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Ellie Crawford-Cripps's avatar

I have been sick for the last week, and have spent my time watching ocean-life documentaries on youtube. The creatures of the sea never cease to amaze me- they are so much more intelligent than people used to give them credit for, and have such amazing lives. Several species seem to be able to detect a predator (or movement) close by, and freeze when they are still in their eggs.

Of course then I become sad because of all the destruction humans have created, but there are also notes of hope, and people working tirelessly to save as many creatures, great and small, as they can.

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Clyde Watson's avatar

Thank you Ellie, for your thoughtful comment. I didn't know about species that can detect movement and freeze while still in their eggs! I'm curious which those are & will have to investigate.

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abby Rieser's avatar

Clearnose skates, wow, this is so fascinating Clyde, in Maine I was always taken by those curious pillow like structures as well. Never knew what they were. Thank you for a wonderful story!

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Victoria Olsen's avatar

Lovely and poignant! Thank you, Clyde.

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Wendy Varley's avatar

I did not know this about Mermaid's Purses, Clyde. What a surprise.

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Clyde Watson's avatar

The more I learn about the Clearnose, the more I marvel at nature's intricate design. For an example, the ventilatory freeze response mentioned in the article excerpt.

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Holly W's avatar

I learned so much about skates and their purses, thanks for describing the little moment of wonder, even if sad. Luckily we find many empty cases, so the skates are out there!

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Clyde Watson's avatar

Yes, they are really plentiful!

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Cynthia Crawford's avatar

I've always wondered too...thanks for the beautiful (sad) story and enlightenment.

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Clyde Watson's avatar

Always glad when my sleuthing bent rewards!

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Radically accessible poems's avatar

I'm on the Cape now, so particularly resonant.

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Joshua Seiden's avatar

I've wondered about these for so long! Thanks for the lovely little story.

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