A lot of the population haven't heard of it before, but it's a
recognised medical condition and known in the media as SAD - Seasonal
Affective Disorder - where the lack of sunshine in winter time can have
profound effects on people's well being and state of mind.
And it's particularly prevalent in northern European countries such as
the UK, Sweden, Norway and Denmark where the winters can be long, dark
affairs.
But happily for Europeans with SAD who have a bit of money and a week or
two to spare a good natural answer is possible - sunshine while taking a
holiday in Tenerife, one of the Spanish Canary islands renowned for her
holidays industry.
Tenerife is well known as a summer vacation destination, with winter
holidays on the island becoming increasingly in vogue in recent years,
and with winter trips to the island often cheaper than in the summer
it's proved to be a perfect tonic for many of those suffering with SAD.
But apart from beaches and the sun, although important on a winter
holiday, what else is there in Tenerife for the holidaymaker to
discover?
Tenerife's capital city is Santa Cruz, which has a resident population
of over 220,000. The island features two predominant areas for visitors
to enjoy.
The southern part of the island offers the warm temperatures and
tropical settings. The northern part of the island is smaller and less
populated with milder temperatures, so for those looking for the sun the
southern part of the island would appear to be the best area for 2011
Tenerife holidays.
Icod de los Vinos (just Icod to the locals) is Tenerife's premier
wine-growing region. Daily life in Icod moves at a more relaxed pace
than some other places on the island. If you visit Icod, be sure to
visit the Dragon Tree that the locals say is thousands of years old. The
beautiful Playa San Marcos with its inviting black sand can be found
nearby.
La Laguna is a great city for those who enjoy art and architecture. The
Cathedral and museum there date back to 1515, and there are many
breathtaking churches to explore. The city was once the capital of the
island and still bears the regal air of an important place.
Los Gigantes is a city at the foot of massive cliffs which are also
named Los Gigantes. The picturesque marina offers boat trips for dolphin
and whale watching, while the town centre has many bars, restaurants
and good shopping outlets.
Los Cristianos is located on the southern coast of Tenerife in the
Canary Islands. A relatively small town, with a population of about
12,000, provides tourists a more private, relaxed atmosphere than some
of the larger resorts on the island. Its humble beginnings as a fishing
village are still evident in some areas of Los Cristianos.
For holidaymakers who have visited Tenerife before but haven't been for a
while, a notable improvement is Playa de las Americas. This holiday
resort, built in the 1960's following the tourist boom in Tenerife in
the 1950's, has experienced vibrant growth in recent years. It has grown
to include the best of what the island has to offer - vivacious
nightlife, featuring numerous nightclubs and bars, as well as plenty of
beaches, water sports and theme parks.
Tenerife in the winter is much more than just sunshine, and for those
with SAD the island can provide a genuinely good holiday as well as the
all important sunshine to start 2011 in the right way.
--
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Difference Between Centipedes and Millipedes
Centipedes and millipedes belong to the phylum Arthropoda and subphylum Myriapoda.
As members of the phylum Arthropoda, which is the largest phylum of
invertebrates, they have jointed legs and a segmented body that is
covered by an exoskeleton. While a large number of species under this
phylum are insects (they belong to the subphylum Insecta), there are three more subphylums of organisms that come under phylum Arthropoda: Arachnida (spiders, mites, ticks and scorpions), Crustacea (crabs, lobsters, shrimps, etc.) and Myriapoda
(centipedes and millipedes). As they belong to the same subphylum,
centipedes and millipedes have a lot in common and this makes it
difficult for us to distinguish between them. However, because of the
fact that they belong to different classes, they have different
characteristics. But to be able to tell the difference between
millipedes and centipedes, you need to know the differences between the
two, in the first place.
Centipedes and Millipedes: How are they Different
Centipedes belong to the class Chilopoda and millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda. At the first glance, both these creatures may appear similar to you, but look carefully and you shall find that they are indeed different. The table given below enlists the differences between the two.
This was just a brief look at the major differences between centipedes and millipedes. However, there are several facts about centipedes and millipedes that show the similarity between these organisms, both of which belong to the family of arthropods. So, the next time you spot a wriggly creature that you think might be a millipede or a centipede, just consider the points we discussed. After all, identifying these organisms isn't supposed to be that difficult, is it?
Centipedes and Millipedes: How are they Different
Centipedes belong to the class Chilopoda and millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda. At the first glance, both these creatures may appear similar to you, but look carefully and you shall find that they are indeed different. The table given below enlists the differences between the two.
| Differences Between a Centipede and a Millipede |
| Centipede | Millipede | |
| Anatomy |
|
|
| Locomotion |
|
|
| Feeding Habits |
|
|
| Defense Mechanism |
|
|
| Life Cycle |
|
|
This was just a brief look at the major differences between centipedes and millipedes. However, there are several facts about centipedes and millipedes that show the similarity between these organisms, both of which belong to the family of arthropods. So, the next time you spot a wriggly creature that you think might be a millipede or a centipede, just consider the points we discussed. After all, identifying these organisms isn't supposed to be that difficult, is it?
What to Expect When Your Dog is Spayed or Neutered
Spaying and neutering your pets is incredibly important. There are so
many dogs out there that don't have homes and who end up in kill
shelters because people don't spay or neuter their dogs and can't handle
the puppies that inevitably result. Therefore, if you have a dog, you
should definitely consider getting him or her neutered or spayed. If
you've never done this before, it can be a daunting task to take care of
a dog that has undergone a major surgery. However, don't fret too much.
Your dog will be back to normal in no time.
Hospital Time
Most animal hospitals will want you to drop your furry friend at the hospital in the morning on the day of the operation, and they will probably tell you not to feed or give water to your dog for 24 hours before the operation. They may also want you to leave the dog overnight. This is because they can get started on the surgery early in the day and then monitor your dog throughout the day to be sure he or she wakes up from the anesthesia and doesn't react poorly to it. However, it's a good idea to make sure that there will be someone there with your dog overnight; if not, it may be better just to bring your pet home before the hospital closes for the evening. Either way, you'll probably be without your dog for about a day. When you pick your pet from the hospital, you'll notice that he or she is going to be really groggy and tired. He or she may not be able to walk properly and will most likely not want to eat anything for a while when you get him or her home. Be sure to not let your dog have any water for a few hours, either, because this could cause his stomach to become upset as a side effect of the anesthesia. You should also be sure that your dog doesn't jump on anything or lick the operation site, as this could cause the stitches to rip out.
Recovery Time
It will probably take about one week before your pet is back to a normal energy level, especially if you are giving him or her pain medicine. The pain medicine makes the dog groggy, tired, and can cause a lack of appetite. This is totally normal, but not all dogs need the pain medication. You and your vet will have to assess how your puppy is feeling post-operation and see where to go from there. However, if your vet recommends pain medication, you should definitely consider it. You don't want your friend to be in pain! After about two weeks, you should be able to take your furry friend back to the vet to get the stitches taken out, and that will mean your dog is back to normal and can do all the things he or she could do before the surgery.
The Collar of Shame
Along with the pain medication, you may want to invest in an E-collar or an Elizabethan collar. This is a type of plastic collar that you can fasten around your dog's neck and is at least as long as the dog's nose. It prevents dogs from curling up and licking their stitches, which can also help your dog recover faster. If your dog happens to lick the stitches, this can cause infection or tearing, and if the stitches are torn out, the only way to get them back is to put the dog under the recovery process over again.
Hospital Time
Most animal hospitals will want you to drop your furry friend at the hospital in the morning on the day of the operation, and they will probably tell you not to feed or give water to your dog for 24 hours before the operation. They may also want you to leave the dog overnight. This is because they can get started on the surgery early in the day and then monitor your dog throughout the day to be sure he or she wakes up from the anesthesia and doesn't react poorly to it. However, it's a good idea to make sure that there will be someone there with your dog overnight; if not, it may be better just to bring your pet home before the hospital closes for the evening. Either way, you'll probably be without your dog for about a day. When you pick your pet from the hospital, you'll notice that he or she is going to be really groggy and tired. He or she may not be able to walk properly and will most likely not want to eat anything for a while when you get him or her home. Be sure to not let your dog have any water for a few hours, either, because this could cause his stomach to become upset as a side effect of the anesthesia. You should also be sure that your dog doesn't jump on anything or lick the operation site, as this could cause the stitches to rip out.
Recovery Time
It will probably take about one week before your pet is back to a normal energy level, especially if you are giving him or her pain medicine. The pain medicine makes the dog groggy, tired, and can cause a lack of appetite. This is totally normal, but not all dogs need the pain medication. You and your vet will have to assess how your puppy is feeling post-operation and see where to go from there. However, if your vet recommends pain medication, you should definitely consider it. You don't want your friend to be in pain! After about two weeks, you should be able to take your furry friend back to the vet to get the stitches taken out, and that will mean your dog is back to normal and can do all the things he or she could do before the surgery.
The Collar of Shame
Along with the pain medication, you may want to invest in an E-collar or an Elizabethan collar. This is a type of plastic collar that you can fasten around your dog's neck and is at least as long as the dog's nose. It prevents dogs from curling up and licking their stitches, which can also help your dog recover faster. If your dog happens to lick the stitches, this can cause infection or tearing, and if the stitches are torn out, the only way to get them back is to put the dog under the recovery process over again.
Identification and Treatment of FIP in Cats
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease that is observed
in cats. Studies have reported that, this disease affects 5% of cats
residing in catteries and multi-cat households. The incidence of this
disease in households with one or two cats is 1 in 5000 and increases
significantly in households with more number of cats. FIP is caused by a
virus known as Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV). Initially, a
cat gets infected by a virus known as feline coronavirus (FCoV) which
has two forms, an avirulent form (unable to produce disease) and a
virulent form (extremely infectious). The avirulent form is called
feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) which mutates to virulent form, feline
infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) in the cat. This virulent form of
virus invades macrophages or white blood cells and starts replicating,
thereby, causing progression of the disease.
This disease progresses in three stages. The first stage continues for two to four weeks after the cat acquires the virus. During this stage, the cat sheds a significant amount of virus, through which other cats can also get infected. The second stage can continue for some weeks or even several years, during which the virus remains in a dormant state in the cat. Only when the cat is stressed-out, it may shed some virus or else, it remains non-communicable. The last stage begins when illness is triggered and ends with death of the cat. During this stage too, the disease does not spread to other cats.
The identification of FIP, like any other disease, is extremely important to provide treatment as soon as possible because cats cannot express their sufferings through speech. Following section deals with the identification, treatment, and prevention of this lethal and incurable disease.
How to Identify FIP in Cats
Through Symptoms
There are two forms of FIP, namely, dry form and wet form. Given below are symptoms observed in each of them.
Dry Form or Effusive FIP
The diagnosis of FIP is not easy and needs a cumulative analysis of medical history, symptoms observed, and laboratory test results. The following diagnostic tests are conducted to confirm the disease in a cat.
Treatment Options for FIP
Since there is no known cure for FIP yet, treatment provided is generally targeted to decrease the discomfort and suffering associated with it. As the dry form progresses slowly, the cat may survive for several years. But dealing with wet form is difficult, as it progresses too rapidly and ultimately leads to death of the cat in a short period of time. Treatment provided for FIP includes;
This disease progresses in three stages. The first stage continues for two to four weeks after the cat acquires the virus. During this stage, the cat sheds a significant amount of virus, through which other cats can also get infected. The second stage can continue for some weeks or even several years, during which the virus remains in a dormant state in the cat. Only when the cat is stressed-out, it may shed some virus or else, it remains non-communicable. The last stage begins when illness is triggered and ends with death of the cat. During this stage too, the disease does not spread to other cats.
The identification of FIP, like any other disease, is extremely important to provide treatment as soon as possible because cats cannot express their sufferings through speech. Following section deals with the identification, treatment, and prevention of this lethal and incurable disease.
How to Identify FIP in Cats
Through Symptoms
There are two forms of FIP, namely, dry form and wet form. Given below are symptoms observed in each of them.
Dry Form or Effusive FIP
- Chronic weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Ocular signs like irregular and discolored appearance of the eye
- Neurological signs like paralysis, loss of balance, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, etc.
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Anemia
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fluid accumulation in chest and abdomen
The diagnosis of FIP is not easy and needs a cumulative analysis of medical history, symptoms observed, and laboratory test results. The following diagnostic tests are conducted to confirm the disease in a cat.
- Blood Tests: Complete blood count is carried out to diagnose FIP. The level of hemoglobin, white blood cell count, creatinine, BUN, bilirubin, and serum proteins in the cat's body are measured. Deviations from normal level help in confirming the disease.
- Biopsy: This is the best way to confirm FIP in cats. Affected tissues are examined by a veterinary pathologist and special tests are performed to confirm the presence of virus in collected tissue samples.
- Fluid Sample Analysis: For the confirmation of wet form of FIP, fluid samples are drawn from the chest or abdomen of the cat, and tests are performed on them.
- FCoV Test: This test detects antibodies produced in the cat's body in response to the FCoV virus. The result is mentioned as a "titer". Detection of antibodies even after a titer of 1:100 (1 ml of sample diluted in 100 ml of diluting agent) means that the test sample is positive. The presence of antibodies, however, does not confirm FIP in the cat.
Treatment Options for FIP
Since there is no known cure for FIP yet, treatment provided is generally targeted to decrease the discomfort and suffering associated with it. As the dry form progresses slowly, the cat may survive for several years. But dealing with wet form is difficult, as it progresses too rapidly and ultimately leads to death of the cat in a short period of time. Treatment provided for FIP includes;
- Blood transfusions
- Fluid Therapy
- Healthy diet
- Ophthalmic solutions for ocular problems
- Draining of accumulated fluid in wet form
- Medications like immunosuppressive drugs and antibiotics
- Litter boxes must be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
- In catteries, cats must be divided in groups of 4 or 5 and kept separately.
- Items like dishes and other articles, which are suspected to be contaminated with the virus, must be kept away from cats.
- Cats suspected to have acquired the virus must be isolated from rest of the population.
- Kittens must be removed from pregnant queen cats between 4-6 weeks of pregnancy if, it is suspected to have developed FIP.
- A vaccine is available for prevention of FIP in cats. This vaccine is administered intranasally to cats which are at least 16 weeks old. It is not 100% effective and must be administered only when a veterinarian approves of it. However, the American Association of Feline Practitioners Feline Vaccine Advisory Panel does not recommend its use.
Strange Animals that Glow in the Dark
Did you know that hummingbirds can fly backwards? Or that a cockroach
can survive for a week, without its head? Animals have amazing physical
and biological abilities. One of the freakiest is their ability to
produce their own light. This amazing animal ability is called
bioluminescence. It is a bio-chemical reaction between enzymes and a
light-producing substance, taking place within the organism's body in an
organ known as a photophore. This form of light is interesting
energy-wise, as no heat or radiation is produced during its creation and
its emission. Which are the animals that glow in the dark? Many marine
species, especially deep-sea dwellers, exhibit bioluminescence. On land,
it is a rarer phenomenon, present in some insects and fungi species.
Bioluminescent Animals
The freakish "underwater monster" look of the anglerfish, is perhaps why it resides at the deepest, darkest, murkiest depths of the ocean floor, where not many fish live. The anglerfish is designed to be an ambush and stealth predator, by going "fishing" with the filament hanging from its forehead. It floats perfectly still with the light on its filament "on". The filament moves on its own, giving the appearance of a floating light in the darkness. The prey is attracted to the bright, moving light and moves towards it. Once it touches the filament, the anglerfish opens its massive jaws and snaps the prey up. Its body frame is so thin and stretchable, that it can eat prey up to two times its size.
This species of dragonfish exhibits a high degree of sexual dimorphism (difference in physical traits in the same species). The female (pictured above) looks like a beast from a horror movie. The male is not only smaller in size, it has no teeth, no barbel and does not hunt. It is only around for reproduction. In the dark depths of the ocean and with such small eyes, how does this predatory fish scope out its prey? By providing its own light, in the form of photophores, aligned on the side of its body and under its eyes. The fish will light up completely in the dark and glow with an eerie blue-green or reddish light. The barbel of the female also lights up at the tip. The light is powerful enough for the fish to find its prey in the dark.
This is the only shark species that glows in the dark. Its entire body will emit an eerie green glow, except for the dark collar. The light is so powerful, that even a dead cookiecutter shark will glow for 3 hours. A spooky green light is just one part of this shark's ghoulish appearance. Its mouth houses a large number of small but sharp triangular teeth, enclosed by suctorial lips. The lower jaw has larger, sharper teeth, as compared to the upper jaw. Gruesome jaws and bioluminescence allow the cookiecutter to feed in a rather unusual manner. Instead of preying on similarly-sized fish, it prefers to take chunks and nicks of flesh off larger fish, like tuna, other sharks and stingrays. The large fish is attracted to the shiny glow of the cookiecutter and once close enough, the cookiecutter will bite it, make a cookie-shaped hole in its flesh and let go. Such bite marks are even found on mammals like seals, dolphins and whales.
This little fish is one of the most well-known glow-in-the-dark sea animals and is also a popular exotic aquarium fish. They belong to a family of bioluminescent fish, Anomalopidae. These fish are simple carnivores, feeding on small fish bodies like zooplankton. Why the name "flashlight fish"? The skin pockets below the eyes of the fish, are actually translucent and will glow with a white, yellow or blue light, which makes the fish look like it is smiling in the dark. These fish exhibit bioluminescence through the presence of symbiotic bacteria, present in the skin pockets. They turn the light off by rolling away the skin pocket, so the bacteria cannot be seen. The fish uses its natural light as a means of communicating with other fish, through light flashing and to attract prey. It also uses its light-producing ability to divert potential predators. As an attacker approaches the fish, it will keep the lights on and then suddenly, will turn them off and swim in the opposite direction. This confuses the predator, who is searching for the light!
Of all the animals that glow in the dark, the firefly is easily the most famous and perhaps the smallest. This is an entire insect species, whose members all exhibit bioluminescence. Fireflies do not glow as a whole, rather the glow is emitted from their bellies. Oxygen combines with a body enzyme called luciferase, that causes the insect's abdomen to emit a light with no heat. This energy efficient glowing ability is present in both larvae and adult fireflies. Some firefly species even produce glowing eggs. Why do fireflies glow? As larvae, fireflies will glow to warn approaching predators of a bitter and sometimes poisonous taste to avoid being eaten. As adults, fireflies use light to communicate with each other and for attracting mates with blinking light flashes or continuous glowing. Depending on the species, the light patterns vary. The female of the Photuris firefly sub-species, imitates the light patterns of other fireflies, to attract males. However instead of mating with the attracted mate, this female firefly will eat it!
The murky depths of the ocean are home to the strangest and most frightening-looking members of the animal kingdom and one such creature is the vampire squid. This squid would win a Count Dracula look-alike contest hands down, with its red ghoulish eyes and black gelatinous skin and webbing, that give it a cloak-like appearance. It seems to fly through the water, using its fins to propel itself forward at a great speed. To add to its freak factor, it has very large eyes, almost as large as a dog's, mounted on its tiny frame. The vampire squid has one more trick up its little sleeve (or arm). Its body surface is covered with photophores, so it can turn itself "off" and "on" when needed. The vampire squid has such sensitive attuned photophores, it can adjust the intensity of light and the size of the photophores, to put on a spectacular underwater light show. It will use bright blinking light to attract prey and will turn everything off and remain dark to hide from predators. If attacked, it will flash its lights to "shock and awe" the approaching predator and then squirt a thick stream of mucus from its arms, while fleeing to deter the predator.
The ability to create light from your body, or glow on your own, seems to serve a variety of purposes, from attracting a mate or distracting an attacker to having a personal flashlight. Research is being carried out into the possible use of the light-producing bacteria that causes biolumenescence, to see if it can be implanted in other animals. For now, natural body light remains an exclusive power of the animal kingdom.
Bioluminescent Animals
 Anglerfish |
| Scientific Name: Belongs to the Lophiiformes family |
| Where Does It Live: Bottom of Atlantic and Antarctic Oceans |
| Size: Between 8 inches - 3.3 feet, depending on species |
| Appearance: Tiny eyes, movable filament spine in front of eyes, darkish brown or gray body color, huge head with crescent shaped mouth |
The freakish "underwater monster" look of the anglerfish, is perhaps why it resides at the deepest, darkest, murkiest depths of the ocean floor, where not many fish live. The anglerfish is designed to be an ambush and stealth predator, by going "fishing" with the filament hanging from its forehead. It floats perfectly still with the light on its filament "on". The filament moves on its own, giving the appearance of a floating light in the darkness. The prey is attracted to the bright, moving light and moves towards it. Once it touches the filament, the anglerfish opens its massive jaws and snaps the prey up. Its body frame is so thin and stretchable, that it can eat prey up to two times its size.
 Barbeled Dragonfish |
| Scientific Name: Idiacanthus atlanticus |
| Where Does It Live: Subtropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic and Southern Ocean. Resides at depths of 2000 m |
| Size: 40 cm long (females), 5 cm long (males) |
| Appearance: Long pointed fangs, tiny eyes, chin barbel (protruding growths from chin), black in color |
This species of dragonfish exhibits a high degree of sexual dimorphism (difference in physical traits in the same species). The female (pictured above) looks like a beast from a horror movie. The male is not only smaller in size, it has no teeth, no barbel and does not hunt. It is only around for reproduction. In the dark depths of the ocean and with such small eyes, how does this predatory fish scope out its prey? By providing its own light, in the form of photophores, aligned on the side of its body and under its eyes. The fish will light up completely in the dark and glow with an eerie blue-green or reddish light. The barbel of the female also lights up at the tip. The light is powerful enough for the fish to find its prey in the dark.
 Cookiecutter Shark |
| Scientific Name: Isistius brasiliensis |
| Where Does It Live: Warm, tropical and temperate waters in all major oceans at deep-sea depths below 3,281 feet |
| Size: 42-56 cm long |
| Appearance: Thin and long tube-like body, a blunt, cone-shaped snout, dark brown in color and dark collar around throat |
This is the only shark species that glows in the dark. Its entire body will emit an eerie green glow, except for the dark collar. The light is so powerful, that even a dead cookiecutter shark will glow for 3 hours. A spooky green light is just one part of this shark's ghoulish appearance. Its mouth houses a large number of small but sharp triangular teeth, enclosed by suctorial lips. The lower jaw has larger, sharper teeth, as compared to the upper jaw. Gruesome jaws and bioluminescence allow the cookiecutter to feed in a rather unusual manner. Instead of preying on similarly-sized fish, it prefers to take chunks and nicks of flesh off larger fish, like tuna, other sharks and stingrays. The large fish is attracted to the shiny glow of the cookiecutter and once close enough, the cookiecutter will bite it, make a cookie-shaped hole in its flesh and let go. Such bite marks are even found on mammals like seals, dolphins and whales.
 Splitfin Flashlight Fish |
| Scientific Name: Anomalops katoptron |
| Where Does It Live: Eastern Pacific Ocean |
| Size: 9 inches |
| Appearance: Solid black or light gray body color with a velvety sheen. Bluish tint on fins and tail. Large eyes with translucent flesh pockets underneath |
This little fish is one of the most well-known glow-in-the-dark sea animals and is also a popular exotic aquarium fish. They belong to a family of bioluminescent fish, Anomalopidae. These fish are simple carnivores, feeding on small fish bodies like zooplankton. Why the name "flashlight fish"? The skin pockets below the eyes of the fish, are actually translucent and will glow with a white, yellow or blue light, which makes the fish look like it is smiling in the dark. These fish exhibit bioluminescence through the presence of symbiotic bacteria, present in the skin pockets. They turn the light off by rolling away the skin pocket, so the bacteria cannot be seen. The fish uses its natural light as a means of communicating with other fish, through light flashing and to attract prey. It also uses its light-producing ability to divert potential predators. As an attacker approaches the fish, it will keep the lights on and then suddenly, will turn them off and swim in the opposite direction. This confuses the predator, who is searching for the light!
 Firefly/Lightning Bugs |
| Scientific Name: Belongs to the Lampyridae family |
| Where Does It Live: Humid, warm areas, especially in marshes or fields with long grass, near small water bodies. They are found on nearly every continent of the world. |
| Size: At least 1 inch long |
| Appearance: Small soft bodies, dark in color with wings and antennas |
Of all the animals that glow in the dark, the firefly is easily the most famous and perhaps the smallest. This is an entire insect species, whose members all exhibit bioluminescence. Fireflies do not glow as a whole, rather the glow is emitted from their bellies. Oxygen combines with a body enzyme called luciferase, that causes the insect's abdomen to emit a light with no heat. This energy efficient glowing ability is present in both larvae and adult fireflies. Some firefly species even produce glowing eggs. Why do fireflies glow? As larvae, fireflies will glow to warn approaching predators of a bitter and sometimes poisonous taste to avoid being eaten. As adults, fireflies use light to communicate with each other and for attracting mates with blinking light flashes or continuous glowing. Depending on the species, the light patterns vary. The female of the Photuris firefly sub-species, imitates the light patterns of other fireflies, to attract males. However instead of mating with the attracted mate, this female firefly will eat it!
 Vampire Squid |
| Scientific Name: Vampyroteuthis infernalis |
| Where Does It Live: Temperate and tropical oceanic waters, at low-light depths of 600-1,200 meters. |
| Size: 1 foot or 30 cm (entire body), 6 inches or 15 cm (mantle length) |
| Appearance: Two fins on the mantle, 8 arms with webbing between them, 2 filaments. 1-inch large globular eyes, either red or blue in color. Black or reddish brown body color with black underside and webbing. |
The murky depths of the ocean are home to the strangest and most frightening-looking members of the animal kingdom and one such creature is the vampire squid. This squid would win a Count Dracula look-alike contest hands down, with its red ghoulish eyes and black gelatinous skin and webbing, that give it a cloak-like appearance. It seems to fly through the water, using its fins to propel itself forward at a great speed. To add to its freak factor, it has very large eyes, almost as large as a dog's, mounted on its tiny frame. The vampire squid has one more trick up its little sleeve (or arm). Its body surface is covered with photophores, so it can turn itself "off" and "on" when needed. The vampire squid has such sensitive attuned photophores, it can adjust the intensity of light and the size of the photophores, to put on a spectacular underwater light show. It will use bright blinking light to attract prey and will turn everything off and remain dark to hide from predators. If attacked, it will flash its lights to "shock and awe" the approaching predator and then squirt a thick stream of mucus from its arms, while fleeing to deter the predator.
The ability to create light from your body, or glow on your own, seems to serve a variety of purposes, from attracting a mate or distracting an attacker to having a personal flashlight. Research is being carried out into the possible use of the light-producing bacteria that causes biolumenescence, to see if it can be implanted in other animals. For now, natural body light remains an exclusive power of the animal kingdom.
Red Panda Adaptations
Scientifically, Red Panda is known as Ailurus fulgens or
fire-colored cat. It got these names because of its cat-like face with
long white whiskers. Interestingly, the word 'panda' comes from the
Nepalese word poonya which means a bamboo-eater. Red pandas live
in groups comprising a mother and her cubs. Usually, winter is the
mating season when pandas reproduce and then the male panda leaves the
female. The female panda raises her cubs alone who stay with her only
for a year or so. The average weight of the cub is 110 to 113 grams, the
female weighing in at 4.2 to 6 kg, and the male, 3.7 to 6.2 kg. The
average length of head and body is 56 to 63 cm while the tail is 37 to
47 cm long. After a small introduction to this temperate forest's
resident we shall move on to its classification and see how it adapts to
the environment for survival.
Classification of the Red Panda
Only the name 'Panda' is common between the red panda and the giant panda. None of the other features match between these two animals. Furthermore, the giant panda belongs to the bear family whereas the red panda seems very much like a raccoon, hence is classified as a raccoon. However, due to the persistent confusion about the origin of the red panda, it has finally been categorized under its exclusive unique family called the Ailuridae.
Physical Adaptations
Tail
Why do red pandas have a long bushy tail? It is because red pandas belong to the raccoon family and both the species have similar tails; the tail is often called a raccoon tail. Both the raccoon and the red panda balance on their long bushy tail while climbing a tree or a rock column. Similarly, the red panda uses its tail to cover its face while sleeping during daytime, and its nose in cold weather.
Teeth
Red pandas have 38 strong teeth set in powerful jaws. They are classified as carnivores because of their canines and incisors. However, the staple food of this animal is bamboo, a herbivorous diet. It has a peculiar teeth structure that is essential for tearing and chewing the plant. Front teeth are used for tearing while the molars at the back of the mouth are used for chewing.
Feet and Paws
The soles of the feet of red pandas are coated with wooly fur to reduce heat loss and provide better grip while climbing wet branches. They also have extremely sharp, semi-retractable claws, to make tree climbing easier and better. Similarly, when they are climbing down the tree, head first, red pandas can rotate their ankles to control their downward movement. Forepaws help them hold the bamboo leaves and poles firmly while eating. The bone on the inner side of the paws acts as an extra thumb which helps in gripping tree trunks while climbing and to hold plant matter while eating. To drink water, they plunge their paw into the water and then lick.
Body Coat
Beautiful reddish-brown fur coats the entire body with some variations in color shades, like red on the back and dark brown on the belly. The fur is very dense and gives warmth to the mammal. The tail is pretty thick and attractive with reddish-brown long fur alternating with rings of white fur.
Behavioral Adaptations
Classification of the Red Panda
Only the name 'Panda' is common between the red panda and the giant panda. None of the other features match between these two animals. Furthermore, the giant panda belongs to the bear family whereas the red panda seems very much like a raccoon, hence is classified as a raccoon. However, due to the persistent confusion about the origin of the red panda, it has finally been categorized under its exclusive unique family called the Ailuridae.
Physical Adaptations
Tail
Why do red pandas have a long bushy tail? It is because red pandas belong to the raccoon family and both the species have similar tails; the tail is often called a raccoon tail. Both the raccoon and the red panda balance on their long bushy tail while climbing a tree or a rock column. Similarly, the red panda uses its tail to cover its face while sleeping during daytime, and its nose in cold weather.
Teeth
Red pandas have 38 strong teeth set in powerful jaws. They are classified as carnivores because of their canines and incisors. However, the staple food of this animal is bamboo, a herbivorous diet. It has a peculiar teeth structure that is essential for tearing and chewing the plant. Front teeth are used for tearing while the molars at the back of the mouth are used for chewing.
Feet and Paws
The soles of the feet of red pandas are coated with wooly fur to reduce heat loss and provide better grip while climbing wet branches. They also have extremely sharp, semi-retractable claws, to make tree climbing easier and better. Similarly, when they are climbing down the tree, head first, red pandas can rotate their ankles to control their downward movement. Forepaws help them hold the bamboo leaves and poles firmly while eating. The bone on the inner side of the paws acts as an extra thumb which helps in gripping tree trunks while climbing and to hold plant matter while eating. To drink water, they plunge their paw into the water and then lick.
Body Coat
Beautiful reddish-brown fur coats the entire body with some variations in color shades, like red on the back and dark brown on the belly. The fur is very dense and gives warmth to the mammal. The tail is pretty thick and attractive with reddish-brown long fur alternating with rings of white fur.
Behavioral Adaptations
- Red pandas are solitary animals. Except during the mating season, they prefer to be alone on tree branches or in large tree hollows.
- They sleep stretched out on tree branches with legs dangling during summer, and curl themselves covering their faces with their tails during winter.
- They feed at night, hence need not fear being spotted by predators, or competing with other animals who feed on the same food. Hence, they are also called nocturnal animals (mostly active at night).
- A red panda is a territorial animal. When it wakes up, it cleans its fur by licking its paws and rubbing its stomach, sides, and back against a rock or along the trees, and then examines its territory. To mark the territory, it uses a weak musk-smelling secretion and its urine.
- When a red panda senses danger, it tries to escape by climbing a tree or hiding in a tree hollow. However, if it cannot do so, it stands on its hind legs to make itself appear larger, and uses its sharp claws on its front paws to defend.
- It communicates with a range of sounds like twitters, whistles, and hisses, including gestures like tail arching.
How to Hatch Turkey Eggs
As a turkey breeder, whether novice or professional, incubating and
hatching the eggs of a turkey is a delicate but interesting process. The
eggs are laid between April and June. Depending on the size of the hen,
the number of eggs per clutch can vary. Heavy breeds lay as few as 50
eggs, while lighter turkey breeds can lay as many as 100 eggs. Turkey
eggs can either be hatched naturally by the turkey hen incubating them,
or artificially, using an electronic incubator. Natural incubation is
normally avoided, especially if the turkeys are bred for consumption, as
the turkey hen can be a slightly careless mother. Below, the process of
how to hatch turkey eggs using an incubator is detailed.
How to Hatch Turkey Eggs in an Incubator
The hatching process is divided into the following main parts.
Selecting and preparing the eggs:
A turkey hen preparing to lay eggs and nest, can get very territorial and broody. Once she has established her nesting place, she will not budge from it and will get very aggressive if you try to. She can injure you painfully with pecks and jabs and if you touch her eggs, she may decide to abandon them. So leave her to nest, with sufficient food and water and let nature take its course. After the eggs have hatched, move the mother and her brood of chicks to a secure pen. The pen should protect the newly born chicks from predators as well as be covered and warm enough to protect them from the weather.
Once the chicks are born, it is time to follow the right rearing and breeding practices to grow healthy and hearty turkeys. It may seem difficult at first, but the incubating and hatching process with any fowl's eggs, needs patience, research, and attention to detail to succeed.
How to Hatch Turkey Eggs in an Incubator
The hatching process is divided into the following main parts.
Selecting and preparing the eggs:
- Prior to handling the eggs at any time, always wash your hands well.
- Do not touch other objects, including your face, then touch the eggs. As the dirt from your hands can contaminate the eggs through their thin surface.
- Choose eggs that have clear, smooth surfaces, free of any cracks or damage.
- Wash eggs with a sanitizer, especially if there is visible dirt on them.
- A week before incubating the eggs, you should place them in egg cartons and store them in a cool dark location.
- Eggs should be incubated as soon as possible. Ideally they should be stored for just a week before incubating. As the eggs get older, their rate of hatchability decreases.
- Before placing the eggs in the incubator, let them reach room temperature.
- The eggs need to be rotated in the incubator, so that they are uniformly warmed. You can mark the flat sides of the eggs with different letters using a pencil, so you can differentiate between sides.
- Try to get an incubator with a temperature regulator, or you will need to use a digital thermometer, so you can easily measure the temperature present within the device.
- The amount of moisture or humidity in the incubator is also important. Fill the water channels as mentioned in the manual, to maintain the correct level of humidity.
- Read the manual well, so you understand how to set its temperature properly. Make sure it is clean and disinfected before use.
- If possible, try to test your incubator and its working process beforehand with a trial run by incubating chicken eggs.
- Place the machine in a location that will be undisturbed at all times and remains at a consistent temperature. An ideal temperature setting is between 70°F and 75°F.
- Make sure the incubator is placed far away from air vents, doors, or windows, as such locations can let in cold air or sunlight, that can affect its temperature.
- Set up the incubator well in advance to placing the eggs. It should be prepared for use 24 hours before placing the eggs.
- Turkey eggs require 28 days to hatch, so keep track of the days of incubation accordingly. The first 24 days are key formative days for the eggs.
- The optimal temperature of the incubator is between 98°F and 102°F. Make sure it has reached such a temperature range and remains constant. The machine's temperature should not go above or below the optimal temperature range.
- Keep checking the incubator's humidity levels. It must not get too dry or too wet. A humidity level of 55% should be maintained throughout the incubation period. To precisely measure humidity levels, you can use a hygrometer.
- The incubating eggs need to be turned to ensure they receive uniform warmth. Movement also stimulates the hatching process. But the eggs should not be disturbed repeatedly. They should be rotated at least 3 times a day.
- Some incubators will turn the eggs automatically as needed. Other models will need you to manually turn the eggs. Place the eggs in the machine, all having the same mark or symbol side up.
- The eggs should be turned by 180 degrees, such that the side with the other symbol is completely visible. Turn all eggs in the incubator at the same time.
- Stop turning the eggs on the 25th day of incubation. If your incubator has an automatic egg turning ability, lay the eggs out on the wire floor of the machine. Otherwise turn the eggs, such that their larger end is slightly elevated. The eggs should remain undisturbed for the last 3 days of incubation.
- During the last 3 days of incubation, the humidity levels should be increased to 75%. Depending on the humidity levels at your area of residence, you may need to increase or decrease the humidity levels within your incubator.
- The eggs are most likely to start hatching on the 28th day of incubation. It can take between 5-10 hours for a chick to hatch out of the egg.
- Cracks may appear in the egg's shell. Make sure the cracked side of the egg is facing upwards, so the chick can emerge properly. You may even hear peeping noises.
- Do not interfere in the hatching process. Let the chick hatch on its own. Hatching is the first test of survival. A chick capable of hatching on its own, is a healthy and strong chick. Chicks too weak to hatch, will remain weak and will soon die.
- A newly hatched chick should be left alone for 5-6 hours in the incubator, until it dries from the hatching process. Then show it some food and water. Keep it warm and wash your hands before handling it.
A turkey hen preparing to lay eggs and nest, can get very territorial and broody. Once she has established her nesting place, she will not budge from it and will get very aggressive if you try to. She can injure you painfully with pecks and jabs and if you touch her eggs, she may decide to abandon them. So leave her to nest, with sufficient food and water and let nature take its course. After the eggs have hatched, move the mother and her brood of chicks to a secure pen. The pen should protect the newly born chicks from predators as well as be covered and warm enough to protect them from the weather.
Once the chicks are born, it is time to follow the right rearing and breeding practices to grow healthy and hearty turkeys. It may seem difficult at first, but the incubating and hatching process with any fowl's eggs, needs patience, research, and attention to detail to succeed.
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