If you scratch a Galapagos tortoise on the chin it will extend its neck and legs and often close its eyes, a set of responses called "finching" because it allows finches to land and pick off ticks that might be hidden inside skin folds. #galapagos #tortoise #finches #finching #philadelphia #zoo #birds #parasites #ticks #biology #reptiles

If you scratch a Galapagos tortoise on the chin it will extend its neck and legs and often close its eyes, a set of responses called "finching" because it allows finches to land and pick off ticks that might be hidden inside skin folds. #galapagos #tortoise #finches #finching #philadelphia #zoo #birds #parasites #ticks #biology #reptiles

Experts believe a recent surge in infections in Japan is due to factors such as relaxed hygiene measures, drug-resistant bacteria and lowered immunity levels amid extreme heat. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/08/21/japan/science-health/infectious-diseases/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #sciencehealth #health#covid19 #ticks #insects #whoopingcough