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Plants & Animals

Plants & Animals

Editor: Barbara Bell

This is the place to learn the facts about all living things, whether plant or animal, in all their fascinating diversity! Learn about our natural world of plants & animals in such topics as birds, cats, dogs, horses, other mammals, reptiles and amphibians, saltwater fish and freshwater fish, and even insects - and you can find out about animals in more depth by reading about pet care. We pay attention to the value of wildlife conservation, as well. The latest information about the world of plants and animals is based on up-to-date research.

The writers at Botany will give you the facts of the science; the writers of plants and bulbs, landscaping, organic gardening, houseplants, flower gardens, desert/water-wise gardening, vegetable and water gardens will put it into practical perspective for you.

 

Latest articles in Plants & Animals

Holidays for Cats and Dogs
No matter which holiday is the focus of a December celebration, pet owners need to remember that decorations, food and guests can upset animals.
Bird Feeder Suet Recipe for Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are among the birds that prefer suet cakes at bird feeders the most. Following is an easy bird feeder suet recipe for woodpeckers.
The Classic Summer Bedding Plant
Not only do the frilly gold, yellow and orange flowers of the marigold create a bold splash in the summer garden, they are edible and have a role in organic pest control.
The Ecology and Taxonomy of Reptiles
Although most abundant in the tropics and subtropics, the nearly 8,000 species of living reptiles inhabit every continent except Antarctica.
Christmas and Holiday Gift Ideas for Gardeners
Gardeners will appreciate gifts that will give them a jump on spring. Seeds for winter sowing, bulbs for spring planting or books to study make good gifts.
The Ecology and Taxonomy of Amphibians
At around 5,400 species of frogs and toads, salamanders and caecillians, the extant (living) amphibians are the smallest group of tetrapod vertebrates.
Common Owls of the East
Owls are found on every continent except Antarctica, and most of them have similar habits. Following are some common owls of the Eastern United States.
Treating Thrush in Horse Hooves
Equine thrush is a bacterial infection of the hoof caused by muddy and unsanitary conditions. Treating thrush is easy with hoof cleaning and topical ointments.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of No Dig Gardening
The thought of all that back-breaking digging puts many people off growing their own vegetables. The no dig system of gardening offers an alternative, but does it work?
Endangered and Threatened Species on Sanibel, FL
The American alligator, West Indian manatee, and wood stork are among the species that thrive in the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refugee on Sanibel Island.
Dalmatian Dogs and Bladder Stones
The Dalmatian dog breed seems to have a variety of health problems. Due to their inability to turn uric acid into allantonin, some Dalmatians develop bladder stones.
Causes of Fever for Canine and Feline Pets
Fever in the dog or cat can be caused by many different disease processes. Successful treatment depends on finding the cause. Antibiotics may or may not be indicated.
Sociable Cedar Waxwings
The softly-colored, sociable Cedar Waxwing is the masked bird that devours a large amount of berries from shrubs and trees.
Pets Purchased as Christmas Gifts
As Christmas rolls around, thousands of pets are purchased as gifts. When the New Year arrives, thousands of pets are re-gifted... to animal shelters.
Growing Lettuce Indoors with Hydroponics
Growing salad greens, especially lettuce, is a good introduction to hydroponic growing methods. Commonly grown hydroponic lettuce varieties are bibb and buttercrunch.
African Lionhead Cichlid Care
The most notable feature of the Lionhead Cichlid is its overly enlarged head, which resembles the head of a lion.
How to Grow Your Own Holly and Ivy for Christmas
That last minute search for some red berried holly and glossy ivy could after this Christmas be a chore of the past. Simply grow your own and pick it fresh each year.
Understanding Breeds of Chickens
Chickens are kept for a variety of reasons; egg production, meat, pest control, even for ornamentation and show. Knowing the breeds will help decide the purpose.
Red-Shouldered Hawk, a Common Bird of Prey
Red-shouldered hawks are common in the Eastern United States. These birds are similar in size and shape to red-tailed hawks, also common raptors.
Preparing to be a Pet Owner
Becoming a pet owner isn't as easy as adopting a cute puppy or kitten from a shelter; this guide offers advice for new pet owners or pet-owners-to-be.
Hacking Out
Hacking out is a thoroughly enjoyable pastime for both the horse and the rider but, in these modern times, it can be fraught with danger.
Barbados Cherry
Barbados cherry, a striking xeriscape shrub, bears a fruit known as acerola, known to be high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Improving Soil Fertility
Transform poor soil into nutrient-rich soil where vegetables and fruits flourish.
The History of Reptiles
The species of modern reptiles are but mere shadows representing the shattered remains of what was once the grandest collection of animals on the planet.
Top 10 Wild Edible Plants
Nature contains a rich bounty of edible wild plants, many of which are cultivated and sold in grocery stores such as asparagus, blackberries, and strawberries.
Choosing the Best Cat Food
Even though cats have very specific nutritional requirements, choosing a healthy pet food that best meets those requirements doesn't have to be tricky.
Red Fox Facts – Vulpes vulpes
Did you know that the red fox can reach speeds of 48km per hour, leap obstacles 2 meters high and has 28 different vocalizations?
Stranded Sea Turtles Suffer from Cold Exposure
Low ocean temperature and winds push endangered and threatened sea turtles ashore on Cape Cod but metal contamination may also be affecting the health of the species.
How Mistletoe was Used by the Celts
Mistletoe has been used for thousands of years, in both religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes, in healing such conditions as epilepsy and cancer.
Making Your Own Homemade Bird Toys
Parrot and pet bird toys are expensive; making your own toys can help greatly reduce the cost.
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