Log in

View Full Version : In the news


gekkogecko
12-05-2013, 11:08 PM
http://news.sciencemag.org/plants-animals/2013/12/scienceshot-first-example-tool-use-reptiles

Crocodilians. Gotta love 'em.

Oldfart
12-06-2013, 05:36 PM
Nah, they sort of taste like chicken.

Lord Snow
12-06-2013, 08:54 PM
Not sure on the crocs, but alligator tail tastes more like turkey to me.

gekkogecko
12-07-2013, 09:24 AM
Oh, and I found the paper the news snippet was based on:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03949370.2013.858276#.UqHV19JDui5

V. Dinetsa*, J.C. Brueggenb & J.D. Brueggenb

Abstract:
Using objects as hunting lures is very rare in nature, having been observed in just a handful of species. We report the use of twigs and sticks as bird lures by two crocodilian species. At least one of them uses this method predominantly during the nest-building season of its prey. This is the first known case of a predator not just using objects as lures, but also taking into account the seasonality of prey behavior. It provides a surprising insight into previously unrecognized complexity of archosaurian behavior.

Lord Snow
12-07-2013, 10:59 PM
Well those "dinosaurs" haven't survived all this time by being stupid.

Oldfart
12-08-2013, 08:46 PM
They don't have to be smart, just less stupid than their prey.