A new study asks why wombats make square-shaped feces and leave it at common latrines. Wombats usually live alone, but they return to the same sites and put droppings near clear landmarks such as logs or rocks. Because the droppings are square, they do not roll away and can stay in place.
Researchers examined wombat skulls and found a vomeronasal organ that supports a strong sense of smell. They analysed the feces with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (methods to find chemicals) and found distinct chemical mixtures. In tests, scientists moved scat from far away into a local latrine and used cameras to watch. Wombats spent more time investigating the new scat.
Researchers conclude the chemical smells in feces could help wombats learn about who is nearby and their reproductive status, and the study offers a baseline for further research.
Difficult words
- vomeronasal organ — a small organ that helps detect animal smells
- gas chromatography — a lab method to separate chemicals in samples
- mass spectrometry — a lab technique to identify chemicals by mass
- scat — animal feces that can carry smell information
- landmark — a clear object like a rock or loglandmarks
- investigate — to look at something carefully to learn about itinvestigating
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Discussion questions
- Why do you think wombats return to the same latrine sites?
- Have you seen animals use smell to communicate? Give one example.
- What could scientists study next about wombat feces?
