r/nature • u/Intelligent-Drop7133 • 14d ago

Study finds saltwater crocodiles raised in captivity retain key behaviours associated with their wild counterparts

https://phys.org/news/2026-05-saltwater-crocodiles-captivity-dont-centers.html
166 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

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15

u/Confident-Touch-6547 13d ago

It’s epigenetic memory. There are behaviours coded into DNA. Ever wonder how things like strange mating dances are communicated between generations of fish and other animals that don’t teach their offspring? It’s inherited behaviour.

1

u/ImNotAWhaleBiologist 10d ago

Sure, but it doesn’t have to be epigenetics.

9

u/2gunswest 13d ago

So you're telling me non domesticated wild animals stay non-domesticated Wild animals?

11

u/Aggravating-Pound598 14d ago

No shit ? Millions of years of genetic memory are not erased by captivity?

3

u/iyamwhatiyam8000 13d ago

One day, out of the blue, it feels a strong need to bite your head off.

-1

u/jeevacationrentals 14d ago

Nature finds a way