Fossils from Russia demonstrate that advanced hearing evolved much earlier than previously thought, around 260 million years ago. These early reptiles possessed a surprisingly modern ear with a large eardrum and bone structures similar to those found in modern animals.
A new Texas A&M University program aims to tackle conservation challenges by integrating biology, culture, and governance. Led by Dr. Lee Fitzgerald and Dr. Amanda Stronza, the project will train students in interdisciplinary research and fieldwork to address pressing issues like invasive species, habitat loss, and social conflict.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that pterosaurs were not adapted for 'skimming', contrary to previous studies. Instead, they likely used conventional feeding methods. The study's findings provide new insight into the lifestyle of these prehistoric flying reptiles.
A new species of long-necked, gliding reptile has been identified from CT scans of fossilized bones. The Mecistrotrachelos apeoros had curved feet, suggesting it lived in trees and exhibited gliding behavior.
Humans and primates are highly intelligent, social creatures prone to stress-related diseases due to chronically psychosocially stressed situations. Chronic stress compromises health by suppressing immune function, reproduction, and brain function.
Robert Reisz's lifelong passion for fossils led to groundbreaking discoveries, including the oldest known dinosaur embryos and two-legged reptile. He is being recognized by AAAS for his significant contributions to the field.
The Pourquié Lab has clarified the mode of formation of spinal precursors in vertebrates. The study reveals that both a cellular and a tissue-based mode of paraxial mesoderm formation occur across different vertebrate groups, providing fundamental insights into spine precursor development.
The US shortnose sturgeon population has increased by over 400 percent in the Hudson River since the 1970s, marking a rare recovery of an endangered species. The study suggests that protection and conservation efforts can lead to successful recoveries, even in areas with high human activity.
Researchers found that a single ligament in birds' shoulders stabilizes their wings during flight, making it a linchpin for modern bird flight. However, this ligament-based system evolved gradually over time, suggesting early birds may have flown differently.
A new study from Queensland University of Technology finds that climate change caused a series of massive droughts to kill giant kangaroos and other megafauna in south-east Queensland 40,000 years ago. The research provides evidence that the prehistoric big dry was responsible for extinctions, contradicting some theories that humans we...
Researchers used emus to decipher dinosaur tracks at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite in Wyoming. The birds' behavior revealed that dinosaurs likely stopped and observed their environment while walking, resolving a mysterious 'crossing over' track pattern.
A team of paleontologists proposes that the Chicxulub meteor impact was not the sole cause of the dinosaurs' demise. Instead, they suggest that a series of massive meteor impacts, volcanic eruptions, and climate change culminated in the end of the Cretaceous Period.
A study published in Science found that Albertosaurus survived for two years with low mortality rates, but death rates increased after reaching teenage years. The research provides insight into the life patterns of tyrannosaurs and challenges previous theories about their behavior.
A new University of Florida study suggests that large dinosaurs, such as Sauroposeidon proteles, had body temperatures close to 48 degrees Celsius, comparable to modern-day birds and mammals. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that dinosaurs were cold-blooded reptiles.
A new study resolves a long-standing debate on dinosaur metabolism by using mathematical modeling and fossil data to estimate body temperatures. The results suggest that the largest dinosaurs had relatively constant body temperatures maintained through thermal inertia.
A new study quantifies the magnitude and causes of ecological change in 12 estuaries and coastal seas worldwide, documenting severe degradation and loss of marine biodiversity. The research highlights the importance of mitigating human activities to recover these critical ecosystems.
Increases in aridity could lead to contractions in the distribution of nearly all species in southwest Europe, including 62% of European amphibians and reptiles. The Iberian Peninsula's role as a refugia against extinctions during past glacial periods may be at risk with projected climate changes.
Researchers used satellite tracking to follow ten turtles from Cape Verde, discovering they adopted two distinct approaches to finding food linked to their size. This challenge current conservation efforts, highlighting the need for an international cooperative strategy to safeguard these animals.
Researchers find that a unique ear canal in the concave-eared torrent frog allows it to detect and produce ultrasounds, a skill also seen in dolphins and bats. This discovery may lead to new strategies for humans to hear in noisy environments.
John Wieczorek receives Ebbe Nielsen Prize for his work on integrating biosystematics and biodiversity informatics research. He will use the prize to expand projects in North America and beyond.
A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology found that snakes become infected with Salmonella through exposure to contaminated environments, not just by eating contaminated food. The knowledge gained from this study can help prevent reptile-associated infections and inform safe handling practices for snakes and other pets.
Researchers found that lampreys, long thought to be evolutionary outliers, use the same essential protein to build cartilage as all other vertebrates, including humans. The discovery sheds light on the early origins of vertebrate skeletal development and challenges traditional views on vertebrate evolution.
Researchers found that plateosaurs adjusted their growth to environmental conditions, growing faster in abundant food and slowing down during scarcity. This discovery challenges the conventional understanding of dinosaur growth, which was previously thought to be similar to modern mammals.
A new study has pinpointed epicenters of Earth's imminent extinctions, identifying 794 species in need of urgent conservation action at specific sites worldwide. The research highlights the critical need for global cooperation to protect these imperiled species and ecosystems.
Scientists uncover evidence of massive soil erosion as primary cause of end-Permian extinction, which wiped out over two-thirds of reptile and amphibian families. The research reveals a unique set of molecules found in rocks from Italy provided crucial insights into the event.
A comprehensive genetic analysis of snakes, lizards, and other scaly reptiles has revealed surprising relationships among the animals. The study places primitive-looking iguanian lizards at the top of the tree, near advanced lineages like snakes and monitor lizards.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Alan Feduccia found that fossilized patterns resembling feathers are more likely skin-related tissues, contradicting the theory of feathered dinosaurs. The study also revealed embryos of developing birds have distinct wing structures, making it unlikely for birds to evolve from flightless dinosaurs.
Recent discoveries in China have led to new questions about the claim of direct derivation between birds and theropod dinosaurs. Researchers found no evidence for protofeathers on dinosaurs and suggest decomposition patterns may be mistaken for feathers.
Scientists have sequenced the genomes of three parasites responsible for sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis, providing critical information for drug and vaccine development. The research identified core genes that could serve as targets for effective drugs against all three parasites.
A new study reveals that predatory dinosaurs, such as T. rex, had a more complex air sac system similar to that in modern birds. The findings suggest that these ancient beasts may have been warm-blooded creatures, with a pulmonary machinery for enhanced gas exchange.
Turtles have a natural mechanism to shut off energy-utilizing activities during anoxia, unlike humans. The discovery reveals potential targets for improving outcomes of cerebral stroke and cardiac infarct, as well as developing better anesthetics.
Paleontologists discovered a prehistoric jawbone that suggests the transformation of bones from the jaw into middle ear bones occurred at least twice in living mammal lines. The evidence supports independent origins of this adaptation in monotremes and placentals, contradicting previous doubts.
A team of researchers from Bristol University and Saratov University in Russia analyzed 675 specimens of amphibians and reptiles from 289 areas spanning 13 geological time zones. The study found a profound loss of animal groups and ecosystems, with many species still absent after 15 million years of recovery.
Researchers studied Tanytrachelos ahynis fossils from the late Triassic Cow Branch Formation, finding no significant differences in size or morphology between populations of the same species. The team analyzed over 90 specimens and discovered that environmental factors rather than intrinsic differences may be responsible for preservati...
A new Chinese fossil discovery sheds light on the evolution of protorosaurs and their long-necked marine reptiles. The Dinocephalosaurus species' 25 cervical vertebrae neck may have enabled a unique suction-based feeding method, allowing it to capture prey more effectively in water.
Scientists have discovered a new species of sea reptile, Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, from the Guanling Formation in southeast China. The creature had a long-necked body, measuring over five feet, with relatively stiff neck and short limbs, suggesting it was adapted for life in the water.
A study found nearly 12% of salmonellosis cases in children under 5 were reptile-associated. Experts recommend keeping reptiles out of households with young children to prevent infection.
A study published in Vision Research found that the size of animals' eyes is linked to their body weight, with larger animals having bigger eyes on average. However, when broken down into smaller groups, such as birds and primates, eye size becomes more complicated and varies greatly.
Researchers found Archeopteryx had a brain three times larger than crocodiles and similar to modern birds, supporting the theory of evolution. The study disproves the idea that some dinosaurs couldn't fly due to feathers.
Researchers discovered a cluster of 60 nerve cells choreographing the courtship ritual in male flies. Interfering with these cells resulted in reproductive failure and abnormal behaviors, supporting the idea that basic circuitry mediates attraction and mating across species.
A new study suggests a dynamic business plan approach to conservation, prioritizing opportune land acquisitions and leveraging market dynamics to safeguard habitats. The authors aim to improve the effectiveness of protected area networks in addressing the rapid decline of highly threatened vertebrates.
The study's findings suggest that current conservation planning approaches may be hindering species protection. Instead, scientists recommend a more dynamic business plan approach, leveraging market uncertainty and landowner motivation to safeguard habitat for highly threatened species.
Researchers found fossils of green sulfur bacteria and oxygen-breathing sea reptiles coexisting in Oxford Clay sediment, challenging the standard interpretation of the fossil record. The team's discovery suggests that environmental conditions were dynamic during deposition, possibly due to climatic changes.
Scientists studying stickleback fish discovered that small changes in gene regulation can lead to rapid skeletal changes without disrupting essential genes. The researchers identified a single region on the chromosome responsible for most of the changes in spine and pelvic morphology, pointing to the key role of the Pitx1 gene.
Out-of-balance ecosystems play a significant role in the demise of amphibian populations. Human activities, parasites, and environmental changes are contributing factors. The research highlights the importance of managing landscapes and water bodies to prevent further declines.
A study using CT scans of two pterosaur skulls reveals key structures responsible for flight control and prey spotting were specialized and enlarged, revising views on vision, flight, and the brain's evolution. The research found significant differences between the vestibular apparatus and flocculus in the two species.
Researchers have uncovered detailed insights into the brains of ancient flying reptiles, revealing a larger flocculus that enabled them to process sensory data from their wings. The study suggests that this neural center played a crucial role in the pterosaurs' ability to fly and hunt, allowing them to become highly adapted predators.
Research reveals that human activity has reduced natural habitats, making it difficult for species to adapt to climate change. Mobile species like birds and butterflies are more likely to survive, while sessile species like reptiles and amphibians are at high risk of extinction.
Researchers tracked Miss Pearl's epic journey and welcomed her back to her nesting beach in Nicaragua after three years, gaining crucial insights into hawksbill sea turtle behavior and habitat protection. The satellite transmitter on Miss Pearl's back provided vital information on her location and diving patterns.
Researchers found that juvenile and adult amphibians retain contaminants like selenium and strontium through metamorphosis, transferring them into terrestrial food webs. The study highlights the importance of understanding contaminant transfer in aquatic-terrestrial ecosystems.
Research suggests that rodents' UV vision helps them detect fresh urine marks, improving localization and social organization. This adaptation may have driven the retention of UV vision in these animals.
Researchers are turning to gene banking as an alternative to in situ conservation, using cryopreservation technologies to store viable cell lines from over 3,200 individual mammals, birds, and reptiles. This approach will be crucial for conserving endangered species' genetic material for future research and potential reintroduction.
Research finds that invasive animals typically have fewer parasites in new habitats, allowing them to dominate native populations. This advantage is attributed to the lack of matched parasites, enabling introduced species to outcompete less fit native species.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully produced all-female cultured stocks of Southern flounder using controlled-breeding methods and warm water temperature manipulation. This method has significant economic potential, as female flounder can grow up to two times larger than males within two years.
Researchers found convincing evidence of sexual dimorphism in fossils from 252-260 million years ago, with male Diictodon having large tusks used as weapons for combat. The study suggests complex social behavior among ancient animals.
Researchers recreated a 240-million-year-old protein to study the vision of dinosaur ancestors, finding evidence that they may have had dim-light vision. The discovery offers insights into how biologically important molecules evolved over time and paves the way for further studies on ancient species.
Researchers found that pythons exhibit specific dynamic action responses to certain foods, which are associated with increased energy expenditure. These findings suggest that pythons have evolved to optimize their metabolic rate by consuming specific diets.
A team of UC Irvine researchers found that pythons expend excessive energy in digestion when consuming protein-rich foods. The study revealed that the metabolic rate needed for digestion is based on the content of the food, not its volume.
Jake Socha's research on the Chrysopelea paradisi reveals that the snake glides by undulating its body, changing amplitude and frequency while airborne. The study provides new insights into the aerodynamics of these 'flying' snakes, which can glide up to 70 feet across.
Researchers found that the snake uses a novel 'loop and pull' behavior to consume large crabs, overcoming limitations imposed by limb loss and body form changes. The behavior was recorded in a dark room with infrared video cameras and verified through observations of wild snakes consuming oversized prey.