Camouflaged or Not?

Just recently during science class, we were instructed to color a paper butterfly and camouflage it within the room. Butterflies are like most insects with the six jointed legs and the three main body parts of the head, thorax, and the abdomen. Camouflage is a very important factor of the environment for both its preys and predators. Several animals depend on camouflage of their skin for a quick escape or to be left in hiding from their predators. For example, iguanas have the capability to change colors so they blend into the environment without notice. Prey on the other hand, can use camouflage in a completely different way. Once these consumers have spotted their meal they blend in and then go for a quick attack. Shaded a dark jet-black, my butterfly was hidden in the corner of the room. The predator was to come and find as many butterflies as possible in a given amount of time. Hidden in the corner, my butterfly was not found in the first two trials. This is because the predator did not bother to look at specific areas such as the corner. However, in the third trail it was necessary to place the critter where it would not be camouflaged at the same time in plain sight. Again, the predator was not able to spot the butterfly although it did not blend in at all. For the last testing, the flying insect was finally found. An observation noticed was the predator always followed the route he went previously, before looking in new areas. Camouflage is a way of life, animals use everyday.

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/butterflies/allabout/

Smothering Fires

Thursday, November 13th, blazing fires broke out in Southern California. On the fourth day, firefighters are still trying to calm down the fires, but can’t do much for the destruction done. Almost 1,000 homes were burned and demolished from the raging fires including mobile houses and multi-million dollar mansions. Although winds did decrease, around FIFTY-THOUSAND people were forced to evacuate. Dozens of homes were burnt to ashes especially in L.A. and Orange County. The storm had a perfect time to strike; the high winds blew hard with the rising temperature and with the air very dry. Unknown cause of the fire did bring confusion, but nearly 20,000 acres of the foothills above Los Angeles was burned to the ground. Several families who had to flee from their homes are still in utter shock and hope all will soon get better. These yearly fires that wipe California can really be a pain, but a part of nature that we can’t prevent.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/us_wildfire_california;_ylt=AjOsglKpXG6FvXXy6BU_gays0NUE