The Question: I have been doing some research on muskrats, and was just wondering if it is true that the musk emitted from male muskrats (which is for Mating) is used as a base in perfume? If this is true, was this in the past or still now? Has this had any effect on the [...]
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How do you identify Poison Sumac?
The Question: How do you identify Poison sumac? Submitted by: Ellie, Wilmington, MA The Short Answer: Poison sumac is a large shrub or small tree found in wet areas. It has compound leaves with 7-13 smooth-edged leaflets, as shown in figure 1. The stalk of the compound leaf is reddish. To differentiate poison sumac from [...]
Lanolin and Sheep’s Wool Allergies
The Question: Sheep have lanolin in their wool to keep the fibers from matting together and protect them from the sun. Angora goats also have a kind of grease, or wax. Is it also lanolin? Is lanolin the allergen for people who are allergic to wool? Submitted by: Lisa, Ithaca, NY The Short Answer: Lanolin [...]
Word of the Day: Thigmotaxis
The Question: Why did thigmotaxis evolve? Submitted by: Florence, Washington, DC The Answer: Thigmotaxis, which is movement toward a solid object, covers a wide range of animal behaviors (some people would even include some plant behaviors), from the positive thigmotaxis of wall-hugging behavior in mice and head to tail touching behavior in processionary caterpillars, [...]
Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home
The Question: Some years we have many ladybugs, other years just a few. This spring they have been inside the house. When just a few, I sort of like them. When an infestation, they can be a nuisance. Can you tell me more about the life cycle of lady bugs? Submitted by: Prue, MA The [...]