Amphibians are easy anteaters

Amphibians are easy anteaters

Common frog (Rana temporaria) © Jörg Hempel, via Wikimedia Commons A mutilator of more than just bamboos. Prof. Mumblebard claims: “Any species of mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian that eats mainly ants and termites deserves to be called myrmecophagous – a technical...
Frogs father further than mammals

Frogs father further than mammals

Frogspawn photo © Geoff Galice via Wikipedia Commons An oxymoronic devotion to larvae. Prof. Mumblebard claims: “Direct care of eggs and larvae has evolved repeatedly in many families of amphibians, with frogs using particularly diverse parental tactics. Some frogs...
A grazing bird under the marsupial radar

A grazing bird under the marsupial radar

 Mitchell grass down, Wilson River Catchment © John Robert McPherson A mutilator of more than just bamboos. Prof. Mumblebard claims: “Mitchell grassland, the most extensive treeless grassland in Australia, is surprisingly poor in indigenous grazers. It is safe to...
The competitive edge of the amphibian way

The competitive edge of the amphibian way

A Leaf Green Tree Frog (Litoria phyllochroa) photo from Wikipedia Four wet legs need not damp evolution. Prof. Mumblebard claims: “In the evolution of vertebrates from fishes to mammals, amphibians represent the primitive stage of transition from water to land. To...
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...