Articles for category: Animal Behavior, Biology & Genetics, Ecology

Ambystoma mexicanum

8 Animals With Unique Genetic Traits You Won’t Believe Exist

Jan Otte

Each species harbors unique genetic traits that have evolved over millions of years in the vast tapestry of life on Earth. Some traits, however, are so extraordinary that they challenge our understanding of biology and evolution. This article delves into eight animals with genetic characteristics that will astonish you, showcasing the wondrous diversity of life ...

school of fish beside coral

The Relationship Between Global Warming and Coral Bleaching

Maria Faith Saligumba

Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea” due to their immense biodiversity. These underwater ecosystems are built by tiny animals called coral polyps, which form symbiotic relationships with algae known as zooxanthellae. The algae are crucial for coral health, providing nutrients through photosynthesis. Coral reefs not only support a wide ...

Drosophila fly

Drunk Drosophila: Why Fruit Flies Love Happy Hour Too

Maria Faith Saligumba

Picture this: you’re enjoying a warm summer evening with friends, sipping a cool drink, and suddenly, a tiny fruit fly dives straight into your glass. It’s not just after your fruit salad—these little party crashers are after something far more intoxicating. Believe it or not, fruit flies have a real taste for alcohol, and their ...

Sacculina carcini.

This Parasitic Barnacle Castrates Crabs and Then Controls Their Bodies

Trizzy Orozco

Picture a world where a tiny invader slips quietly into another creature’s body, hijacks its mind, and takes over its life in ways that seem almost supernatural. This isn’t the plot of a sci-fi thriller—it’s the shocking reality for thousands of crabs living along coastlines worldwide. Their tormentor? A parasitic barnacle named Sacculina, whose twisted ...

a white butterfly sitting on top of a red flower

How Symbiosis Plays a Role in Evolution and Species Survival

Maria Faith Saligumba

Symbiosis is a fascinating interaction between different biological species that live closely together, often adding value to each other’s lives. These interactions are crucial for survival, adaptation, and evolution. Symbiotic relationships can be classified mainly into three types: mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. In mutualism, both species benefit; in commensalism, one benefits without harming the other; ...

Black Dog Turns White

Solid Black Dog Turns White Due to Rare Genetic Condition

Linnea H, BSc Sociology

Discover the incredible story of Buster, a black dog from Oklahoma who turned completely white due to vitiligo. Buster’s Unexpected Transformation Buster is a cute four-year-old dog from Oklahoma. But he has undergone a surprising change that has caught the attention of many.  He was initially recognized for his solid black coat. But as time ...

Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops).

The Birds in Italy That Drop Stinky Bombs as a Defense Strategy

Trizzy Orozco

Have you ever imagined walking through a sun-drenched Italian countryside only to suddenly be hit by a foul, unexpected smell from above? It’s not just your imagination—Italy is home to some remarkable birds that have mastered the art of dropping stinky “bombs” as their ultimate defense strategy. These birds have turned the act of repelling ...

Scientist wearing face mask and goggles examining samples through a microscope in a lab.

The Role of Genetic Engineering in Conservation: Cloning and the Future of Extinct Species

Annette Uy

Genetic engineering, a frontier in modern science, is increasingly playing a vital role in conservation efforts worldwide. As the diversity of life on Earth faces unprecedented threats from human activities and climate change, scientists are turning to innovative techniques to preserve species. These techniques include cloning and resurrecting extinct species, ventures that bridge the realms ...