Answerbag: Erin Albrecht's answers

Answer to Would you saw your own leg off to escape from a trap that would mean infinite captivity otherwise?

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 10:45:36 -0800

Would you saw your own leg off to escape from a trap that would mean infinite captivity otherwise?

That depends - is my leg caught in the trap? I don't want to be sawing off any appendages that aren't entrapped. Plus, what's the guarantee that I'll find an escape route after lopping off a limb? I think self-amputation would probably just hasten death rather than permit...

Answer to What does the abbreviated book title "Consid. Gen. Anim. Crust. Arach. Ins." mean?

Fri, 18 Aug 2006 10:46:44 -0700

What does the abbreviated book title "Consid. Gen. Anim. Crust. Arach. Ins." mean?

I found the answer not long after I posted the question. In case anyone else wonders what the title is, it's "Considerations generales sur l'Ordre Naturel des Animaux Composant les Classes des Crustacea, des Arachnides, et des Insectes" What a mouthful!

Answer to Why do Amish dolls have blank (totally bare) faces?

Sun, 09 Apr 2006 09:23:56 -0700

Why do Amish dolls have blank (totally bare) faces?

"As most people know, Amish children often played with faceless dolls. While there are explanations for the lack of a face having to do with the doll�s becoming a 'likeness,' others say it was simply a custom. Today it is common for the Amish to buy or make dolls with faces, and...

Answer to What are the contraindications for taking Viagra?

Fri, 07 Apr 2006 13:28:06 -0700

What are the contraindications for taking Viagra?

Rather than just cutting and pasting information off another website, I thought I would take a few minutes and write things out in my own words. The contraindications for taking Viagra are 1) hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the tablet; and 2) the regular or intermittent use of...

Answer to Are diamonds the most expensive stone?

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 07:37:51 -0700

Are diamonds the most expensive stone?

Seems nobody likes my answer, even though it's right. Oh well... Please delete this!

Answer to I found a white round pill with the number 25 on one side and the word "TOP" on the other. What is it?

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 18:03:50 -0800

I found a white round pill with the number 25 on one side and the word "TOP" on the other. What is it?

Your mystery pill is a 25 milligram tablet of Topamax, a migraine medication. Image of the pill: http://www.wallsrx.com/services/cpident.cfm?CPNum=821&folder=003&photo=topa001t More information: http://www.topamax.com/

Answer to Once, twice, thrice...what comes next?

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 10:39:09 -0800

Once, twice, thrice...what comes next?

Nothing comes next, as there are no more terms in this sequence. You'll just have to use "four times," "five times," and so on for anything more than thrice! And no, "quince" is not "five times" -- it's a fruit. ;-) ...

Answer to I found a small magenta colored oval tablet with a B imprinted on one side and WL 25 on the other. What is it?

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 18:36:48 -0800

I found a small magenta colored oval tablet with a B imprinted on one side and WL 25 on the other. What is it?

The pill in question is a 25 mg Benadryl Allergy Ultratab Tablet. [http://www.wallsrx.com/services/cpident.cfm]

Answer to Why do some people pluralize the word virus as "virii"?

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 16:33:02 -0800

Why do some people pluralize the word virus as "virii"?

From http://linuxmafia.com/~rick/faq/plural-of-virus.html: "Those confused souls who write virii are tacitly positing the existence of the non-word virius, and declining it as though it were like filius. It's true that l/r are both linguals that sometimes get interchanged, and that...

Answer to What is the difference between "yougurt" and "yakult"?

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 14:09:51 -0800

What is the difference between "yougurt" and "yakult"?

Yogurt (yoghurt) is a thick, gelatinous substance produced by the fermentation of sugars in milk. It commonly contains cultures of Streptococcus salivarius, S. thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. casei and L. bifidus. There is a drinkable form called kefir, but yogurt is...

Answer to I was hit in my left eye and light now bothers it. What should I do?

Sat, 04 Feb 2006 14:21:45 -0800

I was hit in my left eye and light now bothers it. What should I do?

You should visit an ophthalmologist to ensure there is not a serious problem with your eye. You could have anything from an abraded cornea to a detached retina, but without professional examination there's no way of knowing.

Answer to What is the highest temperature at which a housefly can survive?

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 09:14:49 -0800

What is the highest temperature at which a housefly can survive?

According to G.L. Clarke's _The Biology of Populations_, the maximum survival temperature for the housefly (Musca domestica) is 46.5 degrees Celsius.

Answer to What is the highest temperature ever produced in a laboratory?

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 08:39:55 -0800

What is the highest temperature ever produced in a laboratory?

The highest temperature ever produced in a laboratory was 9.2x10^8 degrees Fahrenheit (5.11x10^8 C) at the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor in Princeton, New Jersey. [From http://www.hightechscience.org/funfacts.htm]

Answer to I can see a mole developing on my face. How can I prevent it from growing?

Tue, 31 Jan 2006 10:21:52 -0800

I can see a mole developing on my face. How can I prevent it from growing?

If you're seeing a mole developing, you might want to get that checked out by a dermatologist. Advice on the internet will not help you if it turns out to be a melanoma!

Answer to What are mycorrhizae?

Sat, 28 Jan 2006 10:20:19 -0800

What are mycorrhizae?

Mycorrhizae, a term derived from the Greek for �fungus root,� are a symbiotic relationship between soil-dwelling fungi and the roots of a plant. In this partnership, the fungus obtains carbon from the plant while facilitating the uptake of inorganic nutrients from the soil. The fungal hyphae...

Answer to At the moment of death, is there a detectable loss of mass to the body that is unexplainable in physical terms?

Sat, 28 Jan 2006 07:46:57 -0800

At the moment of death, is there a detectable loss of mass to the body that is unexplainable in physical terms?

According to http://www.snopes.com/religion/soulweight.asp, a Dr. Duncan MacDougall performed this experiment in 1907. His measurements of the "weight of the soul" varied significantly across the six trials he performed (of which two were discarded due to equipment failure)....

Answer to What are primary and secondary succession?

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 18:07:21 -0800

What are primary and secondary succession?

Primary succession occurs when a major, catastrophic disturbance (glacial retreat, volcanic eruptions, etc.) destroys all the plants in an area, allowing other species to colonize. The initial colonists on a severely disturbed site vary depending on the nature of the substrate: smooth, bare...

Answer to What is the most fragrant jasmine plant?

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 14:16:49 -0800

What is the most fragrant jasmine plant?

This is very subjective -- what I find to be the most fragrant jasmine plant may not be the same one you would choose. I can give you suggestions, but ultimately you need to smell the jasmine plants for themselves and decide which has the most appealing fragrance. Here are a few that many...

Answer to What is an ombrotrophic bog?

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 09:02:34 -0800

What is an ombrotrophic bog?

An ombrotrophic bog is an area of wet, spongy, peat-forming ground that derives its water supply and nutrients directly from rainfall. As a result, these bogs are very acidic (pH less than or equal to 4) and low in nutrients. They are generally dominated by Sphagnum mosses, black spruce, and...

Answer to Both my parents have A positive blood, and I am O negative. Is this possible?

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 12:01:40 -0800

Both my parents have A positive blood, and I am O negative. Is this possible?

Yes, this is possible. The four bloodtypes (A, B, AB, and O) can be represented as follows: A = AA, AO B = BB, BO AB = AB O = OO If both your parents are AO, then there is a 1/4 chance for you to have type O blood. If either parent was AA, then it is impossible for you to have type O...

Answer to My habanero plant has small white and red bugs with wings on the flowers and stems. What are these bugs and how can I keep them off my plant?

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 13:09:29 -0800

My habanero plant has small white and red bugs with wings on the flowers and stems. What are these bugs and how can I keep them off my plant?

Without seeing a picture of these insects, it is impossible to tell what they are. You may want to head over to http://www.bugguide.net and post images there; someone should be able to identify them quickly. Or you could send them to the e-mail address in my profile! ;-) Without any more...

Answer to I'm terrified of bees. Are there any types of shrubs or small trees (4- 8 ft) that do not attract bees, wasps etc.?

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 09:37:01 -0800

I'm terrified of bees. Are there any types of shrubs or small trees (4- 8 ft) that do not attract bees, wasps etc.?

Unfortunately, you don't have a lot of options here. You could plant clumping bamboo, Japanese maples, dwarf conifers, witch hazel, or certain trees in the genus Prunus. Some plants that do not attract bees include dianthus, geraniums, chrysanthemums, marigolds, strawflowers, some zinnias,...

Answer to What plant families have stems that are square in cross section?

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 22:28:12 -0800

What plant families have stems that are square in cross section?

I can think of four common families that have tetragonal stems: * Lamiaceae (Labiatae), the mint family, * Lythraceae, the loosestrife family, * Rubiaceae, the madder family, and * Urticaceae, the nettle family. Of these, only the Lamiaceae can claim the four-angled stem as one of its...

Answer to Can blind people tell the difference between night and day?

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 13:58:20 -0800

Can blind people tell the difference between night and day?

The other answers here are excellent and well written. However, I would like to add this little tidbit: David Berson, professor of neuroscience at Brown University, recently discovered a new class of photoreceptor called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). These...

Answer to Why are assassins commonly referred to by their first, middle, and last names?

Tue, 03 Jan 2006 11:53:33 -0800

Why are assassins commonly referred to by their first, middle, and last names?

If you take a look at Wikipedia's list of assassins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_assassins), you'll see that more assassins are referred to by just first and last name rather than first, middle, and last. Perhaps it seems that assassins are referred to by their full name...

Answer to How old is the earth?

Tue, 03 Jan 2006 10:38:10 -0800

How old is the earth?

Most scientists accept the Earth to be approximately 4.5-4.6 billion years old. Evidence for this age comes from * Radiometric dating of rocks in Greenland, Australia, and the Great Lakes region of North America, * Radiometric dating of zircon crystals in Australian rocks, * Dating of moon...

Answer to What is the difference between sedges, rushes, and grasses?

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 12:58:13 -0800

What is the difference between sedges, rushes, and grasses?

When I was an undergraduate, one of my professors shared a little ditty with the class: "Sedges have edges/Rushes are round/Grasses have nodes from the top to the ground" (or "Grass is what we smoke when the prof's not around"). Sedges (Cyperaceae) are monocots with a...

Answer to What are the causes of an oversized liver, and are there any remedies?

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 12:14:31 -0800

What are the causes of an oversized liver, and are there any remedies?

An enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) can have various causes. Some of these include * Chronic alcohol use, * Hepatitis A, B and C, * Certain other infections, * Congestive heart failure, * Infectious mononucleosis, * Leukemia, * Tumors, * Glycogen storage disease, * Metabolic disorders,...

Answer to Can a quadraplegic perform a patellar reflex, and can they sense the tap that causes it?

Sat, 05 Nov 2005 09:55:26 -0800

Can a quadraplegic perform a patellar reflex, and can they sense the tap that causes it?

This question is perhaps best answered on a case-by-case basis. I can merely make generalizations here. A quadriplegic may be able to perform a patellar reflex but not sense the tap that causes it. Spinal cord damage, regardless of the cause, will lead to exaggerated, distorted, or absent...

Answer to How do hissing cockroaches hiss?

Wed, 05 Oct 2005 16:43:07 -0700

How do hissing cockroaches hiss?

Hissing cockroaches produce their characteristic hiss by forcibly expelling air through a pair of abdominal spiracles. Males hiss in courtship displays and in aggressive encounters with other males. Both sexes hiss when disturbed.

Answer to Are there any sites I can use that will help me identify spiders?

Sat, 24 Sep 2005 17:04:05 -0700

Are there any sites I can use that will help me identify spiders?

Spiders are notoriously difficult to identify beyond family without resorting to microscopy, dissection, and lots of reference books. However, if you are content identifying them to family, http://www.bugguide.net is an excellent resource for sussing out the identity of the spider in question....

Answer to How many variations are there of the black widow spider?

Thu, 25 Aug 2005 12:14:07 -0700

How many variations are there of the black widow spider?

According to entomologist Jeremy Miller of the Smithsonian Institution, there are at least 22 species of black widow spider in the world. In 1959, the arachnidologist H.W. Levi contended that most of the distinct species of widows were in fact Latrodectus mactans and reduced the number of...

Answer to How can I keep bananas from turning brown so quickly?

Thu, 25 Aug 2005 11:35:26 -0700

How can I keep bananas from turning brown so quickly?

To keep the flesh of a peeled banana from turning brown, mist it or dip it in the juice of an acidic fruit such as lemon, lime, orange, or pineapple. There are also commercial preparations such as Ever-Fresh and Fruit-Fresh, which have a similar effect. Store bananas away from other fruits, as...

Answer to Do insects have eyelids?

Wed, 11 May 2005 07:12:00 -0700

Do insects have eyelids?

No, insects do not have eyelids.

Answer to Where on Earth can the entire geological column be observed?

Sat, 07 May 2005 11:07:52 -0700

Where on Earth can the entire geological column be observed?

The entire geological column, showing the Precambrian and the 11 periods of the Phanerozoic eon (Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Tertiary, Quaternary), can be observed in 31 basins worldwide. These areas are: * Ghadames Basin...

Answer to I know that a baby's eye colour can change, can it change a second time later in life?

Sat, 07 May 2005 10:56:34 -0700

I know that a baby's eye colour can change, can it change a second time later in life?

Yes, it is possible for eye color to change later in life. Eye color change is most commonly related to aging, but can also result from disease or the use of certain medications. Some uncommon causes of eye color change in adults include * Fuch�s heterochromic iridocyclitis * Horner�s...

Answer to What is the name of the 80s rock song with the lyrics "All I want to do is run my fingers through your hair, through your hair....oohh through your hair"?

Fri, 29 Apr 2005 12:41:39 -0700

What is the name of the 80s rock song with the lyrics "All I want to do is run my fingers through your hair, through your hair....oohh through your hair"?

The song is "It's Your Life" (album "Get Lucky") by Loverboy. The lyrics are: Would it be too much to ask you for a light? Or is that the kind of thing that always ends up in a fight? How come you think that everybody's on the make? But if we carry on this...

Answer to How does the United States government decide which plants qualify as "noxious weeds"?

Thu, 28 Apr 2005 10:25:23 -0700

How does the United States government decide which plants qualify as "noxious weeds"?

The term "noxious weed" is defined in section 403 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702(10)) as "any plant or plant product that can directly or indirectly injure or cause damage to crops (including nursery stock or plant products), livestock, poultry, or other interests of...

Answer to Why do some overweight people have dark patches of skin around the neck?

Wed, 27 Apr 2005 19:08:40 -0700

Why do some overweight people have dark patches of skin around the neck?

This condition is known as "acanthosis nigricans" and is thought to be caused by "insulin spillover" that causes the skin to thicken. People with this condition should have their insulin level checked to ensure they do not have insulin-resistance, diabetes, or a tumor. ...

Answer to Are there any foods that should be avoided during pregnancy? What are they?

Sun, 24 Apr 2005 13:20:12 -0700

Are there any foods that should be avoided during pregnancy? What are they?

Yes, there are a number of foods that should be avoided or eaten in moderation during pregnancy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends pregnant women avoid hot dogs or luncheon meats unless they are reheated until steaming hot; soft cheeses such as feta, brie, Camembert, Roquefort,...

Answer to Why are pregnant women advised not to handle broken tablets of Propecia?

Sun, 24 Apr 2005 11:15:54 -0700

Why are pregnant women advised not to handle broken tablets of Propecia?

Pregnant women are advised not to handle broken tablets of Propecia (finasteride) because this medication can cause birth defects in male babies. Finasteride is an enzyme inhibitor that blocks the effects of 5-alpha-reductase 2, which inhibits the conversion of testosterone to...

Answer to Is it possible to be pregnant and still have a period?

Fri, 22 Apr 2005 11:59:29 -0700

Is it possible to be pregnant and still have a period?

No, it is not possible to menstruate during pregnancy. There is a sizeable about of misinformation on the internet regarding the possibility of having a period while pregnant. Bleeding during pregnancy is NOT the same as menstruation. Every month the body goes through a series of hormonal...

Answer to Can I give my cat asprin?

Fri, 22 Apr 2005 08:31:01 -0700

Can I give my cat asprin?

Without close veterinary supervision, absolutely not. Your cat may need to have blood work and a physical examination done prior to receiving aspirin to ensure the liver, kidneys, and thyroid gland are in working order. Some cats, just like humans, are actually allergic to aspirin or can have...

Answer to How can I construct a homemade plant press?

Thu, 21 Apr 2005 14:36:20 -0700

How can I construct a homemade plant press?

A simple method for constructing a plant press involves the use of two 12" x 18" sheets of 1/4" plywood, a number of sheets of corrugated cardboard roughly the same dimensions as the plywood, 2 lengths of strap with buckles that can be cinched tight, and a newspaper. Place one...

Answer to How was papyrus made?

Thu, 21 Apr 2005 14:02:08 -0700

How was papyrus made?

Ancient Egyptians made papyrus from the woody stems of Cyperus papyrus, a plant in the sedge family (Cyperaceae). Diagnostically, sedges have a stem that is triangular in cross-section, three "ranks" of leaves, and flowers borne in an arrangement characteristic of graminoid...

Answer to What is the term for the spikes at the end of a stegosaur's tail?

Tue, 19 Apr 2005 16:28:13 -0700

What is the term for the spikes at the end of a stegosaur's tail?

The group of spikes at the end of a stegosaur's tail is called a "Thagomizer," after a "Far Side" cartoon in which a caveman lecturing to a group describes this region as "the Thag-o-mizer, in honor of the late Thag Simmons." This started out as a joke among...

Answer to I've never had a green thumb, but I'd like to plant some flowers this year. Which plants are the heartiest and easiest to take care of in Ontario's climate?

Tue, 19 Apr 2005 14:53:53 -0700

I've never had a green thumb, but I'd like to plant some flowers this year. Which plants are the heartiest and easiest to take care of in Ontario's climate?

If you take a look at the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html), you'll see that most of Ontario falls in Zone 2b, which means the average winter minimum temperature there is between -45 and -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-42.7 to -40 degrees Celsius)....

Answer to What is "hygroscopic water"?

Sun, 17 Apr 2005 11:16:13 -0700

What is "hygroscopic water"?

"Hygroscopic water" is a film of water no more than 0.0002 millimeters thick, which is chemically bound to soil particles by adhesive forces in excess of 31 bars (sea level pressure is 1 bar). This makes the water unavailable to plants, as it can only be liberated from the soil by...

Answer to What causes moles? Are there various types?

Sun, 17 Apr 2005 11:06:48 -0700

What causes moles? Are there various types?

Moles (nevi; singular: nevus) are localized proliferations of melanocytes (pigment cells) in the skin. As a result, most moles are dark brown or black, though some can be flesh-colored, yellow, or even blue. The precise cause of moles is uncertain, but some researchers have found two genes...

Answer to How are fingerprints formed?

Sun, 17 Apr 2005 10:46:42 -0700

How are fingerprints formed?

In the "Ask the Experts" section of the May 2005 issue of Scientific American (also online at http://www.sciam.com/askexpert_question.cfm?articleID=0008E9CF-3762-11F1-B76283414B7F0000&catID=3&chanID=sa005), a reader has inquired about the inheritability of fingerprint patterns....

Answer to How does Viagra work?

Sun, 17 Apr 2005 10:09:12 -0700

How does Viagra work?

During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide (NO) is released in the corpora cavernosa (two cylinders of spongy erectile tissue in the penis). The nitric oxide activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase, increasing levels of a smooth-muscle relaxant known as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)....

Answer to Can you overdose on Viagra? What happens if you do?

Sun, 17 Apr 2005 09:13:18 -0700

Can you overdose on Viagra? What happens if you do?

Like any drug, it is possible to overdose on Viagra. Exceeding the maximum recommended dose of 100 mg leads to a greater intensity and duration of side effects, including facial flushing, difficulty discerning blue from green, headache, dyspepsia (indigestion), and priapism (an erection lasting...

Answer to What happens if a woman takes Viagra?

Sun, 17 Apr 2005 09:09:26 -0700

What happens if a woman takes Viagra?

Based on my understanding of the mechanism by which Viagra works its magic on men, all that would happen in a woman is increased blood flow to the genitals. Perhaps the knowledge of having taken a "sex pill" is enough suggestion to enhance the experience, but no large-scale, controlled...

Answer to Can a human brain overheat?

Sat, 16 Apr 2005 14:16:16 -0700

Can a human brain overheat?

It is possible for the brain of any species to overheat. Human brain temperature is slightly less than the core temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). Acute injury causes brain temperature to increase by a few degrees. In cases of heat stroke, the core temperature can...

Answer to How do "truth" serums work?

Fri, 15 Apr 2005 09:19:15 -0700

How do "truth" serums work?

"Truth serum," the chemical thiopental sodium, is a fast-acting barbituate that makes a person talkative, uninhibited, and extremely open to suggestion. It does not make a person "tell the truth," but they can be coaxed into saying things the interviewer wants them to say....

Answer to Which features do all insects have?

Fri, 15 Apr 2005 08:27:52 -0700

Which features do all insects have?

At the most basic level, all insects share five characteristics: the presence of a hard external skeleton divided into head, thorax, and abdomen; exposed mouthparts; three pairs of jointed legs; a pair of antennae on the head; and an abdomen with eleven segments. Contrary to popular belief,...

Answer to What is photosynthesis?

Fri, 15 Apr 2005 07:50:17 -0700

What is photosynthesis?

The process by which plants, certain bacteria, and other organisms posessing chlorophyll harness the sun's energy to synthesize carbohydrates for energy and tissue maintenance.

Answer to How do blisters form?

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 12:38:41 -0700

How do blisters form?

Blisters form when pressure and friction cause a separation of the topmost layer of moist skin. Water from surrounding tissues seeps into the gap produced by the sheeting of the skin, which irritates the surrounding cells and causes a stinging sensation. Blisters can also form in a number of...

Answer to Why do cats like mint so much?

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 11:29:25 -0700

Why do cats like mint so much?

Many cats enjoy mint because of certain chemical compounds contained within the plants and may respond to other members of the mint family because of some heretofore unrecognized compounds. Catnip (Nepeta cataria), a member of the mint family, contains citral, geraniol, citronellol, nerol,...

Answer to What is "plant hormone" and its role in plant development?

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 09:17:50 -0700

What is "plant hormone" and its role in plant development?

Plant hormones, which regulate plant physiological processes, fall into five major molecular classes: auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, and ethylene. Each has its own special function. Briefly, * auxins promote elongation in shoot cells, * gibberellins stimulate growth,...

Answer to What is "photorespiration" and why it is needed by plants?

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 08:31:49 -0700

What is "photorespiration" and why it is needed by plants?

Photorespiration occurs when carbon dioxide levels within the leaf tissue dwindle to about 50 parts per million, usually on a hot, dry day where a plant has closed its stomates to prevent water loss. At this concentration of CO2, oxygen reacts with ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) in the presence of...

Answer to Do all caterpillars turn into butterflies?

Tue, 05 Apr 2005 08:45:33 -0700

Do all caterpillars turn into butterflies?

No, not all caterpillars turn into butterflies. Some caterpillars are parasitized by braconid wasps, which lay an egg inside the body of its host. The egg hatches and the larva, using various means to escape detection by the caterpillar's immune system, begins to strategically consume it...

Answer to How can I identify common insects? Is there a website for this?

Tue, 05 Apr 2005 08:24:01 -0700

How can I identify common insects? Is there a website for this?

Another good website to check out is http://www.bugguide.net/, which has a plethora of images to aid in identification. Also, the dichotomous key at http://www.ex.ac.uk/bugclub/bugid.html is good for taking the identification down to the order of insect but not to family. For this website,...

Answer to Does homosexuality exist in the animal kingdom?

Mon, 04 Apr 2005 07:38:41 -0700

Does homosexuality exist in the animal kingdom?

Homosexuality is common across different taxa of animals. Some examples include * Bonobo apes, which routinely engage in both heterosexual and homosexual behavior; * rhesus macaques, which engage in sex play and the occasional mounting of members of the same sex; * chinstrap penguins,...

Answer to What is the Krebs Cycle?

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 09:39:49 -0800

What is the Krebs Cycle?

The Krebs Cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or tricarboxylic acid cycle, is a series of chemical reactions in all aerobic organisms (organisms that utilize oxygen in cellular respiration). It has many extremely important roles in the cell: it breaks down organic molecules to generate...

Answer to What educational requirements are needed to pursue a career as a botanist?

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 09:17:59 -0800

What educational requirements are needed to pursue a career as a botanist?

Ideally, anyone planning to study plants for a living should have a terminal degree in biology, botany, plant pathology, horticulture, weed science, ecology, soil science, or a similar area of study. However, requirements vary depending on what sort of work you desire. Some advice: If you...

Answer to Can you propagate Asplenium Nidus (Bird's Nest Fern) from spores?

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 08:48:50 -0800

Can you propagate Asplenium Nidus (Bird's Nest Fern) from spores?

Asplenium nidus can indeed be propagated from spores. Cal's Plant of the Week entry for this fern (http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week204.shtml) says: "The ripe spores can be collected on a piece of paper placed under spore bearing leaves. Sow spores on damp peat moss in late...

Answer to I have a spider that is big, has black/brown stripes on it's legs with an "aztec crown" of black and gold on it's belly. Can anyone tell me what type of spider this is?

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 08:20:26 -0800

I have a spider that is big, has black/brown stripes on it's legs with an "aztec crown" of black and gold on it's belly. Can anyone tell me what type of spider this is?

Without an image or any indication of where you live, it would be very difficult to accurately identify this arachnid. I would refer you to http://www.bugguide.net/, which has images to which you can compare your specimen. Though if I had to venture a guess based solely on your description,...

Answer to How do you eradicate Japanese Knotweed (Mexican Bamboo)?

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 08:01:53 -0800

How do you eradicate Japanese Knotweed (Mexican Bamboo)?

The Plant Conservation Alliance (PCA) gives several methods of eliminating Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), including: * removing the entire plant, including all roots and runners, and disposing of it in a dumpster * cutting the stem 2 inches above ground level and applying a 25%...

Answer to What colors of clothes tend to look good with darker shades of skin?

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 06:37:35 -0800

What colors of clothes tend to look good with darker shades of skin?

Darker skin tones tend to look good in coral, bright orange, lemon yellow, beige, vanilla, pink, khaki, baby blue, gray, bluish-red, royal blue, pistachio green, emerald green, and many others. Ultimately, you need to try on a number of different colors and see what looks stunning on you. And...

Answer to What are some things to watch out for when buying clothes on eBay?

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 08:35:14 -0800

What are some things to watch out for when buying clothes on eBay?

Additionally, request measurements of the item. Different clothing brands size differently -- what may be a large in one brand will fit like a medium of another brand. This can prove problematic, especially if the seller declares that "all sales are final."

Answer to What is a phloem?

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:53:39 -0800

What is a phloem?

Phloem is the nutrient-transporting tissue in vascular plants. It consists of sieve-tube members and companion cells, which can move sap bidirectionally. Phloem is laid down in phases, first by the apical meristems and later by the vascular cambium.

Answer to What is a xylem?

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 06:34:52 -0800

What is a xylem?

Xylem is the lignin-fortified water transporting tissue in vascular plants. In angiosperms it is comprised of vessel elements and tracheids, whereas in gymnosperms it is made up solely of tracheids. These tissues are dead at maturity, leaving only the thickened cell wall.

Answer to What do kidneys do?

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 16:06:44 -0800

What do kidneys do?

The function of the kidneys is to keep the blood chemically balanced and devoid of toxins and to expel urine through the ureters and into the urinary bladder. The kidneys process about 200 gallons of blood each day, sending the waste products and excess water to the bladder. In addition, the...

Answer to I heard that the makers of Seroquel are facing a lawsuit because it causes diabetes, is this true?

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 15:57:16 -0800

I heard that the makers of Seroquel are facing a lawsuit because it causes diabetes, is this true?

The prescribing information for Seroquel (http://www.astrazeneca-us.com/pi/Seroquel.pdf) says, "Assessment of the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and glucose abnormalities is complicated by the possibility of an increased background risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with...

Answer to Can Seroquel cause nightmares?

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 15:54:19 -0800

Can Seroquel cause nightmares?

Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate), a novel anti-psychotic medication developed in 1996 by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and acute mania of bipolar disorder. The prescribing information at http://www.astrazeneca-us.com/pi/Seroquel.pdf lists...

Answer to For how long is a cat pregnant?

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 15:41:39 -0800

For how long is a cat pregnant?

The normal gestation time for cats is 50-78 days, with the average being about 63 days. Implantation of the embryos occurs around the 12th day and pregnancy can be detected around the 20th day. About a week later, heartbeats can be discerned. When it is time for a queen to give birth, the...

Answer to What are the components of a molecule of chlorophyll?

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 07:39:34 -0800

What are the components of a molecule of chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll, a photoreceptive pigment, allows plants to absorb sunlight and synthesize it into carbohydrates and oxygen. The basic formula for photosynthesis takes 6 molecules of carbon dioxide and 6 molecules of water, reacts them in the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight (a catalyst), and...

Answer to What are the names of the seven archangels?

Mon, 14 Feb 2005 14:22:25 -0800

What are the names of the seven archangels?

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Answer to Is it dangerous for prepubescent girls to have sex? What are the potential risks, if any?

Sun, 13 Feb 2005 18:43:34 -0800

Is it dangerous for prepubescent girls to have sex? What are the potential risks, if any?

There are plenty of risks involved with this proposition, including physical and mental trauma, an increased risk of cervical and uterine cancer later in life, and you going to jail for having sex with someone under the age of consent.

Answer to On the iris of my eye, next to the pupil but not connected, I have a small black dot. What is it and how did I get it?

Sun, 13 Feb 2005 18:16:35 -0800

On the iris of my eye, next to the pupil but not connected, I have a small black dot. What is it and how did I get it?

If this dot recently appeared, you should contact an ophthalmologist.

Answer to Which band member has stayed in Deep Purple in all the different line ups?

Sun, 13 Feb 2005 15:02:26 -0800

Which band member has stayed in Deep Purple in all the different line ups?

Drummer Ian Paice is the only member of Deep Purple who has remained in the band from the beginning.

Answer to What is the song "Smoke on the water" about?

Sun, 13 Feb 2005 14:57:46 -0800

What is the song "Smoke on the water" about?

According to http://www.songfacts.com/detail.lasso?id=1284, Deep Purple's well-known song "Smoke on the Water" is about a fire at a Montreux, Switzerland casino. Someone fired a flare gun at the ceiling, which burst into flames. The conflagration destroyed Frank Zappa's...

Answer to Is ragweed related to lettuce?

Sun, 13 Feb 2005 14:26:09 -0800

Is ragweed related to lettuce?

Ragweed is related to lettuce insofar as they are both in the family Asteraceae (Compositae). Members of a particular family share certain characteristics such as arrangement of leaves, number of petals, and reproductive morphology. In the case of the Asteraceae, or sunflower family, the major...