Male mice woo females with ultrasonic love songs.
Scientists have long known that mice are born with an innate love of singing.
When a male comes across a potential mate, he bursts into a complex series of loud chirps and whistles that sound remarkably like birdsong.
Although the ultrasonic calls are too high-pitched for the human ear to pick up, the love songs help females to pick the most suitable father for their offspring.
Scientists have been researching whether the songs are programmed from birth or learned from their mothers.
Japanese researchers have concluded that the songs are innate and not learned.
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