Articles tagged with Aquatic Animals
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A new study reveals that microplastics have been ingested by every marine mammal examined, with synthetic fibers being the primary source. The findings suggest that while the number of particles is relatively low, more research is needed to understand the potential impacts on animal health.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have published a comprehensive study on the history, ecology, and pragmatics of rigs-to-reefs efforts. The study finds that these human-made reefs provide a productive habitat for marine life, with some platforms being more productive than coral reefs or Chesapeake Bay.
A new study reveals that polar marine predators have a metabolic advantage in cold temperatures, allowing them to thrive with greater species richness at the poles than in the tropics. This challenges the typical latitudinal gradient of increasing diversity towards the equator.
A newly discovered reptile platypus from the early Triassic period has been found in what is now China. The animal, named Eretmorhipis carrolldongi, had a bill similar to that of modern platypuses and likely fed on small invertebrates.
Researchers found that territorial damselfish are not exclusively herbivores and may even engage in planktivory. These findings demonstrate adaptation to high competition for resources and highlight the importance of considering species-specific partitioning of resources.
Seafloor predators like starfish and jellyfish will benefit from the opening up of new habitats due to climate change, while those associated with sea ice for food or breeding, such as emperor penguins and humpback whales, are most at risk. This study assesses biodiversity under unprecedented change using risk assessments.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed maps of chemicals found in jellyfish, which can verify seafood origin and detect food fraud. The maps will aid conservation efforts and provide a tool for policy makers to manage UK waters.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have identified arrow worms as a new group of animals, challenging the classical view that complex organisms evolved from simple ancestors. The study reveals important evolutionary trends and sheds light on the phylogenetic position of these bizarre creatures.
Researchers found that humpback whale populations in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans share similar song types, with males from different populations coming into contact to learn songs from each other. Over time, shared phrases and themes emerged, with similarities detected across years.
A study comparing 100 venomous snake species found that venoms evolved to be more potent against closely related prey animals. The amount of venom also depends on size and environment, with terrestrial species having the most venom.
A new study by Australian researchers found that pinnipeds quickly react defensively to approaching boats, risking injury and death. The closer the vessel is, the more likely it is for the animals to rush into the sea, triggering a stampede that can be deadly.
Geochemical analysis of fossil teeth reveals that prehistoric horses in coastal Florida lived and died within a small area, suggesting they were relatively sedentary. The study used strontium isotopes to track the animals' wanderings and found no evidence of epic migrations.
A new study reveals that even small changes in oxygen levels can have devastating effects on marine life, particularly tiny fish and zooplankton. These species are already pushed to their physiological limits in Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZs) and may be forced into shallower waters with increased risk of predators.
A new study from Stanford University suggests that the deep ocean's stable temperatures enabled the emergence of complex life forms during the Ediacaran period. The research proposes that animals needed a haven from temperature fluctuations, which were less severe in the deep ocean, allowing them to thrive with limited oxygen supplies.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that coral reefs' soundscape influences coral larvae's choice of settlement, with healthy reefs having more fish sounds attracting larvae. The study suggests using sound to aid in coral reef preservation and potentially rebuild damaged reefs.
A new study has found that increased marine temperatures and reduced oxygen availability led to the extinction of nearly 96% of ancient ocean life during the catastrophic end-Permian mass extinction event. Tropical marine animals were more resilient to these changes, highlighting a potential pattern for future extinction events.
A new study from the University of Washington and Stanford University reveals that global warming was the primary cause of the Permian mass extinction, which wiped out 80% of oxygen in the oceans. The research predicts that high-latitude species were nearly completely wiped out due to their high oxygen demands.
A new study reveals geckos use a unique combination of slapping, surface tension, and their superhydrophobic skin to scurry across the water's surface. This behavior is ideal for developing robots that can mimic the animal's aquatic agility in search and rescue missions.
Geckos use four distinct strategies to run on water: surface tension, leg slapping, semi-planing, and tail swishing. They achieve speeds exceeding those of larger aquatic animals, such as ducks and muskrats, due to their unique combination of locomotive capabilities.
A Jurassic ichthyosaur, Stenopterygius, had skin similar to that of a whale and coloration similar to living marine animals for camouflage. The discovery indicates the animal was likely warm-blooded and used subcutaneous blubber.
The Aurelia genome study reveals jellyfish recycled existing genes to transform from polyps to medusae, indicating early animals can easily adapt and radiate into new forms. This research provides insights into evolution, nervous system development, and potentially controlling environmentally damaging jellyfish blooms.
New research reveals that a species of ancient primate, Teilhardina brandti, found in Wyoming, is as old or older than its Asian and European relatives. This discovery challenges the prevailing hypothesis that Teilhardina first appeared in China. The study analyzed 163 teeth and jaws to determine the species' origins and migration patt...
A new study by SF State biologists reveals that the distinctive 'horn-like' cephalic lobes of manta rays are actually modified fins, developed through a simple genetic tweak. The researchers found that the same Hox genes guiding fin development in related species also shape the horns in manta rays.
A new technique using environmental DNA from snow samples has been developed to improve the tracking of rare carnivores. This method outperforms traditional lab techniques in detecting genetic samples and reduces errors in species identification.
Researchers design robotic system inspired by jumping copepods and frogs, revealing the importance of body size and entrained water mass in achieving maximum jumping heights. The robot's limitations highlight the challenges of entering or exiting air-water interfaces.
Humpback whales have been observed feeding on krill in the Mediterranean, with experts predicting an increase in sightings due to changes in climate and temperature. The species migrates from the poles to the Equator to reproduce, and recent studies suggest that food availability is a key factor in their presence in the region.
Researchers estimate the Chukchi Sea subpopulation is relatively abundant, numbering around 3,000 polar bears, with good reproductive rates and cub survival. This contrasts with the declining southern Beaufort Sea subpopulation due to sea-ice loss.
For the first time, researchers have found plastic microfibers in the stool of wild South American fur seals on Guafo Island. The discovery suggests that scat analysis could be an efficient way to monitor environmental levels of microfibers and microplastics.
Reducing shipping vessel speed by 10 knots may help alleviate the negative impact of noise pollution on Arctic cod, according to a study. The study found that slowing down cruise ships resulted in more substantial reductions in acoustic masking effects compared to container vessels.
New research by University of Plymouth scientists found that different oxygen levels in the marine environment can affect an individual's resources of strength and stamina, leading to changes in fighting ability. The study showed that conditions can prompt fights and alter an individual's motivation.
Researchers used playback experiments to assess harbour porpoise echolocation click detection ranges for underwater acoustic loggers. The maximum distance captured was 566m, but effective detection ranged from just under 200m to 72m, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.
Researchers studied 34 right whale mother-calf pairs from 2011 to 2015, discovering that near-surface resting behavior increases the risk of ship strikes and low call-rates may be a defense mechanism. The study's findings emphasize the need for improved protection measures to prevent extinction
Researchers found sea snail shells were on average a third smaller and showed visible deterioration under predicted future CO2 levels, impacting thickness, density, and structure. The corrosive effects of ocean acidification threaten the survival of calcified animals like shellfish, which are crucial to coastal marine communities.
University of Cincinnati biology professor Takuya Konishi proposes that mosasaurs hunted like killer whales by ramming their prey with their snouts. The young Tylosaurus mosasaur found in Kansas had a similar facial structure to orcas, with a protruding snout and robust cranial vault.
Researchers at Stanford University have found a unique way that animal cells stay intact in the marine organism Trichoplax adhaerens (Tplax), using fast contractions in its epithelial layers. This discovery could inform our understanding of complex animals and the creation of advanced materials.
A new invasive species, Bugula neritina, has been detected in the Ketchikan region of Alaska, along with three other non-native species. The discovery highlights the importance of early detection and monitoring to control the spread of invasive species in Alaskan waters.
A new study reveals that Hox genes play a role in regulating the body plan of radially symmetrical animals like sea anemones. The research found that disrupting Hox gene function led to defects in segmentation and tentacle patterning, suggesting an ancestral role for these genes in controlling body development.
Researchers found that hookworms feed at a constant rate in their hosts, leading to high levels of anemia and mortality. The worms' short lifespans have evolved to synchronize with the fur seals' reproductive cycles, allowing them to maximize egg production before dying.
Researchers have identified biomarkers in Dickinsonia fossils, confirming it as an early animal and challenging previous interpretations. The findings suggest complex organisms emerged over 542 million years ago, paving the way for the Cambrian explosion of life.
Scientists have discovered molecules of fat in an ancient fossil, confirming that animals existed on Earth 558 million years ago. The discovery of the strange creature Dickinsonia, which grew up to 1.4 meters in length, reveals a long-standing mystery about its true identity.
Researchers analyzed fossilized Mesosaurus bones to determine the species' lifestyle and behavior. The findings suggest that mature adults spent more time on land, while juveniles were semi-aquatic.
Researchers discovered that sea otters rely on the sensitivity of their paws and whiskers to hunt for food, distinguishing between grooves as small as 2mm with remarkable accuracy. This unique ability enables them to quickly locate prey in cloudy Monterey Bay waters.
The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is a critical hotspot of biodiversity, with an aerial survey revealing over 600 animal sightings in just four hours. The monument's protected resource status is under review by the Trump administration.
The study highlights the critical ecological roles turtles play in maintaining healthy food webs, dispersing seeds, and creating habitats for other species. The decline of turtles could have far-reaching consequences on ecosystems and human populations.
Research team analyzed thousands of features across all living animal groups to create a 'shape space' for animal body plans. The results show that fundamental evolutionary change occurred in fits and starts, with animal designs continuing to evolve to the present day.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that young species of cupuladriid bryozoans can expand into new Caribbean habitats more quickly than older species, taking 2 million years longer to adapt on average.
Researchers found that periwinkles have developed a genetic toolkit with specific genes clustered on three chromosomes to help them adapt to environments threatened by crabs and waves. This rapid adaptation is thought to have occurred within 5,000 generations, enabling the snails to survive in rapidly changing coastal habitats.
Researchers identified genetic determinants of the lateral plate ectoderm in Ciona intestinalis, showing interlocking regulatory interactions. The study suggests that the entire lateral plate may be the source of both placodal and neural crest derivatives in vertebrates.
Researchers identified 27 unique amino acid replacements in 27 different proteins of hot-spring snakes, which were associated with functions like immunity and DNA repair. These mutations enable the snakes to thrive under extreme conditions such as intense radiation and hypoxia.
A new device inspired by origami design safely traps soft-bodied sea creatures and releases them unharmed. The Rotary Actuated Dodecahedron (RAD) sampler has been successfully tested in the ocean at depths of 1,600-2,300 feet, capturing squid and jellyfish without causing harm.
A new study has proposed the maximum bioaccumulation level of 9 metals that poses no ecological risk to aquatic organisms. The study, conducted in mining areas in Asturias, has established ecological threshold concentrations for 7 metals and two metalloids, which are considered safe levels for conservation.
Researchers at Harvard University's Wyss Institute develop a novel, folding polyhedron sampler that safely traps soft-bodied sea creatures like jellyfish and squid. The RAD sampler uses a simple, modular design to capture organisms in their natural habitats without harm.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed an origami-inspired device, RAD, that can capture delicate sea creatures like jellyfish, squid, and octopuses without harming them. The device uses a folding polyhedral enclosure to trap organisms, allowing scientists to collect data and then release them unharmed.
Scientists have discovered over 100 different cell types in the sea anemone, including complex neuronal diversity. This finding adds to discussions on cell evolution and development, providing insights into the fundamental rules governing cell function across animals.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that narwhals, beluga, and bowhead whales are most vulnerable to vessel traffic in the Arctic. The researchers identified two 'pinch points' where ships and animals are most likely to intersect, including the Bering Strait and Lancaster Sound.
A study by Sebastian Brackhane reveals that saltwater crocodile attacks in East Timor have increased since the species' recovery under conservation. The research suggests that juvenile crocodiles migrate from Australia to find new habitats, highlighting a growing human-crocodile conflict in the region.
Researchers from Arizona State University study the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition and find a severe marine anoxic event coincided with the decline of early animals. The team integrated geochemical data and fossil records to precisely match evolutionary and environmental events, shedding light on this pivotal moment in Earth's history.
Researchers measured polar and grizzly bears' oxygen consumption while walking on a treadmill, finding they consume the same amount of energy as similarly sized animals. This challenges previous ideas that polar bears burn more energy due to their environment.
Researchers found that adult female great white sharks spend more time in warm-water eddies than cold-water eddies, particularly at depths of 450 meters. These preferences may be driven by the abundance of fish and squid in the warmer eddies.
Researchers at Lund University have found that sea urchins can perceive objects within a limited range of sizes, up to 30-70 degrees around them. This ability is sufficient for the animal's basic needs and behavior, despite having poor eyesight compared to humans.