"It seems obvious that for nature … the biggest, strongest, fastest would win," said Evans. "But in fact the opposite is true; there is more diversity than you actually need." Evans said once a species dominates, the out-competed species find ways to get around their foe. He points to the example of the ferocious Australian meat ants that are most active in the day. Co-habiting ants species tend to be nocturnal and prefer cooler temperatures to avoid them. Evans said it is yet unknown whether Cryptotermes has the same ability. "Perhaps they do," said Evans, "but they have lower selective pressure to avoid competitors due to their greater competitive ability." He said Cryptotermes is Australia's most important economic pest termite. "If a house is being eaten by termites in two out of three cases it is likely to be the Cryptotermes," he said. Evans said more research is needed on how the drywood termite sense and processes the vibrations and on how widespread the ability is in other species. But he said in the long-term the research may lead to chemical-free pest control for termites. "Maybe we can manipulate the vibrations [and] play the right termite song under your house to scare them away," he said. Related Links: Get More NewsSpiders, Scorpions Among World's Oldest CreaturesMany creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed.Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing DuetsWhite-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates.Oldest Hebrew Writing Possibly FoundAncient inscriptions on a 3,000-year-old pottery shard could make history.Rare, Prehistoric-Age Reptile Found in N.Z.A tuatara has been spotted on the New Zealand mainland for the first time in 200 years.Iceman Has No Living RelativesOetzi, the 5,300 year-old frozen mummy, left no living genetic legacy.SLIDE SHOW: Landscapes of TerrorWhat makes a place feel scary? There are scientific explanations.It's Official: People Are Warming the PolesHumans are conclusively to blame for polar warming, say scientists.Eight-Armed Animal Preceded DinosaursWhat may be one of Earth's first animals was no bigger than a coaster and had eight arms.Phoenicians Live on in People's GenesOne in 17 Mediterranean men may be descended from ancient Phoenicians.Pesticides, Fertilizers Linked to Frog DeclineA pesticide is found to promote parasites among amphibians.Hubble Telescope Taking Photos AgainThe Hubble Space Telescope is once again snapping stunning photos of the universe.Andean Mummy Hairs Show Hallucinogen UseScientists find direct evidence of hallucinogenic drug use among ancient Andeans.Opals on Mars Reveal Planet's Long Wet PastOpals found on Mars suggest the planet has been wet for much longer. |
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