Fossilization is an extremely rare process that requires very specific conditions. Detailed fossils of invertebrates, especially ones without hard body parts such as shells are even scarcer. Fossils of clearly parasitic invertebrates are an absolute rarity. Nowadays there are a number of different Arthropoda groups adapted to a parasitic lifestyle, relying on vertebrates to provide … Continue reading Fossil Parasite of the Week – First Fossil Lice?
Cteniogenys and the discrete success of Choristoderes
Throughout the ages, some body plans and lifestyles seem to be so efficient that they've been repeatedly selected by different groups of organisms. Extant crocoyles are a good example of a successfull design as aquatic ambush predators, inhabiting today's most tropical freshwaters (with two species also consistently adapted to life at sea). Although other extinct … Continue reading Cteniogenys and the discrete success of Choristoderes
The first portuguese endemic vertebrate
In current days there is still an astounding number of new species of animals being discovered and described (unfortunately, some are first described to be straight classified as threatned but, certainly, others just simply vanish from the face of the earth without even being known to science). A fair share of these new species are … Continue reading The first portuguese endemic vertebrate
About bush chats
Note: this is a revised version of an old text. One of my fondest memories and greatest achievements as a bird ringer, was the first time I held a rufus bush chat (Cercotrichas galactotes) in my hand, after being captured in South Portugal. Then, and still now, is one of the birds I most enjoyed … Continue reading About bush chats
Resurrection or reincarnation
The need to write whatever catches my attention in the natural world never dies. After different blogs, now all defunct or hanging in limbo, this one can be seen either as a resurrected or reincarnated version of the formers. Slightly different, slightly betterI hope.
Zoology Diary 