Articles tagged with Animal Science
A Simon Fraser University study ranks Canadian terrestrial vertebrates by their level of evolutionary distinctness, finding that amphibians and reptiles are the most distinct species. The spiny softshell turtle is the most evolutionarily distinct terrestrial animal in Canada.
Understanding plant-to-plant communication through VOCs can lead to innovative strategies for crop protection and yield improvement, potentially revolutionizing sustainable agriculture. This review explores the molecular pathways behind this complex biochemical strategy and its potential applications.
A KAUST-led global study found that livestock management and climate explain woody species coverage in arid environments. Managing grazing pressure and type of herbivore can allow for more sustainable production in these ecosystems.
A study published in Biology Letters reveals that harbor seals in Alaska's Iliamna Lake are genetically isolated from other seal populations across the Pacific. The researchers found significant differences between the lake seals and marine populations, suggesting they may be a unique endemic form of harbor seal.
An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species of tree frogs in Madagascar, characterized by their high-pitched whistling calls. The unique vocalizations are believed to serve as self-promotional advertisement calls to convey information about the male frog's suitability as a mate.
Wildlife rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority successfully monitored lion populations in the Murchison Falls Nile Delta, estimating a density of 13.91 lions per 100 km². The study highlights the cost-effectiveness and value of rangers' skills in conservation efforts.
New research from Binghamton University reveals that Mexican jumping bean larvae respond differently to various lighting conditions, with red light stimulating the most vigorous jumps. However, damage to their 'bean' hosts hinders their ability to jump away from stressors.
Researchers used accelerometers to observe the movement and behavior of green turtle hatchlings as they emerge from their nests. The findings show that hatchlings maintain a head-up orientation and move vertically through the sand by rocking forwards and backwards.
The study reveals that sea robin legs are sensitive to both mechanical and chemical stimuli, and are covered in papillae similar to human taste buds. The research provides new insights into the evolution of this unique trait, which could offer clues about how humans developed bipedalism.
A University of Illinois study found that climate conditions can mitigate the effects of grazing on water quality, suggesting a more flexible approach to stocking rates and grazing continuity. The research developed a modeling framework to simulate nitrogen transport from livestock grazing under different climate conditions.
Scientists have discovered a new species of predatory flatworm in North Carolina and Florida, which has been detected in residential landscapes across the Southeast. The researchers found that the flatworm has brownish-black color and feeds on soft-bodied organisms like earthworms and slugs.
Researchers used cutting-edge molecular biology tools and GPS tracking data to determine the dietary habits of different animal species in Yellowstone. They found that feeding behaviors depend on body size, with smaller species diversifying their diets in summer and larger animals competing for resources in winter.
Researchers found that teaching dogs to voluntarily dunk their heads in water is the most effective method for rapidly cooling them down after exercise. The study also highlighted the importance of constant access to water and shade for outdoor pets.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that South African rock art from the 19th century may be inspired by an extinct species of tusked animal called a dicynodont. The artwork, created by the San people, features a long-bodied animal with downward-turned tusks that is comparable to fossilized remains found in the region.
Rice University researchers have identified a new parasitoid wasp species, Chrysonotomyia susbelli, found on the university grounds in Houston, Texas. The discovery reveals an intricate ecosystem involving galls and cynipid gall wasps, with potential for many more undiscovered species.
Researchers at Binghamton University discovered that water anoles produce a special bubble over their nostrils to breathe underwater and evade predators. The study found that the bubble serves a functional role in respiration, allowing lizards to stay submerged for longer periods.
The BioRescue team evaluated ethical considerations for biobanking, including animal welfare, sample ownership, and good scientific practice. It introduced a modified ETHAS tool to provide a structured approach for biobank managers, enabling them to make wise decisions on conservation and research.
Scientists have successfully sequenced the genome of the spur-thighed tortoise, a threatened land turtle species, using a reference assembly method. The genome sequencing will enable conservation efforts and provide tools for protecting the species' populations.
Grey reef sharks are deserting coral reefs in response to environmental stress caused by warming oceans. The study found that sharks are choosing to move into offshore waters, exacerbating declines in shark populations already threatened by exploitation.
Researchers argue that studying group sleep can reveal insights into animal social structures and behaviors. By analyzing sleep patterns in groups, scientists can better understand the impact of sleep on individual and group fitness.
As griffon vultures age, they tend to establish fewer but stronger social bonds with a core group of friends, while their movement routines become more routine. This shift in behavior is linked to the birds' increasing loyalty to familiar food sources and roosting sites.
Researchers found that marmoset monkeys use 'phee-calls' to address specific individuals, discerning when a call was directed at them and responding more accurately. This ability is similar to human naming and may have evolved to help marmosets stay connected in their dense rainforest habitat.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have identified a neurohormone responsible for triggering arm detachment in starfish. The team's discovery sheds light on the complex interplay of neurohormones and tissues involved in autotomy, a well-known survival strategy in the animal kingdom.
A new study by the University of Bristol reveals that animals feigning death to avoid predators will seek safety in a suitable environment. The study found that the movement dynamics of antlion larvae after feigning death depend on the available escape strategies.
The WPI team will develop an inexpensive test kit that can quickly identify vulnerable species and track illegal wildlife trade on social networks. The project aims to disrupt the multi-billion-dollar industry by providing law enforcement with real-time results and long-term trends.
Over a 22-year period, researchers found significant cultural changes in the dialects of yellow-naped amazon parrots, including shifting dialect boundaries and new call variants. The findings suggest that the species' vocal learning ability may serve an adaptive role in responding to changing social dynamics.
Researchers discovered that sponges in the Gulf of Eilat employ a unique tactic to deter predators by storing high concentrations of toxic molybdenum. The symbiotic relationship between the sponge and a bacterium enables this process, allowing the sponge to accumulate metals and neutralize their toxicity.
Researchers have sequenced the lungfish genome, which is 90 billion bases long and breaks all records for size. The study reveals that autonomous transposons are responsible for the genomic expansion, but surprisingly, the genome remains stable despite its enormous size.
A Dartmouth study suggests that social rank determines whether animals prioritize short-term energy consumption over long-term health, with dominant monkeys consuming food quickly to maintain dominance, while lower-ranked monkeys invest time in washing their food to prevent tooth damage. The findings shed light on the disposable soma h...
Researchers studied pterosaurs' takeoff mechanism, finding they likely used all four limbs like modern bats. The study provides new insights into how these large animals achieved flight despite their massive size.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered a new species of starfish off the coast of Japan, shedding light on the country's marine biodiversity. The newly named Paragonaster hoeimaruae is a distinctive red and beige color with five arms and spans over 10 centimeters.
A team of biologists has discovered a unique breeding behavior in the Andamanese Charles Darwin's frog, laying terrestrial eggs inside tree holes in an upside-down position. The frog also produces complex advertisement calls and engages in aggressive fights for mating rights.
Researchers found that fish species on Trinidad Island adapt their egg-laying habits in response to predators, showing evolutionary plasticity. The study provides new insights into how aquatic organisms adapt to environmental changes, including those caused by climate change.
Jordan Brown, a postdoctoral research associate at UTA, received a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from the NSF to analyze bird specimens from European museums and track changes in air pollution levels. His research aims to understand how industrialization affected wildlife and contribute to the study of climate change.
A UCF biologist has compiled a database of animal DNA to study the presence of magnetic bacteria, which may aid in navigation and conservation. The database contains hundreds of millions of genetic sequences showing the presence of various types of magnetic bacteria.
The study reveals that the electric blue spots of the bluespotted ribbontail ray are produced by unique skin cells with a stable 3D arrangement of nanoscale spheres containing reflecting nanocrystals. The team believes this colouration provides camouflage benefits to the stingrays, allowing them to blend with their surroundings.
Researchers found that ants need three main things to succeed when hitchhiking: climbing ability, foraging/colonizing behaviors, and temperature tolerance. The study tracked the spread of invasive ants through non-commercial transport on personal vehicles, highlighting a significant threat to native species.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill released nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil and hydrocarbon gases, affecting an area of 1,100 square miles, nearly nine times larger than earlier studies. Biodiversity loss among harpacticoid copepods declined dramatically due to the spill.
Researchers create special language Phenoscript to describe traits in a way that both humans and computers can understand. This allows for large-scale studies of organismal traits, boosting the emerging field of phenomics. The new language is being tested and aims to integrate semantic species descriptions with nanopublications.
Researchers found that nocturnal bull ants can detect exceedingly low levels of polarised moonlight produced throughout the lunar month to navigate during the night. The ants altered their direction in response to changing rotations of overhead lunar light polarisation, suggesting a stable cue across the lunar cycle.
Researchers confirmed that elephant calls contained a name-like component identifying the intended recipient through machine learning analysis. Elephants responded affirmatively to calls addressed to them and less so to those meant for others, suggesting an ability to learn and use arbitrary vocal labels like humans.
Researchers found a universal equation that approximates the frequency of wingbeats and fin strokes across different animal groups. The equation shows a proportional relationship between body mass, wing area, and wingbeat frequency, revealing a relatively constant pattern across diverse species.
A team of researchers led by Virginia Tech's Shuhai Xiao discovered a 550 million-year-old sea sponge that challenges previous theories about its evolution. The fossil, found in China, suggests that early sponges may have had soft-bodied skeletons and only later developed mineralized structures.
A slow-growth diet for female pigs before breeding improved their long-range health, leading to increased litter sizes and healthier piglets. The study showed that sows fed a low-nutrient diet during development lost less weight during lactation and had better body condition.
Ancient rodent middens offer critical archives of the last 50,000 years, preserving plants, insects, bones and other specimens. Researchers are calling for improved preservation, new research and field studies to understand how populations responded to past climate change.
A study using crowd-sourced data from iNaturalist found that slugs and snails are more common in urban areas than other native species. In contrast, butterflies and moths were the least tolerant of urban environments. The analysis provides valuable insights for city planners to increase urban biodiversity.
A new deep learning AI model, Dev-ResNet, identifies embryonic developmental events in pond snails using video analysis. This breakthrough enables the detection of key features, such as heart function and hatching, with unprecedented sensitivity.
A study in the Panamanian rainforest found that larger-brained primates did not outperform smaller-brained mammals in finding fruit. The research suggests that intelligence may not be directly linked to foraging efficiency, but could be related to other factors such as episodic memory or social complexity.
Researchers have solved the mock viper's evolutionary history by analyzing DNA sequences and micro-computed tomographic scans. The discovery of a new family-level lineage within Elapoidea superfamily highlights the importance of snake venom fang origin and evolution, with long branches indicating high evolutionary distinctiveness.
Australian researchers have identified a new species of ancient 'echidnapus', which exhibits platypus-like anatomy alongside echidna-like features. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of monotremes, revealing six different egg-laying mammals living together in the same area over 100 million years ago.
Studies led by the University of Texas at Austin researchers found that bird song and human voice share a common genetic link, with the syrinx and larynx having similar developmental programming. This discovery highlights the shared ancestry between birds and humans in terms of vocal organ structure.
Researchers from the University of Konstanz and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour found that meerkats use two different types of vocal interactions to communicate within their groups. Close calls are call-and-response exchanges between animals, while short notes announce 'I am here' but don't necessarily get a direct reply.
A UMaine graduate student's research found that small mammal personalities determine the effectiveness of pilferage in mice and voles. Deer mice were the most accomplished thieves, while individuals with lower body condition and female voles were more likely to pilfer.
Desert isopods rigorously regulate their intake of macronutrients and calcium, preferring biological soil crust over plant litter. The research highlights the crucial role of ingested microorganisms in facilitating digestion and growth.
Researchers observed a rare instance of lemur predation by a fosa in the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve. The impact of this predation, combined with low reproductive rates and genetic isolation, poses significant threats to the survival of critically endangered lemurs.
A team of Australian scientists has developed a step-by-step guide to ageing octopus, using growth rings on beaks and stylets to validate age. This tool helps estimate growth rates, reproduction, and maturity, ensuring sustainable fisheries and conservation.
Researchers found that synbiotics, a combination of prebiotics and paraprobiotics, improved the gut microbiome of Magellanic penguins, reducing inflammation and enhancing overall health. The study also revealed that parasynbiotics can modulate inflammatory responses in penguins.
A study predicts that climate change will lead to a major species turnover in North American cities by the end of the century. Cities with cooler and wetter climates are expected to gain new species, while warmer cities may lose many species.
A team of scientists from Pohang University of Science & Technology developed an artificial vitreous body based on alginate to treat retinal detachment. The hydrogel maintains vision post-surgery and regulates fluid dynamics within the eye, preventing recurrence and air bubble formation.
Researchers simultaneously tagged many humpback whales from the same pod to analyze their vocalization and compare individual calls. This study provides new information about whale behavior and communication, crucial for informing future conservation efforts.