Individual versatility versus collective intelligence: how small mammals conquer the planet

Nature · Published 22 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: One species relies on solo adaptability and spatial memory to thrive in forests, while another uses sophisticated social hierarchies to survive the desert. Discover the contrasting evolutionary paths of the squirrel and the meerkat, as they utilize unique physical traits and collective intelligence to conquer diverse habitats across the planet.

The Sciuridae family, which includes over 200 species such as tree, ground, and flying squirrels, demonstrates the power of individual versatility. Found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, these rodents utilize specialized physical adaptations to navigate diverse habitats. Tree squirrels possess hind leg musculature capable of vertical climbing and jumps of up to 6 meters, using their bushy tails for balance. Flying squirrels even feature membranes that allow for controlled descents of more than 50 meters through forest canopies. Some species, like the ground squirrel, even undergo seasonal metabolic suppression, allowing their body temperatures to drop near freezing for months during the winter.

Beyond physical prowess, squirrels act as vital ecosystem engineers. Through a remarkable spatial memory, individuals can cache thousands of food items annually, relying on location recognition rather than scent. Because many of these buried nuts and seeds are forgotten, squirrels directly facilitate forest regeneration across both temperate and tropical regions. Their diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting of fruits, seeds, and nuts, though they will occasionally consume insects.

In contrast, the meerkat—a member of the mongoose family—relies on complex social cooperation to survive the arid regions of southern Africa. Living in groups of 20 to 30 individuals, meerkats maintain strict hierarchies and extensive underground burrow systems that provide shelter from temperature extremes and protection from predators. To ensure group safety, particular guards adopt a vertical 'sentinel' stance, employing unique vocal warnings to alert others about various threats. Such shared alertness enables the remaining members to search for food while lowering personal danger. These mongoose relatives inhabit the Kalahari, a vast, sand-covered basin in southern Africa that covers much of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Are ground squirrels just tree squirrels that decided to trade branches for deep tunnels?
• The fox squirrel is North America's largest tree squirrel, thriving from attics to forests.
• Squirrels climb down trees headfirst by turning their ankles backwards
• The red squirrel is a master of disguise with over twenty distinct recognized subspecies.
• Why Ring-Tailed Lemurs Use Stink Flirting to Compete for Mating Rights
• When an animatronic tortoise becomes a chimpanzee's new best friend
• How Suburban Monkey Gangs Exploit Human Living Spaces for Easy Gains
• When a chimpanzee adopts a high-tech robot as its own
• A warthog family faces a sudden, lethal ambush from a stalking lion.
• What unexpected beauty secrets can a spy find deep underwater?
• Are farm animals smarter than we think? Cows and goats reveal hidden cognitive abilities.
• Can a robotic spy infiltrate a territorial hippo pod to capture intimate underwater footage?

More in Animal behaviour · More in Nature · Latest · A–Z · All topics