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Can canaries smell – The Surprising Sense of Smell in Birds

When it comes to senses, we often think of sight or hearing as the most important ones for birds. However, have you ever wondered if canaries have a sense of smell? While it is true that birds in general have a less developed olfactory system compared to mammals, recent research suggests that canaries do have a sense of smell, although it may not be as well-developed as other bird species.

Canaries, known for their beautiful songs and vibrant feathers, are often kept as pets. These small birds are native to the Canary Islands and belong to the finch family. While their sense of sight and hearing are highly developed, their sense of smell has long been debated among scientists.

Studies have shown that canaries have specialized olfactory receptors in their nasal cavity, indicating that they do indeed have the ability to detect odors. However, their sense of smell is not as acute as that of some other bird species. They rely more on their sight and hearing to navigate their environment and find food.

So what types of smells can canaries detect? They are more sensitive to certain odors, such as those associated with ripe fruits and flowers. It is believed that their sense of smell may play a role in finding food sources and detecting predators.

Do Canaries Have a Sense of Smell?

When it comes to the sense of smell, canaries are not as developed as some other birds. While they do possess olfactory receptors, these receptors are not as sensitive as those found in species like hawks or vultures. Canaries primarily rely on their sense of hearing and sight to navigate their environment and locate food.

However, this does not mean that canaries are completely devoid of the ability to smell. While their sense of smell may not be as acute, they can still detect certain odors to a limited extent. Some studies have shown that canaries are able to detect certain scents, particularly those associated with danger or threats, such as the smell of predators or smoke.

It is important to note that canaries are primarily known for their beautiful songs and vibrant plumage, rather than their sense of smell. Their ability to produce complex and melodious songs is highly developed, making them popular pets and performers.

So, while canaries may not have the strongest sense of smell among birds, they still possess some olfactory capabilities. Their reliance on other senses, such as sight and hearing, allows them to thrive in their natural habitats and bring joy to humans as beloved pets.

The Sense of Smell in Canaries: An Overview

When it comes to the senses, the sense of smell is often associated with mammals. However, canaries, despite being birds, also possess a sense of smell. While their sense of smell may not be as developed as that of mammals, it still serves an important role in their lives.

The Anatomy of the Canaries’ Olfactory System

In order to understand how canaries can smell, it is important to look at their olfactory system. Canaries have a specialized structure called the olfactory bulb, which is responsible for processing olfactory information. This bulb connects to the brain and allows canaries to interpret smells.

The Role of Smell in Canaries

Smell plays a vital role in the lives of canaries. It helps them locate sources of food, detect predators, and find potential mates. Canaries use their sense of smell to identify the scent of their surroundings, which helps them navigate their environment more effectively.

Smell in Canaries Advantages
Locating food Helps canaries find sources of nutrition
Detecting predators Allows canaries to be alert and avoid potential danger
Finding mates Enables canaries to recognize potential mates through scent cues

In conclusion, while canaries may not have the same highly developed sense of smell as mammals, their olfactory system still plays an important role in their lives. By using their sense of smell, canaries are able to effectively navigate and survive in their environment.

Understanding Olfaction in Canaries

Olfaction, or the sense of smell, plays a significant role in the life of canaries. While it is commonly known that birds rely heavily on their eyesight and hearing, their sense of smell is often overlooked. However, canaries possess a well-developed olfactory system that allows them to detect and interpret different scents in their environment.

Canaries have a specialized organ called the olfactory bulb, which is responsible for processing the information received from smell receptors. This bulb is located at the base of the brain and is connected to the nostrils through a complex network of nerves. When a canary encounters a scent, the molecules are detected by the smell receptors in its nostrils and are then transported to the olfactory bulb for further processing.

The Role of Smell in Canaries

Smell plays a crucial role in various aspects of a canary’s life. One of the most important functions of olfaction is mate selection. Canaries use their sense of smell to identify potential partners based on their pheromones. Pheromones are chemical substances released by animals that can trigger specific behaviors or physiological responses in others of the same species. By detecting and interpreting these chemicals, canaries can choose a mate that is compatible and suitable for reproduction.

In addition to mate selection, smell is also important for foraging and navigating. Canaries can detect the scents of food sources, helping them locate and identify suitable feeding grounds. They can also use smell to recognize their territory and navigate through their environment. This ability to distinguish scents enables canaries to find their way home even in unfamiliar surroundings.

The Olfactory Abilities of Canaries

Canaries have been found to have a remarkable olfactory ability. They can detect and discriminate between different scents, including those that are vital for their survival, such as predators or potential threats. Research has shown that canaries can even recognize and remember specific scents, allowing them to form associations and learn from past experiences.

While canaries may not rely solely on their sense of smell, it is clear that olfaction plays a crucial role in their lives. Understanding their olfactory abilities can help us gain a deeper appreciation for these magnificent birds and their sensory capabilities.

Importance of Smell in Canaries: Mate selection Foraging Navigation Survival
Olfactory Abilities: Discrimination between scents Recognition of specific scents Association and learning

How Canaries Use Their Sense of Smell

Canaries, like many other birds, have a remarkable sense of smell that allows them to navigate and interact with their environment in unique ways.

For Navigation

Canaries use their sense of smell to navigate during long-distance migration. They can detect odors in the air, such as specific scents emitted by flowers or plants, to help them find their way. This ability is particularly important when flying over vast areas of land or ocean where visual landmarks may be difficult to see.

Researchers have found that canaries are able to recognize and remember certain smells associated with specific locations. This allows them to create mental maps and accurately navigate back to familiar places, even after being displaced hundreds of miles away.

For Communication

Canaries also use their sense of smell for communication purposes. They have specialized glands located near their nostrils that produce specific scents. By releasing and detecting these scents, canaries can communicate with other birds and convey various messages, such as territorial boundaries, mating availability, or warning signals.

Additionally, canaries are known to have a heightened sensitivity to certain chemical scents, such as those produced by predators or potential food sources. This helps them assess their surroundings and quickly react to potential dangers or opportunities.

In conclusion, canaries rely on their sense of smell for navigation during migration and communication with other birds. This unique ability enhances their survival and allows them to thrive in diverse environments.

The Evolution of Olfactory Perception in Canaries

Smell plays a crucial role in the survival and communication of many animal species, but for canaries, it has been a sense that has undergone significant changes over time. While other animals rely heavily on their sense of smell for various tasks, such as hunting, mating, and detecting danger, canaries have been found to have a relatively poor sense of smell compared to their avian counterparts.

Recent studies have suggested that the diminished olfactory perception in canaries is a result of their adaptation to the environment they inhabit. Canaries are primarily seed-eating birds, and their main food source does not emit strong odors that would require a highly developed sense of smell. Instead, their visual and auditory senses have become more prominent to help them navigate their surroundings and communicate with other canaries.

The Impact of Selective Breeding

The domestication of canaries by humans has also had an impact on their sense of smell. Selective breeding over many generations has led to certain traits being favored, while others have been de-emphasized or lost altogether. In the case of smell, canaries have been bred for their vibrant plumage and melodic singing abilities, rather than their olfactory capabilities.

As a result, canaries have experienced a reduction in the number of olfactory receptor genes compared to their wild counterparts. This reduction has led to a decreased ability to detect and interpret odors, as the receptors responsible for this sense have become less numerous and specialized in canaries.

The Trade-offs of Olfactory Perception

While canaries may have a limited sense of smell, it is important to note that their other senses have become highly developed in response to their unique ecological niche. Their excellent vision allows them to spot predators from a distance, while their intricate vocalizations enable complex communication within flocks.

Overall, the evolution of olfactory perception in canaries is a testament to the adaptability and specialization that species can undergo to thrive in their environment. While they may not rely heavily on their sense of smell, canaries have managed to excel in other areas, making them unique and fascinating creatures to study.

Comparing Canaries’ Sense of Smell to Other Birds

When it comes to the sense of smell, canaries stand out among other bird species. While most birds have a limited sense of smell, canaries have been found to have a relatively well-developed olfactory system.

Compared to other birds, canaries have a higher number of olfactory receptors, which are responsible for detecting different smells. This allows them to have a more acute sense of smell and be more sensitive to their environment.

Canaries versus Raptors

One group of birds that canaries differ from in terms of sense of smell is raptors. Raptors, such as eagles and hawks, rely more on their vision and hearing rather than their sense of smell. They have fewer olfactory receptors compared to canaries, as their hunting strategies mainly involve visual and auditory cues.

Canaries versus Waterfowl

Waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, also have a less developed sense of smell compared to canaries. While they do possess olfactory receptors, their sense of smell is not as finely tuned as that of canaries. Waterfowl primarily rely on their sight and hearing to navigate and find food.

In conclusion, canaries have a unique advantage when it comes to their sense of smell compared to other birds. Their higher number of olfactory receptors and well-developed olfactory system allow them to have a more acute sense of smell and be more responsive to their surroundings.

Canaries’ Ability to Detect Scents in the Environment

Canaries, despite their small size, have a surprisingly keen sense of smell. While they are primarily known for their beautiful singing voices, they also possess a highly developed olfactory system that allows them to detect scents in their environment.

Canaries have specialized cells in their nasal passages that are responsible for detecting and interpreting smells. These cells, called olfactory receptor cells, have tiny, hair-like structures called cilia that protrude into the nasal cavity. When scent particles enter the nasal cavity, they come into contact with these cilia, stimulating the olfactory receptor cells and triggering a response in the canary’s brain.

Studies have shown that canaries are capable of detecting a wide range of scents, including food, predators, and potential mates. Their sense of smell plays a vital role in helping them navigate their surroundings and make important survival decisions.

Canaries’ ability to detect scents is not limited to their immediate environment. They are also highly sensitive to changes in the air, such as the presence of smoke or other harmful gases. This heightened sense of smell allows them to alert humans to potential dangers and serve as effective early warning systems.

In conclusion, canaries possess a remarkable ability to detect scents in their environment. Their olfactory system is finely tuned and helps them navigate their surroundings, detect potential threats, and communicate with others of their species. While they may be best known for their singing, their sense of smell is equally impressive.

Can Canaries Detect Danger through Smell?

While canaries are not typically known for their exceptional sense of smell, there is evidence to suggest that they can detect certain forms of danger through scent. Canaries have been observed to exhibit signs of distress when exposed to toxins or harmful substances in the air. These reactions suggest that they may possess a heightened ability to smell potential dangers in their environment.

Canaries have a highly developed olfactory system, with numerous scent receptors in their nasal passages. This enables them to detect and differentiate various odors, including those associated with danger. Research has shown that canaries can detect the presence of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, by changes in their behavior or respiratory patterns.

One possible explanation for canaries’ ability to detect danger through smell is their evolutionary history. Canaries are highly sensitive creatures, and their survival depends on being able to respond quickly to threats. Smell may have evolved as a crucial sense for detecting predators or hazardous environments, allowing canaries to escape or avoid potential harm.

Although more research is needed to fully understand the extent of a canary’s sense of smell and its ability to detect danger, the existing evidence suggests that odor detection plays a role in their survival instincts. Canaries’ remarkable olfactory abilities may not be as advanced as those of some other animals, but they still have the potential to provide them with valuable information about their surroundings.

In conclusion, while canaries may not rely primarily on their sense of smell, they do appear to have the ability to detect danger through scent. Their reactions to harmful substances in the air indicate that smell plays a role in their survival instincts. Further studies may shed more light on the extent of this ability and its significance in the lives of canaries.

How Canaries Identify Mates Using Their Sense of Smell

While canaries are primarily known for their beautiful songs and vibrant colors, they also have a surprisingly keen sense of smell. This sense plays a crucial role in how canaries are able to identify potential mates.

The sense of smell in canaries is important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to detect chemical signals, known as pheromones, that are released by other canaries. These pheromones contain information about the bird’s health, reproductive status, and genetic compatibility.

Male canaries, in particular, rely on their sense of smell to identify females who are in their reproductive prime. They are able to detect certain pheromones that indicate a female’s readiness to mate. This allows them to approach the female with confidence and initiate courtship behaviors.

Additionally, female canaries also use their sense of smell to select a suitable mate. They are able to assess the pheromones released by males and determine if they are healthy and genetically diverse. This is important for ensuring the survival of their offspring.

The role of the olfactory system

The olfactory system of canaries is highly developed, with specialized receptor cells located in their nasal cavity. These receptor cells are able to detect and process a wide range of odors, allowing canaries to distinguish between different scents.

Research has shown that canaries are particularly sensitive to certain odors, such as those associated with the presence of food or potential threats. They are also able to detect changes in odors, which can indicate the presence of predators or changes in their environment.

Communication through scent

Canaries not only use their sense of smell to identify mates but also to communicate with other members of their flock. They can release specific scents that signal aggression, submission, or the presence of danger.

Overall, the sense of smell plays a vital role in the social and reproductive behaviors of canaries. It allows them to identify potential mates, assess their suitability, and communicate with other birds. While canaries may be small in size, their sense of smell is a powerful tool that helps them navigate their environment and ensure the survival of their species.

Benefits of the Sense of Smell in Canaries Role in Mate Identification Role in Communication
Allows detection of pheromones Helps identify potential mates Enables communication with other birds
Aids in assessing health and genetic compatibility Facilitates courtship behaviors Signals aggression, submission, and danger
Helps ensure the survival of offspring Important for selecting suitable mates

The Role of Smell in Canaries’ Feeding Behavior

Smell plays a crucial role in the feeding behavior of canaries. While canaries are primarily visual animals, they also rely on their sense of smell to locate and identify their food.

Canaries have a well-developed olfactory system that allows them to detect and discriminate between different odors. They use this ability to locate food sources and determine their quality. For example, canaries can distinguish between fresh and spoiled food based on smell alone.

Smell also helps canaries in finding flowers and fruits, which are an important part of their diet. Canaries are attracted to the scent of nectar-producing flowers, guiding them towards a potential food source. This olfactory guidance helps canaries to effectively navigate their environment and find the most suitable food sources.

Furthermore, the sense of smell in canaries can also help them detect potential dangers. They can recognize the smell of predators or poisonous substances, allowing them to avoid potential threats and stay safe.

In conclusion, while canaries primarily rely on their vision for feeding, their sense of smell plays a significant role in their feeding behavior. It helps them locate food sources, determine their quality, find nectar-producing flowers, and detect potential dangers. The olfactory system of canaries is an essential tool that allows them to survive and thrive in their natural environment.

Canaries’ Sense of Smell and Communication

While canaries are generally known for their melodious songs, they also have a keen sense of smell that plays an important role in their communication. Although their sense of smell is not as developed as in some other bird species, canaries are still able to use scent cues to communicate with each other and navigate their environments.

Canaries use their sense of smell to detect and identify potential mates, as well as to recognize their own offspring. Male canaries, known for their vibrant and colorful plumage, will often emit subtle scent signals to attract females during the breeding season. These scent signals can convey information about the male’s health and genetic fitness, helping females choose a suitable mate.

In addition to mating communication, canaries also use their sense of smell for territorial marking. They have scent glands located near their tail feathers, which they use to release pheromones. These pheromones can help establish and maintain their territories, signaling to other birds that the area is already occupied.

While canaries rely more heavily on visual and auditory cues for communication, their sense of smell still plays a vital role in their social interactions. Through the use of scent cues, canaries are able to communicate vital information about their identity, reproductive status, and territory, enhancing their overall ability to survive and thrive in their environments.

The Impact of Environmental Factors on Canaries’ Sense of Smell

Canaries, like many birds, have a keen sense of smell that plays a crucial role in their survival. However, their ability to rely on their sense of smell can be affected by various environmental factors.

One key factor is air quality. Canaries are highly sensitive to pollutants in the air, such as cigarette smoke, cleaning chemicals, and strong odors. These pollutants can irritate their respiratory system and affect their ability to detect smells accurately.

Another factor is the presence of strong scents or perfumes in their environment. Canaries have a delicate olfactory system, and overpowering scents can overwhelm and confuse their sense of smell. It is important to provide them with a clean and scent-free environment to ensure their olfactory abilities are not compromised.

Temperature and humidity also affect canaries’ sense of smell. Extreme temperatures or high humidity levels can impact their olfactory receptors, making it difficult for them to pick up on scents effectively. Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels in their surroundings is essential for their olfactory health.

Lastly, the presence of certain foods can influence canaries’ sense of smell. Some foods, such as spices or strong-smelling fruits, can temporarily impair their ability to detect other scents. It is important to avoid feeding them these foods in excess to prevent any interference with their olfactory capabilities.

In conclusion, environmental factors play a significant role in the canaries’ sense of smell. By ensuring a clean and scent-free environment, maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels, and being mindful of their diet, we can help preserve and enhance their olfactory abilities.

The Connection Between Canaries’ Sense of Smell and Memory

Canaries have a remarkable sense of smell, which plays a crucial role in their memory and behavior. While many may believe that canaries rely solely on their song to communicate, their sense of smell also plays a significant part in their communication and navigation.

Research has shown that canaries have a highly developed olfactory system, allowing them to detect and recognize various scents. This ability is especially important in their search for food and recognition of potential predators.

Memory and the Olfactory System

The connection between canaries’ sense of smell and memory is fascinating. It has been discovered that canaries can remember scents and associate them with different experiences. For example, they can remember the scent of certain fruits that they like to eat and can identify them from a distance.

Furthermore, studies have shown that canaries can remember scents associated with danger or fear. This ability helps them avoid certain areas or predators that have previously threatened their safety.

Communication through Scent

In addition to memory, canaries also use their sense of smell to communicate with each other. They emit specific scents as a way of marking their territory or attracting a mate. These scents carry important information that other canaries can interpret.

Interestingly, researchers have found that canaries can differentiate between the scents of different individuals. This ability allows them to recognize familiar individuals and distinguish them from strangers.

Overall, canaries’ sense of smell is a vital aspect of their lives. It not only helps them navigate their environment and find food but also aids in their memory and communication. By understanding the connection between their sense of smell and memory, researchers can gain valuable insights into the fascinating world of canaries.

Canaries’ Sense of Smell: Implications for Breeding and Aviculture

While canaries are not known for their strong sense of smell compared to other birds, their olfactory abilities still play a role in breeding and aviculture. This sense allows canaries to detect pheromones and other chemical signals that can affect their behavior and reproductive success.

When it comes to breeding canaries, their sense of smell can be used to their advantage. Female canaries release a specific pheromone when they are ready to mate, and male canaries can detect this scent, which helps them identify and court potential mates. Breeders can also use this knowledge to select and pair canaries based on their compatibility and breeding potential.

In aviculture, the sense of smell in canaries can also be important for their overall well-being. Canaries have a keen sense of smell when it comes to their food, and any changes in smell could indicate spoilage or contamination. This can be helpful in maintaining proper nutrition and preventing health issues in captive canaries.

Benefits of understanding canaries’ sense of smell for breeding and aviculture:
1. Selecting compatible breeding pairs based on scent cues
2. Monitoring food quality and preventing health issues
3. Enhancing breeding success through the use of pheromones

Overall, while canaries’ sense of smell may not be as developed as that of some other bird species, it still plays a crucial role in their breeding and aviculture. Understanding and utilizing their olfactory abilities can lead to more successful breeding programs and improved welfare for captive canaries.

Training Canaries to Use Their Sense of Smell

While canaries are not typically known for their sense of smell, it is possible to train them to use this sense more effectively. By using positive reinforcement and a methodical training approach, canaries can learn to rely on their sense of smell to navigate their environment and detect certain scents. Here are some steps you can take to train your canary to use its sense of smell:

1. Introduction to Scents

Start by introducing your canary to different scents in a controlled environment. Use familiar scents, such as fruit or flowers, and allow your canary to observe and investigate these scents. Offer treats or rewards when your canary shows interest in the scents, reinforcing the positive association.

2. Target Training

After your canary becomes comfortable with the initial scents, you can begin target training. Set up specific scents on different objects or locations and train your canary to recognize and interact with them. For example, you can place a scented object in one area of the cage and reward your canary when it approaches or interacts with the object.

Use a consistent cue or command to indicate that your canary should use its sense of smell, such as saying “sniff” before presenting the scented object. With repetition and positive reinforcement, your canary will learn to associate the cue with using its sense of smell.

3. Gradual Challenge

As your canary becomes more proficient in using its sense of smell, gradually increase the difficulty of the training by introducing new scents or varying the locations of the scented objects. This will help to further develop your canary’s ability to differentiate scents and rely on its sense of smell.

Remember to always use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to reward your canary for successfully using its sense of smell. Be patient and consistent in your training efforts, as it may take time for your canary to fully grasp this new skill. Training canaries to use their sense of smell can provide mental stimulation and enrichment for these intelligent birds.

By following these steps and providing regular training sessions, you can help your canary unlock its potential and develop a stronger sense of smell.

Preserving Canaries’ Sense of Smell in Captivity

Canaries are known for their beautiful songs and vibrant colors, but they also possess a keen sense of smell. In the wild, canaries use their sense of smell to navigate, find food, and avoid predators. However, when kept in captivity, canaries may lose their sense of smell over time due to the controlled environment they are kept in.

To preserve canaries’ sense of smell in captivity, there are several important factors to consider:

1. Providing a Natural Environment

Creating an environment that mimics a canary’s natural habitat can help preserve their sense of smell. This includes providing fresh air circulation, natural sunlight, and incorporating natural elements such as plants and perches.

2. Offering a Varied Diet

Feeding canaries a diverse and nutritious diet can help maintain their sense of smell. Including fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs in addition to their regular seed or pellet mix can provide different smells and flavors that stimulate their olfactory senses.

3. Avoiding Strong Odors

Canaries have sensitive respiratory systems, and exposure to strong odors can be harmful. It’s important to keep canaries away from chemicals, perfumes, smoke, and other strong scents that may negatively impact their sense of smell.

By taking these steps, canary owners can help preserve their birds’ sense of smell in captivity, allowing them to experience the world around them in a more natural and fulfilling way.

Beyond Smell: Other Senses in Canaries

While canaries are known for their incredible sense of smell, they possess other senses that are equally fascinating. These senses help them navigate their environment and communicate with each other.

Hearing

Canaries have excellent hearing and can detect a wide range of frequencies. Their auditory system allows them to pick up on subtle sounds, making them highly sensitive to their surroundings. This keen sense of hearing is particularly important for their survival in the wild, as it helps them detect potential predators or approaching danger.

Vision

Canaries have well-developed vision and can see a wide spectrum of colors. Their eyesight helps them in identifying potential mates and distinguishing between different food sources. It also aids them in navigating through their habitat and avoiding obstacles or hazards.

Tactile Sense

Canaries have a highly sensitive tactile sense, which means they can perceive touch and vibrations. This sense helps them in various ways, such as feeling the texture of their nest materials, sensing the movement of air currents, or detecting the presence of other birds through physical contact.

Overall, canaries rely on their sensory abilities to interact with their environment and communicate with other individuals of their species. Understanding these senses can provide valuable insights into their behavior and enhance our appreciation for these remarkable birds.

Question-answer:

Can canaries detect different scents?

Yes, canaries have a well-developed sense of smell and can detect different scents.

How does a canary use its sense of smell?

Canaries use their sense of smell to detect potential danger, locate food, and find a mate.

Are canaries more sensitive to certain scents than others?

Yes, canaries are more sensitive to some scents than others. They have a particular sensitivity to certain airborne chemicals.

Can canaries smell better than humans?

Yes, canaries have a more acute sense of smell compared to humans.

How does a canary’s sense of smell compare to its sense of hearing?

A canary’s sense of smell is not as developed as its sense of hearing, which is highly sophisticated and allows them to recognize specific sounds and patterns.

Do canaries have a sense of smell?

Yes, canaries do have a sense of smell. While their sense of smell may not be as developed as other animals, they do possess olfactory receptors that allow them to detect certain scents.

What scents can canaries detect?

Canaries have been found to have a strong sensitivity to certain scents, such as the scent of flowers. They can also detect certain chemicals and gases, although their sense of smell may not be as refined as that of other animals.

How does a canary’s sense of smell work?

A canary’s sense of smell works through their olfactory receptors, which are located in their nasal passages. These receptors can detect certain scents and send signals to the bird’s brain, allowing them to identify and react to different smells.

Can canaries use their sense of smell to navigate or find food?

While canaries primarily rely on their sense of sight to navigate and find food, their sense of smell can also play a role in these activities. They can use their sense of smell to locate food sources or detect potential dangers in their environment.

Is a canary’s sense of smell as good as a dog’s?

No, a canary’s sense of smell is not as developed as a dog’s. Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell and can detect a wide range of scents, whereas canaries have a more limited olfactory ability. However, canaries still have the ability to detect certain scents, albeit to a lesser extent.