Zoology
Blue Whale: Largest Animal Ever
It is believed that no animal — living or dead — has ever been larger than the blue whale. This giant marine mammal can grow up to 120 feet in length and weigh more than 100 tons. Like other large undersea animals, the blue whale reaches its massive size by feeding on microscopic animals known [...]
Incomplete Metamorphosis: Can't Wait Til I Get My Wings
Cockroaches and grasshoppers, among many, go through incomplete metamorphosis. When cockroaches and grasshoppers hatch, they look like tiny replicas of their parents except for two important differences: They cannot reproduce yet and they lack functional wings. At this stage, they are called nymphs. The stage preceding each molt is known as an instar. Every time [...]
Grasshoppers: Making a Summer Song
In late summer, the fields buzz with the singing of male grasshoppers inviting female grasshoppers to court. Rubbing their back legs against their wings, each species sings its own song. After mating, the female grasshopper lays 2 to 120 eggs in the soil, dying soon afterward. However, throughout the winter the eggs remain carefully hidden [...]
Moths: We’re Different from Butterflies!
What’s the difference between butterflies and moths? Many moths and butterflies look alike. But a few traits help us to distinguish one from the other. The butterfly has club-like antennae, while moth antennae are feathery or hair-like. Butterflies are usually brighter in color than moths. Butterflies have slim bodies compared to the moth’s stout, hairier [...]
Triceratops: Rhinoceros of Dinosaurs
70 Million BC30 Feet11 Tons With its mighty three-horned head and heavily armored body, a fast-charging Triceratops must have been a fearsome sight to any hungry Tyrannosaurus. Certainly not what you would call an easy meal.
Grasshoppers: Expert High Jumpers
Grasshoppers are the insect high jump champions! The exceptional jumping ability of grasshoppers is due to their extremely long and powerful hind legs. They can jump 20 times the length of their bodies. This would be the equivalent of a human jumping one third the length of a football field (30 meters).
Caterpillars: Working Towards Metamorphosis
How does a worm-like (larva) caterpillar turn into a beautiful moth or butterfly? This amazing transformation is one of the most striking examples of complete metamorphosis.
Butterflies and Moths: Nature's "Flying Jewels"
They have been called "flying jewels" but we know them as "butterflies." Lepidoptera–"lepido" meaning scales and "ptera" meaning wing or scaly wing–is the scientific name for two of the most common and well known of all insects, butterflies and moths.
Bald Eagle: A Hunter in the Forest
The bald eagle is a large North American bird of the forest that catches most of its meals live–including ducks, gulls, seabirds, salmon, and other fish. The bald eagle is an accomplished fisherman. It can snatch fish from the surface of the water — but with its feet rather than its hooked beak. The eagle [...]