Happy Mother’s day to all you motherly identifying caregivers out there! I’m dedicating this post on one of my favorite marine animals to my own mother who is a huge support in my blog writing. She takes the time to read all my articles before posting them to not only spell check, but also makeContinue reading “The Real Octopus Mother”
Author Archives: Courtney Holly
Frogs, They Are A-Changin: a story of metamorphosis
Amphibians (frogs, salamanders, and caecilians) go through a process of development called metamorphosis. They are the only vertebrates (they have a backbone) to complete true metamorphosis although some fish, such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) go through a partial metamorphosis too. That said, many species of marine invertebrates (no backbone… or bones at all) go throughContinue reading “Frogs, They Are A-Changin: a story of metamorphosis”
Beat of the Stream
I wrote this in 2012 while spending time in nature at Schmeeckle Reserve in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. There is a wetland area called Moses Creek that was renovated in 2010. Since the renovation had been completed it was one of my favorite places to go to escape into nature. It was so easy for meContinue reading “Beat of the Stream”
Nyctinastic Maneuvers in the Dark
Plants can and do move! Aside from growth, some plants can move in response to the environment around them. One of the coolest movements, in my opinion, is nyctinastic movements. By definition: Nyctinasty – (Nic-ti -nasty), is a type of movement where plants close their leaves at night and open them during the day (1,2).Continue reading “Nyctinastic Maneuvers in the Dark”
To Amphibian and Beyond! What Actually are Frogs and Who are Their Amphibian Friends?
I’ve written about amphibians before but what actually is an amphibian? What makes a salamander an amphibian and a lizard not an amphibian? Lizards are reptiles, by the way. The Naming System Humans have created a naming and categorizing system for all living things. It is called scientific nomenclature. It starts with a very broadContinue reading “To Amphibian and Beyond! What Actually are Frogs and Who are Their Amphibian Friends?”
Only You Can Help the Scientists through Citizen Science!
Do you like hiking or walking outdoors? Do you enjoy watching birds at the birdfeeder? Do you enjoy the beauty of all the wildflowers? Are you fascinated with space? Do you like knowing the water in your nearby stream is clean? Do you want to make a difference for our planet? Then become a CitizenContinue reading “Only You Can Help the Scientists through Citizen Science!”
Chow Down like an Amphibian
The way larval water-dwelling amphibians eat is quite different from that of their land-dwelling well aged counterparts. Larval Salamander Feeding Larval aquatic amphibians suck in their prey much like a vacuum, this is called negative pressure (1). Think about when you were a kid (or possibly even now) and you lined up M&Ms on theContinue reading “Chow Down like an Amphibian”
The Great Traveler
One morning you wake up and as you step out of your warm cozy bed you realize it is cold! It is the first day of the year that you turn the heat on in your house. You step outside with your jacket on and the smell of autumn is in the air and youContinue reading “The Great Traveler”
Adventures with Adams
The eerie mist slowly rolls across the dirt path playing in my headlights providing the only light along the forested roads. I hear the Spring Peepers still playing in my head, louder than when I was standing outside listening for them. When we stop to listen at our next site we jump out of theContinue reading “Adventures with Adams”
Introductions
The Early Years Hi, I am Courtney! I grew up in rural Wisconsin running through fields and ponds catching frogs and butterflies. I probably knew how to identify critters in a field guide before I could fully read. When people asked me the ultimate question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”,Continue reading “Introductions”
Courtney The Frogologist 