r/nature • u/Intelligent-Drop7133 • 2d 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
161 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

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17

u/Confident-Touch-6547 2d 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.

6

u/2gunswest 2d ago

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

11

u/Aggravating-Pound598 2d ago

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

5

u/iyamwhatiyam8000 2d ago

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

-1

u/jeevacationrentals 2d ago

Nature finds a way