Flowers are not just simple petalled beauties which enchant us with their colors and scent. Although we don’t usually see it, they have a special mechanism to attract bees and, this way, maintain their survival. The trick is provided by a series of ridges on the petals which cast the discreet light. Flowers use optical tricks to attract pollinators Flowers never cease to surprise us, and the … [Read more...]
Most Captive Orcas Suffer from Severe Tooth Damage
A team of researchers decided to undertake a close analysis of captive orcas and their teeth, and the results were extremely worrying. They found a big number of mammals which experienced serious trouble with their dentition, raising some serious concerns regarding the conditions the animals are kept in, and how their situation can be improved. Tooth damage is incredibly common among captive … [Read more...]
Hoard of Siberian Polar Bears Gathers for a Lifetime Feast on a Whale’s Carcass
Polar bears are among the most vulnerable animals on the planet, as climate change has serious effects on their habitat. However, the classic image of the starving polar bear has been temporarily replaced with a more beautiful and encouraging view, after researchers spotted a group of over 100 polar bears feasting on a whale carcass off the Siberian coast. Siberian polar bears gathered for the … [Read more...]
NASA Researchers Found a Way to Avoid the Imminent Danger of Supervolcanoes
Several researchers from NASA warn us asteroids might not actually be the ultimate threat for our planet. Instead, danger might come from within, in the form of supervolcanoes. Fortunately, they devised a plan to prevent this disaster from happening, and to neutralize the destructive effect of these volcanoes. What dangers do supervolcanoes pose? Currently, there are only 20 supervolcanoes known … [Read more...]
Most Parasites Are Threatened to Go Extinct Because of Habitat Loss
Climate change is a cruel reality, and it puts all creatures on Earth in danger. However, the demise of some of those creatures might be closer than that of others, so we must take measures against it as soon as possible. Among these animals, about 75 percent of the parasites living on the surface of our planet are in danger of going extinct by the end of 2070. About two thirds of all parasites … [Read more...]
Solar Storms Might Be Responsible for Sperm Whale Strandings
At the beginning of 2016, 29 male sperm whales ended up stranded on the shores of the North Sea. This left scientists incredibly puzzled, and they tried several explanations for the weird phenomenon. In the end, they came up with a theory which excludes human activity from this equation. The strandings could have been caused by solar storms. Scientists needed an explanation to why these young … [Read more...]
Researchers Challenge the Theory on the Ancestors of Blue Whales
A recent research changes the perception we had about blue whales. Evidence shows they used to have big sharp teeth which were great for catching prey. This means they weren’t as gentle and calm as they are today, but some fierce merciless killers. Only later they developed into the animals they are today, and lost their teeth. Baleens are used to filter fish from the ocean water Blue whales, … [Read more...]
Perfect Guide Dogs Must Not Be Too Coddled, Says New Study
Guide dogs are specially trained to perform certain tasks such as acting as guides for the blind, or working with the military or assisting with illness or injury recuperation in humans. Such dogs are generally chosen according to their breeding instincts and affability with adults and children. The guide dog training begins as soon as puppies show signs of independence. New Study Reveals Guide … [Read more...]