Knowledge Point 01: Sea Horses Are Delivered by Males, with Females Laying Eggs in Male’s Brood Pouch
The sea horse is a unique marine organism where the female lays eggs into the male’s brood pouch, and the male takes responsibility for gestating and delivering the baby sea horses. This process reverses traditional reproduction methods.
Detailed Explanation: Among the vast marine organisms, the sea horse is renowned for its distinctive reproduction method. Unlike other animals, sea horses do not follow the conventional pattern of female delivery. Instead, the female sea horse lays eggs into the male’s brood pouch, which is located on the male’s abdomen and serves as a natural “parental pouch.” Here, the male sea horse bears the responsibility of gestating the next generation. After approximately three weeks of gestation, the baby sea horses will be ejected from the male’s body to begin their independent lives. This reproduction method is not only astonishing but also showcases the wonders of biodiversity in nature.
Knowledge Point 02: Leaves Change Color Due to Reduction in Chlorophyll, Allowing Other Pigments to Show
In autumn, leaves change color because as daylight decreases and temperatures drop, leaves stop producing chlorophyll, causing the green color to fade and other pigments such as yellow and brown to appear.
Detailed Explanation: As autumn approaches, we often see leaves gradually changing color, from verdant green to golden yellow, orange-red, and other hues. Behind this phenomenon are the chemical changes within the leaves. Chlorophyll is the key pigment in leaves that absorbs sunlight and facilitates photosynthesis, giving leaves their green color. However, as autumn daylight decreases and temperatures drop, leaves stop producing chlorophyll. At this point, other pigments that were previously masked by chlorophyll, such as xanthophylls and tannins, begin to appear. The emergence of these pigments results in the vibrant autumn colors of leaves.
Knowledge Point 03: Whales Spout Water Due to Expelling Seawater from Their Bodies When Breathing
As mammals, whales breathe using lungs and expel seawater from their bodies when they take a breath, creating a pressure wave and splash known as “spouting.”
Detailed Explanation: Whales are enormous creatures of the ocean, and although they live in water, they belong to the class of mammals. This means that whales need to breathe air using their lungs. Whenever whales need to take a breath, they float to the surface and inhale fresh air through their nostrils. During this process, the seawater inside their bodies is also expelled. Due to the high pressure of the seawater inside whales, when it is ejected from their bodies, it creates a loud sound and spray, which is what we call “whale spouting.” This phenomenon is not only awe-inspiring but also demonstrates the unique physiological structure and survival mode of whales.
Knowledge Point 04: Mantises Are Renowned as “Insect-Capturing Swordsmen” with Sharp Forelegs
Mantises are famous for their sharp forelegs and exceptional hunting skills, earning them the nickname “Insect-Capturing Swordsmen,” capable of quickly capturing and subduing various insect prey.
Detailed Explanation: In the insect world, mantises are renowned for their unique hunting methods and exceptional hunting skills. They possess two pairs of long and sharp forelegs, which act like two sharp swords, helping mantises quickly capture and subdue prey. When mantises spot prey, they quickly adjust their posture, utilizing the sharpness and strength of their forelegs to make a swift attack and firmly grasp the prey. This efficient hunting method earns mantises the reputation of “Insect-Capturing Swordsmen” in the insect world.
Knowledge Point 05: A Type of Mouse in Uganda Can Eat Cats by Emitting a Strong Odor that Makes Cats Weak
In the Ugandan region of Africa, there exists a type of mouse capable of eating cats. They emit a strong odor that causes cats to become weak and limp, allowing the mouse to bite their throats, suck their blood, and finally drag the cat to a hidden place to consume it.
Detailed Explanation: In the Ugandan region of Africa, there lives an incredible type of mouse. They are not only able to compete with cats but can also hunt them. The mouths of these mice are covered with a hard shell, allowing them to resist cat attacks.
Even more fascinatingly, these mice can emit a strong odor. When cats smell this odor, they immediately feel weak and unable to move.
At this point, the mouse will seize the opportunity to attack, using its sharp teeth to bite the cat’s throat and suck its blood. Finally, they will drag the cat to a hidden place to consume it slowly. This unique hunting method is not only astonishing but also showcases the wonders of biodiversity in nature.
Knowledge Point 06: Amazonian Finches Hold “Flower Funerals” for Their Dead Companions to Mourn
In the Amazon River basin, a species of finch holds “flower funerals” for their deceased companions by picking petals and leaves to scatter over the bodies and bowing their heads in mourning.
Detailed Explanation: In the dense forests of the Amazon River basin, there lives a species of finch filled with emotion. When one of their companions dies, these finches exhibit heartfelt mourning behavior.
They fly to nearby flower patches, pick colorful petals and leaves, and gently scatter them over the bodies of their deceased companions.
At the same time, they bow their heads and stand silently beside, as if mourning and praying for their companions. This “flower funeral” behavior not only reflects the deep emotional bonds between finches but also demonstrates the complex and subtle emotional communication methods among organisms in nature.
