Animals
-
AnimalsEmbryos in eggs move to get comfy
Even before hatching, Chinese alligators, snapping turtles and some relatives can shift toward favorable temperatures.
By Susan Milius -
EarthAmmonite jaws provide a window into ancient climate
Temperature of marine environment can be determined from cephalopod fossils.
-
PaleontologyRivers of rock and gas froze ancient animals in time
Ancient Chinese fossil beds were preserved by high-speed rivers of volcanic rock and gas.
-
AnimalsCane toads can handle the cool
The invasive amphibians may be able to spread farther across Australia than previously thought.
-
AnimalsFungi threaten sea turtle nests
The pathogens can kill up to 90 percent of eggs in a single nest.
-
AnimalsDisco clams put on a streak show
Scuba divers call Ctenoides ales the disco or electric clam because the restless, curling lips of its mantle flash bright streaks.
By Susan Milius -
AnimalsSynchronous birth
For young banded mongoose moms, there’s only one choice for when to give birth — the same day as older, dominant mothers. In communities of these cat-sized animals, all females give birth together, no matter when they became pregnant.
-
AnimalsWhen snakes fly
A gliding snake gets some lift by spreading its ribs, but much about its flight remains a mystery.
By Susan Milius -
PlantsSexually deceived flies not hopelessly dumb
Pollinators tricked into mating with a plant become harder to fool a second time.
By Susan Milius -
AnimalsWindows may kill up to 988 million birds a year in the United States
Single-family homes and low-rise buildings do much more damage than skyscrapers.
By Susan Milius -
AnimalsGray seals snack on harbor porpoises
Photo evidence confirms seals' fatal attacks on harbor porpoises in the English Channel, suggesting that declines in the seals' usual fare are forcing the animals to seek out other high-energy food.
-
AnimalsAnimals were the original twerkers
From black widow spiders to birds and bees, shaking that booty goes way back.