Beetle keeps rivals off scent of food buried for offspring

This November 2020 photo provided by Dr. Vanessa R. Lane shows a Nicrophorus orbicollis beetle in Georgia. Burying beetles scout for a dead mouse or bird, dig a hole and bury it, pluck its fur or feathers, roll its flesh into a ball and cover it in goop _ all to feed their future offspring. Now scientists think that goo might do more than just slow down decay. It also appears to hide the scent of the decomposing bounty and boosts another odor that repels competitors. (Vanessa R. Lane via AP)