animal behaviour

Animals More Capable Of Empathy Than Previously Thought

The prairie vole is capable of consoling behaviour that previously has only been known in humans and a few higher animals, such as chimpanzees. Photo: PA A new study has found that prairie voles will console other voles who are feeling stressed - which researchers have described as evidence of empathy. A study [...]

Dogs ‘Share Their Owners’ Emotions’ 

Photo: Oliver Rossi/Corbis, Stock Image When the animals are confronted with a human displaying strong feelings, they themselves produce a similar emotional response, the researchers found. The discovery could cast light on how dogs' pack behaviour has been translated into the modern world. Biomedical scientist Dr Karine Silva, of the University of Porto, [...]

Animals Can Tell Right From Wrong

Stock Photo Scientists studying animal behaviour believe they have growing evidence that species ranging from mice to primates are governed by moral codes of conduct in the same way as humans. Until recently, humans were thought to be the only species to experience complex emotions and have a sense of morality. But Prof [...]

Cats Don’t Love You, Scientists Conclude

Your cat is just fine on its own. Photo: Getty Images Rudyard Kipling was right. Cats really do walk by themselves, and do not need their owners to feel secure and safe, a study has shown. Although absent owners might worry that their pet is pining, in fact, cats show no sign of separation [...]

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