In the animal world, fathers have long been painted as aggressive or absent. At best providers and protectors, but certainly not caregivers. And yet for every tale of a lion or chimp dad eating its own young (yikes!), there's another creature who tells a sweeter story.
Few mammals have a bigger positive impact on the planet than the beaver. With its bright orange buck teeth, the creature is an expert engineer that brings life wherever it waddles and even fights fires.
And I think what's going on is the pups are following really simple rules that might go, swim next to mom. If there's a fish in front of me, eat it. And the adults are coordinating things through their vocalizations.
And this very surprising habit—erm kink—of making tiny arrows (actually!) and stabbing each other with them. Known as a "love dart," these limestone daggers aren't just a strange trick of nature—they have a deep evolutionary purpose.
There is persuasion and subterfuge, spaghetti penises and co-copulation. And this very surprising habit—erm kink—of making tiny arrows (actually!) and stabbing each other with them.
4mo ago
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