New findings reveal that infant marsupials and monotremes use a connection between their ear and jaw bones to drink milk, suggesting an early evolutionary link. This discovery sheds light on the development of middle ear and jaw bones in mammals.
A recent study published in Global Change Biology found that infectious disease-induced mass mortality events occur in 14% of marine mammal species, with viruses causing 72% of these events. Habitat breadth was also a key factor, with pinnipeds being overrepresented among affected species.
A team of experts has conducted a review study on the impact of land-use changes, such as deforestation and urbanization, on the behavior of animals and the risk of disease transmission to humans. The study reveals that there are significant gaps in understanding how these factors affect the spread of diseases from mammals to humans.
The vertebrate ear's unique structure and development have puzzled scientists. A new study proposes that this complexity increased the
A new study reveals that the Late Cretaceous reptile Priosphenodon had a unique type of tooth enamel, similar to that of mammals, which provided it with resilience against tooth wear. The researchers found that the enamel crystals in Priosphenodon were 'woven' into long threads called enamel prisms, a characteristic also found in mammals.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that pangolins lack two virus-sensing genes, which may help them tolerate the coronavirus. Understanding this evolutionary advantage could lead to new treatment options for COVID-19 in humans.
A stranded seal was found with multiple facial wounds inflicted by fish, which researchers attribute to the animal's attempt to defend itself. The study suggests that similar injuries may be more common than previously thought, highlighting the dangers faced by marine mammals in their quest for food.
The discovery of Adalatherium, a bizarre mammal from Madagascar, sheds light on the evolution of mammals during the time of dinosaurs. Its unique characteristics and preserved 3D structure offer valuable insights into the geography and fauna of the region.
Researchers measured oxygen consumption in wild-caught lesser treeshrews across various temperatures. The study found that Bornean treeshrews have a high upper limit of the thermoneutral zone, contradicting current assumptions.
A new analysis published in Mammal Review suggests natural selection drives size differences between males and females. The study proposes that males and females evolved to differ in size to exploit resources such as food.
Researchers found that ancient horse body sizes shrunk over time due to faster reproduction rates and shorter lifespans. In contrast, big tapir ancestors grew larger as they lived longer and had more resources for reproduction. The study provides new insights into mammal evolution using exceptionally preserved fossils from Germany.
A study examines the impact of sex on the lifespan and aging rate of mammals. Wild female mammals have an average 18.6% longer lifespan than their male counterparts in 60% of analyzed populations.
Research compiled demographic data for 134 populations of 101 mammalian species, finding that 60% of female mammals live longer than males. Mortality risk is lower among females at all ages, but the rise in mortality with age varies between sexes.
A recent study led by University of Southampton researchers reveals that threatened birds and mammals are often ecologically distinct and vital to their environments. The research highlights the importance of charismatic species, such as Emperor Penguins and Leopards, which play unique roles in maintaining ecosystem balance.
A study suggests that zinc isotope analysis can reconstruct past food webs in ancient mammals by analyzing stable isotopes in fossil tooth enamel. The results show distinct patterns in δ66Zn values for carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores, with potential applications in archeological and paleontological research.
A recent study explored how some mammals postpone embryonic development to await better conditions. The research, led by Abdiasis Hussein, advances understanding of delayed embryo implantation and suggests a link to rapidly dividing cells in tumors.
A year-round acoustic study in the northern Bering Sea recorded over 30,000 calls from whales, walruses, and seals, providing valuable insights into climate change's effects on these species. The study supports previous scientific knowledge with a finer-scale resolution, revealing consistent seasonal distribution and movement patterns.
A new study from Harvard University and the Field Museum of Natural History sheds light on how changes in spines happened in mammal evolution. Researchers found that regions evolved long before new spinal functions, suggesting a combination of developmental changes and adaptive pressures played a significant role.
Researchers found that birds and mammals have encapsulated Golgi tendon organs set directly at the muscle-tendon junction, detecting tension in precise areas. This allowed for controlled motion and a selective advantage that conserves energy.
Researchers discovered that Savannah monitor lizards have lung structures with a complex airflow pattern that is part bird and part mammal. The unique system distributes air into tiny chambers and exhibits unidirectional airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
A school-based citizen science project improved children's knowledge of UK mammals, increasing their ability to name species and distinguish between native and introduced species. The project also fostered a connection to nature, leading to increased outdoor learning in schools.
UConn researchers have discovered a connection between pregnancy and cancer metastasis in various mammal species. They found that certain species have evolved to make their stromal cells highly resistant to invasion, unlike humans who are more vulnerable to cancer metastasis.
New fossil species Origolestes lii sheds light on transitional gap in mammalian ear evolution. The discovery provides a crucial reference point for understanding the decoupling of jaw and hearing systems, paving the way for improved hearing and chewing capabilities in future mammals.
Researchers at Yale University unveil a new approach to reconstructing the evolutionary tree of life for mammals, revealing why some branches are weighed down with thousands of species while others hold just a few. The study provides comprehensive information about species diversity and relationships, past and present.
Scientists at University of Utah Health have discovered new genetic elements that could help control obesity and metabolic disorders. Hibernating mammals have evolved short non-coding DNA snippets near genes linked to obesity in humans.
The study identifies the proteins that make up the venom of the Hispaniolan solenodon, a rare and endangered species. The research reveals that these toxins are likely used to cause drops in blood pressure in vertebrate prey, and have evolved independently on at least four occasions in eulipotyphlan mammals.
A simple computational model explains why different four-legged animals adopt similar gaits, revealing that walking at slow speeds and running or trotting at intermediate speeds are globally optimal strategies. The results support the idea that mammals utilize movement strategies that optimize energy use when they move.
Researchers analyzed stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in fur samples from 29 species of mammals to measure the impact of agriculture on their diet. The study found that herbivores and omnivores inhabiting forest fragments consumed agricultural resources, while carnivores close to croplands preyed on prey that feed on these resources.
Researchers discovered that bats have fewer bacterial species living in their guts than in their mouths and skin. The kinds of bacteria living in the bats' guts varied from species to species without following any apparent evolutionary pattern, a stark contrast to other mammals.
A 15-year study links Arctic sea ice decline to the emergence of a deadly phocine distemper virus in northern sea otters and other marine mammals. The loss of sea ice facilitates disease transmission among species, highlighting the need for understanding PDV transmission in rapidly changing environments.
Researchers studied mammal vertebral columns and found discrete steps in complexity, linking increased activity levels to evolution. Complex spines evolved in bursts, influencing breathing, metabolism, and movement, shaping modern mammals' traits.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that Arctic sea ice reduction facilitates the spread of disease among marine mammals, particularly through open water routes. Widespread exposure to Phocine distemper virus (PDV) was observed in sea mammals across the North Pacific Ocean, peaking in 2003-2004 and again in 2009.
In the Triassic period, early mammal ancestors (therapsids) turned to a nocturnal lifestyle to overcome thermoregulation challenges. Their rapid endothermy led to elevated body temperatures, posing a risk to sperm quality. By becoming active at night, these mammals could preserve sperm quality.
Researchers found that big mammals have far more neutrophils in circulation than small species, a key defense against early immune responses to invaders like bacteria and parasites. Larger mammals may need more circulating neutrophils to overcome the advantage infectious agents have over them due to their size.
A collaborative study between University of Montana and Universidad de Concepcion in Chile found substantial gaps in scientific information relevant to conservation planning for threatened and endangered terrestrial mammals. The research highlights the importance of developing strategic research agendas for at-risk species worldwide.
Historical analysis of 9,000 records reveals associations between human disturbance, climate change and local mammalian extinction. Large mammals experienced earlier and larger population declines, highlighting the impact of global cooling and warming on habitat sizes.
Researchers studied skulls of New World leaf-nosed bats to understand the evolution of specialized diets and faces. They found that heterochrony influenced development, leading to primate-like faces for fruit-eating bats and wolf-like faces for bird- and rodent-eating bats.
A new study led by two Japanese researchers found that pre-modern ironwork had significant impacts on the current distributions of 21 mammalian genera native to Japan. Medium-to-large mammals responded positively, while small mammals were negatively impacted due to habitat degradation.
A new study discovers complex hyoid bones in a 165-million-year-old mammaliaform species, suggesting the evolution of a loose tongue in early mammals. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of hyolingual structures, which enable advanced food and liquid swallowing in modern mammals.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that mammals use a similar 'distributed circuit' approach to distinguish odors, with the size of brain components scaling across species. This finding may have implications for understanding other parts of the brain and developing more efficient machine learning systems.
A 165-million-year-old fossil of Microdocodon gracilis, a tiny shrew-like animal, reveals the earliest example of modern hyoid bones in mammal evolution. This discovery sheds light on when early mammal ancestors first evolved sophisticated hyoid bones that enabled them to swallow food like modern-day mammals.
Infanticide by female mammals removes potential competitors for breeding space, milk, and social status. Researchers found that harsh conditions and territorial needs drive this behavior in various mammalian species.
Research by UCL and Yale University reveals that platelet cells were crucial for the evolution of eutherian mammals, including humans. The discovery suggests that these cells enabled haemochorial placentation, allowing mothers to prevent haemorrhaging at birth.
Small mammals use roadside vegetation foraging in Canada, contrary to assumptions that wildlife passages are only for crossing. The study suggests maintaining habitat between highways could attract animals to roads, increasing the risk of collisions.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have made a breakthrough discovery in genetic sex selection, allowing for the production of only female offspring in mammals. The study uses a CRISPR-protein approach to guide gene editing, eliminating male embryos while leaving females unaffected.
A large-scale study reveals fundamental gene activity networks controlling organ development in mammals, with original patterns dating back over 200 million years. The researchers also identified a surprising number of RNA genes involved in organ development.
A team of scientists has identified two new genes, STRIP2 and ABLIM2, involved in the evolution of the inner ear in mammals. These findings highlight the promise of evolutionary studies to pinpoint novel key functional genes.
A study by University of Southampton researchers forecasts a worldwide move towards smaller, fast-lived, and highly-fertile animals that can thrive in various habitats. These 'winners' include rodents and songbirds, while slower-lived species like tawny eagles and black rhinoceros are likely to face extinction.
A new study on 46 mammal species reveals how the pursuit of starch drove evolutionary adaptations in animals. Mammals with starchy diets tend to have more copies of the amylase gene, which carries instructions for building amylase.
Scientists have mapped the expected decline for each mammal species across all tropical forests due to hunting. The study found that more than half of tropical forests are under hunting pressure, with hotspots in Western and Central Africa and South-East Asia.
A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that differences in vertebrae numbers are most extreme in mammals that don't rely on running and leaping. The research suggests that a particular type of locomotor behavior, such as suspensory locomotion, is associated with increases in variation in vertebrae count across mammals.
Researchers found that birds have significantly lower cellular rates of energy use and antioxidant capacity compared to mammals. This may contribute to their longer lifespans, as oxidative stress is a major factor in aging. The study's authors plan to investigate the link between oxidative stress and immune defenses further.
A new study analyzed fossil mammal communities and found that the rise of flowering plants, evolved teeth, and dinosaur extinction drove changes in mammalian diversity. Ecological richness was primarily driven by vegetation type, with modern mammals focusing on plant-based diets.
Researchers have identified distinct sensory neuron systems for detecting different intensities of cold in mammals, which may lead to the development of new drugs for treating cold-related pain. The study found that Trpm8 neurons detect acute cold and NaV1.8-expressing neurons detect prolonged extreme cold.
A study of 400,000 camera-trap records from 36 mammal species on three continents found that tropical mammals respond to changing local temperatures and other species nearby. Temperatures did not increase drastically overall during the study period, but micro habitat use changed over time due to temperature fluctuations.
Researchers found four bat lineages that live at least four times longer than other mammals and identified life history features predicting extended life spans. Hibernating bat species in higher latitudes are found to live longer, possibly due to their ability to adjust body temperature.
Researchers found that forelimb diversity increased around 270 million years ago with the emergence of Permian therapsids. This increase may have allowed for new forelimb functions and enhanced locomotion capabilities.
Researchers found a wide variety of different forelimb shapes evolved within the therapsids 270 million years ago. This discovery helps explain how mammals evolved traits that have made us what we are today, from simple tasks like holding a phone to more complex behaviors.
A comparative animal study published in JNeurosci found that alligators encode sound location like birds but differently than mammals. The reptile's brain constructs neural maps to chart sound location, a feature observed in close relatives of the alligator, but not in mammals.
A comprehensive review of marine mammal noise exposure has yielded new policy recommendations for regulatory agencies worldwide. The panel's report provides guidelines to avoid harm and includes species-specific criteria for noise exposure, based on the latest scientific knowledge.