Stan C. Smith's Blog, page 12
July 27, 2023
Local Wildlife - Juvenile Barred Owl
We have a juvenile barred owl that is making itself at home in the vicinity of our deck. This youngster is still making the funny whistling call that juvenile barred owls make to contact their parents, probably when they want to be fed. This bird is obviously trying to learn to hunt. It sits in the trees next to our deck and stares at the birds and squirrels that come to our feeders. We haven't seen it try to catch one yet, but I hope to witness that soon (Trish told me to say only if it's one of those darn squirrels). I think it's trying to work up the nerve to dive at one of them.
If you aren't sure you have barred owls in your area, maybe you've heard their calls (which I love hearing). The adults have a distinctive baritone call that sounds like they are saying, "Who cooks, who cooks for youuuuuu?"
Below is a photo of our squirrel watcher. Notice it still has a bit of downy fuzz around the head.
If you aren't sure you have barred owls in your area, maybe you've heard their calls (which I love hearing). The adults have a distinctive baritone call that sounds like they are saying, "Who cooks, who cooks for youuuuuu?"
Below is a photo of our squirrel watcher. Notice it still has a bit of downy fuzz around the head.
July 17, 2023
Life's Great Mysteries - Why does my hair turn gray as I get older?
Maybe a better question is… why does my younger brother’s hair NOT turn gray as he gets older?
My first thought was that this is the universe’s way of letting everybody know that I am no longer a salubrious young man. After all, people need to know not to ask me to help them carry a couch up to their third-floor apartment.
Another thought I had was that my life is full of stress. I’ve heard stress causes hair to turn gray. Maybe I’m kind of like Barack Obama—his hair turned gray during his presidency. But actually, my life is pretty cushy and undemanding, so that can't be it.
As it turns out, human hair does not really turn gray due to stress. And in reality, hair doesn’t turn gray at all. Once a hair follicle produces hair, the color is set, and it never changes. Well, unless you color your hair, of course.
However, as we get older, our hair follicles produce less color. So, as our hair goes through its natural cycle of dying (dying, as in dead, not dyeing as in coloring) and being replaced with new hairs, the new hairs are more likely to grow in gray, at least after we turn 35 or so.
So, why doesn’t my brother have gray hair like mine? Because we are two different people, with different genetics. Yes, we share 50% of our genes, but that leaves plenty of room for variation, and his genetic makeup happens to delay his new hairs growing in gray until much later. Unfortunately for him, people will be asking him to help carry couches up flights of stairs for many years to come.
Photo Credits:
- Gray hair - DepositPhotos
My first thought was that this is the universe’s way of letting everybody know that I am no longer a salubrious young man. After all, people need to know not to ask me to help them carry a couch up to their third-floor apartment.
Another thought I had was that my life is full of stress. I’ve heard stress causes hair to turn gray. Maybe I’m kind of like Barack Obama—his hair turned gray during his presidency. But actually, my life is pretty cushy and undemanding, so that can't be it.
As it turns out, human hair does not really turn gray due to stress. And in reality, hair doesn’t turn gray at all. Once a hair follicle produces hair, the color is set, and it never changes. Well, unless you color your hair, of course.
However, as we get older, our hair follicles produce less color. So, as our hair goes through its natural cycle of dying (dying, as in dead, not dyeing as in coloring) and being replaced with new hairs, the new hairs are more likely to grow in gray, at least after we turn 35 or so.
So, why doesn’t my brother have gray hair like mine? Because we are two different people, with different genetics. Yes, we share 50% of our genes, but that leaves plenty of room for variation, and his genetic makeup happens to delay his new hairs growing in gray until much later. Unfortunately for him, people will be asking him to help carry couches up flights of stairs for many years to come.
Photo Credits:
- Gray hair - DepositPhotos
July 13, 2023
Awesome Animal Fact - Puffer-loving Dolphins
One more post in the category of animals that like to get high or drunk.
Did you know rough-toothed dolphins might enjoy getting intoxicated from pufferfish toxin? By the way, compared to the more common bottlenose dolphin, the rough-toothed dolphin has more white markings on its beak and sides.
This intoxication behavior was observed for the first time in 1995 by marine biologist Lisa Steiner. She was observing a group of about 60 dolphins. They appeared to be feeding, but they were acting strange. They didn't seem to have much energy. A few of them were feeding lazily, but most were just swimming around—slowly. Then Steiner saw four inflated pufferfish among the dolphins. In fact, the dolphins were pushing the pufferfish around with their beaks. Since then, this behavior has been observed by other biologists.
You may know that pufferfish produce a dangerous toxin. This toxin, called tetrodotoxin, is actually one of the deadliest compounds known to science. It is 120,000 times more deadly than cocaine, and is hundreds of times more deadly than the venom of a black mamba or a black widow spider. In small sublethal doses, such as what a dolphin might get from gently pushing an inflated pufferfish, the toxin induces numbness, similar to what was observed in the dolphins.
Now, I need to make it clear that some biologists do not believe the dolphins are doing this on purpose (or should I say, on porpoise? haha). Dolphins are curious animals, and they may like to play with or explore pufferfish. After all, an inflated pufferfish is a pretty strange sight to see. The dolphins may unintentionally dose themselves with the toxin during the process of investigating these weird, balloon-like fish.
Inflated pufferfish - DepositPhotos
Did you know rough-toothed dolphins might enjoy getting intoxicated from pufferfish toxin? By the way, compared to the more common bottlenose dolphin, the rough-toothed dolphin has more white markings on its beak and sides.
This intoxication behavior was observed for the first time in 1995 by marine biologist Lisa Steiner. She was observing a group of about 60 dolphins. They appeared to be feeding, but they were acting strange. They didn't seem to have much energy. A few of them were feeding lazily, but most were just swimming around—slowly. Then Steiner saw four inflated pufferfish among the dolphins. In fact, the dolphins were pushing the pufferfish around with their beaks. Since then, this behavior has been observed by other biologists.
You may know that pufferfish produce a dangerous toxin. This toxin, called tetrodotoxin, is actually one of the deadliest compounds known to science. It is 120,000 times more deadly than cocaine, and is hundreds of times more deadly than the venom of a black mamba or a black widow spider. In small sublethal doses, such as what a dolphin might get from gently pushing an inflated pufferfish, the toxin induces numbness, similar to what was observed in the dolphins.
Now, I need to make it clear that some biologists do not believe the dolphins are doing this on purpose (or should I say, on porpoise? haha). Dolphins are curious animals, and they may like to play with or explore pufferfish. After all, an inflated pufferfish is a pretty strange sight to see. The dolphins may unintentionally dose themselves with the toxin during the process of investigating these weird, balloon-like fish.
Inflated pufferfish - DepositPhotos
July 7, 2023
Awesome Animal Fact - Catnip-Loving Cats
Continuing with the theme of animals that like to get high or drunk.
Did you know cats are irresistibly drawn to the plant Nepeta cataria? Of course, I'm talking about catnip. This one might seem obvious, but perhaps you don't know the whole story.
This plant also affects many wild cats, including lions and tigers, though the effects haven't been widely studied in wild cats.
Catnip, a plant in the mint family, is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and was brought to North America (and other places) by settlers. Now it grows in many areas around the world as a weed and in people's herb gardens.
Catnip contains an oil called nepetalactone, which enters a cat's nasal tissues and stimulate's the sensory neurons. These cells then send messages to neurons in the olfactory bulb, which then sends signals to two areas of the brain, the amygdala and hypothalamus. The amygdala helps control the cat's behaviors, and the hypothalamus stimulates a sexual response in the cat.
Basically, this causes the cat to display behaviors of a female in heat (even if the cat is male). The cat will rub its head on the plant, roll around on the ground, make sexy cat sounds, and salivate. This lasts for about ten minutes, then the cat becomes immune to the effects for about thirty minutes, after which it may start all over if the cat still has access to the plant.
Interestingly, this response is genetic, and it happens to only about 75% of cats. It is not thought to be dangerous to the cat and is not addictive.
Well, perhaps it's not physically addictive, but cats are repeatedly attracted to catnip, and they seem to enjoy the effect.
By the way... don't bother trying. Catnip does not affect humans.
Photo Credits:
- Cat and catnip - DepositPhotos
Did you know cats are irresistibly drawn to the plant Nepeta cataria? Of course, I'm talking about catnip. This one might seem obvious, but perhaps you don't know the whole story.
This plant also affects many wild cats, including lions and tigers, though the effects haven't been widely studied in wild cats.
Catnip, a plant in the mint family, is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and was brought to North America (and other places) by settlers. Now it grows in many areas around the world as a weed and in people's herb gardens.
Catnip contains an oil called nepetalactone, which enters a cat's nasal tissues and stimulate's the sensory neurons. These cells then send messages to neurons in the olfactory bulb, which then sends signals to two areas of the brain, the amygdala and hypothalamus. The amygdala helps control the cat's behaviors, and the hypothalamus stimulates a sexual response in the cat.
Basically, this causes the cat to display behaviors of a female in heat (even if the cat is male). The cat will rub its head on the plant, roll around on the ground, make sexy cat sounds, and salivate. This lasts for about ten minutes, then the cat becomes immune to the effects for about thirty minutes, after which it may start all over if the cat still has access to the plant.
Interestingly, this response is genetic, and it happens to only about 75% of cats. It is not thought to be dangerous to the cat and is not addictive.
Well, perhaps it's not physically addictive, but cats are repeatedly attracted to catnip, and they seem to enjoy the effect.
By the way... don't bother trying. Catnip does not affect humans.
Photo Credits:
- Cat and catnip - DepositPhotos
June 30, 2023
Awesome Animal Fact - Millipede-munching Lemurs
Continuing with the theme of animals that like to get high or drunk.
Did you know black lemurs like to get high on millipedes? The lemurs bite the millipedes, resulting in a narcotic effect.
Madagascar has some pretty big arthropods (ever hear of the Madagascan hissing cockroach?), including some large millipedes. Lemurs typically eat fruit, but sometimes they will capture a large millipede and gently bite it, not even hard enough to kill it.
This bite causes the millipede to squirt out defense chemicals from glands in its legs (millipedes have a lot of legs). The lemur then discards the millipede and rubs the defense chemicals all over its fur. The millipede's toxic secretions contain cyanide and benzoquinone, which act as insect repellent on the lemur's body. This in itself is fascinating—an animal using natural insect repellent, not only preventing the discomfort of insect bites but also preventing insect-borne diseases such as malaria.
But wait, there's more to the story. The toxins also have a narcotic effect on the lemur, and the lemur starts drooling and goes into an intoxicated state, in which it appears to be lethargic and blissful.
Hmm... is this why the lemurs on the movie Madagascar seem so goofy?
Below are male and female black lemurs.
Photo Credits:
- Female and male black lemurs - DepositPhotos
Did you know black lemurs like to get high on millipedes? The lemurs bite the millipedes, resulting in a narcotic effect.
Madagascar has some pretty big arthropods (ever hear of the Madagascan hissing cockroach?), including some large millipedes. Lemurs typically eat fruit, but sometimes they will capture a large millipede and gently bite it, not even hard enough to kill it.
This bite causes the millipede to squirt out defense chemicals from glands in its legs (millipedes have a lot of legs). The lemur then discards the millipede and rubs the defense chemicals all over its fur. The millipede's toxic secretions contain cyanide and benzoquinone, which act as insect repellent on the lemur's body. This in itself is fascinating—an animal using natural insect repellent, not only preventing the discomfort of insect bites but also preventing insect-borne diseases such as malaria.
But wait, there's more to the story. The toxins also have a narcotic effect on the lemur, and the lemur starts drooling and goes into an intoxicated state, in which it appears to be lethargic and blissful.
Hmm... is this why the lemurs on the movie Madagascar seem so goofy?
Below are male and female black lemurs.
Photo Credits:
- Female and male black lemurs - DepositPhotos
June 24, 2023
Awesome Animal Fact - Guzzling Vervet Monkeys
I'm continuing with the theme of animals that like to get high or drunk. After all, why would humans be the only creatures craving the recreational effects of mind-altering drugs? Here's another example.
Did you know VERVET MONKEYS introduced to some Caribbean islands 300 years ago have developed a taste for alcohol? These monkeys originated in Africa, but slavers took them across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, where the monkeys either escaped or were released on several islands. They thrived and formed stable populations.
For the last 300 years, these vervet monkeys have been living on islands where sugar cane is the dominant crop grown by farmers. Before being harvested, the sugar cane will sometimes ferment. The vervet monkeys discovered the fermented cane juice and have considered it a treat ever since. Basically, they developed a taste for the alcoholic cane juice and the resulting effects.
Recent studies have shown that about 20% of the monkeys now prefer to drink sugar water mixed with alcohol over plain sugar water. But the research doesn't stop there. Interestingly, younger monkeys (the equivalent of teenagers) do most of the drinking. The researchers suggest that the older monkeys avoid the alcohol because they have to be "more alert and perceptive of the social dynamics of the group." So, the monkeys apparently reach a point in their lives where they decide to leave behind the heavy drinking and awful hangovers. Hmm... perhaps there is a lesson in there somewhere.
There are numerous stories from Caribbean islands of sneaky vervet monkeys stealing colorful cocktails from distracted tourists and happily guzzling them.
Photo Credits:
- Vervet monkeys - DepositPhotos
Did you know VERVET MONKEYS introduced to some Caribbean islands 300 years ago have developed a taste for alcohol? These monkeys originated in Africa, but slavers took them across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, where the monkeys either escaped or were released on several islands. They thrived and formed stable populations.
For the last 300 years, these vervet monkeys have been living on islands where sugar cane is the dominant crop grown by farmers. Before being harvested, the sugar cane will sometimes ferment. The vervet monkeys discovered the fermented cane juice and have considered it a treat ever since. Basically, they developed a taste for the alcoholic cane juice and the resulting effects.
Recent studies have shown that about 20% of the monkeys now prefer to drink sugar water mixed with alcohol over plain sugar water. But the research doesn't stop there. Interestingly, younger monkeys (the equivalent of teenagers) do most of the drinking. The researchers suggest that the older monkeys avoid the alcohol because they have to be "more alert and perceptive of the social dynamics of the group." So, the monkeys apparently reach a point in their lives where they decide to leave behind the heavy drinking and awful hangovers. Hmm... perhaps there is a lesson in there somewhere.
There are numerous stories from Caribbean islands of sneaky vervet monkeys stealing colorful cocktails from distracted tourists and happily guzzling them.
Photo Credits:
- Vervet monkeys - DepositPhotos
June 18, 2023
Awesome Animal Fact - Toad-licking Dogs
Have you ever wondered if other animals besides humans like to get high? Or drunk? Seriously, think about it. Why would humans be the only creatures craving the recreational effects of mind-altering drugs? In my next few posts, we'll take a look.
Did you know many dogs have become addicted to the toxic, hallucinogenic substance secreted by marine toads? Marine toads, which are the largest of all toads and can grow to almost 10 inches (25 cm) from snout to butt, originated in South America but have been introduced in many tropical areas around the world, mainly to control pest insects.
Marine toads, as well as some other types of toads, protect themselves by secreting a toxic substance from poison glands in their skin. If consumed, this toxin can be deadly, even to humans and other large animals such as dogs. In nonlethal doses, a substance in the toxin called bufotenine can cause hallucinogenic effects similar to those caused by LSD and mescaline.
Some humans have actually become addicted to this substance after repeatedly consuming it... a process commonly called "toad licking."
Uh... no thanks.
Actually, a guy named Albert Most founded the Church of the Toad of Light, the main purpose of which is to promote recreational toad licking.
Okay, so where do dogs come into the picture? Dogs are curious. They like to sniff, lick, and chew on things, especially other animals. Many dogs have been poisoned by eating marine toads, and those that don't die from the poison experience hallucinations. As a result, many of those dogs learn to hunt for marine toads and lick them just to experience the "high" over and over again. They become addicted. And it doesn't help that the toads' secretions taste sweet.
This happens everywhere marine toads live, but it has become a really common problem in Queensland, Australia. Veterinarians in the area are increasingly reporting dogs that are repeat offenders... they call them "serial lickers."
Unfortunately, these dog addicts are playing a dangerous game—a deadly overdose can happen at any time.
Photo Credit:
Marine toad - Stan C. Smith
Did you know many dogs have become addicted to the toxic, hallucinogenic substance secreted by marine toads? Marine toads, which are the largest of all toads and can grow to almost 10 inches (25 cm) from snout to butt, originated in South America but have been introduced in many tropical areas around the world, mainly to control pest insects.
Marine toads, as well as some other types of toads, protect themselves by secreting a toxic substance from poison glands in their skin. If consumed, this toxin can be deadly, even to humans and other large animals such as dogs. In nonlethal doses, a substance in the toxin called bufotenine can cause hallucinogenic effects similar to those caused by LSD and mescaline.
Some humans have actually become addicted to this substance after repeatedly consuming it... a process commonly called "toad licking."
Uh... no thanks.
Actually, a guy named Albert Most founded the Church of the Toad of Light, the main purpose of which is to promote recreational toad licking.
Okay, so where do dogs come into the picture? Dogs are curious. They like to sniff, lick, and chew on things, especially other animals. Many dogs have been poisoned by eating marine toads, and those that don't die from the poison experience hallucinations. As a result, many of those dogs learn to hunt for marine toads and lick them just to experience the "high" over and over again. They become addicted. And it doesn't help that the toads' secretions taste sweet.
This happens everywhere marine toads live, but it has become a really common problem in Queensland, Australia. Veterinarians in the area are increasingly reporting dogs that are repeat offenders... they call them "serial lickers."
Unfortunately, these dog addicts are playing a dangerous game—a deadly overdose can happen at any time.
Photo Credit:
Marine toad - Stan C. Smith
June 11, 2023
Awesome Plant Fact - Creepy Jabuticaba Tree
Did you know the jabuticaba has edible fruits that grow right on the main trunk of the tree? This makes the fruiting tree look really strange. Some would even call it creepy.
The jabuticaba, also called the Brazilian grape tree, is native to Brazil. The white flowers grow directly on the main trunk, an arrangement called cauliflory. After the flowers are pollinated, they become round, fleshy grape-like fruits, sometimes covering much of the tree's trunk. These trees have been cultivated for their delicious fruits since pre-Columbian times.
Jabuticaba trees are difficult to grow anywhere outside of their native range, and the fruits have a short shelf life, so the fruits are rarely available to people in other parts of the world. Interestingly, in Brazilian politics, the word jabuticaba is used to describe any situation that is thought to be so ridiculously and overly complex that it could only happen in Brazil (referring to the belief that jabuticaba trees only grow in Brazil).
Photo Credits:
- Jabuticaba tree - ws-tiago, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The jabuticaba, also called the Brazilian grape tree, is native to Brazil. The white flowers grow directly on the main trunk, an arrangement called cauliflory. After the flowers are pollinated, they become round, fleshy grape-like fruits, sometimes covering much of the tree's trunk. These trees have been cultivated for their delicious fruits since pre-Columbian times.
Jabuticaba trees are difficult to grow anywhere outside of their native range, and the fruits have a short shelf life, so the fruits are rarely available to people in other parts of the world. Interestingly, in Brazilian politics, the word jabuticaba is used to describe any situation that is thought to be so ridiculously and overly complex that it could only happen in Brazil (referring to the belief that jabuticaba trees only grow in Brazil).
Photo Credits:
- Jabuticaba tree - ws-tiago, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Awesome Plant Fact - Language of Flowers
Did you know FLORIOGRAPHY is an old "language of flowers," in which people would send messages of affection, desire, or disdain to others by delivering specific flower arrangements? This "language" became particularly popular and complex in England and the USA in Victorian times, and is often called Victorian floriography. Entire books have been published on the subtle nuances of the meanings of various flower combinations.
This form of expression was especially popular in the 19th century because strict social norms did not allow open expression of such feelings. Mostly forgotten for many decades, floriography is making a comeback. For example, for the funeral of his mother, the late queen, King Charles carefully selected an arrangement for a wreath, which included myrtle for love and prosperity, along with English oak to represent strength.
According to traditional floriography books, sweet pea flowers are given in gratitude, specifically meaning "Thank you for a wonderful time." Giving zinnias is an expression of everlasting friendship.
But not all plants carry a positive message. Giving someone buttercups is a way to tell them they are being childish.
We're all familiar with basil in cooking, right? Well, basil was traditionally a symbol of hatred. This goes all the way back to the ancient Greeks, who thought the plant's leaves resembled a basilisk's opening jaws. Who knew such a hateful herb could taste so good on pizza?
If you give someone a bundle of basil, you might want to make sure they aren't knowledgable about floriography.
Photo Credits:
- Basil - DepositPhotos
This form of expression was especially popular in the 19th century because strict social norms did not allow open expression of such feelings. Mostly forgotten for many decades, floriography is making a comeback. For example, for the funeral of his mother, the late queen, King Charles carefully selected an arrangement for a wreath, which included myrtle for love and prosperity, along with English oak to represent strength.
According to traditional floriography books, sweet pea flowers are given in gratitude, specifically meaning "Thank you for a wonderful time." Giving zinnias is an expression of everlasting friendship.
But not all plants carry a positive message. Giving someone buttercups is a way to tell them they are being childish.
We're all familiar with basil in cooking, right? Well, basil was traditionally a symbol of hatred. This goes all the way back to the ancient Greeks, who thought the plant's leaves resembled a basilisk's opening jaws. Who knew such a hateful herb could taste so good on pizza?
If you give someone a bundle of basil, you might want to make sure they aren't knowledgable about floriography.
Photo Credits:
- Basil - DepositPhotos
May 30, 2023
Awesome Animal Fact - Nippy Slow Loris
Continuing the theme of "Animals That Have Attacked Musicians."
Did you know Lady Gaga was bitten by a slow loris, the only venomous primate in the world?
Lady Gaga was using the animal as a prop in a music video. The loris, often called the "cutest animal on Earth," bit her finger. She was not seriously harmed, and she was reportedly a good sport about the bite.
After the incident, the production crew decided not to use the loris in the video. This is fortunate because slow lorises are endangered, and they are highly sought after as (illegal) pets. Whenever a slow loris video goes viral on social media, this results in a spike in the number of lorises illegally collected from the wild and sold as pets.
Photo Credits:
- Lady Gaga - Vimeo: SB50 Lady GaGa Interview - Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported via Wikimedia Commons
- Slow Loris - OpenCage - Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic - via Wikimedia Commons
Did you know Lady Gaga was bitten by a slow loris, the only venomous primate in the world?
Lady Gaga was using the animal as a prop in a music video. The loris, often called the "cutest animal on Earth," bit her finger. She was not seriously harmed, and she was reportedly a good sport about the bite.
After the incident, the production crew decided not to use the loris in the video. This is fortunate because slow lorises are endangered, and they are highly sought after as (illegal) pets. Whenever a slow loris video goes viral on social media, this results in a spike in the number of lorises illegally collected from the wild and sold as pets.
Photo Credits:
- Lady Gaga - Vimeo: SB50 Lady GaGa Interview - Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported via Wikimedia Commons
- Slow Loris - OpenCage - Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic - via Wikimedia Commons
