Hesse, a state in the heart of Germany, is characterized by a diverse biocultural landscape. From the wooded low mountain ranges like the Taunus and the Vogelsberg to the fertile valleys along the Rhine, Hesse offers a wide range of habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. The flora is marked by deciduous and coniferous trees in the forests, as well as typical Central European plants such as beeches, oaks, and chestnuts. The fauna includes a variety of species, including deer, wild boar, foxes, badgers, and various bird species like woodpeckers and owls. The people of Hesse have developed a close relationship with nature over the centuries, reflected in traditions such as the preservation of orchards and the protection of nature reserves. Despite challenges from land use, urbanization, and climate change, the protection and preservation of this biocultural diversity remain crucial for the future of Hesse and the well-being of its residents.
Houseflies mating, Musca domestica (08/2015 in Oberursel, Germany)
Insects have a different nervous system than vertebrates like us. ๐๐ Not everything is controlled by the brain. ๐๐ณ The nerve cords are similar to a rope ladder. โ๐ In each body segment are two interconnected ganglia. โ๐ In the head several ganglia are fused together and form the brain. ๐๐ค The brain isn't really needed for survival, because the vital functions ๐ take place in other body segments. ๐ช๐ However, the fly can take without head no liquid or food. ๐๐
Indohyus Riverside. One of my drawings from 2007. At that time I drew a lot of animal portraits. I also tried prehistoric animals. Although I've made some mistakes, this drawing was used for about 10 years in Wikipedia articles.
The indohyus was an ancestor of modern whales. It was a racoon-sized, mouse-deer-like, even-toed ungulate and probably lived partially aquatic. Recently, another link between whales and land mammals has been discovered. While indohyus lived in India about 48 million years ago, the newly discovered species peregocetus was found in approximately 43 million years old sediments in Peru. It already had a length of 13 feet and was very well adapted to life in the water. But still had hooves.