Animals
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Animals
Cicadas’ odd life cycle poses evolutionary conundrums
Scientists are getting an idea about the odd family tree of periodical cicadas, how the insects synchronize their life cycles and why they breed side-by-side with others unsuitable for mating.
By Susan Milius -
Animals
Lemurs’ group size predicts social intelligence
Primates that live with many others know not to steal food when someone is watching.
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Animals
Elephant diets changed millions of years before their teeth
The animals fed on grasses long before their molars could grind the tough plants.
By Erin Wayman -
Animals
In dark fishing spiders, males’ postmating nap is permanent
Species prepares for two pairings but goes into a fatal coma after a single encounter.
By Susan Milius -
Animals
Oysters may struggle to build shells as carbon dioxide rises
Ocean acidification could hamper larvae's growth.
By Erin Wayman -
Animals
Butterflies’ tidy drinking tricks
The long tube of the insects' mouthparts is fluid friendly only at the tip.
By Susan Milius -
Animals
In the Eye of the Tiger
Global spread of Asian tiger mosquito could fuel outbreaks of tropical disease in temperate regions.
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Animals
Now-extinct wolf may be ancestor of modern-day dogs
No strong signs of canine ancestry among living grey wolves.
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Animals
Lyrebirds dance to their own music
In mating display, male birds match moves to songs.
By Susan Milius -
Animals
Dead, live guppies vie for paternity
Females can use sperm months after mates go belly up.
By Susan Milius -
Animals
Frog long thought extinct rediscovered in Israel
Hula painted frog turns out to be the only surviving member of an extinct genus.
By Meghan Rosen -
Animals
Two books explore the weirdest life on Earth
Zombie Birds, Astronaut Fish and Other Weird Animals by Becky Crew and Weird Life by David Toomey.
By Susan Milius