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Big Lizard, Big Page
The correlation between a reptile’s size and the length of its Wikipedia entry is fascinating. Dr. Ashkan Fahimipur at Florida Atlantic University has analyzed this relationship, revealing that larger reptiles tend to have longer Wikipedia pages. As he noted on Bluesky: “Reptiles with more extensive Wikipedia entries are usually larger, following a power law with an exponent of 0.85.”
This trend shouldn’t surprise us. Conservationists often emphasize more “charismatic” species, which tend to be larger, as evidenced by popular campaigns featuring iconic animals like polar bears and pandas. A 2020 study has shown that larger animals are often perceived as more charismatic.
However, Fahimipur’s scatter plot reveals variance, with venomous species often having extensive medical sections that influence page length. “The species that significantly deviate from the norm tend to be those with large medical texts,” he explained.
Expanding on this dataset, we checked the Wikipedia page for fictional reptile Godzilla. Despite its massive presence, the entry totals about 7,500 words (references included). However, Godzilla’s variable size complicates mass estimates; the creature has grown from an initial 50 meters in its 1954 debut to 100 meters and then to 300 meters in the 2017 film Godzilla: Monster Planet.
Unlike Godzilla, whose expansive 7,500-word page is shorter than the 8,000+ words dedicated to the Komodo dragon, Fahimipur notes that Godzilla challenges the trend despite its iconic stature.
Orwell Strikes Again
It’s been a while since Feedback tackled themes associated with scientific conferences or journals. Some readers might remember Bruce Dury, a genealogist, who received invites to discuss a broad range of topics.
In contrast, science writer Philip Ball received an email requesting a submission to a molecular biology journal filled with red flags. The sender’s address began with “Respected Ball, P.” and lined their request with vague phrases such as “We accept articles of all kinds,” despite listing a journal name of Molecular and Cell Biology initially, followed by a confusing mention of IgMin Research – Biomedical and Engineering Journal.
The email concluded with a signature from “George Orwell, Editorial Operations Manager.” As Philip quipped on Bluesky: “I was somewhat disappointed that the editorial operations manager didn’t attempt a more plausible cover.”
Thankfully, we no longer receive such alarming emails. We have made a commitment to publish our research in the journal Journal of Runway, led by editor Miranda Priestly.
The Dog Ate My Homework
Feedback has faced some peculiar experiences with deadlines, but none quite like the alarming anecdote shared by author Samantha Shannon. Known for her bestseller The Priory of the Orange Tree, Shannon recently discussed “the funniest excuse I’ve ever given for missing a deadline” with her Instagram followers. It’s important to note this incident took place in 2024 and she is now well.
When her editor inquired, “How’s the editing going on Dark Mirror?” Shannon replied: “I’m currently waiting for an ambulance due to poisoning from a smoothie that contained crushed cherry stones, which I didn’t realize had amygdalin—essentially converting into cyanide. I wish I was joking.”
This event serves as a reminder to revisit classic literature. Books like A is for Arsenic by Kathryn Harkup explore poisons in Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries, while Deborah Blum’s Poisoner’s Handbook covers forensic toxicants’ history. Somewhere within these reads, readers will surely find crucial tips on which part of various fruits to avoid.
Fortunately, this incident doesn’t seem to have hindered Shannon much. Unlike other fantasy authors, she is keeping up with her deadlines and is on track to complete her anticipated seven-volume series, Bone Season. Nevertheless, I urge her to be cautious about foraging for mushrooms unsupervised.
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