19,587
edits
Oni2:Slaves of War/Neo-Biology: Difference between revisions
m
link fix and link tweaks, plus added link to elsewhere in SoW
m (link fix) |
m (link fix and link tweaks, plus added link to elsewhere in SoW) |
||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
====Sensitive plants==== | ====Sensitive plants==== | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Mimosa pudica|Mimosa pudica]] is known by countless names in countless languages because people the world over so enjoy touching it. No, seriously. It's usually referred to in English as touch-me-not, and in most other languages a variant of the word "shy" is used in its name. You can see why in [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLTcVNyOhUc this video]. | ||
**The perfect orderliness of the folding leaves such as at 2:24 seems to belie our ideas about "organics" being "sloppier" than mechanical devices. Although it's been years since I played Myst III, watching this video reminded me of the stairs that can be seen at 1:09 in the game's trailer (see "Fictional plants" below). | **The perfect orderliness of the folding leaves such as at 2:24 seems to belie our ideas about "organics" being "sloppier" than mechanical devices. Although it's been years since I played Myst III, watching this video reminded me of the stairs that can be seen at 1:09 in the game's trailer (see "Fictional plants" below). | ||
**It seems to be a nearly universal reaction to become irritated at seeing someone messing with the touch-me-not, as you can see from all the comments on touch-me-not videos. One YouTube commenter wryly explains, "Funny how people willingly pick, cut, step on, or otherwise harm plants, but as soon as the plant is capable of noticeable movement, suddenly they decide it has feelings and anyone who bothers it is a bastard." Hmm. | **It seems to be a nearly universal reaction to become irritated at seeing someone messing with the touch-me-not, as you can see from all the comments on touch-me-not videos. One YouTube commenter wryly explains, "Funny how people willingly pick, cut, step on, or otherwise harm plants, but as soon as the plant is capable of noticeable movement, suddenly they decide it has feelings and anyone who bothers it is a bastard." Hmm. | ||
*The [[wp:Codariocalyx motorius|telegraph plant]] is a biological implementation of a [[wp: | *The [[wp:Codariocalyx motorius|telegraph plant]] is a biological implementation of a [[wp:Solar tracker|solar tracker]] system; it uses leaflets to find the angle of the sun and then moves its larger leaves into place, to maximize its energy use vs. intake. | ||
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hGbYMqM3zM Dancing grass] | *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hGbYMqM3zM Dancing grass] | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
**Scientists don't know exactly how it works. The theorized details could be instructive for us, though, if I could only understand it. It has something to do with elasticity, ion propagation, and osmosis. Basically, the triggering hairs cause a chemical reaction which causes water to move around in the plant. This is apparently the basic explanation for all plant movement, such as with the telegraph plant above. | **Scientists don't know exactly how it works. The theorized details could be instructive for us, though, if I could only understand it. It has something to do with elasticity, ion propagation, and osmosis. Basically, the triggering hairs cause a chemical reaction which causes water to move around in the plant. This is apparently the basic explanation for all plant movement, such as with the telegraph plant above. | ||
*The most gorgeous meat-eating monster plant ever, the [[wp:Drosera|sundew]], grabs bugs with sticky dewdrops that it extrudes onto those filaments, and in some cases curls up its tendrils to further trap its prey. Did I mention it's also gorgeous ([[wp:File: | *The most gorgeous meat-eating monster plant ever, the [[wp:Drosera|sundew]], grabs bugs with sticky dewdrops that it extrudes onto those filaments, and in some cases curls up its tendrils to further trap its prey. Did I mention it's also gorgeous ([[wp:File:Drosera spatulata KansaiHabit.jpg|1]], [[wp:File:Drosera derbyensis ne1.JPG|2]], [[wp:File:Drosera capensis bend.JPG|3]], [[wp:File:Drosera anglica ne2.jpg|4]])? | ||
*Pitcher plants can get large enough to [http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/08/18/meat.eating.plant/ trap and digest rodents]. | *Pitcher plants can get large enough to [http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/08/18/meat.eating.plant/ trap and digest rodents]. | ||
| Line 43: | Line 43: | ||
====Resurrection plants==== | ====Resurrection plants==== | ||
*Here's a [https://web.archive.org/web/20100621160148/http://www.types-of-flowers.org/pictures/resurrection_plant.jpg Rose of Jericho]. Here's a [[wp:File: | *Here's a [https://web.archive.org/web/20100621160148/http://www.types-of-flowers.org/pictures/resurrection_plant.jpg Rose of Jericho]. Here's a [[wp:File:Rose of Jericho.gif|Rose of Jericho on water]]. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl5gBJGnaXs Any questions?] | ||
*The waterwheel plant above is also a resurrecting plant, by this same definition of the word. (It might be more accurate to say that they are hibernating plants or sleeping plants rather than "resurrecting plants", but I didn't invent the term.) | *The waterwheel plant above is also a resurrecting plant, by this same definition of the word. (It might be more accurate to say that they are hibernating plants or sleeping plants rather than "resurrecting plants", but I didn't invent the term.) | ||
====Self-planting plants==== | ====Self-planting plants==== | ||
Some plants, such as the newly discovered [[wp: | Some plants, such as the newly discovered [[wp:Spigelia genuflexa|Spigelia genuflexa]], actually plant their own seeds in the ground. | ||
====Exploding plants==== | ====Exploding plants==== | ||
| Line 72: | Line 72: | ||
===Fungi=== | ===Fungi=== | ||
The [[wp: | The [[wp:Phallus indusiatus|veiled lady]] is a mushroom with a skirt! In one African tongue, these are called “house of the millipede”. | ||
Some mushrooms have caps that [[wp: | Some mushrooms have caps that [[wp:Turbinellus kauffmanii|break into scales]]. | ||
Some fungi [[wp:Foxfire|create light]]. | Some fungi [[wp:Foxfire|create light]]. | ||
The [[wp: | The [[wp:Pestalotiopsis microspora|pestalotiopsis microspora]] eats plastic. | ||
===Animals=== | ===Animals=== | ||
| Line 86: | Line 86: | ||
*[[wp:Siphonophorae|Siphonophorae]] are beautiful and totally alien-looking. Make sure to look at Praya dubia. Man o’ wars are also part of this order. | *[[wp:Siphonophorae|Siphonophorae]] are beautiful and totally alien-looking. Make sure to look at Praya dubia. Man o’ wars are also part of this order. | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Labidiaster annulatus|Labidiaster annulatus]], a giant 50-armed predatory sea star. | ||
*The [[wp: | *The [[wp:Venus flytrap sea anemone|venus flytrap sea anemone]] is a deep-sea version of the venus flytrap. | ||
*The [https://www.wired.com/2015/02/absurd-creature-of-the-week-notothenioids/ nototheniod] fishes evolved the ability to endure freezing temperatures — hmm! | *The [https://www.wired.com/2015/02/absurd-creature-of-the-week-notothenioids/ nototheniod] fishes evolved the ability to endure freezing temperatures — [[Oni2:Slaves of War/Impressions#Muro's escape|hmm]]! | ||
*The [https://www.wired.com/2015/02/absurd-creature-of-the-week-scaly-foot-snail/ scaly-foot snail] uses bacteria to build iron armor! | *The [https://www.wired.com/2015/02/absurd-creature-of-the-week-scaly-foot-snail/ scaly-foot snail] uses bacteria to build iron armor! | ||
| Line 96: | Line 96: | ||
*The [[wp:File:Axolotl.jpg|axolotl]] — it's just weird. | *The [[wp:File:Axolotl.jpg|axolotl]] — it's just weird. | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Flying gurnard|Flying gurnard]] is a fish with (ornamental) wings. | ||
*Calliactis tricolor, Libinia ferreirae, and Lychnorhiza lucerna are in a [https://oceanovidaescondida.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/branca.jpg road trip movie] together. | *Calliactis tricolor, Libinia ferreirae, and Lychnorhiza lucerna are in a [https://oceanovidaescondida.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/branca.jpg road trip movie] together. | ||
*The [[wp: | *The [[wp:Eulimnadia texana|Eulimnadia texana]] is literally the “desert shrimp”, an aquatic life form in a desert that spends most of its time as an egg waiting for a rainstorm. | ||
*If you're not going to sleep any time soon, observe the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjHMGSI_h0Q cone snail] at work. These predatory snails are toxin specialists, producing scores of "conotoxins" that each target a specific function in an animal. The toxins are so interesting to scientists and the medical profession that [http://www.conoserver.org/ a specialized database] had to be created to track them. | *If you're not going to sleep any time soon, observe the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjHMGSI_h0Q cone snail] at work. These predatory snails are toxin specialists, producing scores of "conotoxins" that each target a specific function in an animal. The toxins are so interesting to scientists and the medical profession that [http://www.conoserver.org/ a specialized database] had to be created to track them. | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Predatory tunicate|Predatory tunicates]] are the Venus fly-traps of the sea. | ||
*[https://oceana.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/shutterstock_blue_glaucus_0.jpg Glaucus atlanticus] is a pelagic sea slug that looks like an alien creature and eats man o’ wars. Nicknames include "blue angel" and "blue dragon". | *[https://oceana.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/shutterstock_blue_glaucus_0.jpg Glaucus atlanticus] is a pelagic sea slug that looks like an alien creature and eats man o’ wars. Nicknames include "blue angel" and "blue dragon". | ||
| Line 116: | Line 116: | ||
*Northern stargazers may not do anything amazing, but they [https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2016/7/10/660x290/b_502x220/northern-stargazer-photo-2photo-ru_781169.jpg sure are frightening]. | *Northern stargazers may not do anything amazing, but they [https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2016/7/10/660x290/b_502x220/northern-stargazer-photo-2photo-ru_781169.jpg sure are frightening]. | ||
*The [[wp: | *The [[wp:Tasselled wobbegong|tasselled wobbegong]] proves that camouflage in nature is a terrifying thing. | ||
*The [[wp: | *The [[wp:Idiacanthus atlanticus|black dragonfish]] emits red/infrared light which it uses to hunt. | ||
*[[wp:Crinoid|Crinoids]] are practically indistinguishable from underwater plants — until they start [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZcomBnNKXg walking around]! | *[[wp:Crinoid|Crinoids]] are practically indistinguishable from underwater plants — until they start [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZcomBnNKXg walking around]! | ||
| Line 130: | Line 130: | ||
*The [[wp:Gymnotiformes|knifefish]] emits an electrical field which it uses for sensing prey, possibly communicating, and for stunning prey (one knifefish is better known as the “electric eel”). | *The [[wp:Gymnotiformes|knifefish]] emits an electrical field which it uses for sensing prey, possibly communicating, and for stunning prey (one knifefish is better known as the “electric eel”). | ||
*One ostracod known as the [[wp: | *One ostracod known as the [[wp:Vargula hilgendorfii|sea-firefly]] is a tiny organism that lights up when jostled, saving it from being eaten by fish, and turning itself into an incredible blue fireball in the process. | ||
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3dvs6C8c7g The Sea Pig] looks like something from a Ghibli film. | *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3dvs6C8c7g The Sea Pig] looks like something from a Ghibli film. | ||
| Line 142: | Line 142: | ||
*The [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf9zFVXGOUE psychedelic fish] has an unbelievably impractical sense of coordination, resembling a drunk driver as it "swims". | *The [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf9zFVXGOUE psychedelic fish] has an unbelievably impractical sense of coordination, resembling a drunk driver as it "swims". | ||
*Males in many oceanic species live only to find a female and supply sperm, sometimes lacking the organs they need to eat — examples include the [[wp:Anglerfish|anglerfish]] (where the male sometimes fuses with the much larger female to become one entity!) and the [[wp: | *Males in many oceanic species live only to find a female and supply sperm, sometimes lacking the organs they need to eat — examples include the [[wp:Anglerfish|anglerfish]] (where the male sometimes fuses with the much larger female to become one entity!) and the [[wp:Blanket octopus|blanket octopus]] are examples, as well as the black dragonfish above. | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Argonaut (animal)|Argonauts]] are octopuses that make shells for themselves. | ||
*Some squid have the [https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-squid-fly/ power of flight]! Video footage is almost non-existent, but [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hCa0sEJl_4 here's proof]. | *Some squid have the [https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-squid-fly/ power of flight]! Video footage is almost non-existent, but [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hCa0sEJl_4 here's proof]. | ||
| Line 155: | Line 155: | ||
====Mammals==== | ====Mammals==== | ||
*The [[wp: | *The [[wp:Manx Loaghtan|Manx Loaghtan sheep]] has up to six horns. | ||
*Squirrels can scare away snakes with their tail flagging; they also [https://www.futurity.org/robo-squirrel-flags-snakes-with-infrared-tail/ heat up their tail] as they face rattlesnakes, giving off infrared light that the snake can see. The flagging may help them evade attacks, or just be for sensory confusion. Remarkably, squirrels’ tails do not heat up when facing snakes that don’t see heat. | *Squirrels can scare away snakes with their tail flagging; they also [https://www.futurity.org/robo-squirrel-flags-snakes-with-infrared-tail/ heat up their tail] as they face rattlesnakes, giving off infrared light that the snake can see. The flagging may help them evade attacks, or just be for sensory confusion. Remarkably, squirrels’ tails do not heat up when facing snakes that don’t see heat. | ||
*Mammals can live socially like bees — see the [[wp: | *Mammals can live socially like bees — see the [[wp:Naked mole-rat|naked mole rat]], a very unusual mammal. | ||
====Other land animals==== | ====Other land animals==== | ||
| Line 170: | Line 170: | ||
====Insects==== | ====Insects==== | ||
*The question mark butterfly's [https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/bfly2/question_mark07.jpg frightening caterpillar form] has maxed out its defense stat. It also has the awesome Latin name Polygonia interrogationis. Also see the [[wp: | *The question mark butterfly's [https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/bfly2/question_mark07.jpg frightening caterpillar form] has maxed out its defense stat. It also has the awesome Latin name Polygonia interrogationis. Also see the [[wp:Spiny oak slug|spiny oak slug]] and the [[wp:File:Stinging Rose caterpillars, Megan McCarty65.jpg|hag moth caterpillar]]. | ||
*The American dagger moth is named for [https://bugguide.net/images/cache/H06/0K0/H060K0E0YQKQBRZQNRKQYRSQYRZQBRJKCQYKWRFKCRN0R0P0YR60L0SQH07QZ0SQYRU0ORYKARI0WRZQOQ80VRJK.jpg its larval form], which looks dangerous because it is; touching it causes a skin reaction similar to that from a stinging nettle. | *The American dagger moth is named for [https://bugguide.net/images/cache/H06/0K0/H060K0E0YQKQBRZQNRKQYRSQYRZQBRJKCQYKWRFKCRN0R0P0YR60L0SQH07QZ0SQYRU0ORYKARI0WRZQOQ80VRJK.jpg its larval form], which looks dangerous because it is; touching it causes a skin reaction similar to that from a stinging nettle. | ||
*The [[wp: | *The [[wp:Cycnia tenera|dogbane tiger moth]] or delicate cycnia has learned how to make clicking noises that warn bats not to eat them (they'll taste bad). | ||
*The [[wp: | *The [[wp:Euchaetes egle|milkweed tiger moth]] acquires a compound called cardiac glycoside from the plants it eats, which is capable of stopping the heart. This, in addition to clicks like the dogbane tiger moth's, protect it from bats. | ||
*The [https://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2015/1/5/doubling-down-on-defense-the-polka-dot-wasp-moth-isyntomeida-epilaisi polka-dot wasp moth] looks dangerous as a caterpillar but does no harm. It looks even more dangerous as an adult, appearing to be a wasp (and developing danger markings) in order to fool predators. Like many moths, it only eats one or two plants, mainly oleander, but its native food may be the devil’s potato plant, from which it picks up cardiac glycosides for defensive purposes. | *The [https://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2015/1/5/doubling-down-on-defense-the-polka-dot-wasp-moth-isyntomeida-epilaisi polka-dot wasp moth] looks dangerous as a caterpillar but does no harm. It looks even more dangerous as an adult, appearing to be a wasp (and developing danger markings) in order to fool predators. Like many moths, it only eats one or two plants, mainly oleander, but its native food may be the devil’s potato plant, from which it picks up cardiac glycosides for defensive purposes. | ||
| Line 198: | Line 198: | ||
*Oriental hornets are apparently partly [https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19709-zoologger-the-solar-powered-electric-hornet/ solar-powered], generating electricity from the sunlight that falls on them, though we still don't know how exactly they use it. | *Oriental hornets are apparently partly [https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19709-zoologger-the-solar-powered-electric-hornet/ solar-powered], generating electricity from the sunlight that falls on them, though we still don't know how exactly they use it. | ||
*Some ants [[wp:Aphid# | *Some ants [[wp:Aphid#Ant mutualism|farm other animals]]. Also see the complex web of interactions with ants known as [[wp:Myrmecophily|myrmecophily]]. | ||
*Ants can be completely fooled by [https://scienceblogs.com/notrocketscience/2009/02/06/butterflies-scrounge-off-ants-by-mimicking-the-music-of-quee sound mimicry]. | *Ants can be completely fooled by [https://scienceblogs.com/notrocketscience/2009/02/06/butterflies-scrounge-off-ants-by-mimicking-the-music-of-quee sound mimicry]. | ||
| Line 224: | Line 224: | ||
*[[wp:Ichneumonidae|Ichneumons]], parasitoid wasps, have metal-tipped ovipositors and mandibles for wood-boring. | *[[wp:Ichneumonidae|Ichneumons]], parasitoid wasps, have metal-tipped ovipositors and mandibles for wood-boring. | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Cuckoo bee|Cuckoo bees]] are parasitic; some of them only lay eggs in other bees’ nests, but some actually kill and replace the nest’s queen! | ||
*There are other forms of parasitism, such as kleptoparasitism; an example would be flies that steal ants’ or spiders’ food, but this behavior is most well-known in the case of hyenas and jackals. Some species steal only intraspecies, and some steal interspecies. | *There are other forms of parasitism, such as kleptoparasitism; an example would be flies that steal ants’ or spiders’ food, but this behavior is most well-known in the case of hyenas and jackals. Some species steal only intraspecies, and some steal interspecies. | ||
===Other animals=== | ===Other animals=== | ||
*This one is pretty gross but very fascinating. The [[wp: | *This one is pretty gross but very fascinating. The [[wp:Dicrocoelium dendriticum|Lancet liver fluke]] grows inside cattle, until it eventually leaves the cattle in "pie" form. Apparently snails enjoy cow pies, and end up ingesting the tiny flukes. Snails then expel these flukes inside slime balls (kind of like how your nose deals with unwelcome dust). Ants then eat the slime balls, which are like a moist treat. The flukes grow inside the ant's [[wp:Circulatory system#Open circulatory system|haemocoel]], except for one little fluke, which travels up to the ant's brain. This ant continues to behave normally, except for one odd quirk: every night, he climbs grass. He waits on the grass stalk until morning, at which point he descends to avoid the sunlight (which would kill it) and rejoins his ant buddies; he's become a vampire ant!. Finally, one night a cow or other grazing animal eats the grass that the ant is on. The flukes are now in the cow. Lather, rinse, repeat. | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Toxoplasma gondii|Toxoplasma]] is a famous protozoan which likes to live inside cats. How does it get inside the cat? Often by infecting rats. The infected rat is suddenly drawn to the scent of cats rather than repelled by it. This is intriguing because the rat has not become fearless or danger-seeking in general; it just acquires a sudden urge to befriend a cat, who finds it to be a nice snack. Toxoplasma then reproduces harmlessly inside the cat, and its ovocytes end up in the litter box. | ||
:Because many people own cats, scientists estimate that up to a third of the world's people may be infected with toxoplasma. This is rather interesting, as toxoplasmosis is linked to auto accidents (through slowed reflexes), and miscarriages. It may be partially responsible for [http://web.archive.org/web/20120429181140/http://scienceblogs.com/loom/2006/08/01/a_nation_of_cowards_blame_the.php differing social psychologies] around the world. It also may or may not be a cause of brain cancer and schizophrenia. Don't panic, it's not too hard [[wp:Toxoplasmosis# | :Because many people own cats, scientists estimate that up to a third of the world's people may be infected with toxoplasma. This is rather interesting, as toxoplasmosis is linked to auto accidents (through slowed reflexes), and miscarriages. It may be partially responsible for [http://web.archive.org/web/20120429181140/http://scienceblogs.com/loom/2006/08/01/a_nation_of_cowards_blame_the.php differing social psychologies] around the world. It also may or may not be a cause of brain cancer and schizophrenia. Don't panic, it's not too hard [[wp:Toxoplasmosis#Pregnancy precautions|to avoid infection]]; just clean the litter box every day, wash your hands after, and keep your cat inside so it can't eat rats! This public service announcement brought to you by your friendly neighborhood wiki. | ||
==Animal minds== | ==Animal minds== | ||
| Line 265: | Line 265: | ||
*Psychology Today: [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animals-and-us/201006/are-humans-the-only-animals-keep-pets Are Humans the Only Animals to Keep Pets?]. | *Psychology Today: [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animals-and-us/201006/are-humans-the-only-animals-keep-pets Are Humans the Only Animals to Keep Pets?]. | ||
*[https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/01/dogs-use-subway-cat-takes-bus-and-other-adventures-in-animal-intelligence/ How smart] [https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/when-meeting-up-at-sea-bottlenose-dolphins-exchange-name-like-whistles are] [https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/01/who-needs-words-crows-you-wild-gorillas-alison-krauss/ animals], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GOb3nFpewM really]? Their language use shouldn’t be underestimated, seeing as even prairie dogs seem to possess a highly-specific way to describe threats. Exceptional individuals: [[wp:Kanzi|Kanzi]] ([https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/speaking-bonobo-134931541/ 2nd article]), [[wp:Cholla (horse)|Cholla]], [[wp: | *[https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/01/dogs-use-subway-cat-takes-bus-and-other-adventures-in-animal-intelligence/ How smart] [https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/when-meeting-up-at-sea-bottlenose-dolphins-exchange-name-like-whistles are] [https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/01/who-needs-words-crows-you-wild-gorillas-alison-krauss/ animals], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GOb3nFpewM really]? Their language use shouldn’t be underestimated, seeing as even prairie dogs seem to possess a highly-specific way to describe threats. Exceptional individuals: [[wp:Kanzi|Kanzi]] ([https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/speaking-bonobo-134931541/ 2nd article]), [[wp:Cholla (horse)|Cholla]], [[wp:Washoe (chimpanzee)|Washoe]], [[wp:Alex (parrot)|Alex]], [[wp:N%27kisi|N'kisi]], [[wp:Koko (gorilla)|Koko]]. See also [[wp:Tool use by non-human animals|tool use by animals]]. | ||
*Dolphins play by making bubble rings, and whales can hunt using bubble nets. Green Herons [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Porp5v5lLKk use bait] to catch fish. | *Dolphins play by making bubble rings, and whales can hunt using bubble nets. Green Herons [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Porp5v5lLKk use bait] to catch fish. | ||
| Line 296: | Line 296: | ||
*Could a dinosaur species have become the world’s intelligence specialist instead of humans, if they were not replaced by mammals — ''Dino sapiens''? There were two-legged dinosaurs with workable arms like Deinocheirus mirificus. | *Could a dinosaur species have become the world’s intelligence specialist instead of humans, if they were not replaced by mammals — ''Dino sapiens''? There were two-legged dinosaurs with workable arms like Deinocheirus mirificus. | ||
*See [[wp: | *See [[wp:Extinction event|Extinction events]] — these may accelerate or aid evolution. Could there have been another “human” race if we didn’t evolve from primates? Perhaps bears, raccoons, octopuses, elephants or dinosaurs could have led to something equally intelligent. Consider crurotarsans vs. dinosaurs vs. mammals, and [https://www.cracked.com/article_20078_5-weird-directions-human-evolution-could-have-taken.html this Cracked article]. | ||
*Candidates for human-level intelligence: A social oceanic life form like dolphins might be a great candidate, but they cannot master their environment without tools, and tools require manipulators. Squid and octopuses have ten and eight tentacles, but most are not social. Humboldt squid are social hunters, however they only live one year, so they have little time to learn from life or from family. Humboldts are strangely aggressive towards humans and unknown objects; when fighting with Mexican fishers, they flash red and white, giving them the name ''diablos rojos''; they are also cannibalistic. Over the next century, ocean acidification will force Humboldts to live in shallower waters.... Octopuses are noted to have distinct personalities, and live in coral reefs, which are complex environments. They are also smart enough to exhibit [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3328480/Otto-the-octopus-wrecks-havoc.html play behavior] and use [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os6HD-sCRn8 complex camouflaging techniques]. Squids and cuttlefish, with their signaling, have far superior communication abilities which could support complex language. But cuttlefish live 1 year, squid and octopuses live 2-4 years, and they do not get to learn from their parents. What if the Daodan extended their lifespans? Also important to note that recently the gloomy octopus has been discovered to live in small colonies that are built up over successive generations. Can tools be passed on in this environment? On land, bears and raccoons are very intelligent and might develop better manipulation over time. They learn from their parents and may even have self-awareness. Rats are surprisingly smart and have tiny fingers. Perhaps two species can learn to cooperate to overcome their individual shortcomings, and then evolve together. | *Candidates for human-level intelligence: A social oceanic life form like dolphins might be a great candidate, but they cannot master their environment without tools, and tools require manipulators. Squid and octopuses have ten and eight tentacles, but most are not social. Humboldt squid are social hunters, however they only live one year, so they have little time to learn from life or from family. Humboldts are strangely aggressive towards humans and unknown objects; when fighting with Mexican fishers, they flash red and white, giving them the name ''diablos rojos''; they are also cannibalistic. Over the next century, ocean acidification will force Humboldts to live in shallower waters.... Octopuses are noted to have distinct personalities, and live in coral reefs, which are complex environments. They are also smart enough to exhibit [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3328480/Otto-the-octopus-wrecks-havoc.html play behavior] and use [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os6HD-sCRn8 complex camouflaging techniques]. Squids and cuttlefish, with their signaling, have far superior communication abilities which could support complex language. But cuttlefish live 1 year, squid and octopuses live 2-4 years, and they do not get to learn from their parents. What if the Daodan extended their lifespans? Also important to note that recently the gloomy octopus has been discovered to live in small colonies that are built up over successive generations. Can tools be passed on in this environment? On land, bears and raccoons are very intelligent and might develop better manipulation over time. They learn from their parents and may even have self-awareness. Rats are surprisingly smart and have tiny fingers. Perhaps two species can learn to cooperate to overcome their individual shortcomings, and then evolve together. | ||
| Line 306: | Line 306: | ||
*[[wp:Allelopathy|Allelopathy]] is a biological phenomenon by which an organism produces one or more biochemicals that influence the germination, growth, survival, and reproduction of other organisms. | *[[wp:Allelopathy|Allelopathy]] is a biological phenomenon by which an organism produces one or more biochemicals that influence the germination, growth, survival, and reproduction of other organisms. | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Synthetic biology|Synthetic biology]]. | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Somatic evolution in cancer|Somatic evolution in cancer]]. | ||
*[[wp:Myosatellite cell|Satellite cell]]. | *[[wp:Myosatellite cell|Satellite cell]]. | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Cellular differentiation#Dedifferentiation|Cellular dedifferentiation]], [[wp:Transdifferentiation|transdifferentiation]], [[wp:Telomerase|telomerase]]. | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Embodied cognition|Embodied cognition]]. | ||
*[http://web.mit.edu/nnf/publications/GHM172.pdf Microrheometry of Sub-Nanoliter Biopolymer Samples: Non-Newtonian Flow Phenomena of Carnivorous Plant Mucilage]. | *[http://web.mit.edu/nnf/publications/GHM172.pdf Microrheometry of Sub-Nanoliter Biopolymer Samples: Non-Newtonian Flow Phenomena of Carnivorous Plant Mucilage]. | ||
| Line 334: | Line 334: | ||
*[[wp:Stimulus-triggered acquisition of pluripotency|STAP cells]] would have been maybe the most important genetic discovery ever if it weren’t a hoax! The suggestion that cells could become totipotent by simply being immersed in weak acid was eerily reminiscent of [[:Image:Chapter_12_.MISSION_COMPLETE.png|this]]. | *[[wp:Stimulus-triggered acquisition of pluripotency|STAP cells]] would have been maybe the most important genetic discovery ever if it weren’t a hoax! The suggestion that cells could become totipotent by simply being immersed in weak acid was eerily reminiscent of [[:Image:Chapter_12_.MISSION_COMPLETE.png|this]]. | ||
*[[wp: | *[[wp:Tobacco mosaic virus|Tobacco mosaic virus]]: "Due to its cylindrical high aspect ratio, self-assembling nature, and ability to incorporate metal coatings (nickel and cobalt) into its shell, TMV is an ideal candidate to be incorporated into battery electrodes." | ||
*Massive bio-concept dump: [[wp: | *Massive bio-concept dump: [[wp:Host (biology)#Host range|host range]], [[wp:Okazaki fragments|Okazaki fragments]], [[wp:Mobilome|mobilome]], [[wp:Aggressive mimicry|aggressive mimicry]], [[wp:Molecular mimicry|molecular mimicry]], [[wp:Vector#Molecular biology|vector]], [[wp:RNA interference|RNA interference]], [[wp:Viroid|viroids]], [[wp:Plasmid|plasmids]], [[wp:Rolling circle replication|rolling circles]], [[wp:Electroporation|electroporation]], [[wp:Replicon (genetics)|replicons]], prions (see above), [[wp:Transposable element|transposons]], [[wp:Red Queen hypothesis|Red Queen's Hypothesis]], [[wp:Millepora alcicornis|Millepora alcicornis]]. | ||
===Nature and origin=== | ===Nature and origin=== | ||
| Line 345: | Line 345: | ||
*Could the Daodan be from a rogue planet (which are said to outnumber orbiting planets), or a round-trip comet? | *Could the Daodan be from a rogue planet (which are said to outnumber orbiting planets), or a round-trip comet? | ||
*I used to believe that the brain could not be overtaken by the Chrysalis because new neurons are not developed, but apparently “researchers have observed adult neurogenesis in avians, Old World primates, and humans. Adults of these species retain [[wp: | *I used to believe that the brain could not be overtaken by the Chrysalis because new neurons are not developed, but apparently “researchers have observed adult neurogenesis in avians, Old World primates, and humans. Adults of these species retain [[wp:Cell potency|multipotent]] neural stem cells in the [[wp:Subventricular zone|subventricular zone]] of the [[wp:Lateral ventricles|lateral ventricles]] and [[wp:Subgranular zone|subgranular zone]] of the [[wp:Dentate gyrus|dentate gyrus]]. The newborn neurons generated in these areas migrate to the [[wp:Olfactory bulb|olfactory bulb]] and the [[wp:Dentate gyrus|dentate gyrus]], respectively, and are believed to integrate into existing neural circuits. The function and physiological significance of adult-born neurons remains unclear. Some studies have suggested that post-natal neurogenesis also occurs in the [[wp:Neocortex|neocortex]], an idea that is disputed.” ([[wp:Special:PermanentLink/468972367#Brain|source]]) | ||
*The Daodan can also experiment with [https://64.media.tumblr.com/3608367d74544df070a5a8c3acf2d4af/tumblr_mt2f1cXXY81s3yrubo1_r1_1280.jpg altered regeneration]. | *The Daodan can also experiment with [https://64.media.tumblr.com/3608367d74544df070a5a8c3acf2d4af/tumblr_mt2f1cXXY81s3yrubo1_r1_1280.jpg altered regeneration]. | ||
| Line 351: | Line 351: | ||
*The Wilderness might spread using fungi as the pioneer organism, as apparently happened with land life on Earth. See mycorrhizal networks (which would also allow me to work in something of Paradox’s ideas). | *The Wilderness might spread using fungi as the pioneer organism, as apparently happened with land life on Earth. See mycorrhizal networks (which would also allow me to work in something of Paradox’s ideas). | ||
*Is the Wilderness creeping in by not just trophic level but by the ecological concept of [[wp: | *Is the Wilderness creeping in by not just trophic level but by the ecological concept of [[wp:Ecological succession|succession]]? | ||
*What will happen to upper trophic levels if the lowest trophic level is being replaced? Is it the opposite of a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvKCTZf_-e4 trophic cascade]? | *What will happen to upper trophic levels if the lowest trophic level is being replaced? Is it the opposite of a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvKCTZf_-e4 trophic cascade]? | ||