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The University of Budapest has identified the traits of truly gifted dogs. The experiments involved various breeds, but over 50 per cent were Border Collies, traditionally considered one of the most intelligent of man’s four-legged friends. Spitzes, Pekingese, Corgis and mongrels were also included in the study.
Collectively, the habits of 41 animals were analysed. It turned out that each dog was able to distinguish the name of each of its toys by ear.
Over thousands of years, dogs have evolved under the control of humans, contributing to many unique breeds through selective breeding. Originally, dogs were needed to guard herds, homes and for hunting.
Today, however, many dogs serve their owners simply as pets for companionship and friendship. The breeding process has not only empowered breeds, but has also had negative consequences. For example, flat-faced breeds face breathing problems due to narrow nasal openings and short airways.
Let’s imagine a scenario in which dogs were left without humanity. The results would be unimportant. Breeds that are highly dependent on humans would not successfully adapt to independent living. They would face enormous difficulties in adapting. However, less than 20% of all dogs will be affected. Most animals around the world are homeless and live on every continent except Antarctica. Without our intervention, natural selection will begin to play a role in the lives of dogs.
The cubs of the Ohau Point harbour seal colony embark on a unique journey. They swim inland from New Zealand down the creek to Ohau Falls. This is essentially a natural “nursery” for the young for 1-3 months of the year.
Near the waterfall, the youngsters can practice swimming, play with friends, and socialise while resting on the rocks. The water of the stream gently touches the rocks, falling from a height of 15 metres.
The cubs have to periodically return to their mothers to feed on milk before travelling back to the falls for exercise and entertainment.
Some fish can walk, but the ringed catfish does it in a particularly unusual way. When wading across the land in search of food, it does not wriggle, but rolls over in a special way, so that scientists have even given its manner a separate name “reffling”.
The creature is forced onto land by extreme conditions. Living in isolated African reservoirs, the catfish sometimes faces a lack of food or drought. Then it goes on land and looks for a new home, leaving a unique mark on the sand. The creature is able to stay out of the water for hours.
As temperatures rise around the world due to global warming, the remaining number of rhino individuals on the planet may not be able to cope with the new temperature regime.
Scientists explain that these animals are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat because they don’t sweat. In order to cool down, they retreat into the shade or into the water.
Scientists predict that most, if not all rhino individuals on the planet will be negatively affected by climate change in one way or another. This is why it is crucial for conservationists to conduct macro-ecological studies of large areas to observe current trends and model the future for the most vulnerable individuals.
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