Scientists have identified ancient reptiles dating back to 289 million years ago that could detach their tails to escape the grasp of their predators – the oldest known example of such behaviour. The reptiles, called Captorhinus, weighed less than two kilograms and were smaller than the predators of the time. They were abundant in terrestrial…
What do leafcutter ants and scores of middle-school students have in common? A mouth full of metal-laced teeth. Tiny arthropods such as ants, spiders and scorpions routinely bite, sting or otherwise pierce tough material like wood and skin. It’s a remarkable feat, given that humans have trouble chewing through so much as a piece…
Australia’s koalas are in trouble. The question is how much. Australia’s iconic marsupial is in trouble. The question may just be exactly how bad the country’s koala situation has become. Nearly a third of Australia’s koalas were wiped out in just the past three years, according to new figures released by a conservation group, though…
