Life-saving Trend Discovered Among Seagulls
Friday, February 20, 2009 - 12:35
in Biology & Nature
Following trends is a lifesaving instinct, at least for birds, and provides clues that can be applied across the animal kingdom. New research published in Biology Letters, shows that Herring and Ring-billed gulls not only watch their neighbors -- they mimic their behavior to assure their survival. Contrary to previous beliefs, this study suggests that animals don't necessarily act independently and that they cue on reactions from other members of their group.