Random Biological Behaviors
Start writing a post
Student Life

Random Biological Behaviors

Nature is an enigma that also happens to have a lot of cannibalism...

10
Random Biological Behaviors
live science

Today during my Ancient Philosophy class, I became fixated on this fly that was lingering on the vertical side of a table; perpendicular to the ground. Over banter on Plato's Republic, my brain began to postulate reasons that could explain the gravity-defying phenomenon I was witnessing. Immediately after class I researched this conundrum and found myself reading a plethora of articles about different biological phenomenons. Now maybe this is because I am a biology major, but I found it not only informative but also extremely exciting to learn the empirical reasoning behind commonly witnessed enigmas. In hopes that all reading this find biological explanations equally as interesting, I present to you: 5 fun biological facts.

1. Flies & Gravity

I thought I would start off by explaining how flies and other small insects defy gravity. These insects possess tarsi, or segments, have tiny hairs that secrete oils, allowing them to adhere to glass and other surfaces and even allow these insects to walk along the ceiling! (more info: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-...)

2. Clownfish

This next fact I learned in my Animal-Behavior class last semester (s/o Dr. Sirot). I would assume most people believe that all organisms are born a certain sex (including hermaphrodite) and that is the end of that. However, clownfish have simply obliterated that thought. Clownfish demonstrate sequential hermphroditism, where the fish start out as males and can develop female organs (it can be reversed for other species). The species have only two large, reproductive individuals (one male, one female) and the rest are all smaller male fish. The most ridiculous fact occurs when the reproductive female leaves. This results in the reproductive male physically changing into the female and the next largest male takes on the reproductive male role. This information makes Finding Nemo a little more interesting doesn’t it? (more info: http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/fishtree_07)

3. Plants and Music

Plant-growth can be altered depending on what music is being played. I haven’t found too many research articles that explain the science behind this one but basically the vibrations and sound waves have a significant impact on the growth of plants. For example, loud, hard rock music is detrimental to plants, while violins and classical music in general stimulates plant growth. (more info: http://search.proquest.com/openview/e352df12538c80831f13ad6a4483c9df/1?pq-origsite=gscholar )

4. Female Praying Mantis

Female praying mantis are cannibals. For certain species of mantis, the females demonstrate post coital cannibalism, which is quite unfortunate for their male counterparts. When the females mate with males they wait until mating is about over and then attack the male, usually eating them head first. Not only are the males then headless, but, since insects can live a relatively long time without their heads, the male continues mating with the female while fully decapitated. If you would like to watch this graphic exchange: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imOTCERhLp0 .

5. Spiders and Cannibalism

This final fact is yet another form of sexual cannibalism. A world with both cannibal spiders, mantis, AND Donald Trump?! Tis a scary time to be alive folks. Anyway, in many different spider species, male spiders will actually sacrifice their lives following copulation and submit to being eaten. The evolutionary explanation for this heinous act is that the male wants his offspring to be as healthy as possible so he provides his offspring nutrients by allowing the female to consume him after copulation. And I thought my love-life was a struggle… (more info: http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2013/06/19/male-spiders-self-sacrifice-lose-genitals/ )

I hope you all enjoyed these somewhat disturbing but interesting biological facts! If you are a student at the College of Wooster and were intrigued by this article I would highly recommend taking Animal Behavior with Dr. Sirot! I learned a lot of these facts in that class and learned why these types of behavior occur from an evolutionary standpoint. Now go out and observe the incredibly weird but awesome world around you! And the next time you see a fly walking on glass you’ll know why.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52686
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33859
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956574
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181391
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments