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The more the merrier

A study found that female mice mate with multiple males when they produce similar levels of scent markings, indicating a preference for reducing the danger of infanticide. Litters sired by multiple males were larger than single-sired litters under intense competition among males.

Reversal of the black widow myth

Researchers found that male spiders of the Micaria sociabilis species are more likely to consume female spiders than be consumed by them. This behavior is linked to male size and age, suggesting a possible type of male mate choice.

Lady flies can decide who will father their young

A study by Christian Rodriguez-Enriquez and colleagues found that female flies can expel and consume male ejaculate after copulation, potentially biasing paternity. The researchers also discovered that well-fed females were more likely to consume ejaculate, which may have positive health benefits in arid environments.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Real angry birds 'flip the bird' before a fight

Male swamp sparrows use wing waves as an aggressive signal to defend their territories and mates from intruding males. The study found that wing waves combined with song are more potent than song on its own, evoking aggression from live birds.

Male bushcrickets are in charge when it comes to sex

A study by Bielefeld biologists found that male bushcrickets determine the timing of sperm transfer, even when they have 'hopped off' after mating. The researchers suggest that females can influence fertilization by consuming a protein-rich mass, but males control the overall process.

Male chimpanzees choose their allies carefully

A new study reveals that male chimpanzees who form coalitions with males who don't form coalitions themselves are more likely to sire offspring and increase their dominance rank. This suggests that the chimps recognize the value of making strategic social connections.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Timely change for tweeters' tune

Vermilion flycatchers change song lengths in response to urban noise, unlike some other bird species that alter their songs by frequency. This adaptation helps them cope with noisy conditions and improve acoustic communication during breeding season.

Vision stimulates courtship calls in the grey tree frog

A new study published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that male grey tree frogs increase their courtship calls when they can see a female approaching. The research, led by Dr. Michael Reichert, suggests that visual cues play a crucial role in attracting mates in nocturnal anurans.

Monkeys put off sex by bystanders

A study of long-tailed macaques found that males and females inhibit the sexual behavior of group members when bystanders are present, highlighting the importance of competition in shaping their dynamics. The researchers also discovered that sneaky copulations occur due to the exploitation of peripheral positions within the group.

Survival of the shyest?

A new study by Professor Grant Brown and colleagues reveals that a fish's personality affects its ability to recall predator threats. Shy trout retain information about predator odors for up to eight days, while bold trout forget within 24 hours.

Fish with chips

Researchers used Robofish to study the collective behavior of three-spined sticklebacks in groups. The findings show that individual fish are more influenced by neighboring fish than distance from the leader, providing insights into fish group dynamics and collective animal behavior.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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The deep voice of alpha male

A new study published in Springer's journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that men perceive vocal masculinity as a strong indicator of dominance, but it does not influence their attentiveness to rivals' voices. The researchers also discovered that testosterone levels are linked to dominance ratings.

Male seahorses like big mates

Male seahorses choose partners based on body size to increase reproductive output and bigger offspring, challenging conventional sex roles. A study found choosy males and indiscriminate females, with striking differences in courtship behavior.

Scavenger birds chew the fat

A study found that bearded vultures choose bones with the highest fat content for their consumption and delivery to their young. This finding has significant implications for conservation efforts, as it suggests that providing the most nutritious bones in feeding programs can aid in the expansion and breeding of this endangered species.

Group selection, a theory whose time has come ... again

David Sloan Wilson and Edward O. Wilson propose a new consensus and theoretical foundation for sociobiology, affirming Darwin's original conjecture that natural selection is a multilevel process. They show that adaptations can evolve at all levels of the biological hierarchy, from genes to ecosystems.

Female chimps keep the bullies at bay

A study by Akiko Matsumoto-Oda found that female chimpanzees do not synchronize their reproductive activities, reducing opportunities for less-desirable males to coerce them into mating. This strategy allows females to mate with higher-ranking males who possess desirable social and physical characteristics.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Blue eyes -- A clue to paternity

Researchers found that blue-eyed men rate blue-eyed female models as more attractive than brown-eyed models. In a second study, blue-eyed men were more likely to have romantic partners of the same eye color.