Interim Genomics Policy [.pdf]
http://epa.gov/osp/spc/genomics.htm
These Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) documents from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) communicates the EPA's "initial thoughts concerning genomics and its related technologies." Although the field of genomics is rapidly advancing, how organisms respond on the genome level to environmental stresses is not yet understood. The EPA will continue to face these issues as genomic understanding increases. This four-page document outlines the EPA's current policy of "prudent and beneficial uses of genomics information on a case-by-case basis." [AL]
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Orca Live [.pdf, Flash, RealPlayer]
http://www.orca-live.net/
The brainchild of orca biologist Dr. Paul Spong, this Nature Network Web site aims to "relay live sound and images of the orcas in the natural environment of Hanson Island," near Vancouver Island, Canada. Live sound and image feeds are available at 56K and 300K connections, and, by completing a simple registration, visitors will be alerted via email whenever orcas are near the cameras and mikes. Click on Highlights 2000 to see and hear past Web casts of orcas activity. This Web site links to others that relay live images and sounds from animals located around the world. [RAS]
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Bat Conservation International, Inc.
http://www.batcon.org/
The Web site for Bat Conservation International, Inc. (last mentioned in the November 12, 1997_Scout Report for Science and Engineering_) has added significant content since our last coverage of the site. Although the site still has information about the organization, bat facts, FAQs, and information on bat biology, in-depth sections on a wide variety of research projects have been added, ranging from bats in Latin American ecosystems to bats in your very own yard. Although there is a large focus on research, the text is still written for a general audience, and most sections include a variety of photos. [AL]
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Robber Flies (Asilidae)
http://www.geller-grimm.de/asilidae.htm
This Web site focuses on "one of the largest and most abundant families of present day insects" -- the Robber Flies. Maintained by Fritz Geller-Grimm of the Museum Wiesbaden in Germany and Cornell University graduate student Torsten Dikow, the site includes a variety of information on many aspects of these insects. The Asilidae section contains many resources that are most appropriate for an advanced or research audience, including identification keys, species and distribution databases, and literature references. The Dipterology and Entomology sections include plenty of more general information suitable for a variety of audiences. [AL]
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American Turkey
http://www.carnegiemuseums.org/cmnh/turkey/american_turkey.html
Although most of us think of turkey in terms of Thanksgiving and backyard barbecues, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History has created this Web site that gives a much broader perspective of this "magnificent, noble bird that received respect from American Indian peoples, sustained fledgling New World colonies, and inspired patriots." The life of the turkey focuses on biological aspects including details of its life cycle, behavior, and anatomy; while the times section includes some historical details surrounding the relationship between wild turkeys and humans. Although there is a slight bit of silliness involved with a Web site devoted to turkeys, it is brief, fun, visually appealing, and informative. [AL]
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Freshwater Jellyfish
http://nsm1.nsm.iup.edu/tpeard/JELLYFISH.HTML
Readers can discover the freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii at this straightforward and informative Web site from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Biology Department. Learn how C. sowerbii is related to marine jellyfish, where they live, and what they eat, as well as other aspects of this species' natural history. The site includes a small image gallery, an extensive reference section on the subject, and relevant links to other freshwater jellyfish research Web sites. The authors encourage visitors to report any of sightings of this species to be included in future versions of the C. sowerbii distribution databases. [RAS]
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Salamander Feeding Movies [QuickTime]
http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~deban/feedingmovieindex.html
This Web site is compiled by salamander biologist Stephan Deban, who offers a look at a number of different feeding strategies used by salamanders. High-speed video clips of twelve different salamander species are available for viewing, accompanied by brief descriptions of each species and their particular feeding behavior. This Web site is easy to navigate and interesting to visit, even for those unfamiliar with the field of salamander biology. [RAS]
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Orchids of Wisconsin: An Interactive Flora
http://www.botany.wisc.edu/Orchids/Orchids_of_Wisconsin.html
Orchid enthusiasts may appreciate this Web site developed by Jeff Hapeman, graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Information including "photos, typical taxonomic descriptive information, a description of similar species to aid in identification, habitat information, blooming dates, a section on pollination biology (if information is available), herbarium records, and a range map" are included for each species of orchid (native and naturalized) found in Wisconsin. Species can be viewed through an alphabetical listing of genera or by navigating through the interactive key. However, even though it is an interesting Web site for browsing orchid information, those without botanical background may be frustrated by the technical terms used throughout the key. [AL]
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