A worm is a worm is a worm. Or maybe not. In fact there are many different types of worms and sometimes the only thing they have in common is that vermiform shape. This is particularly true of platyhelminthes (flatworms), nematodes…
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Barnacles are so strange that they were misidentified as molluscs by taxonomists until 1830. After all, they had a shell and live a sessile life, so surely they were related to snails and clams? Their larvae finally gave them away….
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If you were to ask most people what mosquitoes were good for you might not get much more then a strange look as is you had only landed on planet earth a few moments ago. However what most people don’t…
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Plants are a kingdom of Eukaryotes (have cells divided by internal membranes and linear chromosomes). Fungi are a different kingdom, neither animals nor plants. Algae are no longer considered to be plants. Bacteria, including cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), aren’t even Eukaryotes….
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Anyone who has left sour cream or cottage cheese in the refrigerator too long can attest to the speed with which bacteria can grow. It seems that a colony of green, fuzzy gunk can appear overnight, spoiling your attempt to…
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Over the years, humans have influenced the evolution of non-human species in various ways. Scientists the world over have recorded these ways so that generations can understand how the human species operates. In this article are some ways in which…
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The best book I’ve read concerning animal behavior is actually really more of an encyclopedia of general country skills and knowledge than it is a book specifically about animal behavior. Despite this, the book possesses a wealth of information not…
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Molecular dynamics uses approximations of known laws of physics to simulate the motion of atoms and macromolecules. The technique has been used to probe the function and action of many biological molecules, allowing researchers to test hypotheses to an unprecedented…
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Venom can be described as a poison that certain animals secrete, mostly for defensive and offensive purposes. The type of venom secreted depends on the animal or organism secreting it. Birds are the only class of vertebrates that do not…
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Living organisms obtain their energy in varied ways. Some organisms, including animals, fungi and bacteria capture their energy by feeding on the organic substances produced by other living organisms; such organisms are known as heterotrophs. Other organisms obtain their energy…
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