Marina Wang

2 months ago | nautil.us | Marina Wang

From a whale watching boat near Valdes Peninsula in Argentina, marine biologist Maria Piotto observed a mother-calf pair of southern right whales. As the calf splashed around in the water playfully, a kelp gull hovered overhead and persistently swooped down to nab at the breaching baby whale’s flesh. The gull was attacking with such intensity, Piotto says, “that I thought the gull must be getting a really considerable meal.” Nautilus Members enjoy an ad-free experience.

Nov 29, 2024 | hakaimagazine.com | Marina Wang

One of the killer whale’s most distinguishing features is its saddle patch: an area of gray or white coloration behind its dorsal fin. Each killer whale has a distinct saddle patch, just as humans have distinct fingerprints. Scientists and other observers can use these patches both to identify individuals and to differentiate one ecologically divided population from another.

Oct 18, 2024 | hakaimagazine.com | Marina Wang

The salt flats of Bahia de Ceuta on the west coast of Mexico are, as the name implies, flat. They are also bare. Very little vegetation dots the landscape, so, as a bird nesting site, the area has a major shortcoming. Snowy plover chicks have practically nowhere to hide from coyotes, feral dogs, raccoons, and other predators. Plover chicks look like balls of dandelion fluff that have sprouted toothpicks for legs.

Jul 25, 2024 | hakaimagazine.com | Marina Wang

How long can you hold your breath? Two minutes is tough for most people, but for pinnipeds—including seals and sea lions—two minutes is a breeze. In fact, the longest recorded breath hold for a pinniped was completed by a southern elephant seal that stayed submerged for nearly two hours.

Jun 21, 2024 | hakaimagazine.com | Marina Wang

Competition is stiff in the ocean, particularly for males seeking to spread their seed. That’s why animals have evolved all sorts of different mating strategies, including that of the so-called sneaker male, which is often smaller than territorial males and may have the coloration of a female. In this system—commonly seen among fish—a territorial male guards a nest so its mate can lay eggs, but when he’s not paying attention, a sneaker male will dash in and fertilize the spawn.