The Ethogram

Animated Animals and Their Impact on Wildlife Awareness

If you grew up watching animated movies, you likely remember that breathless feeling of sadness as Simba mourned the loss of his father or the heartbreak when Bambi’s mother was killed by a hunter. For many, these films weren’t just stories—they were stepping stones into a deep love and appreciation for the natural world and…

Creature Feature: Blobfish

Behold! The ugliest fish in the world. The Blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus) is renowned for its wide, downturned grin, bulbous nose, and loose skin. But what if I told you that this isn’t its normal appearance? During a 2003 deep-sea expedition off the coast of New Zealand, over 3000 ft below the ocean surface, researchers found…

Field Notes: How Questions Develop During a Field Season from an Undergraduate Perspective

Every undergraduate begins their college education expecting to gain knowledge, but gaining hands-on experience in the field is just as important as learning in the classroom. In the biological sciences, undergraduate access to field research can be limited and highly sought after. It’s a prized jewel that many students yearn for. Reaching my final year…

Field Frame Friday: Staring mantis

Praying Mantids (Order Mantodea), like this Mediterranean Mantis* (Iris oratoria), are well-known for their awesome predatory strikes and cannibalistic tendencies. Our subject here is doing neither; based on its pupils, it appears to be simply watching the photographer. But wait—surely insects don’t actually have pupils like us… what are those black dots in its eyes?…

Creature Feature: Corn earworm

Lend an ear to hear about this creature’s bore-ing Thanksgiving!

Sunday Sketch: Terrific Turkey

The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is often synonymous with autumn in North America, with the males’ striking tail fans and blue and red heads being especially iconic. Despite their large size and nesting on the ground when incubating eggs, they are frequently found roosting in treetops. Art and fact by Isabel Kier, Instagram @izzy_does_art_sometimes [Edited…

Field Frame Friday: Diamonds in the marsh

Now that we’ve lured you in with a cute baby turtle, let’s talk about conservation and science! The Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is a native of East Coast marshes and the only turtle in the United States to live in brackish water (a mix of fresh and salt water). They are surprisingly speedy swimmers and…

Field Notes: You Are What You Study

A gray day darkens as the hands of the clock march along. The intermittent drizzles are becoming steady and ever louder. I pace back and forth between frequent stops to look out the window, and my anticipation grows in parallel with the strength of the downpour. It’s nearly time to go. When the last light…

Creature Feature: Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

At first glance, the inky black depths of the ocean seem inhospitable and unwelcoming. The crushing weight of the waters above coupled with the undeniably freezing temperatures seem to serve as an unconquerable obstacle to large forms of life. However, there’s a cetacean species that thrives in these depths. With their ghostly pale faces braving…

Sci Hero: Dr. Eduardo Fernández-Duque

The Ethogram believes that science should be accessible and diverse in order to increase the sense of belonging within the science community. Each month we highlight a “Sci Hero” so the next generation of scientists and naturalists may be inspired.