Top Ten Unusual Sharks

Earth Rangers

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January 11, 2012

When someone says the word “SHARK” most people think of a massive, grey, toothy, underwater animal; basically they are imagining a Great White. In fact sharks come in all shapes, sizes and even colours! That’s why we’ve made a top ten list with some of the planet’s most amazing sharks, featuring everything from hammerheads to species with horns, saws and even frills.

Angel Sharks (Squatina squatina)

Angelshark, Squatina squatina — Angel sharks easily blend into the rocks. Photo Credit: Philippe Guillaume

Location: North-eastern Atlantic

Size: up to 2.4m (3 feet 11 inches)

Status: Critically Endangered

What makes it unique? Their flat, wide bodies!

These sharks look more like a ray than a member of its own species. They have large flat bodies with big pectoral fins. This shape allows them to hide under mud or sand and wait for prey to come close. When it is the perfect time, these sharks shoot out of their hiding spot and catch their lunch.

http://www.arkive.org/angel-shark/squatina-squatina/

Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci)

Location: Along the Western Coasts of the Americas

Size: Around 1.2m

Status: Not Yet Evaluated

What makes it unique? The two large spines on their backs!

If a predator attempts to gobble up one of these sharks, it is certainly in for a surprise. As the predator bites down, the spines on the Horn shark’s back will stick into the predator’s mouth and the Horn shark can make its get away.

http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/39333/0

Great Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna mokarran)

Great Hammerhead, Sphyrna mokarran — Photo Credit: Angel Shark

Location: In most of the world’s oceans

Size: up to 6.1m, making them the largest of the Hammerhead species (20 feet)

Status: Endangered

What makes it unique? Their heads!

It is easy to spot a Hammerhead because their heads are, well, shaped like a hammer. Their eyes are placed on either side of the hammer which allows them to see a much larger area than other sharks. Once they’ve spotted their prey of choice, stingrays, they use their heads to pin them down so they can’t get away.

http://www.arkive.org/great-hammerhead/sphyrna-mokarran/

Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus)

Location: Arctic to temperate oceans of the world

Size: Basking Sharks are the second largest living fish in the world reaching 11m (36 feet!)

Status: Vulnerable to Endangered

What makes it unique? The way they eat!

There are three species of filter feeding sharks (Whale shark, Basking shark, and the Megamouth shark) but Basking sharks are unique among them. Where the other two suck in water and filter to collect their prey, Basking sharks leave their mouths open as they swim, filtering water passively.

http://www.baskingsharks.org

Sawshark (Pristiophoriformes)

Japanese sawshark, pristiophorus japonicus — Japanese Sawshark. Photo Credit: Opencage

Shortnose sawshark, pristiophorus_nudipinnis — Shortnose sawshark

Location: Indo-pacific and Atlantic oceans

Size: Can grow to 1.5m long (about 5 feet)

Status: Least concern to Near Threatened

What makes it unique? Their snouts!

Their snouts are long and lined with teeth which they use to slash their prey. About half way down their snouts are very sensitive catfish-like whiskers called barbels that Sawsharks use to find prey hiding out on the bottom of the sea floor.

Interesting fact: There is only one other fish that has long blade-like snouts: the saw fish. These two fish look very similar but you can tell the difference because sawsharks have barbels and the saw fish does not.

http://www.sharksavers.org/en/education/shark-species-introduction/46-sawsharks-order-pristiophoriformes.html

Common Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus)

Location: Temperate Oceans

Size: About 6m (about 19 feet and 8 inches)

Status: Vulnerable

What makes it unique? Their tails!

These sharks are big! But what makes them so big is the fact that about half of their size is made up by their tail. They use it as a whip to disorient, stun and even kill their prey!

http://www.arkive.org/thresher-shark/alopias-vulpinus/image-G27207.html

Wobbegong or Carpet Sharks (Orectolobidae)

wobbegong, Orectolobidae — Spotted Wobbegong. Photo Credit: Richard Ling

Location: In the Indo-Pacific Ocean

Size: 1.8-2.4m (6-8 feet)

Status: From Least Concern to Near Threatened

What makes it unique? Their appearance and the way they catch their food!

When Wobbegongs lay on the sea floor they look just like seaweed-covered rocks, which comes in handy for catching food. They lay still, waiting for some prey to swim by, then they pounce! Wobbegongs have special gills that allow them to stay still, while other sharks need to move in order to breathe.

Maurice Burton and Robert Burton, The International Wildlife Encyclopedia: Volume 1. New York:Marshall Cavendish, 1970: Page 2954.

www.iucnredlist.org

Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)

Location: Tropical and Subtropical parts of Atlantic and Pacific

Size: Up to 3m (about 9 feet 10 inches)

Status: Vulnerable in Brazil, Colombia and US waters

What makes it unique? The way they eat!

Nurse sharks spend their days sleeping on the bottom of the sea but when the sun goes down, they go searching for food. Hunting at night allows them to sneak up unsuspecting sea creatures that are fast asleep. Like the Saw shark, they have barbels that they use to feel around on the sea floor to find the prefect snack. Nurse sharks’ can literally suck their prey out of their hiding spots because they can hoover around the floor like a vacuum.

http://www.arkive.org/nurse-shark/ginglymostoma-cirratum/

Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni)

Location: Parts of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans but very rare

Size: about 3.8m (over 12 feet and 5 inches)

Status: Least Concern

What makes it unique? Their protruding jaws!

When swimming casually, these sharks look pretty much like any other shark. All that changes when they go to take a bite… their jaw shoots out and they snap up their prey with their long sharp teeth. With their jaws fully extended, they truly look like monsters from the deep.

http://eol.org/data_objects/15616051

Frilled Shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus)

Frilled Shark, Tooth, Chlamydoselachus anguineus — Drawing of a Frilled Shark's Tooth

Location: Found in most of the world’s oceans but it is very rare

Size: Up to 1.5m (4 feet 11 inches)

Status: Near Threatened

What makes it unique? Their bodies!

Frilled sharks have lizard-like features and snake-like bodies. Their gills meet on the underside of their throats so it looks like they have frills. Inside their wide mouths there are over 300 sharp three-pronged teeth. These definitely aren’t sharks you would want taking a bite out of you!

http://www.arkive.org/frilled-shark/chlamydoselachus-anguineus/image-G38906.html

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

What Colour is a Polar Bear, White, Yellow or Green?

Earth Rangers

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January 4, 2012

140

What Colour is a Polar Bear, White, Yellow or Green?

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.

Polar Bear, Algae, Green — 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.

Looking for more details? Check out this article where we dive deeper into the science behind why Polar bears look white!

If you think animals are amazing, the Earth Rangers Podcast is for you!

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!

Antarctica’s Icefish keep from freezing thanks to special proteins

Earth Rangers

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December 14, 2011

23

Antarctica’s Icefish keep from freezing thanks to special proteins

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!

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-08/rb-wfd082510.php

http://eol.org/data_objects/14369516
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13426864/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/fish-produces-natural-antifreeze-stay-alive/#.TuJWGFa8jAE

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Gray Jays have a secret weapon for surviving the Canadian winter: hiding food in trees!

Earth Rangers

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December 7, 2011

66

Gray Jays have a secret weapon for surviving the Canadian winter: hiding food in trees!

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.

Two Gray Jays — 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.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-10/uog-gjw100711.php

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

The Spikey Crown-of-Thorns Starfish

Earth Rangers

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November 30, 2011

18

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!

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 — Bleached coral killed by crown-of-thorns starfish. Photo Credit: Derekkeats

http://www.arkive.org/crown-of-thorns-starfish/acanthaster-planci/

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Sticky Gecko Feet

Earth Rangers

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November 9, 2011

30

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!

gecko foot on glass — 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!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/2953852.stm

Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, and Beverly McMillan. Biology: The Dynamic Science. Belmont CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2011: Pages 31-32

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Top Ten Spooky Plants

Earth Rangers

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October 28, 2011

183

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)**

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, proboscidea — Devil's Claws Seed Pods. Photo Credit: Susan E Adams

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)**

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)**

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)**

Chinese Lantern, physalis alkekengi — Young Chinese Lantern. Photo Credit: H Zell

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)**

celosia cristata, cockscomb — 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)**

Witch Hazel, silhouette, hamamelis — Silhouette of Witch Hazel. Photo Credit: Belgianchocolate

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)**

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

Dracula Orchids

Dracula sergioi, orchid — Dracula sergioi. Photo Credit: Orchi

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.

How it reminds us of Halloween: This flower looks like a vampire! When Spanish scientists first came across these orchids, they were reminded of dragons and bats. If you find yourself surrounded by Dracula Orchids, you better watch your step – you might get bitten!
http://www.amnh.org/news/2010/10/dracula-orchids-celebrating-hauntingly-photogenic-natural-history/

**Ghost Plant (Monotropa uniflora)**

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)**

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.

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Is the Bleeding Tooth Fungus really bleeding?

Earth Rangers

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October 26, 2011

75

Is the Bleeding Tooth Fungus really bleeding?

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.

mature bleeding tooth fungus — Mature 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.

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

Sundews grow long sticky hairs that trap insects

Earth Rangers

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October 18, 2011

26

Sundews grow long sticky hairs that trap insects

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.

drosera rotundifolia, sundew — 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.

drosera rupicola — Drosera rupicola. Photo Credit: Jan Wieneke

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world

Earth Rangers

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September 23, 2011

59

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world

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.

Rhincodon typus, whale shark — Whale Shark. Photo Credit: Justin Henry

Whale Shark, Rhincodon typus — Inside 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.

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Rhincodon_typus.html

http://www.arkive.org/whale-shark/rhincodon-typus/image-G2358.html#text=Description

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.