Evolution
The Dark Bacillus Crystal
Toxic "parasporal" crystals of Bacillus thuringiensis. Jim Buckman/ P.R. Johnston. Public domain. In this photograph are elegant, microscopic agents of death.
The Artful Amoeba
A Blog About the Weird Wonderfulness of Life on Earth
Evolution
Were Weirdo Ediacarans Really Lichens, Fungi, and Slime Molds?
The Ediacaran fossils Dickinsonia (big guys) and Parvancorina (little shield-shaped guy at lower left). Photo by Gregory Retallack. Does these look like lichens to you?
Evolution
Pesky Glaciers and Differing Geography Forced Faster Conifer Evolution in Northern Hemisphere
Conifers of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres: Pinus ponderosa (my all-time favorite, among some smaller spruces and firs) in California and Araucaria angustifolia in Brazil.
Evolution
Mycoplasma "Ghosts" Can Rise From the Dead
"Ghosts" of Mycoplasma mobile -- stripped down cytoskeleton covered in the tattered remains of the cell membrane. Source: Nakane and Miyata 2007.
The Sciences
Just What is Exserohilum rostratum?
Spores of Exserohilum rostratum, stained blue. Notice the brown pigment of the cell walls; this is melanin, the same pigment that darkens human skin.
Evolution
Solar-Powered Plankton Take Monty Python Advice: Run Away
Heterosigma akashiwo -- a protist that can have its photosynthesis and eat other things too. Note the prominent chloroplasts plastered around the inside wall of the cell.
Evolution
Diatoms, or The Trouble with Life in Glass Houses
Blogger's note: I'm still away from the blog taking care of important life stuff, but I'll be back soon! This post originally appeared on March 28, 2010.
Evolution
Eight Legs? Check. Microscopic? Check. Cuddly? Check.
Blogger's note: I'm still away from the blog for a few weeks. In the meantime, here is another post from the Artful Amoeba archive. It originally appeared on October 4, 2010.
Evolution
Extinction by Design: Guinea Worm
Blogger's note: I am away for the next several weeks. In the meantime, I'm bringing you some classic Artful Amoeba posts. This one was originally posted on January 18, 2010.
Evolution
Extinction by Design: Rinderpest
Blogger's note: I am going to be out of blog contact for the next several weeks as I get hitched (yay!), honeymoon (double yay!), and move (goodbye Colorado!
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A Blog About the Weird Wonderfulness of Life on Earth
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