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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Folklores and Sea Creatures 🌊 Folklores and Sea Creatures 🦑 Many cultures have long associated earthquakes with mythical water creatures, weaving fascinating legends to explain these natural disasters. Here are some intriguing myths from around the world: 1. Namazu (Japan) In Japanese mythology, earthquakes are believed to be caused by Namazu , a giant catfish living beneath the earth. This enormous creature is restrained by the god Takemikazuchi , but when it escapes, it thrashes violently, shaking the land and causing earthquakes. This myth highlights the deep connection between Japan’s seismic activity and its reverence for nature. 2. The Leviathan (Jewish Mythology) The Leviathan , a massive sea serpent from Jewish mythology, is sometimes linked to upheavals in the ocean and land. Some stories describe its movements as causing tremors beneath the waves, leading to natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. 3. Ahipa (Andean Mythology) Among the Aymara people of South America, earthquakes are linked to Ahipa, a great aquatic creature that moves beneath the earth’s surface. Some versions describe it as a serpent or fish that disturbs the land and water, shaking the mountains above. 4. Jörmungandr (Norse Mythology) The Norse believed that the Midgard Serpent, Jörmungandr , encircles the world beneath the ocean. When this massive sea serpent shifts, it causes earthquakes and tidal waves. It is said that during Ragnarök (the end of the world), Jörmungandr will rise, unleashing chaos. 5. Taniwha (Māori Mythology) The Māori of New Zealand tell stories of Taniwha , powerful water spirits that inhabit deep rivers, lakes, and the ocean. While they are sometimes protectors, they can also cause destruction, and some legends suggest that their movements beneath the earth contribute to earthquakes and floods. 6. The Great Turtle (Indigenous North America) Many Native American tribes believe the world rests on the back of a giant turtle. In some stories, when the turtle shifts or stretches, the earth quakes. Certain versions of this myth link the turtle to water, symbolizing the deep connection between land and sea. These myths reflect humanity’s long-standing attempt to understand earthquakes, particularly in regions prone to seismic activity. While science now attributes earthquakes to tectonic movements, these legends continue to capture the imagination and cultural heritage of many societies. Sources: Books: The Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore – Michael Dylan Foster (for Namazu) Norse Mythology – Neil Gaiman (for Jörmungandr) The Jewish Book of Legends – Hayim Nahman Bialik (for Leviathan) Maori Myths and Legends – A.W. Reed (for Taniwha) Native American Myths and Legends – Richard Erdoes & Alfonso Ortiz (for the Great Turtle) Academic Articles & Websites: Smithsonian Institution (mythological creatures & folklore) National Geographic (mythology and seismic activity) University folklore and anthropology databases Encyclopaedia Britannica (cultural myths) ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Reviving the Oysters: Restoring Ecosystems and Clean Water Through Sustainable Solutions 🐡 Reviving the Oysters: Restoring Ecosystems and Clean Water Through Sustainable Solutions🐚 Oysters play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health and water quality as natural water filters. Their unique feeding system enables them to rapidly remove toxic microscopic algae, pollutants like microplastics, and harmful bacteria. While some sources claim that a single mature oyster can filter around 200 liters (52 gallons) of water daily, it's important to note that their filtration abilities are highly influenced by environmental conditions. According to Matthew Gray, a scientist at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Horn Point Laboratory, oysters are more likely to filter between 3.0 and 12.5 gallons of water per day under average conditions in the wild. An oyster's filtration rate depends on various environmental factors, including temperature, salinity levels, turbidity, and the presence of specific types of algae. Additionally, oysters may cease their filtering activity when faced with predators such as crabs. Despite variations in their water-filtering capability due to changing environmental conditions, there is no doubt that oysters are valuable contributors to both ecosystems and water quality. Unfortunately, oyster populations in the USA have significantly declined due to factors like overfishing, pollution, habitat alterations, and diseases, leading to an 80% or greater reduction in their filtration capacity in most estuaries. This decline has transpired over the past century. A study utilized a model to estimate the volume of water filtered by oyster populations in 13 US estuaries during both historical (circa 1880–1910) and modern (circa 2000–2010) periods. The findings underscore a nearly universal decline in oyster filtration capacity of over 80% in 12 of the 13 estuaries examined. Historically, oyster populations could achieve full estuary filtration in many estuaries, especially in the Gulf of Mexico during the summer months. However, this capability has significantly diminished over time. Apalachicola Bay in Florida stands as an exception, with present-day filtration levels surpassing historical estimates, thanks to intensive management and less destructive harvesting methods. This is a testimony that conservation efforts can contribute to the health and population of oysters and ultimately lead to the improvement of water quality. Consequently, there is an urgent need for effective management and restoration measures to mitigate the decline in their ecosystem services. Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTuBbuUro4g&t=23s https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6863492/ https://www.bayjournal.com/.../article_bbe67d38-8f09-11ea ... https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsapm.1c00799 https://www.cbf.org/.../eastern.../oyster-fact-sheet.html ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back When Humans Temporarily Halted Niagara Falls in 1969 When Humans Temporarily Halted Niagara Falls in 1969 Toronto Star File Niagara Falls, one of the world's most celebrated natural wonders, has attracted countless visitors from around the world. But did you know that in 1969, humans temporarily halted its timeless flow for the first time in approximately 12,000 years? It might seem impossible, but it did indeed happen! So, if you're a conspiracy theorist who questions the Apollo moon landing due to the engineering competence of the time, learning about this incredible engineering feat that was accomplished in the same year might give you second thoughts about your belief! HISTORY: Before we discuss what we see on the pictures. Let’s go over the history of the Niagara Falls. The history of Niagara Falls stretches back to the time of the Ice Age when melting ice released torrents of water, forming what we now know as the Niagara River. Geologically, Niagara Falls is relatively young, with its formation commencing around 12,000 years ago. It was during this time that water began to tumble over the Niagara Escarpment, a steep slope extending through New York, Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. This escarpment, famous for its role as the precipice over which the Niagara River plunges, earned its name as the Niagara Escarpment. The formation of Niagara Falls has been an ongoing process, marked by slow erosion and periodic rockfalls. Even today, the annual freezing and thawing of the Niagara River continues to shape the falls and move them slightly upstream. However, modern influences, such as hydroelectric power diversion, have mitigated the rate of erosion. DISCOVERY: So how were the falls discovered? This question sounds ridiculous to ask because you just can't miss Niagara Falls. They are so colossal!! Anyway, the Indigenous peoples of the Niagara region were likely the first to witness the awe-inspiring power of Niagara Falls. The first European to document this natural wonder was Father Louis Hennepin, a French priest who explored the area in 1678. His account of Niagara Falls, published in "A New Discovery," introduced the falls to the Western world and inspired further exploration of the region. REPORT OF CONCERNS ABOUT THE FALLS: In 1965, the local Niagara Gazette sounded the alarm; years of relentless erosion, coupled with significant rockfalls in previous decades, had caused colossal boulders, known as talus, to accumulate at the falls' base. This mammoth pile totaled 3.5 million cubic feet and reached up to ten stories in height. At some points along the gorge, the rubble had astonishingly halved the height of the American Falls. The fear was that this natural wonder could slowly deteriorate and eventually transform into a series of rapids. Toronto Star File RESPONDING TO THE LOCAL OUTCRY: The United States and Canada established the International Joint Commission and devised a master plan for one of the most incredible man-versus-nature feats in history. Starting on June 9, 1969, and spanning three days, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers orchestrated a breathtaking operation. Over 1,000 trucks dumped a staggering 28,000 tons of rock in a water passage between Goat Island and the Niagara Falls, New York mainland. This engineering marvel created a 600-foot-wide cofferdam upstream of the Falls. Once sealed watertight, this dam redirected the flow of the Niagara River away from the American Falls, causing it to dwindle to a historic trickle. The American Falls remained dry for over five months, providing a unique opportunity for expert geologists to study the rocks while daring workers were lowered in safety cages by crane to remove unstable debris. Surprisingly, tourism didn't dwindle during this period. Crowds of up to 100,000 curious visitors flocked to witness this unprecedented spectacle during the first week alone. Many even stumbled upon coins that had been thrown into the Falls over the years. As for the rocks, while the International Joint Commission ordered the removal of unstable boulders and installed rockfall sensors along the cliff face, they wisely decided to leave much of the rocks in place to preserve natural conditions. Finally, on November 25, the cofferdam was deactivated, allowing nature and the mighty Niagara to reclaim their course. There's also the possibility of witnessing a similar event in the future, as plans have been proposed to reduce the flow of the American Falls again, this time for repairing century-old bridges. However, funding approval is pending, making it uncertain when this might happen. Nevertheless, the events of 1969 remain a remarkable chapter in the history of Niagara Falls. Toronto Star File HARNESS THE POWER OF THE NIAGARA: Niagara Falls' immense potential for power attracted industrialists who harnessed its force to drive mills and factories using water wheels. In 1895, the world's first large-scale hydroelectric generating station was inaugurated at Niagara Falls. Initially, it used direct current (DC) technology with limited transmission capabilities. However, in 1896, Nikola Tesla demonstrated the use of alternating current (AC) to transmit electricity from the fall to Buffalo, New York. This marked the first long-distance commercial application of AC, a system still used globally today. Toronto Star File THE POWER OF THE FALLS TODAY: Today, hydroelectricity is one of Niagara Falls' most significant contributions. Power plants on both the American and Canadian sides of the falls can generate up to 2.4 million kilowatts of electricity. Under an international treaty, water flow over Niagara Falls is reduced during the night to divert more water into the intakes for power generation, preserving the falls' natural beauty during peak viewing hours. Sources: https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/ ... https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/niagara-falls-without.../ https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/ https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/turning-off-niagara-called-once-in-a-lifetime-tourist-opportunity/article_b3507e4a-63ff-5b20-b814-49f3f02f3f68.html https://www.niagarafallslive.com/ Toronto Star File ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Cloudy with a Chance of Fish In a world awash with AI forgeries, the odd phenomenon of “fish rain” seems like another AI hoax: tiny aquatic creatures literally falling from the sky. Far from legend, scientists and eyewitnesses have confirmed rare but real instances across the globe. Notable Events 1) Yoro, Honduras (Lluvia de Peces): For over a century, heavy rains in Yoro deliver thousands of small fish onto muddy streets, likely lifted by waterspouts during tropical storms. 2) Lajamanu, Australia (2023): After a January storm, spangled perch blanketed the red outback. Meteorologists attributed this to a waterspout over a nearby river. 3) Yasuj, Iran (2024): Viral videos showed live fish splattering roads amid a sudden downpour, later verified by local weather reports. The Science: Waterspouts in Action The leading scientific explanation is simple yet spectacular: waterspouts. These are tornado‑like vortices that form over warm bodies of water including lakes, rivers, or coastal shallows, under the right atmospheric conditions. Like giant vacuums, they can suck up small fish, tadpoles, frogs, and even turtles. Once the vortex weakens inland, its airborne cargo falls back to earth, creating the illusion of fish or amphibians raining from the sky. Key factors for such “animal rain” include: 1. Warm water temperatures (fueling the updraft) 2. High humidity and wind shear (forming the vortex) 3. Proximity to a water source (providing the liftable creatures) Because waterspouts are localized and short‑lived, these events remain exceedingly rare—and therefore all the more mesmerizing. Alternative Explanations Not every fish shower requires a waterspout. In a December 2021 incident in Texarkana, Texas, dozens of fish were found on the ground after a storm. Biologists suggested a more mundane culprit: fish‑eating birds. Pelicans and terns sometimes drop or regurgitate prey when startled mid‑flight, scattering fish across roads or fields. The telltale signs, beaten or half‑eaten fish, help distinguish bird‑dropping events from waterspout deposits. Why Only One Species? Interestingly, reports almost always document a single species falling at once. Scientists believe that this consistency supports both the waterspout and bird theories: a vortex scoops fish from the same school, or a bird disgorges its single-species catch. Had powerful winds lofted mixed flotsam from the shoreline, we’d expect a more diverse array of creatures. (Although I am not sure if I am convinced by this one-species explanation....) Whatever the truth may be, these rare meteorological quirks remind us that nature never ceases to amaze us. Sources: * Livemint: Viral video of fish rain in Iran https://www.livemint.com/.../viral-video-fish-rain-in ... * HowStuffWorks: Waterspouts and animal rain https://science.howstuffworks.com/.../fish-rain-from-sky ... * GOOD: Fish falling in Lajamanu, Australia https://www.good.is/bizarre-video-shows-fish-falling-from ... * Caterpickles/Atlas Obscura: Lluvia de Peces in Honduras https://caterpickles.com/.../update-to-a-past.../ ... ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back A man befriended a Crab Eating Macaque in Southeast Asia "A few years ago, explorer Alvaro Cerezo (Docastaway) befriended a Crab-Eating Macaque while surviving on a remote island in Southeast Asia. One day while Alvaro was hunting for fish in the coral reef using his speargun, he was surprised by the approaching of quite a brave monkey who was swimming too. The monkey held onto Alvaro as a flotation device when it needed to rest. Thus, special friendship began. They swam together underwater almost every day, jumping from rock to rock, gaining mutual trust and little by little in this process. Finally, they ended up diving together in the deep spectacular coral reef. In countries like Indonesia, these Crab-Eating Macaques are famous for being proficient swimmers and 'apnea' free divers for crabs and other crustaceans in mangrove swamps." ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back An island in Wisconsin relocated by boats 🌴An island in Wisconsin relocated by boats A floating island gets too close to a bridge in Lake Chippewa, Wisconsin. So what do they do? They push the entire island with boats!!! I am curious to see the underside of the island and also find out why they don't use an anchor. Sources: 1440wrok.com Wisconsin's Unique Moveable Island Pushed Into Place By Boaters Boaters were called in to keep the island from blocking a bridge in Wisconsin. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back The global drought uncovering of various historical marvels around the world 🌞 The global drought uncovering of various historical marvels around the world 🌎 1. Dinosaur Tracks in Texas: Dinosaur Valley State Park in Texas revealed rare dinosaur tracks, estimated to be around 113 million years old, due to the receding water levels in the Paluxy River. These tracks belong to Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon dinosaurs. The superintendent of the park mentioned that it's the river's sediment that preserves these tracks. Spanish 'Stonehenge' in Spain: The Dolmen of Guadalperal, often referred to as the Spanish Stonehenge, became fully visible after being submerged in the Valdecanas reservoir in Spain since the 1960s. This ancient megalithic stone circle dates back to 5000 BC, and its creators remain unknown. 3. Nazi Warships in the Danube: Europe's summer drought caused over a dozen Nazi ships to surface in the Danube River near Prahovo, Serbia. These ships were part of Nazi Germany's Black Sea fleet in 1944 as they retreated from advancing Soviet forces. Many of the ships still contain ammunition and explosives, posing a risk to shipping on the river. 4, Buddhist Statues in China: Due to a regional drought, a formerly submerged island emerged in China's Yangtze River, revealing three Buddhist statues believed to be 600 years old. Experts believe these statues were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. 5. Ancient Bridge in England: An ancient packhorse bridge in Yorkshire, England, reemerged as record high temperatures and low water levels exposed it. The bridge had been submerged since the 1950s when it was flooded to build the Baitings Reservoir. 6. ‘Hunger Stones' in Germany: In Germany, 'hunger stones' with inscriptions and dates emerged in the Rhine River. These stones, dating back to the 15th century, were embedded in riverbeds to warn of impending hardships during times of drought. 7, Remains in Lake Mead: The shrinking water levels in Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S., have exposed five sets of human remains since May. In addition, a sunken WWII-era vessel, a Higgins boat used for beach landings, emerged from the reservoir. Officials are concerned that the water levels could reach a "dead pool" status. 8. Nero's Bridge in Italy: Italy's worst drought in 70 years led to the exposure of the piers of an ancient Roman bridge known as "Nero's bridge" over the Tiber River. This bridge, named after Emperor Nero, was constructed in the first century to connect to his gardens near Janiculum Hill. 9. Rock carvings on the banks of the Rio Negro in Brazil: The carvings include human faces and other figures that were etched in stone up to 2,000 years ago These instances could be perceived as fortunate coincidences (to see parts of history) arising from the tragic consequences of climate change. However, it's crucial to recognize that they also serve as warning signs. 10. A 3,400 year old city of the Mittani Empire: The Mittani Empire was previously located along the Tigris River, has been unearthed by a team of German and Kurdish archaeologists. Earlier this year, the town resurfaced from the waters of the Mosul reservoir due to a severe drought in Iraq. Sources: https://www.nbcnews.com/.../drought-hit-rivers-world ... https://www.pbs.org/.../droughts-reveal-forgotten ... https://abcnews.go.com/.../scorching-global.../story ... ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Iconic 158 Cheery Blossom Trees in Washington D.C. to be Removed for Seawall Reconstruction 🌸 Iconic 158 Cheery Blossom Trees in Washington D.C. to be Removed for Seawall Reconstruction 🌸🌳 In 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) initiated a significant renovation project to reconstruct approximately 6,800 feet of the seawall along Washington, D.C.'s Tidal Basin and parts of West Potomac Park. This endeavor aims to address issues such as land subsidence and sea-level rise, which have led to frequent flooding of the surrounding pathways. As part of this project, 158 of the nearly 3,700 iconic cherry blossom trees were removed to facilitate the seawall's elevation and stabilization. The Tidal Basin, renowned for its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, has faced challenges due to climate change, including higher tides and more extreme rainfall events. The seawall reconstruction involves raising its height by 4.75 feet and expanding the adjacent walkways from 8 to 12 feet to enhance visitor access and protect the area from future flooding. In August 2023, the NPS awarded a $113 million contract for the seawall's reconstruction, with work expected to commence in mid-2024 and conclude over a three-year period. While the removal of the cherry trees is a poignant aspect of the project, the NPS has committed to replanting these trees upon the project's completion to preserve the area's historic and aesthetic significance. Sources: apnews.com This reconstruction is crucial for safeguarding the Tidal Basin's infrastructure and ensuring the longevity of the cherry blossom tradition in Washington, D.C., for future generations. Sources ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back EPA Announces Largest Deregulatory Action in U.S. History The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced sweeping rollbacks of key environmental regulations, marking a significant shift in federal environmental policy. The initiative, described by Administrator Lee Zeldin as the most extensive deregulatory action in U.S. history, includes 31 measures that scale back pollution controls and loosen restrictions on industrial emissions. One of the most controversial aspects of the plan involves changes to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), which regulate emissions of hazardous substances such as mercury, arsenic, and lead from power plants. The revisions would allow facilities to avoid stringent compliance measures, sparking concerns among environmental and public health advocates who warn of increased risks to air quality and human health. The EPA argues that these regulatory rollbacks will reduce compliance costs for industries, stimulate economic growth, and return decision-making power to individual states. However, critics note that these changes weaken protections designed to limit toxic pollutants, which have been linked to neurological damage, respiratory illnesses, and other health concerns. In addition to altering MATS, the EPA is revising vehicle emissions standards and easing reporting requirements for industrial polluters. These changes reflect a broader effort to reduce what the administration considers regulatory overreach, but environmental groups argue that they prioritize industry profits over public health and climate protections. Supporters of the deregulation efforts, including some industry representatives and state officials, claim that reducing regulatory burdens will enhance energy production and lower costs for consumers. Opponents, however, caution that the long-term consequences could include worsening air and water pollution, with disproportionate effects on vulnerable communities. Furthermore, these rollbacks come at a time when the world is experiencing catastrophic weather events linked to climate change, raising concerns that weakened regulations could exacerbate environmental instability and the severity of extreme weather conditions. As these policies take effect, the debate over balancing economic interests with environmental responsibility is likely to intensify. The ultimate impact of these rollbacks will be closely watched by both policymakers and the public in the coming years. Sources: https://www.epa.gov/.../epa-launches-biggest-deregulatory ... https://apnews.com/.../trump-epa-clean-air-exemption ... https://www.wsj.com/.../trump-ushers-in-new-high-water ... ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Have you seen these jumping carps? 😫 Invasive Jumping Carps in the Mississippi River: Depleting Food Resources for Native Species 🐢 These invasive carp originated in Asia, including silver, bighead, black, and grass carp, were initially introduced to U.S. aquaculture facilities with the intention of controlling algae and parasites in 1970s. However, they escaped during flooding events and spread rapidly through rivers and canals. The rapid invasion of invasive carp in Midwest rivers, with a 1,200 carp per river kilometer density, has significantly impacted the river ecosystem. Particularly, silver and bighead carp became dominant in the lower and middle Mississippi River, while black carp pose a threat to native mussels. They also compete with native fish for food, leading to declines in zooplankton populations and affecting the overall food chain. Native fish species such as Gizzard Shad and Bigmouth Buffalo that rely on similar food resources have declined, while invasive carp have become dominant. The presence of Invasive carp also alters the structure of aquatic ecosystems, disrupts habitats, and may contribute to disease transmission. Additionally, they feed on zooplankton near the water's surface and are highly sensitive to disturbances. When disturbed, they can jump up to 10 feet. Their jumping can lead to collisions with boats, causing injuries to passengers and water skiers. There have been numerous efforts to remove invasive carp from Midwest rivers involving physical barriers, commercial fishing, research and monitoring, public awareness campaigns, innovative technologies, and collaboration among various stakeholders. These strategies aim to prevent the spread of invasive carp, reduce their populations, and mitigate their ecological impacts. Sources: https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-are-invasive-carp https://www.nps.gov/miss/learn/nature/ascarpover.htm https://invasivecarp.us/ Video footage: 'Jumping Carps explained' by Discovery ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Goliath the tadpole 🐸 Goliath the tadpole 🐸 Photo: courtesy of Alina Downer I've seen massive Asian bullfrogs that stretch to the size of an adult's palm, while their tadpoles measure "only" 3-4 inches in length. When I say “only,” I'm drawing a comparison to this colossal Goliath. See the photos to believe it. In a surprising discovery, biologists found an enormous tadpole in a shallow pond in Arizona. Measuring a remarkable 257 millimeters (10.1 inches) and still growing, the colossal tadpole outdoes the former champion in bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpole size by a significant 67 millimeters (2.5 inches), and it surpasses the previous record for an African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) tadpole by 37 millimeters (1.4 inches). Its circumference even exceeds that of a soda can. This tadpole, which was initially mistaken for a fish due to its immense size, was affectionately named Goliath. A biologist, Earyn McGee says that its size was likely due to a hormone imbalance. Researchers from the Southwestern Research Station suspected that Goliath did not undergo metamorphosis into a frog due to this condition. While Goliath's size could provide advantages in terms of food intake, it could also pose challenges to its respiratory and circulatory systems. The tadpole's measurements, growth rate, feeding habits, and behavior were studied for a peer-reviewed analysis. However, Goliath had died in 2019. Photo: courtesy of Alina Downer Dr. David Pfennig from the University of North Carolina says, “The normal developmental hormones, such as thyroid hormones, maybe ‘turned off’ or downregulated, while the growth hormones may be ‘turned on’ or upregulated.” Sources: https://www.livescience.com/63238-goliath-giant-tadpole.html https://www.americanscientist.org/.../the-giant-tadpole ... ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Puzzling case of the Pregnant Stingray 🌊 Puzzling case of the Pregnant Stingray 🐡 In early February, The Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team ECCO in North Carolina, found out that their female stingray, Charlotte, is pregnant. The peculiar thing about her case is that stingrays sexually reproduce; however, there is not another male stingray in the tank. According to Forrest Galante, biologist, and wildlife television host, there are three possible causes of the stingray's pregnancy: parthenogenesis, interbreeding, and sperm retention. Internet meme which shows Maury Povich's famous line "You are NOT the father." There are three possibilities in this case: ① Parthenogenesis This occurs when a female produces a clone of herself, which happens when a female gamete (egg) develops into an embryo without being fertilized. ② Interbreeding Charlotte shares her tank with two male bamboo sharks. It is possible for a shark to physically interbreed with a stingray. There was a bite mark on Charlotte, which could possibly be from the shark since they are known to bite their mate when breeding. ③ Sperm Retention A sperm from a male is reserved in the female body. Unfortunately, the answer still remains a mystery. So, what is your take on this? Sources: https://youtu.be/8vrbzZNEm1c?si=0ZD2Vs1Yw0Cvw5fk https://youtu.be/oYlu3YG6mOY?si=iDCzU7qbyitVRuIo https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../vete.../parthenogenesis ... . ←Previous Next→