| |
There are two high tides every day. The highest high tides are in the Bay of Fundy between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick on the east coast of Canada. Here the water level at high tide can be 14.5m (47ft) above that at low tide - that is nearly as high as a five storey house.
The highest tides in Britain are on the Severn Estuary, just where the M4 crosses the river. Here, the high tide mark can be nearly 12.5m (41ft) above the low tide nearly deep enough to cover three double decker buses, one on the top of the other.
Speedy insect
The day-flying hummingbird hawkmoth relies on speed to avoid capture. Hawkmoths are among the swiftest flying insects, reaching 50kph.
Back home
The European stork flies to Africa for the winter, and returns to Europe in the spring to breed. Pairs of storks can find their way back to the same rooftop nests every year.
Pebbles on the beach
Plovers lay their eggs on sand or shingle. They do not build a nest because this would attract attention to the eggs. Very often, each egg has different marking to blend with the pebbles. When the chicks hatch, they too are well camouflaged on the seashore.
Safe among the flowers
The flower mantis may be pink or white, and has petal shapes on its body. With this disquise it can rest among flowers without being spotted by the birds that feed on it. The mantis eats bees, butterfles and other insects, which may be attracted by its flower shape.
Like a twig
Many caterpillars use camouflage to hide them from their enemies. The geometer moth caterpillar look just like twigs, and can hold themselves at an angle from plant stems as if they were growing. They even have bump that look like bud.
Winter coat
Several animals that live in the far north, like stoat, become white in the winter to blend in with the snow. They moult and grow a thicker coat. Some Arctic birds change color, too, and grow white feathers.
On the hop
Kangaroos hop across the grassy plains of Australia at high speed. They cruise at 40 kph and reach 60kph for short bursts, using their long tail to help them balance. One red kangaroo made a record breaking long-jump of almost 13 metres.
Australian Eucalyptus
The tallest tree in the world is the Australian eucalyptus tree which grows up to 114 m (374 ft) high, higher than St. Paul's cathedral. If it were possible, you could lean over the balcony on the 38th floor of a rise block and touch the top leaves of the tree. |
|
