This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Friday 22 January 2021
The Worm Turns?
Researchers have discovered 20m year old fossils of giant 2m long burrows in sandstone in Taiwan (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jan/21/giant-worm-undersea-lair-discovered-fossil-hunters-taiwan). After considering many options, they have concluded that the burrows were once occupied by enormous versions of Bobbit worms (Eunice aphroditois). These soft-bodied worms have powerful jaws and ambush marine creatures that swim by their burrows, pulling their victims (e.g. fish) down into the sands. The burrows of these worms are strengthened with mucus but the entrances have to be replaced after each attack. This produces a 'feathered' pattern, like that seen in the fossils. So, once, the early worm could catch the 'bird'.
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What's In a Critter's Name? 11. Comma butterfly
The Comma butterfly ( Polygonia c-album) gets its name from the punctuation-like mark, on the underside of its wings.
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The UK government continue their quest to turn England's rivers back into sewers. They first facilitated the privatised water companies...
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Garden plants in France, The Netherlands, The UK and Sikkim (NE India).
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