Effects of urban environments on animals

Introduction

Recent urban developments represent massive environmental changes. It waspreviously thought that only a few animals were suitable for city life, e.g.

● the 31.................... 一 because of its general adaptability

● the pigeon - because walls of city buildings are similar to 32.................... In fact, many urban animals are adapting with unusual 33 ......................

Recent research

● Emilie Snell-Rood studied small urbanised mammal specimens from museums in Minnesota.

- She found the size of their 34.................... had increased.

- She suggests this may be due to the need to locate new sources of 35.................... and to deal with new dangers.

● Catarina Miranda focused on the 36.................... of urban and rural blackbirds.

- She found urban birds were often braver, but were afraid of situations that were 37 ......................

● Jonathan Atwell studies how animals respond to urban environments.

- He found that some animals respond to 38.................... by producing lower levels of hormones.

● Sarah Partan's team found urban squirrels use their 39.................... to help them communicate.

Long-term possibilities

Species of animals may develop which are unique to cities. However, some changes may not be 40 ......................