My Science School

Canada's Miguasha National Park is a treasure trove of natural history, as it holds within  it priceless fossils that educate us about what was in the world millions of years ago.

Spanning more than 215 acres, the Miguasha National Park is located on the southern coast of the Gaspe peninsula in Quebec, Canada. Unlike most parks around the world, this Park is not popular for its animals, plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, or marine creatures living today. However, it is an extremely important region to trace the history of the planet's wildlife as we know it, thanks to the fossils in this area.

On the shore of the peninsula are remarkably well-preserved fossil beds from the Devonian period (see box), from millions of years ago. From vertebrates and invertebrates (such as lobe-finned fishes) to plants, algae, and several microorganisms, the astonishing biodiversity of these fossils offers scientists much more than just a glimpse of Devonian life. Even though there are more than 50 Devonian period fossil sites across the globe, "none matches Miguasha in abundance of specimens, quality of fossil preservation and representation of evolutionary events for vertebrates".

Discovered in 1842, the site has been of great scientific interest and significance the world over, and fossil specimens from the location were sent to museums and universities for studies. In 1999, the Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered "the world's most outstanding illustration of the Devonian Period".

Past  forward

The most important contribution of the Miguasha National Park to the study of evolution is through the largest number of and best-preserved fossil specimens of the lobe-finned fish that gave rise to the first four-legged. air-breathing, terrestrial vertebrates the tetrapods

Among the fossils that made Miguasha popular are 21 species of fish fossils. And the most significant among them? The Eusthenopteron foordi- the extinct lobe-finned fish fossil. It is this creature's "limblike fins and two-way gills-and-lungs respiratory system that led to the present understanding of evolution from fish to four-limbed, land-dwelling vertebrates". And not surprisingly, this specimen has been named "the Prince of Miguasha"!

Good news but...

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good" in the latest assessment cycle (2020).

In fact rigorous and continuous fieldwork and research initiatives have resulted in the discovery of new fossils and resultant inferences on how Devonian fishes and tetrapods evolved over a period of time. Though fossil sites have the potential to be disturbed or damaged by human activity, this site is "secure and well protected". "Overall site management and protection can be rated as mostly or highly effective."

In addition to the research initiatives. the educational outreach programmes and "interpretive facilities for visitors" too have been impressive enough to create awareness.

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The Great Sphinx at Giza is the world's largest monolithic statue. 

Egypt, the land of pharaohs and pyramids never fails to amaze its visitors with its rich culture, mysteries and monolithic pieces from the medieval times. One such mighty monument that has hundreds and thousands of spectators completely in awe is the Great Sphinx Of Giza, an imposing statue body of a lion and head of a human. Carved out of a single block of the surrounding limestone bedrock, this colossal Egyptian antiquity is claimed to be the oldest and the largest known sculpture in the world.

The prime reason to why the Sphinx was constructed is still unknown, but some historian buff and archaeological experts believe that the statues were sculpted to guard important areas. Likewise, the Great Sphinx Of Giza was constructed to guard the large three pyramids of Giza i.e., pyramids of Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaura (Mycerinus).

Archaeological also believe that this gigantic sphinx was once colorful with the face painted red and the body painted with blue and yellow color. They also claim that the Sphinx once has a long beard and a nose, which are now missing.

Built-in 2500 BC during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, the Great Sphinx Of Giza in Egypt sits on the Giza plateau right in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Facing east, this stunning monument shimmers with the rising sun each morning and the Great Sphinx of Giza height is 73 meters long and 20.21 meters. The Sphinx was submerged beneath the desert and the first documented attempt to clear the sand was undertaken in 1400 BCE with the pharaoh Tuthmosis IV.

After a series of the restoration process, the giant structure once again found itself buried under the sand up to its neck when Napoleon came to Egypt in 1798. Later, there were many excavation projects conducted to clear the sand from 1816 to 1858 by some of the well-known antiquarians including Giovanni Caviglia, Auguste Mariette, and Gaston Maspero, but were forced to abandon the process due the sand.

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Khonoma in Nagaland is India's first "green village". The terrain of the village is hilly, ranging from gentle slopes to steep and rugged hillsides. The hills are covered with lush forestland, rich in various species of flora and fauna. The state bird, Blyth's tragopan, a pheasant now nationally endangered, is found here. Khonoma is a medium size village located in Sechü Zubza sub-division of Kohima district, Nagaland with total 424 families residing. The Khonoma village has population of 1943 of which 919 are males while 1024 are females as per Population Census 2011. The village is divided into three Thinuos, namely Merhüma (M-Khel), Semoma (S-Khel) and Thevoma (T-Khel).

Khonoma village has higher literacy rate compared to Nagaland. In 2011, literacy rate of Khonoma village was 83.41 % compared to 79.55 % of Nagaland. In Khonoma Male literacy stands at 93.72 % while female literacy rate was 74.19 %. As per constitution of India and Panchyati Raaj Act, Khonoma village is administrated by Sarpanch (Head of Village) who is elected representative of village.

In 1998 hunting was banned in Khonoma's forests after the killing of around 300 endangered Blyth's tragopan (Tragopan blythii) in a week as part of a hunting competition. Villagers were sensitized and educated, leading to the creation of the 20 sq km Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS), the first-ever community-led conservation project in India. Hunters were recruited to serve as forest wardens with a good salary, an incentive to turn from hunting to conservation. Today, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for Blyth's tragopan, the state bird of Nagaland, and other vulnerable species such as the leopard, clouded leopard and Asiatic black bear. Conservation of Khonoma's natural resources combined with sustainable agricultural practices led to it earning its green title in 2005.

Credit : Wikipedia 

Picture Credit : Google 

When we think of birds, we perhaps think of their resplendent colours. But did you know that not all birds are colourful? In fact, it was presumed for long that how colourful birds were depended a lot on the region they lived in. A recent study has confirmed this.

The research has shown that "tropical species of songbirds are indeed more colourful than their non-tropical counterparts". The study analysed over 4,500 species of songbirds (also known as the passerines) globally from the collection at the UK's Natural History Museum. Songbirds were chosen because "they represent around 60 per cent of all bird species". The study involved cutting-edge computer technology to analyse the colours and intensity in the plumage of birds. The "colourfulness score" thus obtained for birds across the globe revealed that it "is generally highest at the Equator and decreases with increasing latitude towards the poles". Birds in the tropics (regions of the Earth around the Equator), showed more colours than those living in other regions, north or south. Also, though in certain cases males and females look different, both are more colourful in the tropics than in other places. So, what exactly is causing this?

It is said that several factors, including climate, food, and the amount of light in their habitat, impact how colourful bird plumage is. The study showed that the most number of colourful species of birds were from rainforests and those that consumed fruits and floral nectar. "And there was also a positive association between colourfulness and the diversity of the bird communities." The variety and population of songbird species are higher in the regions closer to the Equator than others. So the study suggests that the colourfulness could be the result of evolution for identification-"this enhanced colourfulness may help them to distinguish themselves from all the other birds in their rich tropical communities".

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Nestled in-between the eastern ridges of the Himalayas in the central-south, Bhutan is a beautiful country and is also ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, attracting tourists from far and wide to experience its tranquil and serene beauty. This beautiful Buddhist kingdom is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and plains, magnificent mountains and steep valleys.

Bhutan is a small kingdom neighbouring India with a 786,500 population. It is also known as Druk yul or Druk Tsendhen, meaning "land of the thunder dragon", because of the frequent thunderbolts experienced here. However, it is a place of mountains and lakes, pilgrimages, artistic skills, adventure and tourism.

Bhutan does not believe in GDP as an indicator of economic growth and development, using instead a measurement known as Gross National Happiness. It has made this blessed kingdom a country of happy people on the global map. Bhutanese people have four pillars for the measure of GNH -sustainable development, preservation and promotion of cultural values, good governance and a healthy environment that makes it one of the happiest countries in the world.

People

There are three major ethnic groups in Bhutan: the Bhutia (also called Ngalop), the Nepalese and the Sharchop. The Bhutia is the largest ethnic group and they constitute about half of the population. The Bhutia are dominant in northern, central and western Bhutan. They speak a variety of Tibeto-Burman languages, and the most common of these, Dzongkha, is Bhutan's official language; the written language is identical with Tibetan. The Bhutias dominate Bhutan's political life. The Nepalese (including members of the Gurung ethnic group) predominate in the region and constitute roughly one-third of the country's total population. These are the most recent arrivals in Bhutan. Most speak Nepali.

About three-fourths of Bhutan's population follows Buddhism, primarily of the Tibetan variety. Besides Buddhism, Hinduism commands a significant following in Bhutan, particularly within the Nepalese community. Hindus constitute nearly one-fourth of the population. Proselytization is illegal in Bhutan.

Flora and Fauna

Bhutan's flora is notable for its great variety and its continuous transition from tropical through temperate to exclusively alpine forms. The moist zone of tropical deciduous vegetation occupies the south; in the Duars Plain and adjoining hills, tall dense grasses (used in the manufacture of paper and pulp) are an important plant resource in the lower elevations.

Sambar deer, gaurs (type of wild ox), rhinoceros, elephants, tigers and other animals are found in Bhutan, particularly along the Manas and Sankosh rivers in the central and eastern regions and in the country's forest-covered hills.

Art and Culture

Various art forms in Bhutan are inspired by the Buddhist religion. Poetry, dance, music, paintings and theatre in the country is deep rooted in the religion. Paintings include thangkas, wall paintings and sculptures. Masked dances are the main speciality, which are the re-enactment of Guru Rinpoche's life. Architecture is another feature which makes Bhutanese culture stand apart. In accordance with the country's geography and climate, traditional architecture, which includes sloped roofs, earthen walls and intricate wooden work, still thrives.

The festivals in Bhutan are an exciting time in the life of the Bhutanese, and an integral part of the unique culture of Bhutan. The most important Bhutanese festival is Tshechu. Every city has its own Tshechu, which lasts for 3-5 days. It falls on a particular day of a lunar month. It is generally held in a dzong, where people from the entire district and surrounding places gather together for the celebration. Monks and lay men wear silk robes and animal masks and re-enact events from Guru Rinpoche's life.

Bhutanese culture mandates that the traditional dress must be worn on special occasions and in government offices. Bhutanese men wear gho and women wear kira. Gho  is a heavy knee-length robe tied with a belt. Kira is an ankle-length dress over which a short jacket may be worn.

Traditionally food, cooked in earthenware, is eaten with hands while sitting cross-legged on the floor. Ema Datshi is the national dish of Bhutan. It is eaten throughout the country and in almost every meal. It usually consists of spicy chillies and cheese. Momos are yet another Bhutanese delicacy.

The music and dance forms of Bhutan, which are primarily inspired by religion, are part of every festival and celebration in the country. In annual events such as Tshechus, the king's birthday, etc., the whole country celebrates their legacy by dancing and singing.

Places of Interest

The Royal Manas National Park is the oldest in Bhutan and is spread across an area of 1,057 sq. km with numerous endangered wildlife species including the one horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, Gangetic dolphin, Himalayan black bear, golden langur and many more.

Soi Yaktsa Trek: Trekking, undoubtedly, is one of the best adventure activities in Bhutan. The Soi Yaksa Trek has climbs that lead up to elevations as high as 4,700 m.

Pilgrim's Valley: It is one of the best Bhutan tourist spots covering the monasteries and dzongs from Paro to Bumthang.

Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu: It is the ultimate destination for photography with a giant golden Shakyamuni Buddha statue constructed to commemorate the anniversary of the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuk.

Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Paro: Popularly known as Tiger's Nest, it is one of the fascinating places for adventurers and pilgrims. The temple complex dates back to 1692.

Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha: The 160-metre long bridge spans the Po Chhu River, and connects Punakha Town with Punakha Dzong. It offers breathtaking views of the river flowing below and lush green hills all around it.

Interesting Facts about Bhutan

1. The ONLY carbon negative country in the world

Bhutan absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces. Thanks to its lush forests which act as a carbon sink and absorb most of the carbon dioxide.

2. Isolated from the world until the 1970s

Bhutan was isolated entirely from the world until 1974 when the media was allowed to cover the new king's coronation, about 64 years since it was founded. Television sets came to Bhutan no sooner than 1990.

3. No smoking in public places

Smoking and usage of tobacco products are prohibited in public places like cinema halls, restaurants, streets, etc. Designated areas have been created for smokers, and anyone caught breaking the law face imprisonment for 3-5 years.

4. Birthday on New Year?

All citizens officially become a year older on New Year's Day. If people forget their birthday due to illiteracy or any other reason, it is easier to remember it by celebrating it on New Year's Day.

5. Bhutan has never been conquered

Bhutan has never been ruled by an external entity, thanks to its inaccessible territory and smart decisions and tactics by various kings and gurus who negotiated smart deals with the British when they were expanding their base in India and Nepal.

6. Education and healthcare is free for all citizens

The Government has taken necessary steps to ensure free health and educational facilities for all. The infant mortality rate is still a severe issue, but it has improved drastically. Most people still get their education from monasteries, and steps are being taken to increase the literacy rate.

7. The national sport is archery

The bow and arrow has played a significant role in many Bhutanese myths and legends. Bhutan maintains an Olympics archery team too.

8. Matriarchal family tradition

Women head the families and run all businesses from shops to farms. They even inherit property, and a man moves into his wife's house after marriage. Looks like feminism isn't much of an issue in Bhutan!

9. Bhutanese love their king!

The King of Bhutan is known for his humble personality and humanitarian efforts. Rightly called the "People's King", His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has met almost every citizen of his country and loves to talk to the people personally about their griefs and requirements.

10. It is mandatory to wear the national dress

It is mandatory to wear the national dress of Bhutan (gho for men and kira for women) to schools and government buildings on any formal occasion.

Bhutan has been a favoured destination for people around the world for its exquisite beauty, clean air, unique features and friendly administration. Tourists visiting Bhutan have always been awed by its unique culture and bountiful nature. Bhutan has led the banner for wellness travel for long, making their tourists' and their citizens' wellness a priority. Bhutan could be top priority on your wish list if you are planning to travel soon.

Picture Credit : Google