Operculum is the hard scalelike cover of the gills of bony fishes. Cartilaginous fishes (such as sharks, skates and rays) all lack a gill cover.
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Marine & Freshwater Environmental Education
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What eats sea urchins? Revisited
Back in 2008 we brought you some information on what eats sea urchins. After all, it is hard to imagine anything being able to enjoy the spiny echinoderms. Here is an interactive game (you must have Flash) produced by Stanford University that takes it one step further. Try to place which animals and/or plants are […]
Why does a sea urchin attach seashells to itself?
You may not notice it, but sea urchins have very thin tube-like suction cup feet, just like their close relative the sea stars. These feet are useful to grasp onto pieces of seashells, pebbles, or seaweed to disguise the sea urchin from other nearby predators. Click on this post to see what eats a sea […]
100 ocean quotes
Because there is not just one quote that summarizes how ethereal and majestic the ocean is, and in honor of World Oceans Day, and because you know I like lists, here is an archive of some inspiring quotes about the important aspects of our ocean all from people you may have heard of a time […]
Heeeeeeeere’s Carson (Rachel)!
Spring time is right around the corner (or so I hope) and with the change comes migrating birds of course! One of my favorite sites is a female osprey tending her nest on an uplifted platform. Each time I see one I am so grateful for Rachel Carson who had the courage and gumption to […]
How do fish give birth? Revisited
From time to time, I like to revisit the more popular posts and present either new material or the material in a new format. Below is a simplified understanding of the three general ways that fish give birth (i.e., Within each category below there are sub-categories that I did not get into here). Please feel free […]
How do you know the difference between a male and female blue crab?
You must be brave enough to pinch the body of the blue crab from behind and lift it upside down (It hurts a lot if they pinch you!). Male blue crabs have a distinct shape like a pencil – or the Washington Monument – in the center of their bellies. Female blue crabs, on the […]
What they’re into … with Jessica Servis (Reach Program for US Sailing)
And so it concludes, this is the last installment of the “What Marine Conservationists Are Into …” series. This is a series I featured this summer to get a special sneak peek at the many different personalities behind the scientists, activists, and educators (including bloggers) who play an integral role in the marine science conservation […]
A naturalist’s must-see destination: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
I have it on my bucket list to explore at least ten more National Parks in the next decade, but I am going to have to rely on family and friends to share their adventures since I just spent some time in Maine visiting Acadia National Park. My brother, wife, and their sons (8 and […]
May 23 is World Turtle Day
Did you know that almost half the world’s turtle species are considered threatened? Founded in 1990, the American Tortoise Rescue sponsors May 23rd each year to “increase respect and knowledge for the world’s oldest creatures”. Here is a link where you can learn more about sea turtles. Please take some time to share your knowledge […]
What are the world’s largest oceans and seas?
Great question! Here is a quick break down of the world’s largest oceans and seas using the size information found in the descriptions from The World’s Biggest Oceans & Seas by Our Amazing Planet. If you have another question please don’t hesitate to find me on Twitter using @bcsanswers or just email info@beachchairscientist.com. Have a […]
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