The walnut sized brain of the African grey parrot may actually be capable of comprehending abstract mathematical concepts. The bird seems to understand a numerical concept akin to zero--an abstract notion that humans don't typically understand until they are three or four years old. Alex, the 28-year-old parrot who lives in a Brandeis University…

The protocols used in a research project on amphibian and reptile diversity at Cool Springs Environmental Education Center near New Bern, North Carolina is described. An increasing or stable number of amphibians and reptiles would indicate that the forest has a balance of invertebrates, leaf litter, moisture, pH, debris, burrows and habitat…

Every schoolyard presents a wealth of opportunities for science exploration. To capitalize on this resource, the authors developed an activity in which students assessed whether their schoolyard could provide a viable habitat for treefrogs. This inquiry-based module was composed of three lessons: A Hoppin' Treefrog Adventure, Field Research Means…

Previous research in a water-reinforced instrumental training situation with toads ("Bufo arenarum") has shown that performance in both acquisition and extinction is poorer after partial, rather than continuous reinforcement training. In Experiment 1, the performance of a group receiving 24 trials on a 50% partial reinforcement schedule was poorer…

This is the second program in the Science Safari series produced by the Fairfax Network of the Fairfax County Public Schools. The series and the accompanying print materials are designed to show students a broad spectrum of animal life, introduce students to a variety of people who work with animals, and help students become aware of the important…

Presented are descriptions of and information about various endangered species in Wisconsin. They include: the timber wolf (Canis lupus lycaon); Forester's tern (Sterna forsteri); the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis); Higgins' eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii); the piping plover (Charadrius melodus); the osprey (Pandion haliaetus); the…

The bibliographies in this series constitute a preliminary guide to the circulating and reference Alaskana collection of the Elmer E. Rasmuson library at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. The material was selected using the triple criteria of information value, availability, and suitability for a small general interest collection. No childrens'…

Presented are eight abstracts of a symposium held in conjunction with the American Physiological Society (APS) and the American Society of Zoologists (ASZ). Fish gill structure and function, renal function, acid-base balance and ionic sensitivity are topics discussed. (EB)

Describes some unique features of marsupial reproduction which include (1) chromosomal sex determination, (2) reproductive system, (3) birth, (4) location, and (5) embryonic diapause. These features suggest that viviparity evolved separately in eutherian and marsupial stocks after their derivation from a common oviparous ancestor. Bibliography.…

Discusses discoveries made during 1976 in various areas of invertebrate paleontology. (MLH)

Describes discoveries made in 1976 in areas of vertebrate paleontology, including research indicating that dinosaurs were warm-blooded. (MLH)

A comprehensive discussion of the biological activity in tidal pools is provided. The importance of environmental factors such as oxygen supply, temperature, salinity, and light is detailed. Plants and animals that might be found in a tidal pool are identified and described. (BT)

A comprehensive discussion of the free-living worms that inhabit the beaches and subtidal bottoms of the Cape Cod shoreline is presented. Methods for the location, collection, preservation, and identification of sea worms are identified. (BT)

Includes a description of a program designed to help students better recognize a wide variety of life forms and understand their important role in the ecosystem. Discusses the program format and observations about the program's effectiveness. A sample natural history sheet is also provided. (ZWH)

Argues that media representations of the animal kingdom can be erroneous. Illustrates that point using Albrecht Durer's drawing of a rhinoceros in 1515 that depicted the animal in a suit of medieval armor. Recants the argument after learning that the depiction is a fairly accurate account of the Indian rhinoceros. (MDH)