NOW YOU SEE THEM . . .
The World’s Tiniest Animals
Tiniest Reptile: Pygmy Leaf Chameleon The pygmy leaf chameleon also calls Madagascar home, but at half an inch long at birth, it is much tinier than its primate neighbor and not much bigger than an ant. These reptiles are the smallest in the world. At night, they climb high into the trees to sleep — though, for them, this might only mean a foot or so off the ground. Just like their larger counterparts, the pygmy leaf chameleon uses its tongue to capture its prey. Tiniest Mammal: Etruscan Shrew At an average of 3.5 centimeters long and weighing about 2 grams, the Etruscan shrew is the smallest living terrestrial mammal by mass. These timid creatures aren’t keen on being startled. In response to sudden noises, they’ve been known to jump, faint, and even drop dead. Don’t be fooled by their small stature though; relative to their body size, their brains are larger than most creatures (even humans), and shrews have a higher metabolic rate than any other animal. Because of this, they must eat 80–90% of their body weight in food each day. Of course, these are only the smallest known animals in their respective categories. As scientists and conservationists continue to explore remote parts of the world, it’s likely they’ll uncover many more natural wonders.
Often, it’s the big animals in the room — er, forest — that get all the attention. But a look at their smaller counterparts reveals a bustling world of fascinating creatures. From reptiles no larger than your fingernail to tiny primates that only come out at night, these animals are proof that size is not a limitation. Tiniest Primate: Madame Berthe’s Mouse Lemur Jumping from tree to tree, Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur is a tiny ball of nocturnal energy. At 3.6 inches long and weighing in at just an ounce, this is the world’s smallest known primate. First seen about 20 years ago in western Madagascar, it was named for charismatic conservationist and primatologist Madame Berthe Rakotosamimanana. While its body may be small, its large round eyes help it see in the dark, allowing it to catch insects for food. Found only in Kirindy Mitea National Park in western Madagascar, this species is identified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. While construction on the streets of Fort Worth is an exciting prospect for a growing city, it also means there are extra precautions to take when driving through these zones. Use these tips to navigate them safely so you can cruise into the new year. Plan Your Route There’s nothing more frustrating than approaching a construction zone when you’re already running late. They hold up traffic, set up reroutes, and sometimes don’t allow you to drive through at all. Because anger and frustration can lead to reckless driving and car crashes, it’s best to avoid this by simply planning ahead. Several websites and smartphone apps show you exactly which areas are affected by public construction so that you can figure out the best route to take to get to your destination quickly and safely. Practice Smart Driving Construction inevitably leads to debris, and workers may not always be able to prevent it from reaching the road.
To Drive Through Construction Zones YOU SHOULDN’T NEED A HARD HAT
Watch your path carefully and stay alert for wayward materials. Also, remember that construction affects everyone around you, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, so be extra aware of their presence. Most importantly, slow down. Construction zones will post reduced speed limits, so make sure you keep an eye out for them and obey them. Slower speeds give you more time to react should you need to. KnowYour Rights Always go out of your way to make sure you’re practicing safe driving, but also be aware of the responsibility of construction companies or the Department of Transportation to provide a safe environment to travel through. If they fail to properlymark construction zones, don’t redirect you away from unsafe locations, or raise any other red flags that lead to your injury, you may be eligible to seek compensation. If you find yourself in this situation, call our office so we can help.
https://www.medlinfirm.com | Pg. 2
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online