Chambered Nautilus - Vanuatu


Nautilus pompilius - The blood of the chambered nautilus, containing the protein hemocyanin, is blue when enriched with oxygen; human blood is red. The nautilus is the only species of the cephalopods to rely on its shell for providing protection from predators. The animal has the ability to pull itself completely into its shell and uses a leathery hood to seal the entrance. Cephalopods, such as the octopus and squid, are known for their good eyesight; the nautilus lacks this trait.

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The Vanuatu Archipelago consists of approximately 82 islands and stretches across 1,300 kilometers of ocean. Most of the islands are of volcanic origin. Several volcanoes are currently active, including underwater volcanoes, potential sources in the formation of new islands. The largest volcano in the Vanuatu chain is Lopevi, a stratovolcano active since 1862. A stratovolcano is conical in design and built up over time by several layers of lava, pumice, tephra, and volcanic ash.