How the Smell of Bananas Can Anger a Male Mouse 0 9

It was previously believed that scents in the rodent world are mainly used by males, while females only signal their readiness to breed. However, new research has shown that this is not the case.

Pregnant and nursing females use the sweet scent to protect their offspring from infanticide, that is, killing by members of their own species.

The urine of these females contains n-pentyl acetate — an organic compound with the aroma of ripe bananas and apples. For humans, this smell does not evoke negative associations, but for a male mouse, it signals that a nest of a female ready to protect her pups is nearby in case of a threat.

The experiment showed that males react to the smell of bananas with a release of stress hormones, indicating preparation for a possible confrontation.

The most pronounced reaction to the smell of bananas is observed in virgin males who are not yet capable of reproduction. This may be related to the fact that unrelated males pose a greater threat. While a father is unlikely to harm his own offspring, a foreign male may attempt to kill the pups and mate with their mother.