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PatternMachine t1_it4urwe wrote

Beavers build dams in response to the sound of running water. It’s an instinctual response that they will have regardless of upbringing. At least according to this article.

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kytheon t1_it6pgku wrote

I’m Dutch and we also have this instinctual urge to build dams when we hear running water.

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bangonthedrums t1_it7ubf9 wrote

The Dutch are, on average, the tallest people in the world. This is because anyone too short drowned eons ago

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kytheon t1_it7vvjz wrote

A classic urban myth. It’s really just healthier food. Which is now being undone by the proliferation of American fast food chains.

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CatGiggler t1_it66jwu wrote

There is such a beauty in the behavior that makes at least a small part of the drive so humanly relatable. Though imperfect, I just like to think that running water creates anxiety and they soothe it by applying the necessary amount of sticks.

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CatGiggler t1_itvzd5o wrote

Here's an interesting recent video of an orphaned beaver. Though not scientific, the damn building behavior along with the possible soothing, comforting, and pleasant feelings the behavior may provide appears to be caught in this video. Behaviorists are contacting her and who knows, perhaps they will discover new understandings of these drives. :)

https://youtu.be/KqJqOnAuJT8

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