The ostrich functions as a typical bird

The ostrich functions as a typical bird

The ostrich uses the same advantages as used by flying birds, namely greater mobility and heat-tolerance than those of mammals, to compete as a herbivore with the many African antelopes. Prof. Mumblebard claims: “The ostrich fits in among African mammal communities by...
Ultimately benign biological invasions

Ultimately benign biological invasions

Metrosideros angustifolia © Julian Sutton.  Native biotas are today overwhelmed by a series of invasions by plant and animal species introduced artificially from foreign lands and waters, for example Lance-leaf myrtle (Metrosideros angustifolia, above). However,...
Warning colouration in the giant panda

Warning colouration in the giant panda

The giant panda is the blackest and whitest of bears, because it is the bear under greatest risk of futile attack by the tiger. Prof. Mumblebard claims: “The black-and-white pattern of the giant panda is probably an accident of evolution. If this colouration is...
Why Australia lacks ant-eating woodpeckers

Why Australia lacks ant-eating woodpeckers

Despite its apparent abundance of ants, Australia is devoid of all woodpeckers. One real reason is that even the most conspicuous ants can be unproductive. Prof. Mumblebard claims: “The reason there are no woodpeckers in Australia is that these birds were unable to...
A salutary trade for seed-dispersing animals

A salutary trade for seed-dispersing animals

Zanthoxylum Clava-herculis © Wikimedia Commons Certain plants, like Zanthoxylum above (Wikipedia Commons), have seeds dispersed by animals without the usual rewards of sugary fruit-pulp or oily arils. The real payment is vital although it seems intangible. Prof....