Early amphibians that adapted to terrestrial life had shorter, more curved intercentra, while aquatic species maintained morphologies similar to their ancestors' land-dwelling counterparts. The study's findings contradict earlier notions of what spinal morphologies enabled successful movement on land.
A study found that ancient amphibians' spine stiffness varied with habitat, with more aquatic species having more rigid backbones. The researchers collected measurements on over 40 species of temnospondyls, providing valuable information on early vertebrate adaptations to water-to-land transitions.
Researchers at the University of Washington successfully analyzed Micropholis stowi fossils excavated during a 2017-2018 collection trip to Antarctica. The findings reveal that this salamander-sized amphibian was more widespread than previously recognized, with evidence suggesting it could have adapted to various environments.
Fossils of land animals from South America found in Antilles, with species migrating via giant sunken islands. Researchers reconstructed Caribbean geography over 40 million years, revealing archipelagos and island connections.
Researchers confirm presence of two distinct but interbreeding species of caecilians on São Tomé island. The study suggests that volcanic activity may have driven the divergence of the limbless amphibians around 300,000 years ago.
A study by Rice University biologist Kory Evans found that flatfish evolved rapid skull asymmetry due to trait co-evolution. This process led to the development of unique traits across the skull, resulting in increased integration and adaptability for these fish.
Researchers Constantina Theofanopoulou and Erich Jarvis demonstrate that the human hormone oxytocin is the same gene across all major vertebrate lineages, finding synteny in the hormone's receptor. They advocate for a new standard nomenclature to make life easier for scientists studying oxytocin and other hormones.
The Vertebrate Genomes Project has produced 16 diploid high-quality vertebrate reference genome assemblies, showcasing technological improvements and standardization for genomics. These assemblies enable unprecedented novel discoveries in biodiversity, conservation, and human health and disease.
A new study confirms the island rule, showing that insular gigantism and dwarfism are generalized patterns across vertebrates. The effects are more pronounced in smaller, remote islands for mammals and reptiles.
Scientists discovered six sex chromosomes in the Odorrana swinhoana frog species, revealing insights into how complex XY systems evolve. The finding suggests that translocation, a chromosomal abnormality, may have occurred by chance or been non-randomly selected.
A new metric, STAR, measures the impact of human activities on biodiversity, revealing that conserving 9% of land could reduce global extinction risk by half. By abating threats in key areas, companies and countries can report reductions in species loss and contribute to the global biodiversity target.
An international investigation has confirmed that a lethal cyanobacteria toxin is killing bald eagles and other wildlife in Arkansas lakes. The toxin, known as aetokthonotoxin, is produced by the invasive aquatic plant Hydrilla verticillata and causes neurological disease in affected animals.
A global summary of species functions revealed that more than half of species perform less than 20% of the group's functions, with only a few species performing unique roles. This study highlights the importance of conserving functionally unique species to maintain ecosystem services and human well-being.
Researchers observed two new species of kukri snakes exhibiting the unique behavior of gutting frogs and toads. The snakes tear off organs and swallow them alive for up to a few hours, suggesting an alternative feeding strategy has evolved in their species group.
A study found that eastern newt populations in the northeastern US, Appalachian Mountains, and southeastern Canada are most vulnerable to Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans infection due to temperature fluctuations. Climate change may exacerbate this risk.
A recent study found that a specific fungus infecting frogs disrupts their skin microbiome, leading to long-term changes. The frog's microbiome fails to recover even after the infection is cured, highlighting the need for further research on microbiome dynamics and disease resistance.
Researchers in Costa Rica have found that some bacteria on amphibian skin can prevent growth of the fungus responsible for mass amphibian die-offs. The study identified a number of bacteria with inhibitory capacity against the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which has led to the extinction of 90 species.
University of Otago researchers found that confining barking geckos in a pen for three months before releasing them to Mana Island helps establish a breeding population. The method has potential to aid conservation efforts for other species, reducing detrimental initial dispersal.
A team of researchers found that diverse biologically and culturally rich regions exhibit even greater diversity than expected. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests a link between complexity and diversity across different domains.
A new study finds that the global food system must be transformed to prevent widespread biodiversity losses and habitat destruction. By analyzing the impact of agricultural expansion on nearly 20,000 species, researchers estimate that millions of square kilometers of natural habitats could be lost by 2050.
Scientists have long wondered how tropical species diversity formed and is maintained. A new study provides conclusive evidence that tropical biodiversity hotspots are linked to moderate and stable climates. Researchers found that species-rich regions in the tropics contain diversity accumulated during a protracted evolutionary period.
Researchers found that mass extinctions of land-dwelling animals, including amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds, coincide with major asteroid impacts and devastating volcanic outpourings of lava. The study suggests that these periodic events may be triggered by comets and are linked to the Earth's orbit in the Galaxy.
A team of researchers has successfully grown structures similar to parts of a mouse embryo using a special gel and 3D cell culturing technique. This allows for the investigation of pharmacological agents on a scale that would not be possible in living organisms.
Researchers found that the island-based Guttural Toads had significantly reduced body size and hindlimb length compared to their South African counterparts. This rapid dwarfism raises questions about the evolutionary mechanisms driving this change in less than a hundred years.
Research found that beaver-dammed sites had 2.7 times more amphibian species than undammed sites, supporting species that develop slowly like red-legged frogs and northwestern salamanders.
A study found that amphibian declines due to the amphibian chytrid fungus exacerbated malaria outbreaks in Costa Rica and Panama during the 1990s and 2000s. Preserving biodiversity can benefit humans as well as local ecosystems.
Researchers analyzed 40 3D fossil humeri to understand functional evolution of locomotion in early tetrapods. They found that the emergence of limbs coincided with a transition onto land, but early tetrapods weren't very good at moving on it.
A study found that topography, rather than vegetation, is the main factor leading to genetic diversity of Bokermannohyla ibitiguara, a tree frog endemic to the Serra da Canastra mountain range. The flatter terrain allows for greater dispersal and increased genetic diversity.
A new study found that climate warming increases infectious disease risk in cooler-climate species, while reducing the risk for species from warmer climates. Small-bodied pathogens have a greater tolerance to temperature fluctuations than larger hosts.
A recent study found that mammals, birds, and amphibians have lost an average of 18% of their natural habitat range due to land use changes and climate change. The loss could increase to 23% by 2100 in a worst-case scenario.
The discovery of a new genus and species of albie, named Yaksha perettii, reveals that these tiny animals were sit-and-wait predators with a projectile firing of their tongue. This finds a whole new understanding of the entire lineage, providing insights into their hunting strategy.
Researchers re-examined ancient fossils found in Myanmar's amber deposits, revealing that a species initially thought to be an ancient form of chameleon was actually part of the albanerpetontid lineage. The new findings indicate that these ancient amphibians were climbers with specialized tongues for catching food.
New study uses phylogenetic information to estimate timing of Himalayan uplift and origin of biodiversity. The Stepwise Hypothesis is supported by in situ diversification and dispersal rates, while the Late Orogeny Hypothesis is rejected due to inconsistencies with origination and peak diversification times.
Two small dinosaurs, Yi and Ambopteryx, had bat-like wings but struggled to fly, instead gliding between trees. Their unique wing membranes allowed them to glide, but not powered flight. The study supports that dinosaurs evolved flight in multiple ways before modern birds evolved.
A new report identifies priority areas for ecosystem restoration, which could rescue land-based species and soak up vast amounts of carbon dioxide. Protecting these areas and restoring natural ecosystems can deliver significant biodiversity and climate benefits at a relatively low cost.
A meta-analysis of over 100 animal species found that hunger during development increases risk-taking behavior in later life. The study suggests a correlation between poor nutrition and increased willingness to take risks, which may also apply to humans.
Researchers discovered venom glands in the mouth of caecilians, a type of limbless amphibian, which release a secretion into prey during biting. This is the first time such glands have been found in amphibians, and it suggests that caecilians can be venomous.
Researchers have developed a simple manufacturing technology using chitin, a ubiquitous organic polymer, to build tools and shelters on Mars. This approach enables the rapid manufacturing of objects ranging from basic tools to rigid shelters, which could support humans in a Martian environment.
Research suggests that climate change is causing ectothermic animals like fish, amphibians, and reptiles to age faster due to increased growth rates and heat stress. This can lead to reduced life expectancy and compromised ability to produce offspring.
Researchers discover that West African lungfish can regenerate lost tails using similar molecular mechanisms as amphibians, suggesting a common ancestor possessed this trait. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary origin of tail regeneration and offers potential opportunities for regenerative medicine.
Researchers analyzed fossil bones of Panthasaurus maleriensis, an ancestor of modern amphibians, and found phases of rapid and slow growth depending on the climate. The study provides valuable insight into the prehistoric past, with the Indian site showing evidence of both young and adult animals.
Researchers at Kumamoto University found that activation of PPARα, a fatty acid receptor, causes masculinization of Japanese rice fish. The discovery may lead to improved fish farming techniques by controlling sex differentiation.
A study of over 2,000 species reveals that common animal populations are rising and falling at a rate similar to rare species due to global change. Amphibians, however, experienced declines, while birds, mammals, and reptiles showed increases.
A study found that urban wood storks fared better than their natural counterparts during suboptimal conditions, exploiting urban resources to improve reproductive performance. They switched to anthropogenic food sources, including trash and amphibians, to supplement their diets.
Researchers have reconstructed the ancestral relationships of the hillstream loach family tree, detailing unusual pelvic adaptations that enable some members to crawl or walk on land. The study found three dominant variations of pelvic anatomy that explain different degrees of land-walking behavior among the fishes.
A recent study using genomic analysis compared the ACE2 protein in over 410 species and found that many animals with all 25 amino acid residues matching the human protein are at high risk for contracting SARS-CoV-2 via ACE2. This includes critically endangered primate species, marine mammals, and certain domestic animals.
A team of biologists has determined how limbs evolved from fins using embryos of the Australian lungfish. The study suggests that a primitive hand was present in lungfish fins but unique anatomy of limbs with digits only evolved during the rise of tetrapods through changes in embryonic development.
Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Opole have discovered a fossilized hand with five metacarpal bones in a Late Triassic temnospondyl, Metoposaurus krasiejowensis. This finding is significant because it challenges the long-held assumption that early ancestors of modern frogs and salamanders had only four fingers. The discove...
A nationwide survey of dragonfly larvae has confirmed the use of these insects to measure mercury pollution in US national parks, providing a new tool for researchers. The study found that about two-thirds of aquatic sites studied within national parks are polluted with moderate-to-extreme levels of mercury.
A new study reveals that dehydration increases amphibian vulnerability to climate change, with rising temperatures and dry conditions posing a dual threat. By 2080s, habitats may become too hot or dehydrating for many species, forcing them to adapt by moving between habitats more often.
Researchers use advanced X-ray technology to study ancient fish fossils, revealing modern features and challenging previous assumptions about tooth evolution. The findings suggest that the ancestors of modern vertebrates retained a common dental structure, with new teeth added on the inside, contrary to long-held perceptions.
Researchers from Utah State University and Butantan Institute report the discovery of oral venom glands in amphibians, specifically caecilians. These glands, similar to those found in snakes, are thought to have evolved as an early defense mechanism against predators.
Researchers have found snake-like venom glands in the ringed caecilian, a limbless amphibian, which may indicate an early evolutionary design of oral venom organs. The discovery suggests that caecilians could be the oldest land-dwelling vertebrates with oral venom glands.
A new study examines Permo-Triassic mass extinction event's impact on tetrapod diversity, finding temperate latitudes held higher biodiversity before and after the extinction. The research suggests that regions now known for rich ecosystems were once too hot to support large animal communities.
A new species of diamond frog, Rhombophryne ellae, has been discovered in Montagne d'Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar. The species features distinctive orange flash-markings on its legs and large black spots on its hip. Its discovery highlights the gaps in knowledge of amphibians in tropical regions.
Research highlights importance of microbiome in disease interactions, including how it strengthens resistance to pathogens and influences the spread of diseases like chytridiomycosis. Climate change can disrupt the balance of the microbiome, making organisms more susceptible to infection.
Researchers used photographs of frogs in their natural habitats to identify individual species without capturing them. This method was successful in identifying 94.3% of the 'Beautiful stream frog' population, providing a promising approach for estimating endangered frog populations.
A new study maps the world's terrestrial vertebrates and finds that human activity is impacting areas with large concentrations of evolutionarily distinct species. Regions like the Caribbean, Western Ghats of India, and Southeast Asia face unprecedented levels of devastation.
A study warns that water frog populations in Turkey's Ceyhan and Seyhan deltas are declining by 20% annually, threatening regional extinction by 2050. The authors recommend banning wild frog harvesting and encouraging sustainable frog farming to alleviate pressure on wild populations.
Researchers report a Triassic-era fossil that may be an ancestor of modern salamanders, extending the fossil record by 60-74 million years. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of salamander-like body plans and suggests Eurasia as the point of origin for salamanders.