Nature & Science When we picture romance in the animal kingdom, we often think of elaborate bird dances, synchronized fireflies, or smooth river stones offered as gifts. Then, there is the praying mantis . The praying mantis is one of the insect kingdom's most efficient ambush predators. In what looks like a scene straight out of a horror thriller, a female praying mantis will occasionally bite off the head of her suitor and consume him entirely—sometimes while mating is actively taking place. In evolutionary biology, this phenomenon is called sexual cannibalism . Is the male just an unfortunate victim of bad luck? Or is there a cold, calculated evolutionary advantage behind this lethal encounter? Let’s examine what science reveals about nature’s most notorious courtship. 1. Fuel for the Next Generation (Nutritional Investment) The primary driver behind why a female man...
The Pinto Bean Cake, also known as "Bolo de Feijão" in Portuguese, is a unique and delicious dessert that holds a special place in Macau's culinary heritage. Here's what makes this cake special and a glimpse into its history: PINTO BEAN CAKE RECIPE Author: Mrs. Soule, Iowa Newspaper, 1975 Unique Ingredient: Pinto Beans 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup shortening 1 egg 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp soda 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cloves 1/2 tsp allspice 1 tsp cinnamon buy it here 2 cups pinto beans, cooked and mashed (can use frozen!) Buy it here https://amzn.to/3wc4au5 2 cups diced raw apple 1 cup raisins 1 cup black walnuts 1 tsp vanilla Instructions Cream sugar and shortening. Add egg. Sift together dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture. Stir in beans, apples, raisins, nuts and vanilla. (Raisins can be plumped in hot water) Pour into greased and floured 13×9 pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Good with cream cheese icing, p...