Canadian scientists have noticed that after the male rats sniff a banana, they experience stress.
After this conclusion, the scientists specifically gave the males a sniff of banana oil and the rats experienced stress again. Then Canadian biologists decided to find out why the banana has such an effect on rats.
Male rats are afraid of bananas because they contain the compound n-pentyl acetate. The same compound was found in the urine of pregnant or lactating females. This was reported by biologists from McGill University in Canada.
«Probably, female rodents are signaling to males who could potentially attack their cubs that they will protect their offspring to the end. It is the threat of a possible upcoming fight that causes stress,» says an article posted in the journal Science Advances.
According to scientists, communication between rats occurs mainly through the sense of smell.Therefore, in this way, females defend their cubs.