Articles tagged with Behavioral Ecology
A recent study found that juvenile pied flycatchers in Europe can distinguish their own population's song dialects even at 12 days old. This ability is thought to aid in attracting mates and preventing learning other species' songs, highlighting the remarkable specificity of bird behaviors.
Researchers from University of Göttingen found that plant water stress, not termites, causes Namibia's fairy circles. The grasses within the circles died immediately after rainfall due to strong depletion of water, while surrounding grasses thrived.
A study by Lund University found that males and females have different interests in group living, with males thriving in smaller groups and females benefiting from larger ones. This difference affects cooperation and competition, with males driven by rivalry and females by mutual support.
Researchers found that eyespots on animals' bodies make them more cautious when approached from the side, but not from directly behind or in front. This discovery sheds light on why eyespots have evolved to be symmetrical and effective predators.
A team at the University of Exeter discovered that migrating hoverflies orientate towards the north during spring, contradicting previous assumptions. The study tracked the insects' movement from Western France to Cornwall, showing a strong northerly compass sense.
A large wingless wood-eating cockroach unique to Australia's Lord Howe Island has been rediscovered at the foot of a single Banyan tree. The species was thought extinct since the 1930s, but its genetic difference from offshore relatives suggests it may have survived due to co-evolution with ground-dwelling insects.
Researchers at NTNU studied zebrafish brain activity while increasing temperature, finding that brains completely stopped responding to stimuli but then 'lit up' when temperatures reached extreme levels. Adding oxygen improved thermal tolerance and recovery rate in fish, suggesting a key role for glial cells in regulating oxygen supply.
Researchers found that kinship dynamics vary across species and sex, influencing helping behavior. In spotted hyenas, females' relatedness decreases with age, while males' increases, affecting their willingness to help groupmates.
Researchers investigated how paper wasps adapt their behavior when the queen is removed or dies, finding that they counterbalance genes that establish queen-like behavior with aggressive fighting. This enables societies to distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic perturbations, allowing for plasticity in response to changes.
Researchers found that octopuses preferentially use their second arm when catching prey, exhibiting repeatable hunting behavior. This study has implications for developing next-generation soft robots inspired by the octopus's unique manipulative abilities.
Researchers at Stockholm University found wolves can show attachment towards humans, discriminating between familiar and stranger individuals. The study suggests ancestral variation for human-dog attachment bonds, potentially explaining similarities in canine behavior.
A new analysis of chimpanzee stone tools shows diverse material culture across different groups. Researchers found notable differences between two groups in Guinea and the Taï Forest in Côte d'Ivoire, highlighting the significance of stone choice, availability, and nut species.
Research led by Ohio State University found that male common vampire bats withdraw socially and scale back on grooming before dying from the disease. The study suggests that the virus may not manipulate host behavior to increase transmission chances.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that Burmese pythons have evolved super-stretchy skin between their lower jaws, enabling them to consume prey much larger than expected. This adaptation allows pythons to eat deer and other large animals whole, providing a significant energy advantage in their ecosystem.
A study found that male Rock Hyraxes with stable isochronous rhythms in their courtship songs have higher reproductive success and more surviving offspring. Genetic analysis revealed that song rhythms are related to individual quality and potentially indicate health and suitability as mates.
A new study reveals that Brown-headed cowbird chicks thrive when paired with two Prothonotary Warbler nestlings, while performing poorly with four or no nestmates. This strategic advantage is attributed to the cowbirds' ability to outcompete and manipulate their host environment.
A new study finds that neon goby parents help their offspring develop by pushing them out the door at the right time. Offspring hatched by parents are larger and more developed than those that hatch on their own, suggesting a complex parenting behavior. This discovery highlights the surprising complexities of fish parenting behavior.
In southern Sydney, cockatoos have developed a unique behavior of opening garbage bins to eat food waste. Humans have responded by using various inventive methods to secure the bins, sparking an 'arms race' between the two species.
Scientists found that few components of an ant's waxy layer are enough to recognize nestmates from their own colony. The study also showed that adapting the wax layer to outside temperatures does not completely change the information used for recognition, but rather balances both functions.
Researchers assembled a large biologging dataset to understand how sharks, rays, and skates use the ocean depths. They found that many species migrate vertically in response to food resources, with some diving to extreme depths.
The winning image depicts a parasitic fungus infecting a fly, while other images showcase the relationships between species, biodiversity under threat, and research in action. The competition highlights the intersection of art and science, celebrating ecologists' creativity to protect the natural world.
Researchers found that Gursky's spectral tarsier duets exhibit acoustic trade-offs in note rate and bandwidth, suggesting a relationship between physical fitness and vocal complexity. The study suggests that only physically fit individuals can easily produce broadband notes fast.
A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford found that ageing female wild red deer on the Isle of Rum in Scotland tend to adopt a life of solitude as they grow older. They interact with fewer other individuals within their home ranges and shift to less populated areas of their habitat.
Researchers examine the relationship between thermal biology and sexual selection, finding that animals often tolerate perilous temperatures during mating to increase reproductive success. The study highlights the importance of considering scale in understanding the impact of global warming on reproductive processes.
A new study investigates how birds experience neophobia, which could play a vital role in helping to save Critically Endangered species. The research gathered data on the behavior of captive Bali myna birds, revealing that juvenile birds may be more suitable for reintroduction than adults.
A new study reveals that bottom burrowing animals were among the first to recover after the end-Permian mass extinction. The research, led by Dr. Xueqian Feng, used ancient sea bed burrows and trails to reconstruct the recovery stages of various animal groups.
Rainforest chimpanzees are digging wells to access and filter cleaner drinking water due to the limited availability of clean water during the dry season. The behaviour has been observed spreading among young chimps and adult females, with some males using the wells dug by others.
Scientists have discovered a way to harness animals' olfactory ability to protect endangered plants and animals by masking their scent, disguising it, or spreading similar scents. This method is more effective, sustainable, and animal-friendly than traditional deterrents like fences and lethal control methods.
Researchers tracked medium ground finches' movements day and night, finding they cover areas equivalent to 30 soccer fields and gather nightly in a lush grove. This behavior helps birds fight cold and reduces predation risk.
Researchers find that cooperative breeding in animal societies increases survival chances of carers, leading to higher reproductive success. The study also reveals the relative importance of kin selection and individual selection varies depending on environmental conditions.
Researchers found that neurons in the fly's lateral horn play a crucial role in evaluating individual odors and mediating odor-guided behavior. The study identified glutamatergic neurons as key players in this process, which enables flies to recognize good or bad odors.
A study of nomadic pine siskins found that pairing with settled male birds triggered signs of ending migration, including reduced restless flying and body mass loss. This suggests that social cues play a role in migratory decisions for unpredictable animals like pine siskins.
Researchers develop system to measure power distribution between sexes in animals, finding females rule in some species, with reproductive control as common thread. The study proposes a new framework to quantify intersexual power relationships across mammalian societies.
A new study reveals that wild chimpanzees produce hundreds of diverse vocal sequences, combining up to ten call types, and exhibit structured communication patterns. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that non-human primates lack complex vocal communication systems.
A new framework for understanding animal societies emerges from a review of wealth inequality research in humans and animals. Wealth is found to be distributed equally or unequally across species, with material goods, individual attributes, and social connections being critical sources.
The Ecological Society of America will hold its 107th Annual Meeting in Montreal from August 14-19, 2022. This year's meeting combines resources and interests of the ESA and Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, focusing on theme "A Change Is Gonna Come" exploring global environmental and evolutionary change.
A study by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences tracked almost every cat in a neighborhood, revealing that most outdoor pet cats stay within a short distance from their homes. The results showed that cats spend an average of 79% of their time outdoors within 50 meters of their home.
Urban mammals adjust their daily activities to evade human encounters, altering predator-prey dynamics and increasing human overlap. This multi-species study reveals the timing of mammalian behavior changes in response to urbanization.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
Researchers at Flinders University found that sharks can learn to avoid wasting time and energy on inaccessible food sources. The study, published in Animal Behaviour, reveals the decline of shark's natural response to prey when reward frequency is decreased or non-existent.
Research by the University of Bath found that weaver birds eating seeds live in colonies and have polygamous breeding, while those eating insects are solitary and monogamous. The study statistically supports an ecological hypothesis on social behavior first proposed 58 years ago.
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
A new study measures the happiness benefits of US city parks in the 25 largest cities, finding a powerful effect from urban nature on users. Park size and accessibility emerged as key predictors of happiness.
A study by researchers at the University of Plymouth reveals that energy-efficient broad spectrum lighting is reducing the efficacy of coastal species' camouflage. This can have significant impacts on visually guided ecological processes, with certain color variations being more vulnerable to detection.
A recent study found that COVID-19-derived plastic debris is contaminating marine ecosystems, with sea turtles being particularly affected. The research analyzed fecal samples from 76 sea turtles and detected the presence of face masks, which can leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals into the environment.
Researchers from Doshisha University discovered bats perceive spaces through echolocation as a distinct 'echo space', which changes as they become familiar with their environment. The study found that the direction of echoes correlates with bat flight paths and can be used to develop advanced sensors for navigation.
Research found that adult howler monkey play increases when faced with competition over fruit, a valuable resource. This playful behavior helps regulate relationships within the social group and avoid conflict, unlike collective grooming used by some other primates.
A surge in travel activity beyond pre-pandemic levels, known as 'anthropulse', is imminent, posing risks to the environment. Researchers are eager to study and document these impacts to inform sustainable future planning.
A comprehensive analysis of 1,800 bird species found that adult sex ratios are the main driving force behind differences in sex roles. Climate, life histories, and social environment were not significant factors. The study provides new insights into the evolution of sex roles in birds.
Scientists have discovered a Noble False Widow spider capturing and entangling two protected Pipistrelle bats in the UK. The discovery demonstrates the species' invasive impact on native species, with the spiders' venom capable of causing neuromuscular paralysis.
Seed dispersal rates by Central American agoutis are lower in ocelot habitats with high scent presence. This change allows bruchid beetles to attack seeds for longer periods, promoting forest diversification. The study's findings have implications for understanding the ecology of fear and its effects on ecosystems.
Researchers provide additional evidence that cleaner fish Labroides dimidiatus have Mirror Self-Recognition (MSR), passing the mark test with 94% positive result. The study addresses criticisms by using ecologically relevant marks and testing visual recognition of mirror images.
Scientists are creating a global audio collection of aquatic life to monitor changing marine life and identify new species. The GLUBS platform uses ocean hydrophones, AI, and citizen science to analyze soundscapes and track biodiversity on reefs and other ocean habitats.
Researchers found that genetic relatedness correlates with hormonal responses and behavioural reactions in fish, allowing for selective breeding of less-stressed fish. This approach could simplify breeding methods for aquaculture and aquariums.
Grackles' ability to inhibit previous behavior is linked to their flexibility, according to researchers. The study used various tests, including a touchscreen computer test, to assess inhibition and flexibility in grackles.
The study found that parent birds cut earthworms into smaller pieces and feed them to their nestlings, suggesting a specialized prey preparation behavior. The researchers believe this helps younger nestlings swallow food better.
Researchers found that males keep track of the order of their songs and how often each one is sung for up to 30 minutes. This complex behavior allows them to curate both their current playlist and the next one, with variations in song order and repeats.
A recent study highlights the need for inclusive forest conservation policies that learn from past mistakes. The researchers argue that top-down approaches can be harmful and accelerate deforestation, instead recommending local social impact assessments and indigenous involvement in policy-making.
A new study found that Tasmanian devils have picky diets and only consume their favorite foods, unlike most other scavengers. The researchers tracked the eating habits of 71 devils using whisker samples and found that most devils choose to dine on specific foods.
A new study reveals that children globally will confront peers when rules are broken, but their approach differs across cultures. Children from rural areas tend to use verbal protests more than urban kids, who may rely on indirect methods like reputation to enforce compliance.