Goldfish
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/5/4/12540300/2686293.jpg?389)
Scientific Name:Carassius auratus
Goldfish Vision:Vision that is seen in the goldfish may not seem important to many people, but it is actually quite fascinating in that it is much more developed than most people would expect it to be for the size and apparent intelligence of the creature. Overall, goldfish have developed full-spectrum vision so that they will be able to see the micro-flashes of static electrical charge and bio-luminescence that appear when a creature hunting with sonar sends sound waves through waters rich in micro-fauna in order to search for its prey. This full-spectrum vision has also proved to be very effective in sensing many and various tell-tale signs that come from the bow-wave that a rapidly moving predator makes as it cuts through the water.
Goldfish, in particular, have been widely used as a model system for the study of color vision. The goldfish retina contains rods and four cone types in juveniles, three cone types in adults. The majority of goldfish retina ganglion cells have center-surround organization and many are wavelength opponent goldfish evidence photopic spectral sensitivity functions reflecting both wavelength additive mechanisms and wavelength opponent mechanisms. Goldfish wavelength discrimination has been reported in many studies and found out to exhibit color constancy. the goldfish first developed full spectrum vision in order to see the micro-flashes of bio-luminescence and static electrical charges that tend to discharge when a sonar-hunter sends sound waves through micro-fauna rich waters in search of prey. It also proved effective in sensing various tell-tales that result from the bow-wave of a fast moving predator... Only later did they realize that they could track submarines, intercept trace reflections of communication lasers that took bad bounces of atmospheric interference, and even decode the ultra-faint eminations that are shed of trans-oceanic communication cables, and so much more.
Goldfish, in particular, have been widely used as a model system for the study of color vision. The goldfish retina contains rods and four cone types in juveniles, three cone types in adults. The majority of goldfish retina ganglion cells have center-surround organization and many are wavelength opponent goldfish evidence photopic spectral sensitivity functions reflecting both wavelength additive mechanisms and wavelength opponent mechanisms. Goldfish wavelength discrimination has been reported in many studies and found out to exhibit color constancy. the goldfish first developed full spectrum vision in order to see the micro-flashes of bio-luminescence and static electrical charges that tend to discharge when a sonar-hunter sends sound waves through micro-fauna rich waters in search of prey. It also proved effective in sensing various tell-tales that result from the bow-wave of a fast moving predator... Only later did they realize that they could track submarines, intercept trace reflections of communication lasers that took bad bounces of atmospheric interference, and even decode the ultra-faint eminations that are shed of trans-oceanic communication cables, and so much more.
Rooster /Chickens
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/5/4/12540300/364678.jpg?390)
Scientific Name:Gallus domesticus
Although chickens aren't the most glamourous of all birds they play a big part in the lives of many people across the world. There are actually more chickens on earth than there are people. If you just hate chickens, though, you may be Alektorophobic.
Even if you don't like chickens you may find some of these facts intriguing. For example, the chicken is the closest living relative to the T-Rex. There are over 3 billion chickens in China alone. Some breeds of chickens can lay colored eggs. The Ameraucana and Araucana can lay eggs of green or blue.
The most eggs laid by a chicken in one day is seven. If you make the chickens think it's daylight, even at night, they'll lay eggs that are bigger with harder shells. The largest recorded size of a chicken egg was 12 oz and measured 12-1/4" in diameter. The greatest number of recorded yolks in one egg was 9.
A chicken can travel 9 miles an hour. This is usually a combined effort of running, jumping and flying. Chickens, like other birds and mammals, experience rapid eye movement (REM) when they sleep. And, chickens have over 200 distinct noises they can make for communicating.
Chickens and turkeys have crossbred many times. They call these "Turkins". The chicken pox weren't named after chickens or anything to do with chickens. The name came from an old English expression "gican pox", meaning "itching pox".Kentucky Fried Chicken's consumers eat enough chickens for them to be laid end to end and circle the equator eleven times. The same amount of chickens would also equal the distance from earth to over 50,000 miles past the moon.When there is no rooster in a flock of hens one hen will take over the role - as much as possible - and will begin to crow and stop laying eggs. The waste produced by just one chicken can supply enough electricity to run a hundred-watt lightbulb for about five hours.In Ancient Rome someone who said to you "You were raised by a hen", was giving you a compliment. The expression "Mother hen", also implies that a chicken makes a great mother.
Even if you don't like chickens you may find some of these facts intriguing. For example, the chicken is the closest living relative to the T-Rex. There are over 3 billion chickens in China alone. Some breeds of chickens can lay colored eggs. The Ameraucana and Araucana can lay eggs of green or blue.
The most eggs laid by a chicken in one day is seven. If you make the chickens think it's daylight, even at night, they'll lay eggs that are bigger with harder shells. The largest recorded size of a chicken egg was 12 oz and measured 12-1/4" in diameter. The greatest number of recorded yolks in one egg was 9.
A chicken can travel 9 miles an hour. This is usually a combined effort of running, jumping and flying. Chickens, like other birds and mammals, experience rapid eye movement (REM) when they sleep. And, chickens have over 200 distinct noises they can make for communicating.
Chickens and turkeys have crossbred many times. They call these "Turkins". The chicken pox weren't named after chickens or anything to do with chickens. The name came from an old English expression "gican pox", meaning "itching pox".Kentucky Fried Chicken's consumers eat enough chickens for them to be laid end to end and circle the equator eleven times. The same amount of chickens would also equal the distance from earth to over 50,000 miles past the moon.When there is no rooster in a flock of hens one hen will take over the role - as much as possible - and will begin to crow and stop laying eggs. The waste produced by just one chicken can supply enough electricity to run a hundred-watt lightbulb for about five hours.In Ancient Rome someone who said to you "You were raised by a hen", was giving you a compliment. The expression "Mother hen", also implies that a chicken makes a great mother.
Clown Anemonefish
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/5/4/12540300/9045800.jpg?395)
Scientific Name:Premnas biaculeatus
Anyone with kids and a DVD player probably thinks they know all there is to know about the clown anemonefish, or, simply, clownfish. What they may not know is that the heroes of Finding Nemo are actually called false anemonefish. True anemonefish, Amphiprion percula, are nearly identical, but have subtle differences in shape and live in different habitats.
Bright orange with three distinctive white bars, clown anemonefish are among the most recognizable of all reef-dwellers. They reach about 4.3 inches (11 centimeters) in length, and are named for the multicolored sea anemone in which they make their homes.
Clownfish perform an elaborate dance with an anemone before taking up residence, gently touching its tentacles with different parts of their bodies until they are acclimated to their host. A layer of mucus on the clownfish's skin makes it immune to the fish-eating anemone's lethal sting. In exchange for safety from predators and food scraps, the clownfish drives off intruders and preens its host, removing parasites.
There are 28 known species of anemonefish, most of which live in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the western Pacific. They are not found in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Atlantic Ocean.
Surprisingly, all clownfish are born male. They have the ability to switch their sex, but will do so only to become the dominant female of a group. The change is irreversible.
Bright orange with three distinctive white bars, clown anemonefish are among the most recognizable of all reef-dwellers. They reach about 4.3 inches (11 centimeters) in length, and are named for the multicolored sea anemone in which they make their homes.
Clownfish perform an elaborate dance with an anemone before taking up residence, gently touching its tentacles with different parts of their bodies until they are acclimated to their host. A layer of mucus on the clownfish's skin makes it immune to the fish-eating anemone's lethal sting. In exchange for safety from predators and food scraps, the clownfish drives off intruders and preens its host, removing parasites.
There are 28 known species of anemonefish, most of which live in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the western Pacific. They are not found in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Atlantic Ocean.
Surprisingly, all clownfish are born male. They have the ability to switch their sex, but will do so only to become the dominant female of a group. The change is irreversible.
American Badger
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/5/4/12540300/5962915.jpg?413)
Scientific Name:Taxidea taxus
Mammal. American badgers are built to dig. They move dirt faster than any other mammal, including a person with a shovel! Strong shoulders, sturdy claws, and partial webbing between their front toes allow them to scoop soil out quickly. They are naturally protected from flying dirt by transparent membranes that protect their eyes and stiff hairs that keep their ear canals clean. They use their back feet to kick the loose dirt out of the way. Badgers dig in pursuit of prey and then expand tunnels into sleeping burrows. They are solitary, have a keen sense of smell, and are more active at night than in the day.
Anteater
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/5/4/12540300/2420274.jpg?420)
Scientific Name:Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Anteaters are one of the more stranger-looking animals on our planet. The Giant Anteater can measure up to 2 metres (6.5 feet) in length from nose to tail and weigh 40 - 100 pounds. The Giant Anteaters coat is coloured greyish/brown with black and white diagonal markings on their shoulders. Their hair is course on the upper parts but long and shaggy on the under parts and tail.The Anteaters tail is long and bushy and can measure 2 - 3 feet alone. Their heads are long and narrow with a small black snout on the end. Their eyes and ears are small and they have a very long sticky tongue.Giant Anteaters have four short, stout legs. Each foot consists of 5 digits with the 3 middle digits on their front paws being equipped with huge, sharp claws which are used for breaking open termite and ant nests. Because they have these long claws on their paws, the anteater has to walk on its knuckles with their claws folded underneath to protect them. Their claws are very strong and this strength is necessary as the termite and ant nests are mixed with soil and termite saliva which become extremely hard when baked in the sun.Anteaters have no teeth and after scooping out the insects with their long tongues, the anteater crushes them with pad-like growths inside their mouths before swallowing them. Although the Anteaters sight and hearing are not very well developed, they have a superb sense of smell. Giant Anteaters have a rather small brain in comparison to their body size although they have large skulls which can extend up to 18 inches in length.
White-Nosed Coati
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/5/4/12540300/4643165.gif?408)
Scientific Name:Nasua narica
The white-nosed coati (Nasua narica) is a species of coati and a member of the family Procyonidae (raccoons and relatives). Local names include Pizote, Antoon and Tejón. The last, which mainly is used in Mexico, means badger. It averages about 4–6 kg (8.8-13.2 lbs) in weight.[3] However, males are much larger than females, and small females weigh as little as 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) and large males as much as 12.2 kg (27 lbs).[4][5] On average, the total length is about 110 cm (43 in), about half of that being the tail length.White-nosed coatis inhabit wooded areas (dry and moist forests) of the Americas. They are found at any altitude from sea level to 3,000 m (9,800 ft),[6] and from as far north as southeastern Arizona and New Mexico, through Mexico and Central America, to far northwestern Colombia (Gulf of Urabá region, near Colombian border with Panama).[7][8] There has been considerable confusion over its southern range limit,[9] but specimen records from most of Colombia (only exception is far northwest) and Ecuador are all South American coatis.[7][8]
Coatis from Cozumel Island have been treated as a separate species, the Cozumel Island coati, but the vast majority of recent authorities treat it as a subspecies, N. narica nelsoni, of the white-nosed coati.[1][2][6][10] They are smaller than white-nosed coatis from the adjacent mainland (N. n. yucatanica), but when compared more widely to white-nosed coatis the difference in size is not as clear.[7] The level of other differences also support its status as a subspecies rather than separate species.[7]
White-nosed coatis have also been found in the U.S. state of Florida, where they are an introduced species. It is unknown precisely when introduction occurred; an early specimen in the Florida Museum of Natural History, labeled an "escaped captive", dates to 1928. There are several later documented cases of coatis escaping captivity, and since the 1970s there have been a number of sightings, and several live and dead specimens of various ages have been found. These reports have occurred over a wide area of southern Florida, and there is probable evidence of breeding, indicating that the population is well established.[11]
Coatis from Cozumel Island have been treated as a separate species, the Cozumel Island coati, but the vast majority of recent authorities treat it as a subspecies, N. narica nelsoni, of the white-nosed coati.[1][2][6][10] They are smaller than white-nosed coatis from the adjacent mainland (N. n. yucatanica), but when compared more widely to white-nosed coatis the difference in size is not as clear.[7] The level of other differences also support its status as a subspecies rather than separate species.[7]
White-nosed coatis have also been found in the U.S. state of Florida, where they are an introduced species. It is unknown precisely when introduction occurred; an early specimen in the Florida Museum of Natural History, labeled an "escaped captive", dates to 1928. There are several later documented cases of coatis escaping captivity, and since the 1970s there have been a number of sightings, and several live and dead specimens of various ages have been found. These reports have occurred over a wide area of southern Florida, and there is probable evidence of breeding, indicating that the population is well established.[11]
Stoat/Ermin
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/5/4/12540300/9083889.jpg?463)
Scientific Name:Mustela erminea
The stoat, also known as the ermine or short-tailed weasel, is a species of Mustelidae native to Eurasia and North America, distinguished from the least weasel by its larger size and longer tail with a prominent black tip. Its range has expanded since the late 19th century to include New Zealand, where it is held responsible for declines in native bird populations. It is classed by the IUCN as Least Concern, due to its wide circumpolar distribution, and because it does not face any significant threat to its survival.[1] It is listed among the 100 "world's worst invasive species".[2]The root word for "stoat" is likely either the Belgic word stout, meaning "bold"[3] or the Gothic word stautan, meaning "to push".[4] According to John Guillim, in his Display of Heraldrie, the word "ermine" is likely derived from Armenia, the nation where it was thought the species originated,[3] though other authors have linked it to the Norman French from the Teutonic harmin (Anglo-Saxon hearma). This again seems to come from the Lithuanian word šarmu.[4] In Ireland (where the least weasel does not occur), the stoat is referred to as "weasel", while in North America it is called "short-tailed weasel". A male stoat is called a dog, hob or jack, while a female is called a bitch or jill. The collective noun for stoats is either "gang" or "pack".
Gouldian Flinches
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/5/4/12540300/6358209.png?343)
Three basic varieties of Gouldian Finches are naturally-occurring in color. These are the black-headed Gouldian Finch (Poephila gouldiae), the red-headed Gouldian Finch (Poephila mirabilis) and the yellow-headed Gouldian Finch (Poephila armitiana). However, while these are the basic and normally recognized colors, there can be a tremendous variation in the coloration of these finches. This includes combinations of blue and yellow. Adding to this, the male Gouldian Finch is even more brilliant that the colors of the female Gouldian Finch. The male finch also has a significantly longer tail feather. There is little question that Gouldian Finches dominate the field when it comes to beauty in the finch world.ouldian Finches originally called the Australian tropics home. Prior to 1960 they were popular exports from the country, but in the 60’s, the government banned the exportation of virtually all animals and birds native to the country. They are technically an endangered species in their native habitat, but there are many Gouldian Finches in other countries, America included, for purchase. They are still popular pets and homes across the world have Gouldian Finches flitting about in them and singing their happy songs. Gouldian Finches are flashy birds, blessed with splendid, brilliant colors. The colors are widely varied, and these finches may have red or grey or orange heads, with blue or even green backs, while the breasts and below range from purple, white or yellow.Gouldian Finches Care is More Difficult Gouldian Finches bring with their beauty a more difficult task in the care and breeding of these finches. They are not as sturdy as the Zebra and Society Finches. They are not hardy and their tolerance for extremes is not as high as their more hearty brethren. Gouldian Finches should not be the first choice for a new, inexperienced bird owner. These finches are also more reclusive and do not like to be petted or held, unlike other finches who often relish such handling. If you’re one of those who would like to finger train a finch (getting a finch to perch on your finger), do not get a Gouldian Finch. But, like their brethren, Gouldian Finches want company. If you get a Gouldian Finch, make sure you get a pair.
Those who would like a pet bird that can easily be finger tamed should probably stay away from the Gouldian Finch. All finches are social and should be kept in one or more pairs in order to satisfy their need to be social. Realize too, Gouldian Finches become disturbed by frequent changes in their cage environment or by any movement of their cage, especially sudden movement. This brings stress to the finch and if they encounter frequent stress, it can weaken their immune system.
Those who would like a pet bird that can easily be finger tamed should probably stay away from the Gouldian Finch. All finches are social and should be kept in one or more pairs in order to satisfy their need to be social. Realize too, Gouldian Finches become disturbed by frequent changes in their cage environment or by any movement of their cage, especially sudden movement. This brings stress to the finch and if they encounter frequent stress, it can weaken their immune system.
Poodle
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/5/4/12540300/2860215.jpg?401)
Scientific Name:Canis Familiaris
The Poodle is a breed of dog. The poodle breed is found officially in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, with many coat colors. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the Poodle is skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding. Poodles have taken top honors in many conformation shows, including "Best in Show" at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1991 and 2002, and at the World Dog Show in 2007 and 2010.The Poodle is believed to have originated in Germany, where it was known as the Pudelhund. Pudel (cognate with the English word "puddle"), is derived from the Low German verb meaning "to splash about", and the word Hund in German means "dog". The breed was standardized in France, where it was commonly used as a water retriever.
The European mainland had known the Poodle long before it was brought to England. Drawings by German artist Albrecht Durer established the breed in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was the principal pet dog of the late 18th century in Spain, as shown by the paintings of the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. France had toy Poodles as pampered favorites during the reign of Louis XVI at about the same period.
The Poodle has been bred in at least three sizes, including Standard, Miniature, and Toy. According to the American Kennel Club, the Standard Poodle is the oldest of the three varieties, and was later bred down to the miniature and toy sizes. Despite the Standard Poodle's claim to greater age than the other varieties, some evidence shows the smaller types developed only a short time after the breed assumed the general type by which it is recognized today. The smallest, or Toy variety, was developed in England in the 18th century. Today, there is a teacup poodle, not registered in the A.K.C.Poodles are retrievers or gun dogs, and are still used by hunters in that role. Their coats are moisture-resistant, which helps their swimming. All of the Poodle's ancestors were acknowledged to be good swimmers, although one member of the family, the truffle dog (which may have been of Toy or Miniature size), it is said, never went near the water. Truffle hunting was widely practised in England, and later in Spain and Germany, where the edible fungus has always been considered a delicacy. For scenting and digging up the fungus, the smaller dogs were favoured, since they did less damage to the truffles with their feet than the larger kinds. So it is rumoured that a terrier was crossed with the Poodle to produce the ideal truffle hunter.
The European mainland had known the Poodle long before it was brought to England. Drawings by German artist Albrecht Durer established the breed in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was the principal pet dog of the late 18th century in Spain, as shown by the paintings of the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. France had toy Poodles as pampered favorites during the reign of Louis XVI at about the same period.
The Poodle has been bred in at least three sizes, including Standard, Miniature, and Toy. According to the American Kennel Club, the Standard Poodle is the oldest of the three varieties, and was later bred down to the miniature and toy sizes. Despite the Standard Poodle's claim to greater age than the other varieties, some evidence shows the smaller types developed only a short time after the breed assumed the general type by which it is recognized today. The smallest, or Toy variety, was developed in England in the 18th century. Today, there is a teacup poodle, not registered in the A.K.C.Poodles are retrievers or gun dogs, and are still used by hunters in that role. Their coats are moisture-resistant, which helps their swimming. All of the Poodle's ancestors were acknowledged to be good swimmers, although one member of the family, the truffle dog (which may have been of Toy or Miniature size), it is said, never went near the water. Truffle hunting was widely practised in England, and later in Spain and Germany, where the edible fungus has always been considered a delicacy. For scenting and digging up the fungus, the smaller dogs were favoured, since they did less damage to the truffles with their feet than the larger kinds. So it is rumoured that a terrier was crossed with the Poodle to produce the ideal truffle hunter.
Snowy Owl
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/5/4/12540300/7645344.jpg)
Scientific Name:(Bubo scandiacus)
The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large owl of the typical owl family Strigidae. The Snowy Owl was first classified in 1758 by Carolus Linnaeus, the Swedish naturalist who developedbinomial nomenclature to classify and organize plants and animals. Until recently, it was regarded as the sole member of a distinct genus, as Nyctea scandiaca, but mtDNA cytochrome bsequence data (Olsen et al. 2002) shows that it is very closely related to the horned owls in the genus Bubo. The Snowy Owl is the official bird of Quebec. The Snowy Owl is typically found in the northern circumpolar region, where it makes its summer home north of latitude 60 degrees north. However, it is a particularly nomadic bird, and because population fluctuations in its prey species can force it to relocate, it has been known to breed at more southerly latitudes. During the last glacial, there was a Central Europe Bubo scandiacus gallicus, but no modern subspecies are recognized.This species of owl nests on the ground, building a scrape on top of a mound or boulder. A site with good visibility, ready access to hunting areas, and a lack of snow is chosen. Gravel bars and abandoned eagle nests may be used. Breeding occurs in May, and depending on the amount of prey available, clutch sizes range from 5 to 14 eggs, which are laid singly, approximately every other day over the course of several days. Hatching takes place approximately five weeks after laying, and the pure white young are cared for by both parents. Both the male and the female defend the nest and their young from predators. Some individuals stay on the breeding grounds while others migrate.