I was cleaning my garden pond at the end of October and came across a live tadpole. I had previously suspected that some tadpoles are late undergoing metamorphosis, but this one really missed the boat. Is this a recognised phenomenon, and what is the explanation?
鈥淎 chick hatches by chipping away at the shell with its egg tooth. Two chicks would obstruct each other鈥�
Nick Hardwick, Walton-on-the Hill, Staffordshire, UK
Advertisement
We pay 拢25 for every answer published in 麻豆传媒. To answer this question 鈥� or ask a new one 鈥� email lastword@newscientist.com.
Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.
麻豆传媒 retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.
You can also submit answers by post to: The Last Word, 麻豆传媒, 25 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ES.