Speciation

Gentoo penguin is actually four distinct species, one new to science. Three are threatened.

Innovation and ecological collapse gave rise to the tropics’ most important decomposers

Termites became the backbone of tropical ecosystems after two diversification pulses following global extinctions. The traits that define modern termites, such as soil-eating and fungus agriculture, emerged in distinct pulses about 30 million years apart, according to a new study published in Current Biology.

The Age of Fishes began with mass death

Researchers from OIST found that the Late Ordovician Mass Extinction drove an unprecedented richness of vertebrate life, with gnathostomes dominating all others. The study linked the mass extinction pulses to increased speciation after millions of years, highlighting their role in shaping the evolution of vertebrates.

Warblers borrow color-related genes from evolutionary neighbors, study finds

A new study found that wood warblers have borrowed color-related genes from neighboring species, leading to the evolution of diverse plumage colors. This gene exchange, known as introgression, occurred across multiple genera and is believed to have played a role in the group's rapid diversification.

Sexual selection leads to more rapid evolution of new species

A 40-year study on seed beetles found that strong sexual selection leads to rapid evolution of new species. Populations under high competition for mating diverged more rapidly and became genetically distinct.

A comparison of colorful hamlets from the Caribbean challenges ideas about how species arise

A study by 16 researchers, including those from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, found that genetic differences alone cannot explain how 19 species of hamlet fish diverged. Instead, they identified a single gene involved in color patterns and mate choice, but it did not allow them to reconstruct a family tree for the group.

Genomes reveal the Norwegian lemming as one of the youngest mammal species

Researchers at Stockholm University have uncovered the evolutionary history of the Norwegian lemming, revealing it to be one of the most recently evolved mammal species. The study found that the Norwegian and Siberian lemmings diverged approximately 35,000 years ago, with no evidence of interbreeding between them.

On the origin (and fate) of plants that never bloom

A study by Kobe University reveals that plants reproducing solely through self-pollination likely arose from populations with extremely low genetic diversity. The research found that these species are highly successful at producing fruit and may have an evolutionary edge over outcrossing, raising questions about their long-term viability.

A tale of two hummingbird bills

Researchers found that a narrow island separating the two species suggests recent speciation or extensive gene flow. The study proposes sexual selection as a key driver of species differentiation.

Gold battles cancer

A French research team has discovered that an organogold(III) complex accumulates selectively in the mitochondria of lung cancer cells, demonstrating its potential as an anticancer treatment. The complex's antitumor activity is attributed to its interactions with specific biological molecules, disrupting their function.

Scientist discovers 16 new grasshopper species, champions desert biodiversity

A Mississippi State University scientist has discovered 16 new species of grasshoppers living in the thorny scrubs of U.S. and Mexican deserts, showcasing the thriving biodiversity in arid ecosystems. The newly uncovered species are native to the southern U.S. and Mexican deserts and were described in a recent scientific journal article.

From Mount Etna to the UK: genetics unveil the Oxford ragwort unique journey and resilience

A new species, Senecio squalidus, emerged in the UK after crossbreeding of two plants native to Mount Etna. Genetic analysis shows a rapid reorganization of its genome, driving its unique survival in challenging environments.

From smooth and button-size to spiky and giant-size – why are cacti so diverse?

Researchers found that cactus diversity is driven by temperature range, sand content in the soil, and seasonal changes. Mexico has the highest biodiversity but lowest rate of speciation due to slower extinction rates.

Moths may use disco gene to regulate day/night cycles

Researchers found that moth species with overlapping ranges in the southeastern US have distinct clock genes, including the 'disco' gene. The study reveals how vision evolves when a species switches its pattern of activity, and provides insights into the mechanisms behind species speciation.

Two closely related species of haplodiploid spider mites interact on mountains

Researchers investigated the interaction and genetic introgression between two closely related spider mite species in Japan's mountains. The study found extensive overlapping distribution, hybrids, and genetic introgression, shedding light on speciation in haplodiploid organisms.

Cuckoos evolve to look like their hosts - and form new species in the process

Researchers found evidence of coevolution driving speciation in cuckoo species. Cuckoo chicks evolved to mimic host chicks to evade detection and exploit more hosts.

The origin and long-distance travels of upside down trees

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London reveal that baobab trees originated in Madagascar before traveling to Africa and Australia, where they evolved unique pollination mechanisms. The study provides new insights into how climate change has influenced baobab distribution and speciation patterns over millions of years.

Quick as a snail

Researchers from Kyoto University found that two species of land snails exhibit opposite behaviors in response to predator-like stimuli. The species K gainesi accelerates its forward movement to escape predators, while its nocturnal relative K editha retreats into its shell.

Study shows birds that have evolved greater complexity are less biodiverse

Researchers found a correlation between skeleton complexity and bird diversity, with less complex birds having higher species richness. Birds with more complex skeletons are more ecologically specialised, occupying fewer habitats and foraging in fewer ways, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes.

Marine fossils unearth story about Panama’s deep past

Fossil discoveries in northern Panama Canal area suggest that marine species interchange persisted across shallow waters during the final stages of formation of the isthmus. The findings provide new insights into the connectivity between the Pacific and Caribbean marine faunas during this period.

Global cooling caused diversity of species in orchids, confirms study

A recent study published in PNAS found that global cooling is the major driving factor behind the diversification of terrestrial orchid species. The research analyzed over 1,500 species and discovered that most new species emerged within the last 10 million years, coinciding with global cooling trends.

Making the most of minuscule metal mandalas

Researchers at the University of Vienna have created a speciation atlas for polyoxometalates (POMs), a type of metal compound. The atlas provides predictive models and databases to accurately determine POM structure and behavior under various chemical conditions, enabling scientists to make the most accurate results and discoveries.

Establishing Amazonian Morpho butterflies as a new eco-evolutionary model

Three Amazonian Morpho butterfly species have been sequenced for the first time, revealing genetic differences that maintain reproductive isolation despite sympatry. The study found Z-chromosome rearrangements and genetic divergence among gene copies, suggesting a role in speciation.

Scientists discover hidden crab diversity among coral reefs

A new study reveals a surprising exception to the rule of uniformity across the Indo-West Pacific coral reef ecosystem. Chlorodielline crabs with overlapping ranges have uniquely shaped gonopods, but otherwise appear identical, suggesting genetic divergence in different geographic areas.

Enhanced arsenic detection in water, food, soil

Scientists developed a sensitive nanostructured silver surface to detect arsenic in water, food and soil using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The new technique is more sensitive and easier to produce than existing methods, making it ideal for on-site field assays.

Not all mushrooms are alike

A team of scientists from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf investigated how four different fungal species interact with europium, a rare earth element. They found that fungi like the Split-Gill can bind up to four times more europium compared to other species, and that the binding site and transport mechanisms differ among them.

Diving birds are more prone to extinction, says new study

A new study by the University of Bath suggests that diving birds like penguins and puffins are more prone to extinction than non-diving birds. The research found that diving evolved independently 14 times and led to a loss of evolutionary diversity in these species.

Study reveals how ancient fish colonized the deep sea

Scientists discovered that ancient fish favored cold, dark waters of the deep sea, challenging the assumption that shallow habitats have always been diverse. The study revealed three major events that drove speciation rates in the deep sea, including the breakup of Pangea and the Cretaceous Hot Greenhouse period.

Idea of ice age 'species pump' in the Philippines boosted by new way of drawing evolutionary trees

A new Bayesian method and genomic data analysis reveal strong statistical support for the 'Pleistocene aggregate island complex (PAIC) model', a theory suggesting species diversification during ice ages. This study tested the PAIC model in two genera of lizards, each with species found only in the Philippines.

Genomic research supports recognizing new scrub jay species in Texas and Mexico

Genomic data reveals two distinct species of scrub jays: A. sumichrasti, endemic to southern Mexico, and A. texana, found only in Texas. The study's findings support the recognition of these new species based on phenotypic, behavioral, and genetic differences.

Study supports stronger conservation efforts in Southeast glacial refugia regions

Researchers identified glacial refugia for Campanula americana and found that populations nearest the refugia had highest potential for speciation. This discovery highlights the importance of conserving habitats in Southeastern regions.

Brains and brawn helped crows and ravens take over the world

New research from Washington University in St. Louis shows that crows and ravens' diverse traits enabled their rapid global expansion. Their intelligence allowed them to adapt to new environments, while their big bodies gave them a competitive advantage.

Tyrannosaurus remains hint at two possible species distinct from T. rex

Researchers found physical differences in femur, dental structures across specimens suggesting re-categorization into three groups or species. Two new species, T. imperator and T. regina, are proposed based on analysis of 37 Tyrannosaurus specimens.

Hidden diversity: When one wasp species is actually 16 wasp species

A new study identifies at least 16 distinct wasp species previously grouped as one, Ormyrus labotus, which lays eggs in over 65 insect species. The discovery highlights the importance of seeking out hidden diversity and underscores the need for precise identification to understand ecosystem health.

Mismatch between phylogenetic distance and the degree of reproductive isolation

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.

Mite makes right: Spider mites shed light on evolution of reproductive barriers

Researchers studied spider mite populations to understand evolutionary patterns of reproductive isolation, finding a positive relationship between genetic distance and isolation. The study supports the prevailing view of reproductive barrier evolution in diploid animals.

Going up: Birds and mammals evolve faster if their home is rising

A new study found that birds and mammals evolved into new species at higher rates where the land has risen most over the past three million years. This effect was found to be greater than historical climate change, present-day elevation, and temperature in driving speciation.

White clover’s toxic tricks traced to its hybridization

Research at Washington University in St. Louis reveals that white clover's chemical defense against insect pests comes from both of its parental species, not just one as previously thought. The plant's ecological success can be attributed to this cyanogenesis process.

A new approach to identify genetic boundaries of species could also impact policy

A new method developed by evolutionary biologists improves current species delineation methods and can help determine the threatened status of species. The DELINEATE approach models the speciation process, allowing researchers to understand how populations evolve into distinct species.

Pioneering pollinator study offers clues to Darwin's 'abominable mystery'

Researchers engineered a hawkmoth-pollinated Mimulus species by altering flower colour genes, showing strong preference for non-red colours. The study provides insights into the origin of new species through pollinator shift and suggests only a few simple genetic changes may be required.

Evolutionary history of turtles

Researchers analyzed DNA from 591 turtles to uncover factors shaping their diversity, finding species diversified in response to historical climate shifts. The study suggests that habitats exposed along continental margins were critical for turtle speciation and remain key to their persistence.

Engineering speciation events in insects may be used to control harmful pests

Researchers have developed a way to induce speciation events in fruit flies, allowing scientists to create engineered strains that can reproduce normally but are sterile when mated with unmodified flies. This technology, called Engineered Genetic Incompatibility (EGI), has the potential to control populations of disease-carrying insect...

Chromosomal speciation in wild house mice

A new study on wild house mice from Southern Italy suggests that Robertsonian fusions play an active role in speciation. The researchers found three identical chromosomal rearrangements in both island and mainland populations, showing large-scale genetic mutations occur independently.

Why is Earth so biologically diverse? Mountains hold the answer

Two companion papers reveal that mountain regions are hotspots of biodiversity, with tropical mountains hosting more than 85% of the world's species. The high level of biodiversity is linked to unique climate conditions and geological dynamics.

The two faces of the Jekyll gene

Researchers have identified two distinct allelic variants, Jek1 and Jek3, within the Jekyll gene in barley, which has significant implications for understanding speciation and cellular processes.

Species 'hotspots' created by immigrant influx or evolutionary speed depending on climate

A study reveals that tropical hotspots have higher rates of speciation over the last 25 million years, with some regions experiencing up to 36% higher bird speciation compared to non-hotspot areas. In contrast, temperate regions are mainly populated by immigrant species that originated elsewhere.

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.

Human mutation rate has slowed recently

Researchers from Aarhus University discovered that the human mutation rate is slower than in our closest primate relatives. This finding may impact conservation efforts and our understanding of species evolution. The study estimated a common ancestor for humans and chimpanzees to have lived around 6.6 million years ago.

How sex pheromones diversify: Lessons from yeast

The study found that one pheromone operates strictly while the other is free to undergo diversification, a mechanism that may lead to reproductive isolation and speciation. This asymmetric system allows for flexible adaptation to mutational changes while maintaining recognition of mating partners.

DNA analyses show a dynamic coevolutionary relationship between birds and their feather mites

A massive genetic study reveals that birds and their feather mites have a dynamic coevolutionary relationship, with 7.4% of hosts and 4.8% of mites exhibiting unexpected associations. The study's findings suggest that ecological factors play a crucial role in regulating these dynamics.

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...

Cardinals living in adjacent deserts are sharply distinct in genetics and song

Researchers found that genetics and vocal behavior show distinct patterns in two desert populations, suggesting speciation is underway. The study's findings indicate that dialect differences might indeed be indicative of new species.

Could climate change trigger the return of eradicated mosquito-related disease?

A massive study found that climate change could lead to the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes, putting millions at risk. Rising CO2 levels are linked to an increase in mosquito species diversity.

Barn swallows may indeed have evolved alongside humans

Researchers found that barn swallow subspecies evolved independently of humans but in sync with human expansion and settlement, suggesting a significant link between the two species. The study suggests a 'founder event' where swallows rapidly expanded into new environments alongside humans.

Two species of ravens nevermore? New research finds evidence of 'speciation reversal'

A new study provides some of the strongest evidence yet of speciation reversal, where two distinct lineages of Common Ravens have hybridized and merged into one. The research analyzed genomic data from hundreds of ravens across North America and found extensive intermixing between the California and Holarctic lineages.

Galapagos study finds that new species can develop in as little as 2 generations

Researchers from Princeton University and Uppsala University report a new species of bird developed on Daphne Major island after interbreeding between two distinct species. The study reveals that the emergence of this new species occurred in just two generations, highlighting a critical step in speciation through hybridization.

Birds of a feather

A new large-scale study found that species with faster genetic differentiation rates produce more species over time. The study analyzed genetic sequences from 17,000 individuals across 173 bird species, demonstrating a link between population differentiation and speciation rates.

Genome study reveals 'gray zone' of animals transitioning from 1 species to 2 -- PLOS

A recent genome study has identified a 'gray zone' of animals that are in the process of transitioning from one to two species. This zone is characterized by intermediate molecular divergence and semi-permeable genomes, where some genes are freely exchanged between populations.

Biologists watch speciation in a laboratory flask

Biologists observed the emergence of two distinct virus species within a month-long experiment, leveraging a harmless human virus and two types of bacteria with varying receptors. This rapid process, known as speciation, was previously challenging to study due to its slow pace.

Watching new species evolve in real time

Researchers discovered a new species of threespine stickleback in Lake Constance that diverges rapidly, even when breeding alongside other populations. This finding challenges traditional speciation theories and highlights the importance of genetic analysis in understanding evolutionary processes.