 |
 Baron Georges
Léopold Chrétien Frédéric Dagobert Cuvier
proved that species have become extinct over the
ages, was a proponent of the theory of
catastrophism, developed the theory that an
animal's anatomy adapted to its "conditions
of existence," and was one of the first to
classify animals into kingdoms according to
anatomical similarities. |
 Common
Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
By suitable adjustments in color,
posture and texture an octopus can merge
completely with its background, and it can do so
very quickly. The octopus is
capable of learning. In an experiment, octopuses
were trained to distinguish between shapes and
also to recognize objects by touch. |
 Trap-Door
Spiders are so-named
because of their habit of digging a burrow into
the ground, which is lined with silk, and capping
the burrow with a trap-door made from layers of
silk and earth. |
 Painted
Lady Butterfly (Vanessa
cardui) One of
the most widely distributed of the butterflies,
the painted lady is found everywhere in the world
except South America, the Arctic, and Australia. |
 Haddock
(Melanogrammus aeglefinus)
The haddock is distinguished from other members
of the cod family by its three dorsal fins, a
small barbel on the chin, and by the dark patch
on the flank just behind the gills. |
 Green
and Black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates
auratus) This
frog gets its poison from ants that have high
quantities of alkaloids in their tissues. Males
tend to eggs after laying, and then take tadpoles
to suitable places for development before
abandoning them. |
 Troupial
(Icterus icterus)
This fairly large member of the oriole family is
found in northern and central South America.
Unlike other orioles it does not build its own
nest, relying instead on nests stolen from other
birds. It is the national bird of Venezuela. |
