cambrian food web study summary

One of my favorite sub-fields in biology is the functioning of ecosystems, population dynamics, etc. Here's another tidbit from that field.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releas...-aeo042208.php

Titbit.

In fakey old woman stick-up-arse voice, "I beg your pardon?"

i don't know what he meant by 'tidbit', but i don't think it was an insult.

its really amazing that you can learn about ecosystems 500 million years ago.

Actually, I assumed it was a British spelling of the same word.

Isilme (hey, typed it right that time!), if you haven't read Stephen Jay Gould's book on the very same collection of critters referenced in this study, the Burgess Shales, I recommend it highly. It's called, uh, Wonderful Life, I believe.

It's "titbit" not "tidbit", as in titmouse, tit-for-tat, tittle-tattle, etc.

oldhippychick wrote

Actually, I assumed it was a British spelling of the same word.

you know, i'm not really sure. it sounds the same.

Isilme (hey, typed it right that time!), if you haven't read Stephen Jay Gould's book on the very same collection of critters referenced in this study, the Burgess Shales, I recommend it highly. It's called, uh, Wonderful Life, I believe.

i will add it to my reading list. unfortunately there are about 20 books on it right now i just haven't found time to read, but i'll try and remember it!

tid·bit Audio Help/ˈtɪdˌbɪt/Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[tid-bit]Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation–noun 1.a delicate bit or morsel of food. 2.a choice or pleasing bit of anything, as news or gossip.
Also, especially British, titbit.

[Origin: 1630–40; tide1 (in sense “feast day”) + bit2]

Hey, I didn't know that etymology. I like it! (Though I'm an etymology freak, I confess.) Since the word derives from tide, the spelling "tidbit" is really closer to the original than the British spelling. Not many American versions of English words can lay claim to more accuracy. Usually, we've bastardized the heck out of the poor words.

Yeah, Is, I know about the reading list issue. Not enough hours in the day (or good reading hours) to get it all in!

[calpurnpiso]

I know what the cambrian food was, dirty ice.