The Biology of the Translucent Jewel Caterpillar
You’ve seen the odd-looking larval wonder on your dashboard. Why does it look like that? Really interesting post at SciAm detailing the jewel caterpillar’s unique defensive adaptations (specifically the evolutionary advantages of “looking like a poisonous gumdrop”)
The Maelifell volcano on the edge of the Myrdalsjökull glacier, Iceland
Photograph by Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Colossal Squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni)
Though it is known from only a few specimens, current estimates put its maximum size at 12–14 metres (39–46 ft) long, based on analysis of smaller and immature specimens, making it the largest known invertebrate.
Unlike the giant squid, whose arms and tentacles only have suckers lined with small teeth, the colossal squid’s limbs are also equipped with sharp hooks: some swiveling, others three-pointed.
“OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO” Chris Cornell “The Keeper” from Machine Gun Preacher film/soundtrack (by RelativityMusic)
“Just an FYI: Stars in the Universe far outnumber all sounds & words ever uttered by all humans who ever lived.” -Neil deGrasse Tyson
A very important thing to remember.
Is This Proof of Life on Mars?
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The Curiosity rover is currently on its way to Mars, scheduled to make a dramatic landing within Gale Crater in mid-August and begin its hunt for the geologic signatures of a watery, life-friendly past. Solid evidence that large volumes of water existed on Mars at some point would be a major step forward in the search for life on the Red Planet.
But… has it already been found? Some scientists say yes.
Researchers from universities in Los Angeles, California, Tempe, Arizona and Siena, Italy have published a paper in the International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences (IJASS) citing the results of their work with data obtained by NASA’s Viking mission.
The team’s paper can be found here.
(via universetoday)
