Scientific Illustration

thepredatorblog:

Basilosaurus is a genus of cetacean that lived from 40 to 34 million years ago in the Late Eocene. Its fossilized remains were first discovered in the southern United States (Louisiana) and were initially believed to be some sort of reptile, hence the suffix -“saurus”, but later found to be a marine mammal.

Basilosaurus averaged about 18 meters (60 ft) in length, and is believed to have been the largest animal to have lived in its time. It displayed an unparalleled degree of elongation compared with modern whales. Their very small vestigial hind limbs have also been a matter of interest for paleontologists.

compendium-of-beasts:

Vigogne attaquée par un carnassier (Cougar). (1870)

via NYPL

compendium-of-beasts:

[Civet with prey.]

via NYPL

compendium-of-beasts:

Caracals hunting. (1894)

via NYPL

biomedicalephemera:

biomedicalephemera:

Method of the mussurana’s attack upon the jararaca.

Note the size difference between the two snakes. The mussurana is able to consume comparatively large snakes because its digestive system compresses the body of the other snake into a wave-like shape.

Through the Brazilian Wilderness. Theodore Roosevelt, 1914.

Here’s a jararaca! I’m still gonna find that other one, whether it wants to be found or not…

(via mudwerks)

compendium-of-beasts:

[Tarantula catching a bird.] (1885)

via NYPL

dailyfossil:

Acanthostega

Mounted specimen on display at the American Museum of Natural History, NYC 

When: Late Devonian (~365 million years ago)

Where:  The ancient swamps of Greenland, near the Devonian equator. 

What: Acanthostega is a basal tetrapod - one of the first vertebrates to develop limbs instead of fins, though it was not fully able to maneuver on land. Its pectoral girdle was constructed much more like that of a fish than a later tetrapod and could not bear the weight of the animal on land. However, it is the first taxon known that did have a pelvic girdle capable of supporting weight and propelling it forwards, this was accomplished by the fusion of either sides of the pelvis to one another ventrally, and a firm contact established between either pelvis and at least two vertebrae - precursors of the fused vertebra that would become the sacrum in later tetrapods. What is the use if only one half of the body is able to be supported by limbs? This type of pelvic girdle most likely did not at first develop for support. This structure also marks a shift from a primarily forelimb driven locomotion mode to one propelled by activity in the hind-limbs. Acanthostega could move in extremely shallow waters by ‘walking’ on the sediment with its hind-limbs, with its forelimbs steering instead of providing the primary movement source.

This interpretation is supported by its jaw structure, which lacks features relating to suction feeding. Rather it is hypothesized this primitive tetrapod would feed by directly biting onto insects and other terrestrial invertebrates that it could reach from the water’s edge. Thus, the predatory mode that characterizes the first terrestrial vertebrates was first developed by an aquatic animal. Later tetrapods were able to emerge from the waters, at least for short periods of time, to hunt prey that were beyond the reach of their ancestors. Another interesting note is that Acanthostega had 8 digits on its forelimb - it took a while in the evolution of tetrapods for five digits on the hands and feet to become established. 

biomedicalephemera:

Accipitres competing over carrion.

Of course none of these birds would be found in the same part of the world, but this is an excellent comparison between the Old World vultures and the New World vultures. The Egyptian vulture and Griffon vultures are considered Old World vultures, as is the Lammergeier. However, the Lammergeier is not closely related to the other Old World vultures, aside from the Egyptian vulture. 

New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but are superficially similar (they look alike). New World vultures (such as the California condor and turkey vulture) have an excellent sense of smell, and are often the first scavenger at the scene of the death. These are the ones that are popularly depicted as circling overhead when someone or something is dying. Old World vultures have a poor sense of smell, but good eyesight, and tend to follow other birds to carcasses, then fight them away from it.

Natural History of the Animal Kingdom for the Use of Young People. W. F. Kirby, 1889.

biomedicalephemera:

“Dog-headed thyloeinus”

This is either a miniature thylacine, or a damn giant of a platypus…thylacines ranged from 40-70 lbs (20-30 kg) as adults (they were about the size of a small greyhound, but built more for stamina than speed), and platypuses are considered BIG if they reach 6 lbs (2.6 kg).

Roosevelt’s Thrilling Experiences in the Wilds of Africa Hunting Big Game. Marshall Everett, 1909.*

*No, this scene is not from Africa. It is from an account of another explorer later in the book, who went to Tasmania

biomedicalephemera:

Method of the mussurana’s attack upon the jararaca.

Note the size difference between the two snakes. The mussurana is able to consume comparatively large snakes because its digestive system compresses the body of the other snake into a wave-like shape.

Through the Brazilian Wilderness. Theodore Roosevelt, 1914.