Subterranean to submarine: stress-induced locomotor repertoire expansion and aquatic escape in the Anatolian mole rat (Nannospalax xanthodon) under risk of predation
Yiannis G. Zevgolis, Stavroula Zotou, Aristeidis Iliou, Apostolos Christopoulos
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The Anatolian mole rat (Nannospalax xanthodon) is a mammal known for its specialized adaptations to a subterranean existence. Here, we present a field observation of an N. xanthodon individual exhibiting an unusual escape behavior in response to the risk of predation from a domesticated mammal. Faced with this imminent danger, the mole rat displayed a capacity for aquatic locomotion, successfully swimming across a river to escape the predator. This observation challenges our current understanding of the antipredator repertoire in N. xanthodon and underscores the potential for stress-induced behavioral plasticity in subterranean mammals.
期刊介绍：
The Journal of Ethology features reviews and original papers relating to all aspects of animal behavior, including traditional ethology. Papers on field, laboratory, or theoretical studies are welcomed. In contrast to many other ethological journals that prefer studies testing explicit hypotheses, the Journal of Ethology is interested both in observational studies and in experimental studies. However, the authors of observational studies are always requested to provide background information about behaviors in their study and an appropriate context to establish the scientific importance of their observation, which in turn produces fascinating hypotheses to explain the behaviors.
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