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Paleontologists are constantly learning new things about these ancient animals—in fact, scientists find more than 45 new dinosaur species each year! Check back here for all the latest dinosaur news.
Plus, another paleontologist who studied 1,850 T. rex skeletons didn’t find the same
Pufferfish can inflate into a ball shape to evade predators. Also known as blowfish, these clumsy swimmers fill their elastic stomachs with huge amounts of water (and sometimes air) and blow themselves up to several times their normal size. Some species also have spines on their skin to ward off predators. Even if a predator gobbles up a puffer before it inflates, it won’t enjoy the snack. Most pufferfish contain a toxic substance that makes them foul tasting and potentially deadly to other fish. The toxin is deadly to humans. There is enough poison in one pufferfish to kill 30 adult humans, and there is no known antidote. In Japan, they are called fugu and are a very expensive, delicious treat. They are prepared only by trained, licensed fugu chefs. Most puffers are found in tropical and subtropical ocean waters, but some species live in brackish and even fresh water. Some species of pufferfish are considered vulnerable due to pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing, but most populations are considered stable.
populations are considered stable. 6:23 A Puffed Up … Porcupine In this episode of What Sam
Giraffes grow about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in their first year of life. A newborn giraffe is about 6 feet (1.9 meters) tall at birth and weighs about 150 pounds (68 kilograms). Many young giraffes, called calves, die from lion attacks during their first year of life. Once a giraffe reaches adulthood its height is often enough to protect it from lions. Adult giraffes, however, must still be careful of lions when they are bending down to drink water or rest. Usually giraffes will drink or rest in shifts so that at least one giraffe is always on the lookout for approaching predators. The giraffes‘ height and excellent vision give them a wide view of the grasslands where they live, making it easy to spot predators from a distance. Some scientists believe that other animals—such as zebras, antelope, and wildebeests—often congregate near giraffes to take advantage of their ability to see danger from a distance. The giraffe could be considered the early warning system of the African grasslands.
Watch as Sam tries to satisfy the bottomless stomachs of a few giant but gentle giraffes
A rainbow-colored crustacean skitters along the ocean floor, adding a splash of brightness to the murky setting. The animal’s narrow, hard-shelled body sports orange, green, red, and blue hues. Known as the peacock mantis shrimp, this beautiful, seven-inch-long critter looks harmless. But the marine animal packs a punch—literally. SHRIMP SMACKDOWN Peacock mantis shrimp mostly live in shallow parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The crustacean spends much of its time looking for crabs and mollusks to eat. When it finds a delicious-looking snack, the animal goes into full-on boxer mode. Springing out one of its club-like front claws, the animal delivers a swift punch to its prey. The punch is 50 times faster than the blink of an eye and strong enough to break glass! These shrimp also rely on their sparing moves to keep enemies away from burrows in the ocean floor that they use as shelters. Hovering at the opening of its burrow, a peacock mantis shrimp will strike at intruders that come too close. EYES ON THE PRIZE The crustacean has another eye-popping feature in addition to its strong punch. Its eyes—which protrude from its head and move independently—can see in two different directions at once. They can also detect colors that humans are unable to see. It’s easy to be floored by this animal’s cool traits! Watch a video of the peacock mantis shrimp. Text by Andrea Silen, NGS Staff
prohibited. 1 / 3 1 / 3 This crustacean can see in two different directions at the same
Egyptologist Chris Naunton unwraps some secrets about what it’s like to study ancient Egypt.
Knowing that we’re basically the same as the Egyptians—or any other ancient peopleâ
Learn about the life and achievements of the 35th president of the United States.
presidency was civil rights, or the idea that all U.S. citizens should have the same
Friends and classmates
Cruz has feelings for her, but does she feel the same away about him?
Tigers are unlike any other feline. Discover what makes them stand out from the rest of the cat crowd.
Photograph by Vladimir Medvedev / NPL / Minden Pictures No two tigers have the same
A historic demonstration gained freedoms for Black Americans
Martin Luther King, Jr., stood in the same spot and gave his famous “I Have A Dream
Space explorers go above and beyond on the job. Here are five cool things about these pioneers.
Astronauts in space eat the same things that they do on Earth, including crackers
