Black bears are found only in North America and have a relatively impressive population base - double that of all other bear species combined. Despite the common name, their coats vary from light cinnamon to dark charcoal, variants thought to have evolved from different regional geographical pressures. Black bears are full of curiosity and have complex family relationships which result from the slow maturation of cubs. During this time, mothers impart vital hunting and navigational skills to their offspring.
Did you know?
Black bears are highly efficient hibernators; they can sleep for up to seven months without eating or drinking.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Black bear
Black bears are found only in North America and have a relatively impressive population base - double that of all other bear species combined. Despite the common name, their coats vary from light cinnamon to dark charcoal, variants thought to have evolved from different regional geographical pressures. Black bears are full of curiosity and have complex family relationships which result from the slow maturation of cubs. During this time, mothers impart vital hunting and navigational skills to their offspring.
Did you know?
Black bears are highly efficient hibernators; they can sleep for up to seven months without eating or drinking.
Territorial
Territorial animals actively defend the area in which they live and more importantly on which they depend for resources. If the animal doesn't advertise its ownership and defend it from members of its own species, it isn't territorial. Often, advertising takes the form of scent marking the territory boundaries as a clear marker for others to stay away. Challenges and disputes can be resolved in a number of ways, not always violently. In addition to these 'traditional' territories, the males of some non-territorial species - such as wildebeest - establish temporary mini-territories in the mating season to impress the females.
Peacock butterfly
Peacock butterflies are certainly one of the most eye-catching creatures in the UK. Flitting between nectar-rich flowers of gardens and parks all summer long, come winter they seem to disappear. In fact they just fold up their wings and blend into a hollow tree or wooden shed, emerging in spring to lay eggs on nettle plants. The four stunning eyespots on the wing, resembling the tail feather pattern of the peacock, are there to frighten away or divert predators. Male peacock butterflies will defend a territory in summer, harassing any females that happen to pass through.
Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is when a species changes body shape and structure at a particular point in its life cycle, such as when a tadpole turns into a frog. Sometimes, in locusts for example, the juvenile form is quite similar to the adult one. In others, they are radically different, and unrecognisable as the same species. The different forms may even entail a completely new lifestyle or habitat, such as when a ground-bound, leaf-eating caterpillar turns into a long distance flying, nectar-eating butterfly.
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