Articles tagged with Animals
A new study reveals that humans have driven the extinction of 1,430 bird species, with many becoming extinct before written records. The research suggests that major human-driven extinctions occurred in the 14th century and ninth century BC, with ongoing threats including climate change and invasive species.
Researchers used genetic information from 104 aardvark poop samples to study their distribution and movement across the African landscape. They found regional divisions and larger home ranges, but also restricted movement through arid areas due to climate change.
Researchers discovered that reindeer's vision evolved to spot Cladonia rangiferina, a type of lichen, during winter. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy by finding food from a distance, making it easier to survive in cold environments. The study provides new insights into the extraordinary visual system of reindeer.
A study found that migratory bats are sensitive to the angle of magnetic inclination and use it for navigation. The soprano pipistrelle bat species calibrated its internal compass at sunset, taking into account both the horizontal component and inclination of the Earth's magnetic field.
Research from Michigan State University reveals that spotted hyenas form mobs based on strong social relationships and can cooperate even when there's no obvious benefit. The study found that female hyenas were more likely to join mobs when there were no male lions present.
A new study compiled over 600,000 records from US and Canadian wildlife rehabilitation centers to investigate the threats facing more than a thousand species by region, highlighting human activities such as climate change and extreme weather events
Scientists have observed wolves directly hunting and consuming sea otters and harbor seals in Alaska's Katmai National Park. This new evidence challenges previous assumptions about wolf behavior and diet. The study highlights the unique role of wolves in nearshore ecosystems in Alaska.
Researchers studied over 100 noctilionoid bat species, finding that different dietary types drove modifications in tooth number, size, shape, and position. For instance, fruit-eating bats have shorter jaws with reduced middle premolars, while nectar-feeders have longer jaws with room for more teeth.
Researchers investigated rooster mirror self-recognition, finding that their behavior indicates recognition despite failed traditional tests. The study's results provide new insights into the cognitive ecology of mirror self-recognition in birds.
A new study finds that consumers are willing to pay more for pork with improved animal welfare, but not necessarily a lower carbon footprint. The majority of respondents prioritize animal welfare over climate considerations.
A study published in Ecology Letters reveals that global precipitation patterns, particularly seasonal variability, shape animal diversity. The research found that certain regions with moderate precipitation levels and stable climates have the ideal ecological conditions for a diverse range of predators and herbivores.
Researchers found 13 mummified leaf-eared mouse cadavers atop 4-mile-high volcanoes, with DNA analysis revealing a distinct population from lower-altitude mice. The discovery suggests the rodents ascended without human assistance and have adapted to extreme conditions.
A new study reveals that periodical cicada emergences have a cascading effect on forest ecosystems, shifting bird diets and leading to increased abundance of caterpillars and subsequent leaf damage. This research has implications for bird conservation and understanding the interconnectedness of complex food webs.
New research finds that pied tamarins increase scent marking in response to urban noise pollution, which affects their vocal communication. This adaptation may help them cope with the impact of human activity on their habitat.
A new species of spiny mouse, Neacomys marci, has been identified in northwestern Ecuador. The discovery sheds light on the previously underestimated diversity of the Spiny Mouse genus.
A trained detection dog was found to be more accurate and efficient than humans in detecting sea turtle nests in Florida. The study indicates the potential of using dogs for nest monitoring, which could improve conservation efforts for three sea turtle species.
A new species of orb-weaving spider, Venomius tomhardyi, has been described from Tasmania. The genus belongs to the Araneidae family and is distinct from related genera due to its unique behavior and genitalia.
Sperm and northern bottlenose whales frequently feed on live halibut escaping from a deep-sea trawler net. The study found that these whales were only spotted when the catch was Greenland halibut, not redfish or thorny skate.
A review of 82 studies found human activities influencing insect habitats, leading to declines in Central and Western Europe. Agricultural activities, urbanization, and climate change are identified as primary drivers of observed changes in insect populations.
The invasive orange pore fungus has won the third BMC Ecology and Evolution image competition, highlighting its potential threats to Australian ecosystems. The winning image depicts bright orange fruiting bodies growing on deadwood in the Australian rainforest.
A study led by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers uncovered the conditions that trigger curiosity in wild orangutans, including social and environmental factors. Young orangutans were more likely to observe and approach novel objects, while the presence of association partners increased their curiosity.
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.