Seals get their hearts racing to detox
An Australian fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus. Credit: Hanna Geeson. CC BY. Fur seals back on land speed up their heart rates to clear waste products and replenish oxygen stores after foraging trips at sea. Diving is physiologically challenging for...
Why some skates and rays have ‘fake eyes’
Rasptail Skate. Credit: Andy Murch. A new study of skates and rays has finally provided an answer to why some have ‘fake eyes’ and others don’t – it’s down to defence. From butterflies to peacocks, bold circular ‘eyespots’ are among nature’s most eye-catching...
Sperm whales caught headbutting on camera
Headbutting whales. Credit: Association Tursiops. In the first known footage of its kind, it’s been confirmed ‘ship sinking’ sperm whales headbutt one another, as well as ships. New research from the University of St Andrews reports sperm whales headbutting one...