Aaaaaaaaaaaaargh, no!

Article Abstract:

Predator interference has been found to be a main function of alarm signals emitted by an item of prey during an predator attack. This hypothesis states that the alarm signals will attract another predator, a secondary predator, which diverts the attention of the primary predator and increases the prey's chance to escape. A study by Douglas Chivers and colleagues using the northern pike and the fathead minnow as predator and prey, respectively, showed that alarm signals of a prey species after the predator has seized it attracts a secondary predator which interferes with the primary predator and enables the victim to escape.

Research, Predation (Biology), Alarm responses (Animal behavior), Alarm signaling (Animal communication)

---

Horrible plant species

Article Abstract:

A study of the applicability of the biological definition of species to plants was conducted using indigenous vascular plants of Concord Township, MA. The prevalence of 'horror stories' botanists use to cite the inapplicability of the definition such as asexual reproduction, autopolyploids and inter-taxa hybrids was determined. Only 7% of the Concord flora is difficult to categorize using the biological definition. Though this is higher than most local fauna groups, the definition of species as interbreeding communities is workable for plants.

Analysis, Reports, Identification and classification, Botany, Botanical research, Species, Species (Biology), Plant taxonomy

---

Peeling the Chinese onion

Article Abstract:

It is misguided to argue that the conservative influence of Confucianism was responsible for China losing the significant lead in science and technology it held over Europe in medieval times. In fact, technological innovation and critical thinking began to flourish in Europe because that continent was still split into many independent statelets, while China was already unified. In contrast with China, it proved impossible to suppress technological innovations and scientific inquiry in Europe.

China, Europe, History, Chinese history, European history, Diffusion of innovations

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Darwin's enduring legacy. Making connections. Owen's Parthian shot
• Abstracts: Mulling over mouse models. Cloning the Menkes disease gene
• Abstracts: Comparison of selection methods at the same level of inbreeding. Reduced animal model with differential genetic grouping for direct and maternal effects
• Abstracts: Making light work with optical tweezers. Real engines of creation. One small step for myosin...
• Abstracts: Lactation performance of sows injected with growth hormone-releasing factor during gestation and(or) lactation

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.