Mermaid Purses & Gynandromorphs…Do you know what these are? Take this fun 15 question quiz and find out, plus learn a handful of other quirky conversation starters for your next coffee break or dinner party.
1. Some chickens are born half male and half female. True or False?
2. Which animal produces an egg case that is often called a “mermaid’s purse”?
a. octopus
b. oyster
c. shark
d. cuttlefish
3. Squirrels sweat through their feet. True or False?
4. Whales can shoot water from their blowhole how high?
a. 15 feet
b. 30 feet
c. 300 feet
d. 1000 feet
5. Salt and sugar are both poisonous to snails. True or False?
6. A chameleon has a fast tongue. About how fast can it zip to zap a bug?
a. 13 miles an hour
b. 25 miles an hour
c. 50 miles an hour
d. 100 miles an hour
7. A group of meerkats is called a _________________.
a. gang
b. google
c. village
d. mob
8. A group of sea otters is called a ________________.
a. gang
b. raft
c. pod
d. mob
9. A group of camels is called a __________________.
a. flock
b. mob
c. drift
d. pack
10. At what age could a reindeer likely outrun you?
a. one hour old
b. one day old
c. two weeks old
d. two months old
11. Male honeybees (drones) are missing which of the following?
a. stinger
b. stomach
c. abdomen stripes
d. antennae
12. A baby jellyfish is called a _____________.
a. medusa
b. ephyrae
c. fry
d. nymph
13. A group of squid is called a ______________.
a. pod
b. cephalopod
c. dynasty
d. squad or shoal
14. A baby ant is called a/n _______________.
a. antling
b. cria
c. larva
d. nymph
15. Anteaters can eat up to ________________ insects per day.
a. 30,000
b. 60,000
c. 100,000
d. 800,000
1. Some chickens are born half male and half female. True or False?
True. Called gynandromorphs, one side looks male, while the other appears female. Surprisingly, this is due to a cellular mix-up rather than due to hormones.
2. Which animal produces an egg case called a mermaid’s purse?
c. shark
Skates make a similar egg case, also sometimes referred to as a mermaid’s purse.
3. Squirrels sweat through their feet. True or False?
True
4. Whales can shoot water from their blowhole how high?
b. 30 feet (and they can also shoot rainbows from their blowholes!)
5. Salt and sugar are both poisonous to snails. True or False?
b. True
Fermented sugar traps are often used by organic gardeners to manage snails without toxic chemicals.
6. A chameleon has a fast tongue. How fast can it zip out to zap a bug?
a. 13 miles an hour
7. A group of meerkats is called a _________________.
d. mob
8. A group of sea otters is called a ________________.
b. raft
9. A group of camels is called a __________________.
a. flock
Sometimes, they are also referred to as a caravan, a herd or a train of camels.
10. At what age could a reindeer likely outrun you?
a. one hour old
11. Male honeybees (drones) are missing which of the following?
a. stinger
12. A baby jellyfish is called a _____________.
b. ephyrae
13. A group of squid is called a ______________.
d. shoal or a squad
14. A baby ant is called a _______________.
a. antling
15. Anteaters can eat up to ________________ insects per day.
a. 30,000
Giant anteaters can gobble-up 30,000 insects per day. To aid the digestion of this crunchy diet, their stomachs secrete formic acid, instead of the more typical hydrochloric acid.
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
Explanation: Fans of planet Earth probably recognize its highest mountain, the Himalayan Mount Everest, on the left in this 3-panel skyscape of The World at Night. Shrouded in cloud Everest’s peak is at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) elevation above sea level. In the middle panel, stars trail above volcanic Mauna Kea forming part of the island of Hawaii. Festooned with astronomical observatories, its summit lies a mere 4,168 meters above sea level. Still, measured from its base starting below the ocean’s surface, Mauna Kea is over 10,000 meters tall, making it Earth’s tallest mountain from base to summit. At right, beneath the arc of the Milky Way is the Andean mountain Chimborazo in Ecuador. The highest equatorial mountain, the Chimborazo volcano’s peak elevation is 6,268 meters above sea level. But rotating planet Earth is a flattened sphere (oblate spheroid) in shape, its equatorial diameter greater than its diameter measured pole to pole. Sitting nearly on top of Earth’s greatest equatorial bulge, Chimborazo’s peak is the farthest point on the planet’s surface from the center, over 2,000 meters farther from the center of the Earth than Everest’s peak. That makes Chimborazo’s summit the place on Earth’s surface closest to the stars.
Tonight – February 25, 2016 – stay up late (or wake up early) to see the moon with the star Spica. And if you miss them tonight, try again over the next several nights. At mid-northern latitudes, the waning moon and Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo the Maiden, climb up above the horizon by around 10 to 11 p.m. local time. At southerly latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, the moon and Spica are up by mid-evening.
As the Earth spins eastward beneath the starry sky tonight, the moon and Spica will move upward and westward until reaching their high point for the night around 3 a.m. local time tomorrow, on February 26. Before daybreak, look for the moon and the star Spica to shine in the western half of sky.
The moon rises and sets an average 50 minutes later each day. On the other hand, the backdrop stars of the Zodiac rise and set about four minutes earlier daily. That’s why the moon and Spica shine together on the sky’s dome for only a few days of the month.
The star Spica rises and sets about one-half hour earlier with each passing week, or some two hours earlier with each passing month. So by the time April comes rolling around, Spica will be up by nightfall. That’s why we in the Northern Hemisphere associate this sparkling blue-white beauty with the season of spring!
Bottom line: Either late this evening – February 25, 2016 – or in the wee hours before sunrise on February 26, see the waning moon paired up with Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo.
Bruce McClure is the chief writer for the popular EarthSky Tonight pages. Since joining EarthSky in 2004, he has written thousands of astronomy articles, enjoyed here by millions. He also writes, gives planetarium shows and hosts a wide assortment of public astronomy programs in and around his home in upstate New York. If you ask an astronomy question on our site, it’s likely to be Bruce that answers it. His love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, and he has sailed the North Atlantic, earning his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. Bruce is also a sundial aficionado. He says his number one passion – besides his wife Alice – is stargazing.
It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.
Two of Wands
New ventures will require courage and logic. Influence over others grows. Kindness and altruism pay off.
Ingwaz
Ingwaz signifies completion, success and fertility. Your present ambitions are about to be met. You are fecund in both mind and body.
The Caduceus
You will find you have within you the ability to resolve all conflicts and disagreements with regard to this aspect. You will find an eloquence you did not realize before.
Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.
This Reading is used to reveal key influences that will effect your life in the up-coming month.
March Heron
Is your life in a state of balance? If not, long-legged Heron has flown in today to help you. Because Heron is a water bird, he is most often associated with emotions. He stands motionless, almost in a trance, his body mirrored in the water below. Take a few moments this month to be like Heron—be quiet, go within, and discover the answer to your questions
Your Grandfather Sun, Grandmother Moon Reading For February 25th
The animal spirit that appears in the Grandfather Sun position represents the active energy that’s called for at this time; the animal spirit in the Grandmother Moon position represents the passive or receptive energy necessary. The Outcome Animal Spirit represents the results you can expect if you manage to maintain a balanced path.
Grandfather Sun
Ant
Ant is dutiful, patient, industrious and focused. If you ever put an obstacle in the middle of an ant trail, you’ll notice that ant will go over it, around it, or even under it—but ant will NOT let the obstacle drive him backwards. Above all, ant is a team player, and knows that if each member of the team does his assigned task, the team will succeed. Do you have goals that are best met by team effort? If so, get the other players off the bench and let them into your game.
Outcome
Butterfly
Beautiful butterfly has fluttered into your reading to remind you of the powerful transformational energies at work in your life. If something important seems to be stagnating, know that transformation is at work just below the surface—and just like the caterpillar, the “cocooned” situation you’re fretting about is about to be freed.
Grandmother Moon
Hummingbird
Sorrow and worry have no place in your life today, as Hummingbird’s message is one of absolute joy. Hummer’s darting movements, flashes of brilliant reds and greens, and unmistakable whirr are all guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of even the most dour among us. If live has been difficult of late, know that joy is whirring your way.
While physical travel may be involved, The Journey represents an individual’s spiritual trek from one point to another. The Journey is represented by a sailboat gliding across an open sea. Like those traversing the ocean The Journey requires that we move off the firm ground of our present state and strike out for a new destination. The trip itself may well be full of adventure and challenges. There may be times when we lose sight of where we came from and possibly not even know where we’re going. Storms may crop up without warning. Diversions may slow our progress to our destination down. While it’s good to have an idea of where you want to go, it’s equally important to remember that often it’s the getting there and not the destination that is the most rewarding. To take such a spiritual voyage takes courage and conviction that direction in which your are moving is right for you.
As a daily card, The Journey indicates a time in which you are likely to derive insight and spiritual growth by moving off your everyday path. Although the time span is short, this movement may have a profound and enduring effect on your life. Indeed you may be on the verge of experiencing a revelation, or enjoying a period of self actualization. Be open to new paths and you may well end up with some very positive changes in your life.
Meaning: The presence of the spear signifies arguments, negative events, and all manner of strife of an upsetting nature. However similar to the ‘Tower’ tarot card if next to a positive rune it could mean the end of an argument or quarrel. If with the rings it means the healing or renewal of a relationship. If there are military connections it could mean promotion. If illness is within the equation it means a speedy and successful recovery.
Fortune represents that aspect of life that is directed by forces and events we may not understand or even be aware of. In short, Fortune deals with chance—those occurrences that manage to alter even the most structured of lives, usurp man’s “best laid plans.” While the effects of Fortune are unpredictable, the outcome is always change; sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Our path through life is never a ride down a perfectly straight highway. Sometimes we may even experience hairpin turns or complete reversals of direction. Fortune is strong reminder that despite our plans, the Universe has its own agenda from which we cannot escape participation.
The Sun Rune, denotes power and strength. That which you want may be attained. Sowilo also denotes mental clarity and added warmth to your relationships.
Additional information about Today’s Rune, Sowilo
sowulo : sun
Phonetic equivalent: s
DIVINATORY MEANINGS: success, positive energy, increase, power, activity, fertility, health
ANALYSIS: The sun is held sacred by almost every religion in the world. Its light and warmth symbolize life and growth and all that is good. Norse cosmology describes the sun being driven around the heavens in a chariot and chased by a great wolf, which will devour at Ragnarok. Throughout IndoEuropean Paganism, the sun has frequently been associated with the horse, often described as being carted around the sky by a horse. Both are symbolic of life and fertility, and are usually considered ‘masculine’ in polarity, although in Norse myth the chariot is driven by a girl. The swastika or sun wheel is a constant motif in rock carvings dating Neolithic times, and occurs throughout Europe and Asia. The sun rune itself is a variation on this symbol, and represents motion and energy.
Sowilo marks the end of the second aett, and like wunjo represents success and glory. However, unlike the rest and relaxation of Valhalla, the sun is very much an active symbol. We have reached the end of the aett successfully, and the conclusion is a positive one, but in this case we are fully aware of the changing and transient nature of the universe. We can see the wolf at heels, and we know that we must move on. Here, though, the journeyer may pause briefly in the warmth and light of the sun, absorbing and applying its energy to the work ahead. This time we won’t need to be blasted out of our safe position, but will rather choose to leave it in order to continue on the journey.
Strength denotes an inner power, mastery of will and development of inner might. Through mastering one’s emotions and learning from both success and failure the person Strength represents has reached a place where they are influential without applying physical force, able to weather the roughest of storms, and not likely to abandon the less fortunate. Strength also denotes a large capacity for forgiveness and compassion. Strength is not as much about winning as it is about achieving balance, overcoming hardship, and using well crafted persuasion to gain allies.
Good energy is available for detaching yourself a little today, dear Aries, and perhaps letting your mind wander – things that can help you to detox and let go of accumulated stress. A helpful conversation, invitation, or piece of news may be part of the picture. You are likely to come up with some new spins on old problems, as your thinking is fresh right now. Flashes of insight can be experienced. Today is strong for connecting with friends; but it’s not ideal energy for practical matters, as important details are likely to be missed or ignored. This can be a dreamy, creative time.
Taurus
Taurus
This can be a strong day for letting go of resentments, dear Taurus, and detaching yourself from life just enough to get to a more positive perspective on it. Take extra time for relaxing activities. Listen to your gut instincts when approaching decisions, particularly those related to career, life direction, or public relations. You can come up with great ideas or you might solve a long-standing problem. You are more able to assess matters with some level of detachment, and practical activities tend to fare well now as a result.
Gemini
Gemini
Your mind is investigative today, dear Gemini, and although this may not be the most productive of days, you can come to interesting insights. Important discoveries may be made now. You are putting everything into perspective rather than compartmentalizing. Instead of simply shooting the breeze, you are more inclined to discuss broader philosophies now. You seem to have your finger on the pulse of future trends, and this enables you to come up with inventive and timely solutions to problems and ideas for future projects. Friendships are stimulating and lively. Networking can lead to useful and/or pleasant discoveries. You may need to make changes on the fly, but you’re especially adaptable, and others appreciate that quality.
Cancer
Cancer
You are more intuitive these days, dear Cancer, and today is an especially strong time for opening up conversations that may not typically take place, as you are very rational about tricky or sensitive topics right now. Career matters can benefit today with a little bit of research. The discovery of a new way to approach a nagging problem can be exciting. There can be some listlessness experienced today, however, and emotional problems can impact physical energy tremendously, up or down. However, focused on forward-moving matters can keep you in good spirits.
Leo
Leo
Interactions with people close to you can be very lively and stimulating today, dear Leo. Sharing an intellectual problem to solve with someone can be rewarding. This directs energy towards a constructive puzzle to work through, rather than unproductive conversations and situations. While you may not be digging deep today, there can be a pleasing level of emotional detachment experienced that allows for open and honest conversations, and this is wonderfully useful from time to time. This is unlikely to be a very productive time in a strict sense, but it’s a good day for detoxing and letting go of tension.
Virgo
Virgo
This can be a strong time for both intellectual and emotional breakthroughs, dear Virgo. Mercury, your ruler, is in harmony with Uranus in your investigative eighth house, and this can be a time for important or helpful discoveries. New methods, health discoveries, or solutions to work problems can be in the offing now. Your thinking is ahead of your time, and you have the chance to breathe new life into old routines and projects, so take advantage. You are in better shape if you let tensions go and ease off on pressure to meet goals. With some mental and emotional freedom, your mind can take you to interesting places.
Libra
Libra
This can be a nice time for coming to an agreement or an exciting new plan/idea with someone, dear Libra. A conversation can solve a lot of problems as minds open to possibilities. There is a potential for a highly stimulating conversation with a loved one or love interest. You are especially open-minded and can approach normally taboo topics, or the opposite – dull topics – with a lively spin today that attracts others to you. Allow yourself some freeform thinking now. Your bigger-thinking skills are strengthened so that you may be thinking about the long term and the overview. Petty problems may be seen as tiny hiccups in a much bigger plan, and with this perspective, you’re in great shape. The Moon is in your sign all day, but is also void much of the day, indicating a need to take things easy rather than begin all-new projects.
Scorpio
Scorpio
The Moon in your privacy sector all day signals an emotional need for more time to yourself so that you can recharge, dear Scorpio. Getting extra time to think and muse is especially helpful with a Mercury-Uranus aspect occurring now that stimulates creative, progressive thinking. There’s great energy for letting go and moving forward. You can talk through almost anything now, and you can be very persuasive. Being especially open and forthcoming with family can be rewarding. Your thinking is forward-looking and positive, and you can approach domestic matters and routines or work in a new way. You might hear or discover news about a health issue, possibly an alternative approach, that benefits you now and in the future.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
People are attracted to your unique perspective today, dear Sagittarius, as well as your personal convictions. Strive to be as open to a new idea as possible right now, as you have something to learn from a friend, sibling, or partner now. On the flip side, you’re also in great shape for providing some guidance to others. People may be hanging on your words. There is a strong ability to express yourself in positive and even inspiring ways now. Open and honest conversations with others, particularly a partner, lover, or child, can be in focus today.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Today’s energies are strong for money and practical matters, dear Capricorn. Family matters are also in good form, and progressive ideas about how to make yourself feel more secure (or comfortable) can be easy to come by. Your ideas can be marketable today. Your thinking is creative, particularly along practical, financial, and business lines. Conversations with family members can be productive. Focus on the broader goals rather than the details now, as the energies of the day don’t especially favor pesky little details, which can be saved for a later date. You can talk a friend or family member through a difficult stretch right now with inventive solutions. The atmosphere is open and honest.
Aquarius
Aquarius
Your ruler, Uranus, influences our thinking and communications today, dear Aquarius, with a harmonious aspect between Uranus and Mercury. Mercury happens to be in your sign, so this can be considered an extra boost – a very strong time for communications. You are especially charming and your your intelligence is marked and obvious to others. Using the power of words to attract what you want or to further your interests works best for you now. There could be good news coming in, or a matter that has been stuck moves forward. Personal appeal is powerful.
Pisces
Pisces
Our minds are more tuned into progressive ideas today, dear Pisces. There is light, creative energy to the day, and while you may not be especially productive, you can come up with great ideas or insights. This can be a powerful day for letting go of outdated or dysfunctional behaviors and attitudes, and identifying and holding on to elements of your past that truly work for you. You may reconcile with a family member, or grow a close relationship now. You can be privy to some interesting news or revelations today. At the very least, you’ll hear about something previously hidden and this helps jump-start your own thinking processes.
Ahead of your time in your thinking, always, you have an unusual perspective on life. You are highly intelligent and can easily take the lead in any sort of project you undertake. Others instinctively trust you, and you demand honesty from others. However, you are also a forgiving soul at the end of the day–always aware that imperfection not only is a reality, it’s beautiful in your eyes. You rarely feel understood, however, even though you strive to understand others as best as you can.
Famous people born today: George Harrison, Tea Leoni, Enrico Caruso, Rashida Jones, Sean Astin.
You can be very relationship-focused today, dear Aries, and others are paying you special attention. You’re not content simply to hang out with people at the moment – you’re more inclined to want to be active and get things done with someone in your corner. A Venus-Mars parallel aspect can enliven your romantic or social connections and can also boost your personal magnetism. It can be stimulating and rather straightforward to come to a nice you-me balance in your relationships.
Taurus
Taurus
There can be a pleasing focus on putting your affairs into order today, dear Taurus, or for beautifying and organizing your work environment. It’s a good day to connect with others in general, but particularly to make nice with customers, co-workers, and/or bosses. This is a strong day for career thinking or method breakthroughs. You are especially noticed for your dynamism and strength today, and might meet someone special while going about your work or health activities.
Gemini
Gemini
You can feel especially hopeful and motivated today, dear Gemini. There is good energy for playful activities, creative charm, and romantic connections. You seem to get along with everyone right now, from all walks of life, and romantically speaking, you’re in great form. The ability to successfully combine grace and assertion helps you out today, and adds to your persuasiveness. Promotional or publishing activities can be in good shape now.
Cancer
Cancer
The Moon in your home and family sector all day points to some need for familiarity and comfort, dear Cancer. Even so, there are pleasing levels of excitement and activity associated with your personal or domestic life. You want to get things done, and won’t tolerate things being out of whack. This is a time for intimate excitement as well, and perhaps some positive movement in your financial affairs. Coming to a good balance between work and down time seems almost easy today.
Leo
Leo
This can be an exciting day for learning of all kinds, dear Leo, communicating with increased charm and punch, and making stimulating connections. There can be lively interactions today. You’re also putting things together on a mental level in creative ways, and could get to a wonderful new insight or a new level of understanding in your studies or research. This is a good time to sell your ideas to others, to present your case in some manner, and to work on projects with great vigor and passion.
Virgo
Virgo
There is a strong focus on money, possessions, and business matters today, dear Virgo, but for many, this may simply be about wanting to feel comfortable and secure. It’s a good day for thinking breakthroughs on work projects and methods, as well as new ideas about money. This can be a very resourceful time when you make the most of what you have. While you can probably make some interesting purchases now, there can be a little impulsiveness or a larger appetite for things in general today.
Libra
Libra
You can be admired for your dynamism and straightforward approach today, dear Libra, and you have more persuasive power than usual. Emotionally speaking, you are in no mood to deal with mundane affairs – you need some excitement and freedom of movement. Personal magnetism is strong today, and interactions can be animated. There is a desire for harmony and willingness to take real steps to get to a position of mutual benefit, making negotiations very successful now.
Scorpio
Scorpio
You have a tendency to stay in the background today, dear Scorpio, and quite willingly at that. It definitely doesn’t take away from your personal appeal – in fact, it may add to it. There can be a lot going on behind the scenes, in your mind, and under the surface of things. For some, there can be a private meeting or affair, a fun secret, and excitement in your personal life. There can be especially creative, dynamic ideas about handling the home or personal life as well.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
This can be a fun and animated day in your social or romantic life, dear Sagittarius. Today, you can be excited about plans, and news can come through that you’ve been waiting for. Group activities and cooperative efforts can be in focus and especially useful or dynamic. Communications can range from pleasant to inspiring. There is charm in your presentation, and personal magnetism, particularly amongst friends and over your networks. You may be taking the lead and succeeding at it.
Capricorn
Capricorn
This can be an especially creative day on practical levels, dear Capricorn, with money, money-making ideas, business, career projects, and reputation matters. You are magnetic, particularly in your work or in a public capacity, and some of you may even meet someone special or a romantic interest through your business activities. You may be taking the lead or managing in especially charming, successful ways today. Some of you could find a great buy.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You have a stronger desire for pleasure and excitement today, dear Aquarius, and you can be in great shape on the level of communications, mental interests, and making connections. There may be a breakthrough in your studies or a new level of understanding reached with someone important to you. You are projecting both strength and warmth, and people are taking note! It’s a good day for magnetic attraction. Starting something with high profile appeal is favored now.
Pisces
Pisces
This is not the best time to follow an exacting schedule, dear Pisces, as very creative energy is with you now and you may tap into it more easily if allowed some free time and space. Passions from deep within are stimulated today, and for some, an unusual attraction or desire can emerge, possibly even from a dream, or a private longing can take strong hold. This can be a good time to take action on a financial matter for some. You are looking for harmony in your relationships, and willing to go to great lengths to achieve it.
The Moon today is in a Waning Gibbous Phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with a illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9am and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning. During this phase the Moon can also be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon.
Phase Details for – Thursday, February 25, 2016
Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 93%
Moon Age: 17.26 days
Moon Angle: 0.49
Moon Distance: 404,751.07 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 148,092,240.34 km
Two of Wands
Ingwaz
The Caduceus
Heron
Ant
Butterfly
Hummingbird
Witches Of The Craft® 
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