Researchers found that poison frogs will carry experimentally placed tadpoles to pools, triggering parental care instinct. The study suggests that tactile stimuli from the tadpoles play a key role in this complex behavior.
A new study reveals that severe Perkinsea infections (SPI) is the third most common infectious disease of frogs in North America. Mass mortalities caused by SPI resulted in up to 95% tadpole population deaths, further jeopardizing frog populations.
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 team of paleontologists at the University of Toronto discovered that ancient amphibians had a vast array of tiny teeth, called denticles, on the roofs of their mouths. These toothy plates were ideal for holding onto prey and may have facilitated swallowing prey via eyeball retraction, similar to modern amphibians.
A new study found that climate change will impact fish survival globally, with sensitivity varying between ocean-dwelling and freshwater fish. The analysis predicts breaking-point temperatures for over 3,000 species, highlighting the urgent need for conservation strategies to support fish adaptation and migration.
New research reveals that true frogs' rapid global dispersal was not associated with an increase in net-diversification, contradicting long-held scientific expectations. The study found that the origin of these frogs was Indochina, and their diversification occurred over millions of years through a steady accumulation of species.
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 led by Penn State researchers found that wood frog populations are more sensitive to changes in temperature or temperature interacting with precipitation than to changes in precipitation alone. This suggests that sensitivity to climate change cannot be predicted solely by knowing locations within the species' climate envelope.
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.
Researchers found that wood frogs with pesticide tolerance are more susceptible to a deadly virus and a parasitic worm, while those far from agriculture have reduced susceptibility. This study highlights the complexity of pesticide-parasite interactions and the need to consider multiple stressors in environmental conservation.
The project aims to understand the evolution of frog eyes using genomic, morphological, physiological, and spectrophotometric data. Researchers will study how differences in habitat affect eye development and function in frogs, providing insight into vision evolution across life history transitions.
The American pika's behavioral adaptations to climate change include shifting mating seasons, migrations, and adjustments in feeding and foraging strategies. However, these adaptations are limited by physiology and may incur costly trade-offs with other essential activities.
A new phylogenetic tree resolves key relationships among vertebrates, including the identification of lungfishes as closest living relatives of land vertebrates. The study uses a novel set of analyses for building large-scale genomic datasets.
Scientists have discovered three new toad species in Nevada's Great Basin, with the Dixie Valley toad having unique physical features and a small population size. The finding is significant due to the rarity of toad discoveries in the United States.
Researchers found that amphibian susceptibility to parasites varies with proximity to agriculture and evolutionary responses to pesticides. Wood frogs living closer to agriculture with high baseline tolerance had lower trematode loads, while those far from agriculture with inducible pesticide tolerance had higher viral loads.
A new study finds over 30% of vertebrate species are declining in population size and range, with tropical regions hit hardest. The research suggests that the disappearance of species tells only part of the story of human impact on Earth's animals.
Research found that leaf-litter frog has twice the bacterial richness in continuous forest than in fragments, while others show no variation by forest type, highlighting individual species' unique habitats as key factors.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that American bullfrog embryos can learn about predators while still in the egg, developing faster and hiding more when exposed to predator signals. This allows them to avoid becoming vulnerable prey, making it harder to control their spread.
A new study has found that the mass extinction event that wiped out dinosaurs simultaneously led to the evolution of three major lineages of modern frogs, which make up about 88% of living species. This finding suggests that the survivors filled up new ecological niches after the extinction event, resulting in the rapid diversification...
A new study reveals that tadpoles living in low-temperature environments are more susceptible to DNA damage from UV radiation. This increased risk can lead to mutations and cell death, contributing to the global amphibian extinction crisis.
A four-year study by Rice ecologists found that strong environmental filters like predatory fish cause regular variations in dragonfly communities. The results show how these patterns can help predict biodiversity loss in specific habitats.
Researchers found clear links between volcanic activity and the end-Triassic mass extinction. The study revealed repeated large emissions of carbon dioxide from volcanoes, which led to a profound impact on the global climate.
Researchers discovered two ancient fossils from the Triassic Period that connect Kermit the Frog's relatives to wormlike creatures with sharp teeth. These findings expand the history of modern amphibians by 15 million years, closing a major gap in early caecilian evolution.
Researchers found that cells under frog skin contribute to regeneration after injury. This discovery could lead to understanding human skin repair mechanisms and developing treatments for scar-free healing.
The study found that the highest number of alien species can be found on islands and in coastal regions, with Hawaii leading the way. The researchers also discovered that densely populated areas and economically developed countries are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of new species.
Researchers found high numbers of invasive species in island and coastal regions, particularly in the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand's North Island, and Indonesia. The study highlights the need for effective measures to prevent further introductions of alien plants and animals into vulnerable ecosystems.
Researchers discovered that cane toads increase active re-uptake of salts and transport proteins to maintain internal salt levels when shedding their skin. This adaptation helps them regulate water and salt balances, which is crucial for their survival.
A new study found that species from groups with high ongoing diversification are at greater risk of extinction than slowly diversifying lineages. Saving just 20 species could safeguard an estimated 1.4 billion years of evolutionary history for fast-speciating amphibian groups.
A 10-year, $2.7 million project in Ontario reduced turtle deaths on a causeway by 89%, offering global lessons for protecting endangered species. The initiative included fencing, culverts, and public awareness campaigns to reduce roadkill, with significant success.
Herpetologists have discovered a new amphibian species, Ophryophryne elfina, in the highlands of Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam. The smallest known species of horned mountain toad, it has distinctive small horn-like projections above its eyes and inhabits wet subtropical evergreen forests at high elevations.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky discovered that macrophages play a crucial role in complex tissue regeneration in mammals. The team found that specific subtypes of macrophages are required for regeneration, which could lead to novel clinical approaches to restore damaged tissue in humans.
Tadpoles are highly attracted to adult frogs and try to mount them to escape their siblings. The study's findings have implications for understanding begging behaviors in poison frogs and parent-offspring conflicts in amphibians.
Researchers have identified a novel adenosine receptor gene, A2c, that mediates the appetizing smell of fish food in zebrafish and other aquatic vertebrates. This receptor is highly sensitive to ATP and related compounds, triggering foraging behaviors.
Climate change is shown to impact gut bacteria diversity in common lizards, with a 34% loss of microorganism diversity found at warmed temperatures. This finding highlights the importance of research into how climate change affects bacteria associated with plants and animals.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that grouping female American cockroaches promotes asexual egg production, with synchronized egg case delivery in synchrony. The females perceive female-specific chemosensory signals via their antennae, leading to increased fecundity and colony survival.
Researchers have found a carnivorous dinosaur relative with a crocodilian body plan, forcing them to re-evaluate their understanding of dinosaur evolution. The discovery sheds light on the complex history and traits of early ancestors.
A new species, Teleocrater rhadinus, discovered in Tanzania, has a long neck and tail, but walks on four legs like a crocodile. The finding sheds light on the distribution and diversity of ancestors of birds, crocodiles, and dinosaurs.
A new study finds that tropical lowland frogs are more vulnerable to climate change due to their limited ability to tolerate high temperatures. In contrast, high-elevation species may be better buffered against temperature increases.
A new strain of ranivirus is causing mass mortality in amphibian populations in Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal. The virus also affects fish and reptiles, complicating the situation and requiring urgent optimization of conservation strategies.
Researchers studied 19 virus families and found that cross-species transmission has played a central role in their evolution. Co-divergence is relatively rare compared to cross-species jumps.
A new amphibian species, Pristimantis attenboroughi, has been formally described from the Peruvian Andes, with characteristics including pale to dark gray coloration and distinct stripes. The species is considered Near Threatened due to habitat loss and climate change, highlighting the need for conservation efforts in protected areas.
Scientists used DNA sequences to determine the evolutionary history of Asian Horned Frogs, discovering many new species and reestimating their family's age. The results suggest that scientists may have overestimated the age of many frog families by up to 35%.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a method to grow large quantities of inner ear progenitor cells that convert into functional hair cells. The technique shows potential as a therapy for patients with hearing loss, particularly those caused by loud noises or toxic drugs.
A remarkable 250 million-year-old fossil found in China shows an embryo inside the mother, providing clear evidence for live birth. The discovery rewrites the understanding of reproductive evolution in a wide group containing birds, crocodilians, dinosaurs, and pterosaurs.
A 250 million-year-old fossil from China shows an embryo inside its mother, revealing the first evidence of live birth in a group previously thought to lay eggs exclusively. The discovery, made by an international team of scientists, pushes back the evidence of reproductive biology in this group by 50 million years.
The Nimba toad's unique matrotrophic viviparity allows females to give live birth to fully developed juveniles after nine months. The species' isolated habitat and harsh environment are thought to have driven the evolution of this complex reproductive cycle.
Experts recommend using risk assessment to regulate endocrine disrupting substances, considering exposure and effects on sensitive species. Hazard assessments are suitable in absence of sufficient data.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that brumation, the winter dormancy of cold-blooded animals, does not affect memory retention in salamanders. Researchers trained salamanders to navigate a maze and tested their ability to recall the path after a period of brumation.
A new study adds 25 frog species to the known fauna of Mount Oku, Cameroon, highlighting a staggering 48% of the amphibians as threatened with extinction. The researchers also review the region's conservation efforts and identify key threats such as forest loss, climate change, and diseases.
A recent study finds that urban centers like Hong Kong can play a crucial role in conserving globally threatened species. Introduced populations of these species have been thriving outside their native habitats, providing an opportunity to augment declining populations in their native ranges and mitigate threats to local ecosystems.
Researchers found that invasive species on Hawaii Island are successful invaders due to their scavenging abilities, which create a nutrient resource for other invasive scavengers. Invertebrates and vertebrates consumed 55% and 10% more carcasses than invertebrates alone, respectively.
Researchers have discovered a crucial regulatory mechanism for sex determination in vertebrates, centered on the DMRT1 gene. The study found that the ncEx1 promoter sequence plays a vital role in regulating gene expression, particularly in germ cells and somatic cells.
Researchers have discovered that a common species of Asian tree frog (Hyla japonica) may be two separate species, with distinct evolutionary relationships between East and West Japan. The study's findings could lead to reassignment of the species' scientific name and shed light on the historical mystery surrounding its discovery.
Research by Dr Kevin Arbuckle found that poisonous amphibians are 60% more likely to be threatened than non-toxic species due to the energetic cost of chemical defenses. This study suggests that toxic defense mechanisms may be detrimental to a species' long-term survival, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Researchers found that the 'song' attributed to the bushmaster was actually the call of large tree frogs living in hollow trunks. The discovery of two new frog species sheds light on the origins of this myth and highlights the importance of collaboration in scientific research.
Researchers reconstructed the body cavity volume in over 120 tetrapods and found that herbivores have twice as large bodies as carnivores of similar size. The study reveals a fundamental difference in morphological principles between mammals and other tetrapods, with possible implications for respiratory systems.
Researchers found that amphibian larvae increase their vegetable consumption during heat waves, leading to a reduction in carnivorous diet effectiveness. This adaptability may become common among species living in continental environments as heat waves intensify due to climate change.
A new research effort is underway in the Solomon Islands and surrounding nations to catalog biodiversity and study evolution. The project aims to fill gaps in data and test hypotheses using modern methods.
The study reveals a striking pattern of genome duplication in the African clawed frog, which arose through interspecific hybridizations between 15-20 million years ago. The research has significant implications for understanding human conditions and diseases, as well as applications in regenerative therapy.
Research found man-made noise can disrupt animal responses to predator faeces, affecting information gathering and vigilance. This study highlights the negative impact of noise pollution on animal survival in mammals.