Link to Article
This is a case where there is hope for species, and the power of adaptation in nature. It's a case where the species is threatened but not solely human activity, but rather an aggressive and deadly skin fungus. People aren't sure how the frogs are making it out and coming back, but I am sure it is a good sign for the future, a little bit of good news to help increase our hopeful thoughts for the future.
The fungus itself wasn't becoming less deadly, but rather the frogs were surviving spite of it. It shows that nature does find a way. In this case however, these frogs were very lucky. They were lucky enough to undergo the process in which they developed a resistance to the fungus. It isn't a huge victory to celebrate quite yet, but it is good progress.
I feel this case can be applied to many other things. Of course it is too early to claim the population of frogs are stable, but if there is hope for these frogs, there can be hope for other species as well. Its a sign that biodiversity isn't dead quite yet, and hopefully people can help other creatures of the planet from suffering from their consequences. Maybe. Regardless, nature finds a way. In the short term, it's people who should be worried about things, as unless they explode the whole Earth to it's core, the planet is capable of recovering. After all, it has endured quite a lot. People are just destructive compared to the timespan they have been here.
Regardless, this article was a dose of hope for me.
Monday, April 2, 2018
Response #23 ‘These Eagles Are More Than Just a Symbol’
Link to Article
Eagles have had it quite rough in this country. Along with hunting, facing challenges people do, and also the whole situation with DDT, it's a surprise that there are still Bald Eagles in this country today. It's a relief, but still surprising. It's interesting how people can care so much about the national symbol, as if they have a direct connection to them. It's entirely sentimental, yet so interesting to see.
It's fascinating to see people love bird watching, but then again, birds do have this interesting behavior and aura about them that makes them enjoyable to observe. I enjoy watching animals myself, so I can't fault these people with their interest in the eagles. I wish however, other animals that aren't as well known perhaps, get the same appreciation, as endangered species are often hard to get a public eye on about unless they are cute or a symbol of some sort.
Another animal that I remember that had this symbolism to it was the California grizzly bear. It is extinct, but remains on the Californian flag as a forever reminder that people and their mistakes, as this species of bear was shot down and killed to extinction. It's surprising to me, but I suppose that bears can be a danger or a threat. It's still somewhat saddening to find out the species you see as a symbol everywhere to no longer exist. It's greatly depressing, to some extent.
Eagles have had it quite rough in this country. Along with hunting, facing challenges people do, and also the whole situation with DDT, it's a surprise that there are still Bald Eagles in this country today. It's a relief, but still surprising. It's interesting how people can care so much about the national symbol, as if they have a direct connection to them. It's entirely sentimental, yet so interesting to see.
It's fascinating to see people love bird watching, but then again, birds do have this interesting behavior and aura about them that makes them enjoyable to observe. I enjoy watching animals myself, so I can't fault these people with their interest in the eagles. I wish however, other animals that aren't as well known perhaps, get the same appreciation, as endangered species are often hard to get a public eye on about unless they are cute or a symbol of some sort.
Another animal that I remember that had this symbolism to it was the California grizzly bear. It is extinct, but remains on the Californian flag as a forever reminder that people and their mistakes, as this species of bear was shot down and killed to extinction. It's surprising to me, but I suppose that bears can be a danger or a threat. It's still somewhat saddening to find out the species you see as a symbol everywhere to no longer exist. It's greatly depressing, to some extent.
Response #22 Something is blinding these snakes
Link to Article
As a fan of reptiles, I can't resist a good article about snakes. A strange occurrence is happening to a population of snakes, who have head injuries or are blind in their eyes. It's interesting to see how this happened, and why these snakes are having such a rough time. Despite their blindness, they are very well fed and healthy. It's interesting to see how animals are able to adapt.
Turns out the silver gulls that live near the snakes provide chicks as food year round for the snakes, but also protect their young with their stabbing beaks. It provides an answer to how things came around this way, and also provides context to why things like this happen. I really enjoy learning context to odd scenarios, because it's often essential to figure out key details.
Context is crucial. It's important to have as much knowledge of the situation and around it as possible, in order to come up with a fair judgement of the scenario. Otherwise you are basically a blind man with an elephant, forced to pat around for judgement that lacks it's crucial meat and fact. People often make decisions too quickly, and I think people should always stop and question things, along with finding out as much as possible about the topic and situation at hand before coming up with their own hasty judgements.
As a fan of reptiles, I can't resist a good article about snakes. A strange occurrence is happening to a population of snakes, who have head injuries or are blind in their eyes. It's interesting to see how this happened, and why these snakes are having such a rough time. Despite their blindness, they are very well fed and healthy. It's interesting to see how animals are able to adapt.
Turns out the silver gulls that live near the snakes provide chicks as food year round for the snakes, but also protect their young with their stabbing beaks. It provides an answer to how things came around this way, and also provides context to why things like this happen. I really enjoy learning context to odd scenarios, because it's often essential to figure out key details.
Context is crucial. It's important to have as much knowledge of the situation and around it as possible, in order to come up with a fair judgement of the scenario. Otherwise you are basically a blind man with an elephant, forced to pat around for judgement that lacks it's crucial meat and fact. People often make decisions too quickly, and I think people should always stop and question things, along with finding out as much as possible about the topic and situation at hand before coming up with their own hasty judgements.
Response #21 Why the Snow in Parts of Europe Was Orange
Link to Article
I've always been interested in odd natural phenomenon, and fascinated with strange things that occur naturally in our world. As people try to find answers, it's interesting to see how much people don't know yet, or will do to find out as much as they can. In a way, it's kind of inspiring. The photo that the article starts off with looks very surreal, and almost impossible to believe.
The reason behind the photograph was because of dust kicked up into the air and mixed in with snow, and also filling the atmosphere. It reminds me of my own experiences with dust, as my time in South Korea saw some interesting phenomenon like this. People call it "Yellow Dust", and it's usually dust from China being blown over to Korea so the sky seems very bleak and orange tinted. It's not healthy to be outside during this time, as the dust can be problematic and be bad to be breathed in.
It's interesting to see other parts of the world be effected by these dust spells as well, and have a slightly more different approach to it. Perhaps its a different type or dust, or the approach isn't actually much different, but regardless it is interesting for me to see. It reminds me of the odd things that happen while I was in Korea, and how I didn't really question it much until now. It's eye opening, really.
I've always been interested in odd natural phenomenon, and fascinated with strange things that occur naturally in our world. As people try to find answers, it's interesting to see how much people don't know yet, or will do to find out as much as they can. In a way, it's kind of inspiring. The photo that the article starts off with looks very surreal, and almost impossible to believe.
The reason behind the photograph was because of dust kicked up into the air and mixed in with snow, and also filling the atmosphere. It reminds me of my own experiences with dust, as my time in South Korea saw some interesting phenomenon like this. People call it "Yellow Dust", and it's usually dust from China being blown over to Korea so the sky seems very bleak and orange tinted. It's not healthy to be outside during this time, as the dust can be problematic and be bad to be breathed in.
It's interesting to see other parts of the world be effected by these dust spells as well, and have a slightly more different approach to it. Perhaps its a different type or dust, or the approach isn't actually much different, but regardless it is interesting for me to see. It reminds me of the odd things that happen while I was in Korea, and how I didn't really question it much until now. It's eye opening, really.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Response #20 Half of All Wildlife Could Disappear from the Amazon, Galapagos and Madagascar
Link to Article
This article doesn't surprise me. If there aren't any stronger methods in trying to improve and trying to slow down or stop rising global temperatures, many species of animals and life would die. People often forget that many animals depend on specific climate and temperature. Even people cannot handle temperature difference, but have difficulty seeing the bigger picture and the consequence of actions of humanity as a whole.
As someone who sticks their finger outside and claims climate change is a fake because it was cold outside, it's essential to make people see the big picture, but also see it in a human scale. Due to a lot of people thinking that the rising temperatures are natural part of the Earth's cooling and heating cycle, but people need to know the potential consequences of such a state effecting people, and how we could attempt to prevent from adding to the statistic with our actions. The facts do tell a story, and it's something to listen to, despite doubts.
Especially since it's causing lots of life to die out, and it's not helping in conservation efforts. It's a complicated issue that has no simple answer, as if you take too many steps back, it seems inevitable and unchangeable, while when too close, it seems as rising global temperature doesn't seem actually true. It's an odd situation looking at how people think as well, and honestly I can't really think of a good answer. Ideally, it would be for people to be more aware of the issue, but as people are more leaning to believing the easier answers, it's harder to convince them of the tough gritty truths.
This article doesn't surprise me. If there aren't any stronger methods in trying to improve and trying to slow down or stop rising global temperatures, many species of animals and life would die. People often forget that many animals depend on specific climate and temperature. Even people cannot handle temperature difference, but have difficulty seeing the bigger picture and the consequence of actions of humanity as a whole.
As someone who sticks their finger outside and claims climate change is a fake because it was cold outside, it's essential to make people see the big picture, but also see it in a human scale. Due to a lot of people thinking that the rising temperatures are natural part of the Earth's cooling and heating cycle, but people need to know the potential consequences of such a state effecting people, and how we could attempt to prevent from adding to the statistic with our actions. The facts do tell a story, and it's something to listen to, despite doubts.
Especially since it's causing lots of life to die out, and it's not helping in conservation efforts. It's a complicated issue that has no simple answer, as if you take too many steps back, it seems inevitable and unchangeable, while when too close, it seems as rising global temperature doesn't seem actually true. It's an odd situation looking at how people think as well, and honestly I can't really think of a good answer. Ideally, it would be for people to be more aware of the issue, but as people are more leaning to believing the easier answers, it's harder to convince them of the tough gritty truths.
Response #19 Rise of Flat-Earthers Is Result of Failed Educational System
Link to Article
This article discusses Neil deGrasse Tyson, and his input on how the rise of people who believe the Earth is flat is due to a free speech and a failing education system. He believes that people need to be taught how to believe things by looking at evidence and regarding the information. Otherwise, people would run around believing everything, and that is not something that benefits society, as people have become too open minded to the point where they believe anything without ample evidence.
To some people, this stance would be offensive, as it questions their faith about things. But when it comes to faith versus science with actual evidence, facts, and repeatable experiments, it just makes more sense to accept truth rather than live a lie. I don't like being lied to, and when people refuse to tell me things, it forces me to be naive and be dumb and innocent. In a way, I was raised in that matter, and found myself getting hurt because I didn't know how to believe things without actually looking at the facts. It's much easier to teach children when they are younger, but the system right now shows that being doubtful is negative, and that people must be always open minded and accepting of everything.
Despite this kind of thought being harmful to young minds, it is constantly being told to younger people, only to be faced with harsh facts and truths and be kind of traumatized with inevitable. It's something people don't think about. It's a battle between current safety and comfort, versus long term effects and issues. I'd rather take the truth and being taught how to make up our own opinions rather than believe everything that is shot at me.
This article discusses Neil deGrasse Tyson, and his input on how the rise of people who believe the Earth is flat is due to a free speech and a failing education system. He believes that people need to be taught how to believe things by looking at evidence and regarding the information. Otherwise, people would run around believing everything, and that is not something that benefits society, as people have become too open minded to the point where they believe anything without ample evidence.
To some people, this stance would be offensive, as it questions their faith about things. But when it comes to faith versus science with actual evidence, facts, and repeatable experiments, it just makes more sense to accept truth rather than live a lie. I don't like being lied to, and when people refuse to tell me things, it forces me to be naive and be dumb and innocent. In a way, I was raised in that matter, and found myself getting hurt because I didn't know how to believe things without actually looking at the facts. It's much easier to teach children when they are younger, but the system right now shows that being doubtful is negative, and that people must be always open minded and accepting of everything.
Despite this kind of thought being harmful to young minds, it is constantly being told to younger people, only to be faced with harsh facts and truths and be kind of traumatized with inevitable. It's something people don't think about. It's a battle between current safety and comfort, versus long term effects and issues. I'd rather take the truth and being taught how to make up our own opinions rather than believe everything that is shot at me.
Response #18 The Secret Science That Rules Crowds
Link to Article
I'm very well acquainted with the concept of mob mentality, and how quickly lies and slander can spread through an angry crowd, which leads to tossing rational thought out the window. This is rampant in a lot of places, real life and online. It's fascinating and irritating to see a crowd of angry people, and trying to make sense with them. Only to have the angry people calm down, usually on their own, and then finally being able to talk to them. But when with the crowd? Sense is almost impossible to achieve.
This article talks about specifically the danger of death in crowds, which wasn't what I was expecting. In dangerous situations, the people tend to trample other people to death while trying to escape or hurry to safety. Crowds tend to have a single consciousness, and despite seemingly dangerous and lethal, there is an odd rationality to crowds, with certain 'rules' governing them. Officials guarding the crowd however may not know the rules and make things worse, leading to actual deaths. It's a strange situation, but can make sense.
People are trying to figure out the science between crowds, and how to apply these findings to future situations to minimize danger in future events. Sometimes, certain ideas to prevent traffic or crowds don't work, and other solutions are often much more effective. I especially liked the school bell example, which makes a lot of sense why our school had removed the bell after a few years I had attended there. People are strange, and there are still a lot more to learn about human behavior.
I'm very well acquainted with the concept of mob mentality, and how quickly lies and slander can spread through an angry crowd, which leads to tossing rational thought out the window. This is rampant in a lot of places, real life and online. It's fascinating and irritating to see a crowd of angry people, and trying to make sense with them. Only to have the angry people calm down, usually on their own, and then finally being able to talk to them. But when with the crowd? Sense is almost impossible to achieve.
This article talks about specifically the danger of death in crowds, which wasn't what I was expecting. In dangerous situations, the people tend to trample other people to death while trying to escape or hurry to safety. Crowds tend to have a single consciousness, and despite seemingly dangerous and lethal, there is an odd rationality to crowds, with certain 'rules' governing them. Officials guarding the crowd however may not know the rules and make things worse, leading to actual deaths. It's a strange situation, but can make sense.
People are trying to figure out the science between crowds, and how to apply these findings to future situations to minimize danger in future events. Sometimes, certain ideas to prevent traffic or crowds don't work, and other solutions are often much more effective. I especially liked the school bell example, which makes a lot of sense why our school had removed the bell after a few years I had attended there. People are strange, and there are still a lot more to learn about human behavior.
Response #17 Ocean plastic could triple in decade
Link to Article
I once seen photos and videos of the amount of plastic that is in oceans, and it horrified me. It shocked me to see the sheer amount of trash and plastic floating around and I've always wondered how it got there. It seemed like people were being lazy when tossing trash not in trashcans, and it seems despite the education about recycling and helping saving oceans, the change isn't occurring fast enough.
I've always wondered, how would this situation be helped? It seemed a lot of the trash was floating on the surface, and I've wondered if there was a way to lightly skim the garbage off the surface of the water. I'm pretty sure there are reasons why this isn't practical or why people don't do it enough, but it seems like people don't think cleaning up the oceans are important enough. It also should be important to tell people to stop throwing trash into the water, because they need to stop. Why would you do that? You are too lazy to walk a few steps to a trash can? Your laziness or the lives of fish and ocean animals that might be negatively effected by it? Sigh.
The visual of oceans of plastic and trash is honestly sad to me. The fact that it would triple in as soon as a decade is even more depressing. There needs to be some sort of change to slow or stop this future, but at this rate it seems extremely unlikely.
I once seen photos and videos of the amount of plastic that is in oceans, and it horrified me. It shocked me to see the sheer amount of trash and plastic floating around and I've always wondered how it got there. It seemed like people were being lazy when tossing trash not in trashcans, and it seems despite the education about recycling and helping saving oceans, the change isn't occurring fast enough.
I've always wondered, how would this situation be helped? It seemed a lot of the trash was floating on the surface, and I've wondered if there was a way to lightly skim the garbage off the surface of the water. I'm pretty sure there are reasons why this isn't practical or why people don't do it enough, but it seems like people don't think cleaning up the oceans are important enough. It also should be important to tell people to stop throwing trash into the water, because they need to stop. Why would you do that? You are too lazy to walk a few steps to a trash can? Your laziness or the lives of fish and ocean animals that might be negatively effected by it? Sigh.
The visual of oceans of plastic and trash is honestly sad to me. The fact that it would triple in as soon as a decade is even more depressing. There needs to be some sort of change to slow or stop this future, but at this rate it seems extremely unlikely.
Response #16 What Makes Some Hair Curly? Not Quite What Scientists Thought
Link to Article
I have said previously on many occasions on how fascinating genetic discoveries in animals lead to more understanding to our own species. There are many things that we don't understand exactly about genetics, and I've been always curious on how curly hair is formed, what exactly goes on in a cell to make the hair curl inwards. It's often difficult to study parts of the human body, and the example in the article is that human hair cells tend to wind around each other in tangles, making them hard to study.
I never had stopped to think on what causes hair to become curly, naturally of course. The article discusses theories, and the scientists discovered after studying the sheep hairs meticulously that certain cells were longer than other cells, and that the difference between these cells were most likely the reason for curliness. This doesn't exactly answer our questions about human hairs, but they believe studying hairs of other animals will help us try to understand our own hair and cellular structure. We have much to learn from animals, and a lot of discoveries were traced back to studying traits or behavior in animals. It shows how much more we have to learn about ourselves, and our world.
I have said previously on many occasions on how fascinating genetic discoveries in animals lead to more understanding to our own species. There are many things that we don't understand exactly about genetics, and I've been always curious on how curly hair is formed, what exactly goes on in a cell to make the hair curl inwards. It's often difficult to study parts of the human body, and the example in the article is that human hair cells tend to wind around each other in tangles, making them hard to study.
I never had stopped to think on what causes hair to become curly, naturally of course. The article discusses theories, and the scientists discovered after studying the sheep hairs meticulously that certain cells were longer than other cells, and that the difference between these cells were most likely the reason for curliness. This doesn't exactly answer our questions about human hairs, but they believe studying hairs of other animals will help us try to understand our own hair and cellular structure. We have much to learn from animals, and a lot of discoveries were traced back to studying traits or behavior in animals. It shows how much more we have to learn about ourselves, and our world.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Response #15 Insects Flew Before Anything Else Did. So How Did They Get Their Wings?
Link to Article
Discoveries about insects always tend to fascinate me, as they look so alien from a human standpoint, yet hold so many mysteries on how they have survived for so long and achieved so much. Flight is one thing, and the title of the article immediately caught me. Flight? Interesting. How did flight come about anyway?
Scientists have theorized about wings evolving from gliding membrane, and I think that is very interesting. Wings that help movement yes, but were hidden from view. Most people do indeed think about butterflies or dragonflies when they think of insects having wings, and this discovery/theory I think could expand our understanding of flight in general. Perhaps it could lead to more compact methods of air travel? Regardless, discoveries and research pertaining to insects always excite me because it shows that even bugs that are supposedly icky have a purpose to us humans.
Discoveries about insects always tend to fascinate me, as they look so alien from a human standpoint, yet hold so many mysteries on how they have survived for so long and achieved so much. Flight is one thing, and the title of the article immediately caught me. Flight? Interesting. How did flight come about anyway?
Scientists have theorized about wings evolving from gliding membrane, and I think that is very interesting. Wings that help movement yes, but were hidden from view. Most people do indeed think about butterflies or dragonflies when they think of insects having wings, and this discovery/theory I think could expand our understanding of flight in general. Perhaps it could lead to more compact methods of air travel? Regardless, discoveries and research pertaining to insects always excite me because it shows that even bugs that are supposedly icky have a purpose to us humans.
Monday, March 26, 2018
Response #14 American Adults Just Keep Getting Fatter
Link to Article
This article starts out with statistics that show Americans are getting more obese. The article also states it seems that public health officials' attempt at educating people about the dangers of eating unhealthily aren't working. Food companies are advocating for more laws that would allow them to get away with not putting labels on foods that are high in sugar or fat, which is a danger.
I have said in my previous presentation that I would like to see GMOs be properly labeled, and thus allow the consumer to make a decision on whether they want to eat it or not. But if foods aren't labeled, then there is no way to see if you are making a good decision or not since you don't have all the information. These recent laws that are pushing against public health officials and their attempt to educate people are from the Trump Administration, which I've seen in my previous articles a lot of issues in laws and regulations coming from. It seems that, indeed, the government is to blame yet again.
Pulling back on species conservation, pulling back on ocean conservation, and pulling back on informing the public of what is in their food. Everything here is done in favor of large corporations and profit, which means we the people don't have to worry about sacrifices, the government is already sacrificing people and species left and right for more money in their pockets. It is definitely a grim prospect, as it is surely not seen in an improving economy, but rather a more happy higher class. Shameful.
This article starts out with statistics that show Americans are getting more obese. The article also states it seems that public health officials' attempt at educating people about the dangers of eating unhealthily aren't working. Food companies are advocating for more laws that would allow them to get away with not putting labels on foods that are high in sugar or fat, which is a danger.
I have said in my previous presentation that I would like to see GMOs be properly labeled, and thus allow the consumer to make a decision on whether they want to eat it or not. But if foods aren't labeled, then there is no way to see if you are making a good decision or not since you don't have all the information. These recent laws that are pushing against public health officials and their attempt to educate people are from the Trump Administration, which I've seen in my previous articles a lot of issues in laws and regulations coming from. It seems that, indeed, the government is to blame yet again.
Pulling back on species conservation, pulling back on ocean conservation, and pulling back on informing the public of what is in their food. Everything here is done in favor of large corporations and profit, which means we the people don't have to worry about sacrifices, the government is already sacrificing people and species left and right for more money in their pockets. It is definitely a grim prospect, as it is surely not seen in an improving economy, but rather a more happy higher class. Shameful.
Response #13 Bigger Is Not Better for Ocean Conservation
Link to Response
Large marine protected areas are not helping. The article states that most diversity in species lies near coastal areas, which are not protected. Just because larger areas out in the ocean are being protected aren't helping the conservation of biodiversity, as the species that should be protected do not reside in the deep water, rather are near coastal areas. Many people do not realize this, and simply believe that larger lines over the ocean mean its better.
It's a complicated issue as many countries do not understand how to properly conserve the species that lie in the oceans. Especially with many countries (specifically the United States), rolling back on environmental protections, people need to be aware of more effective methods of protecting ocean biodiversity. The whole situation consists of several bridges that need to be overcome, but at the current state people would rather enjoy the view from land rather crossing all those bridges to get a closer look.
Between ignorance and possibly intentional ineffective measures, oceans contain a high percentage of our Earth's biodiversity, and fishing is still allowed in the coastal waters that should be more protected. One quote sums up my thoughts for this topic, which is "We need more science-based conservation, not convenient conservation". It is completely true, and nothing will actually matter until effective measures are taken.
Large marine protected areas are not helping. The article states that most diversity in species lies near coastal areas, which are not protected. Just because larger areas out in the ocean are being protected aren't helping the conservation of biodiversity, as the species that should be protected do not reside in the deep water, rather are near coastal areas. Many people do not realize this, and simply believe that larger lines over the ocean mean its better.
It's a complicated issue as many countries do not understand how to properly conserve the species that lie in the oceans. Especially with many countries (specifically the United States), rolling back on environmental protections, people need to be aware of more effective methods of protecting ocean biodiversity. The whole situation consists of several bridges that need to be overcome, but at the current state people would rather enjoy the view from land rather crossing all those bridges to get a closer look.
Between ignorance and possibly intentional ineffective measures, oceans contain a high percentage of our Earth's biodiversity, and fishing is still allowed in the coastal waters that should be more protected. One quote sums up my thoughts for this topic, which is "We need more science-based conservation, not convenient conservation". It is completely true, and nothing will actually matter until effective measures are taken.
Response #12 Sudan, the Last Male Northern White Rhino, Dies in Kenya
Link to Article
The last male Northern White Rhino has died, after battling sickness for weeks. When I heard the news, it didn't effect me in an immense way, but something in my head sort of bothered me. Perhaps it was the fact we talked about him a few days prior the news went live somehow shook me. He left his daughter and granddaughter, the only two white northern rhinos left.
A quote I found somewhat profound was by Thomas Hildebrandt, head of reproduction management at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo, “This is a creature that didn’t fail in evolution, it’s in this situation because of us.” It raises questions, as do we need to focus so much time and effort (not to mention money) on saving one species? It is a question that rose from some of my previous responses to articles, and I still have not came to a conclusion. People, by an extension, should atone for their reckless behavior of killing off species. It is a shame people have a high sense of preservation when it comes to members of their own species, when people are clearly taking too many resources too quickly. The standard of life has increased dramatically, while the population continues to grow as people are determined to cling on life.
Incidents like these remind me that actions have dire consequences, and people need to wake up and pay attention, and perhaps try to repent for their crimes and such.
The last male Northern White Rhino has died, after battling sickness for weeks. When I heard the news, it didn't effect me in an immense way, but something in my head sort of bothered me. Perhaps it was the fact we talked about him a few days prior the news went live somehow shook me. He left his daughter and granddaughter, the only two white northern rhinos left.
A quote I found somewhat profound was by Thomas Hildebrandt, head of reproduction management at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo, “This is a creature that didn’t fail in evolution, it’s in this situation because of us.” It raises questions, as do we need to focus so much time and effort (not to mention money) on saving one species? It is a question that rose from some of my previous responses to articles, and I still have not came to a conclusion. People, by an extension, should atone for their reckless behavior of killing off species. It is a shame people have a high sense of preservation when it comes to members of their own species, when people are clearly taking too many resources too quickly. The standard of life has increased dramatically, while the population continues to grow as people are determined to cling on life.
Incidents like these remind me that actions have dire consequences, and people need to wake up and pay attention, and perhaps try to repent for their crimes and such.
Response #11 As Harvey Raged, Their Homes Were Swamped on Purpose. Six Months Later, They Face a Terrible Choice.
Link to Article
This article speaks about how the residents of Cinco Ranch weren't informed that their town was built part of a reservoir system that would flood first before the rest of Houston. The article interviews a few people in a part of Cinco Ranch called Canyon Gate, who say that "many of the places we call home should never have been built in the first place".
The concept of sacrifice very apparent in this article. It is tragic, yes, but many would say that few were sacrificed for the greater good. Many would agree to this scenario, if it weren't for the people who suffered from the incident and their voices. Many were forced to make a difficult choice, to move away or stay in a place that would most definitely be flooded again. It is difficult to look at this sacrifice when you consider these people as human beings with lives, hopes and dreams of their own. It's like that train track problem, do you sacrifice one person to save multiple others? Or is that still bad because one person died?
Sacrifice is a theme I've been seeing in science a lot too, with previous articles debating if people should focus on more "impactful" endangered species to save rather than trying to save every single one. It however, becomes more conflicted when the topic changes to humans, when not much has changed except we grow fond for other people differently than how we grow fond of animals. My opinion on the whole thing? The sad truth is, people shouldn't hold higher ground than other species, but that's not going to be a popular opinion. However, in this specific scenario, the government should informed these people of the dangers that would happen when living in Cinco Ranch. It was a preventable tragedy, and that makes it depressing.
This article speaks about how the residents of Cinco Ranch weren't informed that their town was built part of a reservoir system that would flood first before the rest of Houston. The article interviews a few people in a part of Cinco Ranch called Canyon Gate, who say that "many of the places we call home should never have been built in the first place".
The concept of sacrifice very apparent in this article. It is tragic, yes, but many would say that few were sacrificed for the greater good. Many would agree to this scenario, if it weren't for the people who suffered from the incident and their voices. Many were forced to make a difficult choice, to move away or stay in a place that would most definitely be flooded again. It is difficult to look at this sacrifice when you consider these people as human beings with lives, hopes and dreams of their own. It's like that train track problem, do you sacrifice one person to save multiple others? Or is that still bad because one person died?
Sacrifice is a theme I've been seeing in science a lot too, with previous articles debating if people should focus on more "impactful" endangered species to save rather than trying to save every single one. It however, becomes more conflicted when the topic changes to humans, when not much has changed except we grow fond for other people differently than how we grow fond of animals. My opinion on the whole thing? The sad truth is, people shouldn't hold higher ground than other species, but that's not going to be a popular opinion. However, in this specific scenario, the government should informed these people of the dangers that would happen when living in Cinco Ranch. It was a preventable tragedy, and that makes it depressing.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Response #10 The Price French Bulldogs Pay for Being So Cute
Link to Article
Our recent discussion on dog breeding reminded me when I was reading this article. Dog breeding is a touchy subject, specially due to the fact that humans are altering the genome of a breed just to make it more appealing to the masses. If a cuter face came with blindness or other disabilities, then people would still take the cuter face because those genetic problems aren't heavily apparent until much later. I feel if a dog has to be birthed through c-section and cannot give natural birth, there should be a lot of questions asked here.
People need to be made aware of the health concerns of heavily inbred dogs, and take cautionary measures to prevent the ongoing trend of cuteness over healthy. Despite how tragic the even in which a dog died due to it being stored in the overhead bin of an aircraft, perhaps it would start a discussion on forms of animal cruelty, forced inbreeding included. In order for a species (or in this case, breed) to stay healthy, there must be variety in the gene pool. Even in species that are bred to be kept as solely human pets, they still should be healthy. people simply need to be more considerate of the needs of other species over their desires.
Our recent discussion on dog breeding reminded me when I was reading this article. Dog breeding is a touchy subject, specially due to the fact that humans are altering the genome of a breed just to make it more appealing to the masses. If a cuter face came with blindness or other disabilities, then people would still take the cuter face because those genetic problems aren't heavily apparent until much later. I feel if a dog has to be birthed through c-section and cannot give natural birth, there should be a lot of questions asked here.
People need to be made aware of the health concerns of heavily inbred dogs, and take cautionary measures to prevent the ongoing trend of cuteness over healthy. Despite how tragic the even in which a dog died due to it being stored in the overhead bin of an aircraft, perhaps it would start a discussion on forms of animal cruelty, forced inbreeding included. In order for a species (or in this case, breed) to stay healthy, there must be variety in the gene pool. Even in species that are bred to be kept as solely human pets, they still should be healthy. people simply need to be more considerate of the needs of other species over their desires.
Monday, March 19, 2018
Response #9 Should Some Species Be Allowed to Die Out?
Link to Article
This article's title immediately stuck out to me. That's why I clicked on it, as it seems like an extreme 'controversial' stance on the guilted mind of a human who want's to save every possible species that they have contributed to the failing of. Many of the methods in conserving endangered species hinder other parts of the economy, as valuable resources are spent in attempts to revive a dying population in captivity, while others cease land development to preserve wild habitats. Many have disliked this method of approaching things, and many circumstances have changed (Including the new president) to allow a potential overhaul of the Endangered Species Act.
In reality, some species may have to die. It would be the survival of the fittest, in regards to natural selection. However, people feel guilt as most endangered species and those on the verge of extinction are due to human activity. It however, leads to a discussion in which the value (whether it be ecological or economical) of a species is pitted against that of another species. I agree with the notion that trying to save every specie is impractical, impossible, and unrealistic. Many have to keep in mind that natural extinction occurs, and is not always tied to human activity. Due to humanity's hero complex however, they want to save every dying species, and help prevent any potential extinction.
Some say people should put the effort into saving the most genetically diverse species, to assist in surviving the genetic diversity. Others say that doing so may cause unintentional consequences. Many people in the public are only aware of endangered species that are either large and noticeable, or cute and adorable and thus "must be protected!". To pit lives against each other is no morally sound task, nor is it one people notice they are doing in the first place. I found it interesting how the researchers spent more time killing the invasive rats who preyed upon the birds, rather than sighting and recording birds. It's not the approach people would be aware of, but it's work. If anything, it raises more moral questions when dealing with an invasive species. Regardless though, I don't have an answer to this dilemma, as even researchers don't know what to do.
This article's title immediately stuck out to me. That's why I clicked on it, as it seems like an extreme 'controversial' stance on the guilted mind of a human who want's to save every possible species that they have contributed to the failing of. Many of the methods in conserving endangered species hinder other parts of the economy, as valuable resources are spent in attempts to revive a dying population in captivity, while others cease land development to preserve wild habitats. Many have disliked this method of approaching things, and many circumstances have changed (Including the new president) to allow a potential overhaul of the Endangered Species Act.
In reality, some species may have to die. It would be the survival of the fittest, in regards to natural selection. However, people feel guilt as most endangered species and those on the verge of extinction are due to human activity. It however, leads to a discussion in which the value (whether it be ecological or economical) of a species is pitted against that of another species. I agree with the notion that trying to save every specie is impractical, impossible, and unrealistic. Many have to keep in mind that natural extinction occurs, and is not always tied to human activity. Due to humanity's hero complex however, they want to save every dying species, and help prevent any potential extinction.
Some say people should put the effort into saving the most genetically diverse species, to assist in surviving the genetic diversity. Others say that doing so may cause unintentional consequences. Many people in the public are only aware of endangered species that are either large and noticeable, or cute and adorable and thus "must be protected!". To pit lives against each other is no morally sound task, nor is it one people notice they are doing in the first place. I found it interesting how the researchers spent more time killing the invasive rats who preyed upon the birds, rather than sighting and recording birds. It's not the approach people would be aware of, but it's work. If anything, it raises more moral questions when dealing with an invasive species. Regardless though, I don't have an answer to this dilemma, as even researchers don't know what to do.
Monday, March 12, 2018
Response #8 A Case for Wild Flamingos Calling Florida Their Home
Link to Article
An article that is related directly to my home (for now), Florida. The article discusses how despite how popularized and linked the image of a flamingo is with the Sunshine State, it is difficult to see them in the wild. Conchy the flamingo showed up at a navel air station and was rescued and placed in a zoo until he would get better. When it came to release him, the state asked if he even belonged in Florida. It seemed funny, asking if a flamingo belongs in Florida, but it raises a lot of questions. If flamingos are declared by the state to be a native species, they can be protected, and thus would be better for them. It just is a question of where they are coming from.
Despite the issues, I feel like flamingos should be considered natives of Florida as there used to be populations before they were hunted down or vanished. Now that they are returning, and some people still may hunt them, it should help them to have them as an endangered species, to help protect the returning population, even if it is for only a temporary period. Just because an American lives in Europe for a few years shouldn't mean they get their citizenship revoked, just have to renew their passport, and a similar thing here. I agree with people voting to protect these birds, because the biodiversity of Florida, as stated in the article, is either invasive species or endangered species. Variety and diversity could aid a lot in the revitalization of dwindling bird populations in the state.
An article that is related directly to my home (for now), Florida. The article discusses how despite how popularized and linked the image of a flamingo is with the Sunshine State, it is difficult to see them in the wild. Conchy the flamingo showed up at a navel air station and was rescued and placed in a zoo until he would get better. When it came to release him, the state asked if he even belonged in Florida. It seemed funny, asking if a flamingo belongs in Florida, but it raises a lot of questions. If flamingos are declared by the state to be a native species, they can be protected, and thus would be better for them. It just is a question of where they are coming from.
Despite the issues, I feel like flamingos should be considered natives of Florida as there used to be populations before they were hunted down or vanished. Now that they are returning, and some people still may hunt them, it should help them to have them as an endangered species, to help protect the returning population, even if it is for only a temporary period. Just because an American lives in Europe for a few years shouldn't mean they get their citizenship revoked, just have to renew their passport, and a similar thing here. I agree with people voting to protect these birds, because the biodiversity of Florida, as stated in the article, is either invasive species or endangered species. Variety and diversity could aid a lot in the revitalization of dwindling bird populations in the state.
Response #7 How Cockroaches Crash Into Walls and Keep Going
Link to Article
I've always been fascinated by the durability of certain pests, such as cockroaches. They have endured everything that humanity has thrown at them, and shown intense survivability despite each toxic chemical we try to wipe them out with. To be honest, I have always been fascinated with bugs in general, and have pondered if there could be a way to learn from them, or make them valuable to research so maybe people would (slightly) appreciate them more. As wiping out an entire species because 'ew they are gross' is a bad idea, for the multitude of reasons. This article shows possibilities.
The gif they start the article with, where it shows the cockroach slamming into a wall and then climbing up honestly surprised me when I first saw it. If a human was crawling at that speed and slammed into the wall, I'm fairly sure the concussion that they would get wouldn't let them climb up the walk, neither walk anywhere else. Researchers have found this ability to continue going even after crashing isn't done by the cockroach's brain, but rather it's body doing it instinctively. They have found this information useful in the possibility of engineering smaller and more capable of navigating even the most cluttered or uneven of environments.
The field of robotics have always fascinated me, and I do hope to see advancements mimicking things we see in natural world. And in doing so, perhaps we can learn to appreciate other beings and how they adapt to survival. Truthfully, when I encounter a cockroach in my house, I've always sat down to observe it a bit before releasing it. I just find such creatures fascinating and not entirely worth death and destruction, and certainly not extinction (I however may be in the minority in this one).
I've always been fascinated by the durability of certain pests, such as cockroaches. They have endured everything that humanity has thrown at them, and shown intense survivability despite each toxic chemical we try to wipe them out with. To be honest, I have always been fascinated with bugs in general, and have pondered if there could be a way to learn from them, or make them valuable to research so maybe people would (slightly) appreciate them more. As wiping out an entire species because 'ew they are gross' is a bad idea, for the multitude of reasons. This article shows possibilities.
The gif they start the article with, where it shows the cockroach slamming into a wall and then climbing up honestly surprised me when I first saw it. If a human was crawling at that speed and slammed into the wall, I'm fairly sure the concussion that they would get wouldn't let them climb up the walk, neither walk anywhere else. Researchers have found this ability to continue going even after crashing isn't done by the cockroach's brain, but rather it's body doing it instinctively. They have found this information useful in the possibility of engineering smaller and more capable of navigating even the most cluttered or uneven of environments.
The field of robotics have always fascinated me, and I do hope to see advancements mimicking things we see in natural world. And in doing so, perhaps we can learn to appreciate other beings and how they adapt to survival. Truthfully, when I encounter a cockroach in my house, I've always sat down to observe it a bit before releasing it. I just find such creatures fascinating and not entirely worth death and destruction, and certainly not extinction (I however may be in the minority in this one).
Monday, February 12, 2018
Response #6: Spiderlike Creature With a Scorpion’s Tail Is Found Trapped in Amber
Link to Article
Discovery of new species is always interesting, but what is even more fascinating is finding remains or fossils of species already long gone. These teams of researchers found a several specimens of a new species in amber markets of Myanmar. I've always found insects and other creatures being preserved in amber to be so fascinating, as amber when dry is a slow moving liquid, and to have any specimens at all is lucky for scientists today to learn about life before humans became to be.
This specific creature many would deem as a nightmare. Even in the article I had read, the author describes it a "stuff of prehistoric nightmares". It's described as a spider with a whiplike tail, similar to that of a scorpions. I personally see it very similar to the nightmare that is a vinegaroon, which is another thing many people would scream at. I personally find it extremely interesting. The tail of this creature, that was recently named as Chimerarachne yingi, researchers believe was used as a sensory organ.
This article says that C. Yingi is not a spider, but rather a relative and lived among ancient spiders. It provides insight to the possible evolutionary history of how species have evolved to the arachnids we know today. Learning about evolution is fascinating to me, and shows how complicated it is. Unlike how people believe evolution is a step by step, point A to point B process, evolution is complicated, branches off, and is how biodiversity came to be. I love learning about evolutionary processes, and seeing how ancient and prehistoric species have changed across thousands of generations and over the course of millions of years.
Discovery of new species is always interesting, but what is even more fascinating is finding remains or fossils of species already long gone. These teams of researchers found a several specimens of a new species in amber markets of Myanmar. I've always found insects and other creatures being preserved in amber to be so fascinating, as amber when dry is a slow moving liquid, and to have any specimens at all is lucky for scientists today to learn about life before humans became to be.
This specific creature many would deem as a nightmare. Even in the article I had read, the author describes it a "stuff of prehistoric nightmares". It's described as a spider with a whiplike tail, similar to that of a scorpions. I personally see it very similar to the nightmare that is a vinegaroon, which is another thing many people would scream at. I personally find it extremely interesting. The tail of this creature, that was recently named as Chimerarachne yingi, researchers believe was used as a sensory organ.
This article says that C. Yingi is not a spider, but rather a relative and lived among ancient spiders. It provides insight to the possible evolutionary history of how species have evolved to the arachnids we know today. Learning about evolution is fascinating to me, and shows how complicated it is. Unlike how people believe evolution is a step by step, point A to point B process, evolution is complicated, branches off, and is how biodiversity came to be. I love learning about evolutionary processes, and seeing how ancient and prehistoric species have changed across thousands of generations and over the course of millions of years.
Monday, February 5, 2018
Response #5 A Suitcase-Size Satellite’s Big Image of Frozen Earth Below
Link to Article
In this article, a small sized satellite takes pictures of Alaska, enabling photos to be taken even without a large sized and costly satellite to be launched. This camera was attached to a rocket which makes it easier to deal with.
The technology itself is not groundbreaking according to the article, but the size and diminished cost to produce definitely is. Despite it's limitations, it shows advances in science that allows us to understand more about the environment around us. It's important to be able to see a large expanse of land, as a person in it wouldn't be capable of seeing everything at once. This method will enable more pictures to the price and effort of launching a satellite.
It's fascinating to see how science is constantly improving, and all the improvements to further understand the world we live in. Hopefully, advances like this will enable people to be able to see more, and understand more, with scientists being able to investigate more trends and issues with a large area, and hopefully aid in helping solve issues and queries they have with the environment.
Currently there are plans on sending another satellite with larger resolution, but the current camera is capable of providing scientists valuable information on sea ice, regardless of day or night, clouds or no.
In this article, a small sized satellite takes pictures of Alaska, enabling photos to be taken even without a large sized and costly satellite to be launched. This camera was attached to a rocket which makes it easier to deal with.
The technology itself is not groundbreaking according to the article, but the size and diminished cost to produce definitely is. Despite it's limitations, it shows advances in science that allows us to understand more about the environment around us. It's important to be able to see a large expanse of land, as a person in it wouldn't be capable of seeing everything at once. This method will enable more pictures to the price and effort of launching a satellite.
It's fascinating to see how science is constantly improving, and all the improvements to further understand the world we live in. Hopefully, advances like this will enable people to be able to see more, and understand more, with scientists being able to investigate more trends and issues with a large area, and hopefully aid in helping solve issues and queries they have with the environment.
Currently there are plans on sending another satellite with larger resolution, but the current camera is capable of providing scientists valuable information on sea ice, regardless of day or night, clouds or no.
Response #4 Billions of Plastic Pieces Litter Coral in Asia and Australia
Link to Article
I've always been aware of pollution in oceans, and how huge and expansive the amount of plastic floating in the wide oceans. I also knew of the dying coral reefs, and how people have advocated to save these dying ocean treasures. This is the first time I've seen photographs of trash and debris embedded in coral reefs, littering everything in sight. It was actually shocking and a bit tragic to see how severe the damage was.
The article includes images of plastic bottles being lodged into coral, coral growing from plastic bags, which could gather harmful bacteria and basically magnet for harmful chemicals and bacteria. Plastic also diseases corals that consume it, as sometimes coral eat the plastic that attaches to it. It disgusts me honestly, to see how pollution and garbage in a supposedly natural environment like this, and brings to light how even individual decisions cause catastrophic damage.
If one person litters, and says "Eh, it's just one person. It won't matter.", it may seem just like one piece of trash. But if millions of people think like this, and accumulates over days and weeks, months and years, the amount of garbage that ends up in places that it shouldn't increases drastically. I've been to the river next to my apartment and it's vile, with floating garbage and other bits and pieces that could have been thrown away, instead of tossed in there. It's partially the reason why I've gotten a hand held net, to scoop things out every now and then.
These pictures are both a reminder and a wake up call. We need to care about our environment, but it's a shame that people only care when something pretty, cute, or endearing is at stake. However, we need to still be aware of the actions we take every day, and hopefully can salvage something so the future can be not as dangerously rocky and unsuitable for life.
I've always been aware of pollution in oceans, and how huge and expansive the amount of plastic floating in the wide oceans. I also knew of the dying coral reefs, and how people have advocated to save these dying ocean treasures. This is the first time I've seen photographs of trash and debris embedded in coral reefs, littering everything in sight. It was actually shocking and a bit tragic to see how severe the damage was.
The article includes images of plastic bottles being lodged into coral, coral growing from plastic bags, which could gather harmful bacteria and basically magnet for harmful chemicals and bacteria. Plastic also diseases corals that consume it, as sometimes coral eat the plastic that attaches to it. It disgusts me honestly, to see how pollution and garbage in a supposedly natural environment like this, and brings to light how even individual decisions cause catastrophic damage.
If one person litters, and says "Eh, it's just one person. It won't matter.", it may seem just like one piece of trash. But if millions of people think like this, and accumulates over days and weeks, months and years, the amount of garbage that ends up in places that it shouldn't increases drastically. I've been to the river next to my apartment and it's vile, with floating garbage and other bits and pieces that could have been thrown away, instead of tossed in there. It's partially the reason why I've gotten a hand held net, to scoop things out every now and then.
These pictures are both a reminder and a wake up call. We need to care about our environment, but it's a shame that people only care when something pretty, cute, or endearing is at stake. However, we need to still be aware of the actions we take every day, and hopefully can salvage something so the future can be not as dangerously rocky and unsuitable for life.
Response #3 Doomsday Clock Is Set at 2 Minutes to Midnight, Closest Since 1950s
Link to Article
The concept of the "Doomsday Clock" had always fascinated me, ever since I was made aware of it by a musical album based around it's concept. Titled "Minutes To Midnight", the titled caught my eye and I had further researched on the Doomsday Clock. In this article, it discusses how recently the clock has ticked closer to midnight, a metaphorical way of showing how close humanity is to the apocalypse.
The article discussed how in 2017, the political climate and tension of several decisions by political leaders, and tensions between countries ushered the clock closer to midnight by thirty seconds, the closest it has been since the Cold War in the 1950s. This is very terrifying, and I feel that without the metaphor would be very difficult for many people to visualize how dangerous the situation we are all in right now is.
Similarly how David Suzuki has used metaphors to visualize how severely doomed we are in regards to population control and environmental issues, the Doomsday Clock is very important in teaching others who may not understand things without an efficient accompanying visual to see it. It also shows people who may not realize how their actions effect the state of humanity's survival immediately, and would hopefully be a wake up call and slowly change the way they think. If not, it's sure that the clock will tick closer and closer to midnight.
It also shows how tightly wound humans are with politics and the decisions made by world leaders. It is essential to save our planet, our environment, and our species, to be well aware of how seemingly unrelated things drastically effect eachother.
The concept of the "Doomsday Clock" had always fascinated me, ever since I was made aware of it by a musical album based around it's concept. Titled "Minutes To Midnight", the titled caught my eye and I had further researched on the Doomsday Clock. In this article, it discusses how recently the clock has ticked closer to midnight, a metaphorical way of showing how close humanity is to the apocalypse.
The article discussed how in 2017, the political climate and tension of several decisions by political leaders, and tensions between countries ushered the clock closer to midnight by thirty seconds, the closest it has been since the Cold War in the 1950s. This is very terrifying, and I feel that without the metaphor would be very difficult for many people to visualize how dangerous the situation we are all in right now is.
Similarly how David Suzuki has used metaphors to visualize how severely doomed we are in regards to population control and environmental issues, the Doomsday Clock is very important in teaching others who may not understand things without an efficient accompanying visual to see it. It also shows people who may not realize how their actions effect the state of humanity's survival immediately, and would hopefully be a wake up call and slowly change the way they think. If not, it's sure that the clock will tick closer and closer to midnight.
It also shows how tightly wound humans are with politics and the decisions made by world leaders. It is essential to save our planet, our environment, and our species, to be well aware of how seemingly unrelated things drastically effect eachother.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Response #2: The Parasite on the Playground
This article speaks of a very common parasite problem that is found in playgrounds and easily spreads to children, yet not many doctors are aware of the problem. The parasite when infected children, often leads to cases of lower intelligence (whatever that specifically means), and epilepsy. It's quite fascinating to see a cases of parasites so easily infecting children in the United States, but makes sense when it's found more commonly with children who play in playgrounds, as they often don't wash their hands and tend to put those dirty hands into their mouths.
This parasite, Toxocara, is spread through cats and dogs, which makes sense when the pets who receive regular veterinary care are less likely to carry this parasite in their blood. The simplest solution to solving this problem of the parasite is to have animals treated regularly, and tell your kids to wash their hands. For smaller children who aren't old enough to keep their own hands clean, it's up to their caregivers to wash their hands and teach them healthy habits to prevent the spread of disease.
People seem to not be aware of how dangerous this parasite is, despite it's nonfatal effects. Perhaps it needs to be more well known of the consequences of this parasite's infestation in developing children for parents to be more aware and diligent when watching after their children. After all, people seem to only realize and change when they are faced with actual consequences.
Basically, it's a wake up call to people and young children, remember, wash your hands. Seriously, do it.
Response #1: Finding the Oldest Fossils of Butterflies Using a Human Nose Hair
First, the article title is quite interesting, and caught my attention. Props given where it's due.
I wasn't aware of the dust that coated butterfly wings were actually their scales. Apparently, in order to obtain the fossils of the butterfly scales, these researchers used a probe that was tipped with a human nose hair, which apparently has the perfect shape and springiness to collect butterfly scales. To imagine this is mind boggling, as this sort of specific task must be extremely meticulous to perform. Props given to Mr. van Eldijk, who was tasked with this job.
Using these scales, an important discovery, or potential discovery, was made. It was thought to prior that most ancient insects were to have mandibles, while modern butterflies and moths have a proboscis. As insects that have proboscis have hollow scales, and the scales found in the fossils were also hollow, researchers were able to come to the conclusion that ancient moths and butterflies had proboscis instead of mandibles.
These discoveries are linked to seeing how past insects were involved in pollination processes, and shows how somehow even a tiny scale could help prove an important theory of how the world used to work in the past. It's fascinating to believe that people out there are studying microscopic fossils of butterfly scales, especially using human nose hairs to extract them. I didn't know what I was expecting when I clicked on the article, but I learned something truly interesting from it. Even in the prehistoric eras of Earth, life was fascinating. Learning about the past can surely help us in understanding further how our world works now.
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