Tag Archives | ocean science

Dubai Shark Wins “Most Virgin Births”

January 12, 2012

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) DUBAI — Zebedee, a zebra shark at the Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai, has taken her biological clock into her own fins. For the fourth year in a row, she has fertilized her own eggs without ever seeing a male shark. Scientists have noticed this sort of “virgin birth” in other sharks, but Zebedee has officially done it for a record-breaking four years. While many women might envy Zebedee and her self reliance, scientists suggest she probably wouldn’t produce eggs like this in the wild. Read more about Zebedee and her babies. — Global Animal

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Does Climate Change Cause Evolution?

January 4, 2012

(SCIENCE) AUSTRALIA — Off the Australian coast, researchers believe they have discovered the first hybrid sharks. The hybridization between the Australian blacktip shark and the common blacktip shark is thought to have occurred in response to climate change. Read on to learn more about this animal discovery and how climate change may have been a driving a factor. — Global Animal

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Walking Evolved Underwater?

December 26, 2011

(SCIENCE) Scientists and evolutionary theorists have always surmised that man’s fishy four-limbed ancestors initially grew limbs, followed by digits; left the water, and then developed the ability to walk. However, research performed on the African lungfish at the University of Chicago is now disproving that chain of events. Read on for more on the research team’s evolutionary discoveries. — Global Animal

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Male Fiddler Crab Has Interesting Dating Tactic

December 1, 2011

(SEA CREATURES) You think you have a hard time dating nowadays? Check out the male fiddler crab and what he has to do to attract the ladies. — Global Animal

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Swimming For Two: The Pregnant Dolphin Blues

November 30, 2011

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) After years of research, Shawn Noren from the Institute of Marine Science at the University of California, Santa Cruz has shared with the world her discoveries on how pregnancy affects female dolphins. To name a few of the prenatal byproducts, mother’s swim speed is nearly cut in half while their frontal surface area grows over 50%. Read on for more on how pregnancy affects soon-to-be dolphin mothers. — Global Animal

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Captivity To The Wild: A Deadly Transition

November 19, 2011

(CONSERVATION) Just a few weeks ago, a great white shark was released into the Pacific after 55 days on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Sadly just hours later, a tracking device indicated the great white had mysteriously died. While these releases into the ocean are often an accomplishment, scientists are still learning what leads to a successful release and what leads to failure. — Global Animal

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SeaWorld Orlando’s Scoliosis Solution

November 16, 2011

(ANIMAL RESCUE) ORLANDO, FLORIDA — Yesterday animal experts at SeaWorld Orlando custom-fit an orthopedic brace for “300″, a rescued pilot whale with scoliosis (curvature of the spine). The press release (below) feels like an attempt to gain positive press for SeaWorld following PETA’s filed lawsuit on behalf of five SeaWorld San Diego orca whales. Notice how the marine animal theme park is quick to point out their rescue team’s constant efforts in animal conservation and animal care innovation. Read on for more on “300″ and her adjustable whale brace. — Global Animal

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How To Disguise Your Tentacles

November 14, 2011

(OCEAN CAMOUFLAGE) Many species within the animal kingdom use some form of camouflage, whether it is to hunt or for protection against predators. Zebras have their stripes, leopards have their spots, and some squid and octopuses can appear transparent or deep red depending on the environment. Read on for this new finding and how it may have important implication for medicine, sustainable fishing, and the science behind invisibility. — Global Animal 

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