Why the Cheetah Cheats: And Other Mysteries of the Natural World (Paperback)

Remarkable discoveries from recent research on wild animals. This book's title refers to new research revealing that almost every cheetah litter has two or more fathers. This phenomenon has two major benefits: the cubs are more genetically diverse, and the chances of the young being killed by an adult male are reduced. This is just one example of the many exciting developments in our understanding of animal behavior. Other interesting facts include: Recent findings about the behavior of ancient species, such as the head-butting dinosaur How scientists are training animals to help in research, such as bee-tracking dogs The discovery of a new species of pygmy shrew, which is the largest ever known. The book also examines current threats to wildlife, how wildlife helps itself and how humans can help them recover. There is also important data on invasive species and their effect on the environment to which they have been introduced, whether accidentally or on purpose. These include such common species as the American bullfrog, the crayfish and the gray squirrel. "Why the Cheetah Cheats" is filled with surprising facts and compelling stories that reveal long-kept secrets of the animal world. Some of these are mind-boggling, many are unsuspected and all are fascinating and lead to a better understanding of the world we live in.