Earth & Sky - animals

Parasite disguises ant as berry

Lindsay Patterson — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:14:47 -0500

Scientists have discovered a type of tiny nematode parasite that disguises an ant as a fruit. These nematodes have managed to trick birds into eating their hosts, said tropical insect ecologist Steve Yanoviak.

Marc Bekoff on why dogs play fair

Lindsay Patterson — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:12:11 -0500

Does being a dog mean never having to say you’re sorry? Not really, according to biologist Marc Bekoff of the University of Colorado. Bekoff talked to EarthSky about how and why dogs learn to play fair.

Why are some butterfly populations shrinking?

Lindsay Patterson — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:18:30 -0500

Experts say they are seeing rapid declines in the number of butterfly species – with no obvious explanation. EarthSky spoke to Arthur Shapiro at the University of California about his study of butterfly populations.

Ark underway. Amphibians only need apply.

Jorge Salazar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:05:33 -0500

The Amphibian Ark is a global effort to collect amphibians in zoos, aquariums, and elsewhere. EarthSky asks: why amphibians?

Modern chimps dig up clues to ancient humans

Eleanor Imster — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:03:05 -0500

Listen to anthropologist Jim Moore, on what’s so important about a Tanzania study that provides the first evidence that chimps use tools to forage for tubers.