Meet Gobihadros, a new species of Mongolian hadrosaur
A new species of Mongolian dinosaur, Gobihadros, has been discovered with complete skeletal remains. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of hadrosaurs during the Late Cretaceous Period.
Evolution
Articles tagged with Evolution
Conservationists discover hidden diversity in ancient frog family
Research scientists have uncovered hidden diversity within a type of frog found only in the Seychelles, showing that each island has its own distinct lineage. The study reveals four species of sooglossid frogs are threatened by climate change and disease, including a lethal fungus known as chytrid.
Evolution imposes 'speed limit' on recovery after mass extinctions
A new study finds that evolution is the key to understanding the 'speed limit' of recovery after mass extinctions, with a minimum time of 10 million years for species diversity to return. This finding has implications for ongoing extinction events driven by climate change.
Evolutionary history of perching birds
A comprehensive passerine evolutionary tree reveals the relationships among major groups, with divergence dating back to the Middle Eocene. The study suggests complex mechanisms drove diversification, contradicting associations with global temperatures or continental colonization.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2019
The bigger the evolutionary jump, the more lethal cross-species diseases could be
A new paper suggests that diseases can be more lethal in new hosts with larger evolutionary jumps between species. This research uses data from the World Organisation for Animal Health to track diseases across domesticated mammals and their outcomes.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2019
New short-tailed whip scorpion species discovered in Amazon
A new species of Surazomus, a rare arachnid found in the Amazon, has been discovered with unique characteristics that provide insight into its mating habits. The species' male flagellum and female chelicerae anchor onto each other during copulation, offering clues about evolutionary changes within the genus.
Old World monkeys and dental evolution
Researchers discovered an ancient species of Old World monkey, filling a gap in the fossil record. The findings suggest that Alophia may have fed on hard objects like fruits and seeds, leading to the evolution of bilophodonty.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
New species of stiletto snake capable of sideways strikes discovered in West Africa
A new species of stiletto snake, Atractaspis branchi, has been discovered in the western Upper Guinea forests. The snake can attack and stab sideways with its fangs sticking out of the corner of its mouth, making it difficult to handle.
How megalodon's teeth evolved into the 'ultimate cutting tools'
A study of megalodon and its ancestor Carcharocles chubutensis found that the iconic shark's teeth took millions of years to evolve from three-pronged forks to broad, flat cutting tools. The transition was a slow process that occurred over 20-7.6 million years.
Exceptional new titanosaur from middle Cretaceous Tanzania: Mnyamawamtuka
A newly discovered middle Cretaceous titanosaur from Tanzania provides new insights into sauropod evolution and distribution. The species, named Mnyamawamtuka moyowamkia, fits near the origin of a clade that includes most Late Cretaceous titanosaur species, revealing an early stage in their diversification.
How your smartphone is affecting your relationship
A growing body of research suggests that smartphones can negatively impact face-to-face social interactions, leading to feelings of ignored, annoyed, or pushed away. The constant access to text messaging and social media makes it easier for people to disclose personal information and respond to others in their large social networks.
The oldest large-sized predatory dinosaur comes from the Italian Alps
A new genus and species of ceratosaurian, Saltriovenator zanellai, has been discovered in the Lower Jurassic of Italy, dating back over 25 million years. The specimen is the world's largest predatory dinosaur and features a unique combination of ancestral and advanced anatomical features.
Human actions impact wild salmon's ability to evolve
A study led by University of California, Davis, found that human actions alter the characteristics of wild species, leading to irreversible changes. The researchers analyzed genetic data from spring-run Chinook salmon and concluded that losing this gene could result in their extinction forever.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2018
New study explores ecosystem stability
A new study examined ancient ecosystems to understand what drives stability, finding that functional groupings are more important than the sheer number of species present. The team also found that ancient ecosystems were more stable than simulated systems, suggesting a strong imprint on history of how ecosystems are built over time.
New species of the 'first bird' Archaeopteryx uncovered
A new species of Archaeopteryx, Archaeopteryx albersdoerferi, has been discovered with advanced flight characteristics, supporting its status as a transitional fossil between birds and dinosaurs. The study used 3D X-ray analyses to reveal skeletal adaptations that enabled the ancient bird to fly more efficiently.
Fragile seashores were 'cradle of evolution' for early fish
New research reveals that shallow near-shore environments were crucial for the evolution of early fish species around 480 million years ago. The study, published in Science, identifies these fragile seashores as the 'cradle of evolution' where primitive fish first appeared and diversified.
Aequatus -- a free, open-source visualization tool enabling in-depth comparison of homologous genes
Aequatus provides a seamless user experience to visualize homologous genes among species, helping biologists delve into the details of genomic features. The tool supports the Ensembl REST API, improving portability and access to fine-grained information about genes and organisms.
The shallow-water cradle of vertebrate evolution
The first vertebrates on Earth diversified in nearshore intertidal and subtidal environments over a period of 100 million years. Early adaptations allowed them to spread into other habitats, with more strongly built creatures remaining in shallow waters and gracile body forms colonizing deeper water.
Bonobo: great ape with a tiny voice
Researchers discovered that bonobos have shorter vocal folds compared to chimpanzees, resulting in lower-pitched voices. This unexpected finding suggests that bonobos use their voice pitch to signal tolerance and non-aggressive interactions with other bonobos.
Tortoise evolution: How did they become so big?
Research suggests giant tortoise sizes evolved independently on multiple continents, contradicting the island rule theory. Fossil records reveal extinct mainland giants in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, which went extinct during the Pleistocene ice age.
Tropical moths in the mountains are larger
Researchers from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena studied the correlation between tropical moth size and elevation, finding clear patterns in their measurements. Moths from two species-rich families increase significantly in size at higher elevations, contradicting expectations under the Bergmann rule.
Small-brained female guppies aren't drawn to attractive males
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that female Trinidadian guppies can differentiate between attractive and dull males, regardless of brain size. Larger-brained fish showed different patterns of activity in decision-making brain regions when evaluating attractive or unattractive males.
'Bin chicken' plays unique role in story of evolution
A French scientist's discovery of ibis mummies in Egypt led to a pivotal debate on evolution, with naturalist Georges Cuvier opposing Lamarck's emerging ideas. The study highlights the significance of considering dominant personalities' biases in scientific research.
Clown fish: Whence the white stripes?
Researchers found that clown fish stripes are essential for individual recognition and critical to their social organization among sea anemones. They also discovered the evolutionary history of striped patterns, which originated from a common ancestor with three stripes.
How the clownfish earned its stripes: Color pattern evolution in coral reef fishes
Researchers discovered that clownfish ancestors had three white stripes, which later evolved into different stripe patterns in individuals from various species. The study found that some species acquire more stripes as juveniles than they do as adults, and that a decrease in iridophores inhibits stripe formation.
A new earless pygmy toad discovered on one of Angola's most underexplored mountains
A new species of African pygmy toad was discovered on one of Angola's most underexplored mountains, the Serra da Neve Inselberg. The new species lacks ears and is distinct from its close relatives.
Unisexual salamander evolution: A long, strange trip
Researchers at Ohio State University found that unisexual salamanders rarely borrow DNA from other species, despite persisting for millions of years. The study suggests that their unique reproductive strategy may be linked to environmental changes or specific interactions with other species.
Far 'over-the-hill' lies the plateau of human mortality
A new study estimates mortality rates for nearly 4,000 Italians over 105 years old, finding a plateau in death rates after age 105. The research suggests that human longevity is increasing over time, with slight declines in mortality rates across groups born within the same year.
Tropical 'banana eater' birds lived in North America 52 million years ago
A fossil of a banana-eating bird ancestor was found in North America, dating back 52 million years. The discovery suggests these birds once thrived outside the tropics, with long legs indicating they may have been ground-dwelling.
Six new species of goblin spiders named after famous goblins and brownies
Scientists discover six new goblin spider species in Sri Lanka, shedding light on the country's remarkable biodiversity. The spiders are named after famous fictional characters from Enid Blyton's books and are found to be highly endemic, with some species only present at a single forest patch.
Mixed signals from poisonous moths
Scientists studied six-spot burnet moths to examine if natural variation in wing markings indicates toxicity levels. Smaller red forewing markings were associated with more cyanide in females but not males. The study suggests evolutionary pressures may be complex and drive colors beyond matching toxicity levels.
Chimpanzee calls differ according to context
Researchers found that chimpanzees use distinct 'hoo' variants in different behavioral contexts, such as travel and rest. These variations enable receivers to respond appropriately and maintain cohesion, facilitating cooperation.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 23, 2018
Worm-eating mice reveal how evolution works on islands
A team of scientists found four separate species of mice evolved from one common ancestor on Mindoro Island, which is the smallest known island to support this type of evolution. The discovery provides valuable insights into how mammals can diversify in small areas and has implications for conservation planning.
Introduced species overlooked in biodiversity reporting
Introduced species are deliberately excluded from biodiversity reports, distorting international nature reports and the public's view of nature. The study recommends including their positive contributions to accurately track the state of biodiversity and its evolution.
New method prioritizes species for conservation in the face of uncertainty
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.
New standards for ancient protein studies set forth by multi-national group of researchers
A team of researchers from institutions at the leading edge of palaeoproteomics have published guidelines to support good practices in the field and ensure robust, reproducible results. The guide aims to provide consistency to a new field, addressing issues such as data reporting standards, authentication measures, and lab contamination.
New understanding of the elephant genome from both ancient and modern DNA may aid conservation
The study provides a comprehensive genomic portrait of elephants, including extinct mammoths and mastodons. Gene flow between species was more common than previously thought, contradicting simple tree-like relationships.
SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2018
Distinguishing males from females among king penguins
A new study reveals that King Penguins can be distinguished from females by analyzing their sex-specific syllable patterns, achieving an accuracy of 100%. The technique also shows promise for accurately identifying individuals using only beak length, with a success rate of 79%.
Surprise: Non-dietary factors played important role in shaping skulls of carnivores
A new study found that age at sexual maturity and average rainfall significantly correlated with cranial shape in carnivores. Skulls of species living in regions with higher precipitation showed elongated features, while those with narrower diets exhibited stiffer lower elements.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 7, 2018
New alien species invasions still rising globally
A new study reveals that up to 16% of Earth's species could qualify as potential alien species, posing significant challenges to biosecurity efforts. The research found that the number of newly emerging alien species continues to rise, with insects and molluscs being the groups most affected.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018
Ray-finned fishes: Natural born survivors
Scientists found little evidence of negative impact from two major mass extinctions on ray-finned fishes, with no significant changes in body shape or jaw shape. The group's remarkable modern diversity is attributed to 400 million years of evolution.
Researchers aim to save key branches of shark and ray tree of life
Scientists created a fully-resolved family tree for shark, ray, and chimaera species to quantify their evolutionary distinctness. This research identified five priority hotspots for conservation, helping to preserve up to 26 million years of unique evolutionary history.
Aversion to holes driven by disgust, not fear, study finds
A new study published in PeerJ found that individuals with trypophobia exhibit a physiological response more associated with disgust than fear. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to measure pupil size and found that images of clusters of holes elicited greater constriction of the pupils, a response linked to feelings of disgust.
Mysterious new seafloor species sheds light on early animal evolution
A new species of marine worm Xenoturbella has been discovered, providing insights into the early evolution of complex animals. The discovery sheds light on the origins of structures such as kidneys and a centralized nervous system.
Night-flyers or day-trippers? Study sheds light on when moths, butterflies are active
A new study identifies nearly 50 shifts from nocturnal to daytime behavior in butterflies and moths, challenging previous assumptions about their activity patterns. The research suggests that the earliest ancestor of butterflies and moths flew during the day, contrary to earlier thought.
It's good to be rare, for some species
Researchers from UC Davis predict certain traits, such as internal fertilization and long-distance mating signals, can help rare species persist during crises. These traits may provide advantages for chronically rare species when compared to more common species that are likely to face extinction during great extinction events.
Newly described giraffid species may help trace evolution of giraffe ancestors
A new giraffid species, Decennatherium rex, has been found in Spain, providing insights into the evolution of giraffe ancestors. The fossil, dating back to the late Miocene, features an unusually complete skeleton, shedding light on the evolutionary relationships between sivatheres and samotheres.
Alvarezsaurid dinosaur from the late Cretaceous found in Uzbekistan
Researchers have discovered an Alvarezsaurid dinosaur fossil in Uzbekistan, revealing distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other species. The findings provide evidence for the continent's role in the species' evolutionary history.
New ichthyosaur species, long gone, found in a storeroom
A new species of ichthyosaur, Protoichthyosaurus applebyi, has been identified from a fossil at the University of Nottingham. The specimen is significant due to its rarity and uniqueness, providing valuable insights into Britain's early fossil past and ichthyosaur evolution.
Mechanisms explaining positional diversity of the hindlimb in tetrapod evolution
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.
Meadow of dancing brittle stars shows evolution at work
Researchers discovered a new species of brittle star, Teleosaster creasyi, preserved in a 275-million-year-old fossilized meadow in Western Australia. The species shows evidence of evolution before the Permian-Triassic extinction event, which wiped out over 90% of marine life.
Size not important for fish in the largest mass extinction of all time
Despite massive climate change and volcanic eruptions, larger fish were no more likely to go extinct than small fish during the Permian-Triassic mass extinction. The study used a detailed analysis of fossil records to conclude that body size played no role in determining which species survived or went extinct.
Ancient South Carolina whale yields secrets to filter feeding's origins
A newly discovered ancient whale species offers insights into the evolution of filter feeding in whales. Researchers found that this transitional species used its large molars for filter feeding, suggesting a key step in the development of baleen.
An alternative hypothesis on the faunal colonization of the Himalayas?
Researchers found that Himalayan species arose earlier in southern Tibet and then migrated to the region after mountain formation. The discovery challenges current biogeographical opinions and highlights the importance of molecular-genetic methods in testing old hypotheses.
Rice University's Cin-Ty Lee wins Guggenheim Fellowship
Cin-Ty Lee, an earth scientist at Rice University, has won a Guggenheim Fellowship to investigate how continents emerged from oceans and their effect on nutrient cycling. He will explore crystal growth and kinetics in magmatic and hydrothermal conditions.
Tyrannosaurs show their sensitive side
Scientists have found a new species of tyrannosaur dinosaur with a high degree of tactile sensitivity, similar to crocodiles. The discovery provides insight into the evolution and life appearance of tyrannosaurs, revealing that their faces were covered in scaly protective layers and highly touch-sensitive snouts.
Discovery of new predatory dinosaur species gives new insight on their evolution
A new tyrannosaur species, Daspletosaurus horneri, has been discovered with an unusual mode of evolution called anagenesis. The research reveals a complex sensory web derived from the trigeminal nerve, similar to humans, and a lipless mask of large scales covering its face.
Paleozoic echinoderm hangover: Waking up in the Triassic
A team of European paleontologists challenged the fundamentals of echinoderm evolution by discovering that some ancient groups survived the end-Paleozoic extinction. The findings revealed that these surviving echinoderms coexisted with modern sea urchins and brittle stars, stretching across various paleo-environments by the late Triassic.
How to be a winner in the game of evolution
Researchers found that the most successful phyla have a skeleton, live on land, and are parasites. This suggests that traits like having eyes or complex organs may not be primary drivers of species diversification. The study sheds light on why some groups have branched into many species while others remain relatively few.
World-first research sheds light on the origin of the baleen whale
Monash University scientists have uncovered evidence of how baleen whales evolved from biting prey with teeth to filtering using baleen. The discovery sheds light on the complex evolutionary change that led to the rise of filter-feeding in these massive creatures.