Researchers discovered a vast network of ultrasonic signals among moths, revealing complex acoustic mimicry rings. These sounds may be used by moths to evade bats and are found in many species beyond previously known tiger and hawk moths.
Three new hawk moth species have been discovered in The Bahamas, measuring only about the length of a vitamin pill. Their small size is thought to be an adaptation to survive harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes and drought.
Researchers have discovered that chanchita, a cichlid fish native to South America, has the highest cold tolerance of all non-native species in Florida, allowing it to survive central and possibly northern Florida's winters. Chanchitas exhibit parental care behavior, with both parents guarding eggs and young.
Researchers analyzed 96 fired clay fragments across 11 islands to reconstruct ancient trade routes in the Caribbean. The study found that the cultural hub was centered on the northwest coast of Hispaniola, challenging previous assumptions about the region's historical significance.
Researchers studied miniature frogs from the genus Brachycephalus and found that their small vestibular system prevents them from maintaining balance. The tiny frogs can jump but struggle to control their trajectory mid-leap.
A new study by an international collaboration of researchers highlights the legacy of colonialism in scientific practice across the Caribbean archipelago. The authors outline systemic issues related to perceptions and scientific practice, but also describe positive steps being taken in countries like Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas.
Scientists have partnered with park rangers in Ecuador to monitor butterfly populations, which serve as an indicator of ecosystem health. This approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity changes over time, addressing the limitations of traditional conservation methods.
Fossil analysis reveals mollusk communities were resilient to major climatic shifts but struggled under human-induced changes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Researchers sequenced DNA from hundreds of bryozoan specimens to study their evolution. They found that species with brooding chambers had higher diversity, as these structures confer a clear benefit to the parent colony.
Researchers have discovered a new plant species, Castela senticosa, in the Martín García mountain range of the Dominican Republic. The species was found to be rare and endangered due to its limited geographic distribution.
Researchers have developed a low-cost device to track insect activity, providing insights into their circadian rhythms and behavior. The portable pLAM device can monitor nocturnal species that were previously difficult to track, enabling scientists to study their habits and predict how environmental changes impact them.
A three-year project funded by the National Science Foundation will use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify fossil shark teeth, including those of the extinct megalodon. The program aims to increase interest in STEM careers among middle schoolers.
A new plant species was discovered based on the presence of distinctive fruit capsules that likely exploded to disperse their seeds. The fossils were found in India's Deccan Traps, a complex mosaic of basalt rocks leftover from volcanic eruptions that lasted up to 1 million years.
Researchers created detailed distribution map of glasswing butterflies, showing highest diversity at high elevations. The study highlights pressing need for conservation efforts in mountainous regions threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
The study found that many museums struggled to adapt their in-person programs to online format, leading to decreased engagement and revenue. However, some institutions successfully transitioned to virtual programming, offering creative and engaging content for underserved audiences.
Researchers confirmed the presence of dentin and enamel in the teeth of Gastrotheca guentheri, a species long believed to have lost this trait. The discovery challenges Dollo's Law, which states that lost traits are never re-evolved.
A team of researchers analyzed over 31 million iNaturalist records to find that highly active users primarily post observations of plants and insects, while large animals are underdocumented. The study provides insights into urban biodiversity and the distribution of biological data.
A new study finds that urbanization is causing many mammal species to grow bigger, contrary to Bergmann's Rule. The study analyzed over 140,000 measurements of body length and mass from North American mammals collected over 80 years.
A study reveals that birds' eye size reflects their environment, diet, and behavior, providing insights into conservation efforts. The research suggests that larger eyes are associated with closer proximity to the equator and foraging habits near the forest floor.
A new study reveals genome duplication events in ancient gymnosperms led to the origin of pines and other conifers, enabling them to adapt to changing ecosystems. The research suggests that duplicated DNA gave rise to unique traits such as diverse cone structures and egglike roots.
The discovery of Caribeomys merzeraudi, a Caribbean rodent with North American roots, challenges the long-held idea that land-dwelling mammals colonized the islands from South America. The tiny rodent's unique tooth characteristics suggest it may have evolved in isolation over millions of years.
Archaeologists discovered over 80 metal objects at Stark Farms, including Spanish horseshoe scrapers and copper pendants, used by Chickasaws as everyday items. The site provides evidence of direct contact between de Soto's expedition and the Chickasaw tribe.
A new species of Oculudentavis has been discovered in a 99-million-year-old amber fossil, revealing physical characteristics that distinguish it from birds and confirm its status as a lizard. The discovery sheds light on the early evolution of squamates during the Cretaceous Period.
New equations based on tooth width provide a more accurate estimate of megalodon's size, measuring up to 65 feet long. The revised estimate is the result of a high school lesson gone wrong and collaboration between researchers and teachers.
Researchers analyzed CT scans of nearly every living amphibian genus to reveal that frogs have lost teeth over 20 times during their evolution. The study found a correlation between the absence of teeth in frogs and a specialized diet on small insects.
A new study has introduced 13 previously undiscovered species of sparkly moths from Hawaii, highlighting the island's unique biodiversity. The moths are threatened due to shrinking habitats, disease, and invasive species, with some species facing extinction.
A genetic analysis of a fossil toe bone from the Haitian cave-rail has uncovered unexpected links between Caribbean bird life and the Old World. The study found that the species' closest relatives are actually flufftails, flying birds native to sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and New Guinea, and adzebills, large, extinct, flightless bi...
Researchers found that birds can recognize and remember the wing patterns of artificial butterflies that evaded their attacks, as well as those with a foul flavor. The study suggests that being hard to catch may deter predators at least as effectively as chemical defenses.
A new study builds a multilayered computer model of marine life's history over the last 500 million years, echoing J. John Sepkoski's work on sudden mass extinctions. The analysis reveals a fourth major evolutionary fauna driven by biological interactions between predators and prey.
A new study by archaeologists at the Florida Museum of Natural History found that a handheld color-matching gadget often misread colors readily distinguished by the human eye. The device, known as the X-Rite Capsure, failed to produce correct color scores in 37.5% of cases when tested against a book of color chips.
Scientists have found a new species of fleshy verdigris lichen, named Cora timucua, unique to North and Central Florida scrubland. The critically endangered lichen is considered possibly extinct, but researchers hope it may persist in undisturbed pockets of the state's dwindling pine scrub habitat.
Boosting appreciation for insects is key to conservation. Simple actions like reserving 10% of a lawn for insects or cultivating native plants can provide crucial habitat and food reservoirs. Additionally, reducing nighttime light pollution and using insect-friendly soaps can help protect insect populations.
A new study combining archaeological work with genetic technology sheds light on the peopling of the Caribbean. The analysis of 263 ancient human genomes shows two major migratory waves in the region, revealing a highly mobile population with distant relatives often living on different islands.
A team of researchers has rediscovered the Endodonta christenseni land snail, previously presumed extinct, on the remote Hawaiian island of Nihoa. The discovery highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect this species and its habitat from human disturbances and climate change.
The discovery of a new genus and species of albie, named Yaksha perettii, reveals that these tiny animals were sit-and-wait predators with a projectile firing of their tongue. This finds a whole new understanding of the entire lineage, providing insights into their hunting strategy.
Birds with larger eyes are better adapted to dark environments, while those in agricultural settings often have smaller eyes. The study found that eye size is linked to habitat and foraging technique, suggesting it could help inform research on birds' sensitivity to bright environments.
Researchers have discovered a new species of truffle, Hysterangium bonobo, which is prized by bonobos and has crystal-encrusted filaments. The find highlights the vast fungal diversity in the region and emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge in scientific discoveries.
Researchers have identified an invasive blood-sucking parasite on mud shrimp in British Columbia's Calvert Island, marking the northern-most record of its spread. The parasite, a bopyrid isopod, decimates mud shrimp populations and disrupts delicate ecosystems.
Researchers analyzed nearly 30 hillstream loach species using CT scans and DNA analysis to identify three categories of pelvic shapes. The team found that 10 other species shared the cave angel fish's unusually hefty pelvic girdle, suggesting robust pelvic regions evolved independently across the family.
Research suggests that male butterflies use external mating plugs to enforce monogamy, while females counterattack by evolving larger or more complex organs to render the plugs ineffective. The study found no link between mating plugs and increased species diversity.
A study analyzed CT scans from 54 frog families to show that burrowing frogs have a diverse and quirky skeleton. To train like a forward burrower, strengthen your upper back by doing exercises such as the Prone W and focus on building strength in the shoulder blade area with pullups and pushups.
A new native Hawaiian land snail species has been discovered after a decade-long survey of the islands. The discovery brings a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts, with scientists describing a small candy-striped snail that shows pronounced variation in coloring and is less than two-tenths of an inch long.
Scientists discovered a new species of giant pigeon in Tonga, Tongoenas burleyi, which was hunted to extinction within a century after human arrival. The bird's size and dietary habits suggest it played a crucial role in dispersing seeds for fruit-bearing trees.
A recent plant study found that flowering plants in temperate zones are evolving twice as quickly as those in the tropics. This contradicts the long-held hypothesis that tropical regions have a higher rate of species formation.
Researchers analyzed 70 years of records on North American deer mouse population trends, finding a general decrease in mass over time, despite expected links to climate and urbanization. Urban areas showed shorter mice with similar body mass, hinting at complex relationships between environmental factors and mammalian adaptation.
Researchers discovered that catnip revived the mint family tradition by evolving a new iridoid production line, producing nepetalactone with unique chemical properties.
A new study suggests that butterfly and moth eyespots likely evolved independently, with distinct developmental pathways.
Despite regional hardship, ancient people continued their centuries-long tradition of meeting to socialize and feast on oysters. The persistence of these gatherings underscores the importance of community for the people affected by climate change and abandonment.
Researchers discovered the walls and artifacts of Fort San Antón de Carlos, a Spanish fort built in 1566 on present-day Mound Key. The fort is an early example of tabby architecture and confirms the location of the Calusa capital.
A 29-million-year-old coquí frog fossil discovered in Puerto Rico has been identified as the oldest record of frogs in the Caribbean. The ancient species displaces an amber frog fossil previously thought to be the oldest, shedding new light on the origins of Caribbean wildlife.