Many animals, including apex predators, move in groups. We know this collective behavior is fundamental to the animal’s ability to move in complex environments, but less is known about what drives the behavior because many factors underlie its evolution. Scientists wonder, though, if all these animals share a fundamental drive such as for mating, safety, or perhaps even to save energy.
“The keyword is perhaps,” said lead author Yangfan Zhang, postdoctoral researcher, “because no one has actually measured this and compared it directly across all animal groups, mainly...
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