Insect

Over the past century, the human population has been exponentially growing and developing past 7 billion people. During this time period, many scientific advancements have been achieved. One of the less popular successes of the twenty first century include the concept of robotic bees. While at first bees may not appear to be of major concern, statistics and research studies tend to dictate otherwise. According to Crystal Ponti, whom is a science, technology and health reporter, “last year, the U…

Drosophila melanogaster has been studied in genetic research laboratories for almost a century. Because the fruit fly has a short lifespan, a simple genome, and is easily made to reproduce in captivity it is a prime candidate for genetic research. (Patterson, et al., 1943) The major behavioral response noted in the fruit flies is that they tended to group together in clusters, as opposed to venturing off on their own into different sectors. D. melanogaster are attracted to food and will mate…

Today’s Snakes Travel Like FedEx & UPS!! (Fly, Walk, & Deliver) Snakes are found throughout the world except Antarctica, Iceland, Ireland, Greenland and New Zealand. Most snakes are found in tropical regions. Often observed flicking its tongue, snakes use their forked tongue to smell the air. Snakes are ectotherms, meaning they must regulate their body temperature externally by sunning themselves or retreating to cool, shaded areas. Venomous snakes…

In James Serpell’s book, In the Company of Animals, chapter 2 “A cuckoo in the nest” argues that pets are not parasites, but rather live in a symbiotic relationship with their owners. Serpell starts his argument by talking about the parasitic relationship between the Atemeles beetles and ants. Through various bodily functions, the Atemeles beetles can find their way into the highly defensive ant colony. When they have successfully infiltrated the colony, they begin their attack without being…

Argas persicus are vectors for Avian Spirochetosis as they carry the causative agent Borellia anserina. These soft ticks spend most of their time hidden in tight spaces (ex. crevices of buildings or caves) close to their hosts- various types of birds including turkey and chickens. Commercial hens are kept in suspended cages (Walker) they do not come in contact with substrate where soft ticks develop (the engorged female tick lays eggs on the ground, still commonly in cracks and crevices). Thus…

What Females Want To a female barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), darker colors on the males will be the preferred mate choice. Females judge males by their reddish colored breast and belly feathers. The reddish feathers indicate a males quality, health, their ability to raise young, and is linked to a signal of high testosterone. Kevin McGraw, Cornell Ph.D. an assistant professor at Arizona State University in Tempe. Conducted studies of barns wallows finding that "Factors like ultra violet…

The authors of this paper recognized a lack of literature on the indirect effect predators have on prey, and pondered that this perceived risk might have a greater influence on prey behavior and life history than direct predation. By consistently removing any possibility for potential predators to reach the nests of a population of song sparrows, as well as playing recordings of potential predators, the authors reported a 40% decrease in the number of offspring produced. They also report a…

When we look into deforestation, There are people who could care less about the animals and creatures living inside it. With each tree cut down is equal to that if we were to kick an innocent family out of their homes. As we chop more trees for our production, we cause more pain to our own environment. The wood we burn releases toxins into the air that pollutes and destroys the ozone layer. As unfortunate as it is, Some Humans, Just don't care about other lives in the world, where they believe…

Have you ever wondered how Monarch butterflies are able to migrate from Canada to Mexico. To give you an idea they migrate 2,500 miles. Well today I am going to be explaining their life cycle. I am also going to be explaining how they are able to migrate. Did you know that it takes 4 generations of the butterflies to get back down to Mexico? Well without further ado here is my report. A butterfly has a very interesting life cycle. First they start out as an egg. But once they hatch from…

Have you ever sat in a garden, just watching all the bystanders around you? Maybe you are glazing at the flowers, or even the grass. Then, something magical occurs a butterfly lands as if it just traveled the world. There are many ways you can look at this photograph. The enchantment of this photo can be look at by color, the meaning, and what this photo symbolizes. First, the meaning of this picture can spark different thoughts in your mind. For example, maybe you are thinking of yourself or…