When a creature's stress levels decrease because of the presence of a companion, it is known as social buffering. In highly social animals, such as mammals and birds, this phenomenon is well...
When a creature's stress levels decrease because of the presence of a companion, it is known as social buffering. In highly social animals, such as mammals and birds, this phenomenon is well studied. Now, researchers have examined social buffering in rattlesnakes and found that the presence of a second snake significantly reduced rattlesnakes' change in heart rates after they experienced disturbance. It is the first evidence of social buffering in reptiles.
Not so cold blooded huh. I also recently learned about how much crabs help each other, and how lobsters can (almost certainly) experience pain. It's also interesting that in this study, even male...
"Our results provide insights into social behavior patterns of snakes," said Martin. "But it might also improve rattlesnakes' image. In the public eye they are often maligned. Our findings could help to change that," she added.
Not so cold blooded huh. I also recently learned about how much crabs help each other, and how lobsters can (almost certainly) experience pain.
It's also interesting that in this study, even male and non hibernation clustering rattle snakes benefit from a buddy.
It need not be empathy though: it makes sense to not freak out if someone else experiencing the same thing is super calm. But the study did not talk about the mechanism that enables social buffering.
When a creature's stress levels decrease because of the presence of a companion, it is known as social buffering. In highly social animals, such as mammals and birds, this phenomenon is well studied. Now, researchers have examined social buffering in rattlesnakes and found that the presence of a second snake significantly reduced rattlesnakes' change in heart rates after they experienced disturbance. It is the first evidence of social buffering in reptiles.
Not so cold blooded huh. I also recently learned about how much crabs help each other, and how lobsters can (almost certainly) experience pain.
It's also interesting that in this study, even male and non hibernation clustering rattle snakes benefit from a buddy.
It need not be empathy though: it makes sense to not freak out if someone else experiencing the same thing is super calm. But the study did not talk about the mechanism that enables social buffering.
We all get by with a little help from our friends.