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Scientists have uncovered the genetics that explain the snake’s impressive length – and used the science to create extra-long mice.
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Understanding the genetic origins of sharks’ teeth could one day lead to new treatments for humans.
As temperatures rise, will species have enough habitat to move to suitable ground?
bonnyboy/flickr
Animals and plants will need escape hatches to move to cooler climes as the planet warms, but few parts of the U.S. have the natural habitat available for these migrations.
Smithsonian's National Zoo/flickr
Our planet’s huge range of environments has led some animals to evolve some bizarre but very useful features.
The majestic, wild red deer.
Shutterstock/Menno Schaefer
Red deer on the Scottish isles have the same DNA as their ancient ancestors – scientists are now uncovering how they got there in the first place.
Can greyhound racing be ethically justified?
Andy Rain/EPA
The huge numbers of unwanted dogs killed by the greyhound racing industry has led the New South Wales government to outlaw the sport.
How many species of frog are in the picture? Genetics often says ‘more than we thought’.
Michael Lee (Flinders University & South Australian Museum)
The Earth is full of many varied species from the largest mammals to the tiniest organisms. But we now think there could be ten times more species than was originally thought.
What’s my password again?
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It might sound strange but the world of animal-computer interaction could improve their welfare and help us understand them better.
A makeshift shrine to Harambe, the zoo gorilla whose death has raised some uncomfortable moral questions.
William Philpott/Reuters
We tend instinctively to value human lives over non-human ones. But is there a point where the scales might tip the other way?
Menageries of the 19th century brought exotic animals (and people) to Western society – as do many zoos today.
The shooting death of Harambe the gorilla has once again raised concern for the well-being of zoo animals. But animals in zoos may be fated by the very institution we have created to protect them.
Dogs may not have a confirmed homing instinct but other factors could be driving them homeward bound.
www.shutterstock.com/Purino
There is more than pure instinct helping lost dogs find their homes.
In a sense, aren’t they one and the same?
'Heads' via www.shutterstock.com
When you think about it, it’s a bit strange to view food through a lens of “meat” and “not meat” – especially when plants consume animals, and vice versa.
Texas blind salamander.
John Perry/Flickr
A new project hopes to drill through the Earth’s crust for the first time. But what beasties lurk deep beneath our feet?
Some selfies are more dangerous than others…
'Selfie' via www.shutterstock.com
After a selfie-snapping man was mauled to death by a bear, a psychologist wonders why people feel so compelled to capture and share images of themselves.
State Farm/Flickr
Accusations of animal cruelty at this year’s Crufts have reminded us of the mostly hidden dark side of pedigree breeding.
Tricky: The butterfly Kallima inachus resembles a dead leaf.
Swallowtail Garden Seeds/flickr
The natural world is full of trickery and deception in the struggle for survival.
Slugs and snails can be accidentally eaten by dogs, wildlife species and humans.
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Around 5% of common garden snails in and around Sydney contain larvae of the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as the rat lungworm.
Adam Baker/Flickr
The answer lies in the history we share with our canine companions.
Black rhino cow and calf, southern Africa.
Guy Castley
Next time you plan a holiday you can rest assured that wildlife sightseeing can help some threatened species.
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New research shows fish are more similar to complex animals like humans and other mammals than we previously thought.