Hodgepodge of Discoveries

Things found that have tickled my fancy. If you choose to reblog anything, please Do Not remove artist/ photographer/ source credits. Thank you

[amnhnyc]

Did you know that the Museum is home to largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world?

[montereybayaquarium]

What’s in Monterey Bay today? 🌊✨

The thriving kelp forest is a bustling hub of animal activity and a dynamic canvas of marine life. Let's celebrate and protect this underwater haven together—every creature, from the tiniest snail to the majestic kelp, plays a crucial role in our ocean's ecosystem! 🐠💙

[itscolossal]

Remarkable Drone Footage Captures a New Volcanic Eruption in Iceland

[amnhnyc]

It’s Wednesday, so hang in there like the bank vole (Myodes glareolus)! Though it resembles a mouse, this species is distinguished by a shorter tail and stockier build. Mostly herbivorous, it’s a proficient climber that uses acrobatic skill to reach seeds and fruits. Its diet also includes moss, fungi, and nuts. Weighing up to 1.27 oz (36 g), this diminutive critter can be found across most of Europe as well as parts of Asia.

Photo: Sue Cro, CC BY-NC 2.0, flickr

[sharonbphotos]

Even the smallest deserve to be heard.

To those who celebrate, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Christmas. May your holidays be cosy, warm and filled with all the magical moments of joy, love and light the season brings.

[amnhnyc]

Meet one of the planet’s smallest turtles: the bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii)! This petite reptile grows up to 4.5 in (11.4 cm) long. It’s easily identifiable by the orange patches on either side of its head.

The bog turtle has an impressive lifespan, with the oldest documented individual reaching an age of 61! Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered due in part to poaching and habitat loss as a result of human expansion.

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, CC BY 2.0, flickr (juvenile pictured)

[oamul]

[montereybayaquarium]

😱 My, what big eyes you have! 

👀 The better to deep sea you with, my dear! 

In the infinite darkness of the ocean’s deepest depths, prominent peepers serve as nature’s night vision—capturing any available light to enhance visibility. Whether they’re searching for a meal or a mate, these oversized oculi are optimized to obtain oceanic observations for their owners! 

🎥: Deepest thanks to our research partners @mbari_news for the deep-sea footage!

[amnhnyc]

🧬DNA sequencing has revealed that elephants belong in a superorder called Afrotheria—meet their closest relatives!

🐘Learn more at the Museum’s new exhibition The Secret World of Elephants. Discover new science about both ancient and modern elephants, see full-scale models of proboscideans, and more.

🦃Visiting the Museum this Thanksgiving? Best availability is on Monday and Tuesday of that week. Here are a few tips!

[incidentalcomics]

Poetry Comics Month, Day 8: A Song

My upcoming book POETRY COMICS is now available for pre-order! Find it worldwide wherever you get your books.

[itscolossal]

Open Planet Is a Growing Library of 4,500 Free Videos Documenting Nature and Climate Issues Around the World

[amnhnyc]

🕺Strut your stuff like the flamboyant cuttlefish (Ascarosepion pfefferi)! Growing up to 3 in (7.6 cm) long, this tiny critter inhabits the waters of the eastern Pacific. It can often be spotted using its tentacles to “walk” across the sea floor, since it can only stay afloat for a few minutes at a time. When threatened, this cuttlefish can use chromatophores in its skin to flash vibrant displays of color—warning predators that it’s toxic. It’s one of only a few cephalopods known to be poisonous! Photo: gbiscop, CC BY-NC 4.0, iNaturalist

[montereybayaquarium]

Deep Sea 101: Color

How do animals hide in the deep sea?

While some may seek shelter for protection, others simply dodge detection with their dermal displays. Being see-through has its advantages, but a crimson color can also camouflage these critters. That’s because red wavelengths of light dissipate first as you descend into the depths. As a result, red-colored animals often appear black, effectively disappearing into the inky darkness of the deep sea. 

Learn more about deep-sea animal adaptations on YouTube:

[montereybayaquarium]

Sometimes even the heart of the Aquarium needs some love 💙!

Did you know that we recently renovated our iconic Kelp Forest Exhibit? This project was only possible through the support and involvement of the Aquarium community and partners over the span of three years!

Swim over to our latest Youtube video to learn how we embarked on this challenge, completing the first ever underwater exhibition renovation in the industry!

[maorisakai]

maorisakai.com

[noaasanctuaries]

It's a bird... it's a plane... it's a FLOOF!

Well, it's actually a bird. This white, fluffy chick, known as a red-footed booby, can be found in National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.

Dive into https://americansamoa.noaa.gov/ to explore the science and research, marine life, and cultural heritage going on in this special place.

📸: Brian Peck/USFWS

[incidentalcomics]

Here's an old comic from I WILL JUDGE YOU BY YOUR BOOKSHELF, unfortunately now more relevant than ever. #BannedBooksWeek