Smithsonian Institution’s Post

You. Who me? No, you! Many people confuse different creatures to mean the same. However, there are clear distinctions for each creature useful for correct identification. Wolf: I am an animal with an animal spirit inhabiting an animal body. Werewolf: I am a human with both an animal spirit and a human spirit, able to transform into a wolf completely. Lycanthrope: I am a creature with a human body and spirit, able to half-transform into a wolf. Shapeshifter: I can do both a complete transformation and a partial transformation. This is just a glimpse of the complex diversity among the mythological creatures created or discovered to date. And even now, werewolf and lycanthrope are taken as synonyms. Do you still consider them to be words used to define the same creature? Comment and share your view on this topic. Day 55 of #WTSPro #mythologicalmondays #urbanlegends

Learn more about #SnareMountain and the global challenge of snares & traps in our latest edition of Elephant Echoes! https://lnkd.in/gAgeJRXM #SundayReading

Amidst the tides of the Indian River Lagoon of Florida, a simple creature plays a crucial role: the clam. These unassuming mollusks play a vital role in sculpting the ecosystem's intricate balance, their quiet efforts echoing through the depths. Dive deeper into the captivating world of clams and unravel their significance in our latest blog: "From Clams to Clean Water" https://bit.ly/3yK3lxp

Unraveling the Secrets of Varanidae: A Deep Dive into the World's Largest Lizards Unraveling the Secrets of Varanidae: A Deep Dive into the World's Largest Lizar... Read More - https://lnkd.in/deuq2r_T

Melanistic leopards, with their sleek and dark coats, embody a captivating aspect of nature's diversity. This genetic anomaly, resulting in an excess of melanin, not only gives them a distinct appearance but also serves as an evolutionary advantage. In regions where dense vegetation prevails, these black panthers demonstrate exceptional camouflage skills, becoming elusive predators in their pursuit of prey. Beyond their physical attributes, melanistic leopards evoke cultural significance, often symbolizing mystique and strength in various societies. Understanding and appreciating these unique big cats contribute to a holistic perspective on biodiversity and the intricate tapestry of life within ecosystems.#zoo #climatechange #nature

The animal kingdom is replete with wonders that defy human imagination, and among its most captivating members is the octopus. This marine creature, with its fluid movements, exceptional intelligence, and mysterious lifestyle, has long fascinated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. In this feature, we delve deeper into the biology and behavior of octopuses, revealing why these creatures are considered masterminds of the ocean. Subscribe now, it's FREE! https://lnkd.in/ez-sWsGc

The Lyrebird is by far one of our country's most interesting animals. Here are some of our favorite facts about them. 1. They are most notable for their impressive ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds from their environment, from barking dogs to car alarms to mobile phones. Sounds whacky but it's real! If you haven't seen it we strongly recommend some YouTubing. 2. They sing throughout the year, but the peak of the breeding season, from June to August, is when they sing with the most intensity. During this peak males may sing for hours of the day, almost half the hours of daylight. The song of the lyrebird is a mixture of elements of its own song and mimicry of other species. 3. Male lyrebirds call mostly during winter, when they construct and maintain an open arena-mound in dense bush, on which they sing and dance in an elaborate courtship display performed for potential mates, of which the male lyrebird has several. 4. Lyrebirds are ancient Australian animals: the Australian Museum has fossils of lyrebirds dating back to about 15 million years ago, and are capable of living as long as thirty years. https://lnkd.in/g9c6byKy #australianwildlife #lyrebird #liferocks #connectingchildrentonature #learningthroughplay #nature #naturelovers #naturegram #natureplay #earthscienceteacher

5 Day Kidepo valley national park and Lake Mburo .Zebras are unique and interesting animals known for their distinctive black and white striped coats. They belong to the Equidae family, which also includes horses and donkeys. Zebras are herbivores and primarily graze on grass and other vegetation. They are social animals that live in groups called "harems," typically consisting of a dominant male, several females, and their offspring. One fascinating aspect of zebras is their stripes, which serve as a form of camouflage to confuse predators and regulate body temperature. Each zebra's stripe pattern is unique, much like a human fingerprint. Zebras are also known for their strong herding instincts and their ability to communicate through various vocalizations, body postures, and facial expressions. Overall, zebras are remarkable creatures with a complex social structure and intriguing behaviors that make them a subject of fascination for many people.#bonobosafricansafariholidays#tour#touroftheworld#holiday#holidayseason#adventure#adventuretime#vacation#vacationmode#travel#travelofheworld#zebras