In humans, about 10% of us are left-handed. It used to be thought that this was a uniquely human phenomenon – for example, there is no conclusive evidence for genuine handedness in chimpanzees – but surprisingly, it seems that most kangaroos are left-handed! Or to put it more precisely, Eastern grey kangaroos and red kangaroos…
No, it’s not a MMA slugging match but a wet day in Scarborough! Slugs (and snails) love a damp summer day, with a shower or two to keep the vegetation moist so they can glide around the garden! Here (below) are a group of slugs feeding on fallen leaves; they almost look like they are…
“It’s a lovely day” said the snail. “Yes” said the slug. “It’s been raining all day and everything is damp and wet”! “I think I’ll slide off for a bite to eat” said the snail. “Watch you don’t slip up” giggled the slug. “With that shell and all”! “What’s the forecast?” said the snail. “Brilliant;…
An enormous amount of work has been carried out over the years to try to understand the genetics of this little snail; the brown-lipped banded snail (Cepaea nemoralis). It has been called a model organism, and has been the subject of a huge citizen science project. So lets call it citizen snail! It is highly variable,…
Ray Cannon's nature notes 