Biologist reveals how whales may 'sing' for their supper

Date:

December 16, 2014

Source:

Syracuse University

Summary:

Humpback whales have a trick or two, when it comes to finding a quick snack at the bottom of the ocean. Even in the dark. Biologists have been studying these unique feeding behaviors. Her research emphasizes the importance of specific auditory cues that these mammoth creatures emit, as they search the deep ocean for their prey.

Continued ...

Genetic link between feeding behavior and animal dispersal

Date:

February 24, 2014

Source:

University of Toronto

Summary:

New research shows that animal dispersal is influenced by a gene associated with feeding and food search behaviors. The study provides one of the first aimed at gaining a functional understanding of how genes can influence dispersal tendencies in nature.

Continued

Cameras reveal penguins' efficient hunting techniques

Intimate details of Adelie penguin feeding behaviour have been filmed by Japanese scientists.

Using video cameras and accelerometers attached to free-swimming penguins, researchers have gained a unique insight into the birds' hunting techniques.

Adelie penguins adopted different strategies depending on whether they were hunting fish or krill.

The findings are published in the journal PNAS.

Lead scientist Dr Yuuki Watanabe from the National Institute of Polar Research in Tokyo, Japan, told BBC Nature: "Foraging is the most basic activity of animals, but details of foraging behaviour are poorly known, especially in marine animals."

Although previous studies had examined Adelie penguin's (Pygoscelis adeliae) foraging style using video apparatus or sensor technology, results were limited.

"Previously some researchers attached video cameras to marine animals to observe their foraging behaviour, but this was just a few hours."

Continued:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21125022