When it really comes right down to it, there are two basic types of natural history guidebooks: those that help you to identify things you saw and those that teach you about the existence of things you’ll likely never see. Most fall into the first category; field guides to birds, butterflies, flowering plants, and so […]
Few if any creatures that swim in the sea loom larger in the popular imagination than sharks. Unfortunately, the images they call to mind in far too many people are those of terror and bloodshed. While some species are indeed fear-inspiring in appearance and – in regard to other sea creatures – feeding habits, a […]
Twice in my life have I eaten jellyfish; on both occasions I was in Japan at the time. Each time it was served as a salad and had the appearance of semi-translucent amber-colored noodles. The flavor was unremarkable – not unpleasant but not noteworthy either; however the texture was another matter entirely. Imagine eating a […]
The variety of shark species to be found in the world’s oceans is truly remarkable. From the well-known “charismatic” species to the popularly all but unknown carpet, cat, and weasel sharks, the myriad sizes, shapes, and ecological niches occupied by these creatures is truly amazing.