A 110-million-year-old snake-like reptile fossil from Brazil, named Tetrapodophis, has been reexamined by researchers. The fossil lacks many key snake features, such as recurved teeth and a snake-like skull, instead displaying traits similar to water-dwelling reptiles.
Research on sand lizards found that populations at the edge of their range exhibit lower genetic diversity compared to those in the center, making them more susceptible to climate change, parasites, and other challenges. This study highlights the importance of conservation efforts for species living on the periphery of their habitats.
The Xenopus laevis genome shows that hybridization between two extinct species led to a doubling of genes and the emergence of tetraploidy. Researchers found nearly a thousand non-functional genes, revealing insights into ancient genome duplication events in vertebrates.
Researchers found a genetic mutation responsible for the loss of limb formation instructions in snakes, which are unable to form limbs. By restoring the missing DNA sequence in mice, scientists demonstrated that snakes' inability to form limbs is due to a critical stretch of DNA involved in limb growth.
Paleontologists discover dinosaur bones and trackways in Denali National Park, providing new insights into the region's ancient ecosystem. The finds are significant as they confirm the presence of dinosaur fossils in the area, supporting the hypothesis that a distinct polar fauna existed during the Late Cretaceous Period.
A team of researchers has identified northeast Mindanao as a major hotspot for biodiversity in amphibians and reptiles. The region is home to 126 species, including frogs, lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodiles.
A recent expedition to Mindanao, Philippines, revealed 126 species of amphibians and reptiles, including 40 frogs, making up 36% of known Philippine species. The research team used genetic and morphological analysis, international collaboration, and rigorous fieldwork to uncover the island's biodiversity hotspot.
Researchers documented the killing of millions of animals in Brazil's Amazon Basin for their hides following the collapse of the Rubber Boom. Despite this, most land-based species appear to have survived the carnage, while aquatic species were more severely impacted.
A recent study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that snake venom protein profiles vary depending on age, gender, and diet. The researchers discovered significant differences in venom gland proteins between infant and adult snakes, as well as between males and females.
Researchers studied placodont teeth to understand how evolution shaped traits for survival. They found that despite predictions, later placodonts developed unique and complex teeth structures, possibly similar to early human molars.
A team of paleontologists identified a new species of extinct reptile, Triopticus primus, estimated to be 230 million years old. The fossil bears an extremely thickened skull roof similar to pachycephalosaur dinosaurs and many other extinct animals resemble later dinosaurs.
A newly described species of extinct reptile from the Triassic period in Texas had a strikingly dome-shaped head, similar to that of dinosaurs. The study found internal partitions or zones in the skull, which were similar to those of pachycephalosaur dinosaurs.
A 200-million-year-old reptile named Drepanosaurus has been found to have unusually shaped forelimb bones with a massive hooked claw. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of four-footed animals and challenges current understanding of tetrapod limb evolution.
Researchers found that 360-million-year-old Acanthostega fossils were immature individuals, indicating a possible aquatic juvenile stage. The study also revealed differences in limb ossification and size variation between individuals, suggesting potential adaptations for life on land.
A new study found that current climate models may be too simplistic in their predictions, as the spatial distribution of shade plays a crucial role in an animal's ability to regulate its body temperature. The research uses lizards as test subjects and found that smaller patches of shade allowed for more efficient thermoregulation.
Scientists have discovered a new species of pterosaur from the Early Jurassic period in Patagonia, Argentina. The 'Allkauren koi' species boasts an intermediate state in brain evolution, shedding light on the origin and adaptation of flying reptiles.
A rare small-bodied pterosaur, a flying reptile from the Late Cretaceous period, has been discovered in British Columbia, Canada. The specimen is unusual as most pterosaurs from this time were much larger, but this new discovery provides crucial information about the diversity and success of Late Cretaceous pterosaurs.
Researchers found that BPA affects male turtle brains, inducing female-like behavior and altering navigational abilities. This could lead to dramatic population declines in painted turtles, making them a potential indicator species for ecosystem health.
Scientists have described a new species of earth snake from the mountains of Puebla and Veracruz in east-central Mexico. Genetic data and anatomical examination reveal that these snakes are remarkably similar to each other, but molecular analyses and rigorous specimen examination have come close to understanding their diversity.
A new study found that many species face significantly longer wait times than initially thought, ranging from 6 months to 38 years. This delay can lead to extinction and reduced global biodiversity, contradicting the policies of the US Endangered Species Act.
Tiger sharks exploit easy food sources during nesting season, turning into scavengers when abundant dead sea turtles are available. The research found that tiger sharks spend more time patrolling surface waters near shore, indicating they are searching for carcasses or weakened turtles.
A study of 100 species found that over 90% were affected by the forest edge effect, with the majority declining in abundance. The negative impact extended far into the forest interior, making conservation efforts crucial to protect biodiversity.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that timely conservation action can slow extinction rates and save species. The research found similar patterns of species loss following habitat disruption across various taxonomic groups, including birds, mammals, plants, reptiles, and invertebrates.
The European pet trade is putting rare reptile species at risk of extinction due to high demand and lack of effective regulation. Conservation efforts are being undermined by the lucrative black market for exotic animals, with smugglers using creative tactics to evade laws.
Researchers discovered a non-cancerous facial tumor in the fossilized jaw of Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, a primitive duck-billed dinosaur, providing evidence that dinosaurs were prone to tumors. The discovery sheds new light on ancient diseases and tumours in extinct species.
Researchers demonstrate that hairs, feathers and scales share a common evolutionary origin, developing from placodes with similar molecular signatures. The study provides new insights into the evolution of skin appendages and their diversity.
Scientists from Wits University discovered that mammal-like reptiles evolved hair around 240-246 million years ago, assisting their survival. This discovery suggests a possible link between the evolution of hair and whiskers with the development of mammals.
Female beetles with fighting experience spend more time feeding their offspring, helping them survive. The study found that conflict-experienced mothers laid the same number and size of eggs but had a higher survival rate among their young.
To reduce sea turtle mortality in Chesapeake Bay, researchers are releasing 'Frankenturtles' into the bay, tracking their movement and studying how wind and currents affect a dead turtle's trajectory. The goal is to gain insights into likely causes of sea-turtle death and develop safe zones for these imperiled marine reptiles.
A study by Australian National University has found that pythons and boas, two snake families, evolved independently to share similar traits due to living in the same habitat. This demonstrates the power of natural selection and adaptation in reptiles.
A global mass extinction event killed off most life on Earth, but marine life quickly recovered 3.35 million years later, according to a new study led by University of California, Davis researchers. The recovery was attributed to changes in ocean circulation and mixing that allowed nutrient-rich waters to reach the surface.
Researchers have identified five types of lipid, or fatty acids, that exist as droplets inside the cells of female chickens' sperm storage tubules. These lipids may be released into the sperm storage tubules and improve the sperm's survival. The study provides insight into how certain female animals are able to store sperm long-term.
Researchers found that Lake Michigan painted and snapping turtles carry all eight metals, with concentrations correlating with soil assessments in the wetlands. The turtles' long lifespan and position in the food chain make them useful indicators of wetland pollution, potentially posing a health risk to humans who consume them.
A new rain frog species, Pristimantis pluvialis, has been described from Amazonian Peru and the Amazonian foothills of the Andes. The discovery highlights the need for continued study of tropical regions to uncover new species.
A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution identifies ultraconserved elements (UCEs) essential for animal development. Researchers found that UCEs act as hubs to allow genome access for multiple proteins, contributing to the extreme DNA sequence conservation observed.
A new study reveals that hydropower dams across the world are causing continued species extinctions on island habitats, with some communities losing up to 87% of their species. The research highlights the need for stronger environmental regulations and assessments to mitigate the impact of large-scale dam construction.
A study of over 6,000 Antarctic marine fossils reveals a dramatic 65-70% reduction in species 66 million years ago, coinciding with the end of the Cretaceous Period and the extinction of dinosaurs. The research suggests that the mass extinction event was just as rapid and severe in polar regions as elsewhere on Earth.
A new marine reptile fossil, Sclerocormus parviceps, challenges the idea of slow evolution. The ichthyosauriform had a short snout and whip-like tail, suggesting rapid diversification at the end of the Lower Triassic period.
Researchers from the University of Bristol found that marine reptiles in the Mesozoic era quickly developed diverse feeding habits and morphological adaptations, expanding their ecological niches. This study, published in Paleobiology, sheds light on the rapid evolution of these ancient predators.
Researchers from the University of Leeds have discovered a way to prevent ice crystals from forming in water as it is cooled to -35°C using glycerol. This breakthrough has important implications for improving cryoprotectants used in fertility treatments and food storage.
A study in GENETICS identifies the first gene associated with temperature-dependent sex determination in reptiles, highlighting the role of genetic variation and climate change. The research found that a specific DNA sequence variation at the CIRBP gene influences sex ratio in snapping turtles.
The study found that venomous and endangered species, as well as those with higher body mass or posing a threat to humans, tend to be more interesting overall. The top 10 reptiles accessed on Wikipedia in 2014 were dominated by fearsome species like the Komodo dragon, saltwater crocodile, and king cobra.
A new study reveals that reptiles, like mammals and birds, experience REM and slow-wave sleep patterns. This discovery suggests a common ancestor for these sleep states, evolving over 300 million years ago in amniotes.
Scientists have discovered REM and slow-wave sleep in bearded dragons, a finding that suggests brain sleep dates back at least to the evolution of amniotes. The study's authors believe that this common origin is more plausible than convergent evolution, given the early branching out of reptiles.
Researchers found fossils in Japan that suggest tritylodontids co-existed with early mammals for millions of years, overturning the widely accepted theory about their extinction. The discovery sheds new light on the ecological dynamics of these animal families.
A team of researchers from Cardiff University has provided new evidence on how deep sea creatures survived the asteroid strike that wiped out the dinosaurs. The study found that some forms of algae and bacteria were living in the aftermath of the disaster, providing a slow trickle of food for creatures near the seafloor.
New research on Asilisaurus fossils reveals that early dinosaurs grew at a faster rate than previously thought and didn't follow the expected pattern of size being a predictor of maturity. The study found that muscle scars on fossil bones were more related to growth patterns than sex differences.
A new analysis suggests that malaria evolved in insects over 100 million years ago, with the first vertebrate hosts being reptiles and later dinosaurs. Understanding this ancient history may hold clues to interrupting malaria transmission through its most common vector, the Anopheles mosquito.
A new database provides critical information on the distribution of banded sea kraits, seven species that feed almost exclusively on eels. The venomous snakes' powerful toxin holds potential for developing treatments for cancer, neurological disorders, and heart disease.
Scientists from three Brazilian universities and one UK university discovered a new fossil reptile, Teyujagua paradoxa, which lived 250 million years ago. The species is intermediate between primitive reptiles and archosauriforms, a group that includes dinosaurs and birds.
New research reveals that ichthyosaurs, highly diverse during their reign, were negatively affected by global changes leading to their extinction. A two-phase event suppressed ecological diversity and wiped out the group at the beginning of the Late Cretaceous period.
A University of Kansas researcher is questioning traditional methods for defining species by studying the genetic basis for species differences in lizards. He found that variation in dewlap colors and patterns, previously used to separate subspecies, were not a reliable sign of underlying genetic differences.
Researchers detect cryptochrome 1 in photoreceptors of dog-like carnivores and primates, hinting at a magnetic sense linked to the visual system. The molecule's presence suggests that these animals may use it to perceive the Earth's magnetic field.
Researchers discovered a new species of extinct worm lizard in Texas, dubbed the 'Lone Star' lizard. The discovery sheds light on how certain animal groups responded to climate change in the past and provides insight into potential future adaptations.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich developed an universal mathematical model that describes how sound waves propagate through the internally coupled ears and which clues for localizing sound sources are created. This system enables animals to pinpoint sound sources, a mechanism applicable to over 15,000 species.
The European Research Council has granted Dr. Thomas Tütken a Consolidator Grant to investigate when the first land-based vertebrates began to use plants as a food source. By analyzing fossil teeth, he aims to reconstruct past food webs and extinction patterns of early land vertebrates.
A team of researchers from China and CU Boulder confirms the existence of a massive, flightless bird called Gastornis that roamed the Arctic 53 million years ago. The fossil evidence includes a single toe bone found on Ellesmere Island, which was previously discussed but never closely examined.
Researchers found ichnites of temnospondyls, seymouriamorphs, captorhinids, and synapsids in the Manyanet Valley, providing insights into ancient tetrapod diversity. The study suggests climate changes influenced faunal distribution during the Permian Period.
Scientists have discovered two new giant bent-toed gecko species in New Guinea, one of which reaches up to 17 cm in length, making it the largest of its kind. The geckos, named 'king' and 'knight', exhibit unique characteristics such as dark grey-brown markings and alternating regions of coloration.
Researchers found reptiles and amphibians to be a crucial high-value food source for whooping cranes, particularly during spring nesting season. This adaptability suggests the birds have an increased chance for survival in human-modified environments.