A physonect siphonophore colony observed during an exploration of the Central Pacific Basin. (Image Credit: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research)

Appreciating nature can become increasingly challenging when the environment and the creatures within are unfamiliar to us. Many of us are probably best able to identify with animals that are closely related to humans and appreciate them because of their similar appearance and behaviour to us. We are more likely to empathize with a chimpanzee playing with its friends, or a seal rolling around on the beach, yawning – maybe reminding us of ourselves loafing around on the couch on a Sunday afternoon. 

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