Sunday, May 29, 2011

What Do They Talk About?

Scientists know animals, and plants (at least in some species), and even microorganisms communicate with one another.  We see it in dogs, birds, whales, fish, frogs, and other familiar animals.  Communication may be with sound, chemicals, movement, facial expressions or other means (urine and feces are right up there).  However it is often difficult to determine just what the communication is all about.....ya, likely food, sex, or the latest episode of South Park or The Daily Show....but we can't always say with a high degree of certainty.  Occasionally we are amazed at how close to human communication the subject matter is...often a perfect mirror....as below.   Enjoy the holiday weekend....assuming you have one.







Lacuna family on beach holiday

Teamwork, Olea Sea Slug style

Marine Mammals of Puget Sound

MARINE MAMMALS OF PUGET SOUND

Puget Sound is home to a number of marine mammals.  Eleven species of marine mammals, and one that thinks is should be, are likely to be seen in Puget Sound including the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  A much larger number are commonly seen off the outer coast and are not included here.  Sea Otters included here occasionally wander into Puget Sound but are mainly outer coast animals.  River Otters are not classified as marine mammals but they evidently don't know is so are one of the most commonly seen mammals hanging out in Puget Sound, munching away on marine fare.  If you are interested in additional information on prey items of these animals check out Food Web Relationships of Northern Puget Sound publication with link at
BUZZ LINKS in this blog.
I have placed a link to the slide presentation:  Marine Mammals of Puget Sound in the BUZZ LINKS section.