Tag: animal behavior

Classroom Ideas, Creature Feature, Current Event Connection, Main

Scientists Scratch the Surface of Pterosaur Diets

SCIENCE Microscopic scratches on fossil teeth are forcing paleontologists to rethink diets of pterosaurs. (Nature) Use our fun activity to build your own pterosaur. (Yes, our lovely Dimorphodon illustration is out-of-date. Use the one below.) Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New fossil research sheds light on the diets of pterosaurs. What are pterosaurs? Read … Continue reading Scientists Scratch the Surface of Pterosaur Diets

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Classroom Ideas, Creature Feature, Current Event Connection, Main

Is This Bird an Arsonist?

SCIENCE The indigenous peoples of northern Australia have long told tales about raptors intentionally starting fires in order to lure their prey into the open. Now, a scientific study has documented these “firehawks.” (International Business Times) It’s the Year of the Bird, and that apparently includes fire-starting raptors. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas A … Continue reading Is This Bird an Arsonist?

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Classroom Ideas, Creature Feature, Current Event Connection, Main

Activate the Bat Signal! Bats Crowdsource Their Dialects

SCIENCE Are mothers or the collective cacophony of the colony more effective in teaching young bats how to communicate? (National Geographic) Go a little batty with our Creature Feature on nectar bats. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit.   Discussion Ideas New research documents how bats learn distinct “dialects.” What are bat dialects? Bat dialects simply describe … Continue reading Activate the Bat Signal! Bats Crowdsource Their Dialects

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

The Real Hunger Games: Prey Animals Weigh Their Options Before Fleeing Predators

SCIENCE Assumptions about predator-prey relationships may be really wrong, new research suggests. (Cosmos) Learn more about the “Secret Life of Predators” with our resources. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The Cosmos article describes a new study that upsets the “signal detection theory” used in most predator-prey research. What is signal detection theory? According to … Continue reading The Real Hunger Games: Prey Animals Weigh Their Options Before Fleeing Predators

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Whale Goes Native in the Dolphin Pool

SCIENCE When captive beluga whale moved to a home where her only companions were dolphins, she adapted quickly. She started imitating the unique whistles of the dolphins, and stopped making a signature beluga call altogether. (Discover) What are other examples of interspecies communication? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New research documents a fascinating account … Continue reading Whale Goes Native in the Dolphin Pool

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