Shrimp are the cleaners of the ocean and can even influence the current of the ocean. I’m a marine ecologist, and today I’ll tell you all about shrimp. They are way more interesting than you think!
With the news feeling like an exaggerated apocalypse novel, why don't we just let nature fall apart at the seams and do what's best for us, for humanity? And what do cute beavers have to do with it all?
For me, there are a million reasons, so let me get through some doom and gloom and the current state of things, before I share them with you, and tell you what we can do—because, surprisingly, there is a lot we can still do.
Thousands of shorebirds are dying along the coast of the North Sea, washing ashore in Canada, and entire populations are collapsing on small islands. I was supposed to be researching for a trip to the Wadden Sea the next day. Instead, I needed to talk about what humanity’s need for a cheap chicken dinner has to do with the bird flu.
Shrimp are underwater bugs? Or are bugs flying shrimp? In this one, we’re talking about crustaceans. From land crabs the size of dinner plates to tiny krill that feed the whales, this group holds some cool members. Don’t know what crustaceans are? From lobster and crabs to shrimp and prawns, there are a lot of things humans eat in the crustacean group, so even if you don’t know the group, you’ve likely encountered a few members.
We’ve been talking about branches on the Tree of Life for weeks now, so I figured it was time to talk about what a species even is. And what the hell does it have to do with conservation? Why does it matter if there is one species of River dolphins in the river basins of Brazil or three? Why do we care how many species of humpback dolphins there are in the world—especially if you need genetics to distinguish them?
We are finally talking about octopuses. Octopuses are definitely in the top three of my favorite animals, so I’m more than excited. I’ve even got an octopus tattooed on my arm because I love them so much. Between the vampire squid from hell and cute little Dumbo-eared octopuses, there is a lot to talk about, so let’s dive into some vampire squid and octopus facts.
Sea cuttles, also wrongly named cuttlefish, are masters of disguise. Chameleons don’t even compete. But that’s not the only cool thing about these cute blobs of awesome. So, let’s talk about cuttles!
Most of you will know today’s animal group much better as calamari than as squid. But I promise, squid are way cooler alive. Between bobtail squids that are so cute that I just can’t, colossal squid that are, well, colossal, and squid that aren’t even squid, there’s a lot of excitingly cool stuff in this group. And, because I’m a lucky human, I get to tell you all about them. Squid are cool!
We’re taking a break from our Tree of Life climb to talk about fishery management. Managing the ocean isn't easy, so how do we decide who can fish where, with what methods, and especially how much?
It’s finally time to talk about cephalopods, that group with squids and octopuses. I’m excited! And, because last week was so gloomy, I will try my very best not to say anything gloomy today. We’ll get to learn cool things about some of my favorite animals, exciting! I’ve got an octopus tattooed on my arm because I love them so much.