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Alert,Serval,Cat

Savannah cats are all the rage in the world of cat breeds and pet fads. And perhaps less popularized on Instagram but innumerably more precious to thriving ecosystems are servals. 



Both are incredibly beautiful animals. And the truth of the matter is that while they are distinctly different, they are also related. A serval is a wild animal, native to Africa. On the other hand, a savannah cat is a hybrid of a wild serval and a domestic cat - a cat breed. 



Ever wonder what is the difference between savannah cats and servals?



Both are highly intelligent and have similar colors and patterns, but they are generations removed.&nbsp;



Crosses between a small wild cat and domestic breeds are not novel and are bought and bred as a valuable commodity. In fact, Bengals (a cross between a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat) rank as The International Cat Association’s (TICA) <a href="https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-breeds/bengal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top breed</a>. 



The opportunity of having a pet that looks like a fierce wild cat but has the temperament of a sweet house kitty is quite alluring to many people's socialized conceptions of the 'exotic" and unique. 



But we have to ask ourselves - what are the distinguishing elements between wild and domestic? What do we really want from the animals in our homes? And how do the stories around these wild and domestic animals reflect our own history?



Here, we’ll look at the key differences and similarities between savannah cats and their wild cousins, starting with servals.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-servals">What are Servals?</h2>



Slender, small, and lanky, servals (serval&nbsp;Leptailurus serval) stand out as feline beauties even though their coats keep them camouflaged on the African savannah and tall grasses. Servals are the ultimate pouncer, powered by their long legs. After a couple of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etymonline.com/word/serval" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">derivations</a>&nbsp;through Portuguese and French, their name means “the wolf that hunts the stag.”



Servals have the&nbsp;<a href="https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/serval" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biggest ears and longest legs</a>&nbsp;in proportion to their bodies of any species in the cat family (Felidae).



Fun Fact: If our ears were in the same proportions as this African wild cat's ears, they would be as big as a dinner plate!



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-servals-appearance">Servals Appearance</h3>



With a beautiful tawny coat, decorated with black spots and stripes, it comes as no surprise that they became so popular as a tourist attraction and within our collective imaginations. Yellow eyes are emphasized by a dark line streaking from the ears down to the nose, similar to a cheetah. 



Their have long necks and gigantic ears both look charming and help them on the prowl. Long legs and a slender body are another good identifying factor. Finally, they have a beautiful yellow tail with several black rings. This coloration is often compared to "black smoke."



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-nbsp-size">Body&nbsp;Size</h4>



A medium-sized cat, servals weigh between&nbsp;<a href="https://wildkratts.fandom.com/wiki/Serval" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">18-40 lbs</a>. Their shoulders stand about<a href="https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/serval" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;two feet high</a>, and they are about<a href="https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/serval" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;three feet long</a>. Additionally, females tend to be smaller and more slender than males. Within the discipline of biology, we call this occurrence sexual dimorphism.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-servals-habitat">Servals Habitat</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution">Distribution</h4>



Native to the African continent, servals are more commonly found in&nbsp;<a href="https://wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/africa/serval/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sub-Saharan countries</a>. Except in the Sahara, the rainforest, and southern Africa, these creatures are widely distributed throughout parts of Africa. They are an important member of the vast landscape of the world's second-largest landmass. While you won't find wild servals in the region of South Africa, their habitats do stretch all the way out to east Africa.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-home-on-the-grassy-range">Home on the Grassy Range</h4>



While servals are found in 34 different countries, they have their favorite habitats. These wild cats love the grass - especially the grassed areas of the river and surrounding areas. Think savannas, reed beds, high-altitude moorlands, wetlands, and bamboo thickets. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/7-of-the-coolest-savanna-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> are distinct with long savannah grasses and reeds - all playing a part in the serval survival and life cycle. 



Servals don’t just enjoy the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-are-riparian-ecosystems/">riparian</a> plants… These cats love playing in the water! Additionally, if there are water and prey available, servals have even adapted well to agricultural land - a growing factor as human development spreads across less developed countries on the continent that will surely have marked impacts. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



All Felidae family members are carnivorous and the serval is no different. Its carnivore&nbsp;<a href="https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/serval" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>&nbsp;is primarily small rodents, though it will also eat birds, amphibians, reptiles, and other small mammal invertebrates. &nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-servals-behavior">Servals Behavior</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting"> Hunting</h4>



The serval’s distinctly long legs and large ears are key to its hunting strategy. These traits have been passed down from many a serval ancestor. These cats are most active during crepuscular hours (dawn and dusk). They will listen and wait for prey before subsequently going for the dramatic pounce. And dramatic it is! Serval can leap<a href="https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/serval" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> 9 feet</a> into the air to snatch a bird. Long, flexible toes allow them to swiftly hook a frog out from the reeds. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-servals-reproduction">Servals Reproduction</h4>



Quite the solitary animals, these African serval cats will rarely be seen in groups. They will mark their territories with scents and scratches, and they mostly give each other space. Male and female home ranges will overlap, and while they will come together to breed, they soon go their separate ways. 



The female will usually have 2-3 savannah kittens, and she acts as the sole care provider for the young. She’s a good mother too! In fact, female serval hunting success <a href="https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Leptailurus_serval/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increases</a> while she has cubs, perhaps because she must be on the hunt more often to feed the hungry mouths. Their gestation period is 68-74 days long. Their lifespan average is 11 years in the wild and up to <a href="https://www.catsforafrica.co.za/serval-leptailurus-serval/serval-life-cycle/">22 years in captivity</a>.  



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-note-on-exotic-pets-nbsp">A Note On Exotic Pets&nbsp;</h4>



In most places, it is illegal to keep exotic cats as pets. Reporting and protecting those individual cats living as exotic pets is important - in both ending animal abuse as well as ensuring human and animal safety.&nbsp;



In the beginning days of the coronavirus pandemic, many people of the western world became infatuated with the documentary series "Tiger King" which took a closer look at some particularly entertaining and horrific examples of exactly this sort of industry abuse. 



When learning about the facts of wild cats such as servals, it's important to also weigh the nuances of these sorts of conversations. What's commodification and abuse and what is conservation? When we are all glued to our TV or visiting a local "safari", where do we fall on the scale of learning and/or extracting? 



With awareness and education comes change and accountability - and maybe just this sort of cultural fixation will lead to positive things. A hopeful thing indeed!&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-savannah-cats">What are Savannah Cats?</h2>



Now that we're all on the same page with servals, let's turn our attention to the savannah cat - a less wild descendent and popular animal companion.&nbsp;



In contrast their wild cousins, savannah cats are bred to be pets. While they do have serval blood, domestication has made them very different animals. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-cats-domesticated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Domestication</a> can be a slightly confusing concept for some people working to understand how a domesticated species is different from a domesticated wild animal. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word is defined as "the process of taming an animal and keeping it as a pet or on a farm." 



Domestication of a whole species however is a multi-generational process where humans select for desirable traits over and over again. In doing so, often, some animal species eventually ceases to exist in the wild, or are bred yet again with other wild animals that are close relatives and still untamed. 



There are endless versions, attempts, and variations in our history. It is a process that we humans have undertaken time and time again, changing our fate and societies in monumental ways and carrying the descendants of certain animals along with us as we go.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-savannah-cats-a-history-of-hybrid-house-kitties">Savannah Cats -- A History of Hybrid House Kitties</h3>



Unsurprisingly, humans have long been fascinated with wild cats. They are prominent aspects of our mythology, songs, and pop culture. With that in mind, it comes as no further surprise that there have been many attempts to breed domestic cats (Felis catus) with species of wild cats. 



Besides servals, breeds that humans have attempted crosses with include: caracals, Asian leopard cats, fishing cats, and ocelots. The goal of any cross is to capture the aesthetic of a wild cat with the disposition of a house kitty. 



These attempts have had varying amounts of success. If people do succeed in their attempts, this work of breeding can be an extremely lucrative business endeavor. The price tag on many of these specialty wild-infused cat breeds sell for over 100,000 dollars. 



The savannah cat is one of the success stories. The first hybrid was bred in the <a href="https://tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&amp;id=870:savannah-breed&amp;catid=79" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1980s</a>. The kitten was named Savannah, giving the breed its identifier. However, it wasn’t until 2001 that the breed was accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA).



Today, this breed of cat is beloved for their distinct features. And they sometimes sell for up and over $50,000. 



That is an undeniably large lump of money - and many people will, rightfully so, balk at a number so large. People sure love their pets, though - and cats are one of the most popular furry companions in the world. 



Even with an average barn cat as a beloved four-legged roommate, most pet owners will spend over $1,000 a year on average in care and food for that animal. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-savannah-cats-generations">Savannah Cats Generations</h4>



It can be quite challenging to breed wild cats with house cats. While more savannah cat breeders are developing respectable practices, the initial cross is rare. More commonly, the relationship to a serval will be more distant. 



These are tracked by filial generations. For example, an F1 savannah cat has a serval cat as a parent, and an F2 savannah cat has a serval as a grandparent. In general, generations F4,5,6 are easier to find. And easier to afford. 



The F1 and F2 generations can be some of the most expensive kittens in the world as the rapper <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70XMW2fxHtQ&amp;list=PLhIBvHsb9MWZD2rK-uoJjGGZNLLuU5GjW&amp;index=5&amp;ab_channel=GQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2 Chainz</a> discovered on his show.



Experts warn that you shouldn’t be suckered in by a “deal”  when trying to acquire a Savannah cat for your own home and daily life. Often, if the cat is much less expensive, there were too many shortcuts taken in the breeding process. A good tip is to make sure the breeder is TICA registered. This can result in long-term health issues for savannah cats. Do your research before investing in your potential kitten!



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-savannah-cats-temperament">Savannah Cats Temperament</h3>



Besides their alluring appearance, one of the reasons for the savannah cat’s popularity is their dog-like character. These kitties form close bonds with their family. They will greet you at the door, play fetch, and even go on leashed walks! They even will <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-recognize-name/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">come</a> when called! 



Notorious for being mischievous and high energy, don’t be surprised if they knock around knickknacks, learn to turn on the faucet, or open doors! And remember serval’s amazing jumping ability? This isn’t lost on the savannah cat. They can jump incredible horizontal and vertical distances. They love cat trees and bookshelves! 



One wonders if in leaping from shelf to shelf, the domesticated cat senses a genetic echo of their reed-bed weaving, savannah traversing ancestors still roaming the landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-related-but-different">Related but Different</h2>



While savannah cats do have serval blood, they are domestic. Servals are wild. This is an important distinction to remember. And it is worth repeating: wild animals have a distinct set of needs that are met through distinct habitats, diets, and behaviors, and are not suited to life in a living room. 



Wildness exists, even within the domestic. This is true of the savannah cat as well as many other examples that surround us all the time - whether you have a cool 50 grand to spend or simply a moment to pause and take in the world around you, you'll see relationships between the two in enchanting ways. 



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Savannah Cats vs. Servals: They're Not the Same!

Savannah cats are all the rage in the world of...

The alpine ibex is a mysterious animal on our wondrous planet. And as it turns out, the history of conservation surrounding this <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mspecies/article/doi/10.1644/830.1/2600872" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mammalia ungulate</a> is an informative example of recovery and renewal.&nbsp;



Today, we're going to dive into the basics of Capra ibex, their return from near extinction, and where you can try to catch glimpses of them yourself. In this story, there is a warning regarding our own behavior. There is also hope exemplified in this species we were able to save with swift, bold action from community awareness and sure-footed leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-the-basics-of-capra-ibex">The Basics of Capra Ibex</h2>



Capra ibex is the scientific label for this beloved "mountain goat" of sorts with a whole list of other names. Some examples include steinbock, bouquetin, just ibex, and even Capra ibex ibex. If this last name seems redundant, you are absolutely right. This is a feature of botanical species with various subspecies. The double name helps us to distinguish differences while acknowledging evolutionary relationships. Species of wild goats that were considered subspecies of the Alpine ibex (at one time) include Nubian ibex,&nbsp; walia, and Siberian ibexes.&nbsp;



Back to Capra ibex specifically:&nbsp;



This is a mysterious, wild goat that lives in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mspecies/article/doi/10.1644/830.1/2600872" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European alps</a>. This species' endemic range includes Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France, and even Slovenia. Evolutionary biologists and archeologists have found fossils of an ancestor animal in Kenya, China, and Slovenia.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The alpine ibex has a short, broad head. Its coat is a brownish-grey color with a pale underbelly. These mammals molt twice a year - growing a thicker coat through September to prepare for late autumn and winter months.&nbsp;



These goats are herbivores and climbers, moving around through the swiss alps at snow line where the landscape is rough, jagged, and gritty. They are classified as <a href="https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/mammal/artio/artiodactyla.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an Artiodactyla</a>. This means "cloved-foot animals". It's a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goat-genome-domestication/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">distinct category</a> that also includes sheep, antelopes, camels, pigs, cows, and giraffes. These creatures are adapted for thriving in open grasslands most often. Though Alpine ibex are obviously an exception - frequenting the monstrous and sublime heights of the alps.&nbsp;



The most distinct feature, for male ibex at least, is the very long and pointed horns. They are not the sort of feature you want to get tangled up with.&nbsp;



These arcing horns, in addition to being wicked sharp, are a great example of <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mspecies/article/doi/10.1644/830.1/2600872" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sexual dimorphism</a> in nature. This is a zoological term that <a href="https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">we define as</a> "distinct difference in size or appearance between the sexes of an animal in addition to the difference between the sexual organs themselves."



Additional <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mspecies/article/doi/10.1644/830.1/2600872" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to the horns</a>, the male ibex is also larger bodied than the females.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/capricorn-gf565c70db_1920-1024x729.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1896725"/><figcaption>Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/scholty1970-7596740/">scholty1970</a> on <a href="https://pixabay.com/">Pixabay</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-reproductive-behavior-and-life-cycle-habits">Reproductive Behavior And Life Cycle Habits</h2>



For most of the year, male ibex and females <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130522213611/http://www.ivb.cz/folia/52/2/113-120.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">live separately from one another</a>. This of course changes during the breeding season, when the animals are in rut - usually around December of each year. The breeding period lasts six weeks.&nbsp;



Adult males fight for females using their horns against one another. Sometimes, male aggression can be indirect in the form of threats and displays. Scientists note a "linear dominance hierarchy" amongst the males, which usually depends on horn size and group cohesiveness.&nbsp;



The courtship process is determined by these <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130522213611/http://www.ivb.cz/folia/52/2/113-120.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">power dynamics</a> and has intricate phases and happenings - a reminder that these animals are social beings with habits, preferences, and memories of past encounters. After a male and female copulate, the gestation period lasts <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130522213611/http://www.ivb.cz/folia/52/2/113-120.pdf">around 167 days</a>. About <a href="https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/pdf/10.4141/cjas95-022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20% of C. ibex births are twins</a>. Like other species of goats, these offspring are called "kids" until they mature into adolescent adults.&nbsp;



When not breeding, the sexes separate again into distinct groups: adult male groups, female herds and their offspring, and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/016815919190262V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">groups of young individuals</a>.



Individuals reach sexual maturity at 18 months - but will keep growing through the years. Females usually reach their full size in between five and six years of age. Alternatively, males take a bit longer, reaching full size in nine to eleven years of life.&nbsp;



In the wild, these creatures <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/016815919190262V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">live up to 19 years old</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-a-near-extinction">A Near Extinction</h2>



Ibex are present in the fossil record dating back to the Pleistocene. This is a period of time when the Alpine Ibex and the Spanish ibex split and evolved from the extinct Pleistocene species Capra camburgensis.&nbsp;



As is so often the case with human population increase and technological progress, we began to seriously impact the endemic landscape of these alpine goats as early as the 16th century. Due to poaching, overharvesting, and encroaching pressure, the population steadily declined.&nbsp;



Extirpated is a term that means "<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=extirpated&amp;oq=Extirpated&amp;aqs=chrome.0.0i433i512j0i512l9.833j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">root out and destroy completely</a>." We use this word specifically to describe an animal that has completely vanished from a particular area, but not from the globe as a whole. Obviously, extirpation leads to extinction.&nbsp;



And this is exactly what happened in the case of alpine ibex: by the 18th century, these sharp horned goats were gone from Germany and Switzerland. By the 19th century, they had disappeared from Austria and northeastern Italy as well.&nbsp;



The situation devolved into something dire: at one point, the only remaining territory where alpine ibex climbed the snowline was the Gran Paradiso and Vanoise Massifs. There were <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1381520" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less than 100 of them</a>. This area (Located in the western Italian Alps and the Maurienne valley) then became a park in an attempt to save the species. At the time, Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a united Italy named it as a "Royal hunting reserve of Gran Paradiso". It became an <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1381520" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official national park in 1922</a>. With these actions, the number of individuals had gone from nearly extinct to <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1381520" target="_blank" rel="noopener">over 3,000</a>.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/goats-g07cd2d181_1280-1024x682.jpg" alt="baby alpine ibex" class="wp-image-1896729" width="840" height="559"/><figcaption>Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/dominikrh-12119308/">DominikRh</a> on <a href="http://pixabay.com">Pixabay</a> </figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-a-success-story-with-strings-attached">A Success Story With Strings Attached</h3>



In some instances, this recovering population naturally spread to adjacent areas. However, reintroduction is a major part of this success story. Today there are over 30,000 Alpine ibex. And while they are still mysterious to us, their conservation status is in a much better state. They roam the Italian alps, rutting, fighting, foraging. The IUCN lists them as a species of least concern. In a world increasingly defined by the climate crisis, this sort of success story is a rare boon.&nbsp;



But it's not exactly a "one and done" sort of thing with conservation and reintroduction efforts. While the size of herds is worth celebrating, as are restored chains of reciprocity within ecosystems, these recovered populations have a very low genetic diversity. Because they recovered from such few individuals, the species is now inbred and extra vulnerable to disease. This could be a problem in the future to come.&nbsp;



Additionally, the conservation efforts of ibex cousin species are not so optimistic. Two species of the Iberian ibex, endemic to the Iberian peninsula, are already extinct. And even with massive cloning experiments underway, no individuals of these species have lived longer than a few minutes.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/alpine-ibex-g3f5c956f3_1920-1024x683.jpg" alt="ibex" class="wp-image-1896730"/><figcaption>Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/nickype-10327513/">NickyPe</a> on <a href="http://pixabay.com">Pixabay</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-where-to-see-them-today">Where To See Them Today</h2>



The European alps are an incredible place to visit for a plethora of reasons. And thanks to conservation efforts, you might have a chance to spot <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/nov/03/goats-italy-dam-precipitous-heights" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the mysterious alpine ibex</a> for yourself - though you'll have to get pretty high up in the mountains to do so. Pack those hiking boots!&nbsp;



Gran Paradiso national park remains a popular destination to bask in the wonders of ecology while scanning the snow line for any wild goats. Fellow bovidaes of the mountain goat variety in this area of the world include <a href="https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/47071125/The_conservation_of_the_chamois_Rupicapr20160706-628-tuzuk8-with-cover-page-v2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chamois</a> - another mammal to keep an eye out for.&nbsp;



Ultimately, the story of the alpine ibex <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00442-008-1198-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">continues to unfold</a>. We witness them in their natural habitat and feel compelled to protect them and the delicate systems where they climb, graze, chew. As we move about our lives it behooves us to consider these other sentient beings - organisms that contribute to healthy environments - as neighbors and relatives. And while creatures like the Alpine ibex don't currently get a vote in our societies, it is our job to vote and activate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goats-happy-people/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on their behalf</a>.&nbsp;



Species of wild goats are an important link in the connective chain of a landscape. They are a reminder that our human species should endeavor to fix the detrimental impacts we have caused.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

All About the Mysterious Alpine Ibex

The alpine ibex is a mysterious animal on our wondrous...

Smiling,Bonobo,In,The,Water.,Bonobo,In,The,Water,With

Chimpanzees and bonobos are our closest living relatives. Humans (Homo sapien) share not only a common ancestor with both these primates, but we also share over <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/humans-and-chimps-have-95-percent-dna-compatibility-not-985-percent-research-shows-614" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">95%</a> of our genome. But while these two great ape species have many similarities, they are actually quite different animals.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-bonobo-and-chimpanzee-taxonomy">Bonobo and Chimpanzee Taxonomy</h2>



Physically, chimpanzees and bonobos are quite similar, and together, they make up the sole members of the genus Pan. Their genus shares the family Hominidae with the other tailless great apes like gorillas and orangutans. Originally, researchers assumed bonobos were just a subspecies of chimpanzees. In fact, until <a href="https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&amp;search_value=943824&amp;print_version=PRT&amp;source=to_print#null" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1954</a>, scientists called them pygmy chimpanzees. Eventually, the two ape species were seen as distinct. Over the years, research has continued to reveal differences between chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus). Keep reading to learn more about the ecology of these two primates along with some of their key differences.



<h2 id="h-distribution-range">Distribution &amp; Range</h2>



Both chimpanzees and bonobos live in the tropical jungles of central Africa. However, bonobos have a much smaller range. In fact, bonobos are <a href="https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/research/3chimps/chimps-bonobos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endemic</a> to a small region of the Congo River Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the other hand, chimpanzees are found across twelve countries in east, central, and west Africa. Though both species can be found in the Congo River Basin, bonobos stay south of the river while chimpanzees can be found to the north.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/shutterstock_222261151.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1903275"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/rolands">Patrick Rolands</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-do-chimpanzees-and-bonobos-look-different">Do Chimpanzees and Bonobos Look Different?</h2>



At first glance, it might be hard to tell the two primates apart, but, in fact, chimpanzees and bonobos have a few key differences in appearance. To start, they have quite different body shapes. Bonobos are slender with long lanky limbs. Chimps, on the other hand, are much burlier. Additionally, chimpanzees display sexual dimorphism as the males are significantly larger than the females. In contrast, bonobo females and males are much closer in size. Their coloration differs slightly as well. Bonobos have dark black faces from birth, while baby chimps have pale pink faces that darken with maturation. You can always tell a bonobo from a chimp by their lips! Bonobos have bright pink lips while chimpanzees have dark lips.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Trait</td><td>Chimpanzees</td><td>Bonobos</td></tr><tr><td>Lip Color</td><td>Bright Pink Lips</td><td>Dark Lips</td></tr><tr><td>Build</td><td>Slender</td><td>Robust</td></tr><tr><td>Face Color</td><td>Black</td><td>Darkens with age</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>A table highlighting the key physical differences between chimpanzees and bonobos.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-diet">Diet</h2>



Both chimps and bonobos are primarily frugivores, preferring to munch on the wide variety of fruit available in the tropical forests of central Africa. However, bonobos are more likely to <a href="https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.393.9208&amp;rep=rep1&amp;type=pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">add vegetables to their diets</a> by grazing on stems, leaves, and flowers. Additionally, while bonobos won’t shy away from a protein source like worms or ants or the occasional duiker (small antelope), chimps tend to be a bit more carnivorous. Seemingly tied to competition for status and mates, male chimpanzees will go on violent hunting sprees, mostly targeted at the smaller colobus monkeys. Bonobo communities tend to hunt for meat about twice per month, and they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-generous-share-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">share</a> their prey generously with the group.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-chimpanzee-vs-bonobo-behavior">Chimpanzee vs. Bonobo Behavior</h2>



The most dramatic differences between chimps and bonobos lie in their social behaviors. Not only fascinating from an ecological perspective, but primate behavior can also give us clues to human evolution. In the field of evolutionary anthropology, scientists use <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/204757" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate studies</a> to answer questions. Chimpanzee and bonobo behavior can help us understand if certain human behaviors are part of our genome or learned through societal pressures.



<h3 id="h-social-structure">Social Structure</h3>



Both primates live in social groups of mixed males and females, with bonobos generally occupying larger groups. Both groups use a fission-fusion structure in which smaller foraging teams reunite at night to sleep. However, there are several key divergences in how the primates interact between ages and genders. Chimpanzee communities have a clear hierarchy of males that defend clearly marked territories. On the other hand, wild bonobos are less strict with their territory borders and operate under a more matriarchal society. These trends in social structure are built on the social bonds between individuals.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/shutterstock_2111507969.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1903276"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/anolis01">Edwin Butter</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h4 id="h-chimpanzee-society">Chimpanzee Society</h4>



For chimpanzees, the relationships between males define the group structure. A classic example of natural selection, chimps compete for power in the group which translates to more chances to mate and pass on their offspring. The more dominant alpha males intimidate younger chimps and have more offspring. However, this fierce competition comes at a violent cost. Chimps are known to commit both infanticide and cannibalism to increase their chances of fathering offspring.&nbsp;



<h4 id="h-bonobo-society">Bonobo Society</h4>



In contrast, female bonobos run the show south of the Congo River. In general, bonobo society has much more interaction between genders and ages, and female bonds are critical. While young males stay with their natal groups, adolescent females disperse to find a new group. In the quest to become accepted, the new female will pamper the higher-ranking females. Sexual behavior between females is extremely common, and this new female will use <a href="https://www.reed.edu/biology/courses/BIO342/2011_syllabus/2011_websites/subramanian_jaime/genesis.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">socio-sexual behaviors</a> to eventually bond with all the non-related female bonobos.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h4 id="h-communication">Communication</h4>



Both species of great ape have complex communication with several similarities. However, their vocalizations sound quite different. Chimpanzees have lower-pitched voices, letting out barks and grunts. Bonobos are higher-pitched, and their vocalizations sound like squeals and yelps.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/shutterstock_235455565.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1903277"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/joshuadavenport">Joshua Davenport</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-tool-use">Tool Use</h3>



One of the most well-known fun facts about these two primates is their creative tool use! Chimpanzees have been observed using a plethora of tools from absorbant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-drinking-sticks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinking sticks</a> to makeshift shovels. To help with foraging, chimp mothers intentionally <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzee-mothers-teach-their-children-how-to-use-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">teach their young</a> to use specific herbs like a spoon in a termite mound. Bonobos have also been seen to use tools including rocks and sticks. Due to the nature of their habitat, wild bonobo populations are understudied, and most of the tool observations have been made in captivity. Who knows what else they could be up to in the jungle?!&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-conservation">Conservation</h2>



Unfortunately, the IUCN red list lists both chimpanzees and bonobos as endangered. Most of their population declines come as a result of human action. Whether deforestation, poaching, urban development, or the impending threat of climate change, these primate populations are at risk.&nbsp;



While all species deserve protection, certainly we owe it to our closest living relatives to treat our shared planet with a bit more thoughtfulness. Conservation efforts to protect both these species have garnered attention since Jane Goodall made her first observations. However, slowing the devastating effects of climate change and habitat destruction is critical to the survival of these two amazing apes!



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Chimpanzees vs. Bonobos: What’s the Difference?

Chimpanzees and bonobos are our closest living relatives. Humans (Homo...

Chicken,Taking,Dust,Bath,In,Garden

Is it possible? A dust bath could be cleaner?&nbsp;



This is a fairly radical idea, especially since the pre-fab, sparkling clean convenience of the 20th century continues to shape our societies. But within that, or perhaps in response to that, exciting movements around farm-to-table activism and conscious food production emerge to redefine how people eat and what they expect of farmers and growers in their area. Even in bustling big cities, many families are spending the extra money to purchase free-range meat and dairy, exploring options like permaculture, and investing in community programs such as CSAs (community-supported agriculture). Some families and individuals are even taking it a few steps further in urban and suburban settings: they're keeping backyard chickens.&nbsp;



Today we're going to dust up on the nitty gritties of dust baths. This will be old news to farmhands and a strange discovery for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicken-psychology-birds-smart-complex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-time chicken keepers</a> - and as it turns out, it's a behavior taking place all over the animal kingdom.



So - what is a dirt bath? Why do chickens do it? What other animals engage in this behavior? And how does this information pertain to your new family egg-layers or burgeoning homestead operation? Should we be taking dust baths too?&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-dust-bath-definition">Dust Bath Definition&nbsp;</h2>



Dust bathing, which is also sometimes referred to as sand bathing, is an animal behavior. It looks just like how it sounds - an animal will roll around in the dirt, dust, and sand.&nbsp;



Technically, animal biologists categorize this as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-change-makes-animals-alter-their-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a "maintenance behavior"</a>. A wide range of avian and mammalian species take dust baths. Examples include sparrows, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-have-personality-traits-that-help-them-solve-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, turkeys, ostriches, and quail. There are chinchilla dust baths, pig mud baths, and horses rolling around in the dry dirt.&nbsp;



Now that you know of it, you can probably recall a time or two where you witnessed a mammal or bird taking a dust bath. If not, the time has come to get outside and pay attention! There is also plenty of satisfying examples proliferating on the internet of just this sort of behavior. It's hard not to assign a certain amount of joyfulness and relief to the animals engaging with flying dirt particles. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYIdmpp69MY&amp;ab_channel=ChinTubeHD" target="_blank">This fluffy chinchilla knows just what to do</a>. And animals in captivity and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E6hKzsNwkI&amp;ab_channel=FriendsoftheHeberWildHorses" target="_blank">in the wild</a> take part in the ritual.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/shutterstock_1582998499.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1900275"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Dennis+Diehl">Dennis Diehl</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-perks-of-dust-baths">Perks Of Dust Baths</h2>



Most humans have a weird thing with dirt and it can be hard for us to understand the impulse. Much of our commercial, medical, and societal conformities have to do with not being dirty. It can come as a shock that a dirt bath would actually be a very effective way for various animals to stay clean.&nbsp;



But unsurprisingly, our "enlightened" homo sapien assumptions can miss important details. Farming communities have long known this to be an aspect of certain animals' lives and zoological and agricultural scientists are now conducting studies into what's going on.&nbsp;



The consensus: dirt baths do work. Dirt baths can help keep external parasites away such as mites and fleas. A dirt bath can help an animal dry off from moisture in the environment or sweat from exertion from a hard day's work. A chicken can clean her feathers for preening, and a racehorse is able to cool off in a sandy stable. Animals can clean off the build-up of excess oil, all the better to fluff up their exteriors and combat parasites for healthier lives.&nbsp;



Some scientists suggest that dust baths have an important communicator function for some animals as well. In the case of squirrels, for example, a strong odor is left in the dirt after a dirt bath. This may be a way individuals are able to signal one another - leading to other various behaviors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-to-promote-health-dust-baths-for-your-chickens">How To Promote Health Dust Baths For Your Chickens&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



If you have a pet chinchilla or llama or a racehorse, you are going to want to investigate how best to support your animal companion's dust bathing regiment. Most people with dust bath quandaries on the internet and in communities around the globe are probably inquiring on behalf of their chicken, however, and so we're going to focus in on that. Here are some things to consider for DIY chicken keepers, crafting the ideal chicken coop, chicken run, and dirt bathing environment for the pecking members of their household.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/shutterstock_1011523030.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1900276"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/mariecristabernjoyce">marie martin</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-in-the-dust-bath-area">In The Dust Bath Area</h3>



First of all, the chickens will want regular dust baths in the proper season - and this is a necessary behavior for laying hens, so if you want eggs, you're going to want to facilitate dirt baths.&nbsp;



The chickens are going to do it whether you create the ideal environment for it or not. And while it can seem like more dirt = more clean from our discussion so far, it actually depends greatly on what dirt the chickens are using for this to truly be the case. Without your help, your chickens may end up dirt bathing in areas that are unclean and <a href="https://groworganicforlife.com/blogs/news/build-a-dust-bath-for-chickens-in-just-5-minutes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potentially full of manure or dead and decaying material</a>. All of this can harbor deadly bacteria for your birds, which can lead to wasted effort on your part, unnecessary animal suffering, and no home-layed scrambled eggs in the morning. These are some truly sad endings that can be avoided.&nbsp;



Luckily, <a href="https://groworganicforlife.com/blogs/news/build-a-dust-bath-for-chickens-in-just-5-minutes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building a dust bath</a> for your roost of feathered ladies is a quick and easy task. And this way, you can guarantee that your birds are showering in the dusty matter that is beneficial instead of harmful, empowering them to preen away and live their best chicken lives.&nbsp;



You can build a sandbox, use a kitty pool, or even a plastic bin for a dust bath. Plastic containers will be easy to clean of any wayward droppings that are sure to happen. Sprinkle in food-grade diatomaceous earth and maybe even some products like <a href="https://groworganicforlife.com/products/mitesbgone?variant=12444657778722" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MitesBGone</a>. You could also go the herbal route and incorporate lavender, oregano, and wormwood into your sandy dirt - all of which have antibacterial, antimicrobial properties in their essential oils. There's really no need to mix things up much in your container - your chickens, in their dirt bathing splendor, will do that work for you.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-requirements-vary">Requirements Vary&nbsp;</h3>



The European Union has had <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119386365?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strict legal requirements around dustbathing</a> material since 2012 - and the same may be true where you live. It can be important (and instructive) to look into city and country ordinances in your area regarding this subject to make sure you are meeting these requirements.



Generally, "adequate substrates" include food particles, some brands of cat litter (just not the litter that's already been used by feline friends in the litter box!), feathers, straw, wood shavings, and wood ash (which contains a healthy dose of vitamin K and magnesium for your chickens). Scientific studies suggest that chickens prefer sandier combinations - though that substrate can be <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119386365?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">difficult to supply</a> depending on your area and the functionality of the supply chain system. The dryer and sandier, the better.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



There's a lot to learn from the animal world - and perhaps the time has come to rethink our own human ideas about dirt, dust, soil, clay, and other messy elements of our geographical landscapes.&nbsp;



We may still be debating exactly why the chicken crossed the road - but the perks of cleanliness of a dust bath are easy enough to understand. Indeed, while you may not want to forgo the use of your house shower, it can apply to us as well.&nbsp;



Examples include cleaning dishes on a camping trip, beating out the living room rug in the snow, or bobbing around a spa in Iceland and spreading earthen clay all over your face. Sometimes, dirt can be cleaner for us too.&nbsp;



The fact of the matter is, our lives depend upon dirt and the animals remind us that it's in our best interest to collaborate and embrace the dirt for health, and also for the dirt-bathing fun of it.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

More Dirt = More Clean? What Is a Dust Bath?

Is it possible? A dust bath could be cleaner?&nbsp; This...

Eye,Of,The,Caribou,In,Alaska,Denali,National,Park

Largest On Earth: Caribou Migration

The caribou migration is the longest land migration on planet...

Vombatus,Ursinus,-,Common,Wombat,In,The,Tasmanian,Scenery,,Eating

A wisdom of wombats makes a thousand cubed poops in a day. &nbsp;Believe it or not, that is a factually and grammatically correct sentence. Yes, a group of wombats is called a wisdom. And yes, they do indeed each poop about 100 distinct cubes each per day. How cube-ish are the cubes? Take a look for yourself!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_1256653177.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1898942"/><figcaption>A cubed piece of wombat poop lies on the ground. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/mandycreighton">Mandy Creighton</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



They are pretty good cubes, right? It would take a significant amount of effort to sculpt cubes that are cube-like out of clay. But wombats are natural sculptors and make the cubes automatically. In fact, wombats are the only animals&nbsp;in the world&nbsp;that poop cubes. Until just a few years ago, scientists had no idea how they made this square scat.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-are-wombats">What Are Wombats?</h2>



Wombats are the world's largest burrowing mammal. Wombats can weigh up to 80 pounds and are about 3 feet long when fully grown. In the wild, these fuzzy creatures can live to be almost 30 years of age! Wombats are herbivores. They eat a relatively mundane diet of grasses and other grass-like plants. Wombats incisors, a type of tooth, never stop growing. This constant growth means they need to chew on plenty of tough stuff every day to shave off their teeth as they grow.&nbsp;



These burrowing cuties are a type of marsupial, which means they give birth to undeveloped young wombats who grow inside the mother's&nbsp;pouch. Unlike most marsupials, the wombat's pouch faces towards its hind legs. This unique evolutionary adaptation prevents the pouch from filling up with dirt while the wombat digs in the soil with its front paws.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_1700659525.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1898943"/><figcaption>A baby wombat peeks out of its mother's pouch, looking out through the mother's hind legs. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Jonas_Boernicke">Jonas Boernicke</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



Wombats are productive diggers. A hard-working wombat can excavate three feet of tunnel in a single evening. As you can imagine, these networks of burrows can become extensive. Underground temperatures remain much more stable than air temperatures, so wombats hide in their burrows during the day to escape the searing Australian sun. &nbsp;



Wombats are mostly nocturnal creatures, making them hard to see in real life.



<h3 id="h-where-do-wombats-live">Where do Wombats Live?</h3>



All marsupials, which also include&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-ponder-how-to-curb-kangaroo-flatulence/" target="_blank">kangaroos</a>, Tasmanian devils, and&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-koala-virus-passed-from-mothers-to-their-joeys/" target="_blank">koalas</a>, are endemic to Australia and the Americas. Wombats can inhabit a wide variety of habitats within Australia, from arid grasslands to cool alpine zones, to&nbsp;eucalypt woodlands. Wombats need a healthy ecosystem of native Australian grasses nearby to thrive.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-the-three-different-kinds-of-wombats">The Three Different Kinds of Wombats</h3>



There are three species of wombats alive today. Differentiating the three depends on how hairy their nose is and where they live. The most common wombat is the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus). The bare-nosed wombat lives near the coast in southeastern Australia in the provinces of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and southern Queensland. This also happens to be where nearly all the people in Australia live.&nbsp;



The southern hairy-nosed wombat(Lasiorhinus latifrons) wombat lives in the province of South Australia in south-central Australia.&nbsp;



Northern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii) only lives in one small area in Queensland, called Epping Forest National Park.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-unfortunately-these-cute-marsupials-are-in-trouble">Unfortunately, These Cute Marsupials Are in Trouble</h3>



Wombats were, and in some cases still are, considered agricultural pests across Australia. Being the world's largest burrowing mammal comes with consequences. These critters stir up substantial amounts of dirt and eat plenty of food, causing farmers and ranchers much frustration. Wombats can also destroy fences, letting invasive rabbits into areas people try to keep them out of. As a result, wombats were routinely killed as vermin across Australia throughout the 1900's. Still today the common wombat is not protected in the province of Victoria.&nbsp;



The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/11343/21959050" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>&nbsp;lists the northern hairy-nosed wombat is among the most endangered mammals on Earth. At one point in the early 2000's the population of breeding adults was just over 100. Predation by dingoes (wild dogs), competition for grass forage by non-native rabbits, and overgrazing by cattle and sheep drove this wombat population way down. Drought induced by climate change makes life additionally difficult for not only wombats,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/severe-drought-australia-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">but all sorts of wildlife across Australia</a>.&nbsp;



In 2000 the Australian government installed a dingo-proof fence around the entirety of the northern-hairy-nosed wombat habitat. Their numbers have been slowly improving since then, and are now thought to be over 300 individuals. Still, this wombat remains a critically endangered species at risk of extinction due to wildfire or diseases like mange.&nbsp;



The southern hairy-nosed wombat isn't quite as imperiled as its northern neighbor, but is still listed as near-threatened. The common wombat is classified as "least concern.," but scientists are concerned by that species's population's downward trend.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_580673665.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1898945"/><figcaption>A small collection of cubic wombat scat. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Pixelheld">Pixelheld</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-why-is-wombats-poop-cubic">Why is Wombats' Poop Cubic?</h2>



As with so much in nature, we don’t know for certain why wombats poop cubes. However, we have a better idea now than we did just a few years ago.



One (debunked) folksy theory is that cubed poop is a superior shape to help wombats mark their territories. Why? Because cubes stack and don’t roll off of rocks. Can’t you imagine it? A pudgy wombat meticulously builds a menacing pyramid of cubed poops to alert other wombats to “stay away”. Or a wombat purposefully poops on slick rocks gleefully knowing their poop doesn’t roll right off. These theories aren’t wrong,&nbsp;per se, but there are probably more likely reasons for the evolution of cubed poop. There are so many animals that use their poop to mark their territories, but wombats are to only animals in the world with square poop.



<h3 id="h-the-new-theory-of-wombat-poop">The New Theory of Wombat Poop&nbsp;</h3>



Researchers Patricia Yang and David Hu <a href="http://hu.gatech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Hu21-wombat.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published a paper</a> that opened the world's eyes to the inner workings of the wombat. They found that the wombat's unique intestine was responsible for the cubic wombat poop. Instead of being extruded, like clay from a mold or pasta from a pasta-maker, the poop gets shaped by wombats' long intestines over the course of days. 



Wombat intestines are about 10 times the length of their bodies. These long intestines help the critters extract an impressive amount of water from the food they eat. Wombats can live in incredibly arid environments. In fact, they barely need to consume water because their super intestines can squeeze all the water a wombat needs out of the plants it eats. Other desert mammals, such as the adorable <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/kangaroo-rat-spotted/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kangaroo rat</a>, have similar adaptations. Some scientists think that the process of forming cubes helps the wombat extract more water from its food.



 Yang and Hu took the long intestines of a roadkill wombat and filled the intestines with a long balloon. They then inflated the balloon inside the intestine. By comparing how the balloon stretched the wombat intestines to how balloons stretched other animals' intestines, the researchers unlocked a crucial aspect of the cubic poop mystery. 



Instead of being uniformly tight as other animals' intestines, wombat intestines have four 'strips' that run the length of the organ. Two of these strips contract more vigorously and two of the strips don't contract less vigorously. These strips alternate, so that a cross-section of the wombat intestine would show vigorous-regular-vigorous-regular strips of the intestine. For some complicated, fluid-dynamics and physics reasons, these contractions turn the cylindrical poop into cubic poop, all within a cylindrical intestine. Apparently, the poop only becomes cubic in <a href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/sm/d0sm01230k?&amp;_ga=2.96994969.788068061.1636953912-1075994723.1634916763#!divAbstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the last 20%</a> of the wombat intestine. 



<h3 id="h-the-surprising-implications-of-wombat-poop-research">The Surprising Implications of Wombat Poop Research</h3>



The researchers note that understanding wombat poop can help us in manufacturing and cancer diagnosis. Figuring out new ways of extruding plastics can help manufacturers mold different shapes. Colon cancer has been known to change the interior of intestinal walls. Now that we understand how changes in intestinal walls can change the shape of poops, researchers think they may be able to detect colon cancer earlier by observing human fecal samples. It's always difficult to see how some research will be used for wildly different purposes!



Wombat poop is a strange wonder of the natural world. If you ever have the opportunity to wander around wombat habitat, keep an eye out for this charming, cubic feces!



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Wombats and the Mystery of Cubed Poop

A wisdom of wombats makes a thousand cubed poops in...

A,North,American,Beaver,Works,On,Its,Dam,In,Grand

Known for their paddle-like tails and gnawing down trees, beavers are nature’s architects. If you know anything about these funky rodents, it’s probably that they build dams. But why exactly do they fill waterways with sticks and mud? Beavers build dams to create a safe zone, protected from predators. But, contrary to popular belief, beavers don’t live in the dams. In fact, beaver dams are a means to an end. By creating the dam and slowing water flow, beavers create a new ecosystem with deep water and plenty of hidey-holes where they can go about their beaver business in peace. In this article, we’ve got all the beaver basics covered. Read on to learn about beaver ecology, their fascinating building behaviors, and their larger-than-life impact.



<h2 id="h-about-beaver">About Beaver</h2>



Beavers are the largest rodent in North America, and the second-largest in the world (the capybara of South America is heavier). A taxonomic group characterized by their continuously growing front teeth, all rodents need to chew. Rodents evolved to have extremely sharp and hard teeth, allowing them to develop diets and behaviors unavailable to other species. Orange teeth



Beavers slip seamlessly between water and land. In fact, their bodies have evolved for both environments. With dextrous front feet and webbed toes on their hind feet, they can grasp twigs, scurry on land, and swim quite nimbly. If that’s not enough beaver foot facts for you, here’s a bonus: beavers have a special double toenail on their hind feet adapted for preening. Beavers love to keep their soft fur meticulously clean, but it’s not all for vanity. All that combing with their preening toe keeps their fur waterproof and warm.



Perhaps their most identifiable characteristic is their tail. Wide, flat, and covered in tiny black scales, beavers use their tails as a rudder in the water and for balance on land. They will even slap their tails on the surface of the water to scare off predators.&nbsp;



Fun Fact: The shape and size of a beaver’s tail are hereditary traits. That means each family of beavers will have a distinctly different tail.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/shutterstock_412086265.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1897230"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/enskanto">Zadiraka Evgenii</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-types-of-beavers">Types of Beavers</h3>



There are two types of beavers in the world: the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) and the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). As their names suggest, the North American beaver can be found across Canada and the United States while the Eurasian beaver ranges from France to Mongolia.



Fun Fact: During the Pleistocene, a species of giant beavers perused North America. Thought to be between <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2017/03/FLMNHBulletinvol53no2_archived.pdf">60-100kg</a>, these animals were about the size of black bears!&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



Beavers are herbivorous, and they forage for vegetation both in and out of the water. They eat leaves, woody stems, and aquatic plants. Creatures of convenience, they like to eat the same plants that they use to build. They prefer the soft bendy branches of willow and aspen, but will make do with anything (including evergreens) in a pinch. As they add branches to their lodge and dam, they also squirrel some away in the mud below their lodge. These stores, called a larder, provide food throughout the winter when the beaver families are hunkered down.



<h3 id="h-reproduction-life-cycle">Reproduction &amp; Life Cycle</h3>



Many members of the rodent order are pretty cute, but beaver babies might take the cake. Called kits, these fluffy little guys have so much warm fur when they are born that they can’t dive underwater. Their fur serves as a cuddly lifejacket, keeping them afloat. Born in the springtime in litters of <a href="http://placentation.ucsd.edu/beav.html">3-4</a>, the kits will ride around on their mother’s tail as she walks on land or cling to her back while she swims.&nbsp;



Once a mother beaver gives birth to a group of kits, she’s in no hurry to kick them from the nest. Most beaver kits stay with their families for <a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/beaver">two years</a>. That means a beaver lodge usually houses a pretty big family with two litters of kits at any given time. While the newborn beavers learn to swim and nibble trees, the yearlings are more likely to help with beaver lodge chores - keeping the dam in tact and the larder full! In the wild, beavers live between <a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/beaver">10-12 years</a>, but their legacy can last much longer. After a couple years in the home lodge, the young beavers will disperse to start their own home, changing the aqauscape throughout a watershed.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/shutterstock_649626118.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1897233"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/gkuchera">Geoffrey Kuchera</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-what-do-beavers-build">What Do Beavers Build?</h2>



Beavers, like humans, modify their habitat to be more comfortable and secure. Since they are semi-aquatic mammals, beavers escape predators by swimming under water. Naturally, deep water provides a much safer refuge than shallow streams. When a beaver moves into a riparian environment, they set to work.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-the-beaver-dam">The Beaver Dam</h3>



They harvest their building materials including twigs, reeds, trunks of trees, branches, and mud. Through a process of careful weaving and caulking, they create a watertight dam. By creating a beaver dam, they slow down the flow of water and create a section of deeper water known as a beaver pond. Once the beavers ponds start filling up, the industrious rodents turn their attention to their lodge and larder, but the work is never done. Year after year, beavers will continue to add to their dam, making it longer and repairing any breaches.&nbsp;



Fun fact: Found in Alberta, Canada, the largest known beaver dam in the world measure almost 3,000 feet long.



<h3 id="h-the-beaver-lodge">The Beaver Lodge&nbsp;</h3>



While the beaver dam creates a suitable neighborhood, the beaver lodge is the beavers’ home-sweet-home. Similar to the dam, beavers make the lodge from sticks and twigs. But instead of clogging up the stream, the lodge serves as a cozy island home. Often built in the middle of the pond away from shore, lodges can measure over <a href="https://www.esf.edu/aec/adks/mammals/beaver.htm">six feet high and over 30 feet in diameter</a>. Inside the lodge, a small chamber serves as the living quarters. The beavers enter the lodge through underwater tunnels. That way,&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-astounding-impact-of-beaver-dams">Astounding Impact of Beaver Dams</h2>



Ecosystem engineers &amp; Keystone Species



It’s no question that beavers change their environments drastically. In making these new environments, their ecosystems rely on&nbsp; them. Not only are beavers ecosystem architects, but they are also keystone species. Just like the keystone piece at the top of an archway holds the whole structure together, an ecosystem will collapse without the keystone species. Time and time again, studies repeatedly show how important beavers and their dams are to ecosystem health. They control water quality, create habitats for endangered species, and increase biodiverstiy.



Beaver dams have been shown to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beaver-dams-cold-water-fish/">lower stream temperatures</a>, playing a critical piece in the puzzle to restore fish populations that need cold water for their life cycles, like salmon and trout. In another <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-examines-the-efficacy-of-beaver-dams/">study in Oregon’s Bridge Creek watershed</a>, an increase in beaver activity restored the natural flood plain and improved the survival and productivity of steelhead trout populations.



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Why Do Beavers Build Dams?

Known for their paddle-like tails and gnawing down trees, beavers...

Frigid temperatures, dense coniferous forests, and cold winters are all common features of the taiga biome. Much of the world’s land is covered by this frozen biome and many fascinating, uncommon animals make their home here. Even though the taiga is such an important ecosystem in the northern hemisphere, not much is said about this forest biome, and many of the animals that live here seem completely mysterious. Here’s some information about what the taiga actually is, where you can find it, and the kinds of plants and animals you can find there.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/nature-3417266_1920-1024x602.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891877"/><figcaption><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/cedriklesage-8298732/">CedrikLesage</a> / Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-what-is-the-taiga-biome">What Is the Taiga Biome?</h2>



Taiga biomes are the dense, evergreen forests of high latitudes in the northern hemisphere. In Canada and the US, the term "boreal forest" often replaces "taiga"; the two are actually the same biome. Whatever the name, these forests occur in subarctic regions, just below the arctic circle. Because of the massive amount of land the taiga covers, it is considered the world’s largest terrestrial biome. In fact, taiga covers 17 million square kilometers (6.6 million square miles) on three continents! Taiga is also one of the newest ecosystems in the world. Before 12,000 years ago, during the last ice age, all of the world’s land that is now taiga was underneath miles of ice. After the ice retreated, plants began to colonize the new real estate. Now, it is covered in dense forests.



<h2 id="h-taiga-climate">Taiga Climate</h2>



In general, the taiga is characterized by a very cold climate. It is the third coldest biome on earth, after the tundra biome and permanent ice caps. Average temperatures through the year range from -5 to 5 °C (23 to 41 °F), depending on location. But, the temperature range from the summer and winter months is huge. During the summer, a normal temperature would be 18 °C (64 °F). In contrast, a winter day would be closer to -20 °C (-4 °F). Temperatures in the Siberian taiga can easily get down to -50 °C (-58 °F) during the coldest part of the year! These frigid temperatures mean that animals adapted to taiga biomes can survive in subzero temperatures for much of the year.



Precipitation in the taiga is low. On average, precipitation is from 200-750 mm (7.9-29.5 in) per year. Most of the precipitation comes as snow which can stay on the ground for months until summer temperatures cause it to melt. However, in the coldest and northernmost regions, precipitation can persist and create <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-permafrost-is-releasing-even-more-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">permafrost</a>. Fog is the other most important type of precipitation in taiga biomes, which helps trees reach their largest sizes, especially in coastal regions.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/night-4685148_1920-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891879"/><figcaption><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/rauschenberger-4614580/">rauschenberger</a> / Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-where-is-the-taiga-biome">Where Is the Taiga Biome?</h2>



You can find the taiga on two gigantic landmasses - North America and Eurasia. The country that has the most taiga is Russia, followed by Canada, and the United States. Taiga in Russia occurs in the vast region of Siberia - one of the most expansive and unpopulated places on earth. In Canada, the taiga occurs north of temperate deciduous forests in the east, and as an extension of evergreen forests in the west. Canada also has the most national parks in taiga biomes. Other countries have taiga, albeit much less, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/day-and-night-over-scandinavia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scandinavian</a> countries of Norway, Finland, and Sweden. Taiga occurs between 50°N and 70°N, and most of it is immediately below the arctic circle.



<h2 id="h-taiga-flora">Taiga Flora</h2>



The taiga is home to many plants that are adapted to cold temperatures and a short growing season. Because North America and Asia used to be connected via the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bela/learn/historyculture/the-bering-land-bridge-theory.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bering land bridge</a>, both of these continents share many of the same species. The short growing season and oblique sunlight greatly limit photosynthesis in the taiga. In general, the taiga is dominated by evergreen conifers. The coniferous trees that show up the most are spruce, pine, and larch. Many deciduous trees are present as well, such as birch, alder, willow, and poplar. Despite the presence of these trees, deciduous forests are less common than evergreen forests in the taiga. The diversity and species assemblages change depending on the region. Some have mixed stands containing a few species, while others are dominated by a single species.



One of the most common trees in the taiga occurs in easter Siberia. The Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii) is an incredibly widespread tree, spanning from eastern Siberia, to Mongolia, northeastern China, and North Korea. In the taiga, the Dahurian larch experiences some of the coldest temperatures the taiga has to offer. It’s also a unique conifer in that it’s actually deciduous, dropping its needles in the fall to withstand the cold, dry winter.



In Canada and the US, the taiga is full of evergreen trees like balsam fir (Abies balsamea), black spruce (Picea mariana), tamarack larch (Larix laricina), and hemlock (Tsuga spp.). Groundcover includes various wildflowers and shrubs. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lichens-thrived-after-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lichen</a> is also abundant in the taiga, along with mosses and other bryophytes, and mushrooms like morels.



<h2 id="h-animals-of-the-taiga-biome">Animals Of the Taiga Biome</h2>



Many mysterious creatures make their home in the taiga. Due to the cold temperatures, all of the animals that live in this biome must be adapted to frigid conditions in one way or another. Many of the following animals are pretty common, but some are truly enigmatic inhabitants of the taiga biome.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/tiger-6175826_1280-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891880"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Cle+Na">Cle Na</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-siberian-tigers">Siberian Tigers</h3>



Siberian tigers are one of the most endangered <a href="https://www.wcs.org/our-work/wildlife/big-cats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">big cats</a> in the world. They’re also the world’s largest cat, growing to be a whopping 300 kilos (660 pounds) and 3 meters (10 feet) long. These huge, top predators are incredibly important animals in the taiga. They occur primarily in eastern Siberia, but some make it down to northern China and North Korea. Thanks to the low human population of eastern Siberia, these tigers are well protected from threats in the Russian taiga. Still, humans pose a great threat to these animals through poaching and habitat destruction.



<h3 id="h-crossbills">Crossbills</h3>



In the summer, the taiga is rich in birds. Most, however, vacate the taiga towards the end of summer and migrate somewhere warmer. The crossbill is one of those brave birds that decide to stay in the taiga during summer. They have distinctive, crossed beaks (hence their name) which allow them to pry open cones to eat the enclosed seeds. Their beak grants them the ability to survive in the taiga during the winter months when most other birds would be helpless.



<h3 id="h-boreal-chorus-frogs">Boreal Chorus Frogs</h3>



Not many amphibians live in the taiga thanks to its cold, snowy winter and short summers. The boreal chorus frog is one of them and seems to thrive in this unforgiving biome. This tiny frog species is native to central Canada and makes its home not only in taiga but further north in the tundra, too. They are tiny frogs, measuring at most 4 cm (1.5 inches) in length. In the winter, they hibernate underneath the deep snow. However, in the spring, they emerge from their slumber and begin to breed. A breeding population of boreal chorus frogs erupts in loud, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/sounds-chorusfrogs.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prolonged calls</a> that echo through the taiga.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/great-grey-owl-hybrid-3016287_1280-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891881"/><figcaption><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/georg_wietschorke-3238642/">Georg_Wietschorke</a> / Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-great-gray-owls">Great Gray Owls</h3>



Great gray owls live mainly in the taiga biome of North America, Scandinavia, and Russia. Like all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spotted-owls-greatly-benefit-from-yosemites-fire-management-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">owls</a>, they are efficient hunters, catching prey silently and effortlessly amongst dense trees. They aren’t the largest owl species, but they are one of the largest birds in the taiga. Their hearing is so sharp, they are able to pinpoint the location of prey even under deep snow.



<h3 id="h-lynx">Lynx</h3>



Lynx are elusive, predatory cats with characteristic pointed ears. There are four species, two of which live in the taiga - the Canada lynx in Canada and Alaska, and the Eurasian lynx in northern Europe and Asia. These mysterious animals hunt small to medium mammals like snowshoe hares and minks, but some are brave enough to even hunt deer.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/animal-1660429_1920-1024x675.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891882"/><figcaption><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/danielbrachlow-2171695/">DanielBrachlow</a> / Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-wolverines">Wolverines</h3>



Wolverines are part of a group of animals called mustelids, which make up the family Mustelidae. Minks, martens, otters, stoats, and weasels are all different types of mustelids, but the wolverine might just be the most mysterious mustelid. The wolverine is one of the largest species in the family and is renowned for its ferocity and strength. Wolverines mainly scavenge for their food but are capable of hunting live prey. Thanks to their brazen attitude, they can take on prey much larger than themselves, such as deer.



<h3 id="h-martens">Martens</h3>



Another member of the mustelid family, martens are much smaller than their wolverine cousins. Like many members of this family, the American marten is entirely opportunistic, feeding on pretty much whatever it wants whenever it is available. Their diet is highly dependent on the seasons, eating fruit, fish, foliage, insects, and small rodents whenever each food item is most abundant.



<h3 id="h-moose">Moose</h3>



Moose are some of the largest animals in the taiga, even compared to bears and tigers. These truly massive animals live all throughout the taiga - from eastern Canada to Alaska, and across the water from Siberia to Scandinavia. Despite their size, moose are still prey for top predators like tigers and wolves. They are also important herbivores, eating even woody stems of plants during the winter when no fresh, green leaves are present.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/bear-2400929_1920-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891883"/><figcaption><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/lynnea-1528424/">lynnea</a> / Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-salmon">Salmon</h3>



<a href="https://pacificwild.org/salmon-a-keystone-species/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Salmon are keystone species</a> in the taiga. These biomes often host countless rivers and streams, which salmon return to in order to spawn. As the salmon make their way upstream, many animals intercept the swimming creatures for a nutritious meal. Even though many salmon won’t make it to their ultimate spawning grounds, hundreds do. After the salmon spawn, they die. Dying salmon make an incredibly important food resource for countless animals such as bears and wolves, and the carcasses of the fish provide nutrients for scavengers like ravens and wolverines. This yearly influx of salmon makes them some of the most important species in the ecology of the taiga.



<h3 id="h-mosquitoes">Mosquitoes</h3>



Mosquitoes are some of the most hated animals on earth - and also the deadliest thanks to the diseases they help spread. In the taiga biome, they are abundant. In Alaska alone, there are more than 30 species of mosquitoes. During the relatively warm summer months, mosquito populations explode. Even though their presence is unwelcome to many mammals like caribou, they are a vital food resource for birds and amphibians like frogs. Their sheer abundance alone gives rise to the argument that mosquitoes, like salmon, are keystone species in the taiga.



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Mysterious Creatures of the Taiga Biome

Frigid temperatures, dense coniferous forests, and cold winters are all...

Bottlenose,Dolphin,(tursiops,Truncatus)

At some point, you've likely heard unbelievable stories about dolphins acting in complex and unusual ways. While they can jump through hoops and sing dolphin songs, does this mean they are actually smart?



<h2 id="h-a-brief-background-on-bottlenose-dolphins">A Brief Background on Bottlenose Dolphins</h2>



Bottlenose dolphins are beautiful and complex creatures. Let's first take a deep dive into their habitat, taxonomy, life history, and body characteristics.



<h3 id="h-bottlenose-dolphin-habitats">Bottlenose Dolphin Habitats</h3>



The common bottlenose dolphin is an incredibly versatile creature. It lives just about everywhere with <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/common-bottlenose-dolphin#:~:text=Bottlenose%20dolphins%20are%20found%20in,offshore%20in%20the%20open%20ocean." target="_blank" rel="noopener">warm ocean water</a>, from coastal California to the Mediterranean, from Peru to Australia. They live in places with drastically different ecology, such as the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Indian Ocean, and even off the coast of New York. This dolphin's range does not extend into cold, arctic waters.



Coastal bottlenose dolphin populations are easier to see, and therefore better researched than open ocean populations. Bottlenose dolphins will live out on the continental shelf and also in the deep sea marine environment. These deep ocean-dwelling dolphins are much larger than their coastal water counterparts. As far as we know (our data of marine animals is always very limited), the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/es/species/22563/156932432" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUCN Redlist</a> lists bottlenose dolphins as a species of least concern. However, numerous threats endanger certain coastal populations of bottlenose dolphins, including noise pollution, climate change, entanglement with fishing nets, bycatch hunting, and chemical pollutants. In the U.S., bottlenose dolphins are protected by the <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/marine-mammal-protection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marine Mammal Protection Act</a>.



<h3 id="h-bottlenose-dolphin-taxonomy">Bottlenose Dolphin Taxonomy</h3>



The scientific name for the bottlenose dolphin is Tursiops truncatus. Bottlenose dolphins are marine mammals in the class Mammalia. They are in the cetacean order of mammals, which includes whales, porpoises, and dolphins. The taxonomic family that bottlenose dolphins fall under is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/delphinidae" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delphinidae</a>. This family contains about 35 ocean-dwelling dolphin species. Fun fact: did you know that 'killer whales' are actually the <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/dolphin_porpoise.html#:~:text=The%20orca%2C%20or%20killer%20whale,far%20more%20prevalent%20than%20porpoises.&amp;text=Generally%20speaking%2C%20dolphin%20bodies%20are,also%20more%20talkative%20than%20porpoises." target="_blank" rel="noopener">largest member</a> of the dolphin family?



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shutterstock_1686429787.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891372"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/KaterinaBranchukova">KatBranchArt</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-bottlenose-dolphin-life-history-and-body-characteristics">Bottlenose Dolphin Life History and Body Characteristics</h3>



Female bottlenose dolphins <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jmammal/article/95/2/357/866085" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reach sexual maturity</a> earlier than male bottlenose dolphins. The females usually reach this maturity between 5-14 years and males between 7-15 years. The oldest recorded bottlenose dolphin was an impressive <a href="https://sarasotadolphin.org/fb15/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">67 years old!</a>&nbsp;A more typical dolphin's lifespan is about 40 years. The gestation period for a female bottlenose dolphin is about <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4650159/#:~:text=The%20gestation%20period%20for%20dolphins,of%20ultrasound%20examination%20%5B8%5D." target="_blank" rel="noopener">12.5 months.</a>



Bottlenose dolphins have a dorsal fin on top of their backs, one flipper on each side, and a blowhole. As a top predator in ocean ecosystems, bottlenose dolphins use echolocation (like bats) to find their prey. These generalist dolphins <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5595343/#:~:text=Bottlenose%20dolphins%20consumed%20mainly%20fish,N%2C%2023.08%25O)." target="_blank" rel="noopener">prefer to eat protein-rich fish</a> but will eat crustaceans, octopuses, and other marine animals if needed. Their ability to adapt to a wide variety of foods is one aspect of their intelligence we will explore.



<h2 id="h-how-can-we-measure-smartness-in-other-animals">How Can We Measure Smartness in Other Animals?</h2>



If I had a superpower, I would want to talk to animals. I think some of them could provide thoughtful conversation. I'm sure that dolphins would be one of those creatures. Sadly, no one can really talk to dolphins, so it is difficult to figure out whether they have complex thoughts.



This is the real crux of the issue. Humans have a hard time measuring how 'smart' one person is compared to another. We have IQ tests that supposedly determine this human intelligence. However, that test is coming under <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6927908/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increasing scrutiny</a> for only measuring one kind of intelligence. Someone who gets top scores on an IQ test may not have the mental skills for building a table, catching a fish, or raising a child. If we have such a hard time predicting human smartness, how can we ever measure animal smartness?



This is all to say that our assumptions of what is 'smart' beyond our human selves in the animal kingdom may be totally wrong. But when you see an elephant painting or a gorilla using sign language, it's easy to understand that some animals have particularly strong mental abilities. Bottlenose dolphins are one of those animals.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shutterstock_1929565964-1024x539.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891373"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/BlueRingMedia">BlueRingMedia</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-bottlenose-dolphins-have-big-brains">Bottlenose Dolphins Have Big Brains</h2>



A bigger brain seems it should imply a smarter animal, right? Well, it's not that simple.



An initial measure of an animal's intelligence was the weight of its brain compared to its body. A high brain weight to body ratio was presumed to reveal a 'smarter' animal. In many cases, this is true. But in some, it's not. The <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-anatomical-property-of-the-brain-in-tree-shrew-a-A-photo-of-tree-shrew-in-daily_fig1_318581892" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tree shrew</a> has the highest brain-to-body ratio, but probably because it is a very small mammal.



Researchers eventually started using the brain encephalization quotient (EQ) instead of a simple brain-to-body ratio. Researchers plotted the brain-to-body ratios for many species of mammals and then drew a straight line that was the 'average'. This line demonstrates the predicted brain size for an animal of any mass. If the animal's brain is bigger than expected, their dot on the graph would be above this EQ line. Bottlenose dolphins are <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-dolphins-smart-how-are-dolphins-intelligent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">second only to humans</a> on the EQ test. This means that their brains are far bigger than we would expect based on their body size.



Size is important, but so is the substance within the brain. The actual structure of the brain matters a lot in intelligence. Dolphins also have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1868071/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highly developed brains</a> that commit energy to 'thinking' rather than just 'doing'. These dolphins also have a large number of <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cne.22055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">special types of neurons</a> that are thought to make humans smart.



<h3 id="h-are-dolphins-conscious">Are Dolphins Conscious?</h3>



<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00359-013-0816-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">With current research</a>, it is difficult to prove consciousness in dolphins. But that doesn't mean they aren't conscious of themselves. Perhaps we just haven't figured out how to measure dolphin consciousness yet.



An animal's ability to recognize itself in the mirror is a widely accepted test for intelligence. Recognizing oneself on the other side of a mirror shows a sense of self. Humans take about two years to reach the milestone of self-recognition. Dolphin babies are far quicker and can recognize themselves in the mirror <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0189813" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at seven months old</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shutterstock_1514465597.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891374"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/FlorentRols">F Photography R</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-bottlenose-dolphin-social-structures-and-language">Bottlenose Dolphin Social Structures and Language</h2>



Bottlenosed dolphins' social structures are profoundly intricate. These dolphins gather in mixed-sex groups to hunt. These <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jmammal/article/96/3/481/905030" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dolphin pods are fluid</a>, with members moving between pods. Some dolphins move around a lot, but others seem to prefer more long-term relationships. The pods also don't seem to be hierarchical. Maybe dolphins share knowledge by moving between these pods? Dolphins seem to be unique individuals as well as social beings. Dolphins also have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-have-human-personality-traits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unique personality traits</a> that map neatly onto the 'big five' human personality traits.



In addition to complex social structures, bottlenose dolphins use language to communicate with one another. They apparently use <a href="https://science.sciencemag.org/content/289/5483/1355" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unique whistling sounds</a> as humans use names. A unique whistle corresponds to one individual dolphin within the group. Secondly, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405722316301177" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Russian researchers</a> found that bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea communicate in sentences up to five words long.



You can communicate a lot in five words. Cozy mountain tent with coffee. Riding bike with scary cars. See that? What could the dolphins be saying...



<h2 id="h-top-examples-of-bottlenose-dolphins-being-smart">Top Examples of Bottlenose Dolphins Being Smart</h2>



Sometimes science can be a little dry for the subject matter. While scientists are trying to determine bottlenose dolphin smartness, there are plenty of fun anecdotes from around the world that confirm dolphins have a very high baseline for intelligence.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shutterstock_127531127.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891375"/><figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/ftlaudgirl">FtLaud</a>/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-bottlenose-dolphins-use-pufferfish-to-get-high">Bottlenose Dolphins Use Pufferfish to Get High</h3>



Some bottlenose dolphins like to adventure into the world of altered reality. Some people have seen groups of bottlenose dolphins delicately <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/where-do-pufferfish-live/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passing around a pufferfish</a>. Pufferfish have deadly toxins that can kill humans. However, the dolphins seem to have figured out how to get a small enough dose that they get some sort of intoxicating effect from the pufferfish. The fact that many bottlenose dolphins can partake in puffer-puffer-pass without any of them chomping down and killing themselves with toxin demonstrates some sort of sophisticated communication and understanding of reality, right?



<h3 id="h-bottlenose-dolphins-in-florida-use-mud-as-a-net">Bottlenose Dolphins in Florida Use Mud as a Net</h3>



Bottlenose dolphins in the Florida keys team up to chase schools of fish into very shallow water. One member of the group then flips up mud in a circle around the fish. The fish then freak out and try to jump over the <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260338052_MUD_PLUME_FEEDING_A_UNIQUE_FOR-_AGING_BEHAVIOR_OF_THE_BOTTLENOSE_DOLPHIN_IN_THE_FLORIDA_KEYS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'net' of mud</a>. Unfortunately for the fish, plenty of dolphin beaks wait to catch them on the other side. This teamwork shows thoughtful, group-facilitated hunting techniques. I would call that 'smart', wouldn't you?



<a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsbl.2012.0174" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dolphins in Brazil</a> cooperate with small-scale fishermen to catch fish from those fisheries.





<h3 id="h-dolphins-groups-can-change-their-behavior">Dolphins Groups Can Change Their Behavior</h3>



Bottlenose dolphins can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-change-their-behavior-to-adapt-to-coastal-development/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drastically change their lifestyle</a> when confronted with adversity. When coastal development impacted a group of dolphins off the coast of Florida, they changed their feeding to times with little construction activity and found different foraging grounds. This example of highly adaptive behavior is one of the factors for why bottlenose dolphins live all over the world.



It should be interesting to follow the topic of dolphin smartness (and animal intelligence in general) into the middle of the 21st century. As science delves deeper into the mystery of dolphin brains and lifestyles, we may learn that we humans aren't as intellectually exceptional as we would like to think.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Are Bottlenose Dolphins Really That Smart?

At some point, you've likely heard unbelievable stories about dolphins...

A,Beautiful,Majestic,Lion,Sits,In,A,Regal,Pose,With

A hundred years ago over 200,000 lions roamed Africa and Asia. Today, that number is about 20,000. That's a 90% reduction in the population of one of the most charismatic creatures in the world. So, is the lion endangered?

It seems like it should be easy to say whether a species is endangered or not. The poor vaquita in the Sea of Cortez is an unarguably, critically endangered animal. At last count, scientists think there are fewer than 19 individuals.

Lions, however, are more complicated. They span dozens of countries on two continents. In fact, some populations are of 'least concern,' whereas others are 'critically endangered.' How could the same species have all these designations?
<h2>Let's Think About Populations Instead of the Entire Species</h2>
The field of Conservation Science is a lot more than simply preventing the disappearance of entire species from the planet. Extinction is the worst-case scenario, but there are plenty of undesirable options between an unthreatened species and an extinct one.

The lion, for example, is currently extinct in 26 countries (possibly 33). Some of these countries include Morocco, Iran, Egypt, Turkey, and Congo. These regional extinctions are significant. Each population of now-extinct lions had unique genes to thrive in a particular environment.

When all lions from North Africa disappeared, all lions suited to live in that harsh, desert climate also disappeared. Lions no longer roam anywhere in the Middle East, either.

If humans decide to reintroduce lions to these desert areas, where will we choose the lions from?

If, for example, a population of lions still lived in Egypt, then those would be the obvious candidates for reintroduction to the Middle East. However, none of the currently extant (meaning existing, or alive) populations of lions know these kinds of landscapes. Compared to the now-extinct North African lions, reintroduction with other African lions could be difficult.

I will focus on the conservation status of four regions of lions that are currently alive.

[caption id="attachment_1877494" align="alignnone" width="800"]<img class="wp-image-1877494 size-full" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/800px-Lion_distribution.png" alt="lion distribution" width="800" height="698" /> This map was made in 2009. The present distribution is much smaller in West Africa now than it was in 2009. Map courtesy of<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion#/media/File:Lion_distribution.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Tommy Knocker</a>[/caption]
<h2>Western and Central Africa Endangered Lions</h2>
These lions are the most threatened on the planet. I mentioned above that lions are possibly extinct in 7 additional countries. All of these countries are in Western and Central Africa. This is because lion populations in this region have declined two-thirds in the last 20 years.

Only one substantial population remains in all of Western and Central Africa, which is on the border of Burkina Faso and Benin (it's okay if you have to look at an atlas). This population might have as many as 200 lions, but all other West and Central African populations have fewer than 20 individual lions.

The conservation community largely ignored this region in lion conservation efforts. Plenty of sufficient habitats exists for lions throughout this region. However, the prey is naturally less dense here compared to the rest of Africa.

This landscape has more forests and deserts, which don't have the same <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrying_capacity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">carrying capacity</a> for large animals as places like the Serengeti National Park. This lack of prey made these lions evolve to be smaller and hunt in smaller prides than their Eastern and Southern African counterparts.

The human population of West African countries has increased rapidly over the last few decades. Unfortunately, the presence of more humans is almost always bad for wildlife.

Food shortages from overfishing increased the demand for bushmeat. This bushmeat is the prey for lions. Since the natural abundance of bushmeat was already low in this region, any human hunting of this prey is particularly bad for lion populations.

As is stands, this region's lions are considered critically endangered. It is very possible that the West African lion will become extinct in the very near future unless successful conservation programs are quickly put into place.
<h2><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1877497" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lion-565820_1280.jpg" alt="lion cub" width="1280" height="853" /></h2>
<h2>Endangered Lions in India</h2>
The story of the Asiatic lion is tragic, but at the same time hopeful.

The Asiatic lion used to roam all of the Middle-East through the very southern tip of India. Like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-tigers-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Caspian tiger</a>, hunters systematically persecuted Asiatic lions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unlike the Caspian tiger, which went extinct, the Asiatic lion eked out a home in one small area of southeastern India, in the province of Gujarat.

Only 18 lions existed in 1893. (How people estimated lion populations in 1893 is beyond me.) An Indian ruler used this area as his private hunting grounds, which saved the lions from persecution.

The Indian government established the Gir Forest to protect these lions in 1965. Since then, areas around the Gir Forest have been protected as well. In 1994, the lion population was up to 284 lions. In 2010 it was 411 lions. The last census, in 2017, counted 650 lions.

These lions have reached their carrying capacity within their protected habitat. This means that new lions need to move outside of protected areas, into areas more densely populated and used by humans. About a third of the lions now live in areas among villages and people. The lions live in and around 1000 villages in India.

This crowding increases the potential for human-lion conflict. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://www.iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IUCN</a>), the most established group for conservation ratings, uplisted the Asiatic lion from 'Critically Endangered' to 'Endangered' in 2008.
<h3>What About the Future of the Indian Lion?</h3>
While this population is currently healthy, it is still vulnerable to many risks. Canine distemper virus, which lions can contract from encounters with dogs, has begun to affect this lion population. Last year, it killed 34 lions. This virus is very contagious and could wreak havoc on the lion population in a matter of weeks under the wrong circumstances.

Also, if the Gir Forest burns or gets affected by some natural disaster, the population would be at risk because they have nowhere else to go. The next step for Indian lion conservation is to establish a second population somewhere else in the country. This way, if one population faces a large setback, it can be helped by the second population.

Asiatic lions are currently listed as endangered.
<h2><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1877499" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/africa-21787_1280.jpg" alt="endangered lion" width="1280" height="853" /></h2>
<h2>Eastern Africa Endangered Lions</h2>
Eastern Africa is home to the majestic Serengeti plains. This landscape is the quintessential lion habitat. Unfortunately, lions are faring poorly in this region.

A 2015 census showed that the lion population decreased by 60% in three lion generations (about 20 years). A species is considered endangered if it's population shrinks by more than 50% in three generations.

Human-caused habitat loss drives much of the lion population decrease in this area. Lions also occasionally kill cattle. Cattle ranchers become irritated by wildlife threatening their livelihood and resort to dealing with the problem themselves. More often than not, this means killing the lions that killed their cattle.

Some governments try to reimburse cattle ranchers for their loses, but practices like this are difficult to successfully implement. As mentioned, canine distemper virus also threatens these lions.

Fortunately, Eastern Africa has large protected areas. Lions inside these areas seem to be faring okay, with populations only slightly declining. The real loses occurred in populations outside these protected areas, where human-lion conflict is more likely.

While it's difficult to give this large area one conservation rating, the IUCN deems these populations as endangered.
<h2><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1877495" src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lion-515029_1280.jpg" alt="hungry lion" width="1280" height="853" /></h2>
<h2>Southern Africa</h2>
Southern Africa has a little bit of good news for conservationists. This region has more money and tourism than other parts of Africa. As a result, parks have more resources to put towards conservation. These parks have installed fences to help keep lions inside and reduce human-lion conflict.

The result?

In the same time frame that Western, Central, and Eastern Africa have lost two-thirds of their lion population, Southern African populations have increased by 12%. In fenced areas across this region, populations increased by 30%, whereas populations in unfenced areas decreased by 10%.

The density of people in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana are 26, 2.5, and 3.4 people per square kilometer, respectively. Compared to Nigeria and Ghana, with a density of 189 and 102 people per square kilometer, it's easy to imagine why lion populations have done better in Southern Africa.

Southern African countries have had more success in lion conservation than other countries, but simply fencing in parks won't save lions in other parts of Africa.

True, sustainable conservation must happen through lifting front-line communities out of poverty and giving them an incentive to conserve, rather than threaten lions. The conservation community has failed in the past and currently by trying to exclude locals from their ancestral homelands to conserve wildlife. This led to general resentment towards wildlife, causing poaching and other undesirable actions.

Conservation ethics aside, the positive population trend in southern Africa, combined with strong local buy-in to conservation, led the IUCN to give Southern African lions a 'least concern' rating. This is the best rating available.
<h2>Will the Lion Disappear?</h2>
It's worth noting that the IUCN Redlist <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/15951/115130419" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lists the lion as threatened</a>. While it's likely we will see populations go extinct in the near future, the complete disappearance of lions from the planet is unlikely. This is both a hopeful and anxiety-provoking situation with no easy answers.

If you want to practice conservation yourself, start closer to home rather than trying to save the lions. They aren't in our backyard, and other people, such as locals and African biologists, understand them much better than we do.

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Are Lions Endangered? It's Complicated.

A hundred years ago over 200,000 lions roamed Africa and...

Do Egg-laying Mammals Exist?

Mammals give birth to live young, right? That’s a huge...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes why satellite images and measurements of our planet have become "essential to our survival, offering a new outlook of our world."&nbsp;



Rising sea levels pose one of the biggest societal threats associated with climate change. According to ESA, satellite altimeter missions such as Copernicus Sentinel-6 are essential in monitoring global and regional changes in sea level.



"Unbeknown to many, the island of Crete, Greece, plays an important role in the Copernicus satellite altimetry constellation and on an international stage," reports ESA.



"Satellite altimetry data have to be continuously monitored at the ESA’s Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration where different techniques have pioneered the use of transponders to provide the best measurements to validate satellite altimeters in space soon after launch."



Dr. Craig Donlon explains that, by understanding planet Earth through satellite measurements, we are able to find evidence of change.&nbsp;



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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