Bateson, in a much quoted passage, describes crabs of the genera Stenorhynchus and Inachus: the crab tears a piece of seaweed in its claws, chews it, and then rubs it firmly on its body until it catches on the Velcro-like hooked setae, curved hairs which permit camouflage materials to be attached.
Marco Polo (1254-1324) was a Venetian merchant believed to have journeyed across Asia at the height of the Mongol Empire. He first set out at age 17 with his father and uncle, traveling overland along what later became known as the Silk Road. Upon reaching China, Marco Polo entered the court of powerful Mongol ruler Khubilai Khan, who dispatched him on trips to help administer the realm. Marco Polo remained abroad for 24 years.
In a world replete with greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry, Marco Polo is based on the famed explorer's adventures in Kublai Khan's court in 13th century Mongolia.