Flamingos live in some of the world's harshest places - Earth.com

Flamingos live in some of the world's harshest places

01-25-2019


Today’s Video of the Day from the American Chemical Society series Reactions describes the unique features of flamingos which allow them to live in some of the harshest environments on the planet.

Soda lakes are salty, acidic, and have pH levels that are impossible for most animals to tolerate, yet flamingos choose to live in them.

It turns out that flamingos have adapted thick skin that is resistant to burns and a specialized gland that filters salt out of the water.

Because there are no other animals besides fish and bacteria that can handle the extreme conditions, soda lakes are typically safe places for flamingos and their nests.

By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer

Video Credit: American Chemical Society

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