Our Top Animal Stories from 2023
Several fascinating insights were gained from the animal kingdom in 2023, including birds repurposing antiavian architecture and a learning jellyfish.
Jellyfish are often considered simple creatures but experiments unveiled fascinating abilities of the Caribbean box jellyfish (Tripedalia cystophora). Despite lacking a brain, it uses its eye clusters and nerve cells to navigate and avoid obstacles, a skill useful in its natural mangrove habitat (SN: 9/22/23).
New research suggests that the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex might have kept its deadly teeth hidden behind lips, contrary to common portrayals of it showing all its teeth at all times. Comparisons between the skulls and teeth of dinosaurs and modern reptiles have revealed this, showing more parallels with Komodo dragons (SN: 4/22/23, p. 6).
Urban landscapes can be challenging for birds due to antiavian measures such as spikes. However, some birds such as Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) and carrion crows (Corvus corone) in parts of Europe have found ways to use these spikes for nest building (SN: 9/9/23, p. 4). It seems magpies may even use the spikes as a deterrence against avian intruders.
A cannibalistic pirate spider species in Costa Rica has been discovered to trick its prey into walking straight into it. The spider, Gelanor siquirres, uses silk threads to attract unsuspecting orb weavers (SN: 10/7/23 & 10/21/23, p. 11).
In freezing environments, snow flies (Chinoea spp.) use a gruesome method to survive. They self-amputate their own limbs when freezing temperatures approach to stop ice crystals from reaching the rest of their bodies (SN: 7/15/23, p. 14).
The bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) has shown abilities indicating self-awareness. Along with recognizing its own reflection, the fish can also pick out a picture of itself from a group (SN: 3/11/23, p. 13).
Scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) in cold waters use a breathing technique to maintain body temperature usually associated with diving mammals: holding their breath (SN: 6/17/23, p. 10).
The Gans’ egg-eater (Dasypeltis gansi) snake from Africa can open its mouth wider than any other snake relative to its size. It can fit a 5-centimeter-wide object in its mouth despite having a 1-centimeter-wide head, beating the previous record holder, the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) (SN: 10/7/23 & 10/21/23, p. 36).
Feral dogs in the radioactive zone surrounding Ukraine's Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant have developed distinct genetics from dogs of similar breeds living outside the zone (SN: 4/8/23, p. 15). The precise impact of radiation on these dogs is not yet clear.
Finally, Tunisia's desert ants (Cataglyphis fortis) display a unique way of finding their way home in their flat and featureless surroundings by creating tall mounds (SN: 7/1/23, p. 16).
