Two recent studies, both based on extensive observation of chimpanzees across East and West Africa, indicate that their rhythmic drumming patterns and vocalizations are used to share information and that different groups drum with different styles. This communication system may help scientists understand how the evolutionary bridge to human music-making and language first developed. In this video, Poseidon, a male chimpanzee in the Taí National Park, in Cote d'Ivoire, drums on the impressive buttress roots of a large tree. Chimpanzees in West Africa hold onto trees with their hands while kicking against roots with their feet, emitting powerful sounds that travel long distances, sometimes over a half mile. Learn more about chimpanzee drumming at the link in bio.

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When Nat Geo Explorer and photographer @laurentballesta and his team investigated the origin of over 1,300 perfect circles on the Mediterranean Sea floor, they uncovered a colorful world below, including rare yellow coral and groups of vibrant species like sea squirts, unicorn shrimp, and forkbeard fish. Learn more at the link in bio.

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The world's biggest population of feral camels doesn't live in Africa or Asia—they live in Australia. The descendants of herds brought by British colonists in the 19th century, these camels are causing havoc across the outback where they compete with native species, livestock, and humans for resources. Read more about Australia's feral camels and the solutions that are being proposed to deal with them at the link in bio. Host: Amy Briggs Video by @mattabbottphoto

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Collagen, the most abundant protein in our bodies, supports our skin, hair, nails, and joints. But as we age, our collagen production declines, and wrinkles and sagging can become consequences that many seek to prevent through supplements. Despite the $2 billion market for collagen supplements, evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. Though some studies suggest they have benefits, are there more reliable alternatives? Learn more at the link in bio. Photograph by Gianluca Colla

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Known to be the longest of all venomous snakes, king cobras certainly aren't afraid of a fight. However, when it comes to fighting for mates, these giant serpents don't use their potent venom. Instead, the males will wrap around each other, struggling to push the other's face into the dirt. Learn more about this ritualized fight at the link in bio.

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Happy Mother's Day, and happy Allomother's Day, too. What's an allomother? Allomothering is a common elephant practice where females help care for younger elephants who aren't their children. When a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Southern California in April, a group of older female elephants at the San Diego Zoo formed an "alert circle" to protect the calves in the group. Sometimes these allomothers spring into action to protect youngsters from threats, like during the earthquake, but they also take care of the calves just so the moms get a break. Learn more about allomothering and elephant society at the link in bio.

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It’s long been believed that the universe will end with "the big freeze," when its current trend of accelerating expansion continues until it simply can’t anymore. However, a new discovery about the mysterious force, dark energy, suggests the universe might be facing a different fate—instead ending with a "big crunch." Learn more about dark energy and what it means for the future of the universe at the link in bio. Photograph by P. Marenfeld, NOAO/AURA/NSF/Science Photo Library

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What does family mean to a seabird who soars alone over the open ocean, or to a primate who clings to its mother for years? Whether it's by releasing half a billion eggs like a giant clam or providing a long period of intense care like a koala, parenthood in the animal kingdom is endlessly diverse. In honor of Mother's Day, take some time to appreciate these tender moments between animal parents and their young and learn more about them at the link in bio Photographs by @joelsartore. Explore more than 120 photographs of the youngest animals across the animal kingdom in his new book, Photo Ark Babies. #PhotoArk

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Spanning 740 miles, the @northernforestcanoetrail, or NFCT, is made up of more than 80 lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. The connected group of waterways that allows canoers and kayakers to paddle from New York's Adirondack Mountains to northern Maine. But how did this long trail come to be? Used by Indigenous communities for the trade of furs, food, and other goods, the NFCT's history starts long before it was mapped in 2000. Learn more about the Northern Forest Canoe Trail at the link in bio. Video by @amytoensing

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