The subtlety of simian sightlines

The subtlety of simian sightlines

Orangutang (Pongo pygmaeus) photo from Wikimedia Commons Sideways glances by macho orangutans seem almost human. Prof. Mumblebard claims: “Humans communicate with unique complexity, not only verbally but also by showing the movements of the eyes. The exposed whites of...
What does a pied lizard advertise?

What does a pied lizard advertise?

Figure 1. Gila monster © Blueag9 Three extra hints of venom in monitors. Prof. Mumblebard claims: “Beaded lizards are the only unquestionably venomous lizards on Earth. One species, the gila monster, has whole-body colouration conspicuous enough to warn potential...
Zebras use gnus as cover

Zebras use gnus as cover

How to stay out of focus by gnu-immersion Photo by Uli Sauer Prof. Mumblebard claims: “As this photo in Ngorongoro Caldera shows, the plains zebra is attracted to gnus. The reason is that there is safety in numbers, the particular benefit being the vigilance of the...
Shifting roles on the ecological chessboard

Shifting roles on the ecological chessboard

Nyamithi Hide, Ndumo Game Reserve, Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa photo by Bernard Dupont An experiment in a tropical ecosystem Location: Ndumo Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Ecosystems in Ndumo Game Reserve have been greatly distorted by humans,...
Behind the bio-edge

Behind the bio-edge

If you haven’t found something strange during the day, it hasn’t been much of a day. ― John A. Wheeler …there’s no reason why scholarship can’t be as seriously playful as bubble-blowing. — Jonathon Keats A scientific training is a...