If Marine Iguanas didn’t have these, they could be knocked off of the rocks by waves. Their snubbed noses help them scrape the algae that they eat off of the lava rocks. Their long flat tails make it easier for the Marine Iguanas to swim. Lastly the larger ones’ ability to dive and stay under water for long periods is allowing them to eat for longer times before basking and it allows them to search for food further from shore.</div>
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<div class="p1">
Unlike many endemic species of the Galapagos, Marine Iguanas can be found on every island of the Galapagos archipelago. All of these iguanas are of the same species, but they do differ from island to island. One example of these differences is coloration. All baby Marine Iguanas are black, as are many of the adults. However, on some of these islands there are examples of bright red or green Marine Iguanas. Variations in the size of these iguanas from island to island have been noted as well.</div>
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<div class="p1">
Marine Iguanas live peacefully together for around ten months out of the year. The other two months they are breeding. While the males are trying to find mates they display territorial behavior and will fight with one another for hours. Once the males have found mates and it is time for the females to nest, it becomes the female’s turn to become aggressive with each another.</div>
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<b>Interesting Facts About Marine Iguanas</b></div>
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-Marine Iguanas can shrink. When there are major food shortages these animals can and do shrink. What is interesting about this fact is that they not only get thinner, but they also lose a significant amount of length. </div>
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-Marine Iguanas crowd together in large groups on the shores of the Galapagos at night to keep warm.</div>
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<div class="p1">
-Marine Iguanas sneeze salt. Special glands collect the salt when the animal takes in seawater while feeding. Every so often they get rid of the built up salt by sneezing. These salt bogeys often land right back on the iguanas head, where they dry up and turn the iguanas head white.</div>
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<div class="p1">
-They are the only iguanas on Earth that can feed in the ocean and depend on it for food.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
These iguanas are not endangered, but they are vulnerable to changes in the ocean’s temperature. Also, animals that have been introduced to the islands, such as cats and dogs can and do feed on these iguanas. If these introduced species are kept under control and the currents in the area do not change, these interesting creatures may be around for a while yet. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>Sources</b></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<i>Marine Iguanas,</i> retrieved 6/15/09, geocornell.edu/geology/GalapagosWWW/MarineIguanas.html</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<i>Galapagos Marine Iguanas, </i>2002, retrieved 6/15/09, kidcyber.com.au</div>
Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-58576514216588986532016-01-26T13:50:00.001-08:002016-01-26T13:50:16.305-08:00Cadborosaurus: North America's Loch Ness Monster<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/Cadborosaurus_October_1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cadborosaurus" border="0" height="219" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/Cadborosaurus_October_1937.jpg" title="Cadborosaurus" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alleged Cadborosaurus carcass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1<![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]-->In the northern waters of the
Pacific, on the western coast of North America, there have been sightings of a
creature that is similar to the <a href="http://www.nessie.co.uk/" target="_blank">Loch Ness Monster</a> for more than a thousand
years. This creature has reportedly been sighted off of the coast of Canada
frequently and has even been reported in Alaskan waters and as far south as
Monterey Bay in California. This creature is known as the Cadborosaurus and it
is presumably a sea serpent. The only evidence of the existence of the Cadborosaurus
are reported sightings, so the creatures very existence is a mystery. However,
like many other sea serpent sightings in other parts of the globe and
throughout history, it is hard to ignore due to the number of these sightings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
The Cadborosaurus is known by
several monikers in many different places. Its other names include, Caddy,
Pal-Rai-Yuk, Klematosaurus, Sarah the Sea Hag, Saya-Ustih, Hiyitlik,
Tzarta-saurus, Sisiutl, Penda, Amy, Kaegyhil-Depgu’esk and Say Noth-Kai.
Despite the many names that this creature is known by, descriptions of the
animal by witnesses are very similar. Of course, there are subtle differences,
but researchers believe that there may be subspecies of Cadborosaurus or that
its appearance changes throughout its life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
The Cadborosaurus is described
as roughly ten feet and more in length. It is said to have the slender,
elongated body of a serpent. Its head is said to look like that of a camel (of
all things). It does have fins, but the number of fins, location and description
of the fins differ. Some people claim to have seen the animal feeding. The
creature has been spotted hunting schools of fish and it has also been seen
eating waterfowl, which it is said to have swallowed whole.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
In 1937 a Cadborosaurus was said
to have been found in the stomach of a whale near the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Photos of the find were taken and samples were sent out to experts. One of the
tissue samples was lost and the other was found to be from a fetal baleen
whale. However, eyewitnesses say that there is no way that it could have been a
fetal baleen whale and the pictures of the creature back up this claim. Of
course, pictures are hardly scientific evidence. There are also people who
claim to have caught Cadborosaurus specimens and have had to release them for
one reason or another. Reported sightings and interactions with these animals
are very numerous, but the fact remains that not one carcass, skeleton or live
specimen has been found and identified as a sea serpent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
Throughout recorded maritime
history stories of serpentine creatures being spotted in the ocean and in other
deep waters have been fairly common. The sheer number of these supposed sea
serpent sightings and the number of places that these sightings have occurred
makes it hard to dismiss the existence of sea serpents easily. There is also
the fact that the waters of the Earth are largely unexplored and we certainly
haven’t been able to identify and classify every creature in their depths. So
until we know for sure that we have identified everything in the Earth’s waters
or we find a specimen and are able to study it thoroughly, the existence of
these creatures will remain a mystery and people will continue to search for
the elusive Cadborosaurus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<b>Sources</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
Cadborosaurus, retrieved
10/20/09, bc.scc.ca/cadborosaurus<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
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The Cadbrosaurus Watch,
retrieved 10/20/09, qsl.net/w5www/caddy.html+<o:p></o:p></div>
Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171894823909736906.post-20173295113187450102016-01-25T12:55:00.001-08:002016-01-25T12:55:10.367-08:00Creatures With Long Life Spans<div class="p1">
It is hard to prove which animals on Earth are the longest lived. It is nearly impossible for humans to track an animal for hundreds of years in the wild. It has certainly never been done. However, scientists have come up with some fairly accurate ways of determining the age of some wild animals. Here are just a few of the supposed longest-lived animals on Earth. The ages of these animals have either been assessed by researchers or are known to be fact.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Albert_Einstein_in_later_years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Albert Einstein" border="0" height="200" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Albert_Einstein_in_later_years.jpg" title="Albert Einstein" width="159" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albert Einstein-<br />Happens to be human, so imma put his picture here</td></tr>
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<b>Longest-lived animal #5: Humans</b></div>
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The average lifespan of humans has increased gradually over many centuries. Today the average person can expect to live around seventy-seven years. This is actually not too bad when compared to other mammals. There are even some people who live well beyond seventy-seven years. The longest-lived person ever recorded was a woman named Jeanne Calment. Jeanne Calment was born in France in 1875 and lived until 1997. She was a whopping 122 years old when she died.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/ZSL_London_-_Gal%C3%A1pagos_Giant_Tortoise_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Giant tortoise" border="0" height="133" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/ZSL_London_-_Gal%C3%A1pagos_Giant_Tortoise_01.jpg" title="Giant tortoise" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out this stud.<br />Photo by Katie Chan</td></tr>
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<b>Longest-lived animal #4: Giant Tortoises</b></div>
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All tortoise species are known to live relatively long lives. This is doubly true for giant tortoises. In fact, a Galapagos tortoise by the name of Harriet was reportedly 176 years old when she died in 2006. Many people believe that Harriet was one of the specimens that Charles Darwin brought back with him from the Galapagos. Whether or not she was one of Darwin’s specimens, she was certainly very old. DNA tests confirmed her age. There have even been reports of giant tortoises living even longer than Harriet.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Lamellibrachia_luymesi1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Lamellibrachia_luymesi1.png" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold seep tube worms<br />Photo by Charles Fisher</td></tr>
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<b>Longest-lived animal #3: Cold Seep Tube Worms</b></div>
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Cold seep tube worms are found in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These animals can live for more than 200 years. Scientists have been able to calculate their age by measuring their lengths. When doing this, they take the animals growth rate through different stages of their lives into account.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/A_bowhead_whale_breaches_off_the_coast_of_western_Sea_of_Okhotsk_by_Olga_Shpak%2C_Marine_Mammal_Council%2C_IEE_RAS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bowhead whale" border="0" height="200" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/A_bowhead_whale_breaches_off_the_coast_of_western_Sea_of_Okhotsk_by_Olga_Shpak%2C_Marine_Mammal_Council%2C_IEE_RAS.jpg" title="Bowhead whale" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowhead whale breaching<br />Photo by Olga Shpak</td></tr>
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<b>Longest-lived animal #2: Bowhead Whales</b></div>
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It has been speculated that bowhead whales are the longest-lived mammals on Earth. This idea came about when whale hunters began turning up harpoon points in their kill from the turn of the last century. Another study on the age of these whales was done by examining the aspartic acid in the deceased whales’ eyeballs. The oldest bowhead ever examined was estimated to be 211 years old.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/FMIB_48201_-Quahog--.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="quahog" border="0" height="133" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/FMIB_48201_-Quahog--.jpeg" title="quahog" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quahog </td></tr>
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<b>Longest-lived animal #1: Quahog Clam</b></div>
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Quahog clams have been known to live very long lives. The ones found off of the coast of Iceland are apparently the longest-lived of them all. Bangor University researchers found a quahog clam off of the coast of Iceland that was 405 years old. Scientists are able to pinpoint the age of the clam by counting growth rings on their shells.</div>
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So there you have them, five animals that are thought to be among the longest-lived on the Earth. In reality there is no way of knowing if there are animals out there who live even longer lives than those listed here. There are simply too many creatures that mankind has not been able to thoroughly research, though lobsters may be sort of immortal. For now we will just have to be amazed by the long-lived animals that we are aware of.</div>
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<b>Sources</b></div>
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Oldest Person in the World Turned 122 on February 21, 1997, retrieved 7/10/09, wowzone.com/calment.htm</div>
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Klatell, James, Darwin Tortoise Dies after 176 Years, retrieved 7/10/09, cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/24/tech/main1749256.shtml</div>
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Roach, Joan, 405-Year-Old Clam Called Longest-Lived Animal, National Geographic News October 29, 2007, retrieved 7/10/09, news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/10/071029-oldest-clam.html</div>
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Hourdez, Stephanie & Fisher, Chuck, Cold Seep Tubeworms, retrieved 7/10/09, oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/02mexico/background/tubeworms/tubeworm.html</div>
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Shelberiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651021890587906428noreply@blogger.com0