The American robin is the state bird of Michigan. These birds are common throughout North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and urban areas. They are known for their bright red breast and cheerful song. The American robin is a member of the _____1_____ family and is closely […]
Polar bears are built for cold weather. They have a thick layer of fur that insulates them from the cold and a layer of _____1_____ that helps to keep them warm. Their paws are also wide and padded, which helps them to walk on ice without slipping. Additionally, their _____2_____ is very acute, which helps […]
Rambutan is a delicious fruit that is often called the “fruit of the gods.” Its origins can be traced back to Southeast Asia, and it is now enjoyed all over the world. Rambutan is packed with nutrients, and it offers many health benefits. It is also a _____1_____ fruit that can be used in a […]
Why would plants abandon their most advantageous super power, photosynthesis? The ability to convert sunlight, water and a common gas in the atmosphere (carbon dioxide) into free food is remarkable in itself. It’s odd, then, that a select bunch of plants have evolved away from that abundance of low-cost energy. Carnivorous plants derive some or […]
In warm, shallow waters around the world, the tiger shark is one of the top predators of tropical and temperate coastal ecosystems. These large, lightly striped sharks are notorious for eating just about anything they come across. Potential encounters with humans in coastal waters are worthy of precaution, but shark attacks are rare. As an […]
The secret lives of fireflies are full of romance, beauty, tricksters, and _____1_____. Some of us grew up with fire flies around our homes, but others might not have experienced the wonder of glowing insects. Even for the most experienced firefly observer, the mating rituals, feeding habits, and internal biology of these Invertebrates are full […]
When we watch forest primates climb through trees, howl and eat insect larvae, it’s easy to overlook the fact that we share _____1_____ of our DNA with them. Despite being our kin in the tree of life, humanity has not been kind to baboons, some of the most intelligent primates on Earth. Native to the […]
More than 1,300 species of bats exist today around the world, making them the most diverse group of mammals. As far as scientists can tell from ____1_____ and DNA evidence, it appears that among _____2_____, the ability to fly has only evolved three times in all of history. Bats are the only mammals capable of […]
Imagine a world cluttered with dead plants and animals, with nature and cities alike filled with the stench of death. Even worse, imagine no healthy soils to grow food in and no antibiotics to save lives. This would be the world without fungus. The world of fungi extends far beyond mushrooms. Their role as decomposers […]
Scientists have been studying plants and how they might communicate with other plants for decades. Since many gardeners talk to their plants, which they think helps them to grow, initial studies were debunked as “____1____ scientists and researchers.” However, recent studies have proven that plants do communicate with other types of plant species, insects, and […]
