Zoopedia: Atlantic sea nettle

Floating through the ocean Atlantic sea nettles make an almost ghostly sight. These eerie yet beautiful creatures make up an important part of their ecosystems by providing food for larger animals and eating the organisms which provide food for the rest of the food web. Taxonomy and Evolution In 2017 the Atlantic sea nettle was

Florapedia: Seagrasses

One of the best things fighting climate change are not forests but the meadows of seagrasses. Soaking up carbon they also provide homes and food for countless other plants, animals, and algae the world over. Today we’re going to be looking at this group of plants and their role in the ocean’s environment. Taxonomy and

Zoopedia: Japanese rhinoceros beetle

One of the most popular pets in Japan is not a cat or a dog, but the Japanese rhinoceros beetle, kabutomushi. Amazing to look at when adults, easy to take care of, and common these beetles easily made their homes in the hearts of Japan’s kids (and many adults). Taxonomy and Evolution Normally I like

Florapedia: Cannabis

Weed, ganja, Mary Jane, marijuana, skunk, pot – no matter what you call it we are talking about the same plant Cannabis sativa. For thousands of years humans have been cultivating cannabis as a drug and also building material. Hemp has been for millennia used to make rope, clothing, and even food. This post is

Zoopedia: Beluga sturgeon

The beluga sturgeon. Not only is it one of the rarest fish in the world but it is also one of the largest. These fish can live for a staggeringly long time which enables them to reach such large sizes. However, demand for their caviar has led to them being driven to near extinction, and

Zoopedia: Mute Swan

An iconic bird in the rivers and lakes of the northern hemisphere this week we are looking at the mute swan. Although not actually mute, they are impressive birds and almost every swan in England and Wales are technically under the protection of the ruling monarch of the UK. Taxonomy and Evolution Mute swans, Cygnus

Zoopedia: Eastern oyster

While often eaten these shelled animals are some of the most important aquatic animals in the Atlantic. Not only do eastern oysters clean the ocean they also provide home for countless animals, plants, and algae. However, humans have devastated their numbers although conservation efforts have been implemented in vital areas to help them make a

Zoopedia: American Alligator

The most famous resident of the bayou this week we’re looking at the American alligator. Larger, vocal, and armoured they have become synonymous with the southeast of the United States with them being the state reptile for Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Taxonomy and Evolution The American alligator has the scientific name Alligator mississippiensis and is

Zoopedia: American bison

Once roaming the plains of North America in the millions and are the largest terrestrial animals on the continent, this week we’re looking at the American bison. The bison are the icons of how a species came be driven so close to extinction, but rapid conservation projects saved them from the brink. Taxonomy and Evolution

Florapedia: Milkweed

The monarch butterfly is one of the most iconic butterflies in North America but they would not survive without a genus of plants commonly called milkweed. These toxic and vital flowers are important parts of their environment, and without them we would not have the monarch butterfly. Taxonomy and Evolution Milkweed belong to the genus