http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/11/photogalleries/101117-mr-burns-toad-new-species-frogs-science-animal-pictures/
Not too long around November, three new species were discovered. One of them being a small inch-long toadthat resembles a character in the Simpsons. The person being Mr. Burns, having a snout-like nose that also resembles the new beaked toad species.Also, this new species has the ability to lay eggs on the forest floor to hatch toadletts making the tadpool stage no longer needed. I thought this was interesting mostly because it is named (so far) after a cartoon character. I also thought it was cool how the toad skips and entire stage of metamorphosis.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/11/photogalleries/101117-exotic-rare-plant-blooms-flower-pictures/
This plant, Queen of the Andes, blooms only once in its century year old life. When it does bloom, it can go as far as 40 feet! It is considered an endangered plant by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.due to its habitat loss and declining genetic diversity. I thought this was interesting because I found it was quite a coincidence to catch this plant blooming. When it does bloom, it grows ridiculously tall. I also found it interesting that this plant lives in very harsh environments and I find this weird because its an endangered species. Since it's an endangered species, one would think this plant could fend for itself better.
