When it comes to finding their way back home, mice are definitely in the first place. In fact, they find their way around in much the same way we do!
Recently scientists at Oxford University found that wood mice have a rare ability. They actually create a type of “road sign” to tell themselves which way to go. Until now, most people did not think animals could do this.
Wood mice live in large open fields. One part of the field looks much like the next. Scientists wondered how wood mice kept from getting lost without landmarks. How did they remember where they hid their food? By studying a group of these mice, researchers learned that these clever mice pile seeds, leaves and other materials at places they want to remember.
What is truly remarkable is that these markers are visual. Wood mice have large eyes. They rely on their vision to fine their way. House mice, by contrast, follow their own smell to get back to their nests. However, leaving a small trail in an open field could be very dangerous. Enemies might use it to track down the little mice. Wood mice do not have to worry about this. Other animals do not know what their markers mean.
Researchers wanted to learn more about this unusual behavior. To do so, they needed to study the mice more closely. They decided to place a group of mice inside a box and film their activity. They also put some small plastic discs and a small amount of food in the box. Soon the mice began moving the discs. They used them to hide food. They also shifted them from place to place as they moved farther and farther away from their nesting area.
Researchers believe this new information may change how people think about these little creatures, and one of the first steps in realizing that mice are not as silly as we probably originally thought. One thing seems certain that these remarkable road signs will be a focus of scientific research for some time to come.
(Note: Answer the questions or complete the statements in NO MORE THAN TEN WORDS.)
81. How are wood mice different from house mice?
82. The rare ability wood mice have is _______________________.
83. Researchers found when wood mice moved farther and farther away from their nesting place, they _______.
84. Why do scientists study wood mice?
(Note: Answer the questions or complete the statements in NO MORE THAN TEN WORDS.)