Why These Squirrels Are Eating Meat
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Why are California ground squirrels hunting and eating voles?
California ground squirrels have been observed hunting, killing, and eating voles due to a significant increase in the vole population, which was five to six times higher than normal. This behavior, documented in a study published in the Journal of Ethology, shows that squirrels are opportunistic and flexible in their diet, taking advantage of available resources.
What is unique about the recent study on squirrels hunting voles?
The recent study is unique because it captured the entire process of squirrels hunting, killing, and consuming voles on video. This is the first time such behavior has been documented in detail, showing that it is not a one-off event but part of the squirrels' regular behavior.
Where were the carnivorous squirrels observed?
The carnivorous squirrels were observed in a regional park in the Bay Area of California. The study focused on two populations of squirrels during the 12th year of a long-term research project.
What is the significance of the 'Boring Billion' period in Earth's history?
The 'Boring Billion' refers to a period starting around 1.8 billion years ago, characterized by very low biodiversity and species turnover. Recent research published in the journal Science confirms this, showing that this era was indeed marked by minimal evolutionary activity, followed by a rapid increase in diversity after ice ages.
What new insights were gained from the study of ancient canids in Alaska?
A study of ancient canid bones in Alaska revealed that a 12,000-year-old wolf or proto-dog had a diet rich in salmon, suggesting it was either fed by humans or relied on human scraps. This provides evidence of early domestication and close interaction between humans and canids during that period.
How did researchers determine that the ancient canid in Alaska was domesticated?
Researchers determined domestication by analyzing a 12,000-year-old tibia bone, which contained substantial traces of salmon proteins. Since salmon is not naturally abundant in Fairbanks, Alaska, it is likely that the canid was fed by humans, indicating a close, domesticated relationship.
- California ground squirrels hunt, kill, and eat voles.
- The entire hunting process was documented on video.
- This behavior is opportunistic, linked to the abundance of voles.
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