Galiano NaturalistsGaliano
Island, British Columbia
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NATURAL MYSTERIES Here's a list of some questions about nature that we've wondered about. As we learn the answers they will be published in the Galiano Naturalists' column in Galiano's monthly Active Page. If you have an answer for one of these questions, or have a question to add, please send an email to galianonaturalists@gulfislands.com Why do some birds travel
in flocks (siskins) and others are single or in pairs (ravens)? What is the advantage for
nuthatches to go down a tree head first? When a particular bird
has several calls, does each call serve a special purpose or are they
just enjoying themselves? Just past the end of Georgia
View Road there is a tall conifer with a different kind of growth close
to the top. Does anyone know what this is? Mushrooms are often able
to push up through heavy soil, rocks-- even blacktop! Does anyone know
how? And how many pounds per square inch they can lift? Do pelicans visit the Gulf
Islands? Does anyone know of living
brachiopods in Galiano's inter-tidal zone? Florida gets hurricanes.
Japan gets typhoons: What's the difference between the two? Why do turtles sun themselves? When it rains do wet birds
have trouble flying? Why do raccoons "wash"
their food? Why does Arbutus bark peel?
And how does the tree survive without bark? (These are 2 separate questions
combined) What is the correct geological
term for the pock-marked, crater-like sandstone formations we find along
the East side of the island? How come birds' feet don't
freeze when they stand around on icy shores? Why do ravens barrel roll?
Are they just having fun? Why do newts cross the
road (Vineyard Way) in the fall? Why are white caps white--
even on grey days? Why were so many ancient
mammals so huge? (The giant sloth, the great elk for instance). And why
were some, like the pygmy horses, so small? Why do mosquito bites itch? Why are butterflies called
butterflies? They don't eat butter. They aren't made of butter. How do seeds know which
way to grow? How does moss form? What is sap? And how does it get to the top of even very tall trees?
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