Meet the stars: here are the animals we are studying and the questions we ask
Whales and Dolphins
The ancestors of whales and dolphins were four legged, fur bearing, land living mammals. Why did they elect to return to living entirely in the water, and why did some then lose their teeth and grow to such an enormous size?
(photo ©Janprchal/Shutterstock.com)
(photo ©Janprchal/Shutterstock.com)
Emperor Penguins
The Emperor penguins are the only animals to remain in Antarctica through the most severe winter weather on earth. Even more remarkably, they hatch and raise their chicks there. Why have they developed such a difficult and dangerous breeding strategy? (photo © Gentoo multimedia Ltd/Shutterstock.com)
Cats and Dogs
Wild cats and dogs are among the most successful predators on the planet, but the cats can grow to a much larger size than the dogs. What are the differences in the two groups that could have led to this? (photo © Worldswildlifewonders/Shutterstock.com)
Monarch Butterflies
The tiny North American Monarch butterfly can migrate up to 4000 kilometers from Canada and the northern United States to Mexico. How and why did these frail creatures come to make such epic journeys? (photo © Jason Patrick Ross/Shutterstock.com)
Birds of Paradise
The Birds of Paradise, native to New Guinea, Australia and a few other islands, have some of the most exotic plumage seen on any birds, and also some of the most bizarre and extravagant courtship displays. Why do female Birds of Paradise demand so much effort from their would-be mates? (photo © Szefei/Shutterstock.com)
Sloths
The sloth, as everyone knows, is extremely slothful. Many animals try to conserve their energy, but why have sloths taken this concept to such an extreme? (photo © Allyson Shepard Bailey)
Snakes
Most snakes can swallow their food whole. Some species can open their mouths so wide, and extend their jaws so far, that they can swallow prey up to 150 their own weight. What is the advantage to engulfing food in this way? (photo © Audrey Snider Bell/Shutterstock.com)
Frogs and toads
Although frogs and toads have the same body plan as most vertebrates, when you look at their shape in detail it does seem rather strange. Why did they develop such a large head with virtually no neck, a short round body with little or no protective rib cage, and those very long, muscular legs? (photo © Anneke/Shutterstock.com)
Mammal colouration
Compared to almost all other branches of the animal kingdom, mammals only display a limited range of quite subdued colours. Why are they not as bright and varied as birds or butterflies? (photo © Allyson Shepard Bailey)
Page header photo credits, L to R: Tree frog ©Cathy Keifer/Shutterstock.com; Emperor penguin and chick © Gentoo multimedia Ltd/Shutterstock.com; Milk snake ©Matt Jepson/Shutterstock.com