Do Woodpecker Tongues Wrap Around the Brain? (Action Video and Diagrams)

Woodpecker with tongue extended

Woodpeckers with long tongues have specialized wiry structures that wrap around the skull, but not in direct contact with the brain. This Y-shaped structure consists of stiff, yet flexible, cartilage-and-bone connected to their tongues called the hyoid apparatus.  The specialized hyoid apparatus allows woodpeckers to extend their rigid tongues for several inches to probe into … Read more

How Long Can an Albatross Fly? (Do Albatrosses Sleep While Flying?)

Albatross flying on open ocean

Albatrosses are large seabirds with the longest wingspans of any bird in the world, up to 10 or 12 feet.  As a biologist, I became intrigued with the flight of the albatross after watching huge Royal Albatrosses soar past us on the Otago Peninsula in New Zealand.   Albatrosses can soar effortlessly for hours at … Read more

How do Electric Eels Work? (Can an Electric Eel Kill You?)

Electric eels can produce 600-volt electric pulses up to 400 times per second.  These high-voltage pulses are so strong that they remotely activate the neurons inside the prey, making their muscles spasm.  This immobilizes the animal so the electric eel can swallow its prey whole. Humans have been attacked and killed by electric eels, but … Read more

How Do Komodo Dragons Reproduce? (Forked Penises, Males Are Optional)

Photo of Komodo dragon

Believe me when I tell you from personal experience, that observing wild Komodo dragons from a few feet away gives you a whole new respect for the size and power of these giant lizards. Komodo dragons can reproduce either sexually or by “virgin conception” depending on environmental conditions. In the wild they usually reproduce sexually, … Read more

How Smart are Octopuses? (Are Octopuses As Intelligent as Dogs?)

Octopus photo

Cephalopods, including octopuses, are the smartest invertebrates on the planet.  They can use tools, carry coconut shells for shelter, stack rocks to protect their dens, and carry jellyfish tentacles for defense.  In captivity, they can learn to solve puzzles, open screw-top jars, and squirt humans they don’t like.  And they are about as smart as … Read more

Platypus Venom and More (Yes, a Mammal with Eggs, a Duck-like Bill, and Electrical Receptors)

Photo of platypus

We’ve had the good fortune of sitting quietly and watching wild platypuses swimming and feeding in their native habitat in Eungella National Park, Australia.  The duck-billed platypus is often considered the most unique and bizarre mammal on the planet with some of the most unusual adaptations you will find anywhere.  Let’s dive into some of … Read more

Why Wolves Howl (Wolf Communication Explained – Listen to Wolves Howling)

Photo of wolf howling

Over many years of research as a biologist, one of the most fascinating topics I’ve run across is wolf communication and the science behind the haunting quality of a wolf’s howl. Wolves communicate using vocalization, body language, scent, touch, and taste.  Wolves howl to communicate with other pack members about their location, to organize group … Read more

What do Red Pandas Eat? Is the False Thumb Used for Feeding?

photo of red panda

If you have the slightest interest in one of the cutest creatures on this planet, I urge you to read this article (or at least look at the pictures!).  The red panda has some unique adaptations as one of the world’s only vegetarian carnivores! Red pandas are unique carnivores that eat mainly bamboo shoots and … Read more

Can Octopus Arms Grow Back? (Are Regenerated Limbs Just as Good?)

Photo showing octopus

Octopuses can regenerate entire arms, even though each arm has a mini brain and an extensive network of neurons.  Healing begins with undifferentiated stem cells that develop into specialized cells, such as the nerve and muscle cells of a new arm.  Regenerated arms are as good as new and perform as fully functional replacements for … Read more

How Many Senses Do Sharks Possess? (Electroreception Made Easy!)

Photo of shark swimming towards camera

I’ve researched sharks for many years and some of my most popular presentations feature sharks and their amazing abilities. Sharks have senses that seem magical since we humans have nothing of the kind. Sharks have seven senses including two that humans do not possess 1. electroreception for electric fields, and 2. lateral lines to detect … Read more

How to Keep Bird Feeders Clean (Top Tips for Avoiding Salmonella)

Bird feeder

Here in the Pacific Northwest, Pine siskins have been dying from a Salmonella outbreak this winter. We’ve found over 125 dead in my city alone.  Bird feeders need to be kept clean and the seeds should be kept dry. Otherwise, diseases such as salmonella can spread quickly.  We can keep our wild birds safe and disease free … Read more

Are Wolf Dogs Safe or Dangerous? Do Wolves or Wolf Dogs Make Good Pets?

wolf showing teeth

I’ve always been fascinated with wolves and their ability to hunt cooperatively to bring down large animals like moose and bison.  As a biologist I’ve become interested in the controversial topic of wolf dog hybrids.  I’ve written this article to explore the dangers wolf dogs pose to people and to wild wolf populations. Wolves and … Read more

Koala Brain – Why Is the Koala the Dumbest Mammal? How Being Dumb Can Be Smart

Is Koala dumbest mammal?

Whenever we travel to Australia, we love to observe that iconic marsupial, the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).  Even though it is becoming more and more difficult to see wild koalas in their native habitat, we have managed to track them down by following the amazing roars of the male. The koala has one of the lowest … Read more

Why do Lions Have Manes? (Do Dark Manes Mean More Sex?)

lion mane close up

In our travels throughout South Africa, we’ve always treasured our memories of viewing lions in the wild. When observing lions up close, we’ve wondered “why do the males have manes?” And why is there so much variation in the color of manes? Are the dark ones sexier? Research is showing that the main role of … Read more