Reptile | Jotup

All animal intelligence was shaped by just 5 leaps in brain evolution

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星期三, 七月 5, 2023

In an article published today in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, we argue the evolution of all these kinds of animal intelligence has been shaped by just five major changes in the computational capacity of brains.

Key Points:

In an article published today in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, we argue the evolution of all these kinds of animal intelligence has been shaped by just five major changes in the computational capacity of brains.
Each change was a major transitional point in the history of life that changed what types of intelligence could evolve.

The coordination problem

Some have argued single-celled organisms show adaptive and complex behaviour and forms of learning, but these are limited to life at tiny sizes.
However, a multi-cellular body need to be coordinated to actively move as a single entity.
A nervous system solves that coordination problem.

Growing a brain

With this came a brain, and the capacity to combine information from different senses.
A brain can be the master coordinator of the whole body, and this let new types of bodies evolve: bodies with specialised limbs and special sensory structures.

A feedback loop

The third transition was to more complex brains, specifically ones with feedback.
Read more:
Bees can learn the difference between European and Australian Indigenous art styles in a single afternoon
Insects have recurrent brains.

Parallel processing

Here information flow iterates through recurrent systems.
This allows massive parallel processing of information.

The brain that modifies itself

A reflective brain can learn the best information flow for a specific task and modify how it processes information on the fly to complete the task in the fastest and most efficient way.
The human brain is reflective, and this capability has enabled our imagination, our thought processes and our rich mental lives.

Different brains for different lifestyles

Each transition changed in fundamental ways what the nervous system could do and opened up new possibilities for cognition.
Our story describes five fundamentally different types of brain.
One is not better than another, each is just different.
Different types of brains suit animals to different lifestyles, and support different types of animal minds.

Turtles on the tarmac could delay flights at Western Sydney airport

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星期一, 七月 3, 2023

Amid the controversy surrounding preliminary flight paths for Western Sydney’s new airport, another potential challenge is looming: turtles on the tarmac.

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Amid the controversy surrounding preliminary flight paths for Western Sydney’s new airport, another potential challenge is looming: turtles on the tarmac.
In recent years, a freshwater turtle was found wandering around Sydney Airport, which is built on Botany Bay.
And at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, employees carried 1,300 turtles off the tarmac in one nesting season alone.
Read more:
Our turtle program shows citizen science isn't just great for data, it makes science feel personal

Western Sydney airport is turtle nesting habitat

And data collected through the 1 Million Turtles citizen science tool TurtleSAT reveals Western Sydney is a roadkill hotspot.
Wetlands, including the area around the new airport at Badgerys Creek, serve as prime nesting habitat.
A spokesperson for Western Sydney airport, contacted for comment on this story, said all of the required wildlife and risk management procedures would be in place when the airport opens in late 2026.
She said the turtle habitat was well outside of the airport site, so the risk of turtles on the runway was negligible.

Turtles at the crossroads

Turtles are often little more than an afterthought in hectic construction plans and timetables.
While groups such as Turtle Rescue NSW can relocate wildlife such as turtles, eels and fish, many animals die when streams and wetlands are drained and filled during development.
This is important to ensure the long-term survival of turtles in the region.

It’s not too late for Western Sydney’s turtles

The likely presence of turtles on runways at Western Sydney’s new airport warrants immediate attention.
We acknowledge the vital contribution of Western Sydney University masters student Harriet Gabites to research on the turtles of Western Sydney and this article.
James Van Dyke receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Federal Citizen Science program.

By 'helping' wild animals, you could end their freedom or even their lives – here's why you should keep your distance

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星期五, 六月 30, 2023

People, Genetic variation, Plague, Human, Food, Animal, Snack, Turtle, Breeding, Killdeer, Parent, Mammal, Survival, Eye, Fear, Snake, Research, Attention, Female, Bluebird, Raccoon, Biodiversity, Zoonosis, Soil, Population, Nature, Risk, Water, Fertility, Pond, Pet, Rabies, Predation, System, Reptile, Bird, Gene, Safety, Egg, Poultry farming, Hunting, Trapping, Vaccine, Agriculture, Toy

Animals are on the move: Turtles are nesting, baby birds are testing their wings, snakes are foraging and young mammals are emerging.

Key Points:

Animals are on the move: Turtles are nesting, baby birds are testing their wings, snakes are foraging and young mammals are emerging.
In central Pennsylvania, where I live, last year’s hatchling painted turtles have overwintered in their nests and emerged looking like tiny helpless snacks for raccoons and ravens.
I’ve already rescued a baby killdeer – a shorebird that nests in parking lots – that ran off the road and got stuck in a grate.
Their exposed nest site may have been a bad parental decision, or perhaps the chicks’ begging called too much attention.

Reasons for caution

Moving animals means they can’t contribute their offspring and genes to the local population through breeding.
For species like these, mature females are critical to keeping population sizes high.
Moving wildlife also may introduce new genes elsewhere, leading to genetic shifts over time that didn’t evolve through natural selection.
At a minimum, moving animals can disorient them and make it hard for them to settle, find food and water or avoid predators.

It’s usually best to keep your distance

It makes them move away or forage and behave differently, and it can harm their body condition by triggering stress responses that ultimately reduce their fertility.
It’s especially common for people to see baby animals or birds, seemingly alone, and feel compelled to help.
In fact, the parents may have secured their young and be actively caring for them, or the young animals may already be independent.
Whatever the reason, natural selection likely means these individuals and their gene complexes will not continue forward – and that benefits the species overall.

Put the animal’s needs before your own

I believe it’s very important to foster human connections to nature and facilitate these connections for people who have little exposure to the outdoors.
For example, I don’t touch animals that are rare unless it’s part of my research or covered by permits.
If I handle an aquatic animal, I make sure my hands are wet and free of chemicals.
Sometimes an unhealthy animal needs to be left alone to avoid spreading infection.

When and how to help

Helping an animal cross a busy road is OK if you move it in the direction in which it is already headed.
Ensuring the survival of a single adult female box turtle can be very important to the success of a local population.
Many state agencies have a website or atlas for major wildlife groups that will help you learn which species are widespread or more rare.
Look underneath, and then place it back as it was so that it continues to be a home for them.

Pet Accessories Global Market is Projected to Reach $55.4 Billion by 2030: Pet Furniture Market Registers Rapid Growth

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星期五, 六月 30, 2023

Real, Silver, Mass vaccination, Reptile, COVID-19, United Nations response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dog, Cat

COVID-19 Leaves the World in Shambles & Industries and Markets Upended: World Economic Growth Projections (Real GDP, Annual % Change) for 2019 to 2022

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COVID-19 Leaves the World in Shambles & Industries and Markets Upended: World Economic Growth Projections (Real GDP, Annual % Change) for 2019 to 2022
As Mass Vaccination Drives Get Underway Worldwide, Will It Change the Existing Economic Realities?
& Is it Really the Silver Bullet We Were Waiting For?
How Fast the World is Vaccinated Will Determine How Soon the Pandemic Will End: Global Number of COVID-19 Vaccinations (Per 100 People) As of February 2021 by country
Pet Accessories Market Set for a Rapid Growth, Post COVID-19
Global Millennial Population by Select Country in Million: 2019
Population of Pet Owners in China (2020): Percentage Share of People Living with Dogs, Cats, Aquatic Animals, Rodents and Reptiles
Pet Facts around the World: Snapshot

Valent BioSciences Hosts Sustainability Celebration at Osage Facility

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星期一, 六月 26, 2023

He began a successful career with Valent BioSciences in 2015 at the Osage manufacturing facility.

Key Points:

He began a successful career with Valent BioSciences in 2015 at the Osage manufacturing facility.
“The Osage Sustainability Celebration is our way of thanking the local community for their partnership over the years and showcasing the innovative technologies and initiatives that Valent BioSciences provides to the industry,” said Ted Melnik, President and CEO of Valent BioSciences.
The Valent BioSciences facility in Osage is the world’s largest purpose-built biorational manufacturing facility, using the latest technologies to produce environmentally friendly inputs for products used in agriculture, public health, and forest health.
“The City of Osage appreciates our excellent relationship with Valent BioSciences, and the Osage manufacturing facility has been a strong partner with the community,” said Osage Mayor Steve Cooper.

Buying bugs and beetles, or shopping for scorpions and snails? Australia's pet trade includes hundreds of spineless species

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星期五, 六月 23, 2023

Human, IUCN, Face, Internet, Public, African, Spine, Snail, Hope, Spider, Research, Sale, Invertebrate, Plant, Biodiversity, Forestry, Legislation, Animal, Ant, Nature, Sting, Risk, Water, Scorpion, Pet, Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm, Compliance, Parrot, Reptile, Social media, Threatened species, Trapping, Hunting, Coffee, Aquaculture, Seaweed

Global demand for exotic pets is rising, fuelled by social media and a shift from traditional brick-and-mortar pet stores to online marketplaces.

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Global demand for exotic pets is rising, fuelled by social media and a shift from traditional brick-and-mortar pet stores to online marketplaces.
In our new research, we explored the rapidly growing trade in land-based invertebrates across 23 Australian online pet stores and one popular classifieds website.
Our research is the first to reveal the scale and diversity of the invertebrate pet trade in Australia.

The threat of invasive species trade

But why do people want to trade these species in the first place?
We found that some of the most sought-after species are considered “dangerous” and not recommended to be handled.
Now that we have a better understanding of the scale of the invertebrate pet trade, we must ensure it is managed appropriately.

We need to protect our native invertebrates

Invertebrates are thought to make up almost 95% of animal species, yet they are often neglected in research and conservation.
In the face of limited knowledge on population status and distribution, evaluating conservation risk for individual species is challenging.
This is an immediate conservation concern for native Australian species, especially those with small population sizes and limited distribution.

Is this trade legal or illegal?

The invertebrate trade in Australia is poorly regulated, and the line between what is considered legal or illegal is often unclear.
Overall, the Australian legal system governing the domestic trade of invertebrates largely ignores the pet trade.
The focus of compliance is almost exclusively on crop pests, ignoring the broader invertebrate pet trade.

Barely scratching the surface

Our findings have only begun to scratch the surface of what is actually being traded in Australia.
Ongoing research will further explore the trade of invertebrates within Australian brick-and-mortar pet stores, at wildlife trade expositions, and within international wildlife seizure data.
We hope Australia’s growing trade in invertebrates can be managed to support best-practice conservation while promoting a greater connection to nature.

Multi-Platinum Music Artist 24kGoldn’s Bearded Dragon “Puff” Named the First Official Rep-Resentative of Leading Reptile Care Brand, Zilla

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星期三, 六月 14, 2023

Becoming a first-time pet parent can be complex, and many new reptile owners need guidance.

Key Points:

Becoming a first-time pet parent can be complex, and many new reptile owners need guidance.
Together, 24kGoldn, Puff, and Zilla will provide the growing reptile community with expert guidance and advice that will help new and existing pet parents thrive.
Getting a reptile can be intimidating – there’s lots to learn about how to care for these beautiful animals – but Zilla makes it simple.
Zilla products are sold nationwide at Petco pet care centers and petco.com , Amazon , and other pet stores.

DRS. TERRENCE FERGUSON AND VERNARD HODGES OF "CRITTER FIXERS" OPEN PETSMART VETERINARY SERVICES HOSPITAL IN SMYRNA, GEORGIA

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星期二, 六月 13, 2023

Partnership, Veterinarian, PVS, Season, DRS, Animal, Patient, Love, Dog, Pet, Health, PetSmart, SE, Nursing care plan, Veterinary medicine, Reptile, DVM, Bird, Environment, Cumberland, Cat

The PetSmart Veterinary Services (PVS) hospital is now accepting new pet patients, offering knowledgeable, compassionate veterinary care from a convenient PetSmart location that has all their pet care needs.

Key Points:

The PetSmart Veterinary Services (PVS) hospital is now accepting new pet patients, offering knowledgeable, compassionate veterinary care from a convenient PetSmart location that has all their pet care needs.
Dr. Paul Norwood, DVM will serve as the location's primary practicing veterinarian and part owner of the hospital.
Hodges and Ferguson and has more than 25 years of veterinary experience.
Additionally, Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson will be opening a second PVS location this summer at the PetSmart location in Warner Robins, with additional locations to be announced.

Petco Partners with Snoop Dogg to Sniff Out 'Better Quality Pet Care for Less Human Money'

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星期一, 六月 12, 2023

Parent, Health, SAN, Dog, Pet, Himalaya Wellness Company, Reptile, Family, Cat, Pet industry, Dobermann

SAN DIEGO, June 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: WOOF) today announced it has teamed up with hip-hop legend and devoted pet parent Snoop Dogg for a new advertising campaign that spotlights the value Petco offers when it comes to caring for pets' whole health. The campaign is the latest iteration of the brand's long-standing "It's What We'd Want If We Were Pets" platform, which personifies pets with human actors to affirm Petco's commitment to delivering them the same quality of care as any other member of the family.

Key Points:

In the film, Snoop's familiar pet persona is the epitome of health thanks to the high-quality — yet wallet-friendly — nutrition, supplies and care he gets from Petco.
When I shop at Petco, it's all there, even my own pet line, Snoop Doggie Doggs.
A long-time pet parent and grandparent to dogs, cats and reptiles, Snoop Dogg is also sharing a curated, shoppable list of his favorite "Petco Picks" that support pet health and wellness and his personal lifestyle.
Available now at petco.com, products include toys, treats, grooming supplies, and items from Snoop's own pet wear brand, Snoop Doggie Doggs, which will become available at Petco pet care centers nationally in August.

Hytera Supports ZimParks to Improve Staff Safety and Conserve Wildlife

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星期一, 六月 12, 2023

Hytera Communications (SZSE: 002583), a leading global provider of professional communications technologies and solutions, has partnered with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to improve the safety of rangers working across the parks and reduce wildlife poaching activities.

Key Points:

Hytera Communications (SZSE: 002583), a leading global provider of professional communications technologies and solutions, has partnered with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to improve the safety of rangers working across the parks and reduce wildlife poaching activities.
View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230611005014/en/
Ranger Theressa Makunike uses a Hytera dual-mode radio to record plants in the parks (Photo: Business Wire)
As a government agency for wildlife conservation, ZimParks manages approximately five million hectares of land.
Mark Zheng, director of Hytera Southern Africa commented on the partnership, said, “We are committed to supporting ZimParks’ efforts to tackle poaching and enhance the safety of rangers.
Wildlife conservation is crucial to a sustainable future and we are glad that our radios are making contributions to this.