Researchers studied genome sequences of various species to understand the genetic factors behind limb loss in snakes. By analyzing gene regulatory elements, they found that only one gene was lost in snakes, but not its associated regulatory element, suggesting a more complex process.
At least 200 large animal species are declining in population and over 150 are under threat of extinction due to humans' meat consumption habits. Megafauna populations are experiencing a 70% decline, with 59% facing extinction.
A recent study found that warmer sea-surface temperatures in the Gulf of Maine are a key predictor of cold-stunning events among juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtles. The number of cold-stunned turtles is increasing at an alarming rate, with over 2,300 predicted by 2031.
A team of researchers analyzed Anchiornis feathers to understand the evolution of flight in dinosaurs and birds. They found that Anchiornis feathers contained both beta-keratins and alpha-keratins, a combination not seen in modern feathers.
Researchers warn that China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) threatens native species and biodiversity due to high-risk introduction hotspots along proposed Economic Corridors. The team recommends early prevention, strict surveillance, rapid response, and effective control measures to mitigate the risk of biological invasions.
Researchers at the University of Queensland found that 94 species of animals in Australia's forests and woodlands attack bird nests. The top five nest predators were the pied currawong, square-tailed kite, tiger snake, laughing kookaburra, and grey strike-thrush, attacking prey from 40% of measured species.
A new study reveals that polar marine predators have a metabolic advantage in cold temperatures, allowing them to thrive with greater species richness at the poles than in the tropics. This challenges the typical latitudinal gradient of increasing diversity towards the equator.
Fossils of well-armed and substantial flying reptiles from the UK's Jurassic period have been uncovered, revealing multiple pterosaur lineages, including a new species with a wingspan of two metres. The research sheds light on the evolution of flying reptiles and their role in understanding global natural history.
A study found that four mammalian lineages coexisted with the dinosaurs and survived the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. Some species were more resilient than others, while others diversified rapidly in response to new environmental conditions.
A recent study published by University of Queensland researchers sheds light on the responses of various species to major climate events. The research found that extreme weather events such as cyclones, droughts, and floods are causing unpredictable changes to ecosystems, leading to population declines and local extinctions.
Researchers are conducting a comprehensive study of the walking cavefish to better understand the 'fin-to-limb' transition that enabled the first vertebrates to walk on land. The project aims to identify the genomic, morphological and mechanical qualities that enable fish to walk on land.
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution reveals that pterosaurs had at least four types of feathers, including simple filaments and down feathers, which are also found in modern birds and dinosaur groups. The discovery pushes back the origin of feathers by approximately 70 million years.
Researchers discovered four kinds of pterosaur feathers, similar to those found in birds and dinosaurs. These findings push the origin of feathers back to 250 million years ago, revealing a key moment in life's evolution.
Scientists have observed a previously unrecognized swarming behavior in Spironucleus vortens, a single-celled parasite infecting ornamental fish. The swarm exhibits highly coordinated movement, suggesting interactions between the flagellates, which may contribute to its life cycle and lead to novel treatments.
A 180-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil has yielded surprisingly well-preserved soft tissues, including skin that retains some of its original pliability. The study reveals the presence of blubber under the skin, similar to modern whales and sea turtles.
A Jurassic ichthyosaur, Stenopterygius, had skin similar to that of a whale and coloration similar to living marine animals for camouflage. The discovery indicates the animal was likely warm-blooded and used subcutaneous blubber.
A team of scientists has found medullary bone in a Cretaceous bird fossil, providing the first occurrence of this tissue outside of modern birds. The discovery links birds and dinosaurs, challenging previous assumptions about their relationship.
A new study suggests that real-world learning experiences, such as summer camps, can boost key components of learning in children. Researchers found that 4- to 9-year-old kids knew more about how animals are classified after a four-day camp at a zoo.
The tegu lizard's genome has been sequenced to an unprecedented level of quality, revealing its ability to regulate its body temperature and potentially threatening native species. The high-quality genome assembly will aid scientists in studying other lizards and snakes, shedding light on their evolutionary history.
A recent study has analyzed nearly 2,400 protein-coding genes to understand the family relationships and evolutionary history of Hemiptera insects. The findings reveal that piercing and sucking mouthparts likely evolved over 350 million years ago, providing insight into the group's diverse feeding strategies.
The discovery of Lisowicia bojani, a massive four-legged creature from the Late Triassic period, suggests that mammalian ancestors could reach gigantic body sizes and challenge established beliefs about dicynodonts.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered a new species of gigantic dicynodont, Lisowicia bojani, in Poland. The species is estimated to be around 4.5 meters long, 2.6 meters high, and weigh 9 tons, making it the largest non-dinosaurian terrestrial tetrapod from the Triassic period.
A study by the University of Sheffield reveals that high levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution damage plant defenses, leading to poor growth in herbivorous insects. The research suggests that urban green spaces play a modest role in removing pollutants from the air.
A research collaboration found that Haiti has lost over 99% of its primary forests, triggering an ongoing mass extinction of reptiles, amphibians, and other species. The country is expected to lose all remaining primary forest cover in less than two decades, resulting in the disappearance of most endemic species.
Deforestation in Haiti has led to the loss of primary forest cover on 42 of its 50 largest mountains. This has resulted in mass extinctions among reptiles, amphibians, and other vertebrates. The study's findings suggest that over the next two decades, all of Haiti's remaining primary forest will be lost.
A research team from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul has published data on bird and reptile roadkill on Brazil's notorious BR-262 highway. The study found 930 animals representing 29 reptile and 47 bird species, with new records including the Black-and-white hawk-eagle.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered a new way bacteria evade the human immune system by shutting down flagella expression, making it difficult for the immune system to detect and respond. This finding has significant implications for understanding antibiotic resistance and developing new treatments.
Cuttlefish control camouflage by directly acting on skin cells called chromatophores, producing local changes in contrast. Through statistical analysis of chromatophore output, researchers inferred motor neuron activity and higher levels of control, peering into the brain's camouflage system.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Brain Research and Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies developed techniques to reveal the cuttlefish brain's control network. By analyzing skin pattern dynamics, they inferred motor neuron activity and predicted higher-level control structures, providing insights into biological camouflage.
Researchers have successfully produced healthy mice with two mothers, who go on to have normal offspring of their own. In contrast, mice with two fathers only survived for a couple of days. The breakthrough uses haploid embryonic stem cells and targeted gene editing to overcome genomic imprinting barriers.
Researchers confirm lizards enter two distinct sleep states similar to slow-wave and REM sleep in humans and other animals. However, the study reveals differences in brain activity between species, including slower eye movements and unique cerebral patterns in lizard brains.
Researchers applied job search theoretical models to study hunters' decision-making, identifying optimal stopping points and dietary trait thresholds to manage hunting pressure. The model could be used to infer changes in harvested prey communities and evaluate the efficacy of hunting regulations.
Researchers tracked adders translocated from a development site in Essex and found that male snakes dispersed significantly more than resident ones. One male even returned to his original home after being released, highlighting the need for new conservation strategies.
A study examining the windpipes of birds, crocodiles, salamanders, mice, and cats found deep similarities in the presence of a reinforced airway structure, suggesting that the syrinx may have evolved for structural support. This challenges the long-held assumption that the syrinx is an evolutionary odd duck.
Scientists discovered that mammals' flexible shoulders played a crucial role in the evolution of their complex backbones. The study found that changes in shoulder structure occurred around 270 million years ago, leading to the development of different spine regions and ultimately contributing to mammal diversification.
Researchers analyzed fossilized backbones and reconstructions to better understand the evolution of mammals' distinct spinal regions. The study found that forelimb reorganization played a crucial role in driving regionalization across the spine, leading to the varied forms of modern mammals.
A recent study published in the Geological Society of America Bulletin suggests that the end-Permian mass extinction may have occurred in only 31,000 years, making it an instantaneous event by geological standards. The sudden extinction was likely caused by Siberian flood-basalt eruptions and local intensive explosive volcanism.
Researchers analyzed fossilized Mesosaurus bones to determine the species' lifestyle and behavior. The findings suggest that mature adults spent more time on land, while juveniles were semi-aquatic.
A new study found that rainy years lead to a 3.9% spike in snake bites across California's 58 counties, contradicting the notion that drought increases encounters with venomous reptiles. The researchers suspect that rodents, which thrive in rainy conditions, may be the primary driver of this unexpected trend.
A study of fossilized teeth shows that marine predators thrived as sea levels rose during the Jurassic Period, while species in shallower waters declined. The research also found that the food chain structure beneath the sea has remained largely unchanged since the Jurassic era.
A new study reveals insights into venomous species can lead to targeted drug development for human diseases. Potential advances include therapeutic peptides derived from sea anemones and spider toxins.
A newly discovered mammal fossil contains fossils of 38 babies, providing insight into the evolution of mammals' reproductive strategies. The discovery suggests that a key development in mammalian evolution was trading brood power for brain power.
Research by an international team from the University of Vienna reveals that remote islands have higher numbers of non-native species, which can lead to extinction events and threaten unique island species. The study found that isolation from the mainland increases the number of non-native species, while native species decline.
A Rutgers study finds that popular exotic pet reptiles and lizards are more likely to be released into the wild, causing ecological harm. The research highlights the need for education and resources to prevent these releases and mitigate invasive species.
A new species of African pygmy toad was discovered on one of Angola's most underexplored mountains, the Serra da Neve Inselberg. The new species lacks ears and is distinct from its close relatives.
Floral scents have been attracting pollinating insects and other animals since the mid-Cretaceous Period, providing olfactory excitement to these ancient creatures. The study found that modern and ancient flowers of the same lineages produced similar essences, suggesting a long history of floral fragrance production.
Researchers analyzed over 4,000 mosasaur fossil specimens to determine if quality impacts our understanding of past biodiversity. The study found that the rich fossil record provides an accurate picture of mosasaur diversity and evolutionary history despite variable completeness.
Researchers have found that widespread transfer of genes between species has radically changed the genomes of today's mammals. L1 and BovB jumping genes were transferred between 759 species across various domains of life, including plants, animals, fungi, reptiles, and insects.
A study by Sebastian Brackhane reveals that saltwater crocodile attacks in East Timor have increased since the species' recovery under conservation. The research suggests that juvenile crocodiles migrate from Australia to find new habitats, highlighting a growing human-crocodile conflict in the region.
Researchers discovered that zebrafish use a near-360 degree view to detect threatening silhouettes in black-and-white and seek out food by detecting UV light scattering. Their unique four-color vision system is unlike any other vertebrate, with half of their neurons dedicated to eyes that are substantial metabolic investments.
A new study predicts that climate change will have a more significant impact on global biodiversity than land use changes by 2070. Vertebrate communities are expected to lose between a tenth and over a quarter of their species locally due to climate change.
Researchers identified over 8,000 endogenous retroviruses in 72 fish species, 4 amphibians, and 16 reptiles, greatly expanding the known diversity of retroviruses. The study suggests that retroviruses frequently switched between hosts and originated from aquatic environments.
A new study published in Biological Reviews analyzed over 300 statements about pterosaur diets and found that most are based on inferences drawn from modern organisms or fossil environments. This lack of reliable evidence has led to a wide range of proposed diets, with some groups showing strong agreement while others remain uncertain.
Tiny dinoflagellate fossils discovered in Jurassic rocks of south-western Queensland suggest a short-lived precursor to the Eromanga Sea. The fossils date back 148 million years, providing evidence of rising sea levels and incursions of saltwater inland.
Research found that geckos can survive and even thrive in the hottest years, despite high temperatures and drought. They prefer hiding places with a temperature range of 30-35 degrees Celsius to digest their food properly.
Researchers have created the most comprehensive tree of life for malaria parasites, revealing diverse evolutionary lineages and proposing that some species should be renamed. The study included DNA sequence data from over 20 genes and sampled 58 malaria species across eight genera, correcting for biased DNA ratios.
Researchers used a novel approach to study the movement of ancient birds and reptiles, finding that many assumed poses were impossible due to ligament limitations. This challenges traditional views on pterosaur flight and provides new methods for assessing joint mobility in extinct species.
A new report reveals that limiting warming to 1.5°C would avoid half the risks associated with warming of 2°C for plants and animals, and two-thirds of the risks for insects. Species in Southern Africa, the Amazon, Europe, and Australia would particularly benefit.
Scientists analyzed 107 mammal genomes to find genes that allowed early ancestors to digest insects. They discovered nearly all mammals have remnants of these genes, suggesting a shared insectivorous diet with our distant ancestors.
Researchers at Duke University and Zhejiang Wanli University identified a key gene called Kdm6b that affects how genes are expressed in turtles, determining their sex. The study found that cooler egg incubation temperatures activate the Kdm6b gene, leading to testes development and producing males.