- How sea turtle hatchlings use their flippers to move quickly on sand
Researchers conducted the first field study showing how endangered loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings use their limbs to move quickly on a variety of terrains in order to reach the ocean.
- Biologists find proof of first confirmed species of monogamous frog
Amphibians may be a love 'em and leave 'em class, but one frog species defies the norm, scientists have found. Biologists have discovered in Peru the first confirmed species of monogamous amphibian, Ranitomeya imitator, better known as the mimic poison frog -- a finding that provides groundbreaking insight into the ecological factors that influence mating behavior.
- Study provides better understanding of how mosquitoes find a host
The potentially deadly yellow-fever-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito detects the specific chemical structure of a compound called octenol as one way to find a mammalian host for a blood meal.
- Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog's site fidelity may lead to further decline
No longer found in 90 percent of its previously occupied habitat, the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog is further threatened by cumulative impacts of a changing climate, introduced non-native trout and site fidelity habits, hampering the breeding success of this imperiled frog. New research underscores the need to incorporate the site fidelity habits of this frog when designing restoration strategies for its continued existence.
- Snake venom charms science world: Novel protein from king cobra as drug discovery
The king cobra continues to weave its charm with researchers identifying a protein in its venom with the potential for new drug discovery and to advance understanding of disease mechanisms.
- El Ni?nd a pathogen, not global warming, killed Costa Rican toad
Scientists broadly agree that global warming may threaten the survival of many plant and animal species; but global warming did not kill the Monteverde golden toad, an often cited example of climate-triggered extinction, says a new study.
- 'Anaconda' meets 'Jurassic Park': Fossil snake from India fed on hatchling dinosaurs
Sixty-seven million years ago, when dinosaur hatchlings first scrambled out of their eggs, their first -- and last -- glimpse of the world might have been the open jaws of a 3.5-meter-long snake named Sanajeh indicus, based on the discovery in India of a nearly complete fossilized skeleton of a primitive snake coiled inside a dinosaur nest.
- Pesticide atrazine can turn male frogs into females
The herbicide atrazine, one of the world's most widely used pesticides, wreaks havoc with the sex lives of adult male frogs, emasculating three-quarters of them and turning one in 10 into females, according to a new study. These changes occur at atrazine levels below what the EPA considers safe for drinking water. The changes skew sex ratios in the frog population and could be a major cause of amphibian decline worldwide.
- How can accidental captures of loggerhead turtles be reduced?
Scientists have studied interactions between the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and fishing gear such as longline hooks used at the water surface, mass beachings, and the effects of climate change on these animals. In order to reduce captures of this marine species without causing economic losses for fishermen, the scientists are proposing that fishing in the summer should only be carried out by night and in areas more than 35 nautical miles from land.
- Evolutionary game of rock-paper-scissors may lead to new species
Morphologically distinct types are often found within species, and biologists have speculated that these "morphs" could be the raw material for speciation. What were once different types of individuals within the same population could eventually evolve into separate species. A new study supports this idea.
- Scientists transplant nose of mosquito, advance fight against malaria
Scientists have successfully transplanted most of the "nose" of the mosquito that spreads malaria into frog eggs and fruit flies and are employing these surrogates to combat the spread of the deadly and debilitating disease that afflicts 500 million people.
- Toads anticipate the timing and impact of their landings
Humans may not have a leg up on toads, at least not when it comes to jumping and landing, according to new research. Researchers shows that toads, like humans, are capable of anticipating when and how hard they're going to land after a jump and activating muscles important in absorbing impact accordingly.
- Biological risks of eating reptiles
Reptiles are bred in captivity primarily for their skins, but some restaurants and population groups also want them for their meat. A study shows that eating these animals can have side effects that call into question the wisdom of eating this 'delicacy.'
- Ancient crocodile relative likely food source for Titanoboa, largest snake ever known
A 60-million-year-old relative of crocodiles was likely a food source for Titanoboa, the largest snake the world has ever known. Paleontologists found fossils of the new species of ancient crocodile in the Cerrejon Formation in northern Colombia. The site, one of the world's largest open-pit coal mines, also yielded skeletons of the giant, boa constrictor-like Titanoboa, which measured up to 45 feet long.
- Living the high life is risky business for toads under threat from fungus
Midwife toads that live in the mountains are highly likely to die from a serious fungal infection, called chytridiomycosis, whereas their infected relatives in the lowlands are not.
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Years of selective inbreeding and experimentation has resulted in a cornucopia of ball python color morphs and designer patterns. All equally impressive in their own rights, new patterns and color morphs within these captive bred pet snakes are being produced every day--the rarity of which typically dictates the price tag. Be careful when purchasing any pastel variations, as good deals may not always be what they seem when dealing with live snakes. Buying from a reputable reptile dealer is extremely important, especially when purchasing your next baby ball python. {mos_fb_discuss:21} |
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 In this 6-part interactive tutorial, we’ll be showing you the required supplies and techniques for setting up a low cost Bearded Dragon Enclosure. Not only will we go over the essentials such as temperature gradients, lighting requirements, and substrate. We’ll learn inexpensive customization techniques for an aesthetically pleasing design capable of accommodating hatchlings to adults. |
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