Articles for author: Maria Faith Saligumba

Southern Quahog

Why Rhode Island’s Quahogs Have More Personality Than You’d Expect

Have you ever looked at a pile of clams and wondered if they’re hiding secrets beneath their shells? In the briny waters of Rhode Island, the humble quahog—yes, that thick-shelled clam beloved in chowder—has a story that’s rich with surprises. These seemingly silent creatures are bursting with quirks, unexpected behaviors, and a resilience that puts ...

Blue Ring Octopus

This Tiny Marine Creature Has the Most Powerful Toxin Known to Science

Imagine swimming in crystal-clear tropical waters, marveling at the vibrant marine life swirling around you. Suddenly, hidden among the coral and sand, a small, beautifully patterned creature catches your eye. It looks harmless—almost enchanting. Yet, this tiny animal is armed with a toxin so potent that it surpasses every other venom known to science. The ...

gray rhino digital wallpaper

Brontotheres: Rhino-Like Giants With Thunderous Footsteps

Imagine a world where the ground shakes under the weight of colossal beasts, their shadows stretching across ancient floodplains. Over 30 million years ago, such creatures truly existed—and among them, the brontotheres reigned supreme. These spectacular, rhino-like mammals were not just giants in size but icons of a vanished era. With their bizarre, forked horns ...

A Highland cow

Scotland’s Highland Cows Are Just Hairy Tanks With Attitude

Thick fog rolls across the Scottish hills, and suddenly, a set of wide, curved horns appears—followed by a shaggy, ginger mane and an unblinking stare that radiates ancient wisdom and a touch of mischief. Meet the Highland cow, or “Heilan coo” in Scots: a beast so iconic it almost feels mythical. Famous for their long, ...

Blue DNA double helix structure on a blurred background

How Epigenetics Influences Animal Behavior and Evolution

To comprehend how epigenetics influences animal behavior and evolution, we must first understand what epigenetics entails. Epigenetics refers to the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes are often regulated through chemical modifications that “turn on” or “turn off” genes, impacting how genes function ...