Author: Matt Davis

What Are Chondrichthyes?

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Chondrichthyes are a class of animals made up of cartilaginous fish that have skeletons primarily composed of cartilage. The fish classified in Chondrichthyes include, sharks, rays, skates, sawfish, and chimaeras.

Chondrichthyes can be divided into two sub classes:

A ray

Elasmobranchii. Sharks, rays, and skates  are classified in Elasmobranchii. Members of the Elasmobranchii have no swim bladders, rigid dorsal fins, and their eyes have a tapetum lucidum.

Holocephali. Chimaeriformes is the only surviving order classified in the sub class holocephali.  Chimaeriformes is made up of  chimaeras, ghostsharks, rabbitfish, ratfish, and spookfish.

A Blacktip Reef Shark(Carcharhinus melanopterus)

Physical Characteristics

All … Continue

National Parks Of The U.S.A.: Yellowstone National Park

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Yellowstone National Park became the first national park  in the United States of America on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone is located largely in the northwest corner of Wyoming, but also extends into Montana and Idaho. 

Wildlife

Yellowstone National Park is home to nearly 300 species of birds, 16 species of fish, five species of amphibians, 6 species of reptiles, and 67 species of mammals. Two of the best locations in Yellowstone National Park for viewing wildlife are Yellowstone river valley, and Lamar river valley. 

The Grizzly Bear((Ursus arctos horribilis) is one example of a mammal that you may see in … Continue

Parrots Of The World: Kakapo

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The Kakapo(Strigops habroptila), also known as the Owl Parrot is a critically endangered parrot that can only be found in New Zealand. The Kakapo is a ground dwelling flightless bird, and is the largest species of parrot based on body mass. Kakapos can reach weights up to 3 kilograms(6.6 pounds).

Physical Characteristics

The Kakapo is green on its upperparts and mottled with blackish chevrons and brownish patches. The tail is greenish yellow, brown and black. Females weigh less than males. Immatures are duller, and their faces are browner.

Length58-65 cm (1’10.8”-2’1.6”)
Weight 950 grams to 3 kg(2.1-6.6 lbs.)

Range

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Bird Fact Sheet: Secretarybird

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The Secretarybird or Secretary Bird(Sagittarius serpentarius) is a terrestrial bird of prey that can be found in savannah habitats throughout much of Africa. The Secretarybird gets its name from its elongated head plumes, which resemble writing quills. 

Physical Characteristics

Adult Secretarybirds have long pink legs, long black crest feathers, bare orange faces, hooked bills and long central tail feathers. They are gray above, and white below with black flight feathers,  abdomen, and thighs.

Juveniles are similar to adults, but have shorter tails and crests,  with grey barring on white underwing-coverts and undertail-coverts. Juveniles also have paler faces.

Length 1.1-1.5 m(3’7.3”-4’11.1”)
Wingspan
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Bird Fact Sheet: Magpie Goose

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The Magpie Goose(Anseranas semipalmata) is a goose-like bird that is placed in its own family Anseranatidae. Unlike true geese Magpie Geese have partially webbed feet. The Magpie Goose lives in Australia.

There is a protuberance on the heads of Magpie Geese that is variable in size, but smaller in females.

Physical Characteristics

The Magpie Goose has a black neck and head. The wings are mostly black as well. The legs and feet are orange. Magpie Geese have partially webbed feet. There is a Protuberance on the heads of Magpie Geese that is variable in size, but smaller in females. The … Continue