How consciousness in animals could be researched
There are reasons to assume that not only humans but also some non-human species of animal have conscious perception. Which species have consciousness and how the subjective experience of various species could differ is being investigated by Professo.....»»
No lettuce for Florida manatees this winter: Experts end feeding trial after two years
For the past two winters, Florida wildlife biologists have experimented hand-feeding lettuce to hungry manatees in the Indian River Lagoon as the animals' natural food source, seagrass, was in short supply from pollution problems......»»
Following in polar bears" footprints: DNA from snow tracks could help monitor threatened animals
Polar bears are icons of the Arctic, elusive and vulnerable. Detailed monitoring of their populations is crucial for their conservation—but because polar bears are so difficult to find, we are missing critical data about population size and how wel.....»»
Research suggests sentinel warning calls may be universally understood across continents
Animals often use vocalizations to warn of nearby danger to others. While this information is generally intended for members of the same species, other species can eavesdrop on the warnings to use the information for their own benefit. Sentinels are.....»»
The ocean"s first large swimming apex predators had exceptionally rapid growth, fossil study finds
The rapid diversification of animals over 500 million years ago—often referred to as the Cambrian Explosion—saw the appearance of the first large swimming predators in our oceans. Amplectobelua symbrachiata, a member of the group Radiodonta, whic.....»»
A Galápagos Island warbler population does not recognize call signaling mainland threat
Researchers are realizing that animal communication is more complicated than previously thought, and that the information animals share in their vocalizations can be complex. For example, some animals produce calls that warn of specific dangers in th.....»»
Brittle stars can learn just fine, even without a brain
We humans are fixated on big brains as a proxy for smarts. But headless animals called brittle stars have no brains at all and still manage to learn through experience, new research reveals......»»
Fish brains may provide insight into the molecular basis of decision-making
How do animals make decisions when faced with competing demands, and how have decision making processes evolved over time? In a recent publication in Biology Letters, Tina Barbasch, a postdoctoral researcher at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic.....»»
Exploring bird-like footprints left by unknown animals in Late Triassic Southern Africa
Ancient animals were walking around on bird-like feet over 210 million years ago, according to a study published November 29, 2023 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Miengah Abrahams and Emese M. Bordy of the University of Cape Town, South Africa.....»»
Why does puberty trigger us to stop growing?
All animals start out as a single-celled organism and then start growing. At some point, of course, they need to stop getting bigger, but the process by which this happens is poorly understood......»»
A critically endangered Sumatran rhino named Delilah successfully gives birth in Indonesia
A critically endangered Sumatran rhino was born in Indonesia's western island of Sumatra on Saturday, the second Sumatran rhino born in the country this year and a welcome addition to a species that currently numbers fewer than 50 animals......»»
Stones inside fish ears mark time like tree rings. How they"re helping us learn about climate change
As a marine biologist, I've always found it fascinating to learn about how animals adapt to their habitat. But climate change has made it more important than ever—wild animals' futures may depend on how much we understand about them......»»
"Eat, Poop, Die": Researcher"s book explores how animals make our world
In his new book "Eat, Poop, Die," UVM wildlife expert Joe Roman explores the fascinating lives of whales, seabirds, insects and other animals as they traverse their homes, from a few thousand kilometers of ocean to a few inches of soil......»»
Researchers: Oxygen in the St. Lawrence Estuary is decreasing and having a major impact on small animals living there
The waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary are running out of breath. The lack of oxygen in deep waters is affecting the organisms that live on the bottom of the estuary......»»
Bacteria found to contribute to the modulation of animal behavior
An increasingly important field of work in modern life sciences is the study of the symbiotic coexistence of animals, plants, and humans with their specific microbial populations. In recent years, researchers have gathered growing evidence that the c.....»»
Digitized records from wildlife centers show the most common ways that humans harm wild animals
At hundreds of wildlife rehabilitation centers across the U.S., people can learn about wild animals and birds at close range. These sites, which may be run by nonprofits or universities, often feature engaging exhibits, including "ambassador" animals.....»»
Charity scams get active over the holidays: Expert tips to avoid them
Abandoned animals, kids with cancer, disabled veterans: These and other pitches for charity can move your emotions and have you reaching for your credit card......»»
Colossal Biosciences finds a home for one extinct species
After years of working on bringing back one of the most popular extinct animals—the dodo—Colossal Biosciences has found a home for its bird in Mauritius in a new partnership with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation......»»
Food waste study: 18 billion animals a year die, but never end up on our plate
Each year, a staggering 18 billion chickens, turkeys, pigs, sheep, goats, and cows either die or are killed without making it onto someone's plate. Environmental scientists Juliane Klaura, Laura Scherer, and Gerard Breeman were the first to calculate.....»»
Study of crossbred butterflies suggests multiple genes involved in hybrid animal sterility
When animals of two different species mate, their hybrid offspring can be unhealthy or sterile. Often, only one sex is affected......»»
Dogs are coming down with an unusual respiratory illness in several US states
Veterinary laboratories in several states are investigating an unusual respiratory illness in dogs, and encouraging people to take basic precautions to keep their pets healthy as veterinarians try to pin down what's making the animals sick......»»