First global tally of an amphibian killer
The study reveals Bd as one of the most destructive invasive species, causing at least 501 amphibian species decline. Despite this, some species show recovery and host resistance.
Extinction
Articles tagged with Extinction
Local extinction of Southern California mountain lions possible within 50 years
Two isolated mountain lion populations in southern California are threatened by low genetic diversity and mortality, which can be addressed through conservation strategies focused on connectivity and coexistence. Research suggests that connecting these populations could help prevent extinction within the next 50 years.
The day the world burned
Researchers have discovered evidence of a major cosmic impact event in southern Chile, dating back to around 12,800 years ago. The impact is believed to have caused rapid climatic changes, biomass burning, and the extinction of megafauna, with similar effects observed in North America and Western Europe.
Due to humans, extinction risk for 1,700 animal species to increase by 2070
A Yale University study predicts that human land-use will increase the extinction risk for 1,700 species by 2070. This is due to habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly in Central and East Africa, Mesoamerica, South America, and Southeast Asia.
Alien species are primary cause of recent global extinctions
A new study by UCL researchers finds that alien species are the primary cause of recent global extinctions, responsible for 126 extinctions. Many plant and animal species, including mammals and birds, have been affected, with some species, such as rats and cats, being major contributors.
Extinguishing fear memories relies on an unusual change to DNA
Researchers discovered a DNA modification that enhances fear extinction, enabling the brain to rapidly adapt to changing conditions. They found adenosine modifications in neurons involved in fear extinction, which increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and promote new non-fearful memories.
Indigenous hunters have positive impacts on food webs in desert Australia
Research suggests that indigenous hunters play a crucial role in maintaining food webs in the Australian desert. The absence of human activity allowed invasive species to flourish, leading to extinctions of native animals. Traditional landscape burning practices also had a significant impact on the ecosystem.
Giant 'megalodon' shark extinct earlier than previously thought
Researchers revised the megalodon shark's extinction timeline, finding evidence of genuine fossil occurrences until 3.6 million years ago. The team proposes that competition with great white sharks led to megalodon's demise, rather than a supernova or marine mass extinction.
Humans' meat consumption pushing Earth's biggest fauna toward extinction
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.
New islands, happy feet: Study reveals island formation a key driver of penguin speciation
A study led by Theresa Cole found that modern penguin diversity is driven by islands, which created new opportunities for isolation and speciation. The research suggests human-caused extinctions have also played a role in shaping penguin diversity.
Puerto Rico's 'fear lab' mentors neuroscience rigor amid diversity
A Puerto Rico-based neuroscience lab, supported by NIH's National Institute of Mental Health, fosters intellectual growth and diversity among its young trainees through journal clubs, lab meetings, one-on-ones, and philosophy retreats. The lab has published over 80 papers and generates more than 2,000 citations annually.
New research: The Aussie plants facing extinction
The Threatened Species Recovery Hub has identified the top 100 Australian plant species facing extinction, with ground orchids topping the list. Urbanization, inappropriate fire regimes and introduced plant diseases are major drivers of these extinctions, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts to save these unique species.
Research shows what it takes to be a giant shark
Researchers found that sharks can become giants by evolving two possible pathways: mesothermic adaptation for self-temperature control or filter-feeding pathway for plankton consumption. However, these giant sharks face risks such as prey scarcity and toxic microplastics threatening their extinction.
More animal species under threat of extinction, new method shows
A new systematic approach to assess animal extinction risk has found that 20% of previously unassessable species are likely threatened. The method, designed by Luca Santini and colleagues, is more efficient than traditional methods and provides an early warning system for species at risk.
New mathematical model can help save endangered species
A new mathematical model developed by University of Southern Denmark researcher Fernando Colchero can help predict the population growth of endangered species. The model takes into account age-specific survival and reproduction rates, as well as trade-offs between these factors, resulting in more accurate predictions.
Exposure to cannabis and stress in adolescence can lead to anxiety disorders in adulthood
A new study found that exposure to cannabis and stress during adolescence can lead to long-term anxiety disorders. The researchers observed impaired fear extinction in adult mice treated with THC and exposed to stress, suggesting a deregulation in the circuit that regulates fear.
The idiosyncratic mammalian diversification after extinction of the dinosaurs
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.
Loss of forest intactness increases extinction risk in birds
A new study reveals a strong positive relationship between global extinction risk and the loss of forest intactness in bird distributions. Most global hotspots of restricted ranges now fall in degraded forests, highlighting the importance of restoring intactness to reduce extinction risk.
Explaining differences in rates of evolution
A team of ETH Zurich researchers has found a way to harmonize conflicting results from fossil-based and phylogenetic analysis of species emergence and extinction. By considering different mechanisms of speciation, such as budding, cladogenesis, and anagenesis, they have developed a computer model that accounts for these assumptions, pr...
New approach towards an improved treatment of anxiety disorders
Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center have developed a new approach to treating anxiety disorders by anchoring positive experiences in the brain's memory. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that administering a commercially available drug that increases dopamine levels can reinforce fear extinction memories a...
Biggest mass extinction caused by global warming leaving ocean animals gasping for breath
A new study from the University of Washington and Stanford University reveals that global warming was the primary cause of the Permian mass extinction, which wiped out 80% of oxygen in the oceans. The research predicts that high-latitude species were nearly completely wiped out due to their high oxygen demands.
Hot water and hypoxia: 'The Great Dying's' greatest killers
A new study has found that increased marine temperatures and reduced oxygen availability led to the extinction of nearly 96% of ancient ocean life during the catastrophic end-Permian mass extinction event. Tropical marine animals were more resilient to these changes, highlighting a potential pattern for future extinction events.
Set your teeth on EDGE: World's weirdest sharks and rays on the brink of extinction
The latest ranking from ZSL's EDGE of Existence programme highlights the most ancient fish at risk of extinction, including guitarfish, angel sharks, and saws-on-their-faces rays. These unique species have few or no remaining close relatives, making each one irreplaceable if they go extinct.
Machine learning identifies plants at risk of extinction
A machine-learning approach predicts plant species at risk of extinction using open-source data for over 150,000 land plant species. The approach identifies variables predicting extinction risk and calculates probability of a species being designated as endangered.
Undercover investigation: Socio-economic survey of pangolin hunting in Assam, India
A two-year study reveals pangolin hunting is a major conservation issue and devastating animal welfare concern in Assam. Interviews with local hunters found that pangolins are targeted for their scales, which are sold for a premium on the black market.
Climate change risks 'extinction domino effect'
Researchers simulated catastrophic environmental changes, leading to the extinction of all life. Co-extinctions amplify the effects of climate change, with a 5-6 degree warming globally enough to wipe out most life. This study warns humanity not to underestimate the impact of co-extinctions.
Global warming increases the risk of an extinction domino effect
A new study by JRC scientists reveals that global warming can underestimate extinctions by up to 10 times if co-extinction cascades are not accounted for. The researchers constructed virtual Earths with thousands of plants and animals, simulating extreme environmental changes.
Early human ancestors not to blame for extinctions of giant African mammals
Research finds early human ancestors played no role in driving megaherbivore diversity, instead blaming environmental change and CO2 decline. The decline of these large mammals began 4.6 million years ago, before the emergence of tool-bearing hominin species.
Human ancestors not to blame for ancient mammal extinctions in Africa
A study by University of Utah researchers suggests that grassland expansion, driven by falling atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, drove the decline of giant mammals over the last 4.6 million years. The research provides a convincing counter-argument to long-held views on human ancestors' impact on ancient African faunas.
Imagining sounds is just as good as hearing them for removing negative associations
Researchers found that imagining a sound can effectively remove negative associations, with brain activity parallels seen in both real and imagined extinction conditions. This study sheds light on the power of imagination as a therapy tool for anxiety disorders.
New research suggests your imagination really can set you free from fear
Imagination has been shown to be an effective tool in treating anxiety and fear-related disorders. A recent study found that imagining a threat can help reduce neural and physiological responses associated with fear, making it a promising treatment option for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias.
NSU researcher part of team that conducted genome-wide study of tigers
A genome-wide study confirms six distinct tiger subspecies, providing context for conservation strategies. The research highlights the urgent need for individual protection planning for these endangered species.
Mathematicians propose new hunting model to save rhinos and whales from extinction
Researchers developed a new model to calculate optimal hunting thresholds, taking into account population growth rates and environmental fluctuations. The 'bang-bang' approach is proposed as the most effective strategy to control animal populations and reduce extinction risk.
Cost-effective and transparent spending promotes species recovery
A new framework proposes a logical and transparent approach to allocate limited resources for conservation and recovery efforts. This approach aims to identify the most important objectives and allocate funds efficiently, leading to greater confidence in funding agencies and partners.
Loss and recovery of mammal diversity
The study calculates mammalian phylogenetic diversity loss due to extinctions since the Last Interglacial. Global losses exceed expected random extinctions, with recovery estimated at 3-5 million years for PD lost during this period.
Mammals cannot evolve fast enough to escape current extinction crisis
A new study reveals that mammals cannot evolve fast enough to escape the current extinction crisis, threatening the loss of unique ecological functions and evolutionary history. Conservation efforts must be improved to prevent further extinctions, with some species facing high risks of disappearing within 50 years.
Chinese-led team shows mass extinction happened in geological 'instant'
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.
The walking dead: Fossils on the move can distort patterns of mass extinctions
A new study used fossil cores from northeastern Italy to test a thought experiment on mass extinctions. The results showed that the fossil record can produce a misleading picture if not interpreted with care, suggesting smaller bursts of extinctions over a longer timeline rather than a single massive die-off.
Unravelling the reasons why mass extinctions occur
A team of scientists from the University of Leicester has explored the long-standing mystery of mass extinctions, revealing that abrupt transitions can occur due to 'ghost attractors' and 'crawl-bys'. This knowledge could help predict upcoming ecological catastrophes and inform efficient management.
Geologists uncover new clues about largest mass extinction ever
A new study found that the Siberian Flood Basalts, a massive volcanic eruption around 250 million years ago, sent nearly 90% of life into extinction. The team discovered that chlorine, bromine, and iodine in the lithosphere were released into the atmosphere, destroying the ozone layer.
Effective fisheries management can reduce extinction risk of marine fish stocks
A new UBC study analyzed 825 marine fish species and found that 499 are projected to face very high extinction risks due to overfishing and climate change. Effective fisheries management and low greenhouse gas emissions can reduce this risk by up to 63%, saving hundreds of fish stocks from becoming endangered.
Can we have a fire in a highly vacuumed environment?
Researchers from Toyohashi University of Technology discovered that smoldering combustion can sustain even under nearly 1% atmospheric pressure, challenging conventional fire extinguishing methods. The study's findings suggest that vacuumed operations to extinguish fires in space may fail unless proper conditions are achieved.
The end-Cretaceous extinction unleashed modern shark diversity
A study found that the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event led to the shift in dominance from lamniform to carcharhiniform sharks. Carcharhiniforms, including Tiger and Hammerhead sharks, proliferated in the post-extinction world.
Optical secrets of disulfide nanotubes are disclosed by Lomonosov MSU Scientists
Researchers from Lomonosov MSU and international partners demonstrate a strong light-matter interaction in suspensions and self-assembled films of tungsten disulfide nanotubes. This allows consideration of WS2 nanotubes as a platform for developing new concepts in nanotube-based photonic devices.
Do bacteria ever go extinct? New research says yes, bigtime
A recent study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution found that bacteria undergo substantial extinctions over time, with estimates suggesting between 45,000 to 95,000 bacterial lineages going extinct in the last million years alone. This contradicts widely held scientific thinking that microbe taxa rarely die off.
Border wall threatens biodiversity
A study published in BioScience warns that the Mexico-US border wall could lead to the extinction of over 1,500 native animal and plant species in the US. The construction of physical barriers disrupts annual or seasonal migration and dispersal routes, causing habitat fragmentation, soil erosion, and changes in fire regimes.
Should you share data of threatened species?
A new framework helps researchers and conservationists share sensitive data while minimizing harm to threatened species. The framework considers the pros and cons of making data public and provides ways to publish data without putting species at risk.
From cradles to graves: Modeling the ecology and evolution of biodiversity
Researchers created a model to simulate biodiversity history in South America over thousands of years, closely matching observed patterns. The model's results suggest topography and climate play critical roles in species diversification and extinction.
Salamanders show more resistance to global warming than previously believed
Researchers at Clemson University found that salamanders can alter their behavior and physiology in response to environmental stressors, reducing extinction risk. This new understanding could provide a more accurate assessment of the impact of global warming on salamander populations.
New study questions when the brown bear became extinct in Britain
A new review of evidence suggests the brown bear may have gone extinct earlier than thought, with dates ranging from late Neolithic to early medieval periods. The study aims to clarify the unclear previous evidence and sheds light on the possible reasons behind their extinction.
Can citizen science reverse the extinction of experience?
A study suggests that nature-based citizen science can reverse the 'extinction of experience' by fostering cognitive and emotional connections to nature. Citizen science programs increase participants' knowledge, skills, interest in and curiosity about nature, leading to positive behavioral changes.
Freedom from fear: dopamine's role in unlearning fearful associations
Researchers discovered a brain circuit necessary for unlearning fear in rats. Dopamine activity is crucial for fear extinction, but its specific role varies depending on the brain region involved.
The lady's ape: Extinct gibbon discovered in royal ancient Chinese tomb
A new genus and species of gibbon has been identified in an ancient Chinese noble-woman's tomb, revealing a previously unknown extinct population of apes in eastern Asia. The findings suggest that human activity may have contributed to the gibbon's extinction.
Jurassic diet: Why our knowledge of what ancient pterosaurs ate might be wrong
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.
Imminent extinction of northern white rhinoceros motivates new genetic recovery efforts
Researchers have identified valuable pools of genetic material from cryopreserved cell lines, which may help guide a tailored recovery program for the northern white rhinoceros. The study's findings suggest that advanced sequencing technologies and novel reproductive strategies could improve recovery efforts for other endangered species.
Imminent extinction of northern white rhinoceros motivates genetic recovery efforts
Researchers have identified nine Northern White Rhino (NWR) cryopreserved cell lines that could serve as a genetic rescue for the critically endangered species. The study found distinct genetic variation between NWR and Southern White Rhino (SWR), with potential for a tailored recovery program.
MSU technology and app could help endangered primates, slow illegal trafficking
A new facial recognition software and app developed at Michigan State University can help track and protect endangered primates. The PrimNet system outperformed state-of-the-art face recognition systems in head-to-head comparisons, offering a more cost-effective and invasive approach to primate tracking.
Giant Chinese salamander is at least five distinct species, all heading toward extinction
A recent study in Current Biology identifies the giant Chinese salamander as having five distinct species, all of which are critically endangered and face imminent extinction. The researchers highlight the importance of genetic assessments and conservation efforts to protect these unique animals.
UNM scientists find widespread ocean anoxia as cause for past mass extinction
A team of researchers led by Maya Elrick found that a global marine anoxic event occurred during the Late Ordovician Mass Extinction, which lasted for at least 1 million years and coincided with the extinction of 85% of marine life. The study suggests that low oxygen concentrations in the ocean were a major driver of the mass extinction.
Rapid evolution fails to save butterflies from extinction in face of human-induced change
A new study documents how a North American butterfly evolved complete dependence on an introduced European weed, leading to its local extinction when humans eliminated the plant's availability. The study supports the argument that rapid climate change will prove detrimental to biodiversity.