Animal behaviour

Animal behaviour

Animals do the strangest things. Why do dogs eat grass and cats bring their owners dead birds? Zoologists look to animals' behaviour to understand them. Can they think, laugh, love, grieve? Do they use tools? Are they solitary or do they live in communities with complex hierarchies? The most practical application of studying animal behaviour is simple: knowing how a certain animal normally behaves is indispensable when creating a happy and comfortable home for a pet or zoo animal.

121 random fun facts that will blow your mind

Our collection of the best interesting trivia covers animals, biology, geography, space and much more
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6 simple ways to instantly improve your dog’s life, according to science

What's the way to your dog's heart? A steak? A permanent place on the sofa? On open car window to lean out of during a long drive?
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Some (very adorable) whales and dolphins were caught forming unlikely friendships

Their interactions are rarely studied, but it turns out whales and dolphins actually get along swimmingly – even if one side’s keener than the other
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The (completely adorable) ways dogs know exactly how you’re feeling

Ever get the feeling your dog knows what you’re thinking? It might be because they’re picking up on cues you didn’t realise you were transmitting.
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Here's what your dog's TV watching habits say about their personality

Coming up next on the Dog Channel: Paw & Order
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Orcas caught 'tongue kissing' in the wild for the first time

They may be the apex predators of the sea, but orcas are total softies when it comes to those they care about
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Killer whales filmed using tools for the first time – and scientists are stunned

Fancy a scrub?
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These (very cute) puppy tests could reveal your dog’s personality

The science of spotting a very good boy early on
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Are cats liquid?

Cats take a unique approach to small spaces, even if they shouldn't really fit
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What are the best preserved Ice Age animals

Frozen in time, these prehistoric animals offer an astonishing glimpse into the past.
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How mucus kept this air-breathing eel hidden from scientists for 30 years

The lungfish isn't like other fish... for one key reason.
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Do animals dream when they hibernate?

That's right, animals are missing out on a good dream.
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The strange reasons your dog eats grass (and poop)

Don't pretend like your pup hasn't done it.
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These adorable whales were caught doing underwater headstands

The giant animals were also caught 'bubble blasting'.
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This mysterious gang of killer whales is hunting down and eating dolphins

The animals were then observed sharing the meat with family members.
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Octopuses are now punching fish – and we have the footage to prove it

The fisticuffs occur during cooperative hunting trips.
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Crossbreed dogs might not be as healthy as you think, study finds

The largest study ever into the health of crossbreeds is busting myths and changing how we think about healthy breeds.
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Here's how cats use purring to manipulate humans

To get your attention, your moggy's purrs can mimic a human baby's.
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Why do snails move so slowly? Is there an evolutionary advantage to their lack of pace?

They're literally taking life at a snail's pace.
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Does my dog love me? Here’s how to know for sure

Sure, they wag their tails to greet us and are happy to snuggle up and watch TV in the evening, but are our beloved pooches actually experiencing the same love for us as we feel for them?
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