Nature

February 19, 2021

Rare ‘Baikal Zen’ Phenomenon Has Rocks Balancing on Pedestals of Ice on Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal in Siberia produces an incredible phenomenon when the weather turns bitterly cold. As the world's deepest and most voluminous freshwater lake, it has a geography that produces the gravity-defying sight of rocks teetering on “legs” of ice. The wonder is known as Baikal Zen, in reference to the stacking of stones found in Japanese gardens. The pedestals created for these stones aren't fashioned right away.

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January 6, 2021

This Tiny Flatid Planthopper Nymph Insect Looks Like a Walking Piece of Popcorn

Insects are the most diverse group of organisms on our planet. There are around 900,000 different kinds of bugs we know of, representing around 80% of the world's species. Late physicist, biologist, and photographer Andreas Kay dedicated his life to documenting the fascinating insect world. From 2011 until his death in 2019, Kay spent time in Ecuador, where he explored the area’s epic biodiversity.

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November 25, 2020

Sea Urchin Wear Shells Like Hats So Aquarists Made Tiny Hats for Them To Wear Instead

There are 950 species of sea urchins living on seabeds, making them one of the most widespread and common echinoderms in our oceans. They’re often called the “porcupines of the sea” because of their long spines that deter hungry predators. However, the marine animals are also prone to covering themselves with stones, shells, rocks—and even tiny hats. Biologist Morgan Kester recently shared this discovery on social media.

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September 21, 2020

Mini Bonsai Trees Can Grow Full-Sized Apples, Quinces, and Pomegranates

Did you know that tiny Bonsai fruit trees can bear full-sized fruit just like their naturally growing counterparts? Despite their tiny stature, these mini Bonsai are mighty fruit bearers because they originate from the same seeds as regular trees. As a potted Bonsai fruit tree is genetically identical to those in an orchard, the fruit produced often reaches the size found in grocery stores.

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