Articles tagged with Animals
A new species of the Persian Gold Tarantula has been discovered in northwestern Iran, belonging to the genus Chaetopelma. The newly described species, Chaetopelma persianum, is an obligate burrower and inhabits high elevations in well-vegetated mountainous regions of the northern Zagros Mountains.
A 10-year study found that golden-crowned sparrows resettled an average of just 90 feet away from the center of their previous year's range when returning to California after winter migration. The study suggests that social bonds and familiar faces help anchor the birds to specific spaces, even when resources are scarce.
Researchers at George Washington University found that dogs with plain faces are more expressive in their interactions with humans. The study, which analyzed over 100 dog participants, suggests that people can better understand a dog's level of expressivity if their dog has a simpler face.
A newly discovered turtle fossil from the Upper Jurassic period provides valuable information on the species' limb taphonomy and habitat ecology. The fossil, Solnhofia parsonsi, was found in Bavaria, Germany, offering a unique perspective on the ancient environment.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that children's ability to recognize dog emotions, especially aggression, improves with age. Four-year-olds were less able to recognize aggressive dog expressions than six-year-olds and adults. As children grow older and gain experience with dogs, they become better at reading canine facial expressions.
Under warming temperatures, lizards may skip over potential mates to quickly choose a partner. Researchers found this behavior in a social lizard species due to environmental changes.
Two species of hairworms are missing genes responsible for producing cilia, a feature present in all other known animals. This loss likely occurred early in the evolution of the group and may impact their parasitic behavior, but its exact effects remain unclear.
Researchers tracked eastern wild turkey nesting in five southern U.S. states over eight years, finding slight changes in nest timing linked to temperature and rainfall. However, these shifts were minimal and less than three hours, suggesting turkeys may be inflexible in their reproductive activities.
A mathematical model of UK cat populations suggests that neutering of owned cats affects not only their own population but also those of feral, stray, and shelter subpopulations. The model shows that lower rates of neutering of female owned cats lead to population booms within the other subpopulations, especially for stray cats.
Researchers have discovered that rattlesnakes can modulate each other's stress responses when in the presence of a companion, similar to human behavior. This phenomenon, known as social buffering, was observed in wild-caught snakes in Southern California and persisted even after hibernation or mating.
The Ngoc Linh Crocodile Newt is a newly discovered species of crocodile newt found in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The species is considered Endangered due to its small population size and limited geographic range.
A new study reveals that climate change and plate tectonics played a crucial role in shaping the uneven distribution of animal species across Wallace's Line. Species from Asia were more successful at adapting to Australia's climate, while Australian species struggled to thrive on tropical islands.
Wild orangutans produce two distinct sounds simultaneously, mirroring songbirds and human beatboxers. This finding has significant implications for the evolution of human speech and our shared ancestors' vocal capabilities.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms that the Megalodon shark was warm-blooded, with a body temperature estimated at around 27°C. This discovery provides empirical evidence for the extinct species' internal heat production, shedding light on its biology and ecological role.
Researchers found that monarch butterflies with more and larger white spots on their wings had a higher survival rate during long-distance migrations. The study suggests that these white spots may provide an aerodynamic benefit, helping the butterflies navigate and stay aloft during their journeys.
Researchers have developed a battery-free GPS tracker that harnesses kinetic energy from an animal's movements, allowing for longer-term tracking. The 'KineFox' device has been tested on several species, including horses and dogs, and shows promise for monitoring endangered species.
A study by Shinji Sugiura and Masakazu Hayashi found that bombardier beetles are better defended against pond frogs than assassin bugs. The researchers also showed that both insects benefit from mimetic interactions with the shared predator.
Researchers at Mainz University and Berlin found a previously unknown function of electrical synapses in the insect neural network, governing wing movement and generating consistent flight power. The discovery reveals new concepts of information processing by the central nervous system.
Researchers updated their protein localization prediction model, MULocDeep, to provide more targeted predictions for biological discoveries. The tool helps researchers design more effective experiments and advance scientific discoveries related to drug development and treating diseases like epilepsy.
The study reveals the life cycles of four Lonomia Walker species, characterized by unique morphological features. New parasitoids and host plants have also been discovered, shedding light on the complex relationships within this genus.
A study in Washington state found that when wolves and cougars moved into an area, coyotes and bobcats shifted their movements into regions with higher levels of human activity. However, it was humans who finished off the smaller predators, with over half of the coyotes killed by people during the study period.
Researchers use chromosome structure to determine that comb jellies were the first lineage to branch off from the animal tree, followed by sponges. This finding sheds light on how animals arose and evolved into the diverse species we see today.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that pregnant and lactating dogs share similarities in certain blood metabolites with human pregnancy, including glucose and fatty acid concentrations. The research analyzed 27 dogs from 21 breeds and discovered intriguing correlations between canine metabolism and human physiological processes.
Researchers at Lund University found that migratory bats' efficiency in converting energy into muscle power increases with flight speed. The study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, used high-speed cameras and laser measurements to compare kinetic energy with metabolism.
Researchers found high levels of coral pathogens in fish that graze on algae and detritus, while those that eat coral had beneficial bacteria in their feces. These findings suggest that corallivore feces could act as a 'coral probiotic,' potentially benefiting coral reefs.
The study highlights 10% of human genome highly conserved across species, linked to embryonic development and environmental adaptation. It also pinpointed genetic variants associated with exceptional traits like brain size and hibernation, and at-risk species for extinction.
A new analysis suggests that US dog and cat owners experienced greater reductions in stress and loneliness during the reopening period, while cat owners showed more stress and loneliness. The study also found that pet ownership was linked to less loneliness related to romantic relationships.
Two contagious cancers, devil facial tumour 1 (DFT1) and 2 (DFT2), affecting Tasmanian devils have been tracked to understand their origins and evolution. Researchers found DFT2 is a faster-growing cancer with rapid mutations, posing a significant threat to the species.
A recent study found that temperature and extreme drought drive movement among herds of Plains bison, posing challenges for managing the iconic species. The team analyzed GPS-backed evidence from 33 Plains bison across two sites in Oklahoma, revealing a strong link between air temperature and bison movement.
Scientists discovered that male yellow crazy ants have maternal and paternal genomes in different cells, making them chimeras. This unique phenomenon occurs within a single fertilized egg, contradicting the fundamental law of biological inheritance where all cells should contain the same genome.
A new research approach suggests integrating biodiversity auditing into conservation plans to effectively support a wider range of important species. This method has been successfully tested in the UK's East Anglia region and could benefit biodiversity nationally, including the European Union's 2030 Biodiversity Strategy.
Researchers have identified a probiotic that can protect Caribbean corals from stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), a deadly and rapidly spreading affliction. The probiotic treatment has been shown to stop or slow the progression of the disease in infected coral fragments, offering an antibiotic-free alternative.
A team of researchers at Eötvös Loránd University developed a general formula to calculate honest equilibrium in any model, independent of signal costs. Their results reveal that honesty does not require signal costs to be paid in equilibrium, and that the cost is borne by cheaters, not honest individuals.
A new study published in Nature Conservation found that pangolin scales are widely available in Chinese hospitals and pharmaceutical shops, despite a lack of effective regulation. The research reveals that 46% of surveyed hospitals and 34% of surveyed shops were selling pangolin scale products illegally.
A study of bird poop reveals a unique relationship between birds and their microbiomes, which differ from those found in mammals. The researchers found that the types of bacteria present in the birds' gut microbiomes change over short time periods, rather than being tied to specific host species.
A new species of ancient beaver, Anchitheriomys buceei, has been discovered in Texas and named after Buc-ee's. The beaver lived about 15 million years ago and was about 30% larger than modern beavers.
The Cinereous Vulture has been reintroduced to Bulgaria after being extinct for 36 years. The successful re-introduction campaign, led by Green Balkans and other organizations, involved importing 72 birds from Spain and European zoos. The team recommends the aviary method and delayed release for establishing a new core population, and ...
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that equine-facilitated therapy (EFT) can improve daily functioning and reduce perceived pain among patients with chronic low back pain. Statistically significant improvements were observed in domains such as sleep, reaching, and bending forward.
Researchers discovered that great apes deliberately spin themselves to dizzy, mimicking human behaviors like whirling dervishes. This study suggests that humans may have inherited the need for altered states from their evolutionary ancestors.
Research reveals island-dwelling mammal species face higher extinction risks, with those experiencing extreme size changes being particularly endangered. Human arrival on islands multiplies the probability of extinction by 16, contributing to a 'protracted extinction event' spanning over 100,000 years.
A new snake family, Micrelapidae, was identified through an international study led by Tel Aviv University researcher Prof. Shai Meiri. The family includes only three species, two in Africa and one in Israel, and diverged from the rest of the evolutionary tree about 50 million years ago.
Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have created a soft robot inspired by earthworms, able to crawl using soft actuators that elongate or squeeze. The prototype demonstrates improved locomotion with a speed of 1.35mm/s and has potential applications in underground exploration, excavation, search and rescue operations.
Researchers at the University of Bern discovered that geckos can detect and distinguish their own skin chemicals from those of other geckos, revealing a new level of social complexity in these animals. This finding suggests that geckos are more intelligent than previously thought, using pheromones for communication and self-recognition.
A new study has identified the top factors that determine the success of large carnivore relocation efforts, highlighting the importance of protecting existing habitats. The findings could support global rewilding efforts and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
A team of scientists found a 16-year-old European hedgehog in Denmark, exceeding the previous record by seven years. The discovery contradicts previous studies suggesting that inbreeding reduces lifespan. The study's results provide valuable insights into the basic life history of hedgehogs and may improve conservation efforts.
Researchers found that nectar-feeding bats rely on extra-long whiskers to navigate flowers while feeding, providing enhanced spatial information. Clipping whiskers reduced agility but didn't impact feeding ability.
A joint team of researchers uncovered serious management and compliance issues on lion farms in the Free State, including potentially fraudulent activities with microchip reuse and incomplete record keeping. The study highlights concerns that lion farm owners may be laundering wild-caught lions through microchip reuse.
Researchers found wolves in Alaska replaced deer with sea otters as their main food source within a few years. The wolf pack's diet changed dramatically, with sea otters making up 57% of their diet by 2017, while deer frequency declined to 7%.
Neanderthals at Combe-Grenal consistently preferred to hunt in open tundra-like habitats, unaffected by climatic changes over many millennia. The study's findings provide insights into the subsistence strategies of Neanderthal populations and their adaptability to environmental shifts.
A study of 10 mummified crocodile remains discovered in an undisturbed tomb at Qubbat al-Hawā offers new insights into pre-Ptolemaic mummification practices. The unique preservation style suggests a different approach to carcass evisceration and resin use compared to other archaeological sites.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that ants do not adjust their behavior in response to rising temperatures, persisting in sub-optimal microhabitats. The study suggests that ants may not be able to adapt to warmer ecosystems, with potential implications for forest ecosystems.
Researchers have documented cases of Japanese macaques hunting and eating fish in the Kamikochi region of Japan, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to harsh winter conditions. The behavior appears to be an extension of existing feeding habits on vegetation and aquatic plants, with potential implications for future generations.
Researchers have discovered that ancient crocodilian hemoglobin required 21 interconnected mutations to develop its hyper-efficient oxygen-binding properties. This complexity, not found in other vertebrates, enabled crocodilians to exploit their onboard oxygen stores for extended periods underwater.
Researchers found parallel genomic signatures in urban Anolis cristatellus lizards, which also exhibit physical differences such as longer limbs and larger toe pads. These adaptations enable the lizards to thrive in cities.
Researchers found that male wasp genitalia serve as an effective anti-predator defense, deterring some tree frogs from eating them. Male genital spines are used to pierce and sting predators, preventing them from swallowing the wasps. This study highlights the significance of male genitalia in animal defense.
Researchers used dental microwear texture analysis to infer feeding habits of large theropods, including T. rex and Allosaurus. The study found that these dinosaurs did not eat bones as frequently as thought, with juveniles having a different feeding behavior.
A study found that humans are poor at identifying aggressive behavior in dogs and humans, despite accurate categorization of playful interactions. Participants performed better than chance at recognizing non-aggressive interactions but struggled to predict outcomes in aggressive situations.
A computer model simulates virtual groups of migrating animals and finds that sticking together is key to finding a destination, even when the magnetic compass is unreliable. The model showed that more than 70% of animals made it home simply by joining with others and following their lead.
A new species of ancient bird, Janavis finalidens, has been found with a mobile beak, challenging the long-held assumption that modern birds evolved from a 'ancient jaw' group. The fossil shows a fused palate bone, similar to those of ostriches and their relatives.
Great gray owls have a broad disc-like face that acts as radar to find food, while their facial features help correct for sonic distortions caused by snow. The owls' ability to hover above prey allows them to pinpoint location and avoid acoustic mirages created by the snow.