SCIENCE You would think that someone would have come up with the definitive answer by now, but, in fact, the reason zebras have stripes remains a biological mystery. Scientists have a pretty good idea, however. (New Yorker) Use our resources to read between the lines of evolution and natural selection. Discussion Ideas Read the fascinating New Yorker blog post, then read the first page of … Continue reading Why Zebras Got Their Stripes
By Stuart Thornton, National Geographic Roving Reporter, with editorial graffiti by his editor It is nighttime in Muir Woods National Park, and we wonder what animals might be scampering around under the giant redwood trees. Before heading out on the two-mile loop around the park, the leader of our BioBlitz “Mammals and More” inventory hike, Dave MacKenzie, says that it is possible to see … Continue reading Muir Woods Mammals and More
By Stuart Thornton, National Geographic Roving Reporter “That’s a snake!” someone yells excitedly while attending a BioBlitz reptile inventory in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s Marin Headlands. (Read more about GGNRA’s reptiles here!) Suddenly, students from Bridgeport, Connecticut’s St. Ann Academy try to glimpse the juvenile, foot-long specimen before it slithers out of sight. From then on, in this wetland restoration area overlooking Rodeo … Continue reading Hiking the Headlands with Snakes and St. Ann’s
ENVIRONMENT Ever since researchers tagged a great white shark nicknamed Lydia off Jacksonville, Florida, a year ago, they’ve been keeping a close eye on her. Their vigilance was rewarded when the 907-kilogram (2,000-pound) fish became the first great white observed to cross the Atlantic Ocean. (National Geographic News) Use our resources to compare Lydia with other long-distance marine migrators. Discussion Ideas Take a look at … Continue reading Shark Tracked Across the Atlantic
SPORTS Athletes are mushing across the Alaskan wilderness in hopes of becoming top dog in the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. (National Geographic News) Read our interview with current Iditarod leader Jeff King to better understand what it takes to win the ‘Last Great Race.’ Discussion Ideas Read through our terrific 2010 article on the Iditarod. What are some of the most difficult obstacles … Continue reading The ‘Last Great Race’ Is On
