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Pigs can look up but can’t straight up. Their spine and neck muscles limit head movement, making it impossible to look totally upwards. So while pigs can tilt their heads 45 degrees, they can’t look straight up. Pigs can still partially look up from standing and can look straight up lying down.

Wild boars and pigs can look up enough to see the sky because they have less neck fat than farm pigs. Many believe pigs can’t look up because they lack the ability to look straight up. But pigs can tilt their heads up and see the sky sideways. They can also see the sky while rolling in mud.

Pigs are intelligent, curious creatures that often form bonds with owners. They have a wide range of colors and sizes. Pigs are found worldwide and used in many ways, from producing food and clothing to entertainment. Humans have kept pigs for thousands of years.

One myth is that pigs can’t physically look straight up at the sky. Pigs’ necks don’t bend enough to allow that. But they can still roll onto their backs and look up. Pigs’ eyes also don’t glow at night due to lacking a tapetum lucidum layer.

In summary, pigs can look up partially but not straight up. Their anatomy limits their ability to look upwards. They still see the sky sideways, and while rolling or lying down.

How are pigs as pets?

Pigs can make great pets. They are intelligent and social animals that thrive on attention. Pigs require minimal exercise but enjoy walks and playtime. They are omnivores and require a diet of fruits, vegetables, pellets, hay, grain, and occasional table scraps. Pigs are best kept in pairs or small groups as they are very social.

Although cute, pigs have special needs and require more care than cats or dogs. So-called “teacup” or “micro” pigs often reach 100+ pounds. Pigs need lots of space, veterinary care, training, and proper nutrition. With good care, pigs can live 12-15 years.

Pigs are smart and affectionate but are high maintenance. Do research before adopting one. Monitor their diet and weight carefully. Make sure to give them adequate housing, space to run and play, social interaction, and veterinary care. Put in the proper time, training, and care and you’ll have a wonderful pet for over a decade.

What is the age rating for pig?

Peppa Pig World is suitable for viewers of ages 1 to 6 years based on its interactive experiences and rides. Pepper Pig is Peppa Pig’s full name. Rachel Pig is Mummy Pig’s name. Daddy Pig is married to Mummy Pig. Peppa has a sister.

Roblox has a rating of “Everyone 10+” meaning parental consent is needed for kids under 18. It has frequent violence so is best for ages 13+.

The BBFC and Amazon Prime rate Peppa Pig as U, suitable for ages 4 and up, with no offensive material. Peppa Pig is also seen as appropriate for ages 3+ based on developmental factors.

Most pigs are slaughtered between 6-10 months depending on use, breed and growth rate. Females can breed at 4 weeks but are safest to breed at 4-5 months. A pig’s liver weight varies by age, breed and size.

On average, sows are weaned at 20 days. But more meaningful is how many are weaned before 17 days. Wean age depends on if you sell weaned pigs or finish them, aiming for quantity or quality.

What are pigs related to?

Pigs are ungulates domesticated for food, leather and more. Recently, they have been involved in biomedical research. Their long association with humans is represented in cultural milieux from paintings to proverbs. Pigs form small groups with sows and piglets. Despite their reputation, pigs are clean animals. They roll in mud to cool off. Pigs eat almost anything, even human bones. Rats, not pigs, are preferred for genetic research due to physiological responses. The Eurasian wild boar is the ancestor of domestic pigs. Pigs grunt and snort. Extinct Suidae species are in subfamilies besides Suinae. Suiformes families are Hippopotamidae, Tayassuidae and Suidae. The chimp genome is 99% similar to humans. Warthogs have large tusks and run fast. Peccaries belong to Tayassuidae. Pigs find truffles. Visayan warty pigs live in small groups, eating tubers and fruits. Pig organ transplants into humans may work. There are 406 million pigs in China. The largest pig weighed 2,552 pounds.

Dholes are descended from wild ones. Some were domesticated to hunt or as pets in 1500s. There are over 1,550 breeds now, ranging from coyote-size to Great Dane-size. Hodgson kept several as pets. He found them as trainable as dogs.

They are not interfertile with Canis genus. Dholes are more distantly related to dogs than to black-backed jackals. Jackals cannot interbreed with dogs/wolves/dingoes.

Dholes are 90cm long, 50cm shoulder height. They have 45cm tails. They weigh 12-20kg. They live in forests and steppes. Foxes and cats cannot breed.

Some were pets in 1500s. There are over 1,550 breeds now. Hodgson kept them as pets. He found them trainable.

But dhole teeth are different from dogs. Hodgson kept them as pets. He found them trainable as dogs. Dholes are not cats.

Packs have 2-10 members. They run fast and hunt in packs, taking deer. Packs have been seen taking tigers – maybe killing some.

They eat fast and regurgitate food for others. They communicate like foxes. They also whistle.

Once many on 3 continents – Asia, Europe, North America. Habitat destruction threatens the 2,500 remaining. Mainly in reserves now.

Are dholes friendly?

Dholes are endangered. The total population is between 949 to 2,215 adults. Dholes live in Asia. In India they live in the Western Ghats, Central India, Northeast India, Eastern Ghats and Western Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Dholes are social. They live in clans. Common clan sizes are 12. Some clans have over 40 members. Clans have multiple breeding females. No rigid dominance hierarchies exist.

Dholes hunt in packs during day and night. They target large ungulates like deer, pigs, buffalo and goats. Dholes compete with tigers and leopards. Dholes are fast runners, swimmers and jumpers. They can jump over 7 feet high.

Dholes are not dangerous to humans but killed due to livestock threats. They can be domesticated. People steal kills from dhole packs. Though fearful of humans, they attack large animals including tigers. Dhole packs have even killed elephants.

Dholes face threats from habitat loss. Palm plantations, infrastructure development isolate them. Conservation efforts are needed. Dholes do not retreat at sight of humans.

Can dholes breed with dogs?

Dholes are dogs! The dhole is known as the Asiatic wild dog, red dog, and whistling dog. It is about the size of a German shepherd but looks more like a long-legged fox. Dholes communicate among themselves using a series of whistles, clicks, yips, and growls. Female dholes produce up to 12 pups per litter.

Dholes are more distantly related to dogs than they are to black-backed jackals. Dholes cannot interbreed with domestic dogs or wolves. Dholes are endangered with only 2,500 left worldwide.

Large wild cats such as tigers and leopards are the only natural predators of the dhole. The biggest threat to dhole populations has been from humans. Dholes are important predators in tropical forests and grasslands of Southeast Asia. Their long fur is water resistant and keeps them warm. This helps them hunt prey.

Do tigers eat dholes?

Tigers can attack, kill, and sometimes eat leopards and dholes. In wildlife reserves with abundant prey, dholes have less contact with more nocturnal tigers and leopards. Dhole packs can have 2 to 25 members. Dholes share space with tigers, leopards, wolves, and snow leopards. Predators of dholes include tigers and leopards. Dholes prey on deer, pigs, buffalo, and goats in India. In Southeast Asia they eat deer, gaur, and banteng. In Siberia they eat deer, sheep, and reindeer. Dholes also eat berries, bugs, lizards, and rabbits.

Dholes are easier to domesticate than wolves. Hodgson kept several as pets and found them trainable. Their hunting range is about 40 square km. The dhole lives in forest steppes, thick plains and hill jungles.

Dholes are wild canids, efficient predators and communal pack hunters. Dhole packs have even killed tigers. But dholes remain endangered.

Alligators, bears, crocodiles, dholes, elephants, hyenas, leopards, other tigers and humans prey on tigers. Many think tigers lack predators. But cubs attract predators.

People eat tigers in Asia. Tiger meat is a delicacy. Some use tiger parts for medicine. Although illegal, some people don’t care.

Yes, tigers eat their young. Humans, leopards, crocodiles, dholes and even other tigers prey on tigers. Tiger cubs have more predators than adults.

Dholes communicate through whines, yaps, screams, growls and chatter calls. IUCN lists dholes as endangered. Dholes deal with competition from tigers and leopards for resources and lack of global recognition.

In India, tigers kill and eat rhinos. Tiger attacks kill 15 to 20 rhino cubs a year in Assam’s Kaziranga Park. Territorial crocodiles attack when disturbed, especially in mating season.

While dholes and maybe crocodiles eat tigers, few animals kill tigers. Those that can mainly do so in defense. But cubs face harm from many animals.

Human, dholes and tigers prey on tigers. Poaching and habitat loss speed the decline of tigers. Tiger cubs can fall victim to adult tigers. Encounters with dholes may also kill tigers, though dholes suffer losses.

It is believed Tasmanian tigers went extinct in the 1930s. However, research suggests some may still live in remote areas. There are claims they have been seen in the wild in Australia. However, no evidence has proven they exist now.

The Tasmanian government responsed to fears about livestock killings by paying out more than 2,180 bounties. The genetic blueprint provides information on the biology of the marsupial and how it evolved to look similar to the dingo. The Tasmanian tiger was a marsupial. What is its diet? It hunted singly or in pairs, mainly at night.

In 1930, a farmer named Wilf Batty shot and killed the last-known wild Tasmanian tiger. The final one was captured in 1933 and transferred to the Hobart Zoo. Tasmania had around 5000 thylacines at European settlement. However, hunting, habitat destruction and disease led to rapid extinction. Can we return the species to its ecosystem? There is a small chance.

Thylacines were carnivorous marsupials with distinctive stripes. They disappeared from mainland Australia 3,000 years ago due to human persecution. Bounties introduced by settlers in 1880s destroyed the Tasmanian population and drove them to extinction. The species was completely unique among living marsupials.

New research suggests Tasmanian tigers may have survived for decades and may still exist. These carnivorous marsupials lived on mainland Australia until humans culled them 3,000 years ago. The last ones lived on Tasmania until hunted by settlers in 19th century. In 1999, scientists tried cloning a Tasmanian tiger from preserved tissue.

While some think the thylacine still exists, experts say there is less than a 1% chance. In February, a group promised photo proof of a surviving thylacine. Although extinct for 80 years, British naturalists declared the animal still alive. Tasmanian tigers were closely related to Tasmanian devils but larger and more dog-like.

Some question if scientists can create the genetic variations needed for a healthy new species. Many consider this project unethical and more about gaining attention than science.

Are Tasmanian tigers extinct for 87 years?

The Tasmanian tiger has been extinct for 87 years. Scientists are making the animal from scratch using RNA sequenced from a 132-year-old specimen. Tasmanian tigers, also known as thylacines, were seen as a threat to local livestock in the 19th century. A decades long bounty hunting system decimated their numbers to extinction. The last known thylacine died in captivity in 1936. Despite rumors of the thylacine’s survival, no specimen has been found since. The international definition of an extinct species is that there has been no evidence of it for 50 years. By this definition, Tasmanian tigers are officially extinct. Although extinct, it is difficult to prove something is not there. There are cases of extinct species being ‘rediscovered’.

Government bounties in the 19th and 20th centuries made hunting Tasmanian tigers appealing. Eventually, this decimated the species. The thylacine has been presumed extinct for 87 years. The IUCN declared it extinct in 1982. But proving an animal’s disappearance is difficult. Over the years, people have reported sightings of the once-persecuted animals. These alleged sightings have created doubt around whether thylacines survived past 1936.

When discovered in the 1950s, the South China tiger population was 4000. By 1996 it was estimated to be only 30-80. Scientists consider the tiger “functionally extinct” as one has not been sighted for over 25 years. Since no proof of the thylacine’s wild existence had been obtained for over 50 years, it met that criterion and was declared extinct by the IUCN in 1982 and by Tasmania in 1986.

Why did the Tasmanian tiger go extinct?

The Tasmanian tiger, also known as the thylacine, was unique. It was the largest marsupial predator that survived into recent times. Sadly it was hunted to extinction in the wild, and the last known Tasmanian tiger died in captivity in 1936. One of Australia’s most fabled species, the Tasmanian tiger, also known as the thylacine, went extinct on the continent’s mainland around 2000 years ago. A small population of thylacines persisted on Tasmania when Europeans arrived in Australia. The species was rapidly viewed as a pest and a dangerous threat to livestock. The government bounty may seem to be the obvious extinction culprit.
The thylacine is still extinct. The last captive thylacine was trapped in 1933 and sent to Hobart Zoo where it lived for three years. The thylacine died on 7 September 1936. The international definition of an extinct species is that there has been no reliable evidence of it for 50 years. By this they are officially an extinct species. Its closest living relatives are the Tasmanian devil and numbat. The thylacine was one of only two marsupials to have a pouch in both sexes; the other still extant species is the water opossum from Central and South America. Tasmanian tigers are a great example of convergent evolution, although members of the marsupial family the thylacine was an apex predator and hunted like a wild dog or wolf.

What is the closest living relative to the Tasmanian tiger?

The Tasmanian tiger’s closest living relatives are the numbat and the Tasmanian devil. The thylacine was one of only two marsupials known to have a pouch in both sexes. The other still existing species is the water opossum. The Tasmanian Tiger is thought to have been the closest relative to the Tasmanian Devil. Its extinction was due to hunting by humans as well as competition with dingos. The placental mammal corresponding to the Australian’ spotted cuscus’ is Lemur and to Tasmanian ‘tiger cat’ is a bobcat.

While it is estimated there were around 5000 thylacines in Tasmania at European settlement, they became extinct. The Tasmanian tiger was a solitary, ambush-style predator. That separates thylacines from wolves and dogs that hunt in packs. The Tasmanian tiger is on the Tasmanian coat of arms. It is the mascot for the cricket team.

The numbat genome was mapped to protect the endangered species. But it helps revive the Tasmanian tiger. “We are engineering our dunnart cell to become a Tasmanian tiger cell,” said researcher. The dunnart provides DNA to tweak to look like the tiger’s. Numbats share an ancestor with the tiger around 35 million years ago.

Native mammals like quolls cannot be kept as pets in NSW. Quolls are meat-eaters, preying on many species. The quoll evolved 15 to 5 million years ago. Native mammals have special needs. Quolls eat carrion and are seen around campsites and roadsides.

The spotted-tailed quoll is a vulnerable species in NSW. Its distribution and population have declined. In many cases, quolls live in isolated areas too small to support viable long-term populations. Spotted-tailed quolls forage over vegetation.

Quolls were once abundant in the bush. With all four species declining, some have suggested raising quolls as pets. This may reduce persecution. However, it may also separate wild and domestic quolls. We want quolls here, not just as pets.

Quolls could make great pets, as enjoyable as cats and dogs. Revenue from sales could help conserve endangered quolls. If caught from the wild, quolls can be fierce. Trapping quolls is illegal and dangerous. There have been reports of quolls killing chickens in town.

The Snowy River is a surviving stronghold of the tiger quoll. Quolls mainly eat insects, birds, frogs, lizards, snakes, small mammals and fruit. The largest eat mammals like possums. Quolls also eat carrion and will scavenge.

When did quolls go extinct?

The eastern quoll went extinct in mainland Australia in the 1960s. The spotted-tailed quoll is widely distributed across Tasmania. The eastern quoll survives in Tasmania. Researchers are trying to reintroduce the eastern quoll to parts of its former Australian range.

10 eastern quolls have been released into a NSW nature reserve. This gives the near-extinct species a second chance at survival. The Barrington population is the largest mainland population. It has been established through the Tasmanian Quoll Program. The program still has wild populations.

The sanctuary plans to breed 100 quolls per year. Within years, eastern quolls could be on Australia’s eastern seaboard again. Endangered carnivore specialists will monitor how well the quolls adapt. This includes monitoring preferred habitats, hunting, and breeding.

All quoll species have declined since European colonisation. Major threats are the cane toad, predators like feral cats and foxes, urban development, and poison baiting. Proposed actions emphasise protecting key populations from colonisation by cane toads and cats. This is done by quarantining offshore islands. Other actions foster recovery of collapsed populations after cane toad arrival.

Quolls reach maturity at one year old. They have a lifespan of 1-5 years, depending on species. Quolls hunt by stalking. They pin small prey with front paws while eating. They jump on larger prey, sinking in claws and biting the neck.

The spotted-tailed quoll is a capable hunter. Like the eastern quoll, it kills prey by biting the head. The spotted-tailed quoll is most common in cool temperate rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests and coastal scrubs.

During the day quolls sleep in hollowed-out logs or rocky dens. Though rarely seen, they can look for prey during the day.

Trapping quolls is illegal and dangerous for both animals and humans. Females can drop their young from pouches trying to escape traps.

Are quolls related to possums?

The spotted-tailed quoll is about the size of a domestic cat, but has shorter legs and a more pointed face than a cat. Quolls eat carrion and are sometimes seen scavenging around campsites, increasing their risk of being hit by cars. The Tiger Quoll has a large home range and can cover over 6km overnight. They are largely nocturnal and solitary. The first species described was originally named Didelphis maculata but this name is no longer valid. Genetic analysis indicates quolls evolved 15-5 million years ago. Quolls are closely related to the Tasmanian devil, dunnart, and other small marsupials. The genus Dasyurus includes six living quoll species – four in Australia/Tasmania and two in New Guinea. Although sometimes called native cats, quolls are marsupials, not true cats. They get their name from their cat-like appearance and hunting behaviour. The park has come a long way in recent years, degraded by unsustainable grazing. The Bounceback program began in the 90s to restore ecology, including quoll reintroductions. With COVID, monitoring helps provide a health-check of quolls and possums. Motion cameras show wider quoll areas. Possum and opossum correctly refer to the Virginia opossum; possum is more common.

Is a quoll a Tasmanian devil?

The quoll is closely related to the Tasmanian devil, the dunnart, and several other small marsupials. Four of these species reside in Australia or Tasmania: the eastern quoll, the northern quoll, the western quoll, and the tiger quoll.

Quolls were driven extinct in Australia by disease and predation by foxes and feral cats. Although primarily a carnivore, the quoll can also consume fruits and occasional vegetable matter. They spend most of their time foraging on the ground, but quolls can also be quite skilled at climbing.

Tasmania is home to two species of quoll – the eastern quoll and spotted-tailed quoll. The spotted-tailed quoll is the world’s second-largest carnivorous marsupial. Tasmanian devils and quolls are unique and spectacular animals making them a valuable tourism and biological asset.

The tiger quoll is the longest carnivorous marsupial in the world. Like Tasmanian devil, the tiger quoll is a scavenger that actively feeds on carrion.

Quolls are in the same family of carnivorous marsupials as the Tasmanian Devil. They are shy, nocturnal animals that have been identified as threatened species on mainland Australia. One of the most popular things to do in Tasmania is to see its wildlife like the quoll.

Racoon dogs can be kept as pets. You will need a permit as they are classified as injurious wildlife. That does not mean they will attack you. What it means is that they could become an invasive species.

Raccoon dogs have natural tendency to wander long distances. This allows them to adapt and spread rapidly. They are the only canid that hibernates.

In the UK, raccoon dogs are exotic pets. But it has been illegal to buy or sell one since 2019.

Raccoon dogs are not really dog-like. Many aspects of exotic pets that make them poor pets for most people apply. Like foxes, they can be destructive indoors.

Raccoon dogs can adapt to plenty of environments. So they will do well in urban areas. That could make them an invasive species.

They are a species of canid native to East Asia. In Europe, the animals have become an invasive species. They pose threats to indigenous wildlife.

Despite their name, they are not close relatives of raccoons. They are members of the canid family. Most closely related to foxes, they may hibernate in winter.

Raccoon dogs live in countries throughout Europe and Asia. Their habitat includes grasslands and forests. They are known to hibernate when there’s serious snowstorm.

Are raccoon dogs illegal in the US?

Raccoon dogs are native to East Asia. In the US, they are illegal in all 50 states. Raccoon dogs are usually harmless and are not known to attack humans. However, if they feel threatened, they may snarl or exhibit what appears to be aggressive behavior. The raccoon dog is a dog, rather than a raccoon. As a result of the raccoon dog’s natural history, they will never be legal in the United States. Though their exact population is unknown in many areas, scientists estimate there are approximately 120,000 adult raccoon dogs in Finland. Raccoon dogs give off a high-pitched whine or whimper, which can be interpreted as either submissive or friendly behavior.

In 1982, the U.S. Department of the Interior listed the raccoon dog as an “injurious animal” under the Lacey Act to limit its importation. Raccoons are considered exotic animals. Keeping a pet raccoon is strictly illegal in many states. Unfortunately, raccoons are considered an invasive species in the United States because they carry parasites, bacteria, and diseases. In the wild, a raccoon has a life expectancy of about 2 to 3 years. But in captivity, a raccoon can live up to 20 years.

No foxes are legal in California. Exotic pet ownership is relatively popular in Florida. The reason raccoon dogs are illegal in the United States is because of their federal classification of “injurious wildlife.” Raccoons are wild animals, so taking one from the wild won’t have good results and is likely illegal.

Do raccoon dogs live in the US?

It is highly unlikely that one would encounter a wild raccoon dog in the US. The United States government sees Bandit as a wild animal. In 1982, the U.S. Department of the Interior listed the raccoon dog as a “injurious animal” under the Lacey Act to limit its importation.

You have to have a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to have them in the United States. USFWS classifies them as injurious wildlife. Despite its name, its closest relatives are the true foxes, and not the American raccoons. The raccoon dog is therefore a dog, rather than a raccoon.

Raccoon dogs are usually harmless. If they feel threatened, it may be possible for raccoon dogs to snarl or exhibit aggressive behavior. The price range of a raccoon dog varies significantly depending on the region and the breeder. However, wild raccoon dogs cannot typically be purchased.

Unfortunately, as a result of their invasive tendencies, raccoon dog ownership has been banned in many countries, including the United States. They can be harmful to wildlife, competing with native foxes and badgers for food and shelter and predating amphibians and ground nesting birds.

The common raccoon dog is a canid indigenous to mainland East Asia and northern Vietnam. Among the Canidae, the raccoon dog shares the habit of regularly climbing trees only with the Japanese raccoon dog. Their winter fur is long and thick with dense underfur and coarse guard hairs, protecting them from low temperatures.

Raccoon dogs live for 7–8 years in the wild and have reached 13 in captivity. They have been observed to climb trees to forage for fruits and berries. Raccoon dogs are mostly found in eastern Asia such as in Japan and China. Hokkaido, Kyushu, Honshu, Shikoku, Sado Island and Awaji Island are the main territories where they live as a wild animal.

What is the difference between a raccoon and a raccoon dog?

The scientific name for the Raccoon is Procyon lotor. The key differences between a raccoon dog and a raccoon are their families, morphology, and size. Raccoon dogs are part of the Canidae family, and raccoons are members of the Procyonidae family. Head and body length is 50–65 cm; tail length, 13–18 cm; and weight, about 7.5 kg. Most active at night, the raccoon dog is omnivorous. The raccoon dog is named for the resemblance of its masked face to that of the raccoon. Raccoon dogs are medium sized, weighing between 4 to 9 kilograms. They have two layers of fur, with a short undercoat, and a long, dense outer coat. Raccoon dogs change in appearance between summer and winter. Before winter they grow thick fur, which protects them from the cold. By summer, their coat thins.
What is the difference between Raccoon dog and Raccoon? Raccoon has compact torso, short legs and long tail. It can reach 16 to 28 inches and 8 to 20 pounds. Raccoon dog has elongated torso, short legs and short tail. Raccoon dog also has dark fur around eyes, but its tail is uniformly dark colored. Raccoon dogs are monogamous and mate for life. Captive males have been known to mate with four or five females. Males take an active role in raising the pups.

Yes. Coconut crabs are edible.

People eat coconut crabs. Several crabs can feed people. Coconut crabs have lots of meat. And eggs are considered to be the best part. Eating coconut crabs is safe. Coconut crabs have same issues as other crabs. Eating them is popular in islands. We have hunted them to extinction.

They taste similar to snow crab or lobster. More meat is in coconut crabs. Coconut crabs are fit to be eaten. Are considered rich in protein, healthy fats and vitamins.

There are tips to enjoy them. You should eat them if you get a chance. Tastes like other crab. Simple to prepare before eating. A delicacy and aphrodisiac in Pacific Islands where they roam.

How strong is a coconut crabs pinch?

Researchers captured 29 coconut crabs on Okinawa Island in Japan. The crabs were made to clamp down on steel force sensors. Pinching forces ranged from 29.4 to 1765.2 newtons among the collected crabs. The human bite force is about 340 newtons at most.

Coconut crabs are the largest land-living crustacean. They often descend from trees by falling. They can survive a fall of at least 4.5 meters unhurt. It takes them several days to open coconuts with their strong claws. They cut holes into coconuts and eat the contents.

In the 1980s, Holger Rumpff observed and studied how they open coconuts in the wild. The animal has developed a technique. If the coconut is still covered with husk, it will use its claws to rip off strips, always starting from the side with three germination pores.

Unlike most crabs, coconut crabs spend nearly their entire lives on dry land. Their enormous claws developed as an evolutionary solution. It’s thought they evolved from a hermit crab ancestor. Modern coconut crabs do not have a shell to protect them. They have developed large, calcified bodies and claws. That provides them necessary armory. It helps them avoid predation and access terrestrial food. Oh, and they can also climb trees.

Shin-ichiro Oka estimates the largest coconut crab could crunch with 742 pounds of force based on body size. He says, “The pinching force of the largest coconut crab is almost equal to the bite force of adult lions.”

The pinch force exceeds that of any other known crustacean. If a human had the same pinch strength ratio as a coconut crab, they could produce six tons of crush force. Among land animals, the crab’s size to crush ratio is second only to the saltwater crocodile bite force. That rivals T. rex.

Adult coconut crabs are about 1 meter from leg tip to leg tip. Their sharp and strong grip can be painful. If threatened, a crab may break off claw or leg to escape predators. The limb will later regrow through regeneration.

Oka and colleagues captured 29 wild coconut crabs from Okinawa Island, Japan. They measured the pinching force of the crabs’ claws. Oka says, “When I was pinched, I couldn’t do anything until it unfastened its claw. Although it was only a few minutes, I felt eternal hell.”

As the name implies, the powerful claws relate to eating coconuts. The crabs use claws to fight, defend themselves and eat foods with hard exteriors. While decapods exert great pinching force relative to their mass, the pinching force of coconut crabs was unknown before.

Can you have a coconut crab as a pet?

Robber crabs are omnivorous. They are particularly fond of coconuts. Robber crabs can grow to be large, with some reaching 9 pounds. Their size makes them unique. While robber crabs have powerful pincers, they are not aggressive towards humans. Robber crabs live in forests and near coasts. They prefer islands.

What is the purpose of a coconut crab?

Coconut crabs are terrestrial hermit crabs. They are the largest land arthropods. Their size ranges up to 16 inches long. They weigh up to nine pounds. Their leg span reaches three feet wide. Coconut crabs get their name from eating whole coconuts. They climb up palm trees to knock down the coconuts. Their large muscular claws help open coconuts. Coconut crabs live a long time. Their growth rate is slow. They are hunted a lot for food. This can be problematic.

Coconut crabs cannot swim except as larvae. They drown if in water for over an hour. The coconut crab has a large front body section. It is divided into two parts. The back section is flat. They have ten legs used for climbing. Their leg muscles allow climbing trees. The claws can lift 64 pounds. That makes them ten times stronger than human hands. The claws can also be used as walking limbs.

Adult coconut crabs are omnivorous scavengers. They eat tropical fruits and molted skeletons of crustaceans. Coconut crabs have a strong sense of smell. This helps them find food. Despite their size and weight they climb trees well. They can scale coconut trees to reach fruits. Some islanders tie coconuts to trees with ropes to protect them. But coconut crabs still get them sometimes.

Interestingly, coconut crabs use their claws to rip open coconuts. Their claws are stronger than a lion’s bite. This lets them break open tough shells. Their climbing ability also helps them be predators and scavengers. They can climb any tree they can grip.

Long haired Rottweiler on a background of a yellow house. Unfortunately, because short hair is an important part of the breed standard, the long-haired dog isn’t normally accepted as a “true” Rottweiler.
Long haired Rottweiler on a background of a yellow house. Instead of the default short and straight coat, these dogs have long, coarse, and somewhat wavy hair.
Long Hair Rottweilers: Experts also say that trauma patients can start getting happy if they bring a dog to their house. Today, we are going to share information about long hair rottweilers. However, there are several other criteria that an individual needs to follow before getting a dog for themselves. Long Haired Rottweiler. This is a very healthy dog breed.
Long Haired Rottweiler. The long hair rottweiler is a very rare dog, especially in America. Having such an unusual Rottie has appeal for many owners.
Because Rottweilers with long coats may be the result of breeding practices or cross-breeding, many prospective owners have an important consideration. The long-haired variation is not a mix, despite what is a widespread misconception. Currently, due to kennel club standards being adhered to, many long haired Rottweiler puppies will be euthanized.
The second reason for Long-Haired Rottweilers being so rare (especially in America) is because long hair is regarded as a serious fault according to the breed standards laid down by organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). Because of the strict breed standards, some Rottweiler breeders will actively avoid producing or selling long-haired dogs, which makes them rarer still.
The temperament of the long haired rottweiler is also very similar to that of a standard rottweiler. But all versions of the rottweiler are still strong, confident, loving, sweet, and great family dogs. Excessive weight gain can result in heart disease, digestive issues, back and joint pain, and even heart attacks.
These are relatively rare dogs, and many Rottweiler breeders simply won’t sell them, because they don’t conform to breed standards. Although long-haired Rottweilers may have aesthetic appeal, it is important to note that they typically require more grooming than their short-haired counterparts.

What are the two types of Rottweilers?

There are two types of Rottweilers: well-bred ones and poorly bred ones. The actual country where a Rottweiler is born determines whether it is an American, French, Italian, Canadian or German Rottweiler.

We provide an overview of the Rottweiler breed. Before adopting one, understand the breed. The German Rottweiler is the standard recognized by major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Rottweilers are loyal, protective and loving. Their temperament and behavior depend significantly on their upbringing and training. Every Rottweiler has an unique personality. The best one fits into your life. A well-trained and socialized Rottweiler brings joy.

The popular types are German, American and Roman Rottweilers. German Rottweilers follow strict standards by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub. American Rottweilers meet the American Kennel Club’s standards. “Roman Rottweiler” refers to abnormally large dogs not officially recognized.

Knowing the differences between types helps choose the right Rottweiler for your lifestyle.

What is a Serbian Rottweiler?

The term “Serbian Rottweiler” refers to Rottweilers bred in Serbia or have lineage from Serbia. Serbian Rottweilers have distinct physical features – blockier head, shorter snout, more wrinkles, deep-set eyes compared to German Rottweiler.

More accurately, the Serbian Rottweiler is a Rottweiler breed line. Purebred Serbian Rottweilers trace lineage to a Serbian bred dog. Similarly, American Rottweilers have American lineage, German Rottweilers have German lineage. This clarifies differences between three Rottweiler breed lines.

The Serbian Rottweiler has unique looks. Major kennel clubs recognize German Rottweiler breed standard. However, some breeders use “Serbian Rottweiler” for Rottweilers with Serbian lineage physical features.

The Serbian Rottweiler is a purebred Rottweiler, recognized by American Kennel Club. This is a separate breed line with minimal distinguishing traits. Serbian Rottweilers are larger, bred with disproportionate features negatively impacting health. German Rottweilers have stricter standards, generally healthier.

Serbian and German Rottweilers – health is key. Breeding practices, pedigree research, buyer advice ensure health. Health testing should be done, reliability questioned – consult vet before purchase.

Generally, Rottweilers born in US are American, Germany are German, Serbia are Serbian Rottweilers. Most American Rottweilers lack tails – illegal in Germany, Serbia. Average Rottweiler life span is 10 years.

Differences lie in country of birth. They adapt to climate, training procedures, resulting in breed differences. Most obvious difference – American Rottweilers lack tails, mandatory for German, Serbian Rottweilers.

Rottweiler colors – black base with rust/mahogany markings. No brown Rottweilers. German Rottweiler breeders must strictly comply to standards.

Key differences between Roman vs Serbian Rottweiler sub-breeds. Neither have standard, but important distinctions. Must know differences before getting one.

What is the rarest breed of Rottweiler?

The red-coated Rottweiler is the rarest of this breed. They are often mistaken for other breeds since their fur does not have a saddle pattern. Besides the health issues we mentioned, many of these pups are bred unethically due to their unique rarity. Most breeders and Rottweiler experts believe that these types of rare Rottweilers are the results of cross-breeding. Not necessarily the actual parents of the ‘rare’ puppy, but definitely within their individual or collective family trees. This is why a red Rottweiler or blue/albino Rottweilers aren’t recognized or accepted by Rottweiler Breed Clubs. There could be serious health risks associated with owning of a breed of dog with a unique color. And besides, getting a purebred red Rottweiler is super rare. However most of the devious dealers of the Rottweilers try to pass off mixed-bred hounds as rare breed Rottweilers which is not ethical.

So before you purchase a dog that is not conforming to the norms of its breed, do your due diligence. This will help prevent you from being duped by the unethical dealers. Let’s begin the exciting adventure of getting to know everything about this rare breed. A red Rottweiler may sound exotic, but there is nothing wrong with wanting a dog that’s slightly different from the average ones. As you may have guessed, the German Rottie is a mixed breed that’s created by crossing a German Shepherd with a Rottweiler. Although this breed can make a good family pet, it’s important to bear in mind that the German Shepherd can be aggressive, and the Rottweiler is inclined to be very protective of his family.

Expect to spend at least $1,200 for a Rottweiler puppy no matter what coat color it has. Some puppies can cost as much as $5,000, depending on the breeder’s reputation and bloodlines. While Rottweilers are known for rust, tan, or mahogany markings, black Rottweilers do not have these markings and are completely black in color. But the rust markings are usually darker, giving an almost completely black appearance. As a powerful dog, it’s crucial to have control over Rottweilers to avoid accidents in public. A strong no-pull dog harness can effectively manage behavior during walks.

A mule can not reproduce. A mule has 63 chromosomes while a horse has 64 chromosomes and a donkey 62 chromosomes. The odd number of chromosomes prevents reproduction.

Pregnancy is rare in a female mule. But it can happen naturally or through embryo transfer when mated to a horse or donkey. A few female mules have produced offspring this way.

Male mules can not reproduce. Mules are sterile hybrids. They can not produce sperm or eggs to have babies.

The offspring of a female mule would be either a horse, donkey or another sterile mule. So mules do not make up a separate species.

What does being a mule mean?

A mule is a hybrid resulting from a horse and a donkey. Mules are smaller than horses. They have short legs, large eyes, rounded ears. Furthermore, mules are generally tough, strong capable of heavy loads. Their speed is slightly higher than a donkey’s but less than a horse’s. Mules are used for agricultural work.

What does being someone’s mule mean? A money mule transfers illegally acquired money for someone else. Criminals recruit them to help launder proceeds from online scams, frauds, human trafficking and drug trafficking.

What is a mule man? One who tends mules.

What is stubborn as a mule? Determined to do what one wants, unwilling to change one’s mind, often annoying others.

Why is a mule driver called a mule skinner? A mule skinner drives mules.

“The Mule” smuggles drugs across borders evading law enforcement. Highly skilled, they are very dangerous if threatened or if their operation is compromised.

Mules have 63 chromosomes, a mix of horse’s 64 and donkey’s 62. Most are sterile.

Are mules horses or donkeys?

A mule is a hybrid animal, the result of breeding a donkey with a horse. Mules combine characteristics of both parents. A donkey is a separate species in the horse family. Mules and donkeys are similar in appearance, traits and behavior but some differences exist.

Mules are bigger, standing about 60 inches tall versus 45 for donkeys. Mules have a slight back curve while donkeys’ backs are flat. Donkeys have a dorsal line down their backs that mules lack. Both have long ears but donkeys’ ears have dark tips and edges.

Mules inherit endurance and strength from their parents, often used in agriculture and transportation. Donkeys are also working animals, commonly in roles needing steady, patient work. Mules are usually sterile as they have 63 chromosomes while donkeys have 62. Rarely, mules produce offspring when mated with horses or donkeys.

Donkeys are smaller and slower than horses, weighing about half as much. Mules cost more and require significant training, which can be hard to find. In summary, donkeys are smaller and more stubborn than mules, which are larger and more obedient. Both are highly intelligent and historically important domesticated animals.

Why is a mule called a jackass?

A mule is a hybrid animal made up of a female horse and a male donkey. “Jackass” refers specifically to a male donkey. This derives from the male donkey’s nickname “jack” paired with the donkey terminology “ass.” Jacks are often mated with mares to produce mules.

Civilization’s best friend. An adult male donkey is called a jack or jackass, an adult female is called a jenny or jennet. Jacks are often mated with female horses (mares) to produce mules. The less common hybrid of a male horse (stallion) and jenny is called a hinny.

While ass is interchangeable with donkey, “jackass” refers specifically to a male donkey. Female donkeys are called “jennies” or “jennets”.

Jacks are often mated with mares to produce mules; the biological reciprocal of a mule, from a stallion and jenny, is called a hinny. The term “jackass” refers to the donkey’s backwards-facing tail.

Donkeys may be referred to as Jackasses, however not all donkeys are Jackasses. Male donkeys are referred to as Jack, Jackass, ass, and Burros. Most male donkeys are called Jacks, while only domestic animals are called Jackass. The Equidae family includes donkeys and horses.

Unlike some snakes, racers do not make good pets. They are not docile animals and rarely become accustomed to handling. Accustomed to traveling long distances, these snakes do not thrive in small habitats. A thin snake can be a sign of internal parasites. A blue racer costs $50 – $100. Your dog may encounter a snake {ie. bull snake, garden snake or racer} and although bites are painful and could cause infection, they are not fatal.

There is much to know before getting a snake as pet. Snakes need specific care and nutrition to grow and thrive. Corn snakes, garter snakes, ball pythons, california kingsnakes and western hognose snakes are the most docile and gentle-natured. The most popular pet snake breeds are generally pretty relaxed as pets. They can range in sociability. Snakes are able to recognise and distinguish humans and may recognise their owner’s scent as positive with time.

The northern brown or dekays snake often overlooked makes a good pet, has much to offer reptile enthusiasts. Brown snakes are ideal for naturalistic terrariums stocked with live plants. North American brown snakes are petite, ranging between 10 to 21 inches in length.

Copperheaded racers can bite if handled. Usually yellow as the dominant color and large mouth to match. Harmless snakes for pets are species that are not poisonous to humans or house pets, Some of the harmless snakes you can keep as pets are: northern water snake, four-lined snake, eastern garter snake, emerald tree boa, rough green snake and bull snake.

Overall, the rough green snake is a docile reptile that makes a good pet for beginners. As long as kept at right temperature and humidity levels in their enclosure, they can lead a long and happy life. Rough green snakes are a great choice to learn caring basics and keeping snakes clean and healthy, but not for frequent handling. Green snakes occasionally can be brown or tan in coloration. Scales are smooth and total body length ranges from 30 to 66 cm.

Glossy snakes are a good choice for beginner snake keepers. These snakes make good pets being calm, beautiful, easy to keep and feed. Glossy snakes are rather small, reaching 30-50 inches (75–130 cm) long.

Is a racer snake a rat snake?

No.

Thailand’s Copperheaded Racers are large rat snakes that feed on rodents. If you pursue a copper-headed racer, it will turn toward you, ready to strike.

The belly is mostly one color. The underside of the Black Rat Snake usually starts white under the throat, transitions to white with black spots, then black with red spots, and finally solid black before the tail.

Both snakes help control rodents but can be mistaken for venomous snakes and killed. Knowing the difference between them is helpful. Here are five facts about black racers and black rat snakes.

They enjoy harmless rodents and birds. The scales seen down the snake’s back are too many in number for a Racer.

Black racers have smooth, matte black scales while black rat snakes have textured, glossy black scales and a pattern on their back. Both have white underbellies but more so on the black rat snake.

Rattlesnakes are found in all 50 states.

A racer snake crossed a Thai highway. Another rat snake, the Common Malayan Racer resembles the Copperheaded Racer but is darker. It usually will not bite even if handled.

The black racer snake lacks venom and is agile in daytime. Adults grow to 55 inches, with some reaching 70 inches. Yearly it sheds skin.

Grown racers can be mistaken for similar big black snakes like Black Kingsnakes, Black-Phase Eastern Hognose Snake or Dark Coachwhips.

Racer snakes move swiftly due to their slender shape, usually 3-6 feet long. Their pointed heads aid maneuverability when chasing prey. They have a broad North and Central American distribution.

The blue racer snake has a slender greyish-blue body often surpassing two metres in length. It has a white-goldish face mask and is the most eccentric of the 11 racer subspecies.

The main difference between the black racer and black rat snake is the former has glossy smooth skin while the latter’s is dull and ridged.

A black racer trap can remove them. Average black racers are 3-5 feet long and weigh about 1 1⁄4 pounds with skinny, tapered bodies. The northern black racer and southern black racer inhabit different regions of the United States.

Racers are several large, swift nonvenomous Colubridae snakes. The blue racer inhabits central and western North America.

Are Eastern racer snakes aggressive?

The racer is a fast snake, reaching speeds of 8-10 miles per hour. It tends to be nervous and very aggressive when encountered, striking out, biting often and vibrating the tip of its tail. The Yellow-bellied Racer is closely related to the Black Snake. Both have a rather aggressive disposition. The king cobra is a large and deadly venomous snake found in Asia and Africa. Their diet consists of rodents, insects, frogs, lizards and birds. King cobras are not constrictors, but they may use coils to pin prey as they swallow it whole. These snakes are highly feared and respected, and are often worshipped.

The racer snake, also called the Eastern racer, is a non-venomous species found in North and Central America. Its scientific name is “Coluber constrictor,” not because it constricts prey but because it will lie on prey and press down with its body. Then it swallows prey alive. Although not poisonous, the racer often bites humans out of threat. When cornered, it vibrates its tail, strikes out multiple times, and may dart toward you as it tries to flee at speeds of up to 3.5 miles per hour.

Eastern Racers are highly adaptable snakes that inhabit various ecosystems and play a role in maintaining balance by controlling mammal and insect populations. The Blue Racer is a subspecies of the Eastern Racer, belonging to the Colubridae family. Ranging between four to six feet long, its back is bluish, greenish or grayish in color. The ventral scales are creamy white to light blue. Although non-venomous, red racers are quite aggressive when threatened and will bite anyone attempting to get close.

The Black Racer is an important snake within its niche as predators like Peregrine Falcons eat it. Unlike other snakes, Racers actively hunt during daylight. Seeing a Black Snake in dreams signals dark energies trying to enter your life, or it triggers the subconscious to recover from sadness. The Black Racer found throughout Florida is non-venomous. It is the “black snake” commonly found in urban and natural areas.

Do North American racer snakes bite?

The North American racer is a non-venomous snake found in North and Central America. Racers range from 3 to 5 feet in length. They are active during the day when they hunt insects, lizards, small rodents, other snakes, birds and eggs. Racers are among the fastest of snakes, moving at about 5.6 km per hour.

Racers are typically black or blue-black with pale bellies. The chin, throat and lower jaw tend to be white or light gray. Some racers take on a bluish tint and may be called “Blue Racers.” Racers have smooth, shiny scales. Their eyes are relatively large.

Juvenile racers look very different from adults. They have a row of reddish-brown blotches down the back with smaller blotches on the sides. This pattern fades by the second or third year.

Racers are harmless to humans. They do not inject venom when they bite. However, they will strike repeatedly when threatened.

Racers occasionally kill and eat other snakes but do not specifically hunt them. They sometimes hibernate with other snakes including copperheads and rattlesnakes.

If a racer bites a dog it can be painful and cause infection but is not fatal. A bite from a venomous snake can be fatal to a dog.

The main threat to racers is habitat loss due to human activity. They are still common across their range.

All plesiosaurs became extinct as a result of the K-T event at the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago. Plesiosaurs inhabited the seas from around 200 million to 65 million years ago. They were not dinosaurs, despite living at the same time as dinos. It is thought that plesiosaurs fed mainly on fish, breathed air and laid their eggs on beaches. As photographs of the strange creature surfaced, scientists on both sides of the plesiosaur debate jumped in. For many it was conclusive evidence that plesiosaurs still existed. However, several scientists against this idea stepped forward and claimed the carcass was that of a basking shark. Adam S. Smith, a plesiosaur palaeontologist and curator of Natural Sciences at Nottingham Natural History Museum, concluded that “Unfortunately, living- plesiosaurs almost certainly do not exist today”. Takedown request View complete answer on cbc.ca. What period did plesiosaurs go extinct? It sounds cliché, but almost anything could still be out there. In cryptozoology, researchers study rare animals that are not yet proven to exist by modern science. But there is another part of this research that includes animals we know once roamed our planet, but we now believe to be extinct. Every now and then there is a report of a monster shark, bigger than one we currently know of. Many are still trying to find an explanation for what the monster could be. Nessie could have indeed been a plesiosaur. Descriptions of the Loch Ness Monster. There are many varied descriptions from people claiming to have seen the Loch Ness Monster. In 1933, a couple said they saw a “dragon or prehistoric monster” cross the road and go into the water. Of the senses, sight and smell were important, hearing less so. Is a plesiosaur a fish? A plesiosaur was an order of aquatic creature that existed in the time of the dinosaurs. It was a reptile with a big body and a long neck, and it hunted fish in the prehistoric oceans. While many people have long hoped that the Loch Ness monster is a plesiosaur, skeptics have pointed out that plesiosaurs lived in the ocean. New research, however, now suggests that some of the creatures may have inhabited freshwater rivers. What about all those claims for living plesiosaurs…the Loch Ness Monster, the Lake Champlain Monster, and others? The simple answer is no. You see, plesiosaurs are not dinosaurs. Plesiosaurs are of the Superorder Sauropterygia, a class of marine reptiles, and dinosaurs are of the Superorder Dinosauria.

Was the plesiosaur a predator or prey?

Most plesiosaurs were predators. Some grazed along the seafloor looking for soft-bodied prey. Others aggressively ambushed prey from below, like the great white shark today. Pliosaurus, known as Predator X, was a pliosaurid plesiosaur from Late Jurassic Europe. It was the largest pliosaurid. Pliosaurus is an extinct genus known from the Late Jurassic of Europe and South America. Their diet included fish, cephalopods, and marine reptiles. Some plesiosaurs evolved into short-necked, large-headed pliosaurs like the enormous Predator X. Most species had larger conical teeth to catch fish and small marine animals. However, they had no replacement teeth. So their teeth had to last throughout their lifetime. Despite this challenge, Plesiosaurus thrived and dominated the waters during the Mesozoic Era. Rhomaleosaurus likely fed on a wide range of prey, forcibly dismembering large animals. The cranium of P. brachyspondylus was robust with unusually recurved posterior teeth. These acted as a ratchet to pull struggling prey into the mouth. Large openings in the skull contained strong jaw muscles for a powerful bite. Clearly, plesiosaurs were predators, as evidenced by features like their teeth structure.

What is the closest living relative to the plesiosaur?

The closest known relatives of plesiosaurs are the pistosaurids. This group of Triassic sauropterygians is known from several genera around the world: Pistosaurus from Germany, Augustasaurus from the USA, Bobosaurus from Italy, and Yunguisaurus from China.

They were found in the Pacific Oceans, tropical seas to the Earth’s northern, colder oceans. They were air-breathing animals, using their nostrils to take in air. This had a significant impact on how they interacted with their habitat.

Plesiosaurs belong to a larger group of reptiles known collectively as the Sauropterygia. The fossil record of sauropyerygians is relatively rich because aquatic environments have high rates of deposition.

The plesiosaur is a extinct order of sauropsids. They appeared in the early Jurassic. Occasionally, it is said that it is possible that they still inhabit marine waters.

Plesiosaurs Description & Size. The name plesiosaur is derived from the Greek words. Plesiosaur refers to any member of the order Plesiosauria. The order is further divided into two suborders. Their defining characteristics is their extremely long necks.

The closest known relatives of plesiosaurs are pistosaurids. Sauropterygians provide the most complete evidence of the sequence of events that leads to a specialised aquatic life. They were air-breathing animals, using their nostrils to take in air. Plesiosaur refers to members of Plesiosauria order. Their long necks are defining characteristics. Occasionally it’s said they inhabit marine waters. Plesiosaurs belong to Sauropterygia reptiles collectively. Sauropterygian fossil record is rich in aquatic environments. Plesiosaurs appeared in Early Jurassic as extinct sauropsid order.

Are plesiosaurs harmless?

The belief that plesiosaurs are harmless is a common misconception. Plesiosaurs are often erroneously depicted as dinosaurs in popular culture. It has been suggested that legends of sea serpents and modern sightings of supposed monsters in lakes or the sea could be explained by the survival of plesiosaurs. This cryptozoological proposal has been rejected by the scientific community at large.

Plesiosaurs swim in groups of two or three. They are aggressive with a large aggro distance. Plesiosaurs were carnivorous and ate fish and swimming animals. Members of Plesiosauroidea are referred to as true Plesiosaurs with extremely long necks. Members of Pliosauroidea are known as Pliosaurs with short necks and elongated heads.

Plesiosaurs possessed flipper-like limbs ending in phalanges of five to ten bones. The flippers shaped like hydrofoils were moved enabling the ‘subaqueous flight’ swimming style similar to sea turtles and penguins. With size, plesiosaurs’ prospects look better. Plesiosaurs’ drag wasn’t far from today’s master swimmers. “They’re not as slow as believed to be,” says Gutarra Diaz.

In the “Jurassic Park” franchise, plesiosaurs are depicted as massive aquatic creatures that can swallow humans whole. Popular documentaries fuel the notion of plesiosaurs as ferocious hunters that ruled ancient oceans. Plesiosaurs and pliosaurs were reptiles needing to surface frequently to breathe air, implying evolution from a terrestrial ancestor.

Plesiosaurians varied from 1.5 to 15 metres, containing apex predators roughly equalling ichthyosaurs, mosasaurids, sharks and whales in size. In skeletons plesiosaurs possessed plate-like limb girdles on the ventral surface with two slender paddles and a short tail. Plesiosaurs were limb-propelled swimmers.

Mary Anning found remains of a prehistoric plesiosaur. Since then the question was: “How could plesiosaurs swim?” Two centuries ago, this was the first almost complete skeleton found, with no one naming it.

Plesiosaurs ranged from 10-100 feet in length with a long neck, plump body and four gigantic paddle-shaped flippers for walking on land and swimming.