The Planarian

Meet the planarian.

This little fellow is approximately 3/16 of an inch (about 48mm) long. I have been taking Biology in this my senior year of high school, and so far this has been my absolute favorite animal. He is a member of kingdom Animalia (and is therefore technically an animal), and is in phylum Platyhelminthes (members of which are commonly known as "flat worms"). Here are a few fascinating facts about this tiny marvel:

• The planarian has no circulatory system (heart, blood, etc.) because of its branched intestine. This is the network of black things that can be seen throughout the planarian's body in the photograph above. This intestine carries food to every cell in the body, so there is no need for a circulatory system.
• The planarian has a brain!
• The planarian has the ability to sense light, by way of the two little eyespots visible on the right side of his body (his head) in the photograph.
• The planarian also has senses of taste, smell, and touch.

Isn't that incredible? Such a tiny little thing--with so much functionality! So much complicated "technology" weaved into this little body. But there is one more thing, and this is what makes this little creature so utterly astounding to me. I had never heard or imagined such a thing until I read about it, and I have not yet lost the impact of that first astonishment. Hold on to your seats and grab a bucket if you're squeamish or at all overly-imaginative, because this is pretty weird--but so INCREDIBLE:

The planarian willfully RIPS ITSELF IN HALF!

Is that not utterly astounding? I find that absolutely ridiculous! But it is true, and a means by which the planarian reproduces. It rips itself in half, and each half regenerates the other half, making two planarians where formerly there was only one. Stunning! Other worms have been known to regenerate if they are ripped in half by something (or someone) else, but this little guy rips himself in half! I find that absolutely amazing. What a testimony to God's boundless creative power. He thought up and implemented a creature that would rip itself in half in order to reproduce! I stand blown away. Imagine what that would be like!--or don't :)

 "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 'For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?'" (Romans 11:33-34).

Strength

Spring is Coming

The bitter, biting wind wraps 'round my head,

The icy hand of darkness, gloom, and death.

I find no refuge from the ruthless dread

So sharply borne on winter's barren breath.

Yet as I trudge through forests thick with snow,

Struggling to budge my frozen limbs and head,

A sudden sound, with warm and gentle glow

Breaks through the howl of winter's silent dead.

Recorded by Donald R. Gunn

It speaks a life of hope into the world,

As death begins to know its final doom.

Sweet green begins to bud, and though yet furled,

It gives a glimpse of hope, of ending gloom.

In winter's grasp we struggle to keep going,
But see the sprouts of hope say, “Spring is coming!”

Titmouse song obtained from:

 http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tufted_titmouse/sounds.