All articles tagged with #predator defense
Two species of orb-weaving spiders in the Philippines and Peru have been observed creating larger decoy models of themselves using silk and natural materials to scare off predators, marking the first documented case of animals making 'scarecrow' decoys for protection, which may be an evolved survival strategy.
Tiny Cyclosa spiders in Peru and the Philippines build large, fake spider decoys from debris, prey remains, and silk to deter predators and possibly aid in camouflage and egg protection, representing a unique evolutionary survival strategy.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have discovered that fish swimming in schools not only provides protection from predators but also reduces their noise, making them more stealthy. Using a 3D model based on the common mackerel, the team found that synchronized tail flapping among fish cancels out each other's sound, effectively reducing the acoustic signature of a school of fish. This noise reduction also enhances their swimming performance, allowing them to swim faster while using less energy. The findings shed light on the evolutionary brilliance of fish schooling as a defense mechanism.