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Toxic meat
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African spur-winged geese ( Plectropterus gambensis) become so toxic after eating blister beetles that consuming their flesh can kill a human. Blister beetles (family Meloidae) are toxic due to the presence of a chemical compound called cantharidin. Cantharidin is a potent toxin that these beetles produce and store in their bodies as a defense mechanism against predators. It acts as a powerful irritant and blistering agent when it comes into contact with skin or mucous membranes. The toxicity of blister beetles serves as a deterrent to potential predators, helping them avoid being eaten. ...
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2979 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
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3071 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
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2762 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
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2980 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
Animal that blinds its prey
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The Dana octopus squid ( Taningia danae) of the Pacific blinds its prey with flashes of light from its arms! It is believed that this highly maneuverable squid uses the bright flashes to disorientate potential prey. These flashes may also serve to illuminate the prey to make for easier capture as well as a courtship and territorial display.
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6898 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
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2941 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
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8524 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
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1920 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
Tomatoes were once legally vegetables
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Botanically, apples, peaches, grapes, and tomatoes are all fruits. But don’t try telling that to the U.S. Supreme Court. Per the 1893 case Nix v. Hedden, the court decided that tomatoes were veggies and therefore subject to the vegetable tariff. The Supreme Court’s reasoning? Tomatoes have to be vegetables because they’re usually served with dinner, not dessert.
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1774 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
Largest ball pit
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The world's largest ball pit in China - contains over one million balls!
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1520 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
Sticking together is what good melons do
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We're all thinking it... this watermelon looks like a big green butt. Accidentally grown in Japan, it formed when two watermelons grew too close together and fused. And it turns out that 'Japanese butt melons' aren't all that uncommon
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4967 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
One bizarre looking bird
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The bizarre helmeted hornbill is the only bird of its kind with a solid head 'casque', or helmet. They use these bony features to battle each other - ramming their heads together, in mid-air, for up to two hours at a time.
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4935 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
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5200 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
Street food of Japan
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Seahorse and scorpion skewers are sold on the streets of Japan as popular food items. I wonder what they taste like...
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1468 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
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1243 |
duddy |
9 years ago |