Short Wave Clownfish Might Be Counting Their Potential Enemies' Stripes
Feb 9, 2024
A team of researchers proposes that clownfish may possess the ability to count the vertical white stripes on other fish, a skill that could help them identify their species. This intriguing behavior sheds light on their cognitive abilities and complex social interactions. Meanwhile, ermine moths showcase their own extraordinary adaptations, using unique wing clicks to evade bat predators. The podcast also introduces “super” purple tomatoes, rich in antioxidants, highlighting the evolving landscape of genetically modified foods.
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Moths' Anti-Bat Signal
- Some moths have an anti-bat signal built into their wings.
- This clicking sound disrupts bats' echolocation, helping moths avoid predation.
Mechanism of the Anti-Bat Signal
- The moths create the clicking sound by buckling and unbuckling their wings.
- This buckling mechanism, typically seen as a failure in engineering, is surprisingly effective and novel.
Clownfish Counting Stripes
- Clownfish might be counting the white stripes on other fish.
- They are more aggressive towards fish with three stripes, like themselves, potentially to protect their territory.