Monday November 23, 2009
The answers given for last week's largest organism were all technically right. Scientists can't agree on what the true largest organism is. Should it go by weight, height, or something else?
However, there was only one answer I was looking for this week, based on one specific clue - where I live. As Leslie and Pat mentioned, my version of the largest organism is Pando (which means "I Spread" in Latin) in Utah. It's a quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) clone forest. Every tree has the same exact DNA as the original, so some say it's the world's largest organism.
It's Thanksgiving week, so my thoughts turn to things I am thankful for. I thought it would be fitting to make this week's Mystery Monday a fruit that I am VERY thankful for.
- This fruit is a sport (a natural mutation) of another familiar fruit
- The mutation means this fruit is hairless. Happily, it is also sweeter usually.
Good luck on naming the fruit I am most thankful for!
Image by basykes via FlickrMonday November 23, 2009
On November 17th, the NY Times put up a very fun piece called "Bio-Diversity". It features the work of Christoph Niemann, artist and children's book author.
He takes leaves and forms them into different shapes, making puns or comments on popular culture. "Rod Blagojevich's Hair-Tree" features a leaf shaped like a toupee. Since I am in love with the Internet, I think the "Wireless Ginkgo" is my favorite. "Boxwood or Briefs" also makes me laugh a lot, as well as the ones related to "Star Wars".
Head on over to the NY Times now to check out this whimsical article. What's your favorite one?
Tuesday November 17, 2009
At my parents house, we always buy a cut Christmas tree - specifically a Noble fir. At college, we scrounged up an artificial Christmas tree from Freecycle. Personally, I prefer the cut ones myself, but would also consider a living tree someday.
As I begin to work on new projects about Christmas trees (specifically, the first would compare these three choices, especially as far as the environmental impact goes), I thought I would take a poll to see what my readers preferred in their own homes. Tell me - do you prefer cut, artificial or living Christmas trees?
Monday November 16, 2009
Last week's tree was
Aralia spinosa, as Nick and Suranna said. It has common names of Devil's Walkingstick, Hercules Club, Prickly Ash, and Prickly Elder. Great job!
You just get a short description this week. In my state lies what some consider to be the world's largest living organism. (always up for debate depending on how you are quantifying it and as new potentials are discovered). If you need a hint to be sure, check out my
bio to see where I live. Tell me what it is and, for a bonus, the nickname that it has been given. Good luck!
