A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that the Bahamian anole lizard's genetic variation is surprisingly low, making it unlikely to adapt quickly to future climate scenarios. The research suggests that strong selection pressure in the past may have eliminated future genetic variation.
A new study reveals that thermal physiological differences allowed Greater Antillean anoles to occupy different microclimates, facilitating species coexistence. The research found that species diverged in thermal tolerance and sprint performance, with warmer environment species having higher maximum temperatures and optimal temperatures.
Increasing temperatures and mercury pollution shift female-to-male ratios in snapping turtles, favoring male offspring in agricultural habitats. Field experiments found that temperature profiles and soil moisture content influenced sex determination, while mercury levels correlated with the development of more male offspring.
A new ancestor of modern sea turtles has been found in Alabama, dating back to the Late Cretaceous epoch. The discovery reveals two distinct species within the Peritresius clade, expanding the known evolutionary history of these marine reptiles.
A new study found that scientific models used to determine which species and habitats to protect lack critical information, leading to ineffective conservation efforts. The research highlights the need for more accurate species distribution models to target conservation efforts in areas with the most impact.
Researchers have identified human-specific cancers that differ from animal counterparts, suggesting potential evolutionary origins. The study reveals cancer patterns in humans vary significantly from those of other species, highlighting the need for further investigation into the evolutionary underpinnings of cancer.
A new method prioritizes species for conservation efforts in the face of uncertainty. The approach overcomes data limitations to identify phylogenetic conservation priorities, producing accurate estimates of evolutionary distinctness scores.
A team from Trinity College Dublin discovered two new families of proteins, PALI1 and PALI2, that are vital for embryonic development and controlling cellular identity in complex animals. These proteins help understand why cells look and act differently despite having identical genes.
Researchers discovered that SOX10 and SOX5 transcription factors interact differently in zebrafish and medaka fish to develop pigment cells. The study suggests that these proteins may work together to form a novel pigment cell type, the leucophore, which could offer clues about how new cell types evolve.
A 180 million-year-old pregnant ichthyosaur has been discovered in Yorkshire, featuring six to eight tiny embryos. This find is significant as it is the first time a reptilian embryo has been found in Yorkshire and the youngest of British embryo-bearing specimens.
A new study reveals that many viruses infecting humans today have ancient evolutionary histories dating back to the first vertebrates, with discoveries made in fish and reptiles. The research, a collaboration between several institutions, found 214 novel RNA viruses in healthy animals, including relatives of Ebola and influenza viruses.
A team of researchers found that changes in sea levels during the Early Triassic period were caused by variations in the Earth's tilt, affecting ocean and groundwater volumes. The study suggests that this natural process may contribute significantly to future sea-level rise.
A decade of fossil collecting in Tanzania and Zambia has provided new perspectives on the Triassic period, revealing regional patterns and similarities across different geographic areas. The findings highlight the presence of early dinosaurs, such as Teleocrater, and other animals that co-existed with them.
Researchers have identified a new species of ancient reptile, Colobops noviportensis, with unusually developed jaw muscles, revealing insights into prehistoric environments and animal adaptations. The discovery sheds light on the origins of modern vertebrates in a world already inhabited by diverse physical extremes.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of 57 platypuses across Eastern Australia and Tasmania, establishing a family history and kinship in unprecedented detail. The study provides insights into population structure, diversity, and evolutionary forces at work, shedding light on the conservation challenges facing this unique species.
New research shows that banded mongooses living in large groups adopt specialized diets to avoid fighting over food. This adaptation allows them to reduce competition and maintain group harmony.
A recent study found that female southern African pythons incubate eggs and care for their babies for about two weeks after hatching. During this time, the mother's body temperature increases significantly, and she loses up to 40% of her body mass.
Researchers discovered six new species of pterosaurs with remarkable diversity in size and shape, contradicting previous studies that suggested a decline before the mass extinction. The fossils date to just over 66 million years ago, revealing that these flying reptiles dominated the skies until their extinction.
A new study predicts that climate change will severely impact the Albertine Rift, one of Africa's most biodiverse regions. Nearly 50% of endemic mammals, birds, plants, and other species found nowhere else on earth are expected to become threatened by 2080.
A study found that trappers in Madagascar do not perceive conservation as important to their work, and the income from wildlife trade is not enough to create incentives for species and habitat protection. The research suggests that local people's engagement in biodiversity conservation needs to be better incorporated into policies.
Researchers from the University of Toronto discovered that Captorhinus, a small reptile from the Early Permian period, could detach its tail to escape predators. The reptiles had naturally occurring cracks in their vertebrae that allowed them to break away and escape relatively unharmed.
A new study reveals that primitive air-breathing fish, such as the South American lungfish, exhibit similar mechanisms controlling the heart as mammals. These mechanisms include a periodic breathing pattern and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), which enables the fish to maximize oxygen uptake during air-breathing bouts.
An ASU study has shed light on the biodiversity of anole lizard family trees by comparing their genomes with those of other animals. The research found that genes involved in interbrain development, color vision, and hormones may contribute to species boundaries.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have discovered the neural circuit controlling cuttlefish's dynamic skin papillae, enabling 3D camouflage. The discovery opens up new avenues for biologically-inspired material design and may shed light on cephalopod perception.
Researchers at Linköping University found that fruit flies do not have a shorter lifespan due to having one X chromosome. Instead, the study suggests that competition for mates may be responsible for the sex difference in lifespan. Further research will investigate alternative theories.
A NUS study has identified complex networks driving international wildlife trade, with large portions of markets remaining unknown. The findings suggest a nuanced approach to regulation is needed to address unsustainable harvesting and species extinction.
Researchers analyzed over 270 million years of data to find that mammals and birds are better equipped to evolve and adapt to a changing climate. They have the ability to regulate their body temperature, allowing them to thrive in colder temperatures.
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that moisture conditions inside sea turtle nests significantly affect the development and sex ratios of turtle embryos. The coolest and wettest substrates produce 100% males, while warmer and drier ones produce fewer males.
A study covering 300 million years of evolutionary history found that only a few extinct animals developed tail weaponized features. The researchers identified four essential traits: large body size, armor, herbivory, and thoracic stiffness. These conditions are rarely seen in living animals, explaining the rarity of modern tail weaponry.
Researchers discovered that humans lost a gene linked to a toxic sugar in red meat, protecting us from some diseases but increasing health risks. The study also found that certain fish have the gene, making caviar high in the sugar, while birds and reptiles do not.
A study on late Permian ecosystems sheds light on biodiversity and species distribution near the equator. The research found an unusual variety of species in fiery, hot deserts, challenging the assumption that tropical regions are diversity hubs.
A genetic change 2 million years ago led to humans' immunity to diseases but made red meat a health risk. University of Nevada researchers analyzed animal genome sequences to determine when the CMAH gene became inactive, finding significant concentrations in fish eggs and some reptiles.
The oldest plesiosaur, Rhaeticosaurus mertensi, was a strong swimmer with modified limbs and a short tail. It had a streamlined neck and powerful muscles to propel itself through the water.
A new study reveals that extinct sauropterygians evolved inner ear proportions similar to those of modern aquatic reptiles and mammals. Researchers found similarities between the inner ears of ancient sea monsters like plesiosaurs and modern animals such as crocodiles, whales, and sea turtles.
A new study reveals that extinct marine reptiles called sauropterygians evolved similar inner ear proportions to modern aquatic reptiles and mammals. The research found that nearshore sauropterygians had ears similar to those of crocodiles, while fully-aquatic plesiosaurs had ears similar to sea turtles.
A reevaluation of the Haarlem specimen reveals it to be a predator anchiornithid rather than Archaeopteryx, shedding new light on the evolutionary transition from reptiles to birds. The fossil's taxonomic analysis suggests that modern birds are direct descendants of carnivorous dinosaurs.
Researchers found that pigeons process space and time in ways similar to humans and other primates, using a common neural coding mechanism. This suggests that abstract concepts are not processed separately and that lower-order animal species can exhibit high-level decision-making abilities.
Researchers decoded two worm genomes and found genetic similarities with vertebrates, including humans. They share genes involved in multicellularity and head development with deuterostomes, despite being distantly related. This discovery highlights the dynamic nature of animal genome evolution and our connection to ancient ancestors.
Researchers have found hundreds of well-preserved pterosaur eggs, including 16 with embryonic remains, providing insights into their development and reproductive strategy. The study suggests that these flying reptiles may have needed parental care and engaged in colonial breeding.
Researchers identified key genes involved in scale and feather development, demonstrating their ability to convert scales into feathers by turning on specific molecular circuits. The study reveals five morpho-regulatory modules essential for modern feather formation and potentially explains how early birds evolved flight.
A study on an unusual snapping turtle with one lung found shared characteristics with humans born with one lung who survive beyond infancy. The researchers used digital 3D anatomical models to compare the architecture of the branching patterns inside the lungs and position of the lungs relative to the shell.
A Penn State study found that glow sticks can greatly increase amphibian captures by up to six times, making it a more efficient and cost-effective method. The researchers used glow sticks to lure adult salamanders and frogs into traps set in vernal pools, resulting in a significant capture rate.
A new study reveals that mammals began living in the daytime approximately 66 million years ago, shortly after the dinosaurs' disappearance. The ancestors of simian primates were among the first to abandon nocturnal activity, with their visual adaptations comparable to diurnal reptiles and birds.
Experts weigh in on whether keeping reptiles and amphibians as pets should be restricted due to public health and animal welfare concerns. A team from Ghent University argues that with proper information and care, these animals pose no greater burden than traditional pets.
A nearly complete Jurassic ichthyosaur fossil was discovered in India, measuring over 5.5 meters in length. The fossil is believed to belong to the Ophthalmosauridae family and is thought to have lived between 165-90 million years ago.
A new database identifies 1,189 threatened island species and the invasive species driving their decline. Effective management could prevent extinctions for 95% of these species.
Researchers have retrieved original pigment, beta-keratin and muscle proteins from a 54-million-year-old sea turtle hatchling, providing direct evidence that a pigmentation-based survival trait evolved in ancient sea turtles. The study confirms the preservation of multiple proteins over millions of years.
An international team has produced a catalogue and atlas of the world's reptiles, linking it with existing maps for birds, mammals, and amphibians. The new data reveals urgent conservation concerns, including drylands and deserts, where conservation action is vital.
Scientists discovered a prehistoric squid's remains in the stomach of a nearly 200-million-year-old newborn ichthyosaur. The young ichthyosaur was around 70 cm long and had a complete set of bones, making it exceptionally well-preserved.
A newly identified prehistoric marine predator has shed light on the origins of ancient reptiles. The Melksham Monster, a 10-foot-long animal that lived in warm seas during the Middle Jurassic, reveals an early rise of these distant relatives.
A study found that living South American horned frogs have similar bite forces to mammalian predators, capable of subduing prey much larger than themselves. The research estimated the bite force of the giant extinct frog Beelzebufo may have had a bite up to 2200 N.
A study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology reveals that hundreds of male frog species undergo temporary color changes during their breeding season. These color changes serve as a signal to other males, indicating which frogs are suitable partners and improving chances of successful pairings.
A global analysis of 27,000 vertebrate animal species found that those in the Goldilocks zone face a lower risk of extinction than larger or smaller species. The largest and smallest species are disproportionately threatened by human activities such as harvesting and habitat loss.
A new study reveals that birds' skulls evolved differently from their relatives, resembling those of young dinosaurs and crocodiles. The team's analysis suggests that adult modern birds retain features of 'young' dinosaur ancestors, such as proportionally larger brains and eyes.
A new study reveals a clear relationship between the frontal bones and forebrain as well as parietal bones and midbrain in dinosaurs and birds. The research used CT scanning techniques to analyze embryos of lizards, alligators, and birds, confirming the link found in reptiles.
The largest ever recorded Ichthyosaurus was a pregnant adult female, estimated to be 3-3.5m long, and is an important discovery for the field of palaeontology. The specimen, found in a museum collection, has provided valuable insights into the size range of the species and the presence of embryos.
Scientists have found that trained dogs are more successful in detecting hermit beetle larvae than traditional methods. Using trained dogs can locate new populations, confirm the presence of target species, and map colonized trees accurately and efficiently.
A recent study found that European countries with high levels of biodiversity, such as Portugal and Slovakia, receive less funding for conservation than expected. The study suggests that the main European directives on conservation focus too much on bird species, leading to an underfunding of other taxonomic groups.
A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that the protein GDF11 plays a crucial role in determining the position of the hindlimb in tetrapods. The researchers discovered that species-specific hindlimb positioning is linked to changes in the timing or rate of GDF11 expression during embryonic development.
Research by James Cook University found that tree cover helps both tree-dwelling and ground-dwelling reptiles thrive on grazed land. Conservative stocking rates and retaining standing trees can increase native animal populations.