Chitin (kai-tin) is the main material for 1) the exoskeleton of shrimp, crabs and lobsters, 2) the beak of squid and octopi and 3) the radula of mollusks. It is very similar in make up to glucose and similar in function to keratin (which is what makes up our hair, skin and nails).
Marine & Freshwater Environmental Education
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How can I be a responsible fisherman?
A lot of folks these days are interested in making certain their favorite past time of fishing is going to be around for future generations to enjoy. Here is a short list of tactics to remain ethical, while still keeping fishing that ever intense sport of glory. Best practices: – Respect the space of […]
Is there seaweed in ice cream?
Some products need a little something extra to basically hold it together. Certain ice creams, lip sticks and even beer use a derivative of red seaweed, called carrageenan, to emulsify the products. Do you have another great question? Check out www.beachchairscientist.com and let us know what you always ponder while digging your toes in the […]
Are manatees and elephants related?
It might be very difficult to imagine, but it’s true. Manatees (also known as ‘sea cows’) share a common ancestor with elephants which might come as a surprise if you thought manatees shared a common ancestor with other marine mammals such as dolphins, whales, or sea lions. Here are 10 facts that link manatees and […]
Why we need Alternative B adopted for NPR-A
Almost 30 years ago, Congress stated that the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A) was an, “exceptional natural, fish, wildlife, scenic, cultural and historical values that warrant protection”. Situated not far from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the NPR-A is now under a lot of scrutiny. As the largest federal land management unit in the […]
“Big Miracle” trailer
While doing my daily search for all things Ryan Gosling I stumbled upon this trailer for “Big Miracle” (A movie that was previously named “Everyone Loves Whales”). This film, starring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski, is based on a true story of the rescue efforts of three gray whales (named Fred, Wilma, and Bam-Bam) in […]
How does coral bleaching result?
Coral bleaching is due to the fact that the algae part of the coral reef ecosystem can no longer photosynthesize properly – therfore, losing the “reef” structure and the corals remain white – since the zooxannthellea are not around (that’s the algae – and responsible for the color of the coral). This occurs due to […]
It’s a contest! So you think you know famous ocean explorers …
Can you tell me which accomplishments and/or quotes can be attributed to Sylvia Earle or Jacques Cousteau? Everyone that sends all 18 correct answers before I post the answers 10pm tomorrow will be entered in a drawing to win a copy of one of my favorite resources, Ocean (American Museum of Natural History, paperback edition). […]
World Oceans Day is June 8th, but then what? 10 ways to show the ocean love throughout the year
Acknowledging all of the movements and days of awareness can seem like a lot to keep up. Just yesterday was World Environment Day and in two days it will be World Oceans Day. Of course, I want to celebrate, support, and demonstrate a commitment to making a difference every day and especially on these special […]
What you need to know about World Shorebirds Day: Saturday, September 6th
My husband isn’t happy about this … But, recently, I have found a new love of birds. It’s because we live in the woods and not near the ocean, so those flighted friends have stolen my heart just like fish did back some many years ago. My husband thinks it is hysterical since we grew […]
Marine Mammal Monday: Elephant seals
Please feel free to share with your friends and family where you learned something new about elephant seals today! Also, ask away! If you have a question about something you found on the beach or just something you’re curious about just send an email to info@beachchairscientist.com or tweet us!
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- Robert Emahiser on Why you should never walk on dunes
- Lesa on 10 brief facts on bioluminescence
- Lisa on Limulus Love
- Beach Chair Scientist on 17 facts about the wee sea potatoes
- Bernard Rejterada on 17 facts about the wee sea potatoes
- Brian on What is the difference between a summer and winter flounder?
- Inbound marketing on 15 facts about the Portuguese man-of-war that’ll have you saying “Didya know…?”
- Donnie Huckabee on Wordless Wednesday | Shell art
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Top posts & pages from BCS …
- Hurricane vs. Cyclone vs. Typhoon
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- Five awful puns about courtship in the sea
- Horseshoe crabs confirmed as members of arachnid family
- Beyond the bag: Other plastics being banned
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