A new study investigates how wild pig invasions are dependent on the availability of crops and non-agricultural food sources. The researchers found that pigs eat and damage agriculture more when it is highly available, but this behavior lessens when non-agricultural food sources are also highly available.
The study found that at least 5,579 animals are currently being traded globally, with impacts tend to be higher among certain groups and in threatened species. The researchers predict that up to 8,775 species could soon be at risk of extinction due to future commodification.
A team of evolutionary biologists discovered that atavistic limb muscles, lost in adult humans, are formed during early human development and then disappear. These muscles are present in many limbed animals but are absent in adults. The study uses high-quality 3D images to analyze the development of human arm and leg muscles.
A fossil skull found in a Bavarian town in the 1770s has been recognized as Mystriosaurus laurillardi, a now-extinct species that lived in tropical waters during the Jurassic Period. Researchers have also identified another skull discovered in Yorkshire, belonging to the same species.
Researchers propose that the two large holes in a T. rex skull were filled with blood vessels instead of muscles, based on thermal imaging and studies of alligators. This new theory challenges over a century of previous beliefs about T. rex anatomy.
Scientists successfully edited the genes of albino lizards using CRISPR-Cas9, allowing them to study gene regulation and vision development. The technique, which can be applied to other animals, demonstrates a new approach for manipulating reptile genomes.
A recent study from Uppsala University and Polish Academy of Sciences describes the contents of three Jurassic pterosaur coprolites, revealing a diet rich in foraminifera, small shells, and polychaete worms. The findings suggest that these Late Jurassic pterosaurs were filter feeders, similar to modern flamingos.
The study found that melanosome size and geometry vary between species and organs within a species. Melanosomes from fossils differ significantly in size, geometry, and chemistry depending on body region, suggesting a role for melanosomes in metal metabolism and providing new insights into extinct vertebrate anatomy.
The study found a significant decline in global freshwater megafauna populations, with large fish species like sturgeons and salmonids facing the highest threats. Conservation efforts have shown some success, but monitoring and protection remain inadequate for many species.
A 289-million-year-old lizard-like animal exhibited a bone condition similar to Paget's disease, indicating early susceptibility to the disorder. The study provides evidence of an ancient case of a bone metabolic disorder, shedding light on the evolution of diseases in early life forms.
Researchers found that turtle embryos move towards warmer ends of eggs and develop into females or males based on the temperature gradient. This study provides a rare 'good news' story about conservation, as it suggests that turtles may be more resilient to climate change than thought.
A UBC-led study found that Indigenous-managed lands have the highest levels of biodiversity worldwide, with even protected areas coming in second. The research highlights the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities to protect species and conserving biodiversity beyond traditional conservation boundaries.
Tracy Langkilde has been recognized for her research on how animals adapt to changes in their environments. She has studied the behavior of lizards towards fire ants and explored the impact of noise pollution on frogs' communication abilities.
A new study reveals that despite regulations, over 60,000 exotic animals are abandoned in Spain each year, causing significant harm to the environment. The researchers argue that improving biosafety measures, training buyers, and regulating importation can help reduce this problem.
A four-year study will investigate how green sea turtles' reproductive behaviors influence the effects of climate change. The research team, led by Lisa Komoroske, will use genetic samples and satellite telemetry to estimate sex ratios and predict population viability under different climate scenarios.
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.
Scientists have discovered that zebrafish display two states of sleep similar to mammals, reptiles, and birds: slow-wave sleep and paradoxical sleep. This finding suggests that neural signatures of sleep evolved at least 450 million years ago in ancient fish.
A study by researchers at Technical University of Munich found that fungal communities have darker mushrooms in cold climates, suggesting a correlation between coloration and temperature regulation. This mechanism may improve reproduction by allowing fungi to harness solar energy.
A study on the cultural status of saltwater crocodiles in East Timor reveals a complex relationship between humans and animals. The research highlights the importance of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into wildlife management to address severe human-crocodile conflict.
A study on squamate skulls reveals that diet, habitat, and evolutionary forces shape the wide range of skull features. The research found correlations between skull traits, with aquatic and burrowing species exhibiting rapid evolution.
Researchers reverse-engineered a primordial protein and inserted it into a living bacterium, successfully powering its metabolism, growth, and reproduction. The discovery sheds light on the origins of metabolism and has implications for synthetic biology and bioelectronics.
Researchers found ancient crocodile relatives had complex teeth indicating herbivory, appearing three to six times in the dataset. The findings suggest a veggie diet arose at least three times and possibly six times in the distant cousins of modern crocodiles shortly after mass extinctions.
Researchers have discovered that multiple ancient groups of crocodyliforms were not the carnivores they are known for, but rather plant-eaters. The study found evidence of herbivory in extinct relatives of modern crocodiles up to six times, suggesting a wide range of dietary ecologies.
Researchers used microscopic images to differentiate between carnivores and herbivores among lepidosauria species. Fine distinctions were made between algae-, fruit-, and mollusk-eating species, pointing towards the discovery of first herbivorous terrestrial vertebrates.
Scientists discovered ancient crocodile species' climate sensitivity, suggesting they served as 'climate clocks.' Fossil analysis mapped their distribution to reconstruct global temperatures during the Eocene-Oligocene epochs. The study provides new insights into how these ancient reptiles adapted to changing climates.
Researchers found that atmospheric oxygen exposure triggers removal of interdigital webbing during embryo development. This mechanism is thought to be shared by all tetrapods and contributes to limb shape variation. The study provides insight into the evolutionary process behind limb development in animals.
Recent research suggests that pathogens may have driven the evolution of warm-blooded animals by providing a selective advantage. By maintaining stable body temperatures, mammals and birds can prime their immune systems to withstand virulent pathogens, making endothermy a more favorable strategy than ectothermy.
A new study reveals the role of the exotic pet trade in introducing invasive vertebrate populations across the globe. The researchers found that socioeconomic and socioecological factors drive the trade, with basic market forces being the main impetus for exotic vertebrates.
Chimpanzees use percussive technique to gain access to meat of inaccessible reptiles, exhibiting intelligent behavior. They plan for future needs, such as hunger, in a surprising display of cognitive flexibility.
A large-scale study has investigated the composition of microorganisms in the digestive tract of animals, revealing evolutionary relationships between host species and their gut microbiomes. The study found that closely related species share similar microbial communities, while diet also plays a significant role in shaping the gut micr...
Brazilian researchers developed a software program called Polyploid Gene Assembler (PGA) to map specific portions of plant DNA, saving at least two orders of magnitude compared to mapping the whole genome. The technique uses publicly available data from related grasses to locate genes of interest for plant breeders.
A red-shouldered hawk was observed attacking and dismembering a ghost crab on a South Carolina beach. The incident is the first documented case of a raptor consuming any species of crab in North America.
Researchers found that warmer water temperatures during early development increase the proportion of male southern flounder, with up to 94% in some cases. This could threaten wild populations and commercial fishing industries that rely on larger female flounder.
Chemical engineers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that mimics feeding, fighting, and fleeing responses in microbial particles. The system uses catalyst-coated sheets to create chemical gradients, allowing particles to respond to their environment and interact with each other.
A study published in PNAS confirms that zoos and aquariums hold critical information about more than 98% of known species, including fertility and survival rates. By analyzing data from the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), researchers were able to fill large gaps in demographic knowledge for these species.
Researchers study coelacanth specimens at different stages of cranial development, providing new insights into the biology of this iconic animal. The study reveals unique observations about the development of the living coelacanth skull and brain, and opens up new avenues for research on the evolution of vertebrate heads.
A mathematical model shows that sacrificing a few offspring can lead to increased total offspring survival, especially in overcrowded environments. This suggests that filial cannibalism and offspring abandonment might be considered forms of parental care.
A recent study published in Conservation Letters reveals that working with Indigenous rangers produced significant improvements in conservation research outcomes. The study, led by Dr Georgia Ward-Fear, demonstrates the value of culturally diverse teams and local knowledge in scientific research.
A newly identified species of 150 million-year-old marine crocodile has given insights into how a group of ancient animals evolved. The fossil, named Cricosaurus bambergensis, features distinguishing characteristics in its jaws and tail, aiding greater understanding of the metriorhynchid family.
The study identifies regions under high-intensity threat from commercial harvesting of species, highlighting urgent need for sustainable use and protection. High-risk areas contain 82% of impacted species, with only 16% covered by protected areas on land.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding snake genomes, including the evolution of venom genes, dosage compensation mechanisms, and sex determination systems. The study provides a comprehensive genomic context for these complex biological processes, offering new insights into the unique adaptations of snakes.
A 125 million-year-old fossil of a bird hatchling has revealed feathers, confirming it was 'precocial' and 'out of the egg running'. The discovery uses laser imaging technology to uncover previously unknown feathering in the fossil specimen.
Researchers found alligators build neural maps of sound like birds do, indicating a common ancestor with dinosaurs shared this hearing strategy. The study suggests that the strategy may be more related to common ancestry than physical features such as skull size.
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.
New research suggests climate change could devastate painted turtle populations as temperature fluctuations disrupt the sex ratio, potentially leading to population collapse. The study found that warmer temperatures combined with stronger thermal fluctuations increase the risk of drastic shifts in demographics, ultimately threatening t...
A new species of frog, Astrobatrachus kurichiyana, has been discovered in the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India, revealing a window into the region's deep history. The Starry Dwarf Frog shares ancestry with two existing subfamilies but exhibits divergent characteristics.
A new species of stiletto snake, Atractaspis branchi, has been discovered in the western Upper Guinea forests. The snake can attack and stab sideways with its fangs sticking out of the corner of its mouth, making it difficult to handle.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh found evidence that a juvenile T. rex fed on a plant-eating Edmontosaurus dinosaur, despite lacking adult bone-crushing abilities. The discovery provides insight into how T. rex developed changes in diet and feeding habits as it grew.
A team of palaeontologists has found an abundant collection of plesiosaur fossils in Morella, Castellón, Spain, dating back to the Lower Cretaceous period. The discovery includes a previously unknown species, Leptocleidus, which was believed to inhabit only England, Australia, and South Africa.
Researchers found that two specific genes, SPR and BCO2, are responsible for yellow and orange/red pigmentation in wall lizards. These genes also affect behavior, size, fighting ability, and reproductive strategies, with different-colored individuals preferring mates of their own color.
A University of Michigan-led team of biologists has documented 15 rare and disturbing predator-prey interactions in the Amazon rainforest, including images of tarantulas dragging opossums across the forest floor. The study highlights the importance of arthropods like spiders as a source of vertebrate mortality in tropical ecosystems.
A new study reveals neural mechanisms responsible for local search in C. elegans, showing that smell and touch responses function independently. The researchers also found that altering brain activity can trigger extended search periods, potentially related to short-term memory.
A Bristol undergraduate student has digitally reconstructed the skulls of two species of ancient reptiles from fossil fragments, revealing significant differences in their appearance and feeding habits. The research provides new insights into the evolution of these prehistoric creatures.
Researchers at King's College London found that Wnt signalling can be activated to revive a rudimentary dental lamina (RSDL) in mice, allowing for the formation of additional teeth. This breakthrough demonstrates potential for tooth replacement and provides insights into mammalian evolution and trait restoration.
Researchers found four different types of eggs from birds, lizards, and crocodiles, suggesting a shared nesting site. This discovery provides evidence of an ancient ecological strategy where animals co-habited and safely incubated their eggs together.
A new study found that genetic diversity is key to helping frogs survive the deadly Ranavirus disease. The research showed that a specific combination of immune genes can help tadpoles limit the severity of the virus. This finding has implications for frog species in Florida, which are threatened by the disease.
A recent study found that humans are responsible for more than 25% of vertebrate deaths globally. The research analyzed 42,755 animal deaths and found that 28% were directly caused by humans. Larger animals and adults are more likely to be killed by humans.
Scientists have discovered a new genus and species of mosquito in Myanmar amber dating back 100 million years, indicating that anopheline mosquitoes were present during this time period. This finding sheds light on the history of malaria and may offer clues on how its modern-day life cycle evolved.
Research finds less than a third of world's Key Biodiversity Areas have pristine night skies, while over half are under artificially bright skies. This study highlights the significant impact of light pollution on ecosystems, causing changes in species behavior and ecosystem cycles.