Articles tagged with Foraging Behavior
A study published in Biological Conservation found two previously unknown feeding hotspots for loggerhead sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. The hotspots, located off the coast of Southwest Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula, provide valuable habitat for at least three separate populations of the turtles.
Wandering albatrosses have adapted to changing wind conditions, resulting in improved breeding success and increased body mass. However, future climate scenarios predict that these changes may not last, threatening the species' survival.
The Kilobots are a collective of quarter-sized robots that can be programmed and operated by a single user, making it easy to test collective algorithms on hundreds or thousands of robots. Researchers aim to advance the understanding of collective behavior and its potential to deliver solutions for various challenges.
A new study by the University of Leeds reveals that major roads have a detrimental impact on bat populations, reducing activity and diversity. The research shows a strong correlation between distance from the road and bat activity, highlighting the need for effective mitigation measures to protect these protected species.
Researchers have found that distinct gene regulatory networks in the honey bee brain contribute to specific behaviors, such as foraging and aggression. The study confirmed a close relationship between changes in gene expression and behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding the regulation of brain gene expression.
A new study finds that reducing catches of small 'forage' fish like sardines and anchovies can protect larger predatory species. Halving fishing rates for high-impact species could greatly reduce ecosystem impact while achieving 80% of maximum sustainable yield.
Researchers tracked Malayan colugos using accelerometer packs and found they glide to save time, but not energy. The animals cover long distances gliding, which helps them forage more efficiently and protects them from predators.
A study tracking 126 leatherbacks found that they migrate across vast Pacific areas and require greater international collaboration for protection. The researchers discovered diverse foraging behaviors influenced by oceanographic features, shedding light on conservation efforts.
Research published in Nature reveals Canadian cod populations are recovering, with haddock playing a dominant role, and a reversal of predator-prey roles contributing to the growth of smaller fish species. The study suggests an ecological transition towards balance is underway.
A team of scientists discovered that high summer temperatures influence bill size in salt marsh sparrow species. The study found that birds with larger bills can pump blood into tissue and release heat more effectively.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a brain function that governs the decision to stay or go in search of food, a fundamental problem in evolutionary history. The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex steadily increases its activity during foraging decisions until a threshold level is reached, prompting the individual to move on.
Researchers tracked over 300 humpback whales and 2 million tons of krill in Wilhelmina Bay, revealing a critical late-season foraging ground for the endangered whales. Climate change is affecting the region, with rapid reduction of sea ice cover impacting krill survival.
Researchers found beaked whales use specific ocean features like salinity and temperature to find their prey, which varies from 400-1000 meters. The study provides evidence of the distribution and feeding habitat of Blaineville's beaked whales relative to ocean features.
Researchers tracked loggerhead sea turtles and found that persistent organic pollutants accumulate in their systems as they travel further north along the Atlantic coast. The studies also suggest that pollutants may pose a threat to the survival of this endangered species.
Researchers found that males and females use different foraging grounds, with females relying heavily on lake shores and males using a broader range of resources. The study suggests that conservation efforts should prioritize female needs and account for sex-specific habitat use in monitoring efforts.
Meadow fescue has been rediscovered as a suitable forage grass for intensive rotational grazing, producing more milk when consumed by cows. Its non-toxic fungi, called endophytes, help it survive heat, drought, and pests, making it a valuable alternative to toxic varieties.
A study found that brief exposure to noise playback caused three-spined sticklebacks to make more foraging mistakes and be less efficient in consuming food. The researchers suggest that noise pollution could have a wider range of detrimental effects on fish behavior than previously thought.
Predatory fish such as cod, tuna, and groupers declined by two-thirds while small forage fish like sardine, anchovy, and capelin more than doubled between 1880 and 2007. This trend suggests that humans are impacting ecosystems globally.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that applying a naturally occurring pheromone to honey bee test colonies increased colony growth and led to healthier hives. The optimal dose of brood pheromone stimulates foragers to collect more pollen, supporting better nutrition within the colony.
Researchers discovered that blue whales can consume up to 2,000,000 kJ in a single mouthful of krill, providing 240 times more energy than used during a dive. This efficiency is due to the massive size of their mouths, which allow them to engulf large volumes of food.
Drongos in the Kalahari Desert act as lookouts for pied babblers, allowing them to focus on foraging and catch more insects. This mutualistic relationship may represent a rare example of two species evolving from a parasitic to a beneficial interaction.
New Caledonian crows use tools to extract wood-boring longhorn beetle larvae from burrows, providing a nutritious food source. The crows' tool use is energy-efficient and profitable, suggesting that unusual foraging opportunities have selected for their sophisticated behavior.
Research by University of Guelph professor Rob McLaughlin reveals a correlation between brain structure and foraging behavior in brook trout. Larger telencephalon region found in fish that hunt actively, suggesting a link between brain morphology and behavioral traits.
Researchers studied plant toxin detection in bushbabies, lizard defense from invasive fire ants, and antioxidant defenses in barn swallows exposed to radiation. These studies highlight the importance of understanding animal behavior and adaptations to environmental changes.
A 50-year study on Isle Royale has discovered a significant link between osteoarthritis in moose and early malnutrition, which also affects humans. The research found that moose experiencing malnutrition as young adults are more likely to develop arthritis later in life.
Researchers tracked bumblebee movements in Arctic conditions, finding that bees work a day shift and retire before midnight. The study suggests that bees may have an internal sense of time based on light intensity or temperature changes.
Tall fescue toxicosis is a costly disorder affecting forage-livestock agriculture, with no cure but proven management techniques available. The new guidebook covers management strategies such as endophyte testing and supplement feeding to lessen the impact of toxicosis.
Researchers discovered that groups of cockroaches forage for food collectively, leading to a better understanding of their behavior. This finding could lead to the development of more effective pest control methods using pheromones or insecticides.
A patented formulation of Sericea lespedeza has been developed to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats and sheep, a major economic burden for farmers. The plant's addition to animal feed thwarts the reproductive cycles of nematodes like Haemonchus contortus, reducing the risk of anemia and death.
Researchers have developed new plant varieties to restore vegetation communities on the western rangelands, helping them survive extreme weather conditions. The newly created Hycrest II and Vavilov II cultivars offer improved establishment and resilience against invasive species.
Researchers found that warmer climates would limit protein availability to grazing animals, with projected scenarios suggesting plant protein concentrations will diminish in the future. To adapt, ranchers may need to manage herds differently or provide supplemental protein.
A study on Stegodyphus tentoriicola spiders reveals that relatedness fosters better group dynamics and more efficient food foraging. This cooperative behavior helps maintain harmony in larger groups, countering the 'tragedy of the commons' phenomenon.
Researchers discovered that tropical paper wasps' brain structures alter to tackle complex tasks, integrating sensory inputs. The brain's dendrite network grows in complexity as the wasps transition from nest work to foraging, adapting to new environments.
Scientists have recorded the first observations of albatrosses feeding alongside marine mammals at sea. The miniature digital camera attached to four black-browed albatrosses shows them foraging in groups while collecting food for their chicks, and provides the first observation of an albatross feeding with a killer whale.
Researchers found chimpanzees using multiple tool sets to forage for army ants, with a focus on two types of tools: ant-dipping probes and nest perforating tools. The study suggests that these tool kits may be the first direct evidence of sustainable food harvesting in this context.
Chimpanzees in the Congo have developed specialized tool kits to forage for army ants, showcasing a rare example of multiple tool use. The research suggests that these 'sustainable' harvesting techniques allow chimpanzees to reduce ant aggression and revisit the same food source.
A new study published in Human Ecology found that media propaganda during the late nineteenth century Colorado silver rush misled entrepreneurs by exaggerating ore concentrations, leading to over-risking their investments. The researchers used central place foraging models to investigate optimal foraging strategies and compared actual ...
The study found that invasive yellowjacket wasps kill or scavenge prey from 14 different taxonomic orders, including reptiles and birds, by analyzing DNA from food bits returned to nests. Nearby populations of caterpillars and spiders rebounded after nest removals.
Researchers found that foraging honey bees experience decline in associative learning with increasing age, but nurse bees remain unaffected. By switching tasks, foragers' learning performance improves, demonstrating remarkable plasticity in brain circuits.
A team of 13 international scientists is developing management plans for sustainably managing forage fish, critical food sources for marine mammals and seabirds. The task force aims to prevent fishing-induced irreversible impacts on marine ecosystems.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, ants were observed to establish new one-way systems when faced with obstacles. Despite initial hesitation, the ants eventually learned to use light direction to follow the new trails and successfully forage for months. This adaptation demonstrates the complex problem-solving abilities of ants.
Researchers used game theory to explain juvenile ravens' unusual foraging behavior, finding that it occurs when searching individually is less efficient. The study suggests that abundant food and social advancement drive the adoption of 'gang' foraging, potentially improving their social status.
Dr. Audrey Dussutour's paper reveals how ants regulate sugar intake in response to colony growth, finding that larvae drive the nest's collective stomach. The discovery sheds light on how colonies communicate and regulate nutritional needs.
Humpback whales use a high-speed diving technique called lunge-feeding to catch prey, but this method comes with significant energy costs. The study found that lunge-feeding requires more energy and time than other behaviors, such as singing.
Recent studies show that social signals can profoundly affect when and how genes function, leading to changes in behavior. In animals like honey bees and songbirds, social information alters gene expression, allowing for complex adaptations and behaviors.
Researchers discovered that spinner dolphins engage in a choreographed 'dance' to enclose prey, before darting in organized pairs to feed. The study's findings expand knowledge of spinner dolphin behavior and open new avenues for scientific inquiry into underwater ecosystems.
A new study reveals that the decline of sea otters in Alaska's Aleutian Islands has led to a shift in bald eagle diet, from fish to seabirds. This change highlights the extraordinary complexity of marine ecosystems and the far-reaching impacts of population shifts in keystone species.
Researchers used otolith chemistry to identify individuals from different nurseries and found that over half of juvenile bluefin tuna in North American waters were of Mediterranean origin. The study also shows that over 95% of adult bluefin tuna return to their place of origin to spawn, with critical implications for fisheries management.
A new study found that honey bees reared quickly perform less optimally on tasks, leading to oxidative damage and reduced longevity. This suggests a link between rapid development and aging, with potential implications for human health.
Researchers found that bats can locate rustling mealworms in noisy environments with minimal distraction, but avoid areas with loud background noise. Foraging bats were more affected by white noise and traffic sounds than high wind rattling through vegetation.
Researchers found that individuals tend to use exploration or exploitation search modes depending on the task demands, but also exhibit a tendency to continue searching in the same way across domains. This suggests a possible link between spatial and abstract search mechanisms.
Researchers discovered that giant honeybees' shimmering behavior acts as an anti-predatory defense, forcing hornets to hunt free-flying bees rather than nesting bees. This unique trait is linked to the hornet's flight speed and proximity to the nest.
Researchers found that bumblebees slow down when approaching camouflaged crab spiders to detect predators, losing valuable foraging time. However, this strategy doesn't improve their chances of avoiding capture and even leads to reduced efficiency.
Scientists have discovered that bumblebees choose whether to search for food according to how stocked their nests are. The team used RFID technology to track the activity of bees in the lab and found that colonies with low food reserves had a stronger response to pheromones, leading to more worker bees becoming active.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have applied Geographic Profiling (GP) technique to bumblebees to analyze their foraging behavior. The study revealed that bees create a 'buffer zone' around their hive to reduce the risk of predators and parasites.
Biologists found that wasps warm up when finding protein-rich meat and bumble bees do the same with pollen, suggesting an ancestral behavior. Both insects' elevated body heat may be a signal to other bees that has acquired meaning beyond its original physiological function.
Researchers at the University of Bristol demonstrate that birds respond to subtle signals from humans, including eye-gaze direction, to avoid predators. This ability allows starlings to gain valuable feeding time before others join a competitive foraging patch.
Researchers found that sit-and-wait lizards use running mechanics when moving at slower speeds, while wide foragers evolved a walking gait. The study used 18 species of lizards to understand the impact of foraging styles on biomechanics.
Researchers found that birds using sentry duty call out to alert their group-mates to safe foraging areas, leading to increased food capture and improved group survival. This cooperative behavior is a rare example of selflessness in the animal kingdom.
Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that organic alfalfa and wheat can be as productive as conventional systems. Organic grain crops, such as corn and soybeans, also yielded 90% of their conventional counterparts in terms of dry matter production.