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Archive for the 'Animals' Category

October 8, 2008

Poison Arrow Frog

Poison arrow frog or the poison dart frog is the moniker for a group of amphibians common to South and Central America. They were called dart frogs as Indians dip their arrow points to the frog’s toxic secretions. The frog is small, less than 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long. It’s acid bright colors serves as warning to predators unwary of its lethal prey. The frog’s skin secretes lipophilic alkaloid toxins. They come out during the day rather than being nocturnal as most frogs do. But like most animals in the wild, their natural habitat is now threatened by environmental degradation. The poison arrow frog belongs to the family Dendrobatidae.



September 11, 2008

Parrot

parrot.jpgParrot is a common name of around 350 brightly colored species of birds comprising the order Psittaciformes. Parrots are mostly found in regions with warm and tropical climate. Some popular groups of parrots are the lories, lovebirds, macaws, cockatoos and parakeets. They have curved, hooked bills, that they sometimes use for climbing and short legs. Parrots walk awkwardly but are good climbers; their toes are zygodactyl, which means that the first and fourth are turned backward. Most parrots have toungue that is thick and mascular, used for manipulating seeds and fruit which is their main source of food. Parrots are considered to be some of the most intellegent birds and they have the ability to imitate human voices, which is the reason why they are a popular pet choice.


September 6, 2008

Xysticus

The Xysticus is a genus of crab spiders. They are dark brown or reddish-brown in color and are often found on weeds or trees. The Xysticus have similarities with flower spiders but they tend to have shorter, stronger legs and a more patterned abdomens. They are slow movers and they tend to station themselves in high-traffic during hunting, grabbing whatever arthropod passes close enough. It’s genus name came from the Ancient Greek root xyst which means “scraped, scraper”.


September 3, 2008

Lion

lions.jpgThe lion is the largest member of the cat family and is the second largest living cat after the tiger. They are also known for their loud, mighty roar that maybe be heard by humans more than 8 km away. Lions are usually found in most of Africa, much in Eurasia and in the Americas. In recent times, lions are found wide only in Africa south of the Sahara Desert and a reserve called the Gir National Park and Lion Sanctuary in northwest India. Most lions prey on ungulates and in general do not hunt for humans however some have been known to become man-eaters and seek human prey.

Male lions weigh between 150 to 250 kg while female lions are smaller, weighing between 120 to 182 kg. They have massive shoulders and strong forelimbs, long, sharp claws and short, powerful jaws. Adult lions have furs that varies from light tan to reddish brown and only male lions grow a mane around the shoulders.


August 26, 2008

Dodo

250px_Dodo_1.JPGThe dodo is a flightless bird that is endemic to Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean. Dodo’s are related to doves and pigeons. During the mid to late 17th century, the Dodo has been tagged as extinct; it was recorded that human activity attributed the extinction of the dodo. It’s name is derived from the Portuguese word dudo which means stupid or silly.

They weigh about 20 kilograms, stand a meter tall and live on fruit and nesting on the ground. Their size is about the size of a turkey, had a large hooked bill, undeveloped wings and tail; they also had think and short yellow legs. It was recorded to be found by Dutch colonizers in 1598 and was described as a sluggish bird unafraid of humans.


August 22, 2008

Borzoi

borzoi.jpgThe Borzoi, formerly Russian wolfhound, is a breed of domestic dog that was a hunting dog coming from Russia in ancient times. Similar to Greyhounds, Borzois have long bodies, medium-length and slightly curly hair, usually white in color with markings of black, grey, tan or lemon; a long, narrow head; dark eyes; fine, small ears; long legs and a long tail that is carried low.

Borzois have great speed and courage, are intelligent, quiet and independent which makes them a gentle pet. They adapt well to suburban living, provided that have enough space for regular opportunities for free exercise.


August 16, 2008

Boxer

boxerdog.jpgDeveloped in Germany, Boxer is a breed of working dog that is medium-sized and short haired. They have a massive head; an undershot jaw; long ears that are set high; dark brown eyes; a broad black nose; a strong round and muscular neck; deep chest and well-muscled hindquarters. The dog has a short, glossy, smooth coat that varies in shades of fawn or brindle in color with white markings.

In Germany Boxers were used for police work and guide for the blind. The boxer when it was first introduced in the United States during the 20th century became one of the most popular dogs in the country. Intelligent, faithful,playful and alert, the boxer became a popular choice for a pet. They are not aggressive and needs less socialization.


August 14, 2008

The Redback Spider

The Redback Spider is a dangerous spider that is native to Australia. It has a resemblance of a Black widow spider and a member of the genus Latrodectus which is found all over the world. The female redback spiders are recognizable by its black body with prominent red stripe found on its abdomen. The male counterparts are about three to four millimeters long and is light brown in color with white markings on the upper side of its abdomen and has a pale hour-glass marking on the underside. It is one of the animals that practices sexual cannibalism while mating. This specie of spider is considered to be dangerous because of its neurotoxic venom that is toxic to human and may cause severe pain


August 8, 2008

Labrador Retriever

labradorretriever.jpgThe Labrador Retriever is a breed of sporting dog and is considered the most popular breed of dog in the world. It originated in Newfoundland, Canada and was imported into England in the early 19th century. Also called a Labrador, Labby or Lab; the Labrador Retrievers are gentle, intelligent, energetic and good natured. They are loyal and great with children and are also excellent companions and make a good working dog. When trained, Lab is one of the most dependable and obedient breed in the world but somehow boisterous if untrained.

The dog has a short and exceedingly dense black, yellow or chocolate-colored coat; have wide skulls, medium sized ears hanging close to the head, eyes that are either brown or black, a wide, deep chest and straight legs.


August 7, 2008

Emperor Penguins

emperor_penguins.jpgThe regal Emperor Penguins is the tallest and largest of all living penguin and are only found in Antarctica; they are also biologically interesting. It is the only penguin that breeds in winter and do not build nests or defend fixed territory. They use their warm bodies to incubate and raise their young.

They have big heads; short, thick neck; a wedge-shaped short tail, a steamlined body, a tiny flipper-like wings and are flightless. The dorsal parts are black in color. they have a white belly, pale-yellow breast and a bright yellow ear patches. These type of penguins have a special physiological adaptation that enables them to make long, deep dives to search for food; they can slow their heart rates to five beats per minute even when swimming after a fish to help reduce oxygen consumption.