Happy Sharkweek to all who celebrate

#shark #sharkweek #uncertainplacement #illustration

QMNH 0034 – The Nopo

One would think that since the Nopo abandoned the ability to fly and swim, it would probably become quite adept at traversing the island’s rugged terrain. One would be mistaken. The Nopo is a notoriously clumsy animal and has been witnessed tumbling off of sheer sea cliffs several times. #penguin #speculativeevolution #speculativebiology #creature #bird #uncertainplacement

QMNH 7773 - Sudden Mound

The mound was later excavated and carefully cross-sectioned to reveal its internal structure. Blatt had never seen a mound with such a complex internal structure. As he stared into the labyrinthian tunnels and spiraling internal towers, he stopped asking zoological questions and begins flirting with archaeological ones.

#termite #mound #insect #speculativeevolution #eusocial #uncertainplacement

QMNH 3319 - Helen’s Bender

This was just one of many organisms Dr. Shaw had named after his wife Helen. She had a wasp, a flatworm, a poisonous snail, a blind cave spider, and a seemingly endless collection of endoparasites named after her. When Mrs. Shaw found out about the salamander, she was not thrilled with the new patronym. She kindly asked her husband to stop naming animals after her. #hellbender #amphibian #uncertainplacement #illustration #salamander