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Kentish plover standing by nest with eggs
Avian Deception More Widespread Than Previously Thought
The broken-wing display, in which birds fake being wounded to protect their nests from predators, is found across the avian phylogenetic tree, a study finds.
Avian Deception More Widespread Than Previously Thought
Avian Deception More Widespread Than Previously Thought

The broken-wing display, in which birds fake being wounded to protect their nests from predators, is found across the avian phylogenetic tree, a study finds.

The broken-wing display, in which birds fake being wounded to protect their nests from predators, is found across the avian phylogenetic tree, a study finds.

behavior, ecology

Illustration showing how seagull chicks know when predators are lurking
Infographic: Animal Embryos Coopt Sound to Survive and Thrive
Amanda Heidt | Nov 1, 2021 | 1 min read
Across the tree of life, animals use sound and other vibrations to glean valuable sensory information about their environments even before they are born.
sea snake swimming in blue water
Sea Snake “Attacks” Are Cases of Mistaken Identity: Study
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Aug 19, 2021 | 6 min read
The Scientist spoke to marine biologist Tim Lynch, who dusted off 25-year-old data from his PhD to figure out why olive sea snakes approach divers so often. He says the animals, especially the males, likely confuse people for potential mates.
A tiger shark swimming in the shallow water of the ocean above a sandy bottom, with another shark and fish in the background
While Some Sharks Flee, Tiger Sharks Brave Stormy Seas
Nikk Ogasa | May 12, 2021 | 3 min read
For the first time, scientists tracked large shark movements during hurricanes and found that tiger sharks may find the turmoil opportunistic for feeding.
Amanda Tokash-Peters Links the Microbiome to Ecology
Shawna Williams | May 1, 2021 | 3 min read
The Centenary University professor studies the far-reaching effects of changes in the gut bacteria of mosquitos and other species.
How Squirrels Use Bird Chatter to Assess Safety
Shawna Williams | Jun 1, 2020 | 5 min read
An undergraduate research project finds the animals are tuned in to reassuring information from other species.
Pesticide Exposure Alters Bumblebees’ Behavior in Their Nests
Ruth Williams | Nov 8, 2018 | 3 min read
A high-tech approach to monitoring bee activity inside the nest reveals how the neonicotinoid imidacloprid impairs colony growth.
Infographic: Light Pollution Threatens Species
Diana Kwon | Oct 1, 2018 | 1 min read
As artificial light increases in volume and geographical coverage around the world, a variety of animals are suffering ill effects.
The Vanishing Night: Light Pollution Threatens Ecosystems
Diana Kwon | Oct 1, 2018 | 10+ min read
The loss of darkness can harm individual organisms and perturb interspecies interactions, potentially causing lasting damage to life on our planet.
New Caledonian Crows Build Tools From Mental Images, Not Lessons
Sukanya Charuchandra | Jun 29, 2018 | 2 min read
When it comes to tool making, the birds learn differently than humans.
Image of the Day: Performance Anxiety
Sukanya Charuchandra | Jun 21, 2018 | 1 min read
In the presence of competition, archerfish become more hesitant but accurate shooters.
Image of the Day: Landing Blows
Sukanya Charuchandra | Jun 18, 2018 | 1 min read
The smashing mantis shrimp is strategic in its attack on sea snails.  
After Relocation, an Endangered Species Stops Avoiding Predator Scents
Abby Olena, PhD | Jun 6, 2018 | 4 min read
Researchers find that conserving marsupials on a predator-free island dampens their avoidance behaviors, which could mean trouble for their reintroduction to mainland Australia.
Infected Ants Chemically Attract Workers to Destroy Them
Jim Daley | Apr 1, 2018 | 4 min read
Social insects kill infected individuals for the benefit of the colony—and now a study has shown how they know who’s sick.
The Caterpillar that Cries Wolf
Mary Bates | Sep 22, 2017 | 3 min read
In a case of acoustic deception, caterpillars mimic bird alarm calls to defend themselves.
Migratory Eels Use Magnetoreception
Kerry Grens | Apr 14, 2017 | 2 min read
In laboratory experiments that simulated oceanic conditions, the fish responded to magnetic fields, a sensory input that may aid migration.
Increasing Seal Pup Numbers Influence Feral-Horse Feeding Habits
Catherine Offord | Aug 1, 2016 | 2 min read
Researchers reveal how seals affect vegetation patterns and influence the movement of feral horse populations on Sable Island in Canada.
Good Vibrations
Cristina Luiggi | Sep 1, 2012 | 4 min read
Researchers are learning how species from across the animal kingdom use seismic signals to mate, hunt, solve territorial disputes, and much more.
Small-Brained Fish Make More Babies
Edyta Zielinska | Jul 12, 2012 | 1 min read
Guppies with experimentally shrunken brains produced more offspring than guppies bred for larger noggins, confirming a long suspected tradeoff of bigger brains.
Genetic Shift in Salmon
Cristina Luiggi | Jul 12, 2012 | 2 min read
A new study finds that an Alaskan population of the fish has quickly evolved in response to warming temperatures.
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