Tool use increases mechanical foraging success and tooth health in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis).
Science
; 384(6697): 798-802, 2024 May 17.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38753790
ABSTRACT
Although tool use may enhance resource utilization, its fitness benefits are difficult to measure. By examining longitudinal data from 196 radio-tagged southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), we found that tool-using individuals, particularly females, gained access to larger and/or harder-shelled prey. These mechanical advantages translated to reduced tooth damage during food processing. We also found that tool use diminishes trade-offs between access to different prey, tooth condition, and energy intake, all of which are dependent on the relative prey availability in the environment. Tool use allowed individuals to maintain energetic requirements through the processing of alternative prey that are typically inaccessible with biting alone, suggesting that this behavior is a necessity for the survival of some otters in environments where preferred prey are depleted.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Lontras
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Comportamento Predatório
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Dente
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Comportamento de Utilização de Ferramentas
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Science
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos