Knowledge Point 01: Fireflies’ Luminescence Originates from the Light-Emitting Organ at the Tip of Their Abdomen
Fireflies are equipped with a light-emitting organ at the tip of their abdomen, which contains phosphorus-based luminescent substances and enzymes, capable of emitting flickering light for illumination, mating, warning, and prey trapping.
Detailed Explanation: The luminescent phenomenon of fireflies is a fascinating spectacle in nature. They emit light in the dark due to a special light-emitting organ located at the tip of their abdomen. This organ is filled with phosphorus-containing luminescent substances and luminescent enzymes, which produce light through chemical reactions. The uses of firefly luminescence are diverse, ranging from illuminating the surrounding environment to serving as mating signals, or for warning and prey trapping. Different species of fireflies exhibit varying luminescent patterns, frequencies, and colors, allowing them to convey different information and achieve effective interspecies communication.
Knowledge Point 02: Ostriches Cannot Fly Due to Their Soft Feathers, Small Wings, and Underdeveloped Muscles
Ostriches have a large body size, soft feathers, small wings, underdeveloped muscles, and a flat breastbone, which collectively determine their inability to fly and instead adapt to desert life.
Detailed Explanation: Ostriches are a unique presence among birds. Despite possessing wings, they cannot soar in the sky like other birds. This is mainly due to their soft feathers and relatively small wings, which cannot provide sufficient lift. Additionally, their muscles are underdeveloped, and their breastbone is flat, unable to provide powerful support for flight. These characteristics collectively determine the fate of ostriches being unable to fly. However, ostriches have evolved special abilities to adapt to desert environments, such as strong legs and drought-tolerant constitutions, enabling them to run and forage freely in the desert.
Knowledge Point 03: Lizards Can Regenerate Their Tails After Losing Them
When lizards are attacked, their tails can break off due to intense muscle contraction. The detached tail still has neural activity and can bounce to distract enemies, and the tail can regenerate.
Detailed Explanation: Lizards are reptiles with unique defensive mechanisms. When attacked by predators, their tails can quickly break off due to intense muscle contraction. This behavior, though seemingly cruel, is full of wisdom.
The detached tail still retains some neural activity and can continue to bounce, distracting the enemy and giving the lizard a chance to escape.
Even more amazingly, lizards have the ability to regenerate their tails. Within a few months, they can grow a new tail to continue providing protection and balance support.
Knowledge Point 04: Squirrels’ Large Tails Help Them Balance on Trees and Keep Warm
Squirrels’ large tails serve as a balancer when jumping on trees, preventing them from falling and getting injured, and also tightly wrap around their bodies to keep warm in winter.
Detailed Explanation: Squirrels are small mammals that live in trees, and their large tails play a crucial role in their survival. When jumping on trees, their large tails act as a natural balancer, helping them maintain stability and prevent falls and injuries.
Additionally, in cold winters, squirrels’ large tails can tightly wrap around their bodies to provide warmth. This unique physiological feature allows squirrels to survive in various harsh environments, demonstrating their strong adaptability and survival wisdom.
