Saturday, August 2, 2014

Science Saturday: Raspberries, Snapping Turtles and Bullfrogs, oh my!


Winslow LOVES raspberries! He was so excited when he heard that it would be one of the topics for Science Saturday! T-Tot actually picked some to go with dinner today! Mmmhhhhmmm good!

A few interesting things about Raspberries, Snapping Turtles, and Bullfrogs:

  • Raspberry bushes have a 2 year growth pattern. The 1st year the canes grow. The 2nd, they bear fruit. After they produced their berries, the 2nd year canes die.
  • Raspberries (and Blackberries) are actually not berries. A true berry has seeds in the center. Some examples of true berries are oranges, lemons, grapes, and tomatoes.
  • Raspberry prickers aren't as sharp and poky as Blackberry prickers.
  • Most turtles are slow, but comparatively Snapping Turtles are "fast". Their neck and head move quite quickly. Which is an advantage for when they are snapping at people or things.
  • When Snapping Turtles are in the water they are not as aggressive as if they are on land.
  • Snapping Turtles' shells grow to be about 1ft long. Occasionally they will be larger than that. They also range from about 10-20lbs. In a few select cases they've gotten up to 80lbs. 
  • Bullfrogs usually don't awaken from hibernation until late spring.
  • Bullfrogs are well-known for their deep resonating vocal calls they make. 
  • Bullfrog tadpoles hatch in about 4-5 days after they are laid. It takes 2 years for them to become an adult, and another 2 years for them to mature and repeat the cycle.

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