A Very Old Octopus
March 28, 2009 by Merry
Filed under Animal Lovers
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There’s a very recent report of fossil Octopi having been discovered in rock! This is terribly rare, since the death of an Octopus normally results in complete disintegration of the boneless body. This is an exciting find for the paleontology communities and animal geeks like me.
Before this discovery (in 95-million year old rocks found in Lebanon) scientists only had one other set of octopus fossils to study.The early octopus family tree consists of relatives with fleshy fins along their bodies, but these recently discovered fossils look just like their modern descendants. This makes sense since octopi are the superheroes of their environment, perfectly suited to living under extremely high water pressure and able to squeeze through openings no bigger than a quarter. (Even a 600 pound monster!) Why change such a great design?
Welcome the Praying Mantis!
March 19, 2009 by Merry
Filed under Animal Lovers
The praying mantis is the gardener’s friend. It’s a good thing we like them around, because they are formidable and scary enemies of just about every bug.
They can turn their heads 180% when they’re looking for their prey, where they spy them out with two giant compound eyes and three simple eyes for a little extra visual boost. It’s thought they can see as far as 60 feet away. Yikes!
Not only that, but after mating the males are in danger of actually being eaten by their beloved! This is a tough critter, and I’m glad we’re on the same side.
Pet Chickens
March 7, 2009 by Merry
Filed under Animal Lovers
I’ve heard a lot about pet chickens lately. I know quite a few veterinarians, some of whom treat poultry exclusively. Of course most of them are involved in farm animal care, but there is a growing culture of people raising chickens for not only their eggs, but as outdoor pets. Thus the increase in vets as pet chicken doctors. 
This amuses me. I’ve always thought chickens were funny animals, with their own little system of government. The “pecking order” is a real thing. You have to be at the top of the group to eat first, get the best roosting spot and so forth. If you notice one hen pecking another for no discernable reason, it could be a reminder of who the stronger bird is.
Even if you are a chicken eater, you’d probably agree that farm raised poultry should be allowed the freedom to be themselves, stretch their wings and legs and eat the diet that they were meant to. I’d venture to say that a happier chicken is a healthier chicken. Makes sense to me!
