Today's interesting fact has to do with yawning.
Yawning is contagious in humans and other primates.
If any primate sees another yawn, the odds are it will also yawn.
But with humans, the contagiousness of yawning greater.
Not only can we humans yawn when we see other humans, dogs, cats, or primates yawn, we also can start yawning if we read about it, write about it or even just think about yawning.
As no other animals has successfully learnt to read, humans are unique.
Showing posts with label Cats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cats. Show all posts
Monday, October 31, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Today’s interesting fact has to do with Thumbs.
Specifically with how many distal digits animals have.
There are two types of animals that normally have 6 digits on the ends of their forearms.
The Giant Panda is one and moles are the other.
Both have a 'second thumb'.
In the case of the Giant Panda, the first thumb is like a finger and the thumb is a growth developed from one of the wrist bones.
In the case of moles, the second thumb has also developed from of the wrist bones.
This second digit is not the same as the polydactyl condition that sometimes occurs in cats, as only some cats have multiple digits, whereas all Giant Pandas and Moles have these second thumbs.
Specifically with how many distal digits animals have.
There are two types of animals that normally have 6 digits on the ends of their forearms.
The Giant Panda is one and moles are the other.
Both have a 'second thumb'.
In the case of the Giant Panda, the first thumb is like a finger and the thumb is a growth developed from one of the wrist bones.
In the case of moles, the second thumb has also developed from of the wrist bones.
This second digit is not the same as the polydactyl condition that sometimes occurs in cats, as only some cats have multiple digits, whereas all Giant Pandas and Moles have these second thumbs.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Today's interesting fact has to do with parasites.
Parasites do more than infect their vectors, they can also change the infected individual's behaviour.
A vector is any person, animal or microorganism that that carries and transmits an infectious agent.
Most parasites have several vectors, mice and cats are two common vectors for Toxoplasmosis although it also infects many warm blooded animals, including humans.
When Toxoplasmosis infects mice, it changes the mouse behaviour from wanting to stay in corners and dark places, to going into the light and open places.
This allows Toxoplasmosis to reach their second vector, when the mouse is caught by their predetors, such as cats or foxes.
Animals can be infected by eating infected meat, by the accidental ingestion of fecal material of another animal that has recently been infected, or by transmission from mother to fetus.
Cats often get blamed for Humans infection, but we are more likely to get infected contact with raw meat or eating meats that are undercooked or because of fecal contamination of hands.
Up to one third of the world population is thought to be infected.
The initial infection can mimic a minor flu infection, but is more likely to go unnoticed.
Most people never have a problem with the infection, although it can be fatal, especially if passed from mother to fetus.
It has been noticed that Toxoplasmosis can change an infected human's behaviour, in that those who are infected, are more likely to take risks an get into driving accidents.
Parasites do more than infect their vectors, they can also change the infected individual's behaviour.
A vector is any person, animal or microorganism that that carries and transmits an infectious agent.
Most parasites have several vectors, mice and cats are two common vectors for Toxoplasmosis although it also infects many warm blooded animals, including humans.
When Toxoplasmosis infects mice, it changes the mouse behaviour from wanting to stay in corners and dark places, to going into the light and open places.
This allows Toxoplasmosis to reach their second vector, when the mouse is caught by their predetors, such as cats or foxes.
Animals can be infected by eating infected meat, by the accidental ingestion of fecal material of another animal that has recently been infected, or by transmission from mother to fetus.
Cats often get blamed for Humans infection, but we are more likely to get infected contact with raw meat or eating meats that are undercooked or because of fecal contamination of hands.
Up to one third of the world population is thought to be infected.
The initial infection can mimic a minor flu infection, but is more likely to go unnoticed.
Most people never have a problem with the infection, although it can be fatal, especially if passed from mother to fetus.
It has been noticed that Toxoplasmosis can change an infected human's behaviour, in that those who are infected, are more likely to take risks an get into driving accidents.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)