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This [space] serves as an ongoing dedication to the late Carl Sagan. I will frequently update this page with all things Sagan, science & cosmos-related, in support of scientific literacy & understanding amongst the ever-increasing hominid population on our organic spaceship, Earth. Keep looking up & remember: we are all star stuff, contemplating the stars, as our origins exist within the cosmos. May this page bring you closer to your own individual enlightenment, further your knowledge of the universe & allow you to achieve wisdom & connectivity toward all living things for which we all share the same biological, chemical & atomic makeup. |
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Notes
Ring-tailed Mongoose by Scott Hanko on Flickr.
The Ring-tailed mongoose (Galidia elegans) is an Euplerid that lives on the island of Madagascar. There is actually much disagreement about the placement of Madagascar’s carnivores including the Ring-tailed mongoose, within the phylogenetic tree. Recent molecular work by Anne Yoder et al. (2003) reported in the journal “Nature” suggests that the Malagasy Carnivora evolved from a single herpestid (mongoose) ancestor.
The Ring-tailed mongoose is relatively small but is the largest member of the Subfamily Galidiinae. It is usually 32 to 38 cm (12.5 to 15 in) long and weighs only 700 to 900 g (24 to 32 oz). Its body is long and slender, and the rounded head has a pointed snout. The body is a dark red color and the feet are black. As the name implies, its bushy tail is covered with black and red rings.
Ring-tailed mongooses are very agile, and good climbers. They are quite playful and are active during the day. Their habitat consists of humid forests.(Source: giraffeinatree, via ody-ssea)
