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Seven misconceptions about evolution

June 2, 2023 by Maris Munkevics Filed Under: Evolution

Evolution: I don't think it means what you think it means

Have you heard that humans evolved from monkeys or that evolution cannot explain the evolution of complex organs, such as an eye? Unfortunately, these are misconceptions, and the theory of evolution is among the most misunderstood sciences. Even more so, I think there is also a stubborn urge to interpret and comment on it without understanding. Unfortunately, it also … [Read more...] about Seven misconceptions about evolution

Why animals help each other: kin selection and inclusive fitness

May 28, 2023 by Maris Munkevics Filed Under: Evolution

two monkeys helping eah other by grooming

When we think about evolution, we often view it as fierce competition, survival of the fittest, and selfishness in a struggle for resources. It's every individual for themselves, right? However, paradoxically, we often see selfless and altruistic behavior of animals in the natural world. they help each other, sometimes at their own expense—so how can this be? In this … [Read more...] about Why animals help each other: kin selection and inclusive fitness

Do plants communicate distress through ultrasound screams?

May 10, 2023 by Maris Munkevics Filed Under: Physiology

plants cut with scissors; do they scream?

Recent news headlines reveal that plants scream in ultrasound when scientists cut their leaves. We can't hear these sounds, but they're there, and we can record them. Media erroneously reported that as beyond doubt proof that plants, just like animals, communicate through sounds. They said that plants warn each other about danger through ultrasound screams and, most … [Read more...] about Do plants communicate distress through ultrasound screams?

How can queen bees or ants keep laying eggs without having sex ever again?

May 2, 2023 by Maris Munkevics Filed Under: Did You Know?

queen and with wings

Queens are peculiar, especially insect queens like bees and ants. They reproduce early in life and then lay eggs for the remainder of their lives without mating again. Most even stay within their nests. How is this possible? The secret lies in a specialized organ called the spermatheca. It is a sac-like structure (its name means "sperm case" in Greek) that can hold and … [Read more...] about How can queen bees or ants keep laying eggs without having sex ever again?

Four reasons why water is essential for life

May 2, 2023 by Maris Munkevics Filed Under: Physiology

a horse drinking water which is essential to life

Ever since I was a child, I've been fascinated by scientific discoveries. I remember reading a special article in our local newspaper about scientists searching for life on Mars. To my disappointment, they weren't seeking little green men; instead, they were hunting for water. Nearly 30 years later, their search continues. Why is water so important? The primary reason is … [Read more...] about Four reasons why water is essential for life

Why insects don’t take fall damage? Or do they?

December 31, 2022 by Maris Munkevics Filed Under: Did You Know?

an insect jumping off from a leaf would not take a fall damage

Let's dive into the science of insect acceleration toward the ground. Insects are small and lightweight and appear to get away from injuries when they fall from great heights and even when we step on one. Thus, it's natural to wonder if they are actually invincible. So the question is, do insects take fall damage? Let's find out. Many insects fly. Let's just get the … [Read more...] about Why insects don’t take fall damage? Or do they?

Why only female mosquitoes need blood

July 19, 2022 by Maris Munkevics Filed Under: Did You Know?

mosquito female drinking blood

You may have heard that male mosquitoes don't bite humans; only females do so. But have you ever thought about why it is so? Why do females need blood, but males don't. And even more so, what do males eat then? Let's find out! Female mosquitoes bite humans because they have to produce eggs and thus need better nutrition. And better nutrition, of course, is blood. How … [Read more...] about Why only female mosquitoes need blood

Are we really more bacteria than human?

July 5, 2022 by Maris Munkevics Filed Under: Physiology

are you more bacteria than yourself falsified

Have you ever heard that the human body has fewer cells than the number of bacteria that lives inside their guts? Thus you, a human being, are more bacteria than yourself. However, despite bacteria's tremendous impact on our lives, the statement isn't accurate. In this article, I will explain why. That is indeed true that our gut bacteria are more numerous than our own … [Read more...] about Are we really more bacteria than human?

Do wild animals get cancer?

June 17, 2022 by Maris Munkevics Filed Under: Did You Know?

elephants are among wild animals that do have cancer

We usually view cancer as a consequence of our poor lifestyle choices and unnatural living. However, wild animals don't smoke, eat burgers or stress about their work assignments. So it begs the question: do wild animals get cancer? The short answer is yes, wild animals do get cancer, and it isn't shocking news if you understand how cancers arise. After all, healthy … [Read more...] about Do wild animals get cancer?

Evolution of passion: Why humans and other animals kiss

November 11, 2021 by Maris Munkevics Filed Under: Evolution

a couple kissing

Kissing supposedly shows the highest form of affection, so it may seem blasphemy trying to explain it by chemistry, natural selection, or even mathematics. But let's give it a try and answer a few intriguing questions: Are humans the only animals that kiss? How did kissing evolve, and what function does touching of lips serve? Do animals kiss? Oh yes, they do! Kissing … [Read more...] about Evolution of passion: Why humans and other animals kiss

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  • Seven misconceptions about evolution
  • Why animals help each other: kin selection and inclusive fitness
  • Do plants communicate distress through ultrasound screams?
  • How can queen bees or ants keep laying eggs without having sex ever again?
  • Four reasons why water is essential for life

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