How Dangerous are Stonefish? (Can You Die if You Step on a Stonefish?)

Photo of stonefish blending into coral and sand

Here’s one fish that I’m glad I’ve never encountered in its natural habitat!  I’ve written this article in the hope that this information can help prevent accidental and potentially life-threatening encounters with the most venomous fish in the world. The Stonefish is the most venomous fish in the ocean and many people have died after … Read more

Why Do Animals Hibernate? Do Bears Hibernate or Sleep?

Hibernation is one of the great mysteries of the animal kingdom.  How can animals survive such long periods without eating?  As a biologist, I’ve researched this topic thoroughly and have prepared this article to provide you with some key insights into this fascinating adaptation. Animals hibernate to reduce their energy needs when necessary, by decreasing … Read more

Why are Deep Sea Fish So Weird and Ugly? (Warning: Scary Pictures!)

Some of my most popular presentations are about weird and ugly creatures!  I love the reactions I get when I show photos of some of the ugliest creatures found on our planet – especially those that live in the deep sea! Deep sea creatures have some unique adaptations for living in the icy cold, pitch … Read more

How do Octopus Reproduce? (Cannibalistic Sex and a Detachable Member)

I have written this article to give wider exposure to some fascinating scientific insights into the complicated mating habits of octopuses. Most male octopus have a specialized extra-long arm called the hectocotylus to deliver sperm from a distance.  This is an adaptation to mating with cannibalistic females that frequently kill and eat males during or … Read more

Do Jellyfish have Brains? (How Jellies Hunt and Kill without Brains!)

Jellyfish nervous system

As a biologist, I’m fascinated with one of the most successful creatures on our planet – the jellyfish.  Let’s take a closer look at how they manage to survive… even when it seems they do not have a lot going for them!! Jellyfish do NOT have brains (or bones, teeth, blood…or even hearts).  Instead, they … Read more

Leaf Cutter Ants – Surprising Facts and Adaptations; with Pictures and Videos

Razor sharp mandibles of Leaf cutter ant

Leaf cutter ants are among the most charismatic of insect species.  We enjoy watching them parade by with leaves held like parasols as they cross the jungle floor in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.  Not only do they have a festive appearance, they feature some amazing adaptations. Leaf cutter ants are the … Read more

Irukandji Jellyfish Facts and Adaptations (Can They Kill You? Are they spreading?)

Irukandji by Lisa-ann Gershwin

We like to snorkel in tropical waters throughout the world and, as biologists, we’ve learned to be cautious when it comes to jellyfish.  Not only are jellyfish stings painful; some species can kill you!  In this article I will explore some of the latest scientific findings on one of the most dangerous groups of jellyfish … Read more

How to See MORE Wildlife in the Amazon: 10 Practical Tips

Tree frog in Amazon rainforest, Ecuador

After several visits to South America including an Amazon river cruise, and after careful research, we chose a lodge adjacent to Yasuni National Park in Ecuador. This turned out to be one of our top trips for watching wildlife in many years of exploration throughout the world!  The Amazon is remote, involves long flights and … Read more

Is it Safe to go on Safari with Africa’s Top Predators and Most Dangerous Animals?

A close up of a black buffalo on safari in Africa.

With our biology backgrounds, extensive research, and five trips to South Africa and Botswana, my husband and I have learned how to enjoy and stay safe with top predators.   If you plan well, learn the safety rules, and obey them, you can have a safe safari.  The safest way to view Africa’s predators is from … Read more

What to Do if You Encounter a Bullet Ant? (World’s Most Painful Stinging Insect!)

Bullet ant has the most painful sting of any insect!

I’ve always wanted to see a live bullet ant up close because of its reputation for having the most painful sting of any insect.  My opportunity occurred in Ecuador, while hiking with a guide through the Amazon rainforest.  Turned out the ants had us surrounded! If you encounter a bullet ant, be extremely careful not … Read more

Why do Octopuses have 9 Brains, 3 Hearts, and Blue Blood? Surprising Facts About Smart Suckers!

Octopus by Jeahn Laffitte on Unsplash

Learning about fascinating creatures is a passion of mine, and one of the most amazing creatures I’ve run across is the octopus.  The description in the title above says it all – these animals are REALLY INTERESTING!!  Be prepared to have your mind stretched in eight different directions! Octopuses have 9 brains because, in addition … Read more

How Do Anglerfish Mate? (Endless Sex or Die Trying?!)

Anglerfish Wikimedia

I’ve given hundreds of science lectures over the years, and one of my favorite creatures of all time is the Anglerfish.  Here are some highlights regarding the amazing life of anglerfish and their weird sex habits. In some species of anglerfish, the male has one goal – to find a female and latch onto her … Read more

How Smart are Crocodiles? Can They Cooperate, Communicate…Use Tools?

A large crocodile displays its intelligence by using tools to communicate and cooperate with others.

One of our most memorable times involved taking our five-year old son to visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in far north Queensland Australia.  We were thrilled to watch giant crocs leaping from the water to grab dead chickens, or chooks, being dangled from long poles. Recent research has shown that crocodiles are intelligent hunters that … Read more

How Can We Save Our Oceans? With Marine Sanctuaries!

A striped fish swimming in the water promotes awareness for marine sanctuaries.

As a Bachelor of Science ecologist and avid free diver, I’ve done some research to see if there is progress in saving our amazing oceans.  After finding abundant evidence that Marine Sanctuaries are making a positive difference, my optimism is renewed.  Marine Protected Areas and Ocean Sanctuaries protect plants and animals, water quality, the ocean floor and shoreline, and the air that we breathe.  It is politically possible to set aside extensive areas where fishing, mining and … Read more