I got unreasonably excited when I saw the title of this article, but my hopes were pretty quickly dashed. Apparently beavers are ‘superheroes’ because they can close their nose and ears underwater and open their eyes with a built-in goggle. Not because they change the ecosystem or save the water or increase stream complexity.
Thinking Outside the Classroom: Beavers — the superheroes of the animal kingdom
Summer has finally arrived and with it comes warm weather, budding flowers and the chance to witness the elusive beaver — superhero of the animal kingdom. Next time you find yourself outside enjoying summer in the mountains, look around. If you know what to look for, you may be able to spot this fascinating creature.
Beavers have numerous superhero-worthy skills and adaptations. They are especially skilled underwater. They have an extra set of eyelids that are transparent and act like goggles so they can see underwater. Plus, their ears and noses have valves that they can close before heading underwater.
They’re able to remain underwater for up to 15 minutes and use their tails as rudders to help them swim. Working underwater is made possible by their long front teeth which stick out so they can close their mouths and not swallow water as they work. The beaver is second only to humans in their ability to change the landscape around them. While we often don’t have the opportunity to see them in action, rest assured they’re always up to something.
Yes we can never see what beavers are doing here in Martinez where folks line up by the hundreds to watch them, but we know they are ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING. Like congressmen or tax attorneys. No mention of the fact that when beavers change the environment things get better and when man changes the environment – well not so much. Did you notice the name of the science camp where the author teaches?
Cheryl Brenner is a camp counselor at Keystone Science School.
Do you think Cheryl devotes a paragraph to explaining the name KEYSTONE and how it relates to the KEYSTONE SPECIES that is the beaver – and that THIS is what makes it a superhero? Oh, silly silly reader. Of course not. She has more important jobs in mind. Like this.
A beaver’s tail just might be its most valuable attribute. While the tail is good for swimming, it also plays other important roles. During the winter their tails are used to store fat for energy. The beaver’s tail will become long, round and fat similar to a rat’s tail.
Got that? The beaver tail turns into a nutria tail over winter when they live off their own fat. Don’t need a food cache when they always have some beaver tail to rely on. This must be why we always see those photos of beavers breaking ice with their rat tail.
Gosh, I want to sign my children up for that SCIENCE camp! What little naturalists they must produce! My children could learn all about how the earth is only 6000 years old, that duck eggs are flammable and that you can never get pregnant if it’s your first time.
Actually, I’m not sure the title is correct. They may indeed be outside of the classroom – but after reading this I’m not sure anyone’s thinking.
