Siphonaptera are a small order of highly specialised insects known as fleas. There are over 2000 species of fleas worldwide, most of which are ectoparasites of mammals, with about 100 species found on birds. The scientific name, Siphonaptera, refers to the tube (siphon)…
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The internal structure of the root, stem and leaf system of plants is fascinating and allows us to have an understanding of how plants work. Though there are many variations the basic structure is the same. Using a cross section,…
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Could it be their waddling gait and the way they stand up on two feet like humans, or perhaps their rather smart tuxedo-like appearance that endears them to so many? Whatever the reasons for their fascinating appeal, penguins are cute-inducing…
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The native habitat of barred owls is vast; these hardy birds range from southeastern Alaska south to Honduras and El Salvador. Non-descript in appearance, both males and females share a buff-white upper body with dark brown barring and vertical streaking of…
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Many times the common name of an animal or bird reflects a distinguishing characteristic of that creature. That is the case with the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). The owl shelters itself and its young in holes in the ground dug…
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Barred owls are a common owl, also known by the names of rain owl, wood owl, eight hooter, or the hoot owl. The reason behind its main name as the barred owl comes from the brown and white bars lined across…
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The Western Screech Owl (Megascopts kennicottii), is a small owl native to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. It has been known as Kennicott’s Screech Owl, Vinaceous Screech Owl, Guadeloupe Screech Owl, California…
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The structure of a fire ant nest The structure of a fire ant nest is unique. While comparable to other ant nests, it stands out from the rest. Fire ants are attracted naturally to warm, damp places. They nest depending…
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The Black footed penguins make the southern shores of Africa their home; more commonly known as the African penguin. Most people don’t think of Africa when they think penguins because of the assumption that it is too warm a climate…
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Spontaneous generation and abiogenesis are a pair of theories involving the emergence of life from non-living material. The difference is that spontaneous generation is an obsolete theory of how certain forms of life commonly emerge from non-living matter, whereas abiogenesis…
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