Uncloistered

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  “She gazed ahead through a long reach of future days strung together like pearls in a rosary, every one like the others, and all smooth and flawless and innocent, and her heart went up in thankfulness. Outside was the fervid summer afternoon; the air was filled with the sounds of the busy harvest of men and birds and bees; there were halloos, metallic clatterings, sweet calls, and long hummings. Louisa sat, prayerfully numbering her days, like an uncloistered nun.” A New England Nun By Mary E. Wilkins Freeman (1852–1930)

Puffer-fish Evolution

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Can't help but wonder about Puffer-fish evolution. Which came first: the need to reproduce or the ability to reproduce? How quickly over the course of millions of years did this 5 inch Puffer-fish develop the skill to construct such an elaborate mating bed (up to 7 feet across) that would be attractive to the female in order for the species to survive?



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