Why Do Animals Scratch? It’s More Than Just an Itch!

Why Do Animals Enjoy Scratching? The Science Behind the Itch

Have you ever watched your pet dog vigorously scratch behind its ear with its hind leg, or seen a monkey meticulously groom another, including those satisfying scratching moments? It might seem like a simple, instinctual behavior, but there’s a whole lot of fascinating science behind why animals enjoy scratching. It turns out, it’s not just … Read more

The Secret Life of Antlers: Why Reindeer ‘Craft’ Their Growing Horns

The Secret Life of Antlers: Why Reindeer 'Craft' Their Growing Horns

Have you ever seen a video of a young reindeer, a calf, appearing to ‘craft’ its developing antlers? Maybe you’ve heard about it from someone with Sami heritage, who might describe how these animals tap and rub their growing antlers with their hind legs. It sounds a bit unusual, right? But there’s some fascinating science … Read more

Nature’s Pharmacy: How Animals Use Plants for Medicine

Nature's Pharmacy: How Animals Use Plants for Medicine

Did you know that animals, just like us, have their own natural pharmacies? It’s a field called zoopharmacognosy, and it’s a fascinating look into how the animal kingdom interacts with the plant world. Think about it: when you’re not feeling well, you might reach for medicine cabinet. But what do animals do? Many species have … Read more

Nature’s Navigators: How Animals Instinctively Know What to Hunt

How Animals Know What to Hunt: The Science of Instinct and Behavior

It’s a question that sparks curiosity for anyone who’s watched a nature documentary: how do animals, especially young ones, just know what to hunt? For me, coming from a background in atmospheric science and biology, this innate knowledge is a fascinating window into the complex interplay of instinct, evolution, and the environment. So, let’s dive … Read more