Organisms
pharyngula | November 5, 2011There is actually a cat in this video. Notice, though, that it only appears briefly in the beginning, looks bored, and apathetically wanders off screen. Why? Because the rest of the video features something far more exciting and bizarre than a mere cat: it's all about zombie fish, their brains infected with trematode parasites. The cat knows that it cannot compete, unless it goes off and gets its brain tainted with some freaky strange parasite to give it some character.
Another interesting thing about it is that this video is an attempt to get funding for science research. If you feel like…
pharyngula | October 29, 2011This is a level of disgusting a cat can only dream of achieving. hagfish defend themselves and hunt with slime. How do they do that? They wrap themselves around their prey and strangle them in clouds of goo. Awesome!
(Also on FtB)
pharyngula | October 27, 2011Watch the cuttlefish stalking shrimp, cautiously advancing by walking on a couple of arms — it almost looks like a tetrapod for a few moments. And then, finally, the lightning-fast strike. Oh, man, I wish I had a retractable spear built into my face. There are so many occasions when that would come in handy.
(Also on Ftb)
pharyngula | October 26, 2011This is an article about cephalopods and eye evolution, but I have to confess at the beginning that the paper it describes isn't all that interesting. I don't want you to have excessive expectations! I wanted to say a few words about it, though, because it addresses a basic question I get all the time, and while I was at it, I thought I'd mention a few results that set the stage for future studies.
I'm often asked to resolve some confusion: the scientific literature claims that eyes evolved multiple times, but I keep saying that eyes show evidence of common origin. Who is right? Why are you…
pharyngula | October 10, 2011Since I just got back from Texas, it's only fitting to show this beast in a characteristic action pose:
(via National Geographic)
(Also on FtB)
pharyngula | October 8, 2011It's no contest. The sea pig has everything a mere cat lacks: it's cute and adorable, it's pink, and it's got tentacles. Once you've gone holothurian, you'll never go…uh, I'm sure the local poet will be along to provide a catchy rhyme.
(Also on FtB)