'News' from the USA that male mice will court females (especially when out of visual contact- these are not very visual animals being keener on smell) using high-frequency ultrasound (http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/apr/01/squeaky-serenade-male-mice-woo-females-with-song-scientists-discover). This is not especially remarkable as mice use ultrasound in both intermale conflict and, in the case of the pups, to encourage retrieval by their mothers when they stray from the nest. The use of courtship ultrasound is also well documented in laboratory rats. Although they are a separate species, they share many aspects of life-style!
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday 2 April 2015
Rodent Seranade
'News' from the USA that male mice will court females (especially when out of visual contact- these are not very visual animals being keener on smell) using high-frequency ultrasound (http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/apr/01/squeaky-serenade-male-mice-woo-females-with-song-scientists-discover). This is not especially remarkable as mice use ultrasound in both intermale conflict and, in the case of the pups, to encourage retrieval by their mothers when they stray from the nest. The use of courtship ultrasound is also well documented in laboratory rats. Although they are a separate species, they share many aspects of life-style!
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