The Top 10 Closed Lakes in the World

Before we dive into the best closed lakes in the world, let’s get on the same page regarding what we mean by a “closed lake.” Closed lakes are defined as endorheic basins with no surface outlet. Essentially this means that a “closed lake” is a lake that does not drain into a larger body of water.

These lakes can be found all over the world in a variety of climates and locations.  The ten largest closed lakes by surface area are all listed above.

1. Great Salt Lake- Utah, USA

The Great Salt Lake in Utah, USA, is the largest closed lake in the world with an area of 1,700 square miles, approximately

Fun Facts about the Great Salt Lake:

It is up to ten times saltier than the ocean

The Great Salt Lake has no fish

It is home to the brine shrimp

Things to do at the Great Salt Lake:

Visit Antelope Island State Park

Hike Frary Peak

Take a dip in the brine pool

2. Caspian Sea- Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan

The Caspian Sea is the second largest closed lake, with an area of approximately 143,200 square miles. The Caspian Sea is located between Europe and Asia and is bordered by Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Turkmenistan.

Fun Facts about The Caspian Sea:

The Caspian Sea is a lake, despite its name

It contains about 16% of the world’s oil reserves

The Caspian Sea is home to the sturgeon fish, which is used to make caviar

Things to do at The Caspian Sea:

Visit the Caspian Sea Beaches

Go Sturgeon Fishing

Explore the ancient city of Derbent

3. Lake Superior- Ontario, Canada

Lake Superior is the biggest of the Great Lakes of North America and the third largest closed lake in the world, with an area of 31,700 square miles. Lake Superior is located between the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Minnesota.

Fun Facts about Lake Superior:

It is the coldest and deepest of the Great Lakes

Lake Superior contains 10% of the world’s freshwater

There are over 200 known shipwrecks in Lake Superior

Things
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Do Deer Antlers Grow Back if Cut Off?

Cutting antlers on deer is a process called de-antlering and is done to protect deer from injury and to sometimes aid in the process of record keeping for a deer farm. Some use deer antlers while in velvet as a medicine, but this type of cutting can injure and harm the deer.  There is a specific way to cut antlers and a specific time to do so where the deer has the least chance of being harmed.

Cutting antlers will let them grow back every year.

Why Cut Deer Antlers?

Antlers are cut for many reasons. For those that raise deer, cutting antlers can help minimize the losses taken each year from bucks fighting with one another. Cutting back the antlers each year can keep those losses to a minimum.

Deer farmers have learned that just by taking the simple step of cutting back antler growth, it can help disarm potentially devastating results from bucks trying to assert dominance. Another reason to cut antlers is so that there is an easier way to keep antler growth records because you are able to match up the antlers with the bucks without having to go and locate them in the farm pasture. It is a way to do management and marketing for the farm without having to match DNA between them.

Both of these reasons are typically used for cutting back antlers in a deer raising setting and for those with pasture deer. Lastly, some deer antlers are cut while still in velvet for medicinal purposes. This process can hurt the deer.

Medicinal velvet supplements “contains multiple substances including the female sex hormones estrone and estradiol. It also contains substances which may help cells grow and function”, according to RxList.

Does Cutting Antlers Hurt the Deer?

Cutting antlers can cause pain, health complications, shock and fear to the deer if there are not proper cutting techniques used. Cutting during velvet season will give a heightened period of these complications. Cutting dry antlers can lessen the complications when you use proper techniques such as tranquilizers, clean cutting tools, and a little TLC.

Having … Read the rest of the story.

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Wolf vs Leopard Which Would Win in a Fight?

Who would win in a fight between a wolf and a leopard? Are you curious? I know I am.

I have always had a fascination with giant cats and dogs, er, wolves. After all, humans today live with miniature wolves and leopards in our homes just for sheer comfort and companionship. But, if a wolf and a leopard came upon each other in nature, who would win at the end of the day? Let’s find out.

Comparing a Wolf Vs. a Leopard in the Wild

Comparing a wolf versus a leopard is like comparing cats and dogs…and that is exactly what we are doing here. The leopard is a giant cat that is native to both the Asian and African continents, whereas the wolf is a large form of a dog that is less domesticated than our pets today. Leopards are great swimmers and are excellent climbers, giving them plenty of advantages when fighting in the woods or even in their own territory.

Wolves are made of an extremely muscular body and have the stamina to last far longer than a leopard, especially in a battle. Additionally, wolves are known for their bites, whereas leopards are typically known to use the power of their huge paws in order to gain a competitive edge over an opponent in the midst of a battle.

How does a wolf fight?

Wolves are unique as they do not typically find themselves being aggressive on their own or in a one-on-one scenario. This is why when wolves are referenced they are typically done so as a wolf pack. Wolves prefer to travel in packs, as this provides them not only with companionship and support but also with fighting power and plenty of intimidation to go around.

When a wolf is confronted by a predator, they are most likely to call out for their pack if there is one available. However, if left on its own, a wolf will fight similar to that of a dog, as it is not too distant from a dog’s makeup and genetics. Wolves may typically use their teeth more than … Read the rest of the story.

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How Long Do Most Lakes Last?

There are virtually endless awe-inspiring sights to see and take in around the world. With no shortage of wonders on planet Earth, it is no surprise that more people than ever have found a passion for all things Earth and science. For those who study geology and the waters of the blue planet, you may be curious as to how long a typical lake lasts.

The very idea of a lake disappearing may sound foreign or even impossible to you, however, if you are not familiar with the formation and evolution of lakes, rivers, and other Earthly bodies of water over time.

Some lakes may last only a few decades in regions with severe climate change and a lack of government resources to help replenish the lakes as they dry up. However, with the natural life cycle of a lake in a thriving and suitable environment, lakes can last anywhere from hundreds to thousands of years. 

Do all lakes last the same amount of time?

No. Not all lakes will last the same amount of time, as climates shift and change around the globe all of the time. Because there are many factors at play that help determine how long a lake may last naturally, there is no easy way to set an average time that a lake will last.

Lake Formation

In order to understand why lakes do not last the same amount of time, it is important to understand how lakes are formed and what exactly defines a lake. A lake is a basin in the Earth that is suitable for water collection and/or accumulation. Basins throughout the Earth’s surface make for excellent lakes, streams, and rivers.

Many glaciers around the world are also known to have helped in the formation of the lakes we know today after they have completely melted. Other instances of lake formations may occur due to the Earth’s own crust and plate tectonics. As plate tectonics shift, the Earth’s crust and ground may pull apart, helping to form natural holes and basins which are suitable for lake water accumulation and formation.

Additionally, lakes … Read the rest of the story.

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Which Countries Have No Forests?

There are five treeless countries, or more appropriate, countries without forests in the world, according to World Bank data. One is truly hilarious, Greenland since the name would make us easily think it is filled with lush greenery. Anyway, the other four treeless territories are Monaco, Oman, San Marino, and Qatar.

So, if countries with trees are struggling with climate issues, what about those without them? How is it possible for a country to not have trees? Even deserts have a few, or so I thought since some deserts are too dry to have any trees at all that thrive there.

Let’s look at what scientists have to say, then analyze these countries individually.

Nations With Less than Percent Tree Cover

There are several countries that the World Bank states as having less than a percent of tree cover, including:

Oman

Greenland

Qatar

San Marino

Monaco

Nauru

Egypt

Libya

Djibouti

Mauritania

Kuwait

What is Considered a Forest?

Forest area is defined as land with trees taller than five meters and a canopy cover of at least ten percent, or trees that can achieve these thresholds in situ, covering an area larger than 0.5 hectares. Agricultural and urban land uses are not included in this calculation. Both the existence of trees and the lack of other major land uses contribute to the definition of a forest.

Ideally, the trees must be capable of growing to a height of at least 5 meters. As a result of human intervention or natural calamities, areas that have not yet attained but are predicted to reach 10% canopy cover and tree heights of at least 5 m are included in the study.

Inclusions

Plantations are mainly used for forestry or protection, as long as they meet certain height and canopy cover requirements, like those found in nature reserves, national parks as well as those found in areas of special scientific, historical, cultural, or religious interest. Shelterbelts,  windbreaks, as well as corridors of trees with an area larger than 0.25 ha and a width greater than 20 meters.

Exclusions

The presence of trees in agricultural production … Read the rest of the story.

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Why are there No Trees in Qatar?

When you think of Qatar, what is the first image that comes to mind? Do you picture vast deserts and plenty of warmth, or do you envision a growing city that is bustling with life and a giant economy day in and day out? If you imagined either one of these scenarios, you are not incorrect.

Qatar, although it has rapidly evolved in the past few decades, was known for quite some time for its lack of trees and other forms of greenery.

Why are there no trees in Qatar?

Qatar has gone through a lot of changes in the past few decades alone. Once a vast desert with plenty of old buildings and crumbling infrastructure, Qatar has since been transformed into a wealthy, bustling city for those who can afford it. While the rebuild was occurring in Qatar, trees were not considered a top priority, and many that were left were removed entirely.

It is also important to keep in mind that Qatar is located in a desert climate, making it much more difficult for trees to survive on their own. There are specific trees that are suitable for desert climates and regions such as Qatar.

Causes of a Lack of Trees in Qatar

A lack of trees in Qatar can be explained by simply remembering that Qatar is in a desert climate, which can be extremely hot and dry year-round, making it difficult for vegetation to grow, including simple trees. As Qatar began to expand and rebuild, it created a giant metropolitan city of its own. Those rebuilding Qatar with their high-rise buildings and skyscrapers neglected to consider any of the trees or vegetation that stood in its way, thus leaving the city flattened without any trace of trees that once lived.

As the importance of trees and nature becomes more well-known throughout the world, initiatives such as manmade forests are becoming even more commonplace, even outside of desert areas such as Qatar.

Is it healthy to live somewhere without trees?

Not always. In fact, trees provide plenty of benefits in nature and for the health of … Read the rest of the story.

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Do Flamingos Live in the Rainforest?

Flamingos do live in the rainforest, just not in the middle of it but rather at the edges. Close to lakes and estuaries where the rainforest meets the Andeans is where you’ll find Flamingos in the Amazon Rainforest region. Only two types of flamingos make their habitat on the outskirts of the Amazon rainforests and that’s the Andean and Puna.

The latter is the rarest Flamingo. Here’s a look at the different species of flamingos, those who live in the rainforest, and all the in-depth details you’d like to know about their lifestyle.

What is a Flamingo?

The flamingo is one of the oldest bird species remaining in existence. They stand out from other tropical species because of their unusual feeding habits and vibrant plumage. A common sight in zoos around the world, wild flamingos can be found in tropical and temperate locations, frequently near water and rainforests.

How Many Varieties Of The Flamingo Are There?

Flamingos come in six distinct varieties.There are also lesser, greater, James’ (or Puna), Chilean, Caribbean/American, and Andean flamingos. The tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe are home to the largest populations of flamingos on earth.

The largest and tallest Flamingo species. Only in South America can you find Puna and Andean flamingos. Of the six species, the Andean flamingo numbers less than 40,000.

In Africa and southern Asia, there are smaller flamingos. Among flamingo species, they are the smallest and most common. More than 2 million lesser flamingos flaunt their pink plumage, illuminating the skies and shorelines.

Flamingos Found in the Rainforest Region

James Flamingo(Puna)

While the Andean flamingo is slightly larger, the James flamingo is smaller still, being on par with the smaller flamingo of the Old World. It was Charles Rahmer, who was part of a collecting expedition financed by Harry Berkeley James, that first brought back a bird specimen of the species. Several species of flamingos live in the Andean plateaus of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and northwest Argentina.

James’s flamingo is one of these species.

Andean Flamingo

South America’s Andes highlands are home to a unique … Read the rest of the story.

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Are Flamingos Pink? If Not What Other Colors Are They?

Flamingos are one of my favorite birds. They’re so graceful and their color palette is simply stunning. However, I was recently surprised to find out that not all flamingos are pink.

There are several different types of flamingos, each with its unique color scheme. If you’re curious about flamingos and want to learn more about their coloration, this article is for you!

How Flamingos get pink skin

A flamingo’s pink skin is not a hereditary trait – this means that they were not born pink. According to expert Zoologists, flamingos are born white or dull grey. So how do they get their pink skin?

Well, it’s primarily caused by their diet. The food that they eat – algae, brine shrimp, and brine fly larvae – contains high amounts of carotenoids. These are the pigments in plants and certain sea creatures that give them their bright orange, yellow and red colors.

Once the flamingos consume these plants, the pigment is metabolized inside of the digestive system – turning their body and feathers pink. Some flamingos are brighter in color than others. This is primarily due to the amount of carotenoid-rich food they consume.

With that being said, the Caribbean flamingo is the brightest. In the Caribbean, carotenoids can be found in abundance. A fun fact to know is that flamingos eat upside down.

The reason being is because it has evolved to do so. Its top bill (beak) functions as a bottom bill and vice-versa. So, in other words, its bottom bill is much larger and stronger, so it has to turn its head upside down to eat to accommodate that.

This is the complete opposite of any other bird. They have long legs that allow them to wade in deep water to look for food. Once they find an area, they take their feet and stir up food from the bottom of the water – then dunk their head in to eat.

They use their tongue to filter out water or any other thing they don’t want to eat.

Can flamingos be other colors?

The feather colors of a flamingo … Read the rest of the story.

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What Animal Eats a Cougar?

The cougar (otherwise called the cat by many names) has no natural predators. Therefore, these mountain lions face no threat of being eaten by any other animals. Grizzly bears along with grey wolves, on the other hand, compete with them for resources and may come into conflict as a result.

When you look at the history of cougars, humanity is their greatest threat and the only current cougar predator.

What is a Cougar?

It is the second-largest cat in North America after the puma (sometimes known as the Panther or Mountain Lion). The cougar, unlike other big cats, is unable to roar. It instead purrs like a domesticated cat, something that cracks me up.

It’s like a bully coming at you, but sounding like a small child! House cats and cougars both have similar physiques, yet cougars are noticeably larger in stature. They’re slender, with round heads and erect ears.

From head to tail, they measure 1.5-2.7 m (5-9 feet). In contrast to males with 150 pounds(68kg), females might weigh as little as 100 pounds(45 kg).

Why are Humans Considered a Threat to Cougars?

Some U.S. state laws allow people to shoot cougars, even though they are a protected species. Human-caused factors, such as habitat loss and depletion of natural prey, pose a greater danger to cougar populations than conscientious hunting.

Preservation of Cougars

Both recreational hunters and farmers who protect their cattle have long been responsible for the deaths of cougars. Additionally, fragmentation, habitat loss along with human-caused injury, are grave concerns for cougar populations worldwide. Therefore, cougar populations have declined dramatically.

The IUCN Red List considers cougars to be of least concern because of the large number that remains in the wild. Eastern North and South American cougar populations were decimated by European colonization in the 17th century, despite their widespread distribution. Florida panthers, a rare subspecies, are found only in a tiny area of the state.

As a critically endangered species, the Florida panther is being protected by several government entities.

What are the Different Cougar Names?

Panthers, Catamounts, Pumas, Lions, and mountain lions are … Read the rest of the story.

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Why Do Gophers Dig Holes?

Gophers are furry, small burrowing mammals that dig holes to construct tunnels that help them negotiate their fossorial lives. Fossorial creatures live beneath the ground most of their lives. The surest sign of the presence of gophers is freshly formed mounds of dirt/soil.

Gophers, classified as a member of the Geomyidae family, are a type of rodent exclusively native to North and Central America. Gophers, which live in all kinds of soil, from woodlands to grasslands, are small – usually larger than a mouse but smaller than a typical rat. The gophers in the U.S have an average life span of about 1 to 3 years.

Gophers have fur-lined cheek pouches (that extend as far as their shoulders) to carry food and nesting materials throughout their underground neighborhood. Gophers use their incisor teeth to dig and as a defense if threatened. Gophers can close their lips behind their massive incisor teeth, sealing their mouths from the dirt loosened when digging.

Gophers, which are also known as pocket gophers, are a great example of nature’s adaptive ability. This is because gophers are efficient diggers with short, powerful forefront legs that have enlarged claws. In addition, their fur does not clump or cake when in contact with wet soil.

A gopher’s whiskers are unusually sensitive, which makes them quite [ invaluable when moving in low light or complete darkness. Interestingly, gophers are adept at moving both forward and backward in their tunnels with “…tails [that] provide important sensory information” that is needed for accurate, efficient movement.

Why Do Gophers Dig Holes?

Gophers build extensive tunnels underground (usually .5 to 1 foot below the top) as this is their habitat or safe space in the world. They typically build 3 to 4 mounds each day by pushing soil to the surface, although this varies by season and the specific gopher species. As the gopher removes soil, it creates a fan-shaped mound atop the ground that can be as high as six inches and as wide as 1.5 feet.

According to Colorado State University –

“One gopher brings about 2.25 … Read the rest of the story.

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Lake Turnover: What Is It and Why Does It Happen?

Imagine that you’re a fisherman who likes to spend his days on the lake. You’ve seen the turnover occur a few times and have been wondering if it’s killed any fish in the area. You’ve also heard that it can have some pretty severe effects on fish populations, so you’d like to learn more about it.

In this article, we’ll discuss what lake turnover is, why it happens, and what its effects are on fish populations.

What is Lake Turnover?

Lake turnover is an important process that happens in all bodies of water. It plays a crucial role in the health of aquatic ecosystems and can have a significant impact on fish populations. According to National Geographic, lake turnover is the process by which a body of water renews itself.

It occurs when the warmer, lighter water at the surface of the lake mixes with the colder, denser water at the bottom. This process is known as convection, and it happens in all lakes on a regular basis.

Why Does Lake Turnover Happen?

Lake turnover happens for a few reasons. The first is that it helps to oxygenate the water. As the warmer, lighter water at the surface mixes with the colder, denser water at the bottom, it brings oxygen down from the surface and circulates it throughout the entire lake.

This is important because it helps to keep the water clean and habitable for aquatic life. Another reason why lake turnover happens is that it helps to regulate the temperature of the water. As the colder, denser water from the bottom of the lake mixes with the warmer, lighter water at the surface, it helps to even out the temperature of the entire body of water.

This is important because it prevents the water from becoming too cold or too warm, which can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life. Finally, lake turnover helps to clean the sediment that has accumulated at the bottom of the lake. As the water mixes, it brings the sediment up from the bottom and circulates it throughout the entire body of … Read the rest of the story.

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Are Deer the Only Animals With Antlers?

There are many animals that have antlers and most people don’t know this because they only think of deer when they hear the word antlers. Antlers are bones that develop and grow on the heads of male animals in certain species, such as moose, caribou, elk, and deer. In this article, we’ll break down what antlers are, how they are used in nature, and we’ll talk about some of the other animals that have antlers as well.

What Are Antlers?

While most people are familiar with deer antlers, few know what they are. The horn-like appendages attached to a male deer’s head serve several purposes: one, to protect males from predators during their vulnerable adolescence; two, to attract females and intimidate other males. While most animal horns contain hair on at least some of their surface, antlers contain no hair whatsoever; they are wholly composed of bone.

You will find antlers only on the heads of members of the Cervidae family. Most male deer lose their antlers each year between late winter and early spring—often just after mating season—and then regrow them during the summer months.

The Main Parts of an Antler

There are six parts of an antler: pedicle, beam, tine, brow tine, point, and palm.

The pedicle is where new growth emerges each year.

The beam is a long bone that comes out of both sides of the pedicle and divides into branches.

Tines are bony spikes that branch off the main antler beam like fingers coming off your hand.

A brow tine comes out perpendicular to the main antler branch at its widest point and helps hold scent glands in place so that bucks can mark their territory with secretions from those glands as they rub their rack on trees during territorial rituals called scraping.

Points are sharp projections at the end of antler beams that serve no purpose other than making buck racks more visually appealing.

Palms or buttons form at the base of antlers and get larger each year until it’s time for them to fall off. They’re also known as pedicles or button bucks because

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Do Otters Build Dams like Beavers?

An otter is a sleek, glossy, dense furry aquatic mammal with short legs, webbed feet, and a muscular tail and looks very similar to a beaver and a muskrat; but are they the same? Do otters build dams like beavers?

What’s the Difference Between Otters, Muskrats, and Beavers?

The otter, the muskrat, and the beaver look very similar to each other, and if you are by a pond or a river, you might mistake one for the other. If you can get close enough, there are definite differences between these three similar mammals.

The Otter

The otter’s body is a sleek, streamlined, athletic build designed for swimming and moving quickly. The body shape is the easiest way to tell them apart from the other two mammals. They are entirely fur-covered with a brown, dense, shiny coat covering them to the tip of their muscular tail.

Speaking of tails, their tail is long and fur-covered, very different than the beaver and muskrat. The river otter varies in size, ranging from 38 to 44 inches in length, and will weigh 30 pounds, but can be as little as 10 pounds depending on their region. You can also tell which animal lives there by looking at the area where the mammal is living.

An otter leaves piles of fishbone and scales because they tend to eat in the same place repeatedly. Otters are also very social creatures, and you will hear a barking similar to a dog as they chatter back and forth with each other. The land where the otter lives will have distinct smooth areas on the water banks, which are called “otter slides,” and they help the otter get into the water quickly.

They use these trails so often they cause them to look like slick slides, and the otter slides rapidly into the water – it’s a great escape route from a predator.

The Beaver

The beaver is the largest of the three mammals. They can weigh up to 60 pounds, look much rounder, and are definitely not very athletic looking. They are covered with long fur, and have … Read the rest of the story.

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Why Do Beavers Hate Running Water?

Beavers hate the sound of running water because they think that their dam could be having leaks. If they hear the sound of running water, they work for long hours to locate and repair the leak. This is why beavers go out daily to inspect the dams for leaks or defects.

According to the understanding of beavers, a dam should remain quiet, and the sound of running water indicates structural damage. Beavers are prompt to make any repairs in their dams, and they determine the success of the repairs depending on how quiet the water will be. In this article, I have articulated why beavers hate running water, among other exciting behaviors about these amazing semiaquatic rodents.

What Are Beaver’s Dams?

Also known as beaver impoundments, beaver’s dams are ponds that they create to offer protection from numerous sorts of predators such as wolves and bears. The dams also provide easy access to food in the winter season. These dams are a great modification to the ecosystem, which has led to beavers getting the nickname ecosystem engineers.

I thought that beaver dams looked like a typical heap of sticks from a distance. But getting closer, I noticed the outrageous effort and skill utilized in establishing every structure. The dams are watertight, and they use materials such as mud, sticks, and rocks to ensure that the dam harbors their families and their food.

Beavers are prolific builders and execute most of the work during the night. They are very creative in their construction as they start by diverting the water to reduce the flow pressure. The next step is driving branches and logs in the mud to form a base.

Sticks, barks, rocks, mud, grasses, leaves, and anything else at their disposal are used to reinforce the construction. They drag these materials and carry others with their jaws until the dam has flooded up to the proper depth. Beaver’s jaws are powerful as they can cut a 1.5-centimeter branch in a single bite.

Most of the maintenance work on the dam and lodge is done in the autumn. These dams … Read the rest of the story.

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When Do Gophers Come Out of Their Holes?

Gophers are well-known furry rodents who are known for spending time in yards and eating vegetation that does not belong to them. If your property is home to gopher holes or if you are simply curious about getting to know more about gophers, you might be wondering when gophers come out of their holes. Gophers are most likely to come out of their holes during the evening hours and even after sundown, although they are also known to be outgoing and are rarely afraid of making an appearance in daylight. 

When you are familiar with a gopher’s way of life as well as its schedule in your own yard, you can determine when the gopher is most likely to leave in an attempt to find food or other goodies around your home or property itself.

Do all gophers burrow in yards and in the ground?

Yes. Gophers are known for their ability to burrow into the ground in order to live and hibernate in between periods of eating and seeking mates.

How big are gopher tunnels?

Gophers are amazing creatures that can be quite sufficient when left on their own. Some of the tunnels a gopher will dig and build can be up to 2,000 feet in length. This length of a tunnel allows the gopher to move between properties while still remaining safe and protected from potential predators.

When am I most likely to see a gopher in my yard?

If you have a gopher hole or home on your property, you will likely spot the gopher at one point or another. Your best option to view the gopher is to wait patiently until the evening or until after dark, especially if the gopher on your property does not seem very active during the day.

How can I improve my chances of seeing the gopher?

Steer clear of spending too much time in your yard, as the gopher will then only prefer to come out during the night. Use cameras and motion detection devices to send an alert whenever the gopher is out of his hole or whenever … Read the rest of the story.

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Do Goats Shed Their Horns?

No. All of the horns on a goat are permanent. They grow as the animal gets older, but they never lose them. Horns are made of an exceptionally hard material called keratin, also found in hair and fingernails. It will never come off once it grows out of a goat’s head, just like your fingernails (although you can cut it if you want to).

What Causes Horn Breakage in Goats?

The only exception to this is cases of severe injury when a horn breaks off. In the absence of any other damage, the horns grow back, but they are always smaller in circumference than before the break. If a goat does lose its horn due to injury or disease, it will regrow.

Many times in the case of an accidentally broken horn, the goat will eventually recover and regain the missing horn completely. This may take anywhere from several weeks to several months. Typically, a young goat will grow a horn on each side of its head that is noticeably larger than the other.

This is known as bilateral symmetry. An older goat will generally only have one very large horn on one side of its head, known as uni-lateral symmetry. Each goat’s horn pattern is unique and can be recognized by the shape and size of the horns.

This can be helpful when it comes to identification if you have more than one goat in your herd.

Horn Trimming

When their horns grow larger than necessary, they are trimmed to avoid injury. Goats will often rub their horns around trees and posts to trim them naturally. This is a matter of personal preference.

There are two schools of thought on the use of dehorning. The most traditional approach is to clip off the tip at an early age, just past the blood vessels and nerves. This prevents them from growing into large horns later on in life, but it also causes pain and bleeding for the animal.

To prevent injuries from happening to other goats or humans, you can dehorn them after they have grown fully. … Read the rest of the story.

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Do Wolverines Hibernate?

Wolverines don’t hibernate during the winter because they’ve adaptive features to survive in extreme conditions. They find habitation out of the wind and cold during spring and winter. Wolverines’ fur is dark, thick, and oily, enabling them to withstand water and frost.

Moreover, they can walk on top of the snow, so they don’t hibernate. Their feet are short and have large, five-toed claws and paws. Also, their plantigrade posture enables them to walk on their soles.

They can easily climb up and over trees, cliffs, and snow-covered peaks.

Continue reading for more information about wolverines.

What Is the Taxonomic Classification of the Wolverine?

Wolverines are widely classified into:

Kingdom: Animalia

Class: Mammalia

Infraclass: Eutheria

Subclass: Theria

Phylum: Chordata

Subphylum: Vertebrata

Genus: Gulo

Species: Gulo

Family: Mustelidae

Subfamily: Mustelinae

Order: Carnivora

Suborder: Fissipedia

Species: Gulo

Subspecies: Luscus (New World), gulo (Old World) – possibly, vancouverensis and other isolated subspecies aren’t identified.

What Animals Kill Wolverines?

Wolverines are killed by bears, coyotes, wolves, and humans for meat and valuable fur. Wolverine is a fierce predator but has natural enemies, too. Humans are the primary cause of wolverines’ extinction.

They’ve continued to encroach upon their habitat and killed them for their valuable fur or sport.

Are Wolverines Omnivores?

Wolverines eat both meat and veggies. They typically feed on large game such as mountain goats, moose, and caribou; smaller animals like rodents and squirrels. They might travel over 24 kilometers daily searching for meat and can eat dead animals they didn’t kill.

Wolverines have a higher sense of smell as they can smell prey 25 feet under the snow. They can dig down into the snow and kill hibernating prey. Also, they’re sneaky when searching for food.

Wolverines have strong teeth and jaws to help them crush a carcass and munch it. They’re known to eat both the teeth and bones of their prey. Moreover, wolverines are good at storing food.

They use snow as refrigerators to keep their food fresh. Later, they’ll return to their stockpiles and retrieve food when there is scarcity.

 Do Wolverines Make Dens?

Wolverines mostly live … Read the rest of the story.

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How Long are Palm Tree Roots?

Nothing makes you think about a tropical island getaway or vacation in the sun like the presence of palm trees.  I remember the enthusiasm I displayed on my first trip to the beach.  We knew our destination on the sands, and a beautiful body of water was near because the scenic route was lined with tall palm trees like a wall on either side of the highway.

Ironically, palm trees can reach heights of 75 feet or more and have root systems that grow no more than 3 feet deep.  The roots usually grow horizontally rather than vertically during its period of growth.  In addition, palm tree roots remain in that precarious state as the tree grows taller, contrary to how we see other large tree root systems grow.

For instance, many would believe that as a tree grows above ground, the root system would grow similar to it in depth below the soil.  Like a 50-foot-tall tree having roots just as deep and wide from the tree’s trunk down into the ground.  On the contrary, you can find palm trees well over 60 feet tall with much shorter roots than that.

Yet they are strong and powerful trees, able to withstand the toughest of weather conditions.

How do palm trees survive such severe storms and hurricanes with short roots?

Plant ecologist Dan Metcalfe states that palm trees have three features that help them overcome the dreadful conditions of cyclones, tsunamis, and even hurricanes.

1. Its Fibrous Roots

With such shallow root systems, many wonder how palm trees survive such harsh storm systems.  Hurricanes, typhoons, and tornados are no joke as they usher in winds over 100 miles per hour at times.  Yet, after many storms, the palm tree is one of the few things left standing.

Palms have a fibrous tree root system.  That means its roots adapt in such a way that they branch out in a pattern that enables it to maximize nutrient and water absorption. Its root system has many short roots that spread across the soil’s upper level.

In addition, fibrous root systems grow … Read the rest of the story.

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2 Land Animals Without Brains

A brain is essential for the survival of most living creatures, including humans and other animals. However, when it comes to animals, the matter is a little bit more complicated. There are some animals that do not have brains.

To most people, this is a puzzling statement, because how can such animals survive without a brain of their own? Today, we’ll answer these and other questions as we explore the world of land animals without brains.

What exactly is the brain?

A brain is essentially what is formed when a huge number of nerve cells known as neurons come together to create a big cluster. These neurons, when they act in concert, regulate the physiological activities of the animal. So, how can any animal live if it does not have a brain?

Consider the sorts of organisms that may exist without the need for a brain. They are rather basic creatures when compared to a human being or other animals with whom you may be more acquainted. In order to sense things like food and threats or danger, most of these organisms rely on the most primitive biological mechanisms.

These are the animals That Don’t Have a Brain

Most animals that do not have a brain are sea animals. But, is there any land animal that doesn’t have a brain? Yes, but there are very few land animals that do not have a brain. Although scientists are still hard at work learning about animals that have a brain and those that don’t, we can confirm that the following species belong to the latter group:

Leeches

Leeches (Hirudinea) are capable of surviving in a variety of settings, including marine, terrestrial, as well as groundwater. Leeches are distinguished by having an extended body that is slightly fat and viscous. Several kinds of leeches are predatory creatures, and some of these species can feed on human blood.

Even though leeches do not have brains, they do have neural networks that are scattered throughout their bodies, mostly as a result of tiny nodes as well as sensory organs.

Earthworms

Earthworms (members of the Lumbricidae … Read the rest of the story.

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How Long are Oak Tree Roots?

Mother Nature has provided mankind with so much wonder and curiosity for all of recorded history. It seems that we just can’t help but look around at the planet that surrounds us and be awed. One thing that brings home much of this joy and wonder are the trees that we see.

Oak trees are particularly interesting to a lot of people because of their strength and ability to grow in most parts of the world. When looking at and examining oak trees for all that they are, we cannot forget that they are very much in need of having strong roots that keep them grounded and allow them to do what they need to do. In other words, we should try to be respectful of how oak trees grow and why it matters for the world that we want to live in.

Oak Tree Roots

The roots of an oak tree are very important to its ability to survive and grow. Despite this, oak tree roots are only about 18 inches beneath the surface of the Earth. This is not just a fun fact that you should know, but it is something that plays an integral part in the life of an oak tree and how it manages to survive in nearly all weather conditions.

It keeps its roots near the surface so it can draw in moisture even when there is very little to come by. This is part of the reason why oak trees have been so successful at growing and surviving no matter where they are found on the planet. An important thing to understand about oak trees is that their root system can also be something that works against them.

They have their roots so close to the Earth that they may struggle if there is pavement or some other obstructor that gets in their way. This is a known fact about oak trees, and it may be a reason why a particular oak tree is not able to survive under certain conditions. If you notice that there is an oak tree in your area … Read the rest of the story.

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How Long are Redwood Tree Roots?

Depending on the variety, redwood tree roots can extend out for more than 100 feet. California or coast redwoods, giant sequoias, and dawn redwoods are nature’s three forest giants. I’ll never forget the classic scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo where Madeleine (Kim Novak) and Scottie (Jimmy Stewart) are virtually dwarfed by the “Father of the Forest” sequoia.

What gives these trees such amazing growth potential and the ability to live for thousands of years? Let’s get to the root of this question together.

Roots – Going The Distance

Redwood tree roots grow out, not down like other trees. You’ll find these systems extending only six to twelve feet deep, often with the bulk of the growth closer to three feet beneath the soil’s surface. At a glance, such shallow growth might not seem like it can support forest behemoths that can grow between one hundred and fifty and three hundred feet tall.

No Taproot Needed

Unlike the thick taproot that becomes a carrot or the sometimes frustratingly long ones that support a dandelion, redwood seedlings don’t rely on these central, deep-diving anchors. That’s because their shallow root systems are able to get water and oxygen nearer to the surface of the soil where they grow.

How Do Redwoods Get Water?

Did you know that redwoods can make their own rain? Shallow roots mean these trees need a lot of moisture. Sure, groves along the California and Oregon coasts can count on winter rains, but they also “comb” fog during the summer months – collecting moisture on hanging branches and leaves and dripping it onto the soil.

According to plant ecologist Todd Dawson, these trees get between one-fourth and one-half of their water this way. If that isn’t cool enough for you, terpenes released from their leaves can also help condense moisture, creating cooling clouds.

It Takes A Grove To Grow A Redwood

You’ve probably heard plenty of quotes and anecdotes championing the benefits of deep roots (any Tolkien fans out there?). Redwoods show us the advantages of shallow but far-reaching roots – they make it easier to … Read the rest of the story.

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How Long are Tomato Roots?

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum) grow up to 3 feet long depending on which root system they have. I’ve always planted tomatoes in my garden after turning about one foot or more of the soil over with a pitchfork. I know, I’m pretty old school about that.

I find that the tomato taproots grow deep and develop healthy root systems this way. If you want to plant tomatoes but don’t have room for a garden, you can plant them in containers or raised beds. You just need to make sure you have enough depth for the tomato roots to grow long.

Learn more about how long tomato roots grow and the types of root systems they have. This will help you grow healthy plants and tomatoes.

What Root System Do Tomato Plants Have?

Tomato plants can have two different types of root systems. One is a taproot system and the other is a fibrous root system. It’s important to know the difference if you’re growing tomatoes in your garden, raised beds, or pots.

Whether the tomato plant has a taproot or a fibrous root system depends on how it was germinated. If it grows from a seed, it develops the taproot. Plants that grow from cuttings develop a fibrous root system.

What Are Taproots?

A taproot is a large, central root. It is longer and wider than the lateral roots that grow off of it. Taproots grow deeper into the soil than fibrous roots.

Since they’re so deep, they can hold the weight of large tomato plants.

What Are Fibrous Roots?

Fibrous roots are thin and stringy. They branch out and form a complex web of roots that stay near the topsoil. They look like fuzzy clumps of root hairs.

These fine roots provide nutrients, moisture, and air circulation for your tomato plants. If you notice small bulbs on the ends of the roots, they’re for storing nitrogen.

Why Do Tomato Roots Grow to Different Depths?

When you plant different tomato varieties, you’ll see that their roots develop differently. Some tomato varieties grow roots deeper than others. … Read the rest of the story.

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How Long Are Dandelion Roots?

The central tap-root of a dandelion grows up to 3 feet long, but for most dandelions, it’s 6 to 12 inches. If you’re like me, you have a love-hate relationship with dandelions. You might know them as puffballs, lion’s tooth, or monk’s head.

The bright, yellow blooms are harbingers of springtime, which I yearn for after a cold winter. But, when they invade my lawn, I get out my dandelion puller tool. The thing is, I don’t just pull them and toss them into a compost pile.

I take them inside, clean them off and eat them as a side dish with dinner or dehydrate the roots for later use. Did you know that you can eat all parts of the dandelion roots and leaves? But, if you’d rather not have pesky dandelions in your lawn, here’s what you need to know about dandelion roots, and how to get rid of them.

What Is a Dandelion Taproot?

The dandelion (Taxaracum officinale) is a hardy, perennial plant that grows in all kinds of soil conditions. The reason it’s so successful is because of its taproot. The tap-root grows deep into the soil, which protects the plant from several conditions, such as:

Frost

Heat

Drought

Overwatering

Crowding

The tap-root is the main root of the dandelion’s root system. It carries all the water and minerals into the plant. There are also root hairs that grow out of the large taproot.

They are closer to the surface and absorb water and nutrients from the soil. The tap-root actually stores the nutrients and moisture that the dandelion needs to regrow. This is why the dandelion comes back even if you pull up the leaves and flower stems or mow them down.

Will the Dandelion Die if the Taproot Breaks?

If the dandelion taproot breaks, but a portion of the root is still intact, a new plant will grow. As little as one inch of the taproot can grow a new plant. I found this out the hard way when my hand-pulling was always futile.

You have to remove the entire established … Read the rest of the story.

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How Long are Pine Tree Roots?

Pine trees are popular for landscaping because of their beautiful, evergreen needles and sturdy branches. Besides being attractive additions to any property, pine trees have many practical uses. For example, they can provide shade from the sun in the summer or a windbreak during the winter months.

They also produce cones that make beautiful decorations. However, even with all these benefits, there is one downside: if you don’t care for the roots properly, your tree won’t flourish.

What Are Pine Tree Roots and What Do They Do?

Pine tree roots grow deep into the soil, searching for water and nutrients. They also anchor the tree in place and help to store food reserves. The length of a pine tree’s roots can vary depending on the soil type.

The deeper the soil, the longer the roots will be. Most are about five to twenty feet, depending on the size and age of the tree. However, in dry or sandy soil with fewer nutrients, they can grow much longer.

Some pine tree roots have been known to reach a depth of 40 feet or more. If you have a pine tree close to your home, the roots can sometimes cause damage to sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. That’s why it’s essential to plant your tree within enough distance from your home to provide shade but not cause any damage.

Can Pine Tree Roots Damage Septic Systems?

Pine tree roots can also be a problem for septic systems. If they grow too close, they can clog the system or even cause it to fail. Install septic systems with enough distance from pine trees (and any other type of tree) to protect them from damage.

For problems with your septic system or any other underground plumbing and pine tree roots, you’ll need to contact a professional tree service. The company can inspect the area and develop a plan to remove the roots or entire tree to prevent damage to your septic system or provide the space to make repairs. Don’t fix a septic system with punctures or other damage on your own.

You … Read the rest of the story.

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Which Animals Have White Blood?

Blood is the fluid that carries oxygen and many nutrients around the body that are essential for the survival of humans and animals. But what some people might not know, is that not every blood is red. In fact, blood can come in different colors.

Blood is made mostly of plasma, proteins, and other good stuff that are crucial for humans and animals that have different needs, which is why the color of the blood is not always the same.

Why is Blood Red?

Before we go through the list of which animals have white blood, we should understand why blood is usually red. Blood is usually red because it is created by red blood cells. But why are they red to start with?

Well, inside those red blood cells, there’s a protein named hemoglobin (that helps to carry oxygen around the bloodstream), which gives blood its usual red color. However, in animals, this isn’t always the case, but why?

Why do Animal’s Blood Have Different Colors?

While humans have exclusively red blood, in the animal kingdom, blood is not always the same color. In fact, the blood in animals can come in other colors, like blue, purple, green, yellow, and even white! But why? Because some animals have a very unique blend of proteins in their blood that causes the different colors.

This is usually because of the presence of different proteins and pigments that impact the color of the blood. And in some species, the presence of hemoglobin is not existent as some animals don’t need it to carry oxygen. But let’s find out which animals have white blood and why.

Which Animals Have White Blood?

Some types of fish and insects are among the animals that have white blood. This happens because their bodies have to adapt to different needs, which affects the presence of hemoglobin (the responsible inert oxygen carrier protein that makes the bloodred). But let’s find out which unique animals have white blood below!

Crocodile Icefish

The crocodile icefish’s blood, also known as Channichthyidae has no hemoglobin or red blood cells … Read the rest of the story.

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How Long are Cactus Roots?

The cactus is the king plant of the desert, or any desert environment. Cacti can be seen sprouting up in any region with an arid and hot climate. One consequence of the spread of American civilization in the West was the reclamation of large tracts of desert.

But even where modern cities have been established, the conditions for growing cacti exist. Many urban and suburban residents of such regions have grown cacti in their gardens and communities. In many instances, this is done to better integrate the city with the environment.

If you intend to do this, then you should gain insight into how cacti work.

How Long Are Cactus Roots?

The root system of a cactus is unique in that it is necessary for the plant to retrieve water from deep inside the ground and disperse it widely throughout its wide body. Cactus roots can grow as deep as three feet into the ground and up to three feet wide. Cacti are tough and resilient plants that have evolved to survive the harsh and inhospitable conditions of the desert.

The roots adaptation system is one of the many techniques they have acquired to preserve themselves in the desert.

The Importance of Cacti Roots

Over the centuries, cacti have evolved to collect and store water for prolonged drought seasons. This is essential to their survival. Some have roots that are covered with thick and hairy layers that prevent the loss of water.

Other cacti have a fibrous root system with connective tissues that spread out to collect as much water as possible. Knowing the different types of cacti roots is key to understanding how the plant grows and survives.

Types of Cacti Roots

Here are some of the many different types of cacti roots:

1. Taproots

These are the most common types of roots found on the plant. Cacti send these long roots deep into the ground. Taproots are strong enough to provide stability and firm anchorage for the plant.

The latter is vital to the survival of the plant, as cacti grow in climates filled with heavy wind and … Read the rest of the story.

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Do Anteaters Eat Every Type of Ant? If Not Which Types?

Anteaters are silly-looking mammals that fascinate anyone who looks at them. With their long snouts, slow-motion movements, and coarse and spiky hair, they’re quite interesting to watch. Anteaters live in Central and South America and get their name from their diets.

Did you know that it’s possible to tell anteaters apart by their front claws? These claws, which are also known as thumbs or fingers, make it easy for the anteaters to tear open termite mounds or logs to reach the ants they love to eat. So, what kind of ants do anteaters eat?

Do they prefer one type above another? Do they ever eat anything other than ants? Let’s find out!

What do Anteaters Eat?

As we all know, anteaters generally (and primarily) eat insects like termites, ants, and other small critters living in the dirt. They lick up these insects with their incredibly long tongues — anteater tongues can be up to two feet long! — that they can flick out of their mouths about 150 times a minute.

These insects provide anteaters with all the protein and nutrients they need to survive. With strong claws, no ant-filled log or termite mound is a challenge a hungry anteater can’t overcome.

What do Different Types of Anteaters Eat?

Not everyone realizes that there are actually two main kinds of anteaters: the giant anteater and the lesser anteater (tamandua). The tamandua is smaller than the giant anteater, is most active at night, and has an unpleasant smell. In addition to these differences, the two types of anteaters also have slightly different diets.

Giant Anteater’s Diet

Giant anteaters mainly eat ants and termites, though it seems they prefer termites above ants. However, if they are in areas where termites are scarce, these anteaters will happily eat only ants. They do also like to indulge in fruit, eggs, carrion, and small lizards.

However, they steer clear of hornet, wasp, and bee nests.

Lesser Anteater’s Diet

Lesser anteaters mostly only eat ants. But, if they can get their paws on them, they will also eat scorpions, grasshoppers, and spiders. Sometimes, … Read the rest of the story.

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How Many Times Can a Snake Bite Until its Out of Venom?

If you come face-to-face with a snake, you may be wondering just how many times it can bite you before it runs out of venom. For the vast majority of snakes, it’s highly unlikely that they will bite more than once. And when they do, they can decide how much venom they’ll inject into you.

This is the reason that there are so many “dry-bites” where no venom is injected. As they’re shy and scared of humans, snakes will strike as a last resort and then attempt to make a getaway. Unless, of course, you make contact with a black mamba.

Black mambas are nasty, vindictive snakes with the personality of a psychopath. They’ve been known to bite up to 12 times in a single attack! Their venom is extremely toxic, but they will inject up to 12 times as much venom as is needed to kill their prey.

If you’re unfortunate enough to meet one of these slithery assassins, then you have about 20-30 minutes before you die after a bite. Not pleasant.

Can Snakes Run Out of Venom?

While it is unusual for a snake to bite more than once, it is possible and snakes do run out of venom. It can then take from a few days to some weeks to fully recharge their venom sacs. It is not always necessary for a snake to inject venom to kill its prey or to affect an escape.

They are more than capable of inflicting serious wounds just with their bite alone.

How Long Does it Take for a Snake to Replenish Its Venom?

The complex process of producing venom depends to a large degree on how healthy and well-fed the snake is. Younger snakes take longer to produce venom than older, more mature snakes. Adult rattlesnakes can, for instance, replenish their venom in a matter of days, whereas younger members of the species can take a week or more to produce their venom.

It is always best to assume that the snake has venom available rather than taking a chance and assuming that it has exhausted its supply.… Read the rest of the story.

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Which Animals Have Mates for Life?

Yes, several species mate for life, but you’re far more likely to find these rare couples sporting feathers rather than fur in the animal kingdom. According to BBC Earth, while up to 90% of bird species partner up for a lifetime, only 3 to 5% of mammals form monogamous relationships. So, who are these die-hard duos, and when we say mate for life, what does that really mean?

The answers may surprise you.

10 Animal Species That Mate For Life

Gray Wolves

Eurasian Beavers

California Mice

Shingleback Skinks

Parasitic Flatworms

Black Vultures

Barn Owls

Bald Eagles

Pacific Striped Octopuses

Seahorses

Grey Wolves – The Amorous Alphas

The gray wolf partnership is just as much about status as it is about ensuring the longevity and stability of the pack. It’s easier for an alpha male to protect one mate from other pack members. With pack numbers seen as high as 30 in the wild, and the potential to mate lasting the entire lifetime of the luna or alpha female, keeping other potential suitors in check is essential.

Only the male and female alpha, also known as “the breeding pair,” are permitted to reproduce.

Eurasian Beavers – A Hardworking Relationship

If you’re a she-beaver looking for love, you can’t depend on snaring your partner with one tasty “engagement chicken” and then kicking back and ordering take-out for the rest of your relationship. Male and female Eurasian beavers pair up in order to get enough tree bark to keep each other fed. This hardworking couple also shares housekeeping and parenting duties.

California Mice – They Don’t Dare Cheat

Is that lipstick on your collar?! OK, so mouse arguments probably don’t sound exactly like that but mated California mice are known to angrily bark at each other when separated and placed with other mice for a time. The good news for the calmer California mouse in a mated relationship?

Couples who avoided these little tiffs or quickly decided to forgive and forget were more likely to produce healthy offspring.

Shingleback Skinks – A Rare Reptilian Pair

We’re not sure if it’s … Read the rest of the story.

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Do Bears Live in the Same Den Year After Year?

Bears do not usually live in the same den year after year. So, does that mean if you know where a bear has spent the winter, you are unlikely to see a shaggy black boar or a brown sow and her cubs emerging from the same cozy hole in winters to come? Not necessarily.

Great Dens Are Repeat Retreats

Can you imagine a lair used for thousands of years by so many generations of bears that the walls have been worn smooth by their passage? Dens can be used again and again, but not necessarily by the same bear. Fish and Game bear researcher LaVern Beier “followed one bear for 13 years, and he only used the same den two times, and it wasn’t two years in a row.”

The North American Bear Center echos this sentiment: “the den that researchers found being used the most during four decades of study was used three times, each time by a different bear, and each time after an interval of six years.”

How Do Bears Choose A Den?

Since bears have home ranges anywhere from 50 square miles (for females) and 300 square miles (for males), they have a lot of territories to choose from. You’re more likely to see your favorite bruin sticking to spots close to where they sheltered the year before.

Most Bear Dens Have Three Things In Common

A North Facing Slope

Protection From The Weather

Well-Draining Soil

“If It Ain’t Broke…” – Ursids Everywhere

According to the National Forest Service, “Brown bears rely on past experience to choose den sites that maximize energy conservation.” In some environments, like the Arctic, it’s likely that last year’s hidey-hole has caved in by the time this year’s first cold snap hits. So, how far do these Kodiaks, Grizzlies, Cinnamons, or Kermodes actually travel from last winter’s digs?

Females (Sows): Less Than 2 Miles

Males (Boars): Less Than 4 Miles

The Ideal Winter Hideaway Starts In Summertime

Preparing for their long winter’s rest is no last-minute job, especially for pregnant females. Bears will spend warmer months searching out … Read the rest of the story.

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How Long are Avocado Plant Roots?

Gardening can be a rewarding and relaxing pasttime. If, like me, you work in a job that keeps you still and sedentary, if you are chained to a desk for the better part of the day, you should take up gardening. It is nice to go into the air and sun and dig your hands into the earth to plant a few seeds.

Not all your endeavors need to end with decorative plants and flowers. Depending on where you live, the quality of your soil, and the size of your garden, you may be able to grow fruits and vegetables that you can eat. I like to grow avocados in my garden. There are a great many dishes that can be made with them.

They can also be served as a main dish on their own, and I have discovered a range of dishes that make this possible. The avocado is as good a plant as any to start a gardening hobby. However, you should know something about the plant and how to grow, nurture, and care for it.

How Long Are Avocado Plant Roots?

Avocado is native to warm and arid areas of North and South America. Hardier forms of it grow in subtropical climates such as California, Hawaii, Florida, and the Mediterranean. Plants and trees grow by sprouting roots and taking nutrients from the earth.

When growing anything in your garden, you must know how long and wide such roots will grow. This can affect other structures in your backyard and the gardens of homes next to yours. Most avocado feeder roots grow in the top 6 inches of soil.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the roots grow outward in all directions, reaching well beyond the avocado tree itself. The avocado plant prefers loose and well-drained soil, and it is highly tolerant of acidic and alkaline soil conditions.

Caring for Avocado Roots

Avocado roots are relatively shallow. This makes the plant vulnerable to damage from large amounts of rain, flooding, and overwatering. If the plant remains wet for too long, it will lose … Read the rest of the story.

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How Long are Bamboo Roots?

Bamboo is a great plant to have in your garden but if the roots are not maintained well enough, they may spread extremely quickly and cause damage. If you wish to eliminate the bamboo plant or regulate its roots, the first thing you need to do is determine how long the roots are in the first place. Don’t worry, I will explain how long bamboo roots are and everything else you need to know about them in the following post.

“The first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps, the third year it leaps.”

How Long Are Bamboo Roots?

The most important thing to know is that bamboo roots are typically thin and fibrous, and they may grow as long as 2 to 3 feet. A bamboo plant has rhizomes, (the component of the plant that spreads), which are normally just a few inches deep, seldom exceeding 12 inches. If you prune your trees yearly, you will have an easier time finding them.

Even though certain varieties of bamboo plants grow longer roots or shorter than others, the majority of the varieties do not grow more than 3 feet. In addition, the rhizomes will never grow deeper than 12 inches. If bamboo roots are not controlled, they may develop quite quickly.

Based on the kind of bamboo plant used, you may find that the roots may even grow as long as 5 feet. Other bamboo roots also grow about 2 and 6 feet every year, depending on the kind of bamboo being used. These figures are quite broad; nonetheless, they are strongly influenced by the zone in which your bamboo plants are growing as well as the kind of bamboo that is growing in your garden.

What Can I Do to Keep My Bamboo Roots Under Control?

The most straightforward method of controlling bamboo is to restrict the size of the area in which its rhizomes (roots) may expand. If you keep rhizomes under control and prune back undesired new shoots, you may enable them to develop without having to worry about spreading. Furthermore, the area in which … Read the rest of the story.

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Is There a Point at Which Polar Bears will Get Cold? What is it?

Polar bears live in the arctic, hang out on slabs of ice, and snack on sea lions. Ultimately, slabs of ice are a big part of what polar bears call home, they live their lives floating around on them. But because the ice continually shifts and moves, so do the bears and they can be found in countries within the arctic region from Alaska, Canada, and Russia to Norway.

Polar bears are well adapted to life in extremely cold weather, but do they always stay cozy underneath all that fur and blubber? I want to figure out whether polar bears ever get cold, but to do that I first need to understand how they stay so warm in the first place.

How Does a Polar Bear Survive in Freezing Temperatures?

Polar bears have a few things to keep them snug in those freezing conditions including:

A thick fur-coat

Layers of blubber

A wicked fast metabolism

A small body surface area to volume ratio helps to minimize heat loss

The fur coat acts as a barrier to keep out the cold and the layer of blubber functions as insulation. Blubber helps the polar bear maintain its body temperature, allowing it to remain at a comfortable 98.6 F. And a polar bear’s super-fast metabolism generates heat, helping it stay warm in a below-freezing climate.

Other adaptations that help a polar bear survive to include:

A white appearance helps it camouflage in the snow when hunting its prey

Large feet help it balance and grip the ice

The polar bear has adapted to its environment in several ways, but a primary trait (and probably its most significant) is its ability to retain warmth, to survive the subfreezing temperatures of its environment. While other survival traits are important, if a polar bear cannot stay warm, it will face a bigger problem than forgetting to bring a sweater. If a polar bear’s body loses the ability to retain heat, the polar bear will not survive.

What Might Limit a Polar Bear’s Ability to Retain Heat?

To figure out whether polar bears can … Read the rest of the story.

from Nature Nibble https://bit.ly/48XFxGk