WEIRD ANIMALS
Scientists are finally starting to understand the centuries-old mystery of “ballooning.” By Ed Yong – A ballooning spider. Michael Hutchinson. On October 31, 1832, a young naturalist named Charles Darwin walked onto the deck of the HMS Beagle and realized that …
By Rosie Turner – There are many animals in the world, and many that are round. Here we take a look at the best circular creatures and how their ball-like shapes help them to adapt to the environment around them. Here for your …
“For decades, a national anti-cruelty law was a dream for animal protectionists. Today, it is a reality.” By Stephen Johnson – Pixabay All 50 states and local governments have animal cruelty laws, but before this week it was only a federal crime to …
Chameleon photo By David Prötzel – Famous for camouflage, their visual communication turns out to run even deeper. – By Brittney Borowiec, Comparative Physiology, Wilfrid Laurier University. Hump-backed and slow, chameleons sway like leaves as they creep along branches. Their coned, protruding eyes …
Scientists have known about the ancient snake group Najash for years, but were not able to gain a thorough understanding of its skull until now. Why did this cheeky snake have two hind legs? (Raúl Gómez) By Brigit Katz – Smithsonian.Com – In …
Report claims 400,000 insect species face extinction amid heavy use of pesticides. Damian Carrington Environment editor @dpcarrington – The study also indicates that insects, including bees, are vanishing due to damage to nature. Photograph: Rodrigo Garrido/Reuters. The “unnoticed insect apocalypse” should set alarm …
While gaining traction as a symbol of México City, these curious amphibians offer hope for healing the human body, but face near extinction in the wild. By Megan Frye – Frankie was missing half his face. A fungal infection had come over the …
An orangutan has settled into a Florida home after a court granted her personhood rights. But what is the basis for personhood? By Molly Hanson – Sandra the orangutan. Photo Credit: TheDman / Getty Images. An orangutan named Sandra was granted non-human personhood …
Silver-backed chevrotain caught on camera after it was feared lost to science. Ian Sample Science editor @iansample – Play Video 0:32 Mouse deer spotted in Vietnam for first time in 30 years – video A distinctly two-tone mouse deer that was feared lost …
What a shock, said no dog lover ever. By Robby Berman – Stella on the Button Board. Hunger4Words A speech language pathologist has taught her puppy Stella to use 29 words. Stella “speaks” by stepping on large buttons programmed with recordings of words. …
