10 weird and wonderful new discoveries from the animal kingdom
A list here for nature lovers as we delve into the wild world of the animal kingdom. These breathtaking discoveries provide dazzling insight into the diverse and often surprising behavior of creatures large and small.
For this list, we travel from the depths of the ocean, where king crabs hitchhike and squid display their cleverness, to the radioactive boars of southeastern Germany, taking in all kinds of oddities along the way. Nature never ceases to amaze, and these stories are a testament to the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Related: 10 fantastic animals that are going extinct again
10 A new treatment for gorilla arthritis
It's not just us humans who suffer from arthritis. The condition affects all kinds of animals and creatures, and gorillas are no exception. When staff at the Budapest Zoo saw one of the older females, Liesel, struggling to walk on her left leg, they feared the primate may have succumbed to swelling in her joints.
There is currently no widespread 'cure' for arthritis. Once the cartilage begins to break down, it is considered to be damaged beyond repair. But a team of international scientists disagrees. As part of Stem CellX – a collaboration of international stem cell experts – the researchers are developing a way to reverse the impact of arthritis using mesenchymal stem cells.
In 2023, the team successfully treated Liesel for her arthritis. They used stem cells from the fatty tissue of a younger gorilla named N'yaounda. Liesel is believed to be the first primate to have cartilage rebuilt using the Stem CellX technique.[1]
9 The mysterious case of radioactive pigs in Germany
The radioactive wild boars in southeastern Germany have baffled scientists for years. The pigs were initially contaminated by lingering radiation from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. But decades have passed since then and radioactivity levels of other local species have declined over time. So why do boar levels remain so high?
This question has plagued researchers for some time, so much so that they've dubbed it the “wild boar paradox.” But in August 2023, a solution was finally discovered.
The answer appears to lie in the bears' diet. Soil analysis revealed remarkably high concentrations of caesium-137, which impacts many fungi growing in the area. When our pig friends decide to feast on wild truffles, they ingest dangerously large amounts of radioactive material.
The American Chemical Society published an article on the bizarre Bavarian boars, highlighting the ongoing ecological consequences of nuclear incidents. “This study,” the authors wrote, “illustrates that strategic decisions to conduct nuclear tests in the atmosphere 60-80 years ago continue to impact remote natural environments, wildlife, and a human food source.”[2]
8 Thousands of octopuses gather around the inactive volcano
Ringo Starr once wrote about his desire to live in an octopus' garden under the sea. Well, maybe now he can, thanks to a strange occurrence off the coast of California.
Earlier this year, scientists were intrigued when they discovered swarms of octopuses mysteriously gathering in an underwater hydrothermal vent. Although they have counted 6,000 so far, the team has only explored part of the site. In total, they estimate there could be as many as 20,000.
Researchers speculate that the tentacles are attracted to the warm water. The council, the largest of its kind ever seen, challenges the idea that octopuses are solitary creatures. Scientists say it adds a new layer to our understanding of these cephalopods, which never cease to amaze.[3]
7 Snoozy Penguin sleeps more than 10,00 times a day
We now move on to the chinstrap penguin who has the art of sleeping in a T. This charming little seabird is a master when it comes to catching forty winks and naps in small bursts more than 10,000 times a day. Each snooze lasts an average of four seconds, which amounts to more than 11 hours of total daily sleep time.
Chinstrap penguins face the constant threat of danger, especially while nesting. While one parent travels to bring back food, often away for days, the other stays behind alone and protects the egg. But this is no time for extended sleep. The Antarctic waddlers must be on high alert to fend off attacks from predatory hunters, as well as from rival penguins that could swoop in and take their equipment with them.[4]
6 Australian dolphins spotted during a robbery
In what scientists say is groundbreaking footage, dolphins have been filmed performing a clever heist to get their fins on tasty treats. The video shows how the masterminds of the sea work together to steal bait from crab pots. Beneath the waves of Koombana Bay, the dexterous daredevils use their snouts to rip dead fish from the mesh traps. Dolphins one, crabbers zero.
The images show how cunning and resourceful these aquatic mammals are. It sheds light on the problem-solving skills of two special troublemakers: Calypso and her calf Reggae. As conservationist Rodney Peterson explains: “Calypso and Reggae. Yeah, if it weren't for those two, scratching would actually be pretty easy.[5]
5 King crabs seen using sea pigs for hitchhiking
Scientists from MBARI have made an intriguing discovery while exploring the ocean blue. They saw young king crabs using sea pigs as a kind of sea taxi service, hitching a ride to stay out of sight of predators.
You see the stowaway scamps hiding among the sea pigs, which drag themselves across the muddy plains of the seabed. But the deep-sea ditherers don't seem to care about their traveling companions. Researchers studied about 2,600 sea pigs off the coast of California and found that nearly a quarter were crab bearers.
The discovery offers us an unprecedented glimpse into the peculiarities of marine life. It shows how different species can form unlikely alliances to survive the many dangers that lurk beneath the depths of the ocean.[6]
4 Are squids as smart as children?
In a recent experiment, a group of squids proved their surprising cognitive skills. The underwater creatures passed the marshmallow test and raised questions about how intelligent marine life can be.
The marshmallow test is an experiment devised by Stanford researchers to test children's thinking and planning skills. A child is given a marshmallow and asked not to eat it. They are told that if they can go 15 minutes without gobbling it, they will be rewarded with a second marshmallow and can eat both.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have adapted the test for squid using two rooms full of snacks. One contained raw shrimp and was opened immediately. The other was full of much more tempting live shrimp, but only opened after a delay. They could only choose one snack: take the shrimp right away or wait for the tastier shrimp. Impressively, all the molluscs in the trial chose to wait.
Behavioral ecologist Alexandra Schnell led the study, which suggests we may have underestimated the intelligence of the marine animals. “Squids in the current study could all wait for the better reward and tolerate delays of as long as 50-130 seconds,” she explained, “which is similar to what we see in large-brained vertebrates such as chimpanzees, crows and parrots. ”[7]
3 Prehistoric predator worm discovered in Greenland
A team of scientists in Korea has found evidence of a giant predatory worm that threatened the ancient seas. This newly discovered species, Timorebestia koprii, measured approximately 30 cm long. That may not sound huge today. But by the standards of the ancient oceans, the deadly worm was a Goliath. The sea monster lived more than 500 million years ago. Fossil data suggests so Timorbestia used its formidable jaws to devour other deep-sea creatures and climb the food chain.
Researchers are pleased with their discovery, which sheds light on Earth's prehistoric ecosystems. They discovered thirteen Timorbestia fossils in northern Greenland, some of the oldest of their kind scientists have ever found. The ancient oceans were home to an array of weird and wonderful life forms. This newly found species adds a fascinating chapter to our understanding of marine evolution.[8]
2 Birds and people hunt together for honey in Mozambique
Sometimes life can be a little better when you do things as a couple. In Mozambique, locals work with a species of bird known as the greater honeyguide. Together, the unusual duo track down beehives and break them open, unearthing the delicious treats inside. Hunters from the Yao tribe harvest the honey, while the birds feast on wax and beetle larvae.
Research shows that the birds and people have developed a unique bond, with the honey guides learning to recognize the calls of local tribe members. As California-based anthropologist Brian Wood explained, “The benefits of the honey hunter-honey guide relationship should produce long-lasting, 'sticky' traditions.” It shows the incredible connections that can form, sometimes between the most unlikely partners, when they work together for a common goal.[9]
1 Wrens teach their chicks to sing while they are still in the egg
Wrens are amazing creatures. Thanks to a recent study, scientists in Australia have discovered a remarkable new fact: wrens teach their chicks to sing before they even hatch. When the young birds emerge from their shells, they sing a similar tune as their mother sang to them as eggs.
This surprising behavior reveals the songbirds' amazing communication skills. Additionally, experts have found this musical maternal bond in several wren species, including the splendid wren, purple-crowned wren, and thick-beaked grass wren. This suggests that the practice began millions of years ago with a common ancestor.
Scientists aren't sure why wrens have developed this brilliant musical ability, but they do have some suspicions. One theory is that it stops nest infiltration by cuckoos. Cuckoos are sneaky creatures that lay their eggs in the nests of other birds to fool other mothers into raising their children. But the shorter incubation period means that young cuckoos haven't had time to learn the songs. Others believe it has something to do with sexual selection: Mothers teach their children to sing to help them find a mate when they are older.
Whatever the reason behind their prenatal serenade, it's a fascinating insight into the world of nature and early education.[10]