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Meet the black swallower 4 0
Posted by savio   July 27, 2013   2887 views
This is the aptly-named "black swallower" (Chiasmodon niger), a fish known for eating bony fish up to 10x its mass and 2x its length. It's found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters at a depth of 700-2,745 meters. Most specimens of this fish have been collected after one attempted to swallow prey too large for it to handle, and the prey could not be digested before decomposition set it. The release of gases forces the black swallower to the surface. This particular specimen was found washed up on the shore in 2007. The black swallower measures 19 cm long. The fish in its stomach is a snake mackerel measuring 86 cm. ... Read more
hungry
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1 How does it digest the bigger fish? Posted on Jul 28, 2013 by nite_n_day

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A beautiful Egyptian vulture 4 0
Posted by savio   July 26, 2013   2486 views
Egyptian vultures not only feed on dead animals, but are opportunists who will also eat small or injured animals, and will even steal eggs of other birds and crack them open. The vultures are listed as endangered by the IUCN. In Asia, they have lost about a third of their population each year since the turn of the century. Hunting and accidental poisoning (ingesting insects that have been treated with a pesticide) are two of the main causes for their decline.
birds
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1 Really cool, but why is it white? How does that make sense? Any input.. Posted on Jul 27, 2013 by barry 2 Good question... you'd assume that the reason certain animals are white is so that they blend into the environment. Perhaps there's more to it here; perhaps the white coat allows it to withstand the heat of the desert better. Posted on Jul 27, 2013 by bio_man

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What your palm looks like underneath the skin 8 0
Posted by savio   July 26, 2013   5153 views
This is what your palm would look like without skin, but don't worry, it's not a real hand
human
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1 The glossiness makes it appear so realistic. Posted on Jul 27, 2013 by bio_man 2 The attention to detail is perfect, thanks for sharing. Posted on Sep 30, 2013 by barry 3 That's hard to look at! Posted on Oct 19, 2013 by mikael View all comments

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The bleeding tooth fungus 3 0
Posted by savio   July 26, 2013   2423 views
The bleeding tooth fungus grows in Europe and North America. While young, the fungus looks like it is oozing blood. The red liquid is actually an anticoagulant. It lives on the roots of conifer trees and exchanges nutrients in a mutually beneficial relationship. And, if you're wondering, they are inedible.
fungus forest
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1 This was the forbidden mushroom in Super Mario. Posted on Oct 6, 2013 by bio_man

[Discoveries]

First poisonous bird discovered 5 0
Posted by savio   July 25, 2013   2293 views
The hooded Pitohui was one of the first poisonous birds discovered. It has a toxin on its skin and feathers that can induce tingling or numbness when touched. It is a common bird in New Guinea.
birds
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