Life, Death, and Taxonomy

“…and today we’re talking about a crustacean that’s coming for your rice crispy treats. But more on that later.” 

What if you lived in a place that was sometimes uninhabitable for years? You’d have to prepare for the lean years. In fact, you’d need a bunker. Such is the way of the tadpole shrimp. They live in fields and meadows, but they are a fully aquatic crustacean. You don’t need to be a biologist to see the problem they have. But with these property tax rates, the trials and tribulations of finding a place to live seems to be a fact of Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

“…and today we’re talking about the cousin of an alumni. But more on that later.”

Deep in the water where no fish hang out lives a glum, gloomy swimmer with some ever-present clout. The hadal snailfish lives where pretty much nothing else can live – the hadal zone. The pressure and temperature of the water alone make it almost impossible for anything with DNA to survive, and that includes just about every living thing – plant or animal. But with some zest adaptations and prepper’s supply of extra genes, it’s all good in the neighborhood here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy..

“…and today we’re talking about the wolfpack of the sky. But more on that later.”

Now this is the Law of the desert— as blue and as vast as the sky;

And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, like the birds that hunt as they fly? 

The family that hunts together, eats together. Such is the way of Harris’ Hawk, and their way is uniquely theirs. This bird is the only raptor in the animal kingdom that truly is a clever girl, hunting in a pack. But when prey is sparse and can see you coming, you’ll need help on the hunt in Life, Death, and Taxonomy. 

“…and today we’re talking about a sea creature that somebody at some point apparently thought was quite attractive. But more on that later.”

The coral reefs of the shallow tropics are home to a wide variety of dazzling displays, but none so alluring as the vibrant dance of the sexy shrimp. From its colorful home nestled safely in the arms of its anemone partner, the sexy shrimp tangoes, flamencos, and meringues. But feeling the rhythm of the night is all part of survival here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

“…and today we’re talking about the cold-blooded king of the jungle. But more on that later.”

Everyone knows that a true king must wear a crown. In the jungles of Southeast Asia, the kingly crown isn’t a mane but a hood. The King Cobra is an infamous monarch who uses his regal headwear to intimidate foreign powers threatening his domain. But those that don’t respect the crown always respect the bite. And that’s what it takes to maintain the throne in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

“…and today we’re talking about a ghoulish ground bird. But more on that later.”

“And today we are talking about sea critters with their own clear, plastic-looking straw. But more on that later.”

Humans are social creatures, but we aren’t the only ones. Gregarious animals hang out together, especially during mating seasons. But what if you are both sedentary and gregarious, which is another way to say a friendly home-body? The common rock barnacle is in such a predicament. How can they put down roots and make friends and more barnacles? Sometimes you just need to reach out to others in Life, Death, and Taxonomy. 

“…and today we’re talking about a slimy little yellow guy. But more on that later.”

So we know how animals make more animals, but how do plants make more plants? With the help of animals, of course! Whether it’s spreading seeds on the ground or getting animals to eat them, plants have a unique way of passively sowing their wild oats. But the real magic is in pollination. We all know bees are the masters of pollination, but Izechsohn’s Brazilian tree frog might just give them a run for their money. It all gets a little sticky here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

“…and today we’re talking about a master thief who is the king of trash mountain. But more on that later.”

A generalist has a general wish

To bandit with reckless abandon.

Bird eggs, crumb cakes, delicious fried fish…

Dining fine? Easier said than done.

A cunning mind will help raccoons find

The dishes to delight their fancy.

A challenging problem is no great bind

In their Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

“…and today we were talking about Captain America of the sea with similar headwear. But more on that later.”

Description of the Winghead Shark

• Grey and white hammerhead shark.
• The shark cuts a thin, torpedo-shaped silhouette with a large dorsal and caudal fin.
• They have a pronounced hammer with a larger wingspan than your typical hammerhead.