Articles tagged with Aquatic Animals
The discovery of rare marine fossil specimens in northern Portugal has provided a more detailed picture of biodiversity during the Middle Ordovician period. Soft-bodied specimens have filled a gap in understanding evolution during this time, suggesting that many soft-bodied fossils remain to be discovered.
A CNRS and University of La Rochelle research team studied the impact of a fishing operation on orca populations. The study found that orcas who lost family members due to the fishing operation adopted erratic social behavior, leading to reduced access to food and ultimately higher mortality rates.
A CT scan of a 30-million-year-old fossil indicates that echolocation evolved independently in dolphins and other toothed whales. The discovery suggests that the evolution of echolocation may have occurred multiple times within this lineage.
A new open-access data platform, ZooArchNet, links biological and archaeological databases to provide a long-term perspective on biodiversity crises. The platform enables researchers to reconstruct biodiversity baselines from the earliest periods of human history.
A study published by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has identified eight potentially new species of phoronid larvae, a type of horseshoe worm found in Panama's two oceans. The larvae were collected from plankton samples and analyzed using DNA sequencing to distinguish between different species.
A new study using AI-powered computer vision demonstrates improved accuracy in identifying marine animals and plants. The system achieved an average accuracy of 80% for general species identification, but up to 93% for specific species when trained with sufficient data.
Marine invertebrates' vision is highly sensitive to oxygen levels, with reduced oxygen causing 60-100% vision loss. Most species recover visual function when oxygen levels are restored.
A joint China-UK-Russia research team found that oxygen levels played a fundamental role in the Cambrian Explosion of animals. The study analyzed ancient seawater chemistry and determined that evolutionary radiations followed a 'boom and bust' pattern in tandem with oxygen levels.
A recent study has discovered a significant correlation between surges in oxygen levels and bursts in animal evolution and biodiversity during the Cambrian explosion. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, suggests that oxygen content in the atmosphere was a major controlling factor in animal evolution.
A new species of edrioasteroid echinoderm, Totiglobus spencensis, has been discovered, providing insight into the evolution of echinoderms from living stuck to marine sediment grains to attached to hard surfaces. This discovery sheds light on a critical time in the evolution of organisms and marine ecosystems.
Callichimaera perplexa is the earliest known swimming arthropod with paddle-like legs since the extinction of sea scorpions. Its unique appearance, including large compound eyes and bent claws, suggests that it may have evolved through heterochrony, a process where larval traits are retained in miniaturized adults.
New research reveals tube-dwelling anemones have largest mitochondrial genomes, with fragments arranged in unexpected ways and sizes varying between species. The discovery defies classic doughnut-shaped designs and raises questions about evolutionary pressures among ancient sea animals.
A new report synthesizes existing evidence on phenological shifts in the Gulf of Maine, highlighting the need for increased research and data incorporation. Marine species are responding to climate change through timing changes, with fish, birds, and mammals affected in various ways.
Marine Skin, a polymer-based material with integrated electronics, revolutionizes sea life monitoring by tracking movement and diving behavior, as well as environmental health. The system can operate at unprecedented depths, with enhanced sensitivity, and plans include additional sensing capabilities.
Marine peptides containing brominated tryptophan analogs show various biological activities, including antimicrobial, insecticidal, and hemolytic properties. These peptides may be developed as antibiotics or treatments for neurological disorders and cancer.
A newly identified species of 150 million-year-old marine crocodile has given insights into how a group of ancient animals evolved. The fossil, named Cricosaurus bambergensis, features distinguishing characteristics in its jaws and tail, aiding greater understanding of the metriorhynchid family.
Researchers found that the carnivorous waterwheel plant catches a wide variety of prey, including fast-swimming animals and slow-moving snails. The plant's diverse diet may be an adaptation to its fragmented habitats.
A long-term experiment in the Arctic deep sea reveals that sedentary animals colonize new habitats at a slow pace. The study found that it took up to 18 years for the first settlers to establish themselves, with only 13 species of multicellular invertebrates identified after four decades.
Scientists discover that comb jellies evolved from ancestors with polyp-like tentacles on the sea floor, which later developed into balloon-like spheres and comb-like structures. The discovery repositions comb jellies alongside corals and jellyfish in the evolutionary tree of life.
Researchers deploy underwater receivers to detect tagged bluefin tuna, providing insights into their behavior, migration patterns, and natural mortality rates. The technology sheds light on the species' survival, informing sustainable management of their populations.
A recent study suggests humans possess an ancient magnetic sense, as their brains respond to changes in the Earth's magnetic field. The research used electroencephalography to record brain activity during magnetic field manipulations, revealing a decrease in alpha-band brain activity in some participants.
Researchers analyzed sea otter use of large rocks as 'anvils' to break open shells, leaving behind recognizable damage patterns and shell middens. The study suggests that sea otters may exhibit handedness, with a consistent pattern of striking the mussels against points and ridges on the rocks.
Copepods release substances into oceans that trigger defences in phytoplankton, causing bioluminescence and chemical warfare. The effects can be far-reaching, leading to toxic algal blooms and impacting marine life.
A recent study reveals that sonar disturbs the feeding behavior of blue whales, especially in deep patches of krill. The researchers tracked the whales' movements using suction tags and found that they stop feeding when sonar signals are present, but often resume soon after.
A new study reveals that despite export bans and international regulations, the global seahorse trade continues to thrive through illegal channels. The research found that 95% of dried seahorses sold in Hong Kong's large market came from source countries with export bans in place.
Researchers have discovered fossilized worm tunnels dating back to the Cambrian period, suggesting animal life was more widespread than previously thought. The finding reveals evidence of large populations of worms living in sedimentary rocks, which were once believed to be barren.
Researchers tracked bottlenose dolphins in Indian River Lagoon using radio-telemetry, revealing new insights into their social behavior, activities, and habitat preferences. The study found that dolphins spent most of their time traveling and milling together in groups, with a surprising amount of alone time, especially for juveniles.
Researchers found high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the fur of 15 animals, including musk deer and leopard cats. The study highlights increasing global environmental contamination by POPs compounds, which pose risks to human and animal health.
A recent study found that humans are responsible for more than 25% of vertebrate deaths globally. The research analyzed 42,755 animal deaths and found that 28% were directly caused by humans. Larger animals and adults are more likely to be killed by humans.
Researchers tested cleaner wrasse for self-awareness using a mirror test, finding that fish respond to their reflection and attempt to remove marks. The study raises questions about how to assess animal intelligence and challenges previous assumptions about self-awareness in non-human animals.
Researchers monitored southern resident killer whale population and found that males dive deeper and are more successful hunters than females. The team tracked the animals' movements and diving patterns using archival tags to estimate how much fish they capture, revealing sex differences in foraging activity.
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.
Scientists have discovered an iguana-sized reptile, named Antarctanax shackletoni, with unique adaptations to the extreme Antarctic environment. The ancient creature, a carnivore that hunted early mammals and amphibians, provides insights into prehistoric Antarctica's rapid evolution and diversification after mass extinction events.
Researchers uncover fossilized remains of Antarctanax shackletoni, an iguana-sized reptile with unique adaptations for hunting and survival. The discovery provides insights into prehistoric Antarctica's rapid evolution and diversification following a mass extinction event.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.