Wikipedia:Main Page history/2015 February 24

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Marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris)

Oryzomys is a genus of semiaquatic rodents in the tribe Oryzomyini living in southern North America and far northern South America. It includes eight species, two of which are widespread: the marsh rice rat (O. palustris, pictured) of the U.S. and O. couesi of Mexico and Central America. Two or three species have gone extinct over the last two centuries and at least one other is endangered. Species of Oryzomys are medium-sized rats with long, coarse fur. The upperparts are gray to reddish and the underparts white to buff. The animals have broad feet with reduced or absent ungual tufts of hair around the claws and, in some species, with webbing between the toes. The habitat includes lakes, marshes, and rivers. Oryzomys species swim well, are active during the night, and eat both plant and animal food. They build woven nests of vegetation; after a gestation period of 21 to 28 days, about four young are born. Species of Oryzomys are infected by numerous parasites and carry at least three hantaviruses, one of which (Bayou virus) also infects humans. The name Oryzomys was established in 1857 by Spencer Fullerton Baird for the marsh rice rat and was soon applied to many other rats. (Full article...)

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Orion Molecular Cloud Complex

The Orion Molecular Cloud Complex is a large group of bright nebulae, dark clouds, and young stars located in the constellation of Orion. The cloud itself is between 1,500 and 1,600 light-years away and is hundreds of light-years across. Its brightest stars include the supergiants Rigel (bottom right) and Betelgeuse (top left), as well as Orion's Belt, the asterism of three stars near the center in the image.

Photograph: Rogelio Bernal Andreo, edited by Benison P Baby

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