[__ Science __ ] Is Communication Between Species Possible?

[HeIsRisen2018]

I was just wondering since I'm currently watching the movie Zeus and Roxanne. Like for an example can cats understand dogs and visa versa? (Besides scratching)

 

[Edward]

I was just wondering since I'm currently watching the movie Zeus and Roxanne. Like for an example can cats understand dogs and visa versa? (Besides scratching)

Of course they can. Ever notice how cats bolt from the dogs either right before or at the same time that the dog charges them?

That's because the dog has communicated with the cat and told it, I am going to beat you up and maybe kill you...(So the cat runs)

In homes where dogs and cats are of the same pride or pack, they won't attack each other. They will play together. Because it has been communicated to them...be nice and leave the cat alone, lol

 

[Barbarian]

I was just wondering since I'm currently watching the movie Zeus and Roxanne. Like for an example can cats understand dogs and visa versa? (Besides scratching)

Apparently birds and mammals can do fine together. There's a Japanese restaurant that has a pet owl and pet cat that are friends.

The weirdest?

Orphaned hippo adopted by tortoise

Lafarge Eco Systems agreed to provide a home for the baby hippo and I rushed to Malindi to collect him. Tangled in fishing ropes, angry and tired, the hippo did not seem to appreciate our rescue at all. As we left for Mombasa, the crowd unanimously agreed to name him 'Owen' in honor of the volunteer who tackled him to the ground.

Exhausted, confused and extremely frightened, Owen immediately ran to the safety of a giant tortoise when we released him in Haller Park. Mzee, our 130 year old tortoise, just happened to be nearby and he was very surprised by Owen's odd behavior cowering behind him as a baby hippo does to its mother. Mzee quickly came to terms with his new friend and even returned signs of affection. The unusual relationship between this baby hippo and the ancient tortoise amazed people the world over and has featured in most countries on television and in news papers.

Owen and Mzee continue to spend their days together in the pond, feeding and patrolling. Owen nudges Mzee to come for walks, and Mzee sometimes even follows Owen. Hundreds of people have witnessed this incredible spectacle first hand at Haller Park which is open every day to the public. Owen will eventually be moved to a bigger pond in Haller Park were he can socialize with other hippos.
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4754996

 

[evenifigoalone]

My dog and cat used to annoy each other.

 

[HeIsRisen2018]

Apparently birds and mammals can do fine together. There's a Japanese restaurant that has a pet owl and pet cat that are friends.

The weirdest?

Orphaned hippo adopted by tortoise

Lafarge Eco Systems agreed to provide a home for the baby hippo and I rushed to Malindi to collect him. Tangled in fishing ropes, angry and tired, the hippo did not seem to appreciate our rescue at all. As we left for Mombasa, the crowd unanimously agreed to name him 'Owen' in honor of the volunteer who tackled him to the ground.

Exhausted, confused and extremely frightened, Owen immediately ran to the safety of a giant tortoise when we released him in Haller Park. Mzee, our 130 year old tortoise, just happened to be nearby and he was very surprised by Owen's odd behavior cowering behind him as a baby hippo does to its mother. Mzee quickly came to terms with his new friend and even returned signs of affection. The unusual relationship between this baby hippo and the ancient tortoise amazed people the world over and has featured in most countries on television and in news papers.

Owen and Mzee continue to spend their days together in the pond, feeding and patrolling. Owen nudges Mzee to come for walks, and Mzee sometimes even follows Owen. Hundreds of people have witnessed this incredible spectacle first hand at Haller Park which is open every day to the public. Owen will eventually be moved to a bigger pond in Haller Park were he can socialize with other hippos.
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4754996

That's a very cute story and I wonder just how species communicate with each other. If they use verbal communication, body language, or both.

 

[Barbarian]

Birds and mammals have a protective response to cuteness. Large head and eyes, short limbs, etc. will trigger the behavior. And it extends beyond species. This is why kittens are so attractive to us. This is why dogs will sometimes rescue abandoned infant humans, cats will adopt baby squirrels, and so on. We all are wired to respond to helplessness with nurturing behavior.

It's kind of surprising to see a reptile doing something like that.