Saturday, February 18, 2006

T-Rex debate

The debate continues on whether Tyrannosaurus rex was a mainly a predator or a scavenger.

Dr Lawrence Witmer, from Ohio University, used the medical scanning technique of computed tomography (CT scanning) to reconstruct the shape of the animal's brain, including its inner ear, which is involved not only in hearing but also balance.

The structure of its inner ear suggests it had excellent hearing and balance.

"The inner ear provides very important clues about behaviour," said Dr Witmer. "It talks of relative types of movement; for example, how agile they were.

"T. rex has the inner ear of a much smaller, very agile animal. It had a heightened sense of equilibrium and balance.

"But there's evidence it went beyond that, that it emphasised that."

The Ohio researcher said the T. rex also employed rapid turning movements of its eyes and head to track its prey.


It seems every year we learn something new about the "King of Dinosaurs"

Cane Toads Destroy the World


... or Australian fauna at least. Cane Toads have evolved longer legs in order to travel longer distances in shorter periods of time reports the University of Australia, Sydney.
"Scientists say the species Bufo marinus is developing a leggier, faster-moving form that is now hopping out rapidly across the continent.

The toads were introduced 70 years ago to control pests, but have since wrought havoc on indigenous animals.

They kill snakes, lizards, water birds - even crocodiles and dingos.

When harassed they secrete poison carried in two sacs behind the head which is lethal to a potential predator within minutes of being ingested."
Stay away from the toads!

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Welcome

Welcome to the East Bay Vivarium Blog. Expect posts in the next few weeks