Plants that flower and fruit from their main stems or woody trunks rather than from new growth and shoots, are described as cauliflorous or cormiflorous; those that flower from the branches are ramiflorous. The Scarlet Bean (Archidendron ramiflorum … [Read more...] about The Spectacular Scarlet Bean
How Many Dugongs Are Killed Each Year in Northern Australia?
Last month I suggested about 1,000 dugongs are killed each year in northern Australian waters and that this is too many. Today, ABC Online is quoting fisherman Peter Manning suggesting a figure of 1,600 dugongs. Mr Manning says all Australians … [Read more...] about How Many Dugongs Are Killed Each Year in Northern Australia?
Robber Flies
Beauty, it is said, is in the eye of the beholder … so behold, the beautiful Robber Fly. These predatory insects launch into attack from an established perch and catch their prey on the wing. Strong, heavily barbed legs grasp the prey, which is … [Read more...] about Robber Flies
New Paper Puts Modern Arctic Temperatures into Perspective
A new paper published in Climate Dynamics claims a temperature trend of -0.3°C over the last 1,500 years in an Arctic location. The paper by Håkan Grudd is entitled: 'Torneträsk tree-ring width and density ad 500–2004: a test of climatic sensitivity … [Read more...] about New Paper Puts Modern Arctic Temperatures into Perspective
MoD Objects to Offshore Wind Farms as ‘A Threat to National Security’
Following on from the rumour that the plans for the siting 181 wind turbines on the Isle of Lewis are to be rejected due to environmental concerns, offshore wind farms have come under attack for the UK's Ministry of Defence on the grounds that … [Read more...] about MoD Objects to Offshore Wind Farms as ‘A Threat to National Security’
Sea Ice Update
I have previously blogged about the record low (since satellite measurements began) for Arctic sea ice in 2007, and some of the contributory factors, here, here and here. The record high for sea ice coverage in the Antarctic received little or no … [Read more...] about Sea Ice Update
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD is a critical thinker with expertise in the scientific method.
