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World's deadliest tree
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The manchineel tree ( Hippomane mancinella) has taken the title of world’s most dangerous tree. This evergreen grows up to 15 metres (49 ft) tall, and is native to tropical southern North America and northern South America. It has reddish-greyish bark, small greenish-yellow flowers, and shiny green leaves ranging in size from 5 to 10 cm (2–4 inches) long. All parts of the tree contain strong toxins, some unidentified. The leaves and fruit of the tree superficially resemble an apple tree, however one bite of the tree’s fruit can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, or death due to an acetylcholine inhibitor known as physostigmine found in the fruit. In addition, its milky white sap contains phorbol and other skin irritants, producing s ...
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4267 |
duddy |
8 years ago |
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2879 |
duddy |
10 years ago |
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Bloody trees
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The dragon’s blood tree ( Dracaena draco) has a thick red resin that makes the plant appear to be bleeding when it is cut. These subtropical plants form huge umbrella-like canopies and can grow for hundreds of years, but they are currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to the trademark resin being used in traditional medicine, violin staining, and even for embalming the dead.
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5537 |
duddy |
10 years ago |
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Overhunting leads to behavioural changes in monkeys
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Overhunting is one reason for wildlife population decline, but do these animals even know what we’re doing to them? New research suggests that they do. Woolly monkeys in the Amazon were observed to react differently to people in their territory, depending on the behavior of the human. In areas where hunting is heavy, humans gathering food or performing research do not elicit much of a response from the monkeys. Hunters, however, result in the monkeys becoming very quiet and motionless. In quieter areas where human contact is less frequent, the monkeys are more wary of the researchers and gatherers. This indicates that the monkeys are behaving based on experience. The long term advantage of this behavior is uncertain. Woolly monkeys are highl ...
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4117 |
duddy |
11 years ago |
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Will the rhino go extinct?
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Sadly, the remaining rhinos in Mozambique are reported to have been wiped out due to poaching. The animals had been under protection on a preserve, but 30 of the 100 rangers who were supposed to be caring for the animals are believed to have been aiding poachers, and are currently awaiting trial. Even if found guilty, it will only be a misdemeanor. Rhino horns are a big market in certain Asian countries, primarily China and Vietnam, and are used in folk remedies or for ornamental purposes. If poaching continues, experts warn that elephants will suffer the same fate. ...
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2831 |
duddy |
11 years ago |
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