After years of working with animal behavior and physiology, I’ve noticed that the question of water consumption often comes loaded with assumptions. Most people assume all animals need to drink regularly the way humans do. In reality, many animals have…
If you grew up in the Midwest, you likely heard tales of sharks inhabiting the Great Lakes. Perhaps you even believed them. The tens of thousands of lakes spread across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois are known for their murky, mysterious…
It’s a common misconception that dogs are entirely colorblind. This myth, perpetuated by TV, movies, and outdated research conclusions, leads people to believe that dogs can only see in black and white. However, contrary to popular belief, canines can perceive…
As humans have evolved, certain anatomical parts that once played functional roles have become less functional and are often known as vestigial organs or structures. Some are considered physiological adaptations — one of the three types of environmental adaptations —…
If you’ve ever watched any nature documentary, you’re likely aware that the animal kingdom is replete with fascinating and complex mating rituals. For instance, Great Blue Herons engage in elaborate courtship displays, while male whales use deep vocalizations during mating.…
Numerous domestic animals are crossbred to create new breeds. For example, in the canine world, a Siberian retriever results from crossing a Siberian husky with a Labrador retriever, while a cockapoo is a mix of a cocker spaniel and a…
Anatomical structures fall into three categories: homologous, analogous, and vestigial. Vestigial structures are generally considered remnants from our evolutionary past, although there is some debate over this definition. Typically, vestigial parts are viewed as remnants of a structure that once…
It’s somewhat unsettling to realize that our body paralyzes itself during sleep. This occurs for significant periods of the night, allowing us to get the rest we need. You’ve probably heard of sleep paralysis, a frightening state where individuals become…