Spider in Museum of Life and Science

We saw a giant spider in the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, North Carolina on 1st September 2008. The spider in this picture is about 6 inches long. If we count the number of legs of this spider, it is eight. We know that insect has six. What is going on with this spider? In fact, spider is not insect, it is arachnid.

Spiders like to stay around the web they build because they get everything they need including food and water. Spiderman in contrast would run around town to save lives. When insects are being trapped in the web, the spiders use vibrations to locate them. Spiderman would use his great vision to see things far away.

Alligator in Museum of Life and Science

We have seen American Alligator many times in zoo or wild. We could only see their eyes and upper part of jaw which were above water level. The other part of alligator body was hidden in muddy water. On 1st September 2008, we were invited by Sue to visit the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham. The alligators there were in clear water and therefore we were able to see the whole alligator bodies.

It was amazing to witness alligators staying still for at least 10 minutes. In fact, they can hold their posture for hours. While we watched them in the museum, they did not even blink their eyes. Alligators wait without moving until their prey wanders close. Then, they attack and have meal.