Researchers studied two closely related fish species in Lake Tanganyika, finding that they share the same preferences for simple choices but diverge when faced with complex decisions. The blue featherfin makes rapid, decisive choices based on one feature, while the golden featherfin takes longer to decide and considers multiple features.
Researchers discovered that immune cells in a pigeon's liver can sense the Earth's magnetic field, providing an internal compass. This discovery sheds light on how birds navigate long distances and could have implications for other animals and humans.
A long-term study identifies dozens of previously overlooked cultural behaviors in wild chimpanzees, doubling previous estimates. Chimpanzees learn basic skills like foraging and grooming through social learning, with a focus on identifying and processing food, suggesting that cultural transmission plays a key role in their development.
A 33-year study of wild capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica reveals how climate fluctuations impact social dynamics, changing the costs and benefits of living together. Larger groups can offset internal competition by expanding their range and claiming areas from smaller groups, but this strategy is sensitive to climate variability.
Scientists have discovered a previously undescribed nematode species, Caenorhabditis apta, which forms 'towers' that can attach to fruit flies and other insects. The study found that two sap-feeding beetles are likely the primary vectors of this new species, highlighting the importance of understanding how nematodes spread in the wild.
Ravens use spatial memory and navigation to find food scattered over the landscape, visiting areas with a history of frequent wolf kills. They can remember the long-term 'resource landscape' created by wolves, allowing them to locate kills across tens or hundreds of kilometers
A new study reveals that wild orangutans' dietary knowledge forms a culturally-dependent repertoire, which can only be acquired through years of social learning. The team's simulation model showed that young orangutans need to learn from others to develop their full diet repertoire by adulthood.
Brain size varies greatly among vertebrates, with mammals and birds having the largest brains due to high body temperature and stable energy supply. The size of offspring also limits brain size in adulthood, but species that can keep their bodies warm and produce large young have the biggest brains
Shrews lose up to 9% of their brains during winter but remain alive and even regrow cells, unlike humans who die from similar water loss. Researchers identify key molecule aquaporin 4 involved in this phenomenon, which may offer insights into treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers found that orangutans' nap periods were longer after a poor night's sleep, suggesting a compensatory effect. Day nests, which are simpler and faster to build than night nests, provide a stable place for orangutans to nap and may be linked to their high cognitive demands.
Researchers recorded video footage of nematodes forming towers in fallen apples and pears, demonstrating collective transport. The team observed coordinated movement, touch response, and detachment from surfaces, suggesting a coordinated structure known as a superorganism.
On Jicarón Island, capuchin monkeys have been observed carrying howler infant monkeys on their backs for up to 9 days. The behavior has spread among four young males, with no clear benefits or costs apparent.
A study of meerkats, coatis, and spotted hyenas found surprisingly similar patterns in their daily actions, with a shared ordering of behaviors persisting across different landscapes and ecological roles. The research suggests an underlying architecture that orders the movements of animals.
Researchers found consistent differences in maternal behaviors among wild Sumatran orangutan mothers, even after controlling for environmental factors. These variations impacted how infants learn skills and navigate dense canopies.
Research by Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that individual monk parakeets living in larger groups produce more variable repertoire of sounds. Female parakeets also have a more diverse repertoire than males, suggesting they are the more social sex.
A study comparing wild and zoo-housed Sumatran orangutans reveals that orangutans living in zoos engage in more frequent, more diverse, and more complex exploration than their wild counterparts. Zoo-housed orangutans show a richer repertoire of actions and are more likely to use tools or manipulate multiple objects at the same time.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that female bonobos form coalitions to defeat males in conflicts, earning them high social status. The team analyzed 30 years of data from six wild bonobo communities and discovered that females' reproductive autonomy, hidden ovulation, and unexpected alliances contribute to their empowerment.
Bats solve the 'cocktail party' problem of jammed echoes by changing echolocation frequency and dispersing from dense groups. This strategy helps them gain detailed information about near neighbors and avoid collisions, allowing them to successfully maneuver in crowded environments.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that wild fish can discriminate among humans based on external visual cues, such as diving gear and body features. The fish learned to associate specific divers with rewards, demonstrating their ability to recognize individual humans.
Scientists have studied common noctule bats on their spring migration across Europe, using ultra-light sensors connected 'like cell phones' to track their movements. The study reveals that bats surf storm fronts to conserve energy and migrate further, with some individuals covering over 400 kilometers in a single night.
Scientists conducted a 20-year study in Salonga National Park to estimate the bonobo population, finding 8,000-18,000 adult bonobos. The research highlights the effectiveness of park rangers and specific factors such as primary forest cover and cultural practices in conserving the endangered species.
A puzzle box experiment shows that great tits learn useful tricks from local experts after immigration, leading them to rapidly adopt beneficial behaviors. The study suggests that social learning is a crucial shortcut for animals to test new behaviors and unlock resources.
Researchers found that Kuhl's pipistrelle bats can navigate over kilometers using echolocation alone and enhance their performance with vision. The bats' ability to identify their location and use environmental features as acoustic landmarks suggests they possess an acoustic mental map of their home range.
Researchers found that artificial light at night altered the behavior of female zebrafish, causing them to swim less, stick closer together, and exhibit anxiety-like behaviors. These changes were also observed in their offspring, even after they had never been exposed to light pollution themselves.
Researchers tracked 104 cranes across Africa, Asia, and Europe, revealing impressive migrations of up to 6,400 km. The study found that crane species adjusted their movements in response to changing environmental conditions, such as temperature and resource availability, to optimize their needs.