The larva of a the thistle tortoise beetle deposits poop on its back as a shield.
Judy Gallagher via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
These uses of poop for protection are stranger than fiction
Defense by dung doesn't always elicit disgust in predators to repel them
Meet the warty comb jelly, the only animal with a disappearing anus
Its anus appears and disappears every time it needs to poop, at least every hour. That's just one strange facet of comb jelly biology
Strong butt muscles are the key to sprinting at an elite level
Instead of the hamstrings, your butt is the real motor behind lightning-fast sprint speeds, at least if you're an elite male sprinter
A breathing tube through the butt could be an alternative to mechanical ventilators
Inspired by animals that breathe through their butts, scientists show that mammals can also harness the incredible breathing ability of our butts
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Ancient poop analysis reveals extinct species of bacteria
Scientists analyzed bacterial genomes from 1000-2000 year feces
Scientists celebrate Inverte-Butt-Fest, a photographic homage to spineless backsides
"Invert butts should be celebrated because they have a wide diversity in form and function, and because they bring us all joy"
Escaping through a predator's butt is a common strategy for prey
Some have evolved to just survive, but other species actively seek out being pooped out
Anuses can have teeth, farts can be weapons, butts can be homes: an interview with a farts expert
Zoologist and butt book author Dani Rabaiotti on the worst fart she ever smelled and what new fart research she'd like to see
How safe is the DNA in your poop from unwanted snooping?
Sewer systems can signal outbreaks before they start. If you're worried, poop is safe as long as it's in the right hands
Conservation dogs can track individual beavers by the scent of their anal secretions
The dogs' accuracy in telling animals apart using information-packed anal scents will help wildlife management