ancientfrozenglaciershark - Tumblr blog

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Did you know that the Pukeko, a bird native to New Zealand, has the same sized feet as a baby that it does as an adult? The feet are so big on the little chicks it's adorable

Just figured you would like to know! :)

my GOD

that's possibly the worst ratio of don't-worry-you'll-grow-into-it that I've ever seen on a baby animal!

my condolences to the Pukeko.

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holy shit is this gorgeous.

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I need you all to see how newborn giant pacific octopuses look when they swim

The way their little stubby tentacles flop uselessly...they're so silly <3

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Egg mass of a conical moonsnail illuminated by the moon. ©Kandy Curran

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Birthday present for my sibling!!! :D <3

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Shining a light on the origins of bioluminescence ✨✨

A new study led by MBARI collaborators at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History explores the evolution of bioluminescence, nature’s living light show. A team of researchers, including MBARI Senior Scientist Steven Haddock, has learned bioluminescence first evolved in animals at least 540 million years ago in soft corals.

Scientists have long been curious about the evolution of bioluminescence. To tackle the larger question of why bioluminescence evolved, we needed to know when this ability first appeared in animals. In search of the trait’s earliest origins, the team decided to peer back into the evolutionary history of octocorals, an ancient and frequently bioluminescent group of animals that includes soft corals, sea fans, and sea pens. 

Mapping out the branches of the evolutionary tree from fossil records, genetics, and bioluminescent behaviors revealed that some 540 million years ago, the common ancestor of all octocorals was very likely bioluminescent. That is 273 million years earlier than the glowing ostracod crustaceans that previously held the title of earliest evolution of bioluminescence in animals.

MBARI’s Biodiversity and Biooptics Team is working to understand how and why animals produce their stunning luminescence. Learn more about this illuminating research on our website.

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BIOLUMINESCENCE l Jordan Robins l Jervis bay, Australia

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Insect dragon

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thirteen's era appreciation: 388/?

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Uncle, how to get to the beautiful country? by Xiaoyu Wang

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I drew Korra! I’m so close to being finished with legend of Korra and I love her so much <3

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Smooth-headed Alligator Lizard (Gerrhonotus ophiurus), family Anguidae, Misantla, Veracruz. Mexico

Photograph by Bruno RF (@b.r.u.n.o.rf)

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Caves are weirder and more varied than you think

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They’re Moving In Herds.

Prints now available at wootusart.com

They Do Move In Herds.

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Bruce Pennington cover art for Brian Aldiss novel ‘The Canopy of Time’ 1971.

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musical!Sally, book!Percy, movie!Grover, show!Annabeth my beloveds