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Where Do Chimpanzees Live

Want to know it — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:37:18 +0000

Chimpanzees are members of the great ape family. There are actually two living species of chimpanzees called the Common Chimpanzee and Bonobo. Both species are known for their high level of intelligence and were once used in many animal research projects for this reason. Chimps are of a similar size to humans, but are generally shorter and lighter. If you want to know where these magnificent apes live, keep reading to find out.

Where do chimpanzees live?
Although both chimpanzees can be found in Africa, the territory of the two species of Chimpanzees do not overlap. In fact, the Congo River separates the distribution of the two species. The common chimpanzee is found in sections of West and Central Africa, north of the Congo River. The Bonobo is only found south of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The common chimpanzee is able to adapt to a wide variety of habitats including dry savannah, rainforest, swamp forest and dry woodlands. The Bonobo is less adaptable and is only found in the damp forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Deforestation of these habitats is a threat to both species of chimpanzees.

Did you know?
Chimpanzees are thought to have once had a much larger range in Africa. The most interesting discovery so far is chimpanzee fossils found as far away as Kenya (eastern Africa).

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Why Do Crabs Walk Sideways

Want to know it — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:36:43 +0000

A crab is a crustacean with an exoskeleton. They can live both in water and on land. Crabs have four to six legs and two large pincher claws. They are scavengers and will eat dead plant and animal matter. Crabs are found in all the oceans of the world and there are also approximately 850 species of freshwater crab. Crabs can be found hiding in rocky crevices and even under the sand or mud. When moving, crabs tend to walk sideways rather than forwards or backwards. Have you ever wondered why crabs walk sideways? Read this article to find out.

Why do crabs walk sideways?
Crabs have a very flat, broad body shape, which contributes to the reason that crabs move sideways. Each crab leg has two joints. The top joint or “shoulder” is restricted by the shell across the back of the crab. The crab can use this joint in its leg to move forwards or backwards but it is very slow and time consuming. The second joint on the crab’s leg is not restricted, but does not bend forwards like human knees. These joints move sideways similar to how our elbow moves when held horizontal to the body. This allows the crab to quickly scurry sideways using this leg joint. Moving quickly is of greater advantage to a crab, because they have many predators. It enables them to quickly slip into crevices and holes to protect themselves.

Some species of crab are able to move forwards and backwards at a quicker speed. These crabs are the raninids, Libinia emarginata and Mictyris platycheles. These crabs have a different body shape to most crabs allowing the “shoulder” joint more freedom when moving.

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Why Do Cats Climb Trees

Want to know it — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:26:46 +0000

A cat is a small domesticated animal that are commonly kept as pets. There are many types of cats and they range in size and color. Cats are found almost everywhere in the world and were once thought to have originated in Egypt. However, recent evidence has been found to show that they in fact came from African wildcats. Cats have very quick reflexes and incredible balance and it is well known that a falling cat will almost always land on its feet. Cats are also excellent climbers and will climb many different things. It is a common part of folklore and stories for cats to be rescued from trees by well meaning people. Read on to find out, why cats climb trees?

Why do cats climb trees?
There are a number of reasons that cats climb trees. Firstly cats are predatory animals. This means that they hunt for their food. As a predatory animal, cats climb trees to scope out their environment. From a higher vantage pint cats are able to spot potential prey and dangers. They can use the height to work out the best way to get from where they are to where they want to be. Climbing a tree gives a cat a more complete view of their surroundings. Cats are naturally curious and like to know what is going on in their world. Cats also use the branches of the trees and the foliage as camouflage. Many ground-dwelling prey will not see a cat in a tree. Cats also climb trees when chasing likely prey such as squirrels, possums, birds etc.

Cats also climb trees as a form of self-preservation. Whilst they are a predator, there are much larger predators that are a danger to a cat. They will climb a tree to hide and/or escape from predators as many predators cannot climb. In the wild certain species of cats will sleep in trees to protect themselves from ambush while resting. Some house cats will also sleep in a high place, such as in a tree, to avoid being surprised or attacked whilst sleeping. Cats are also solitary by nature and will climb to be alone and to rest.

Young kittens will climb trees to hone their skills in this area. Climbing helps develop cat’s muscles and enables them to learn important skills such as balance and agility.

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Where do Opossums Live

Want to know it — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:35:22 +0000

Opossums are a marsupials, which means that they are a species that give birth to undeveloped young which then live in the mother’s pouch until fully developed. There are about 100 species of opossums and most are quite small. The largest opossum is slightly larger size of a large cat and the smallest are no bigger than a small mouse. Many species travel in trees, but some are solely ground animals. Their most unique characteristic is their ability to “play possum.” This is an involuntary response when they are threatened and they appear, and smell, dead to deter predators. Let’s take a look at where these unique creatures live.

Where do opossums live?
The most well known species, the Virginia opossum, is found throughout Central America and throughout most of the Eastern United States and along a small strip of the West coast. They have also been found in Canada in recent years and this suggests that their range is expanding. The Virginia opossum is the only species of opossum found in North America. The remaining species are found throughout much of Central and South America. Most have a fairly small distribution, but some species are found over a very wide area.

Opossums frequent a wide variety of habitats and generally stay in an area as long as food and water are available. They will sometime create their own burrows, but most often use a readymade burrow or other safe area instead. They are nocturnal, which means that they like to have a dark safe place during the daylight hours.

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Why Don’t Birds Get Electrocuted On Power Lines

Want to know it — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:26:49 +0000

It is common to see large groups of birds sitting together on power lines. These birds happily hop and jump from one line to another without any indication of discomfort or electrocution. We are aware that if we were to touch or sit on power lines that we would be electrocuted by the current flowing through the line. We are taught to be careful with kites and when cutting down tree branches near power lines. How is it that these birds suffer no ill effects from their time on the power lines? Why don’t birds get electrocuted? Read this article to find out.

Why Don’t Birds Get Electrocuted On Power Lines
The first reason that birds do not get electrocuted when sitting on power lines is because the body of a bird is not a very good electricity conductor. Electricity will run along the path of least resistance. This means that it is easier and faster for the electricity to run along the conductive wires rather than through the bird’s body.

Secondly the bird is not completing a circuit. For a circuit to occur the power must flow through a live cable, which carries the electricity, and return back via a neutral cable. For an object to conduct electricity, and have the electrical current flow through it, it must be connected to both the live and neutral cable. When a bird sits upon the wire it is not touching the other wire creating a circuit. To make sure that the electricity flowing through an electrical item is not fatal, the neutral wire is also connected to a ground. This grounding wire ensures that the electricity is harmlessly transferred from the object to the ground. If a bird touches both wires and the grounding wire it becomes part of the electrical circuit and will be electrocuted. As long as the bird does not make itself part of a circuit it will not be electrocuted.

The following is a clever explanation of why birds do not get electrocuted:

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Why are Fish Slimy

Want to know it — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:27:01 +0000

Fish are a group of animals that are aquatic and have gills to breath oxygen from the water. They come in many different shapes, sizes and varieties and can be found in both fresh and salt water. Fish are cold-blooded and have no digits. Most fish use large fins and a specially shaped tail to navigate through the water. There are approximately 32,000 species of fish around the world.

Why are Fish Slimy?
The majority of fish can be described as being slimy to the touch. Fish secrete a glyco-protein from cells located in the outside layer of the skin. When the glycol-protein comes in contact with water it creates a slimy mucous coating. The primary reason that the fish excretes this mucous is to protect itself from harmful parasites and bacteria. The slimy coat contains enzymes and antibodies that fight off viruses, bacteria and other pathogens before they can enter the body of the fish. When a fish is injured or sustains a cut the slime protects the open wound from becoming infected.

The slimy coating also stops the fish losing important electrolytes and body fluids. It makes it difficult for these to pass from the fish into the surrounding water. A tiny breach in the slime coating can allow this to happen due to osmosis. Fish exchange oxygen with the water through their skin also and the slime coating helps to regulate that reaction.

The slime coating also helps protect the fish from predators. Many fish secrete a toxin along with the glyco-protein. When eaten this may discourage other attacks on the fish. The slime can also be used to form protective cocoons.

Another reason for the slime covering is to make the fish more streamlined to help it swim faster. Some fish produce slime that can feed their young. This is often high in proteins and fats, which helps the young to develop quickly.

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How Do Polar Bears Stay Warm

Want to know it — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:45:00 +0000

Polar bears are found in some of the coldest regions on the planet. Their distribution extends throughout the Arctic Circle where they commonly encounter temperatures below -30 °C (-22 °F) during the winter months. Fortunately, polar bears are able to survive in this environment thanks to some unique characteristics. Let’s take a look at how a polar bear stays warm when the temperature drops below freezing.

How do polar bears stay warm?
Polar bears are insulated to protect them from the cold environment. The first defense against the cold is their fur. They have long oily guard fur which prevents water from penetrating their coat and short fur which is formed into a thick undercoat to keep them warm. Blubber is also an essential ingredient in keeping the polar bear warm. This layer of fat is up to 10 cm thick in certain parts and insulates the animal from the cold. In the winter months the polar bear will create a burrow in the snow to insulate them from the cold. They may also enter a state called winter sleep, similar to hibernation, where the biological processes slow down. This is also thought to help keep the polar bear warm.

Did you know?
Polar bears are so effective at living in cold climates that they begin to overheat when the temperature reaches just 10 °C (50 °F).

It was once thought that the fur that makes up the undercoat was able to conduct light back to the skin, but this has since been found to be untrue.

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Why Are Chimpanzees Endangered

Want to know it — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:03:54 +0000

Chimpanzees are an extremely intelligent animal and member of the great ape family, along with gorillas and orangutans. There are two separate species of chimpanzees that are both found in Africa. The Common Chimpanzee is found in West and Central Africa and the Bonobo is found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The population of chimpanzees has declined significantly and both species are now listed as endangered animals. Let’s take a look at why the existence of this magnificent animal is under threat.

Why are chimpanzees endangered?
Humans are the primary reason that chimpanzees are endangered. The first threat to this animal is habitat loss, usually due to logging, human settlements or infrastructure. It is estimated that 80% of the jungle of Western and Central Africa has been lost. Another reason that the numbers have declined is due to illegal poaching. Poachers illegally kill the chimpanzees for their meat, known in the region as bush meat, and they are also killed by farmers to protect their crops. They are also susceptible to infections, which can be devastating to the population.

There are many conservation efforts underway to protect the chimpanzee. There are many national parks are wildlife reserves designed to protect the animal and their habitat. There are also conservation efforts underway to breed the chimpanzees in captivity to be later released into the wild.

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Why Are Chicken Eggs Different Colors

Want to know it — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:56:37 +0000

Chicken eggs are a popular food throughout much of the world. They are a good source of protein and supply all the essential amino acids. They also contain many important vitamins and minerals. One thing that most people notice about chicken eggs is that the eggshell is not always the same color. Let’s take a look at the reason that chicken eggs are different colors.

Why Are Chicken Eggs Different Colors?
The color of chicken eggs is related to the species of chicken that lays the egg. When an egg is being laid there are pigments deposited as the eggs pass through the oviduct (passageway from the ovaries to the outside of the body). The genetics of the chicken determine the color of these pigments, which leads to the different colored chicken eggs.

The most common eggshell colors are white and brown. However, there are also blue and green chicken eggs available in selected parts of the world. Even though the outside of the eggs may look different, they are identical on the inside. The flavor will also be the same, although this can change due to the diet of the chicken.

Did you know?
The breed of chicken responsible for the blue and green eggs is the Aracuana. This species have also been bred with other chickens to produce a breed called Americauna. This species is also called the “Easter egg chicken,” because it produces multi colored eggs.

It is believed that the original chicken eggs were brown, but the birds were selectively bred to produce whiter eggs.

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Why Do Snakes Shed Their Skins

Want to know it — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:13:30 +0000

Snakes are legless reptiles that are found throughout most of the world. There are approximately 2,900 species of snakes and although only 600 of these are venomous they continue to have a reputation of being dangerous. This is due to the fact that some snakes have been known to cause death to humans. They are also well known for their scaly skin that looks slimy, but feels a bit like leather. Unlike many other animals that shed skin cells and hair, snakes shed all of their skin in one long piece. Let’s take a look at why they do this.

Why do snakes shed their skins?
A snake will shed its skin many times throughout its life. Before this process begins the snake will stop eating and move to a safe place. The skin becomes dry and the inner surface of the skin will liquefy. This separates the old skin from the new skin underneath and it breaks near the mouth. The snake uses something rough to brush up against and literally crawls out of the old skin!

Snakes shed their skin for a variety of different reasons. The first reason is to replace the old skin that gets worn out and damaged. The second reason is to remove parasites attached to the skin such as ticks and mites. It is also widely believed that snakes shed their skin when they are growing, but some experts do not longer agree with this. A young snake will shed its skin between 4-8 times per year and an older snake usually sheds 2-4 times per year.

Did you know?
At times this molting process can cause problems for the snake. If they shed when the skin is too dry the leftover skin can remain attached to the snake. This is a problem because parasites and diseases are can often be found or breed in old skin. If a section of old skin is not removed it can actually cut off the blood flow, which can cause many problems.

It is possible for an expert to identify a snake by the skin that it sheds.

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