Mithraculus nodosus

<p>In a recent study, scientists have investigated some curious behavior among fish-eating killer whales in the Pacific Northwest.&nbsp;For decades, these toothed whales have been harassing and killing porpoises, but without eating them.</p>



<p>The research was co-led by Deborah Giles of Wild Orca and Sarah Teman of the <a href="https://www.seadocsociety.org/killer-whale-facts#:~:text=Three%20distinct%20types%20of%20killer,as%20shown%20in%20recent%20studies." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SeaDoc Society</a>, a program of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-conduct-nbsp">Mysterious conduct&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team examined over 60 years of interactions between Southern Resident killer whales and porpoises in the Salish Sea to clarify this mysterious conduct.</p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-prey-is-changing-the-behavior-of-killer-whales/">killer whales</a>, an endangered group with a count of only 75, are significantly dependent on Chinook salmon for their survival. These fish are also endangered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-ecology">Unique ecology</h2>



<p>Giles pointed out that the killer whales, despite residing in the same waters as their marine mammal-eating counterparts, possess a distinct ecology and culture, making them exclusively fish-eaters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I am frequently asked, why don’t the Southern Residents just eat seals or porpoises instead?” said Giles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It's because fish-eating killer whales have a completely different ecology and culture from orcas that eat marine mammals - even though the two populations live in the same waters."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"So we must conclude that their interactions with porpoises serve a different purpose, but this purpose has only been speculation until now.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plausible-theories-nbsp">Plausible theories&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study authors analyzed 78 documented porpoise harassment incidents from 1962 to 2020, proposing three plausible explanations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One suggestion is that this behavior serves as social play for the killer whales, allowing them to bond, communicate, and enjoy themselves, ultimately benefiting group coordination and teamwork.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alternatively, harassing porpoises might be a method for the whales to sharpen their salmon-hunting skills, using the porpoises as practice targets without intending to eat them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A third hypothesis introduces the concept of “mismothering behavior,” where whales may offer care to perceived weaker porpoises, mirroring their instinct to assist group members.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mothering-challenges">Mothering challenges</h2>



<p>“Mismothering behavior - also known as ‘displaced epimeletic behavior’ to scientists - might be due to their limited opportunities to care for young,” explained Giles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our research has shown that due to malnutrition, nearly 70% of Southern Resident killer whale pregnancies have resulted in miscarriages or calves that died right away after birth.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-animals">Complex animals</h2>



<p>The exact motivations behind porpoise harassment by these whales may remain elusive.&nbsp;The study confirms that porpoises are not included in the Southern Resident killer whale's diet, as these whales feed almost exclusively on Chinook salmon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Killer whales are incredibly complex and intelligent animals. We found that porpoise-harassing behavior has been passed on through generations and across social groupings. It’s an amazing example of killer whale culture,” said Teman.</p>



<p>“Still, we don’t expect the Southern Resident killer whales to start eating porpoises. The culture of eating salmon is deeply ingrained in Southern Resident society. These whales need healthy salmon populations to survive.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmon-conservation">Salmon conservation </h2>



<p>This dietary constraint underlines the crucial need for salmon conservation efforts in the Salish Sea to ensure the Southern Residents' survival and the health of the region’s ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study received funding and support from numerous institutions, including Wild Orca, SeaDoc Society, University of Exeter, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Orca Behavior Institute, NOAA, Cascadia Research, The Whale Museum, Center for Whale Research, ORCA at Everett Community College, Bay Cetology, North Gulf Oceanic Society, George Mason University, and Marine-Med.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13073"><em>Marine Mammal Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Wild Orca</em></p>



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Killer whales have been killing porpoises for decades, but why?

In a recent study, scientists have investigated some curious behavior...

<p>An emerging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-sea-stars-more-susceptible-to-disease/">disease</a> that was believed to only cause hoof deformation in elk appears to trigger molecular changes throughout the entire animal system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is the conclusion of an epigenetic study by experts at <a href="https://vetmed.wsu.edu/departments/veterinary-microbiology-and-pathology/elk-hoof-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> (WSU), who set out to gain a better understanding of elk treponeme-associated hoof disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapidly-spreading-disease-nbsp">Rapidly spreading disease&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a previous <a href="https://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2021/09/16/wsu-researchers-discover-one-way-elk-become-infected-devastating-hoof-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study from WSU</a>, researchers discovered that healthy elk can contract the disease by simply walking on soil contaminated by infected hooves. </p>



<p>The experts described the disease as "devastatingly painful," noting that it often leads to death.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Affected elk suffer with deformed hooves, lameness, and increasingly poor health as a result of the infection," said the report.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The disease is spreading unabated and has been found in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physiological-changes-nbsp">Physiological changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results of the latest study indicate that the molecular changes caused by hoof disease might not be limited to where the infection is visible, but could potentially be affecting the entire physiology of the elk.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, the illness severely impairs the elk’s ability to find food and escape predators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heritable-impacts">Heritable impacts</h2>



<p>The research suggests that the disease-induced changes may be heritable, but it is not yet clear whether this means subsequent generations of elk may be more prone to catching the disease.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s not just the absence or presence of the infection. It’s affecting the animal’s entire physiology, all the cells,” said study senior author Michael Skinner, a WSU biologist. “It shows that there's a molecular impact by the presence of the disease organisms.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epigenetic-changes-nbsp">Epigenetic changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Epigenetics refers to stable molecular processes that influence gene behavior, independently of the DNA sequence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These changes in an organism’s epigenetics can be brought about by various factors such as nutrition or the environment. The current study suggests that infectious diseases can also play a part.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team analyzed cells from the leg tendons of 55 Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk, both infected and uninfected.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These specimens were provided by hunters and procured by wildlife agencies across five states: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and South Dakota.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the findings reveal epigenetic changes associated exclusively with the disease in the infected elk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Considering that the tendon cells were located away from the hoof infection, this suggests that the changes induced by the treponeme-associated hoof disease could be systemic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Margaret Wild, this research is only the tip of the iceberg.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’re building foundational knowledge to understand this disease,” said Wild. “By doing this epigenetic study, we can see apparent systemic impacts from the infection, even though we don't see those pathological changes when we look at the elk.”</p>



<p>The disease's name originates from the treponeme bacteria. However, researchers now theorize that it might be caused by multiple bacterial strains.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Wild and her team are currently undertaking studies in captive elk to identify the transmission mode of the disease. This research could also shine a light on factors like diet that may alter the animals' vulnerability to the infection.</p>



<p>While elk remain the only wild species detected with the disease, WSU researchers are exploring possible connections to bovine digital dermatitis found in cattle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There's also an ongoing effort using computer modeling to identify environmental factors, such as soil type, moisture, and geography, which might determine where elks are more susceptible.</p>



<p>“This is a brand-new emerging disease that hardly anything is known about,” Wild said. “We are taking a multi-pronged approach and conducting a broad range of exploratory studies."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our goal is to do as much research as we can to learn about all the impacts this disease is having on individuals and elk populations to help wildlife managers address the disease.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-42546-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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Emerging hoof disease may cause physiological changes in elk

An emerging disease that was believed to only cause hoof...

<p>The capacity for individual innovation is often seen as a marker of intelligence across species, with elephants being a focal point of such studies due to their nuanced problem-solving skills.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new study led by the <a href="http://www.cuny.edu/">City University of New York</a> (CUNY) has reported the findings of a six-month investigation, shedding light on the capabilities of individual wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/for-asian-elephants-shrinking-habitats-will-increase-conflicts/">Asian elephants</a> in securing food by solving puzzles that unlock storage boxes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capacity-to-adapt">Capacity to adapt</h2>



<p>“An animal’s capacity for innovation or solving novel problems likely has important implications for how quickly they can adapt to environmental change. Asian elephants,&nbsp;<em>Elephas maximus</em>, living in zoos have previously demonstrated a capacity to innovate, but problem solving has never been studied experimentally in a wild elephant population,” the authors explained.</p>



<p>“This is the first research study to show that individual wild elephants have different willingness and abilities to problem solve in order to get food,” said lead author Sarah Jacobson, a doctoral student in Animal Cognition at CUNY.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is important knowledge, because how animals think and innovate may influence their ability to survive in environments that are rapidly changing due to human presence.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>This study was carried out at the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, utilizing motion-activated cameras to monitor 77 wild Asian elephants as they decided whether to engage with puzzle boxes containing aromatic jackfruit within three uniquely configured compartments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The methods of access varied: elephants could pull on a chain, push a door, or slide a door open, each method requiring a different approach. The elephants were left to interact with the puzzle boxes autonomously to learn the unlocking mechanisms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Out of the elephants observed, 44 decided to engage with the boxes, showing varying levels of innovative interactions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found that elephants which engaged more frequently and persistently with the boxes had higher success rates in accessing food from all the differently configured compartments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the end, 11 elephants managed to solve one type of compartment, eight cracked two types, and five elephants showcased the highest level of innovation by solving all three.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Conflict involving humans and elephants is increasing due to loss of natural habitat and agricultural encroachment into what is left of it,” said senior author Joshua Plotnik, a professor of Psychology at CUNY.</p>



<p>“Investigating innovation and problem solving in elephants can inform our understanding of wild elephant cognitive flexibility and its potential impact on conservation management and human-elephant conflict mitigation,” he concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-elephant-innovation">More about elephant innovation</h2>



<p>Elephants are remarkable animals, known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors. As mentioned by the CUNY team, their "innovations" are more about adapting and evolving to their environment over time, rather than inventing or creating new tools or technologies.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-structures">Social structures</h3>



<p>Elephants have intricate social structures, which they use to manage group dynamics, support each other, and protect young members.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication">Communication</h3>



<p>They use a variety of vocalizations and even subsonic rumbles that can travel long distances to communicate with one another.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory">Memory</h3>



<p>Known for their excellent memory, elephants can remember the locations of water sources over vast distances and recall these during dry seasons.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-solving-abilities">Problem-solving abilities</h3>



<p>Elephants are known to work together to solve problems. For example, they might coordinate efforts to move obstacles or assist a member in distress.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empathy-and-mourning-nbsp">Empathy and mourning&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Elephants display empathetic behaviors and even engage in rituals that resemble mourning when a member of their group dies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-use-of-tools">Use of tools</h3>



<p>While not as advanced as some species, elephants do use basic tools. They might use branches to swat flies, or utilize their trunks in sophisticated ways to gather food, drink water, or give themselves dust or mud baths for skin protection.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-and-imitation">Learning and imitation</h3>



<p>They have the ability to learn new behaviors, both from other elephants and through direct experience. They can also imitate sounds and behaviors.</p>



<p>While these may not be "innovations" in the human sense, these adaptations and evolved behaviors highlight the intelligence and complexity of elephants as a species.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.08.019"><em>Animal Behavior</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Wild Asian elephants exhibit strong capacity for innovation

The capacity for individual innovation is often seen as a...

Wildlife,Conservation,Day,Wild,Animals,To,The,Home.,Or,Wildlife

<p>A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in preserving biodiversity, especially for vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. </p>



<p>The research, led by the <a href="https://serc.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Environmental Research Center</a> (SERC) and <a href="https://www.conservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation International</a>, sheds light on the critical role of effective governance and supports the United Nations’ "30 by 30" initiative. </p>



<p>The findings also emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to conservation that goes beyond protected areas alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-protected-lands">Conservation and protected lands</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human activities</a> have dramatically escalated the natural extinction rate of vertebrates, increasing it by 22 times. This rapid loss of biodiversity destabilizes food webs and endangers essential ecological services such as crop pollination, healthy diets, and disease control. </p>



<p>"Humans are inextricably dependent on biodiversity for survival,” says Justin Nowakowski, SERC conservation biologist and lead author of the study. “It provides food, fuel, fiber and other ecosystem services that we depend on for life.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>The study involved meticulous data collection for over 1,000 species from every continent, excluding Antarctica, leveraging data from the Living Planet and BioTIME databases. </p>



<p>Nowakowski’s team studied 2,239 vertebrate populations, comparing the states of species within and outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-parks-enrich-mammal-diversity-beyond-the-boundaries-of-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>. The research revealed that vertebrates inside protected areas are declining at a rate of 0.4% per year, nearly five times more slowly than those in unprotected areas (1.8% per year).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-significance-of-protected-lands">The significance of protected lands</h2>



<p>Protected areas offer a refuge where biodiversity is closer to stability. “They buy us much-needed time to figure out how to reverse the biodiversity crisis,” stated Luke Frishkoff, coauthor and assistant professor of biology at the University of Texas at Arlington. </p>



<p>Frishkoff further noted that populations outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-provide-a-thermal-buffer-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> could halve in 40 years, while those inside would take 170 years to face a similar fate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-different-species">Impact on different species</h2>



<p>The study found that certain vertebrate classes, notably amphibians and birds, benefitted more within protected lands. This is likely due to the severe threats they face outside, including habitat loss, climate change, and diseases like the chytrid fungus affecting amphibians. </p>



<p>“Amphibians typically have fairly small home ranges, and they’re also really sensitive to small changes in the environment,” said Jessica Deichmann, coauthor and ecologist with the Liz Claiborne &amp; Art Ortenberg Foundation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-external-factors">Challenges and external factors</h2>



<p>However, the conversion of nearby land for agriculture and development along with climate change continue to undermine the efficacy of protected areas. The research team made sure to highlight the urgent need for interconnected protected zones and adaptive strategies that align with the ecological fluidity, as species are constantly moving.</p>



<p>The findings also reaffirm the UN’s commitment made last December, where nearly 200 nations pledged to protect 30% of Earth’s land and water by 2030. This ambitious roadmap is called the <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2021/07/a-new-global-framework-for-managing-nature-through-2030-1st-detailed-draft-agreement-debuts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"30 by 30" initiative</a>. </p>



<p>While this commitment has fueled a surge in establishing protected lands, the study cautions against mere compliance through ‘paper parks’ and emphasizes actual biodiversity conservation within these regions.</p>



<p>In addition, effective governance emerged as a crucial factor in successful conservation efforts. Nations with transparent and corruption-free governments are often more efficient in enforcing environmental laws, managing conservation funds and involving local communities in conservation laws.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-protected-lands">Beyond protected lands</h2>



<p>Conservation experts are advocating for diverse strategies to conserve biodiversity. Examples include “payment for ecosystem services” programs, such as the one in Costa Rica, which incentivizes landowners to preserve forests. These innovative models, along with biological corridors and Indigenous-led protected areas, offer flexible and effective alternatives to traditional conservation approaches.</p>



<p>In summary, the study by SERC and Conservation International illustrates the pivotal role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation, but also emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive strategies that encompass effective governance, community involvement, and innovative conservation models. </p>



<p>By adopting such holistic approaches, humanity can hope to curb the ongoing biodiversity crisis and ensure the survival and thriving of myriad species on Earth.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06562-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Nature</a>.</p>



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Loss of wildlife happens five times slower in protected lands

A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in...

Walrus,Cow,On,Ice,Floe

Atlantic walrus are at high risk of extinction

The Atlantic walrus faces unprecedented threats due to the relentless...

Close,Up,View,Of,The,Eyes,A,Tabanus,Abdominalis,Horsefly

<p>Insect populations exhibit extreme sensitivity to variations in temperature and precipitation, spotlighting the plight of insects in the face of adverse weather conditions and climate change. </p>



<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/university/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a> demonstrates that abnormal weather events, occurring consecutively or in combination over several years, can significantly deplete insect populations. </p>



<p>Unusually dry and warm winters diminish insect survival probabilities, wet and cold springs impair hatching success, and cool, wet summers obstruct the reproductive and foraging activities of bumblebees and other flying insects. </p>



<p>However, insect populations that reside in sufficiently large and high-quality habitats, marked by the presence of native plants and high structural richness, are more likely to withstand these adverse conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-insect-conservation-strategies">Rethinking insect conservation strategies</h2>



<p>In light of the findings, the authors strongly advocate for the establishment of more high-quality habitats to preserve the myriad insect species. </p>



<p>The significant decline in insect populations mandates urgent efforts to protect high-quality habitats across diverse landscapes. This includes agricultural, traffic, and settlement areas. </p>



<p>The repercussions of climate change necessitate a transformation in scientific thinking and conservation practice, emphasizing the creation of resilient ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-insects-and-the-weather">Studying insects and the weather</h2>



<p>The genesis of this important study traces back to the spring of 2022, when Professor Jörg Müller of Würzburg noticed an unusually high number of insects in forests and meadows. This observation was particularly intriguing given the prevalent narrative of the declining insect populations globally.</p>



<p>"The data from the study show that there was a dramatic collapse in 2005 and no recovery in the years that followed," says Jörg Müller, who is Professor of Animal Ecology at the Biocentre of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU). So could the large amount of insects he "felt" in 2022 be real?</p>



<p>This sparked a rigorous analysis led by an interdisciplinary team, involving re-examination of the data from a study by Dutch researcher Caspar A. Hallmann in 2017. </p>



<p>Hallmann's research had illustrated a staggering 75% decline in insect biomass in German nature reserves from 1989 to 2016. The interdisciplinary team incorporated freshly procured weather data and evaluated the impacts of weather anomalies on various life stages of insects.</p>



<p>The rigorous analysis confirmed that the climate fluctuations post-2005 were predominantly detrimental to insects. However, the team discovered that the favorable weather conditions in 2022 were conducive to a surge in insect biomass, thereby corroborating Professor Müller's initial observations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action">A call to action</h2>



<p>Professor Annette Menzel of the <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a> emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge that weather fluctuations caused by climate change are the principal driver behind declining insect populations worldwide. The pressing circumstances necessitate immediate and enhanced efforts to safeguard insects, emphasizing high-quality habitats and ecological balance.</p>



<p>"We need to be much more aware that climate change is already a major driver of the decline of insect populations. This needs to be thought about much more in science and conservation practice," says Annette Menzel, professor of ecoclimatology of the Technical University of Munich.</p>



<p>Professor Müller also proposes the initiation of a comprehensive insect biomass monitoring system aimed at regularly tracking the fluctuations in insect populations. Such a system would contribute to nuanced analyses and informed conservation strategies.</p>



<p>The novel insights and strategies emerging from this research underscore the critical intersection between climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. The scientists involved in this study urge swift, collective action to counteract the dwindling insect populations and preserve the delicate ecological balance integral to our planet's well-being. </p>



<p>The collaboration between renowned universities and national parks has not only brought to light the intricate dynamics governing insect populations, but has also paved the way for innovative, sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.</p>



<p>This report, published in the<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06402-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> journal Nature</a>, was a collaboration among the University of Würzburg, Bavarian Forest National Park, TU Dresden, Berchtesgaden National Park, TU Munich, and the University of Zurich.</p>



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Rise and fall of insect populations directly linked to the weather

Insect populations exhibit extreme sensitivity to variations in temperature and...

<p>A new study suggests that male zebra finches prioritize winning a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-zebra-finches-choose-mates-based-on-their-dialects/">mate</a> above all other tasks, and that these intentions are reflected in dopamine-releasing brain cells.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the presence of a potential mate causes the males to drop what they are doing immediately shift their focus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-priorities">Shifting priorities</h2>



<p>A male zebra finch is often engrossed in a task like finding water or refining the song taught to him by his father. The study shows that these activities quickly take a backseat the moment he perceives the proximity of a female.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study was co-authored by Dr. Vikram Gadagkar, a lead investigator at Columbia’s <a href="https://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zuckerman Institute</a>, and graduate student Andrea Roeser of Cornell University..</p>



<p>“The males stop worrying about anything else and, for the first time, we have found signs of that re-prioritization in the behavior of specific brain cells,” said Dr. Gadagkar.</p>



<p>“Our findings could help explain what our brains are doing when they shift gears as different opportunities arise and as our priorities change."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dopamine-signals-nbsp">Dopamine signals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Historically, Dr. Gadagkar and his team have been tracking male zebra finches as they practiced their songs to serenade females.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that when a bird made a mistake while rehearsing, there was a notable decline in the dopamine - a chemical signal generated by particular brain cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Dopamine seems to function as an internal error signal, helping the bird to realize that it has made a blunder and did not quite replicate the song it had memorized,” said Dr. Gadagkar.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previously, the researchers had found that when birds get the song right, dopamine production is boosted and acts as an internal reward signal for their good performance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For the current study, the researchers measured variations in dopamine in situations where a bird must choose between several objectives such as practicing its song, finding water, or pursuing a mate.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-track-mind">One-track mind</h2>



<p>The experts discovered that the dopamine error signals, which previously played a role in tasks like finding water or practicing songs, were notably muted when courtship was in the picture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, the dopamine reward signal was amplified when the bird's song succeeded in fetching return calls from a female.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-evaluation-system-nbsp">Self-evaluation system&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We think this is the first demonstration of a socially driven shift of dopaminergic error signals,” said Dr. Gadagkar.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The big idea here is that your self-evaluation system, which you're using to learn when you're practicing, might be dialed down or switched off when you're performing and your dopamine system instead becomes primed to receiving social feedback.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<br></p>



<p>“A big question for us now is whether these systems may be widely at play when it comes to learning many kinds of behaviors, including speaking, singing, playing an instrument and all kinds of behaviors where learning depends on internal self evaluations."</p>



<p>“Now I want to know if this same circuitry might be much more general-purpose than anyone previously had thought.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-zebra-finch-courtship-nbsp">More about zebra finch courtship&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Zebra finches, native to the Central Australian grasslands, exhibit unique and fascinating courtship behaviors which are integral for mate selection and bonding.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-male-initiation">Male initiation</h3>



<p>Male zebra finches typically initiate the courtship process. During this phase, the males showcase their vitality and genetic fitness to attract potential female partners. They employ a combination of visual and auditory displays, including brightly colored feathers, dynamic dances, and melodic songs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-courtship-song">Courtship song</h3>



<p>One of the most distinctive elements in their courtship is the male's song. Each male zebra finch develops a unique song during their juvenile stage, primarily learned from their fathers or other adult males within the vicinity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The courtship song is more complex and structured compared to their regular communication chirps. Males sing to attract females, with each song being distinctive, allowing the females to identify and choose their preferred mates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dance-display">Dance display</h3>



<p>Apart from singing, male zebra finches also engage in a dance display. They puff up their chests, flutter their wings, and hop around to garner attention from the females.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This dance, paired with their vibrant songs, creates a comprehensive display designed to entice and woo potential mates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-selection">Female selection</h3>



<p>Female zebra finches play a critical role in mate selection. They evaluate the males based on their songs and displays, choosing a partner whose traits are most appealing or suitable for producing offspring.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Females may consider the complexity, volume, and pitch of the male's song, as well as their overall health and vigor, before making a selection.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bond-formation">Bond formation</h3>



<p>Once a female selects a mate, the pair forms a strong bond, often mating for life. This bond is reinforced through mutual grooming, feeding, and coordinated activities. The strong partnership ensures collaborative efforts in building nests, incubating eggs, and raising their offspring.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nesting-behavior">Nesting behavior</h3>



<p>After the courtship and bonding, the pair engage in nesting behaviors. Male zebra finches actively participate in nest-building, collecting materials like twigs and feathers to construct a safe and comfortable environment for their eggs and future chicks.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06580-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Love on the brain: Male zebra finches drop everything to pursue a mate

A new study suggests that male zebra finches prioritize winning...

Mithraculus nodosus

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