The Sixty-third Supplement to the Check-list of North American Birds updates bird classifications, including meadowlark species splits, hummingbird recognitions, kite separations, and the addition of a giant-petrel. New subspecies are also recognized for some bird species, reflecting advances in genetic analysis.
Researchers discovered a bacterial enzyme that enabled the evolution of longhorned beetles to break down complex plant cell wall components. The study found that gene duplication played a key role in increasing the diversity and specificity of these enzymes.
New research challenges centuries-old scholarship on animal classification by morphology, instead favoring molecular data for a better fit with geographical distribution. Convergent evolution is found to be widespread and often misleading, with famous examples such as flight in birds, bats, and insects
Two new species of Amazonian fish have been discovered and described by Smithsonian researcher Murilo Pastana, one with vibrant red-orange fins and another that is technically a miniature fish. The species are at risk of extinction due to deforestation in the region where they inhabit.
Researchers discover that type 1 TPCs encode SV channels in plant vacuoles, while type 2 TPCs likely encode distinct ion channels. This study provides functional and evolutionary insights into the TPC family in plants, shedding light on their role in plant growth and defence mechanisms.
A large-scale international study, led by Tel Aviv University's Dr. Omri Bronstein, found that many species of echinoids, including sea urchins, survived a mass extinction event 50 million years earlier than thought. The findings suggest that estimates of evolutionary timelines may err by tens of millions of years.
A genome-scale analysis of echinoids reveals modern species emerged 300 million years ago, survived mass extinction, and diversified rapidly. The findings also suggest sand dollars and sea biscuits originated earlier than thought, with possible fossil record gaps.
A newly described softshell turtle, Hutchemys walkerorum, lived in North Dakota 66.5 million years ago, surviving the end-Cretaceous mass extinction alongside Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. The find sheds light on the evolution of softshell turtles during this period.
A comprehensive analysis of brain cellular composition across amniotes shows that mammals and birds have dramatically increased neuron numbers in the telencephalon and cerebellum, associated with higher cognition. The study suggests that only a handful of unique evolutionary events augmented brain processing power in these groups.
Researchers discovered two dominant strategies among flatworms: reciprocal males receive more resources, while hypodermic mated species invest heavily in female organs. Self-fertilization in these species increases with hypodermic mating, suggesting a common evolutionary principle between plants and worms.
The Omicron variant diverged from previous variants through adaptive evolution, with more than 30 mutations in its spike protein. The team found evidence of positive natural selection and partial immune evasion contributing to its rapid spread.
Researchers used new technology to study Grapevine Pinot gris virus propagation in a specific vineyard in France. The study found that over 75% of tested plants became infected between 2014 and 2015, with only a marginal number of grapevines testing positive during the remaining five years.
A new study provides a detailed timeline of mammal evolution, confirming that modern placental mammal groups postdate the K-Pg extinction. The researchers used a novel computational approach to analyse a large genomic dataset and answer a long-standing question about mammal origins.
A global dataset of over 200,000 plant species shows that human activity is the biggest driver of homogenization of plant communities. Non-native invasive plants naturalized by humans are the strongest contributor to biotic homogenization.
Researchers used mathematical models to reconstruct evolutionary history of photosymbiosis in Scleractinia, identifying groups where association is stable and others that may be more flexible. The study found that certain lineages are more likely to retain the reef-building trait in a changing climate.
Eukaryotic plankton are highly diverse taxonomically, phylogenetically, and ecologically. The study found that ocean currents significantly influence their biogeography, with smaller organisms being more sensitive to local environmental conditions.
A team of researchers has reconstructed the evolutionary history of dragonflies and damselflies, determining when they first emerged around 200 million years ago. The study provides the most comprehensive divergence time estimates for Odonata to date.
Research on the giant water bug found a mismatch between its phylogenetic distance and reproductive isolation. The species' genetic differentiation is consistent with the formation of the Tsushima Strait, which separated Japan from mainland Eurasia about 1.55 million years ago.
Researchers analyzed skunk DNA to determine the correct number of species, revealing seven species, including the previously recognized four. The revised family tree highlights the distinct evolutionary lineages of each species, making conservation efforts more effective.
Researchers sequenced DNA from plant specimens collected nearly 50 years ago to analyze genetic diversity and its response to climate change. The study found that several species restricted to the Guadalupe Mountains had surprisingly high amounts of genetic diversity, which could help them adapt to changing conditions.
Researchers at Rice University are developing novel computational approaches to track environmental microbiome dynamics over time, across species and after perturbations. The team will use biofilm-based 'species abundance networks' on scaffolds to observe how they form their own genome-exchange networks.
Researchers reconstructed Pinus genus evolutionary history using 1,662 genes, revealing 90% species originated in Miocene and midlatitude species are older than others. Environmental factors suggest topography drove pine diversification, with evidence of fire-adaptation syndromes over time.
The article argues for a revitalized view of history in ecology and evolution, proposing nine understandings of history to generalize findings and observe scientific laws. These 'flavors' include contingency, chance, chaos, capriciousness, approach, constraint, construction, turnover, and template.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered that the mahogany family dates back to the last hurrah of the dinosaurs, with a fossil found in Canada dating back to the Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous. The discovery pushes back the known origin of mahogany by 15-20 million years.
Researchers used high-resolution microcomputed tomography to study the anatomy of three known specimens of T. marauna, a Neotropical electric fish species. The study revealed characteristics of the fish's bones without requiring dissection, providing new insights into this rare species.
A new genus and species of predatory dinosaur Siamraptor suwati has been identified in the Early Cretaceous geologic formation of Thailand. The fossil discovery reveals that this group of dinosaurs had spread to three continents by the Early Cretaceous, filling a notable gap in the fossil record.
Brazilian researchers used biogeographic analysis to study trilobites, arthropods that became extinct over 252 million years ago. They found paleobiogeographic patterns among trilobites and inferred their ancestral range in the southern hemisphere.
Researchers identified over 8,000 endogenous retroviruses in 72 fish species, 4 amphibians, and 16 reptiles, greatly expanding the known diversity of retroviruses. The study suggests that retroviruses frequently switched between hosts and originated from aquatic environments.
A genomic survey of living and extinct elephants reveals recurring genetic admixture, suggesting a more complex evolutionary history. The study confirms the distinctness of African savanna and forest elephants, while also uncovering signs of admixture among other elephant family members.
Researchers have identified a new genus and species of ancient marine reptile called Luskhan itilensis, discovered in the Volga River region. The discovery sheds light on the ecomorphological diversity of pliosaurs, suggesting that their evolutionary history was more complex than previously thought.
Research finds yellow-bellied kingsnake has three subspecies with distinct habitats on each side of the Mississippi, challenging long-held biodiversity theory. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding ecological environments in shaping species diversity.
A new study has revealed that lichens form a complex symbiotic relationship involving three species, including yeast and fungi, which produces the toxic substance vulpinic acid. The research found that the yeast cells are vital to the lichen's health and may play a crucial role in its shape.
Fossils of an extinct 'storyteller' crocodylian from Peru show evidence of parallel evolution of river-dwelling lifestyle and protruding, telescoped eyes in South American and Indian species. The study suggests that these features evolved separately to help catch fish in habitats.
A recent study by an international group of evolutionary biologists has convincingly refuted the proposition that comb jellies are the phylogenetically oldest extant metazoan group. Sponges are now reaffirmed as the first phylum to diverge from the common ancestor of metazoans, restoring the classical view of early animal evolution.
A new study describes three new species of fruit flies, including A. minor, A. summissus, and A. unicus, which are potential biological control agents and pests of economically important crop plants. The research also provides a revision of the genus Acanthiophilus and sheds light on its phylogeny.
A recent study by Cornell University research found that symbiotic plants develop nectar glands to attract and feed protective animals like ants, leading to increased diversity in plant species over time. This mutualistic relationship allows plants to allocate energy resources to new traits and adapt to new environments.
Rice University computer scientists have developed cloud-computing tools to help analyze evolutionary patterns. The new open-source algorithms will enable researchers to track the evolution of genes and genomes across species more efficiently, making it possible to trace genes at scales that were not practical before.
Scientists discover fossilized skull of Sinotherium lagrelii, a transitional taxon between Elasmotherium and other elasmotheres. The discovery provides new insights into the origin of the unicorn-like horn and sheds light on the evolution of giant elasmotheres.
Researchers from LMU Munich uncovered well-preserved fish fossils, shedding light on the gobioid order's evolution and classification. The discovery of perfectly preserved otoliths allowed for a genetic code-like analysis, placing a new species in the Butidae family.
A new 'tree of life' for fishes has been recharted with the help of genetic and physical information, revealing significant changes to existing ideas on fish relationships. The research improves scientists' ability to predict how closely related species might react to environmental factors like climate change.
A recent study using computer modelling shed light on the origin of sight in animals, including humans. The researchers found that the ability to detect light developed over a span of 11 million years from a 'blind' opsin ancestor.
Scientists have found a 60-million-year-old giant turtle with a shell measuring 172 centimeters long, making it one of the largest turtles ever discovered. The turtle's massive size allowed it to thrive in its ecosystem, where other giant reptiles like snakes also existed.
Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture have identified yeast species that produce sophorolipids, a type of green surfactant. The study found three new Candida species that can be used to mass-produce these eco-friendly alternatives.
Researchers used phylogenetic analysis to pinpoint the source of HIV infections in two separate cases, revealing that defendants knowingly spread the virus to multiple partners. The study demonstrates the potential for evolutionary forensics to exonerate falsely accused and convict those responsible.
Researchers sequenced ancient genome from a rare fossil, confirming polar bears are an evolutionarily young species that split from brown bears 150,000 years ago. The study found polar bears adapted rapidly to past climate changes, but their adaptability is uncertain in the face of current and future climate change.
A new computing method called SATé can determine the relatedness of living things much faster and accurately analyze DNA sequences that are rapidly evolving. It creates detailed, accurate evolutionary trees that reveal the relationships among plants, animals, and other organisms.
A new phylogenetic analysis published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases provides insight into the origins of venereal syphilis. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding the evolution and transmission of this disease.
A recent study using ancient DNA has confirmed that all living lemurs on the island of Madagascar descended from a single primate ancestor. The researchers analyzed DNA from nine subfossil individuals and found that they are closely related to living indriids, but not to other extinct species.
Researchers propose that whales and hippos share a common water-loving ancestor 50-60 million years ago, which evolved into two distinct groups. The study reconciles the fossil record with molecular evidence, providing a new understanding of whale evolution.
Head lice analysis suggests that modern humans (Homo sapiens) and archaic humans (Homo erectus) carried distinct types of lice. The study proposes a scenario where the New World louse evolved on an archaic form of humans before transferring to a modern version.
Researchers found significant genetic differentiation among Anolis lizard populations on Caribbean islands, revealing unexpected dimensions of biodiversity. The study suggests that multiple species may be present within a single island's ecosystem, and factors such as geography and ecology could be driving the DNA evolution.