What colour do you think Polar bear fur is? That might seem like a silly question but the answer might surprise you. HINT: it’s not white! Polar bear fur is actually clear! That’s right! CLEAR!
But if the Polar bear’s skin is black, how come they don’t look black in colour? Well, each of the longer guard hairs on the Polar bear’s body is hollow and reflects visible light, much like snow. So when the sun is shining brightly, Polar bears appear bright white.
This polar bear has algae growing in its hair. Photo Credit: Steven Pierson
Since these hairs are hollow, the Polar bears’ diet and environment can affect their colour. Polar bears whose diet has a lot of seals in it can look light yellow because of the seal oils. Polar bears that live in warmer climates (like in zoos) can have algae growing in their hair, which can make them look green! Don’t worry, being green doesn’t cause the Polar bear any harm and a bath with special salt solution turns them white again.
Join Earth Ranger Emma as she travels the world on a quest to solve some of nature’s greatest mysteries! With top ten countdowns, animal guessing games and epic animal showdowns, this is a journey you won’t want to miss!
Living way down south, past the tropical parts of the globe and deep in the freezing cold waters of Antarctica, are some pretty amazing fish. Temperatures of -1.8°C should be enough to freeze a fish, but species in Antarctica avoid this fate of becoming a fish-icicle. These fish have an antifreeze protein, called antifreeze glycoprotein (or AFGP) that prevents their body fluids from freezing. These natural antifreeze proteins are not only fascinating because they help fish live in icy waters they could also help humans tackle the tough challenge of frost burnt frozen food. But don’t go running to the frozen food section of the grocery store just yet, there is still a lot more research that needs to be done before you can find fish antifreeze protein in your ice cream!
During the cold winter months many of Canada’s birds travel south to warmer climates – many, but not all…There are some birds that stay right where they are, surviving through the bitter cold and gusty winds of the great Canadian winter! The Gray Jay is one of these incredible birds that stick around all year long.
Photo Credit: Dan Strickland
Gray Jays laugh in the face of winter. Not only do they stay in the boreal forest throughout the year, they actually start to breed during February, when temperatures are below freezing.
But how can they survive in temperatures that other birds fly far to get away from? That’s where the trees save the day; the forest helps this bird thrive throughout the winter. During the summer and fall, Gray Jays stock up on berries, fungi, insects and other bird snacks and hide them in tree crevices throughout the forest. Then, when winter comes around, Gray Jays have lots of food to eat. Coniferous trees are the best because they have special antibacterial properties that make food last longer.
The boreal forest is important for tons of different animals that call this area home. Now that you know Gray Jays use these trees as their personal refrigerator we have another great reason to protect this forest.
If you’ve ever seen a starfish up close, you might think they are pretty harmless. How could something that moves so slowly be a danger to humans? But before you go thinking that all starfish are friendly you should meet the crown-of-thorns. This starfish’s sharp venomous spikes are enough to make anyone a little scared.
Along the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific Ocean lives the second largest starfish in the world. The crown-of-thorns starfish can grow over a meter across and can have between 7 to 23 arms. The venomous spikes that grow all over the crown-of-thorns’ body can reach up to 5cm long, which sounds awful painful for anyone that might accidentally step on one, ouch!
Crown-of-thorns starfish population has exploded and can be devastating to coral reefs. There are 6 present in this photo. Photo Credit: Aeysea
Other than humans, these starfish can also be pretty destructive to coral. Crown-of-thorns starfish like to munch on coral polyps, the individual organisms that make up coral and coral reefs. Normally, these starfish live in balance with the coral reef but human impact has dramatically reduced the crown-of-thorns’ natural predators, causing the starfish’s populations to explode. Since they eat the coral faster than it can grow, they can be very harmful for the entire coral reef ecosystem.
Bleached coral killed by crown-of-thorns starfish. Photo Credit: Derekkeats
Have you ever wondered how geckos can walk on windows and other smooth vertical surfaces without falling victim to the forces of gravity? Well for these reptiles, it all has to do with the design of their feet!
Seta on a gecko's foot. Photo Credit: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen
Gecko feet are designed to stick to things. They have millions of teeny tiny hairs on their feet called setae. On each of these hairs there are hundreds of thousands of pads called spatulae that stick to surfaces. Although it might surprise you, these pads are not suction cups. Geckos are able to stick to these smooth surfaces because of something known as Van der Waals forces. A Van der Waals force is a relatively weak electrical-like force similar to the electrostatic you see when you take warm clothes out of a dryer without fabric softener and everything sticks together. They are also the reason that individual water molecules stick together in a glass of water. Each of the gecko’s spatulae is able to stick to the surface by brushing along a surface and creating a bond, which is broken when the gecko decides to take its next step. Because there are SO MANY spatulae on a gecko’s feet, this bond is 1000x stronger than what is needed to hold its weight. All these spatulae is the secret behind a gecko’s ability to hang upside down using one foot.
These amazing little setae and spatulae have got inventors’ minds going. It is the inspiration for a new tape being tested, called Gecko Tape. This tape creates a stronger, tighter seal than any other tape. Who knows? Maybe one day you will be able to hang from the ceiling, just like a Gecko!
Put away the jack-o-lantern carving and the spooktacular costume planning for a second because it is time for a very special Top Ten. This countdown is filled with plants that put the orange, black, freaky and frightening back into Halloween.
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
Deadly Nightshade. Photo Credit: wildlifegardena
Fact: This plant is a member of the same family as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and peppers. This may not seem like a scary family of plants but the Deadly Nightshade also has some very poisonous relatives like Herbane, Jimsonweed and European Mandrake.
How it reminds us of Halloween: In the Middle Ages, Deadly Nightshade was believed to be the devil’s favourite plant. Witches and Sorcerers would use the plant’s juices in many of their ointments and brews. Even though this plant has been used in medicine be sure to stay away, it is so toxic that even touching it can poison you!
Claire Kowalchik, William H. Hylton and Anna Carr Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, Inc., 1987: 158-159
Devil’s Claw (Proboscidea louisianica)
Devil's Claws Seed Pods. Photo Credit: Susan E AdamsDevil's Claws. Photo Credit: Kibuyu
Fact: This plant shares its scientific name with an unlikely species– proboscidea is also an order of elephants! Proboscidea comes from the word proboscis, which means trunk or horn.
How it reminds us of Halloween: As this plant matures, its seed pods dry out and turn grey or brown. Eventually the pods split down the middle and begin to look like sharp hooks (or horns). Imagine having one of those stuck to you. Scary! Plus, it probably doesn’t help that it’s named after the devil…
Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross, Bizarre Botanicals. Portland, OR: Timber Press, Inc., 2010: 184-185
Wolfsbane (Aconitum)
Wolfsbane. Photo Credit: Randi Hausken
Fact: Some wolfsbane species are used in traditional medicines, while others are extremely toxic and can be deadly.
How it reminds us of Halloween: Wolfsbane has long been associated with werewolves. In most stories, wolfsbane has been known to keep werewolves away. However, if you ask the writer of Harry Potter, it also prevents a person from turning into a werewolf during a full moon. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=100300
Purple Devil (Solanum atropurpureum)
Purple Devil. Photo Credit: Carstor
Fact: This relative of the Deadly Nightshade makes a very good barrier hedge. It’s not a big surprise that if you plant a few purple devils around your yard, unwanted visitors will stay away!
How it reminds us of Halloween: What’s Halloween without a few spikes? The sight of the Purple Devil’s deadly spikes would certainly make us jump in the night.
Scott D. Appell Brooklyn Botanic Garden All-Region Guides: Annuals for Every Garden. Brooklyn, NY: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Inc., 2003: Page 35
Chinese Lanterns (Physalis alkekengi)
Young Chinese Lantern. Photo Credit: H ZellMature Chinese Lantern. Photo Credit: Rasbak
Fact: Chinese Lanterns produce edible berries, which have been used in medicine to reduce fevers.
How it reminds us of Halloween: The bright orange berries of the Chinese Lanterns are protected by an orange covering that looks a little like a pumpkin. Once this cover begins to waste away it leaves behind a skeleton that looks like a spooky cage trapping the berry. http://eol.org/pages/581063/details
Cockscomb (Celosia cristata)
Cockscomb. Photo Credit: Liz West
Fact: Although all members of the Celosia genus have fuzzy flowers, the waviness of the cockscomb’s flowers is pretty unique. It is caused by fasciation, which develops due to infections, certain insects or growing mutations. This isn’t just a cockscomb’s problem – any other plant can develop this way.
How it reminds us of Halloween: It may be just us, but this flowering plant looks a lot like a fuzzy brain, especially when the flower is yellow. This plant would make a perfect treat for Zombies. Yum! Brains!
Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross, Bizarre Botanicals. Portland, OR: Timber Press, Inc., 2010: 172-173
H. Peter Loewer, Jefferson’s Garden. Mechanicburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2004: Page 63
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
Silhouette of Witch Hazel. Photo Credit: BelgianchocolateWitch Hazel. Photo Credit: London Looks
Fact: Not only is this plant interesting because it blooms in the fall, it also has some pretty cool seed pods. When the seeds are ready, the pods pop and the seeds shoot outwards. In fact, this pop is so powerful that you can actually hear it!
How it reminds us of Halloween: Witch Hazel plants produce thin yellow petals that look wild and stringy. Take a look at its silhouette and you’ll know what we mean. Very creepy! http://eol.org/pages/589817/details
Doll’s eyes (Actaea pachypoda)
Doll's Eyes. Photo Credit: beautifulcatayaClose up of Doll's Eyes. Photo Credit: Diane Cordell
Fact: This plant is pretty toxic so most herbivores avoid them. However, birds appear to be immune. By carrying the berries, birds help spread the Doll’s eyes’ seeds to new places.
How it reminds us of Halloween: This plant is named after its white berries, which look like old-fashioned china doll eyes. Sure, they are berries, but we wouldn’t want to be walking alone in a forest filled with doll’s eyes on a scary night. Hundreds of little eyes watching you? Ah…no thank you! http://eol.org/pages/595010/details
Fact: Dracula orchids smell like mushrooms and look a little like them too (the “tongue”). This is done on purpose to trick fruit flies that pollinate mushrooms into pollinating them as well.
Fact: This plant has a symbiotic (both benefit) or parasitic (Ghost plant benefits at the other’s expense) relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. It can only exist where this fungi is present, which makes it very difficult to grow in gardens.
How it reminds us of Halloween: This plant’s name is very fitting. Not only are Ghost plants white but they also live in the dark. Unlike most plants, they don’t rely on light (photosynthesis) to grow. All that time in the dark is awfully ghostly. http://eol.org/pages/583541/details
EXTRA Octopus Stinkhorn (Clathrus archeri)
Octopus Stinkhorn. Photo Credit: Francois Van der Biest
Yes, yes, yes, we know – this is a fungus and doesn’t belong on a plant list. But that’s why it’s a bonus. Fact: According to some brave souls, the Octopus Stinkhorn is edible in its egg stage. However, it is not something we would recommend. Apparently, the taste and texture isn’t really appealing.
How it reminds us of Halloween: The octopus stinkhorn looks like something out of a horror tale. It “hatches” from eggs and grows four to eight tentacles. On top of that, it has a stinky gleba (flesh) that smells like decaying flesh…gross. http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Clathrus-archeri.htm
Have you stumbled across other spooky plants? Tell us about it in the comments section and let us know why this plant reminds you of Halloween.
If you come across a young Bleeding Tooth fungus (Hydnellum peckii) you might be surprised by its appearance. Oozing out of pores on the top of this fungus is a gooey red liquid. Although you may think it has been damaged or hurt, don’t worry because it isn’t really bleeding.
Young Bleeding Tooth Fungus. Photo Credit: Alan RockefellerMature Bleeding Tooth Fungus. Photo Credit: Ryane Snow
The red liquid that seeps out of the top of the Bleeding Tooth fungus is perfectly normal. This red sap emerges from the fungus because of high root pressure, something known as guttation. As the fungus grows older, the pressure eases and the Bleeding Tooth fungus will turn brown.
There are over 150 species of Sundews (Drosera) found around the world. These plants typically live in bogs and they have a special quality that makes them OMG worthy: they are carnivorous.
Close up of the hairs on a round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). Photo Credit: Petr Dlouhý
Sundews live off the insects that they trap in their hairs. These long hairs produce sticky goo that when an insect touches them, it will get stuck! Once the plant senses that it has trapped some prey, it rolls up the edges of its leaves and slowly releases digestive juices. The insect starts to decompose and the Sundew gets a tasty snack.
On average, whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are 7m, but some have been recorded as long as 20m (that’s over 65ft long). They have 300 tiny teeth and can open their mouths almost as wide as their bodies.
Whale Shark. Photo Credit: Justin HenryInside this giant mouth, there are about 300 tiny teeth. Photo Credit: KAZ2.0
Don’t let its size scare you! These sharks are one of three species of filter feeding sharks. This means they don’t go after humans, just plankton, jellyfish, and small fish.
We are off from the Grassland’s flat fields and heading to our final stop on this Biome tour and boy is it ever wet and salty here!
The Marine Biome contains all water bodies not included in the Freshwater Biome. These bodies of water have a salt concentration higher than 1%. As you probably guessed, this is a lot of water! In fact, it covers about ¾ of the Earth’s surface. Although all of this water is salty there are still tons of differences between them. Some Marine areas can be shallow like the coral reefs, deep like the oceans, or link freshwater to the ocean, which are called estuaries.
The Marine Biome is vital to the health of species in many other biomes – evaporation of its waters produces rain and much of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed by this biome’s marine algae.
RED Fire Shrimp or Blood Shrimp (Lysmata debelius)
Fire Shrimp. Photo Credit: Haplochromis
Details: What colour comes to mind with the words “fire” and “blood”? RED! Oh boy is this shrimp red! White is the only other colour found on its body, which is located on four pairs of polka dots, its legs and antennae.
My Hood: This shrimp is found in the Indo-Pacific Oceans from Japan to the Maldives and the Society Islands. You can find it at depths of 20m and below, but look carefully because it might be hiding.
How I fit in: A fire shrimp forms bonds with members of its species. They and can even tell these individuals apart from other Fire Shrimps. When they need to, they will defend their territory but generally they aren’t very aggressive. In fact, they aren’t just friendly to small fish, they are actually important for their health. The shrimp eats the parasites and dead tissue from the fish. The fish is cleaned and the fire shrimp has a tasty snack!
Helmut Debelius and Hans A. Baensch, Marine Atlas: The Joint Aquarium Care of Invertebrates and Tropical Marine Fishes. Brighton: Steven Simpson Books, 1994: Page 474
John H. Tullock, Clownfishes and Sea Anemones. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series, 1998: Page 59
John H. Tullock, Bring Me Home! Saltwater Aquariums Make a Great Hobby. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing Inc., 2006: Page 123
J Emmett Duffy and Martin Thiel, Evolutionary Ecology of Social and Sexual Systems: Crustaceans as Model Orangisms. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2007: Page 133
ORANGE Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Ocellaris Clownfish. Photo Credit: Metatron
Details: Ocellaris Clownfish grow up to 110mm long and have three white bands that wrap around their body. They usually range in colour from orange to reddish-brown, but some, found in Northern Australia, are black. Due to their similar appearances, Ocellaris is often confused with the True Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) but there are some differences. The Ocellaris has thinner black lines, more dorsal spines, and bigger eyes than their cousins.
Ocellaris Clownfish being protected by Heteractis magnifica. Photo Credit: Nick Hobgood
My Hood: In the coral reefs and lagoons of Asia and Australia. They are found close to three species of anemones: Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantean, and Stichodactyla mertensii.
How I fit in: Ocellaris choose to make their homes in anemones and develop immunity to its stings by rubbing their bellies and fins on the anemone’s tentacles. These clownfish are in a symbiotic relationship with the anemones, which means that both species benefit. Ocellaris receive shelter and protection for their nests, while anemones thrive when they have a host fish, like Ocellaris.
YELLOW Leafy Seadragon or Glauert’s seadragon (Phycodurus eques)
Leafy Seadragon
Details: Leafy Seadragons have long toothless snouts, hard boney plates surrounding their bodies, and usually measure 30-35cm. Their colours vary with location, diet, and age. Those living in shallow water are yellow-brown to green, while those found in deep water are dark brown to red.
My Hood: They live in the clear waters off Australia’s southern coast in areas with low light and lots of vegetation.
How I fit in: With leafy appendages and slow movements, this seadragon blends perfectly into seaweed beds, allowing it to hunt undetected. Since it doesn’t have a stomach or teeth, it is constantly searching for food. When prey is spotted, these seadragons suck them up, eating it whole by expanding its lower jaw. If camouflage fails and predators spot them, they can use their sharp spines as a defense.
GREEN Sailors’ Eyeballs or Bubble Algae (Valonia ventricosa)
Sailors’ Eyeballs. Photo Credit: Kin0be
Details: Sailors’ Eyeballs are round, dark green and one of the largest single celled creatures in the world. Their size varies with location: from the size of a grape in Florida to a small hen’s egg in the West Indies.
My Hood: They can be found in most shallow salt waters around the world. They grow on rocks and ledges, but will often break loose and wash up on beaches.
How I fit in: It may be hard to see them at first, they can be very small and dormant, but once they start growing, they can pop up all over the place. Better think twice before attempting to remove them because they can burst very easily, shooting out thousands of spores through the water and spreading more algae. This can be bad for the ecosystems because these algae can outgrow the native organisms, like coral, and cause them to die.
Charles James Hillson, Seaweeds: A Color-Coded, Illustrated Guide to Common Marine Plants of the East Coast of the United States. Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania State University, 1977: Page 62
Douglas G. Capone, Nitrogen in the Marine Environment. Burlington MA: Elsevier Inc., 2008: Click here!
BLUE Regal Tang or Palette Surgeonfish (Paracanthurus hepatus)
Regal Tang. Photo Credit: Marcin Lachowicz
Details: Regal Tangs can measure 12-38cm but usually they are 25-31cm. They have vibrant blue bodies accented with dark stripes and yellow tails.
My Hood: They are native to reefs with swift currents in the Indian and Pacific oceans, but have been introduced elsewhere.
How I fit in: When they are threatened, Regal Tangs hide between the branches of Cauliflower Corals. If they are spotted, they lie on their side hoping that predators will mistake them for a dead fish. If this still doesn’t work, they have sharp toxic spines that they can use against their predators. It also helps that Regal Tangs like to hang out as a group so when one is under attack they will all come together for protection. Regal Tangs also provide a service for other fish. When they are stressed, the blue on their body becomes darker, informing everyone around them that danger is near!
California Purple Sea Urchin. Photo Credit: David Monniaux
Details: Purple Sea Urchins are green when they are young and turn purple with age. They have a round inner shell covered with pincers, large spines and tube feet. Their feet not only allow them to move, they also use them for breathing because urchins don’t have gills or lungs. Adults can grow up to 7cm across.
My Hood: These urchins live close to the shore from Vancouver Island to Isla Cedra Baja California.
How I fit in: Purple sea urchins protect themselves from predators by hiding under shells, rocks and algae. If they are spotted, they can defend themselves with pincers or by make an escape to a safer place. When it is time for the Urchin to eat, they capture food by creating water currents using their tiny hairs. Too many urchins in one spot can be detrimental to an area’s vegetation – they can destroy entire kelp forests. However, their presence isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When water is polluted, they show signs quickly, allowing people to clean it up and prevent other species from getting sick.
Missed one of the articles or just want to explore them again? Check out the types of biomes for the full list.
With this, our exploration into the world of biomes and its colourful species has come to an end. But fear not! If you found this topic interesting, check out Earth Rangers’ Daily Dose of Biodiversity Basics. There are enough biodiversity facts to satisfy even the hungriest of environmental minds!
