Curiosity Aroused

What do you get when you cross a lion with a tiger? How about a zebra with a horse? Believe it or not these are not the first lines of terrible jokes, but real scientific questions with real living answers. Hybrid animals are the offspring produced when two animals of closely related but different - species breed. The young produced will usually not be fertile, and so hybrid species are not normally seen in the wild.

One of the most spectacular natural sights in the world, the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, have been enthralling travellers for centuries. The Northern Lights are created when solar winds react with the earth’s magnetic fields, which are strongest around the poles, and this reaction is visible as swirling beautiful colored lights in the night sky. September/ October, and February/ March are generally the best time to see northern lights shows in and around the Arctic circle, but there are a large number of external factors affecting their visibility.

While it is generally true that freshwater fish are smaller than their oceanic counterparts, there are also some significantly sized fish to see in lakes and rivers the world over. Obviously, considerations like location, environment, climate, food supply and presence of fishermen all play a part in how big something can grow. There are plenty of examples out there that may not be as colorful as some saltwater breeds, but are just as hefty and interesting to learn about.

A rainforest is truly an incredible place. An ecosystem of its very own, it contains a mind boggling variety of life. Aside from the obviously abundant tree and plant life, it is home to abundant varieties of amphibians, insects, mammals, fish, and birds. Their vast area and incredible diversity is the rainforest’s premier ecological strength - the concentrated abundance of life is unmatched anywhere else in the world. Of course, in among these animals in the rainforest, there are certainly some that give us pause.

While vast advancements in technology and industry have made life much easier, these innovations have also created an ever-growing monster – pollution. With the possible exception of underdeveloped and far-flung areas, almost the entire world is faced with a “dirty” problem. Nevertheless, there are cities all over the planet that have really outdone themselves when it comes to being polluted. Want to know which metropolises got the highest ranks? Here are the ten most polluted cities in the world:

Whether you live in big city or a midsize town, if you reside in an apartment or are thinking about moving to one but still want to get a dog, there are some breeds that will do better than others. Many dogs are quite adaptable and there are a number of low maintenance dogs that will do well in an apartment environment. While some people may think smaller dogs make better apartment dogs, that is not always the case.

Need a hypoallergenic canine friend to keep you company? Despite the hype, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Moreover, no breed can guarantee you won’t have an allergic reaction. Vets say every individual dog is different, so breed-shopping is not as helpful as you might think. Is there no hope? There is, but the issue must first be clarified. The allergens aren’t in the fur itself; they are carried in urine, saliva and dander.

Everyone loves a large dog, but small dog breeds can be a popular pet choice as well. After all, they fit right in your lap! People that own a small dog breed are able to bring their dog anywhere, taking pet companionship to a whole new level. If you’re wondering what’s the smallest dog breed in the world, get ready for cuteness overload. However, it is important to note that while these cute, cuddly, miniature small dog breeds are tons of fun, they also take a bit of work and require the same care and attention as larger dog breeds.

From their miraculous fertility to their value for the impatient landscaper and ultraproductive farmer, plants that grow really fast have long held our fascination. In honor of this enduring appeal, here are 10 incredibly fast growing trees and plants that shoot up like Jack’s giant beanstalk and multiply like rabbits in some of nature’s fiercest turf wars. 1. Bamboo Bamboo (Moyan_Brenn / Flickr) Lucky bamboo has been recognized for its sustainable productivity for millennia.

In February 2012, 73-year old Nepalese craftsman Chandra Bahadur Dangi was recognized for being the world’s shortest person ever recorded. The Guinness Book of World Records says he is smaller than anybody measured since 1955 when the organization first began noting such things. At a height of 21.5 inches, or just under 55 centimeters, Dangi stands as tall as most folks’ knees. It’s not the first time Nepal has given us the shortest person in the world.