Researchers have found that giving red squirrels softer snacks like peanuts can alter their jaw shape and weaken their bite, impacting their natural feeding abilities.
The study indicated that over decades, providing red squirrels with easier-to-chew food, such as peanuts and biscuits, has contributed to a measurable decline in their bite force.
By analyzing the historical skulls of red squirrels and comparing them to modern specimens, scientists noted significant changes in jaw morphology that correspond to feeding habits.
The authors emphasized the importance of maintaining natural diets for wildlife, suggesting that careless feeding practices could lead to physical changes detrimental to survival.
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