Ten species of this ungulate exist in the world today. The mouse deer. Or the pig deer. Or the little goat. Whatever you call the chevrotain, this is a truly distinct (and tiny!) ungulate. With a round, bunny-like body placed atop piglet-like feet, and a face akin to a mouse, the chevrotain may look like a hodgepodge of modern-day species but it's actually quite … [Read more...] about Meet the Chevrotain, the Small and Secretive Mouse Deer
animal behavior
This Story Brought Tears To My Eyes! Something I’ve Learned From Sheep
“Sad night last night but today is a brighter day. The ewe (female sheep) on the left lambed a stillborn and we were unable to resuscitate it. She cried most of the night longing for her lamb after we removed it. The ewe on the right lambed twins last week, though they were very small. It seems that today she has given one of her twins to the grieving mother to raise as her … [Read more...] about This Story Brought Tears To My Eyes! Something I’ve Learned From Sheep
The Toledo Zoo has Discovered Biofluorescence in Tasmanian Devils
The first documented example of biofluorescence in Tasmanian devils was reported by the Toledo Zoo in Ohio. The phenomenon of biofluorescence occurs when a living creature absorbs light and reemits it in a different hue. The Tasmanian devil, it turns out, shines in UV light as well. And it appears to be rather scary. The first example of biofluorescence in Tasmanian devils … [Read more...] about The Toledo Zoo has Discovered Biofluorescence in Tasmanian Devils
The Alpha Male Illusion: Debunking the Myth
The concept of the alpha male has been deeply ingrained in popular culture, but it turns out that it’s all a big lie. The idea of dominant alpha males and submissive followers, borrowed from studies on wolves, has been perpetuated for decades. However, recent research has shown that this understanding is fundamentally flawed. Contrary to popular belief, wolf packs don’t … [Read more...] about The Alpha Male Illusion: Debunking the Myth
Octopuses Get Strangely Cuddly On The Mood Drug Ecstasy
The psychoactive drug known as ecstasy can make people feel extra loving toward others, and a study published Thursday suggests it has the same effect on octopuses. Octopuses are almost entirely antisocial, except when they're mating, and scientists who study them have to house them separately so they don't kill or eat each other. However, octopuses given the drug … [Read more...] about Octopuses Get Strangely Cuddly On The Mood Drug Ecstasy