NESTLED SOME 93 MILLION MILES from our sun is the “Blue Planet,” called that because it is the only celestial body for billions, or even trillions, more miles covered with water! It has been estimated that water covers as much as 70 percent of Earth, and water remains the most important factor in sustaining life on Earth. It becomes an even more special place when we realize that the old sailor’s lament, “water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” is quite true!
You see, the vast majority (96.5 percent) of that 71 percent is composed of salt water, which few, if any, terrestrial animals can drink! Only about 3 percent of the Earth’s water is fresh! Yet, even with this tiny amount, an incredibly diverse assortment of terrestrial animals…
