Week 13, 25th May .
Ectothermic versus Endothermic
In our lectures on thermoregulation, we consider the pluses and  minuses of being ectothermic versus endothermic. Here is more on the story of the water pythons and their prey, the dusky rats, based on research by Rick Shine and Thomas Madsen .

Dusky rats and water pythons are the two dominant animals on coastal river floodplains in northern Australia. Their populations have evolved a mutual relationship, finely balanced to ensure ultimate survival and even flourishing of each species.

Week 12, 18th May .
Dinosaurs' respiratory systems were apparently more similar to those of birds than those of modern reptiles . These websites explore the evidence:
Dinosaurs and birds just a breath away

Week 9, 27 th April

The axial skeleton of the Devonian tetrapod Ichthyostega.pdf
Ichthyostega is the earliest vertebrate to show obvious adaptations for non-swimming locomotion. Uniquely among early tetrapods skeletal structures suggest that its spine was adapted for dorsoventral rather than lateral flexion.

Week 8, 20th April
Fossil reveals oldest live birth.
A fossil fish uncovered in Australia is the oldest-known example of a mother giving birth to live young, scientists have reported in the journal Nature.

The 380 million-year-old specimen has been preserved with an embryo still attached by its umbilical cord. The find, reported in Nature, pushes back the emergence of this reproductive strategy by some 200 million years. Until now, scientists thought creatures from these times were only able to develop their young inside eggs.

Week 4, 13th March
New species in your "back yard" - Jellyfish to Dinosaurs?
Did you realise that there are completely new animal species out there still waiting to be discovered – and some of them could be in your "back yard"? Recently a new species of jelly fish has been discovered in Tasmania. This beautiful creature has made national and international news – check out these links.
National Geographic


Australian Museum: About... Australian earthworms

Week 3, 6th March

When you look at the preserved specimens of bluebottles in your lab class, remind yourself that these complex colonial animals can pack a nasty sting. So what's the best way to treat a bluebottle sting? Find out about the latest ideas at: ABC Catalyst - Bluebottles

Watch Catalyst - 3 mins | windows media . real player

 

Week 1, 25th February
DEVIL' FROG ATE DINOS FOR BREAKFAST
Scientists have announced the discovery in north western Madagascar of a bulky amphibian dubbed the 'devil frog' that lived 65-70 million years ago and was so nasty it may have eaten newborn dinosaurs.