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Science Tree shrew chugs down lots of fermented nectar, then walks straight line
Science Tree shrew chugs down lots of fermented nectar, then walks straight line | Tree shrew chugs down lots of fermented nectar, then walks straight line |
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| by William Atkins | |
| Tuesday, 29 July 2008 | |
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Page 2 of 3 Specifically, they concentrated on one particular species of animal. Featured Whitepaper
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Science DiscussionsThe Pen-tailed treeshrew, considered an insectivore, is about the size of a small rat. It has a very long, quill-shaped tail, which is scaly at the base and soft and fluffy at the tip. It is a species of treeshrew in the Ptilocercidae family. Also called Feather-tipped treeshrews, they are found in the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The researchers conclude, “Therefore, we hypothesize that moderate to high alcohol intake was present early on in the evolution of these closely related lineages. It is yet unclear to what extent treeshrews benefit from ingested alcohol per se and how they mitigate the risk of continuous high blood alcohol concentrations.” The bertam palm (scientific name: Eugeissona tristis) is a plant with large, ascending leaves and large, scaly fruit. It grows about 20 feet (6 meters) tall. The bertam palm has glosssy green leaflets, spiny leafstalks, and a trunk that remains primarily underground. The palm is pollinated by the tree shrews and other small creatures. Because the stem-less bertam palms can produce nectar at all times of the years, the tree shrews have a continuous supply of their favorite cocktail. The nectar, which is produced by E. tristis, is found within a tall spike found sticking up from numerous fronds (palm leaves). The spike can contain over 1,000 flowers. The nectar, which has a frothy beer-like texture, is concocted with yeast, and appears a few weeks before the plants sexual organs mature. The alcohol content of the nectar can range from 0.06% to 3.8%. How did the scientists observe these nocturnal creatures and learn about their drinking habits? Please read page three. |
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