Mia Woods Blog

2 Land Animals Without Brains https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/2-land-animals-without-brains A brain is essential for the survival of most living creatures, including humans and other animals. However, when it comes to animals, the matter is a little bit more complicated. There are some animals that do not have brains. To most people, this is a puzzling statement, because how can such animals survive without a brain of their own? Today, we’ll answer these and other questions as we explore the world of land animals without brains. What exactly is the brain? A brain is essentially what is formed when a huge number of nerve cells known as neurons come together to create a big cluster. These neurons, when they act in concert, regulate the physiological activities of the animal. So, how can any animal live if it does not have a brain? Consider the sorts of organisms that may exist without the need for a brain. They are rather basic creatures when compared to a human being or other animals with whom you may be more acquainted. In order to sense things like food and threats or danger, most of these organisms rely on the most primitive biological mechanisms. These are the animals That Don’t Have a Brain Most animals that do not have a brain are sea animals. But, is there any land animal that doesn’t have a brain? Yes, but there are very few land animals that do not have a brain. Although scientists are still hard at work learning about animals that have a brain and those that don’t, we can confirm that the following species belong to the latter group: Leeches Leeches (Hirudinea) are capable of surviving in a variety of settings, including marine, terrestrial, as well as groundwater. Leeches are distinguished by having an extended body that is slightly fat and viscous. Several kinds of leeches are predatory creatures, and some of these species can feed on human blood. Even though leeches do not have brains, they do have neural networks that are scattered throughout their bodies, mostly as a result of tiny nodes as well as sensory organs. Earthworms Earthworms (members of the Lumbricidae … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 14, 2025 at 07:24PM

How Long are Oak Tree Roots? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/how-long-are-oak-tree-roots Mother Nature has provided mankind with so much wonder and curiosity for all of recorded history. It seems that we just can’t help but look around at the planet that surrounds us and be awed. One thing that brings home much of this joy and wonder are the trees that we see. Oak trees are particularly interesting to a lot of people because of their strength and ability to grow in most parts of the world. When looking at and examining oak trees for all that they are, we cannot forget that they are very much in need of having strong roots that keep them grounded and allow them to do what they need to do. In other words, we should try to be respectful of how oak trees grow and why it matters for the world that we want to live in. Oak Tree Roots The roots of an oak tree are very important to its ability to survive and grow. Despite this, oak tree roots are only about 18 inches beneath the surface of the Earth. This is not just a fun fact that you should know, but it is something that plays an integral part in the life of an oak tree and how it manages to survive in nearly all weather conditions. It keeps its roots near the surface so it can draw in moisture even when there is very little to come by. This is part of the reason why oak trees have been so successful at growing and surviving no matter where they are found on the planet. An important thing to understand about oak trees is that their root system can also be something that works against them. They have their roots so close to the Earth that they may struggle if there is pavement or some other obstructor that gets in their way. This is a known fact about oak trees, and it may be a reason why a particular oak tree is not able to survive under certain conditions. If you notice that there is an oak tree in your area … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 14, 2025 at 07:24AM

How Long are Redwood Tree Roots? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/how-long-are-redwood-tree-roots Depending on the variety, redwood tree roots can extend out for more than 100 feet. California or coast redwoods, giant sequoias, and dawn redwoods are nature’s three forest giants. I’ll never forget the classic scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo where Madeleine (Kim Novak) and Scottie (Jimmy Stewart) are virtually dwarfed by the “Father of the Forest” sequoia. What gives these trees such amazing growth potential and the ability to live for thousands of years? Let’s get to the root of this question together. Roots – Going The Distance Redwood tree roots grow out, not down like other trees. You’ll find these systems extending only six to twelve feet deep, often with the bulk of the growth closer to three feet beneath the soil’s surface. At a glance, such shallow growth might not seem like it can support forest behemoths that can grow between one hundred and fifty and three hundred feet tall. No Taproot Needed Unlike the thick taproot that becomes a carrot or the sometimes frustratingly long ones that support a dandelion, redwood seedlings don’t rely on these central, deep-diving anchors. That’s because their shallow root systems are able to get water and oxygen nearer to the surface of the soil where they grow. How Do Redwoods Get Water? Did you know that redwoods can make their own rain? Shallow roots mean these trees need a lot of moisture. Sure, groves along the California and Oregon coasts can count on winter rains, but they also “comb” fog during the summer months – collecting moisture on hanging branches and leaves and dripping it onto the soil. According to plant ecologist Todd Dawson, these trees get between one-fourth and one-half of their water this way. If that isn’t cool enough for you, terpenes released from their leaves can also help condense moisture, creating cooling clouds. It Takes A Grove To Grow A Redwood You’ve probably heard plenty of quotes and anecdotes championing the benefits of deep roots (any Tolkien fans out there?). Redwoods show us the advantages of shallow but far-reaching roots – they make it easier to … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 12, 2025 at 07:39PM

How Long are Tomato Roots? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/how-long-are-tomato-roots Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum) grow up to 3 feet long depending on which root system they have. I’ve always planted tomatoes in my garden after turning about one foot or more of the soil over with a pitchfork. I know, I’m pretty old school about that. I find that the tomato taproots grow deep and develop healthy root systems this way. If you want to plant tomatoes but don’t have room for a garden, you can plant them in containers or raised beds. You just need to make sure you have enough depth for the tomato roots to grow long. Learn more about how long tomato roots grow and the types of root systems they have. This will help you grow healthy plants and tomatoes. What Root System Do Tomato Plants Have? Tomato plants can have two different types of root systems. One is a taproot system and the other is a fibrous root system. It’s important to know the difference if you’re growing tomatoes in your garden, raised beds, or pots. Whether the tomato plant has a taproot or a fibrous root system depends on how it was germinated. If it grows from a seed, it develops the taproot. Plants that grow from cuttings develop a fibrous root system. What Are Taproots? A taproot is a large, central root. It is longer and wider than the lateral roots that grow off of it. Taproots grow deeper into the soil than fibrous roots. Since they’re so deep, they can hold the weight of large tomato plants. What Are Fibrous Roots? Fibrous roots are thin and stringy. They branch out and form a complex web of roots that stay near the topsoil. They look like fuzzy clumps of root hairs. These fine roots provide nutrients, moisture, and air circulation for your tomato plants. If you notice small bulbs on the ends of the roots, they’re for storing nitrogen. Why Do Tomato Roots Grow to Different Depths? When you plant different tomato varieties, you’ll see that their roots develop differently. Some tomato varieties grow roots deeper than others. … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 12, 2025 at 08:09AM

How Long Are Dandelion Roots? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/how-long-are-dandelion-roots The central tap-root of a dandelion grows up to 3 feet long, but for most dandelions, it’s 6 to 12 inches. If you’re like me, you have a love-hate relationship with dandelions. You might know them as puffballs, lion’s tooth, or monk’s head. The bright, yellow blooms are harbingers of springtime, which I yearn for after a cold winter. But, when they invade my lawn, I get out my dandelion puller tool. The thing is, I don’t just pull them and toss them into a compost pile. I take them inside, clean them off and eat them as a side dish with dinner or dehydrate the roots for later use. Did you know that you can eat all parts of the dandelion roots and leaves? But, if you’d rather not have pesky dandelions in your lawn, here’s what you need to know about dandelion roots, and how to get rid of them. What Is a Dandelion Taproot? The dandelion (Taxaracum officinale) is a hardy, perennial plant that grows in all kinds of soil conditions. The reason it’s so successful is because of its taproot. The tap-root grows deep into the soil, which protects the plant from several conditions, such as: Frost Heat Drought Overwatering Crowding The tap-root is the main root of the dandelion’s root system. It carries all the water and minerals into the plant. There are also root hairs that grow out of the large taproot. They are closer to the surface and absorb water and nutrients from the soil. The tap-root actually stores the nutrients and moisture that the dandelion needs to regrow. This is why the dandelion comes back even if you pull up the leaves and flower stems or mow them down. Will the Dandelion Die if the Taproot Breaks? If the dandelion taproot breaks, but a portion of the root is still intact, a new plant will grow. As little as one inch of the taproot can grow a new plant. I found this out the hard way when my hand-pulling was always futile. You have to remove the entire established … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 10, 2025 at 07:19PM

How Long are Pine Tree Roots? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/how-long-are-pine-tree-roots Pine trees are popular for landscaping because of their beautiful, evergreen needles and sturdy branches. Besides being attractive additions to any property, pine trees have many practical uses. For example, they can provide shade from the sun in the summer or a windbreak during the winter months. They also produce cones that make beautiful decorations. However, even with all these benefits, there is one downside: if you don’t care for the roots properly, your tree won’t flourish. What Are Pine Tree Roots and What Do They Do? Pine tree roots grow deep into the soil, searching for water and nutrients. They also anchor the tree in place and help to store food reserves. The length of a pine tree’s roots can vary depending on the soil type. The deeper the soil, the longer the roots will be. Most are about five to twenty feet, depending on the size and age of the tree. However, in dry or sandy soil with fewer nutrients, they can grow much longer. Some pine tree roots have been known to reach a depth of 40 feet or more. If you have a pine tree close to your home, the roots can sometimes cause damage to sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. That’s why it’s essential to plant your tree within enough distance from your home to provide shade but not cause any damage. Can Pine Tree Roots Damage Septic Systems? Pine tree roots can also be a problem for septic systems. If they grow too close, they can clog the system or even cause it to fail. Install septic systems with enough distance from pine trees (and any other type of tree) to protect them from damage. For problems with your septic system or any other underground plumbing and pine tree roots, you’ll need to contact a professional tree service. The company can inspect the area and develop a plan to remove the roots or entire tree to prevent damage to your septic system or provide the space to make repairs. Don’t fix a septic system with punctures or other damage on your own. You … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 10, 2025 at 07:39AM

Which Animals Have White Blood? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/which-animals-have-white-blood Blood is the fluid that carries oxygen and many nutrients around the body that are essential for the survival of humans and animals. But what some people might not know, is that not every blood is red. In fact, blood can come in different colors. Blood is made mostly of plasma, proteins, and other good stuff that are crucial for humans and animals that have different needs, which is why the color of the blood is not always the same. Why is Blood Red? Before we go through the list of which animals have white blood, we should understand why blood is usually red. Blood is usually red because it is created by red blood cells. But why are they red to start with? Well, inside those red blood cells, there’s a protein named hemoglobin (that helps to carry oxygen around the bloodstream), which gives blood its usual red color. However, in animals, this isn’t always the case, but why? Why do Animal’s Blood Have Different Colors? While humans have exclusively red blood, in the animal kingdom, blood is not always the same color. In fact, the blood in animals can come in other colors, like blue, purple, green, yellow, and even white! But why? Because some animals have a very unique blend of proteins in their blood that causes the different colors. This is usually because of the presence of different proteins and pigments that impact the color of the blood. And in some species, the presence of hemoglobin is not existent as some animals don’t need it to carry oxygen. But let’s find out which animals have white blood and why. Which Animals Have White Blood? Some types of fish and insects are among the animals that have white blood. This happens because their bodies have to adapt to different needs, which affects the presence of hemoglobin (the responsible inert oxygen carrier protein that makes the bloodred). But let’s find out which unique animals have white blood below! Crocodile Icefish The crocodile icefish’s blood, also known as Channichthyidae has no hemoglobin or red blood cells … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 08, 2025 at 08:04PM

How Long are Cactus Roots? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/how-long-are-cactus-roots The cactus is the king plant of the desert, or any desert environment. Cacti can be seen sprouting up in any region with an arid and hot climate. One consequence of the spread of American civilization in the West was the reclamation of large tracts of desert. But even where modern cities have been established, the conditions for growing cacti exist. Many urban and suburban residents of such regions have grown cacti in their gardens and communities. In many instances, this is done to better integrate the city with the environment. If you intend to do this, then you should gain insight into how cacti work. How Long Are Cactus Roots? The root system of a cactus is unique in that it is necessary for the plant to retrieve water from deep inside the ground and disperse it widely throughout its wide body. Cactus roots can grow as deep as three feet into the ground and up to three feet wide. Cacti are tough and resilient plants that have evolved to survive the harsh and inhospitable conditions of the desert. The roots adaptation system is one of the many techniques they have acquired to preserve themselves in the desert. The Importance of Cacti Roots Over the centuries, cacti have evolved to collect and store water for prolonged drought seasons. This is essential to their survival. Some have roots that are covered with thick and hairy layers that prevent the loss of water. Other cacti have a fibrous root system with connective tissues that spread out to collect as much water as possible. Knowing the different types of cacti roots is key to understanding how the plant grows and survives. Types of Cacti Roots Here are some of the many different types of cacti roots: 1. Taproots These are the most common types of roots found on the plant. Cacti send these long roots deep into the ground. Taproots are strong enough to provide stability and firm anchorage for the plant. The latter is vital to the survival of the plant, as cacti grow in climates filled with heavy wind and … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 08, 2025 at 07:19AM

Do Anteaters Eat Every Type of Ant? If Not Which Types? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/do-anteaters-eat-every-type-of-ant-if-not-which-types Anteaters are silly-looking mammals that fascinate anyone who looks at them. With their long snouts, slow-motion movements, and coarse and spiky hair, they’re quite interesting to watch. Anteaters live in Central and South America and get their name from their diets. Did you know that it’s possible to tell anteaters apart by their front claws? These claws, which are also known as thumbs or fingers, make it easy for the anteaters to tear open termite mounds or logs to reach the ants they love to eat. So, what kind of ants do anteaters eat? Do they prefer one type above another? Do they ever eat anything other than ants? Let’s find out! What do Anteaters Eat? As we all know, anteaters generally (and primarily) eat insects like termites, ants, and other small critters living in the dirt. They lick up these insects with their incredibly long tongues — anteater tongues can be up to two feet long! — that they can flick out of their mouths about 150 times a minute. These insects provide anteaters with all the protein and nutrients they need to survive. With strong claws, no ant-filled log or termite mound is a challenge a hungry anteater can’t overcome. What do Different Types of Anteaters Eat? Not everyone realizes that there are actually two main kinds of anteaters: the giant anteater and the lesser anteater (tamandua). The tamandua is smaller than the giant anteater, is most active at night, and has an unpleasant smell. In addition to these differences, the two types of anteaters also have slightly different diets. Giant Anteater’s Diet Giant anteaters mainly eat ants and termites, though it seems they prefer termites above ants. However, if they are in areas where termites are scarce, these anteaters will happily eat only ants. They do also like to indulge in fruit, eggs, carrion, and small lizards. However, they steer clear of hornet, wasp, and bee nests. Lesser Anteater’s Diet Lesser anteaters mostly only eat ants. But, if they can get their paws on them, they will also eat scorpions, grasshoppers, and spiders. Sometimes, … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 07, 2025 at 07:29PM

How Many Times Can a Snake Bite Until its Out of Venom? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/how-many-times-can-a-snake-bite-until-its-out-of-venom If you come face-to-face with a snake, you may be wondering just how many times it can bite you before it runs out of venom. For the vast majority of snakes, it’s highly unlikely that they will bite more than once. And when they do, they can decide how much venom they’ll inject into you. This is the reason that there are so many “dry-bites” where no venom is injected. As they’re shy and scared of humans, snakes will strike as a last resort and then attempt to make a getaway. Unless, of course, you make contact with a black mamba. Black mambas are nasty, vindictive snakes with the personality of a psychopath. They’ve been known to bite up to 12 times in a single attack! Their venom is extremely toxic, but they will inject up to 12 times as much venom as is needed to kill their prey. If you’re unfortunate enough to meet one of these slithery assassins, then you have about 20-30 minutes before you die after a bite. Not pleasant. Can Snakes Run Out of Venom? While it is unusual for a snake to bite more than once, it is possible and snakes do run out of venom. It can then take from a few days to some weeks to fully recharge their venom sacs. It is not always necessary for a snake to inject venom to kill its prey or to affect an escape. They are more than capable of inflicting serious wounds just with their bite alone. How Long Does it Take for a Snake to Replenish Its Venom? The complex process of producing venom depends to a large degree on how healthy and well-fed the snake is. Younger snakes take longer to produce venom than older, more mature snakes. Adult rattlesnakes can, for instance, replenish their venom in a matter of days, whereas younger members of the species can take a week or more to produce their venom. It is always best to assume that the snake has venom available rather than taking a chance and assuming that it has exhausted its supply.… Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 07, 2025 at 08:04AM

Which Animals Have Mates for Life? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/which-animals-have-mates-for-life Yes, several species mate for life, but you’re far more likely to find these rare couples sporting feathers rather than fur in the animal kingdom. According to BBC Earth, while up to 90% of bird species partner up for a lifetime, only 3 to 5% of mammals form monogamous relationships. So, who are these die-hard duos, and when we say mate for life, what does that really mean? The answers may surprise you. 10 Animal Species That Mate For Life Gray Wolves Eurasian Beavers California Mice Shingleback Skinks Parasitic Flatworms Black Vultures Barn Owls Bald Eagles Pacific Striped Octopuses Seahorses Grey Wolves – The Amorous Alphas The gray wolf partnership is just as much about status as it is about ensuring the longevity and stability of the pack. It’s easier for an alpha male to protect one mate from other pack members. With pack numbers seen as high as 30 in the wild, and the potential to mate lasting the entire lifetime of the luna or alpha female, keeping other potential suitors in check is essential. Only the male and female alpha, also known as “the breeding pair,” are permitted to reproduce. Eurasian Beavers – A Hardworking Relationship If you’re a she-beaver looking for love, you can’t depend on snaring your partner with one tasty “engagement chicken” and then kicking back and ordering take-out for the rest of your relationship. Male and female Eurasian beavers pair up in order to get enough tree bark to keep each other fed. This hardworking couple also shares housekeeping and parenting duties. California Mice – They Don’t Dare Cheat Is that lipstick on your collar?! OK, so mouse arguments probably don’t sound exactly like that but mated California mice are known to angrily bark at each other when separated and placed with other mice for a time. The good news for the calmer California mouse in a mated relationship? Couples who avoided these little tiffs or quickly decided to forgive and forget were more likely to produce healthy offspring. Shingleback Skinks – A Rare Reptilian Pair We’re not sure if it’s … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 05, 2025 at 07:39PM

Do Bears Live in the Same Den Year After Year? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/do-bears-live-in-the-same-den-year-after-year Bears do not usually live in the same den year after year. So, does that mean if you know where a bear has spent the winter, you are unlikely to see a shaggy black boar or a brown sow and her cubs emerging from the same cozy hole in winters to come? Not necessarily. Great Dens Are Repeat Retreats Can you imagine a lair used for thousands of years by so many generations of bears that the walls have been worn smooth by their passage? Dens can be used again and again, but not necessarily by the same bear. Fish and Game bear researcher LaVern Beier “followed one bear for 13 years, and he only used the same den two times, and it wasn’t two years in a row.” The North American Bear Center echos this sentiment: “the den that researchers found being used the most during four decades of study was used three times, each time by a different bear, and each time after an interval of six years.” How Do Bears Choose A Den? Since bears have home ranges anywhere from 50 square miles (for females) and 300 square miles (for males), they have a lot of territories to choose from. You’re more likely to see your favorite bruin sticking to spots close to where they sheltered the year before. Most Bear Dens Have Three Things In Common A North Facing Slope Protection From The Weather Well-Draining Soil “If It Ain’t Broke…” – Ursids Everywhere According to the National Forest Service, “Brown bears rely on past experience to choose den sites that maximize energy conservation.” In some environments, like the Arctic, it’s likely that last year’s hidey-hole has caved in by the time this year’s first cold snap hits. So, how far do these Kodiaks, Grizzlies, Cinnamons, or Kermodes actually travel from last winter’s digs? Females (Sows): Less Than 2 Miles Males (Boars): Less Than 4 Miles The Ideal Winter Hideaway Starts In Summertime Preparing for their long winter’s rest is no last-minute job, especially for pregnant females. Bears will spend warmer months searching out … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 05, 2025 at 07:49AM

How Long Do Bears Hibernate? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/how-long-do-bears-hibernate How long bears hibernate depends on where the bear lives. From mountaintops to tropical forests, believe it or not, bears of the same species living in different environments will hibernate for different periods of time. Some bears don’t hibernate at all, while others can stay in their dens for up to eight months. Learn more about who’s most likely to be snoozing during snowy weather and who can be seen lumbering through their forest homes year-round. How Do Bears Change During Hibernation? Slowed Breathing Slowed Heart Rate Slightly Lower Body Temperature Lower Energy Use & Production No Need To Eat, Drink, Or Produce Waste Bears – The Super Hibernators Torpor, light hibernation, carnivore lethargy – there are a lot of ways to say that bears are not “true hibernators.” One of the main differences between states like torpor and the way say a bat spends the season of snow and ice is how easy they are to wake up. Bears can wake up quickly in response to a perceived threat, like a flood or predator. As scientists learn more and more about their winter denning habits and unique physical adaptations, however, many now consider bears to be super hibernators. The 5 Stages Of Bear Hibernation & Activity Hibernation – Dormant, But Can Waken Quickly Walking Hibernation – Awake, But Eating & Drinking Less Normal Activity Hyperphagia – Putting On The Pounds Fall Transition – Eating Less, Sleeping More Types Of Bears That Hibernate You can find hibernating bears everywhere, from the Arctic to North America to Asia. The colder the climate and the scarcer the food availability during wintertime, the more likely the species is to den up and the longer they do it. So, who are these super hibernators? American Black Bears According to Bearwise.org, American black bears “inhabit forests of at least 40 of the 50 states.” So, while inhabitants of the southernmost states and Mexico may forgo their long winter sleep, northern black bears can hibernate for over seven months. Fun fact, male and female bears hibernate separately. Females often den sooner and leave later in … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 03, 2025 at 07:19PM

How Long are Avocado Plant Roots? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/how-long-are-avocado-plant-roots Gardening can be a rewarding and relaxing pasttime. If, like me, you work in a job that keeps you still and sedentary, if you are chained to a desk for the better part of the day, you should take up gardening. It is nice to go into the air and sun and dig your hands into the earth to plant a few seeds. Not all your endeavors need to end with decorative plants and flowers. Depending on where you live, the quality of your soil, and the size of your garden, you may be able to grow fruits and vegetables that you can eat. I like to grow avocados in my garden. There are a great many dishes that can be made with them. They can also be served as a main dish on their own, and I have discovered a range of dishes that make this possible. The avocado is as good a plant as any to start a gardening hobby. However, you should know something about the plant and how to grow, nurture, and care for it. How Long Are Avocado Plant Roots? Avocado is native to warm and arid areas of North and South America. Hardier forms of it grow in subtropical climates such as California, Hawaii, Florida, and the Mediterranean. Plants and trees grow by sprouting roots and taking nutrients from the earth. When growing anything in your garden, you must know how long and wide such roots will grow. This can affect other structures in your backyard and the gardens of homes next to yours. Most avocado feeder roots grow in the top 6 inches of soil. However, it is important to keep in mind that the roots grow outward in all directions, reaching well beyond the avocado tree itself. The avocado plant prefers loose and well-drained soil, and it is highly tolerant of acidic and alkaline soil conditions. Caring for Avocado Roots Avocado roots are relatively shallow. This makes the plant vulnerable to damage from large amounts of rain, flooding, and overwatering. If the plant remains wet for too long, it will lose … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home November 03, 2025 at 07:24AM

How Long are Bamboo Roots? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/how-long-are-bamboo-roots Bamboo is a great plant to have in your garden but if the roots are not maintained well enough, they may spread extremely quickly and cause damage. If you wish to eliminate the bamboo plant or regulate its roots, the first thing you need to do is determine how long the roots are in the first place. Don’t worry, I will explain how long bamboo roots are and everything else you need to know about them in the following post. “The first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps, the third year it leaps.” How Long Are Bamboo Roots? The most important thing to know is that bamboo roots are typically thin and fibrous, and they may grow as long as 2 to 3 feet. A bamboo plant has rhizomes, (the component of the plant that spreads), which are normally just a few inches deep, seldom exceeding 12 inches. If you prune your trees yearly, you will have an easier time finding them. Even though certain varieties of bamboo plants grow longer roots or shorter than others, the majority of the varieties do not grow more than 3 feet. In addition, the rhizomes will never grow deeper than 12 inches. If bamboo roots are not controlled, they may develop quite quickly. Based on the kind of bamboo plant used, you may find that the roots may even grow as long as 5 feet. Other bamboo roots also grow about 2 and 6 feet every year, depending on the kind of bamboo being used. These figures are quite broad; nonetheless, they are strongly influenced by the zone in which your bamboo plants are growing as well as the kind of bamboo that is growing in your garden. What Can I Do to Keep My Bamboo Roots Under Control? The most straightforward method of controlling bamboo is to restrict the size of the area in which its rhizomes (roots) may expand. If you keep rhizomes under control and prune back undesired new shoots, you may enable them to develop without having to worry about spreading. Furthermore, the area in which … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://bit.ly/4nzFDZ6 November 01, 2025 at 07:54PM

Is There a Point at Which Polar Bears will Get Cold? What is it? https://bit.ly/4qHVOpi Polar bears live in the arctic, hang out on slabs of ice, and snack on sea lions. Ultimately, slabs of ice are a big part of what polar bears call home, they live their lives floating around on them. But because the ice continually shifts and moves, so do the bears and they can be found in countries within the arctic region from Alaska, Canada, and Russia to Norway. Polar bears are well adapted to life in extremely cold weather, but do they always stay cozy underneath all that fur and blubber? I want to figure out whether polar bears ever get cold, but to do that I first need to understand how they stay so warm in the first place. How Does a Polar Bear Survive in Freezing Temperatures? Polar bears have a few things to keep them snug in those freezing conditions including: A thick fur-coat Layers of blubber A wicked fast metabolism A small body surface area to volume ratio helps to minimize heat loss The fur coat acts as a barrier to keep out the cold and the layer of blubber functions as insulation. Blubber helps the polar bear maintain its body temperature, allowing it to remain at a comfortable 98.6 F. And a polar bear’s super-fast metabolism generates heat, helping it stay warm in a below-freezing climate. Other adaptations that help a polar bear survive to include: A white appearance helps it camouflage in the snow when hunting its prey Large feet help it balance and grip the ice The polar bear has adapted to its environment in several ways, but a primary trait (and probably its most significant) is its ability to retain warmth, to survive the subfreezing temperatures of its environment. While other survival traits are important, if a polar bear cannot stay warm, it will face a bigger problem than forgetting to bring a sweater. If a polar bear’s body loses the ability to retain heat, the polar bear will not survive. What Might Limit a Polar Bear’s Ability to Retain Heat? To figure out whether polar bears can … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://bit.ly/4nzFDZ6 November 01, 2025 at 07:59AM

Which Animals Have Blue Blood? https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home/which-animals-have-blue-blood Which color do you imagine when you think of blood? Of course, many people think of red since that is the color of human blood and blood for most animals. But, do you know blood also comes in many colors apart from red? If you’ve ever done an injustice to a fly or caterpillar, then you know what I’m talking about. Was it green? Blue? or perhaps red?….. Well, in an actual sense, several animals out there have different colors of this life-giving fluid. Today, we talk about blue blood. Let’s find out why blood can be blue: Why Do Some Animals Have Blue Blood? Octopuses, snails, horseshoe crabs, and spiders have one thing in common. All of them have blue blood! But why is their blood blue and not red? This is because octopuses, snails, and spiders, unlike mammals, don’t use hemoglobin to carry oxygen in their bodies. Instead, they use a related compound called hemocyanin. Rather than having an iron atom in its middle, this molecule has a copper atom that binds oxygen. It absorbs all colors apart from blue, reflecting and making the blood of these creatures appear blue. 7 Animals With Blue Blood Blood being blue depends on the presence of hemocyanin in place of hemoglobin. Let’s discuss several animals whose blood appears blue due to this factor. 1. Scorpions Some scorpions have blue blood due to the high level of hemocyanin in the blood, for instance, the Emperor Scorpion. This is the largest in the scorpion family. Scorpions eat various insects, spiders, lizards, and even other scorpions. They eat small mammals also, such as mice but can live for months without food, only water. Scorpions are on every continent, excluding Antarctica. They are found in habitats ranging from grasslands to tropical rainforests and deserts. 2. Octopuses Octopuses have blue blood filled with hemocyanin. Hemocyanin works better than hemoglobin in deep-sea environments where oxygen is poor. Octopuses use hemocyanin, the copper-laden protein, to remain alive in the cold, deep, anoxic waters. In addition, hemocyanin helps the antennae critters control the salt content of their … Read the rest of the story. via NATURE NIBBLE BLOG - Home https://naturenibble.weebly.com/home October 31, 2025 at 07:14PM