Birds aren’t usually the first animal that people think about when they think about smart animals. In English, calling someone birdbrained means that they are stupid. And saying something is ‘for the birds’ means that it’s trivial or worthless. However, these expressions couldn’t be more off base. Some birds, particularly crows, can be amazingly smart. In fact, their problem-solving abilities are as good as those of a seven-year-old child.
Tongue Twister
Have you ever heard of a tongue twister? Tongue twisters are English sentences that are designed to be hard to say. Try saying this five times fast: She sells seashells on the seashore. Any native English speaker will have learned this tongue twister as a child, but what many people don’t know is that it is based on a real person. Who is this woman who sells seashells on the seashore? It’s Mary Anning, the unsung hero of modern Paleontology.
Smell Of Death
When Oscar the cat visits with a patient, everyone knows that death is near. Oscar was adopted as a kitten by the Steere House Nursing Center in Providence, Rhode Island. He has the mysterious ability to predict death among the patients.
What Separates Humans From Animals?
What separates humans from animals? The more we research animal intelligence and behavior, the more we see that we are not so different. At one time, communication was thought to be the main differentiator, but research into chimpanzees, dolphins, and even prairie dogs has found that these animals are also capable of complex communication.
Nature Is A Guide
In Venezuela, where the Catatumbo River meets Lake Maracaibo, there is a lightning storm that seems to never end. For about 300 days each year, cloud to cloud lightning strikes up to 280 times per hour. Even when the weather in surrounding areas is excellent, there is often a storm over this lake. Locals say the lightning is visible from up to 400 km away. The storm is more than just a curious natural phenomenon, though, because ships have been using it to help them navigate for ages.
Grieving Animals
While it is hard to say what she truly felt, Tahlequah the killer whale appeared heartbroken when her calf died soon after being born. As any mother would, she took it hard, and could not let go. Tahlequah carried her child’s body for 1,000 miles over 17 days before finally letting her go.
The Earth Is Growing
We think of islands as being fixed in size, but some do grow. On the Big Island of Hawaii, Kilauea volcano erupted almost continuously from 1983 to 2018. For 35 years, lava poured out, and some of it reached the ocean, which caused the island to grow fresh land. Between 1983 and 2002, the island’s landmass grew by 542 acres.
That Prairie Dog Thinks You’re Fat!
Has anyone ever told you, you could stand to lose some weight? Or maybe people have told you you’re as thin as a rail. Either way, it might not just be other people judging you on your looks. Prairie dogs have a complex language, and they are not only talking about people, but also calling them fat, skinny, tall, or short.
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