reproduction – The Loh Down On Science

F-ANT-astic Queen

July 14, 2023 Janielle Vidal

This image reveals a worker jumping ant Harpegnathos saltator murdering the queen. The queen had just torn off her own wings after a successful mating and was scouring the forest floor in search for a suitable nest site.

Does being a mom make you lose brain cells? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. The queen is usually the only ant who gives birth in a colony. And most queens are born, not made. But Indian Jumping Ants are special! Some female worker ants

F-ANT-astic Queen

July 19, 2021 Janielle Vidal

Molar Bears

June 17, 2021 Sebastian Waz

Mama bears know: raising kids is like pulling teeth! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. So, what really stands between a bear and your picnic basket? Wildlife management! Japanese ecologists need to manage Asian black bears, and that involves tallying up newborn cubs. How does

Swimming Through Menopause

May 1, 2020 Elena Liang

When it comes to menopause, I’ve got a whale of a tale for you! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Menopause is when a woman can no longer reproduce. But only three animals live for years past menopause: humans, pilot whales, and killer whales. So

Blind Date

February 14, 2020 Alex Jarnot

Ah, love – is it REALLY blind? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Male bees — you’ve got it rough. You’re born, you mate with a queen, and then you die. But, hundreds of other would-bee suitors are trying to do the same thing! How

Three Mom Mice

March 14, 2019 Jessie Yaros

Is it the end of men? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Men. Who needs ‘em! Not some female sharks, spiders, and komodo dragons. They can create babies on their own. Mammals are different. For us, certain genes important for embryonic development are turned OFF

Marijuana Mama

August 10, 2018 Candice Gellner

Mothers to be—No more T-H-C! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science saying: Turn on, tune in, and LEAVE THE POT OUT. Marijuana has been legalized in twenty-five states in the U-S, for medical or recreational use. Of those who smoke marijuana, 6 percent are pregnant

Sex and the Single Sawfish

June 28, 2018 Loh Down Staff

Don’t have a date? Or a mate? No problem! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Animals sometimes go solo. Why? Because they can reproduce without mating: virgin birth! Technically, it’s called “parthenogenesis.” Instead of DNA from mom and dad, offspring just have mom’s DNA. So