Wild Things: Life as We Know It
Running elephants, far-flying mosquitos, ancient crocodiles and more…
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Going the Distance
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Learn more about the culex tarsalis mosquito at the Encyclopedia of Life.
Primordial Fear
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Night or Day?
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Learn more about reindeer at the Encyclopedia of Life.
Bloom of Warmth
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Learn more about Helleborus foetidus at the Encyclopedia of Life.
Observed
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Walks: With at least two, and sometimes three, feet on the ground at the same time, according to a new study of the animal’s gait at different speeds.
Runs: Not really, say the researchers, who tested elephants at a conservation center in Thailand by having the animals move at different speeds across a giant platform that measured forces. According to some definitions, a run requires having all feet off the ground at once.
Bounces: Much less than you’d think. Elephants accelerate by taking quicker and longer steps. Since they are always well grounded, they have a smoother stride.
Learn more about Asian elephants at the Encyclopedia of Life.