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| Carl Sagan's COSMOS is one of the most influential science programs ever made.
Q. Does the moon have a dark side?
A. The moon does have a far side which is impossible to see from the earth, but it doesn't mean that it's always dark. Each side of the moon is dark for no longer than 15 days at a time.
Q. Where does sound come from?
A. The air is always filled with sound waves. All things give off vibrations, but some have a low frequency which most cannot hear. The reason: it may take 3 minutes to make a single vibration. They may be caused by earthquakes and storms.
Did You Know?
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
Coke-a-Cola was originally green.
Rubberbands last longer when refrigerated.
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Flying Mammals - Bats
by BiologyofNature.net
The only flying mammals existing on Earth are bats. They are found in all areas, with the exception of the polar regions, some isolated islands, and extreme desert temperatures. The fear of rabies and vampire tales of folklore have given bats an ugly reputation. To date, almost 1,000 kinds of bats have been identified. The Gambian epauleted bat is a shy, but alert animal, that do not fancy intrusions into their private lives. The Gambian received its name as a flying fox from the features of its face: elongated snout and upright ears.
The flying foxes play a critical role in the science of ecology. They are responsible for plant reproduction and pollination for many species of flowers, as they fly from one to the next. Their digestive system is well-suited for pollination: they will take in fruit juice, then expel the solid matter when in flight. Major dependents of this cycle are banana trees, plantains, mangoes, figs, dates, and breadfruit. Without the help of the flying foxes, South Africa would not have the means to replant several types of trees that have been cut down during an attempt to supply farmlands for inhabitants, which have now been abandoned.
Recent studies have hinted at the possibility of flying foxes being primates. But their safety is in jeopardy with an increase of humans finding the meat a delicacy, as well as their destructive pest reputation. Large campaigns have been used to destroying these bats in some countries. The result has been a 90% reduction in Australia, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia.
The Gambian epauleted bat is a shy, but alert animal, and does not fancy intrusions into its private life. The Gambian received its name as a flying fox from the features of its face: elongated snout and upright ears. The fur area that gives it the name epauleted bat is only used when attracting and courting a potential female mate. It is thought that the glands of the pouch give off an odor found attractive by a female, and the male sends this odor via wind mail by beating his wings.
Bats will roost together during the daylight, whether in caves or tree branches, which makes them easy targets for food hunters. If you are interested in more information on the plight of the Flying Foxes, write to the Bat Conservation International, Brackenridge Field Laboratory, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA 78712.
Source:
1. Tuttle, Merlin D. National Geographic: "Gentle Fliers of the African Night." National Geographic: US April 1986 issue. pps.540-558.
Further Study:
Welcome to Bat World
They are vital to the ecosystem and enhance our lives in many ways. Insect eating bats eat millions of bugs nightly, and fruit bats bring us approximately 450 commercial products.
Bat Conservation
Adopt a bat. 'Tis the season for babies at the Organization for Bat Conservation. At the end of January 2001, two bouncing baby boy Straw-colored Fruit Bats (Eidelon helvum), Kubwa and Samburu, arrived at OBC. Two male Short-tailed Fruit Bats (Carollia perspicalata), Pistil and Gordy were born in March, and a female Jamaican Fruit Bat (Artibieus jamaicensis), Calypso, was born this June. Each baby bat was born healthy and without complications.
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