natural history
natural history on World Data Ocean: a running collection of 2 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on natural history in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. A Global Hub for Ocean Intelligence 4 World Data Ocean is a centralized digital platform where researchers, scientists, and ocean enthusiasts converge to explore, analyze, and… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around natural history, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything World Data Ocean is covering right now.
(Identificationof shell from the Philippines) Can I please ask, what kind of shell is this?
Identifying marine shells can be surprisingly complex, even for experienced observers. Your shell, originating from the Philippines but of unknown provenance, presents an intriguing puzzle. Initial impressions of a conch are understandable, but further investigation suggests it may be a volute. Precise identification requires detailed examination of its morphology, including spire characteristics and aperture shape. For those interested in exploring similar identification challenges, our "Can someone help me identify this sculpin caught in Ketchikan Alaska?" article showcases another fascinating case study.
What is this crab doing? (filmed last year in Istria, Croatia)
This intriguing observation, captured in Istria, Croatia, presents a compelling question: what behavior is this crab exhibiting? The extended period—approximately five to ten minutes—during which the crab manipulated a stick near the water’s surface suggests a complex interaction, potentially involving foraging strategies or an unusual form of camouflage. Further empirical study is needed to validate these hypotheses. This footage highlights the ongoing need for ocean intelligence and underscores the value of citizen science; see our recent article, "Brand New Magnipinna Squid Video!