animal behavior Archives - Page 7 of 13

Killer Kitty

April 9, 2021 Heidi Waite

Kitty’s bringing home dead birds AGAIN? Is she hungry, or just having fun? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Tail twitching, butt wiggling – and POUNCE! Outdoor cats think they’re providing for us, but their hunting can hurt native animal populations. How can owners help

Eight Punches

March 9, 2021 Stella Moon

Why did the octopus punch the fish? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Remember those school yard bullies from grade school? They’d just push people over and start punching! But imagine if these kids had EIGHT FISTS! Eduardo Sampaio from University of Lisbon, Portugal, and

Daunted Dingoes

February 23, 2021 Sebastian Waz

You’ve heard of scarecrows – how about scare-DINGOES?! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Australian wolves, known as DINGOES, prey on farmers’ livestock. When they’re caught having a farm-fresh meal, it becomes their LAST meal. Is there a…FRIENDLIER way to fend off predators? Enter Bradley

Bat-ting the Distance

February 9, 2021 Xinyu Li

Vampire bat with device attached to its back

Down with a cold? Don’t worry, stay batty! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Feeling under the weather? Nothing beats curling up in bed! Hanging out with friends can wait — we don’t want them getting sick too! But what do OTHER social animals do

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?