animal behavior – Page 7 – The Loh Down On Science

Altruistic Apes

December 31, 2020 Bela Abolfathi

Two Bonobo monkeys looking at a leaf that one of them holds

When it comes to helping strangers, what kind of ape are you? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. You might think altruism is a uniquely human trait. For example, when lending a helping hand, chimpanzees tend to favor their friends. But do other primates show

Gene-ius Solutions

November 4, 2020 Xinyu Li

It’s the deadliest animal in the world! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Turn down the Jaws theme song! MOSQUITOES are the real villain. These tiny pests spread diseases, like Zika and malaria, through their bites. A way to control this deadly creature is

Antsy for Answers

October 15, 2020 Xinyu Li

An areal shot of a group of black ants on red dirt.

Ants! They’re tiny, they’re mighty, they’re – master coders? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. How are hungry ants like scientists? Check out an anthill! Here ants wander randomly, searching until they reach their target. Scientists might also try a million paths before that EUREKA

Naptime For Jellies

September 30, 2020 Jessica Monterrosa Mena

Sleep is for the weak. Or is it? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. During sleep, the brain declutters, organizes memories, and rejuvenates. But what about animals without a brain? Do they ever need a snooze? Enter the Cassiopea jellyfish. With no heart, bones, or

Stripey Cows

September 28, 2020 Claudia-Francisca Lopez Camara

A black cow painted with vertical black and white stripes in a zebra pattern

Is zebra print magical? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. It’s been said that a zebra is just a horse in striped pajamas! But WHY do zebras have stripes? Past studies have shown they DON’T regulate body temperature or confuse predators. So, what’s the use?

Tree Lickers

September 24, 2020 Racine Rangel

A koala bear sitting in a tree grabbing a branch

THIRSTY…but stuck in a tree?! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Sleeping for twenty hours, snacking for the other four? No, it’s not my COVID-nineteen work schedule – it’s a typical koala bear day! But HOW do koalas stay hydrated with such a “BUSY” routine?

Juggling Otters

September 8, 2020 Lauren Urban

What has four paws and juggles? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science saying…. Otters! These furry creatures juggle rocks like they’re auditioning for the circus. But, what motivates this OTTERLY adorable behavior? Mari-Lisa Allison and colleagues from the University of Exeter wondered! Otters are the

Relephant Factors

July 10, 2020 Krista Fruehauf

What makes an elephant pack its trunk. . . and leave? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Elephant societies are matriarchal. Mothers and grandmothers lead the way. Sadly, older females are often targeted for their tusks. This leaves their family orphaned! So what happens when poaching removes

A Parasite’s Parasite

April 28, 2020 Evelyn Hoover

Tales from the Crypt… home to PARASITIC WASPS? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Parasites typically target only ONE species at a time. Researchers have assumed the CRYPT-KEEPER, a known parasitic wasp, was no different. Its typical host-du-jour is another wasp called Bassettia pallida… BP

Something to Crow About

November 18, 2019 Hunter Allison

You’re a bird brain! Hey, that’s a compliment! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with The Loh Down on Science. Starting with a cupcake, could you figure out how to make another one? If you didn’t know anything about baking, probably not! Humans learn by watching others and imitating behaviors.. Is