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Tag: biodiversity
February 24, 2013
Regarding the unicorn: Not quite natural selection #funny
For sale at Sapling Press, quote from Dear Blank Please Blank.
February 18, 2013
Preliminary Data from the Unicorn Genome: First Possible Indication in History of Mammalian Evolution of Hybridization Across Orders.
From the Science Creative Quarterly. Could this signal the return of the SCQ?
Hope so… (send in some submissions if you hope so too)
Full paper available here (pdf)
Journal of Fantastic Phylogenetics 2012 8(9): 42-49
Abstract: In this study we present the preliminary finding of what could be the first record in history of hybridization between mammalian Orders (Perissodactyla and Cetacea). Phylogenetic analyses from the unicorn (Equus unicornus) mitochondrial genes (protein-coding Cytochrome b, Cytb) show a matriline belonging to the Narwhal (Monodon monceros) while nuclear (V-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog, Kit) clearly show a sister relationship of the unicorn-pegasus (Equus alatus) clade with the rest of the Perissodactyl family Equidae. Our preliminary study strongly suggests the need for further investigation because this finding could completely revolutionise our understanding of the processes of hybridization in mammals.
From the Introduction:
Hybridization is widely known from the plant kingdom (Rieseberg & Carney 1998) and horizontal gene transfer has been repeatedly reported in prokaryotes (Jain et al. 1999). However, these forms of genetic exchange have never been prevalent (or even recorded in the case of horizontal gene transfer) in the Mammalia and never been recorded at such an evolutionary distance between organisms (Equidae and Cetacea).
Here are presented the incongruent results from two phylogenies built with mitochondrial and nuclear genes of E. unicornus showing relatedness to two different orders of the Mammalia.
This awesome fake paper by Anna Bazzicalupo, via the Science Creative Quarterly
February 18, 2013
Poster series on unusual wildlife activity in NYC #beautiful
Hal’s story | @birdonthetown’s story | Sludgie’s story
By Thomas Wilder from MGMT. pdf available here. Via Notcot.org
February 14, 2013
A very funny BBC nature video.
From the BBC One show ‘Funny Talking Animals – Walk On The Wild Side’
February 14, 2013
This is pretty wild: New York Biotopes by Lena Steinkühler #stunningvideo #wow
“My idea was to create a film, that fills up the metropolis New York with vegetation, that adapts to the straightness of the technology and the given situation. This happens through the assimilation of structures and forms. These biotopes are shaped by the existing living environment, but in turn also shape the newly developed living environment by their presence. In other words, a symbiotically coexistence begins.”
By Lena Steinkühler, via Notcot.org
January 29, 2013
Lichens… So pretty
Don’t you think? (Any ideas on the specific species?)
By the way – definition of a lichen:
Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a fungus (the mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (the photobiont or phycobiont) growing together in a symbiotic relationship (wikipedia)
Photos by i n i m i n i, via Fresh Photons.
January 28, 2013
If you ever doubt that majesty and beauty exists in the natural world, then watch this: A Bird Ballet
These starlings are best viewed in HD, on a large screen, in a comfy dark spot, headphones, the whole works…
A bird ballet | Short Film from Neels CASTILLON on Vimeo.
By Neels Castillon, ia Colossal.
January 6, 2013
Bold Biodiversity Art by State.
“Print Collection has commissioned artist Julian Montague to create round one of our State of America series. These bright, bold, graphic images iconicize the quirky Official State Insignias from around the nation. Red States and Blue States may now be a thing of the past.”
By Julian Montague.
January 3, 2013
For the Rodent Lovers: Giant Bronze Rattus norvegicus Sculpture
“The New Colossus, as it is titled, is a bronze replica of the giant inflatable rats that labor union strikers often park outside the employer’s premises they are picketing, usually for hiring non-union workers. There’s definitely some irony there, seeing this working class object converted into a piece of fine art in a very white collar part of NYC.”
Text and images via collabcubed.com
December 22, 2012
Sciencegeek Advent Calendar Extravaganza! – Day 22
CHRISTMASY BIODIVERSITY TRADING CARDS
From the Phylo Project (Click on the card to go to webpage)
(see more of Popperfont’s Sciencegeek Advent Calendar Extravanganza here)
popperfont.net 