TOP 100 SCIENCE SITES
| |||
|
| |||
| |||
|
| |||
| Thanks to high-tech, storm track easier to predict By SETH BORENSTEIN 2010-09-02T01:12:19ZWASHINGTON (AP) -- Sophisticated computer models that replaced instinct with cold, hard math have helped forecasters predict where a storm like Hurricane Earl is going about twice as accurately as 20 years ago.... hosted.ap.org |
Mystery bird: Hamerkop, Scopus umbretta Demsystified! I also include a list of interesting traits that this fascinating mystery bird possessesHamerkop, Scopus umbretta, also known as the hammerkop, hammerkopf, hammerhead, hammerhead stork, umbrette, umber bird, tufted umber, or anvilhead. This bird was photographed at Ngorongoro Crater, northern Tanzania.Image: Dan Logen, 23 January 2010. [larger view]. Nikon D300, 600mm lens with 1.4 extender, ISO 500, f/9, 1/400 secThis legendary and distinctive African mystery bird species is just so peculiar that instead of asking a specific question about one of its many remarkable traits, I am instead interested to know what you think is most fascinating about this species. Is it possible to choose just one trait?Here's a list what I find remarkable about the hamerkop: To a casual observer, this long-legged wading bird resembles a heron or perhaps a stork, but it is currently placed in the pelican and cormorant group, Pelecaniformes, although it is classified into Ciconiiformes (storks, herons, egrets, ibises, and spoonbills) by other authorities This species is so peculiar in so many ways that it is the only member of its taxonomic family (Scopidae) and genus (Scopus) Its middle toenail has a rough comb-like edge (a pectinate toe), as do the herons (this toe is used to groom its feathers) It soars with its neck stretched out like a stork or ibis, but during flapping flight, it coils its neck back so that it resembles a heron Convergent evolution is the reason this bird's bill looks similar those of the shoebill, Balaeniceps rex, and the boat-billed heron, Cochlearius cochlearius (neither of which appear to be closely related to the hamerkop) The hamerkop's feet are partially webbed. Is this a morphological relic from this species' evolutionary past? Hamerkop behaviour is strange, too. For example, as many as 10 individuals may join displays where they run circles around each other, all calling loudly, raising their crests and fluttering their wings. What is the evolutionary function for this behaviour? They also engage in "false mounting", where one bird stands on top of another, but they may not be mates and they do not copulate. Is this some sort of dominance behaviour? Their nests are truly astonishing objects as well. The nests are huge, often large enough for a human to sit in, and the outside is decorated with brightly coloured objects. Do these decorations serve a purpose? If so, what might that be? Not only are their nests huge, but these birds are obsessive about building lots of them, too. Even when the adults are not breeding, each pair constructs three to five nests every year – what is the evolutionary "reason" for such a large energy expenditure on building structures that the birds may never use? If you have bird images, video or mp3 files that you'd like to share with a large and appreciate audience, feel free to email them to me for consideration.GrrlScientistguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Video: The Secrets of Scientology | GrrlScientist This is a very disturbing video documentary for the BBC programme Panorama, by reporter John Sweeney, that was broadcast on 28 September 2010BBC reporter John Sweeney's last investigation into the Church of Scientology resulted in an explosive confrontation with church officials. This time, in a Panorama Special, one of those officials has turned whistleblower to help him reveal the dark secrets of the church, which boasts Hollywood A-listers Tom Cruise and John Travolta among its devotees.Part 1/4:Part 2/4:Part 3/4:Part 4/4:First broadcast 28 September 2010.GrrlScientistguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Video | Learn to speak chimpanzee Ape actor Peter Elliott shares his knowledge of chimpanzee and gorilla vocabulary and facial expressions guardian.co.uk |
A Conversation With Julian L. Seifter: A Nephrologist and Patient Dr. Julian L. Seifter, 61, specializes in treating patients who have chronic kidney disease. “Everyone needs the opportunity to forget their disease for a while and think of other things,” he says. feeds.nytimes.com |