1. Scientists have discovered that some animals behave differently before earthquakes and other natural disasters. Chinese scientists in 1970 noticed farm animals acting strangely before an earthquake.
2. By observing these animals, scientists hope to predict disasters and save lives. Pets may be more useful than expensive prediction equipment because they can detect subtle changes in the earth's magnetic field that humans cannot sense.
3. Scientists now want to study which animals are affected and how, so they can use animal behavior to issue early warnings and evacuate at-risk areas, as the Chinese scientists did by evacuating a city before an earthquake based on reports of animals.