Plants and Animals

Cycads have an evolutionary history dating back to the dry, cool age of the Triassic, when much of the world's terrestrial landscape was inhospitable to spore-producing plants. They have carried the evolutionary breakthrough of the seed from an … [Read more...] about Cycad Relations Run Hot and Cold

I was just out photographing cycad cones for a new entry, when I happened upon this bizarre creature. It would appear to have eight legs, with the forelegs raised completely over the animal, presumably in an expression of defense. The noodle-like … [Read more...] about Unidentified (Spider)?

I associate Golden Orb-weaving spiders (Nephila pilipes (syn. maculata)) with the hot period leading up to the wet. Adult females are particularly impressive in their gigantism, which increases relative to the equator. The image on the left has a … [Read more...] about Oh, what a golden web she weaves …

Brendan Moyle has previously provided us with alternative ways to save tigers from extinction. Now the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies states that tiger parts are not necessary for traditional medicines, and alternatives are … [Read more...] about Exxon Mobile Saves Tigers? A Note from Ann Novek

Following is my summary from an editorial in Norwegian paper Fiskaren: “In October many celebrities will gather to celebrate 30 years with Sea Shepherd, including Mick Jagger, Martin Sheen, Orlando Bloom , Uma Thurman and Pierce Brosnan among other … [Read more...] about James Bond versus Norweigan Whalers: A Translation from Ann Novek