World video travel guide

NewsCaliforniaUnited States • 2011-12-20

Select the country and object's type ANIMAL ATTRACTION, A NEW AQUARIUM GALLERY AT THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, WILL OPEN ON FEBRUARY 11, 2012 Opening just in time for Valentine\'s Day, this revealing new exhibit explores some of the wildest mating strategies in the animal kingdom

SAN FRANCISCO (December 20, 2011) —From sex change to cannibalism, the natural world is filled with wild mating strategies. In a new aquarium gallery titled Animal Attraction, the California Academy of Sciences delves into the science of sex, exploring the remarkable and often surprising techniques animals have developed for attracting mates and producing offspring. Visitors will encounter hermaphroditic banana slugs, barnacles that win the award for most well-endowed, cannibalistic praying mantises, parasitic anglerfish, and more than a dozen other creatures. Animal Attraction opens to the public on Saturday, February 11, 2012, with a sneak peek during NightLife on Thursday, February 9.

In a series of eighteen tanks, the exhibit will explore the concept that nothing in life is more important than reproductive success. Sex—the passing on and mixing of genes—drives evolution, and is responsible for much of what we consider beautiful in the natural world. If not for reproduction, plants wouldn’t bloom, birds wouldn’t sing, and deer wouldn’t sprout antlers. For the first time, the Academy will use iPads as exhibit labels, allowing visitors to zoom in on gorgeous images, watch videos of these strategies and behaviors in action, and guide their own digital explorations using interactive touch screens throughout the exhibit. A striking wall of photos will illustrate additional examples of plant and animal reproduction and courtship strategies. Throughout the museum, Academy docents will bring these and other stories to life, sharing tales of how giraffes know when the time is right, why cacao couldn\'t reproduce without the help of a specific fly, and more.

Exhibit Overview

Animal Attraction will highlight a diverse array of strategies that animals and plants have developed for attracting a partner, and passing along their genes to the next generation, including:

Extreme Mating

Truth can be stranger than fiction when it comes to reproductive strategies in the animal kingdom. When a male Ceratioid anglerfish finds a mate, he literally latches on and won\'t let go. After biting into the female, the two fuse permanently, and the male will gradually atrophy until he\'s nothing more than a pair of gonads. This extreme sexual dimorphism ensures that when the time is right, the female has one or more mates at the ready. For promiscuous garden snails, also part of the exhibit, males who successfully fire a \"love dart\" at a prospective partner double their chances of paternity.

The Art of Attraction

Cutting through the clutter is serious business when it comes time to attract a mate. Male bower birds of Australia construct bowers—elaborate display arenas decorated with twigs, leaves, and brightly colored objects from berries to bits of plastic—in which to woo females with their architectural prowess, flashy dances and vocalizations. The exhibit will include a colorful bower modeled after an example found in the wild.

Dangerous Sex

Courtship is often at odds with survival. But the need to find and seduce a mate is one of the most powerful forces of evolution. In some species, like the praying mantis and salmon pink birdeater spider featured in the exhibit, females will sometimes devour males before, during or after copulation, a practice known as sexual cannibalism. For coral banded shrimp, also on display, the trick to a monogamous relationship is fierce aggression toward others of the same sex. Living in pairs, these shrimp will fight their mate\'s potential suitors to the death. Visitors will also get up close and personal with a coconut octopus – for this animal, like other octopus species, sex is a tragic milestone. After mating, male octopuses die within months, and females will stop hunting in order to care for thousands of eggs, surviving just until they hatch.

Creative Parenting

Parental care in the animal kingdom ranges from intensive to practically non-existent, with numerous permutations in between. At the climax of courtship, male and female splashing tetras (small silver fish native to the Amazon) lock together and leap out of the water to lay and fertilize clutches of eggs on the undersides of leaves, away from the reach of predators. At that point, mom\'s job is done, and dad hangs around for another 36-72 hours, using his tail to splash water on each egg cluster at one-minute intervals, until the eggs hatch and fall into the water, at which point parental care ceases. Depending on the species and environment, male Betta fish will care for their yet-to-hatch fry by constructing a bubble nest at the surface of the water, or by keeping the brood in his mouth for one to two weeks until they hatch.

Additional Programs

Beyond the aquarium exhibit, visitors will have an opportunity to explore other fascinating stories from the world of plant and animal reproduction through special programs offered throughout the Academy.

ANIMAL ATTRACTION NIGHTLIFE (Ages 21+)

Thursday, February 9 from 6-10 pm

Enjoy a sneak peek at Animal Attraction before it opens to the general public, and gain an entirely new perspective on the birds and the bees. Get to know potential mates through creative activities and games, and explore the science of attraction among fishes, insects—even humans. On a docent tour, hear about mating chains under the sea, tortoises that don\'t reach sexual maturity until age 40, and more. Participating organizations include the Center for Sex and Culture, and the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. Music by Sweater Funk DJ Crew. Every Thursday night, music, creatures and cocktails come together for NightLife at the Academy. Guests must be age 21 and over to attend. Admission is $12 ($10 for Academy members). Tickets are available at www.calacademy.org/nightlife.

THE MAGIC OF LIFE

Daily at 12:00 pm (starting Feb. 9)

In almost 4 billion years, the quirks of reproduction and evolution have created an astounding variety of life forms on Earth. Take a closer look at some of the world\'s most wondrous animals, through imagery, video and specimens, and gain a new perspective on how reproduction drives evolution. Free with Academy admission.

POLLINATION PARTNERS: BEES AND FLOWERS

Daily at 1:00 pm

Pollinators like bees are a crucial link in ecosystems and agriculture around the world, allowing flowering plants—from roses and sunflowers to cotton and strawberries—to reproduce year after year. Bees, who depend on these plants for nectar, communicate the locations of flowers to each other with dances. In this fun, interactive program, discover how these pollination partners help one another, and perform a bee-dance of your very own. Free with Academy admission.

PENGUIN FEEDINGS: SEA OF LOVE EDITION

Daily at 10:30 am & 3:00 pm

The Academy’s African Penguins live in a fascinating social colony. These relationships—who is mating with whom, arranged marriages and family squabbles—are always especially apparent during meal time. Watch the birds dip and dive, strut and show off in their tank at the end of African Hall as a biologist dons a wet suit and hands out vitamin-stuffed herring and capelin. Free with Academy admission.

CORAL REEF DIVES: SEA OF LOVE EDITION

Daily at 11:30 am & 2:30 pm

Watch as a diver suits up in SCUBA gear and plunges into the world’s deepest living coral reef exhibit. Outfitted with an underwater microphone, the diver will discuss love on the reef—from clownfish dads who become clownfish moms to coral spawning and captive breeding programs—and the amazing adaptations these animals have to thrive in this ecosystem. Free with Academy admission.

SPECIMEN SPOTLIGHT

Fridays at 11:30 am

Did you know the Academy is home to more than 26 million specimens?! That’s a lot of fur, feathers, teeth and spines! Join naturalists at the Project Lab who will highlight a different specimen each week, with a special focus on reproductive strategies in the animal kingdom. Free with Academy admission.

CHAT WITH AN ACADEMY SCIENTIST – AGES 10+

Second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 1:30 pm

March 14 & 28: Academy curator Luiz Rocha, on the unique reproductive lives of fishes

Meet Academy scientists who study the reproductive strategies of plants and animals all around the globe. Join them for a fascinating look at their work to explore the world, discover new life, and help explain Earth’s amazing story. Free with Academy admission.

ANIMAL TALES – AGES 2-5

Every Saturday at 11:00 am

Every 1st and 3rd Monday at 10:00 am

Feb. 11 theme: Amazing Seahorse Dads

Feb. 18 theme: Amazing Whale Moms

Feb. 20 theme: Baby Giraffes

Feb. 25 theme: Amazing Sea Turtle Moms

March 3 theme: Amazing Fish Parents

March 5 theme: Babies in Eggs

March 10 theme: Amazing Octopus Moms

March 17 theme: Amazing Amphibian Moms

March 19 theme: Baby Ducks

Children ages 2-5 and their parents or caregivers are invited to the Early Explorers Cove to listen to tales about nature, science, and the wonderful world around us. Stories come to life with songs and items like felt boards, rhythm sticks, and natural specimens. Free with Academy admission.

FAMILY NATURE CRAFTS – AGES 5-10

Every Sunday from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

February 12 craft: Amazing Dad—Emperor Penguin

February 19 craft: Amazing Mom—Surinam Toad

February 26 craft: Amazing Dad—Lumpsucker Fish

March 4 craft: Amazing Dad—Seahorse

March 11 craft: Amazing Mom—Octopus

March 18 craft: Amazing Dad—Three-spined Stickleback Fish

Get creative with craft projects designed for families with children aged 5-10. Free with Academy admission.

45-word Exhibit Description

From fish that can change sex to insects that eat their mates and snails that shoot \"love darts,\" discover some of the wildest mating strategies in the animal kingdom in Animal Attraction, a revealing new exhibit of live animals at the California Academy of Sciences.

The California Academy of Sciences is home to Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, Kimball Natural History Museum, and world-class research and education programs—all under one living roof. Admission to the Academy is: $29.95 for adults; $24.95 for youth ages 12 to 17, Seniors ages 65+ and students with valid ID; $19.95 for children ages 4 to 11; and free for children ages 3 and younger. Admission fees include all exhibits and shows. Hours are 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Saturday, and 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. During peak periods, including some holiday weekends, an admission surcharge and extended hours may apply. Visit www.calacademy.org or call (415) 379-8000 for more.

RSS RSS All news

 

Related objects

United States

World Countries United States

A trip to the United States will bring pleasure to the most sophisticated tourist. It is a country of immense size and capabilities

Beverly Hills

Cities Beverly Hills

Hollywood is where stars work. And Beverly Hills is where they live. It is the city of luxurious houses, award-winning restaurants and posh cars

Bishop

Cities Bishop

The City of Bishop is located in the picturesque valley of Owens River, east to Sierra Nevada range. It is an ideal place for an outdoor vacation

Furnace Creek

Dities districts Furnace Creek

Originally built as a working ranch in the 1880's, the Furnace Creek Ranch today is a resort complex in the heart of Death Valley National Park: 224 guest units, 3 restaurants, a saloon, a general store, The Borax Museum

Los Angeles

Cities Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the heart of U.S. entertainment and international trade, is the second most populous and one of the most cosmopolitan American cities

Malibu

Cities Malibu

If you wish to have the best seaside holiday ever, follow the road sign: "Malibu, 27 Miles of Scenic Beauty" and get ready for a fabulous vacation

Napa County

Regions, areas, large resorts Napa County

Napa County has a mild climate, scenic nature and convenient location. The most popular attractions in this area are wine-tasting tours

Pasadena

Cities  
Pasadena

San Diego

Cities San Diego

San Diego is one of the wealthiest and safest cities in U.S. It offers tourists a variety of attractions from shopping to sightseeing

San Francisco

Cities San Francisco

San Francisco or the Golden Gate City is full of tourist attractions and places of historical interest. It is visited by 16 mln tourists every year

San Jose

Cities San Jose

San José is located in the very heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley. The city has a mild climate and lots of exciting high-tech attractions.

Santa Barbara

Cities Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, the American Riviera, is a nice destination for a family holiday. It offers all sorts of activities, from sports to wine-tasting

Santa Cruz

Cities Santa Cruz

Santa-Cruz’s fabulous beaches along with untouched redwoods in 14 State Parks are something to boast of. In addition, it’s a wine production region.

Santa Monica

Cities Santa Monica

Santa Monica's location is pretty convenient: on the one hand, it is close to LA, on the other, it is at the seaside with plenty of nice beaches

Sausalito

Cities Sausalito

There are lots of things to do in Sausalito: you can rather go boating, take an excursion to the Bay Model Museum or go for a trip to San Francisco.

Sonoma

Cities  
Sonoma

Sonoma County

Dities districts Sonoma County

Sonoma County embraces a great number of Natural Parks, from local to Federal. It is the land of untouched redwoods and picturesque nature

Big Sur

Mountains, caves, canons Big Sur

Big Sur, a terrific place, where Santa Lucia Mountains literally plunge into the Pacific, is one of the most unforgettable Californian landmarks

Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

World Culinary Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

The Culinary Institute of America located in a magnificent historic building is a place where cooking is attributed the importance of science

Death Valley

Mountains, caves, canons Death Valley

Death Valley is very popular for winter traveling, though 90% of the territory is wild and undeveloped. There are many animals and plants that have managed to adapt to harsh desert climate

El Capitan

Mountains, caves, canons  
El Capitan

Ghost town Bodie

Traditions and Crafts Ghost town Bodie

By 1880 the city was a home for about 10 thousand people. There were 65 saloons and even a China Town. Now it is entirely uninhabited. In 1962 ghost town Bodie was declared a state historic park of the United States

Grant Grove

Nature Grant Grove

Grant Grove, famous for evergreen sequoias, is a part of Kings Canyon National Park. It has many large trees, including the General Grant tree, the second largest in the world

Hotels in San Diego

Hotels  
Hotels in San Diego

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

National parks, Nature reserves Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is famous for majestic evergreen sequoia forests and a large variety of animals and birds

Joshua Tree National Park

National parks, Nature reserves Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park offers a developed network of hiking and equestrian trails (total length - 100 km. ). The park also has five oases – proper bird’s cities

Kings Canyon National Park

National parks, Nature reserves Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park is rich in granite mountains, lush green forests and incredibly beautiful canyons of the Ice Age. The deepest is Kings Canyon (depth 2500 m)

Lassen Volcanic National Park

National parks, Nature reserves Lassen Volcanic National Park

The dominant feature of Lassen Volcanic National Park is Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world and the southern-most volcano in the Cascade Range

Legoland

Events, Shows, amusement Legoland

Legoland California is a toy world of fun and adventures made from Lego bricks. The park includes 9 theme sections and since 2010 even a water park

Mammoth Mountain

Mountains, caves, canons Mammoth Mountain

The ancient (57 000 years old) Mammoth Mountain volcanic complex is home to the modern Mammoth Mountain Ski Area – the popular Californian resort

Manzanar

Museums, historical monuments  
Manzanar

Mono Lake

Lakes Mono Lake

Very salted and ancient the Mono Lake attracts travelers with bizarre tufa rock formations and large colonies of birds

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Animal World, zoos Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium imitates a real ecosystem. Visitors get a unique chance to eye the “routine” dwelling of plants and animals of 623 species

Muir Woods National Monument

National parks, Nature reserves  
Muir Woods National Monument

Napa Wine Tour

Wine, vineyards Napa Wine Tour

Napa Wine Tours are not only a way to taste up to 20 premium vines of Napa and Sonoma counties in one day, but also a chance to travel in a posh limo

Orange Market

Shopping: shops, markets Orange Market

The Orange County Market Place is really large: its parking area alone occupies a 40 acre space. More than 1000 sellers offer their goods weekly here

San Diego Zoo

Animal World, zoos  
San Diego Zoo

Santa Catalina Island

Islands, archipelagos Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island is a brilliant destination for a romantic escape. Its main and the only town Avalon is a nice place to have a relaxed holiday

Scotty`s Castle

Museums, historical monuments Scotty`s Castle

Scotty`s Castle- a big house in the style of Spanish ranchero became a hotel back in 1930-ies. It is one of the most important tourist centers in Death Valley

SeaWorld

Animal World, zoos SeaWorld

The SeaWorld in San Diego is not just a dolphinarium. It is an amazing fusion of a theatre, a zoo and an adventure park interesting for all ages.

Sequoia National Park

National parks, Nature reserves Sequoia National Park

Big trees are the prime attraction of California's Sequoia National Park. The park has many easy foot trails that wind through woody groves leading to quiet undisturbed places

Silicon Valley

Popular tourist places Silicon Valley

The world famous Silicon Valley in Northern California is a region with very high concentration of largest technology corporations, mainly computer software and hardware firms

Yosemite Glacier Point

Popular tourist places  
Yosemite Glacier Point

Yosemite National Park

National parks, Nature reserves Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park - spectacular landscapes, clean rivers, lakes, waterfalls, rich flora and fauna. About 89% of the park is a wildlife area