Figs contain seeds which can create a crunch reminiscent of a dead wasp involved in fig fertilization, but don’t worry there’s no dead wasps in your average fig! Figs contain a lot of nutrients and antioxidants. They have numerous health benefits. These include promoting digestive health due to their high levels of fiber as well… Read more »
Yes, penguins give gifts to other penguins. Male penguins can be observed looking for and finding the smoothest rock to give to a female. Gift giving is an age-old and innate act that humans partake in in order to show their love to other humans. But did you know that animals give gifts to show… Read more »
Fat cats are undeniably adorable, but they can sadly experience a lot of health problems related to being overweight. Let’s face it, fat cats are cute. I must admit, my own cat Theo (quite appropriately named after the chipmunk) is a chunky fella himself. Who can resist the tantalizing lure of a tubby kitty –… Read more »
Surprisingly, transgender fish do exist and in fact around 2% of all fish species are able to change biological sex! Species of fish that are able to change biological sex, i.e. transgender fish, are said to be ‘sexually labile’. Some of you reading this with a particular interest in fish biology may already have an… Read more »
Pelican mouths are capable of holding three times more fish than their stomach, however they do not generally keep fish in there for long. Despite what Finding Nemo may have led you to believe, fish don’t take fun journeys in pelican mouths. In fact, once they’re in there they don’t have much time before they’re,… Read more »
Yes, in fact armadillo quadruplets are the standard! Armadillos practically always have four cute (and identical) armadillo quadruplets. This may sound bizarre, but it’s the truth! Armadillo mamas ovulate (release) one egg which is then fertilized. This newly fertilized egg then proceeds to divide into two separate organisms before each of those splits again! This… Read more »
Yes, some bird bones are hollow which has a wide range of evolutionary benefits for birds including flight and oddly enough, respiration. Many of the bones found inside most species of bird are almost entirely hollow and air filled. They contain several ‘struts’ that provide structure and strength, reinforcing the bird bones. The rigor of… Read more »
The title of ‘strangest animal skull’ is hard to pinpoint, but believe me; there’s a lot of contenders. From hippos to bats, snakes to elephants there’s a wide variety of peculiar animal craniums out there. With spooky season upon us, it felt only natural to do a thematically creepy blog this week. That’s why I’ve… Read more »
Goats climb thanks to their specially adapted hooves, a feature that greatly aids their survival and makes them quite peculiar sights to see! Mountain goats are extraordinary creatures, capable of climbing extraordinarily steep walls and jumping extraordinary heights. In fact, National Geographic claim that they can jump as high as 12 feet! This is thanks… Read more »
Scorpions glow as a result of a certain layer in their exoskeleton trapping the longer wavelengths of ultraviolet light.