Articles tagged with Aquatic Animals
New research suggests that corals build their hard, calcium carbonate skeletons faster and in bigger pieces than previously thought. This active construction method helps them grow much faster and with greater control.
A team of divers has discovered a wealth of fossil remains in Mexico's Hoyo Negro cave, shedding light on the region's ecosystem during the end of the last Ice Age. The finds include early human remains, giant ground sloths, and saber-tooth cats.
Scientists have discovered a new method to track penguin migration patterns using forensics, analyzing tail feathers for geochemical signatures. This approach can be applied to other marine animals and will help better understand and conserve charismatic species.
The Gulf of Mexico's unique flora and fauna are detailed in two open-access books compiled by editor C.H. Ward, covering topics such as water quality, oil seepage, and commercial fisheries. These studies provide an extensive baseline assessment of the Gulf's state and health before the devastating 2010 spill.
Researchers have documented a rare phenomenon where humpback whales flap their foreflippers like penguins or sea lions to move forward. This novel behavior helps scientists understand the abilities and anatomy of these mysterious animals.
Researchers used a deep-diving robot to study deep scattering layers, finding that they contain discrete groups or 'schools' of squids, fishes, and crustaceans. These groups have distinct boundaries and are formed by similar-sized animals, with smaller animals staying closer together.
A recent study reveals that a third of marine megafauna disappeared around three to two million years ago, leading to a significant reduction in species diversity. The loss of functional entities resulted in an erosion of ecological functions, with 17% of total diversity disappearing and 21% changing.
The study found a strong correlation between predator size and the diameter of drill holes, suggesting that larger predators have hunted smaller prey in the past. The researchers believe that growing bigger predators may not need to switch to larger targets due to more nutritious small prey.
Researchers found that as predators grew in size, they targeted smaller prey rather than larger quarry, suggesting a shift in ecological dynamics. The study's findings support the escalation hypothesis, which posits that top-down pressure from larger predators drove key evolutionary developments in prey species.
A recent study found that polar bear mercury levels are declining, indicating a change in their diet and weight as they adapt to reduced sea ice. The researchers attribute the drop to increased consumption of lower-mercury prey, such as bowhead whales and bearded seals, in place of ringed seals.
Fossil evidence reveals a previously unknown east-west migration route for some mammals across North America, challenging previous hypotheses. Researchers propose that sea otters and potentially other animals traversed the northern edge of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt to reach California from Florida.
A new study compares physical characteristics of two similar octopus species, assigning names years ago but never rigorously compared. Researchers analyzed 72 specimens and devised a method to quantify subtle differences in wart distribution.
A recent study found that 35 percent of the world's national animal symbols are threatened with extinction, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. The analysis also revealed that populations of national animal symbols represented by North America and Australia-Oceania fare better than those in Africa.
A new study reveals that red sea rabbitfish brought live marine animals with them when they invaded the mediterranean, expanding biodiversity and threatening native ecosystems. The research highlights the role of fish in spreading invasive species through 'ichthyochory,' a previously unknown mechanism.
A UCR study reveals that the Ediacaran-era fossil animal Dickinsonia developed in a highly regulated way using a similar genetic toolkit to today's animals. The research helps place Dickinsonia in the early evolution of animal life, showcasing its complex growth and development.
A new WCS-led study analyzes camera trap time stamps to better estimate tiger abundance and understand their behaviors. The research uses a spatial capture-recapture model to incorporate the timing of tiger detections into analysis, offering crucial insights for effective conservation efforts.
Researchers have found that microbes manipulate the molecular machinery of animal cells, triggering patterns of gene expression associated with health and disease. The study suggests ancient parts of the genome and interactions with microbes are relevant to modern-day human diseases.
A team of scientists suggests that massive volcanic eruptions triggered the first mass extinction event, which occurred at the end of the Ordovician period. The researchers analyzed mercury levels in sedimentary rocks from North America and southern China, finding a correlation between Hg enrichments and the mass extinction.
The study reveals that enterococci, leading hospital superbugs, have been resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants for hundreds of millions of years. They were shaped by their environment, including living in the intestines of extinct animals, and can withstand drying out and starvation.
Researchers found that breathing 11% oxygen can eliminate neurologic damage in a mouse model of Leigh syndrome, but treatment needs to be continuous. The study reveals promising results, with hypoxia therapy reversing brain lesions and symptoms in animals close to the end stages of the disease.
The Weng'an Biota fossils, once thought to be among the world's oldest evidence of animal life, may actually belong to other groups like algae. Researchers have found that characteristics previously used to define animals are not unique to them, leaving room for alternative identifications.
The discovery of Tokummia katalepsis sheds light on the evolution of mandibulates, a group including flies, ants, and crabs. The fossilized arthropod features can opener-like pincers and specialized claws, providing insights into its feeding behavior.
Researchers found that bryozoans quickly dissolved in warmer waters exposed to acidity, changing their chemical composition to build higher levels of magnesium in their skeletons. This predisposes these animals to dissolve in ocean acidification, which is becoming more common due to climate change.
Researchers uncover giant sulfur-powered shipworm with unusual energy source, living in a stinky environment where it relies on bacteria for nourishment. The discovery expands biodiversity knowledge in the Indo-Pacific region and sheds light on unique transitions between organisms.
A team of evolutionary biologists from Vanderbilt University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison devised a new approach to settle contentious phylogenetic tree-of-life issues. They found that comb jellies have considerably more genes supporting their 'first to diverge' status in the animal lineage than do sponges.
A new study by MBARI researchers Séverine Martini and Steve Haddock found that three quarters of deep-sea animals in Monterey Bay waters can produce bioluminescence. The study revealed a surprising similarity in the proportion of glowing to non-glowing animals at different depths, with various groups of animals responsible for light pr...
A coalition led by the Mexican government has developed a bold emergency plan to rescue and protect the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. The plan includes construction of a sea pen sanctuary with up to $3 million in funding, aiming to recover a population that once numbered 600 animals.
A 425-million-year-old fossil find from the Austrian Alps reveals juvenile crinoids were carried by objects floating in ancient oceans. The discovery sheds light on the behavior of early sea lilies, suggesting they spent part of their youth drifting across vast distances.
Researchers found bacteria and fungi in killer whales that cause disease in humans and land-based animals, including Salmonella and antibiotic-resistant strains. The study provides insights into whale health and reveals potential pathogens in their environment.
A new study using a digital library and machine reading system has unraveled the mystery of ancient stromatolite formation. Stromatolites, contorted layers formed by microbes, are rare in modern oceans due to changes in seawater chemistry.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that as certain species decline in number, their geographic areas of occupation also shrink. This makes them easier targets for hunters and fishermen, increasing the risk of extinction. The study highlights the importance of well-managed harvests to prevent overharvesting.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that disease spread varies depending on age at exposure and maternal age. Younger offspring were more susceptible to infection when mothers were younger, contradicting expectations that disease spreads in dense populations.
A new species of hard coral, Cyphastrea salae, has been discovered on Lord Howe Island, Australia, using modern genetic techniques. The discovery highlights the unique fauna of this isolated location in the Tasman Sea and increases the conservation significance of Lord Howe Island.
Research suggests that dolphins and whales expend more energy when swimming at high speeds, potentially leading to increased risk of strandings. A study by Terrie Williams found that beaked whales using loud sonar use 30.5% more energy than unstartled animals.
A new study from Rutgers University reveals that killifish played a crucial role in the food web, while terns, gulls, and wading birds were highly sensitive to oil due to their extensive connections as prey and predator. The researchers identified blue crabs as key species for future research due to their importance in the ecosystem.
Researchers propose that fish first transitioned to land because of enhanced eyesight, which enabled them to see food on land. This hypothesis is supported by the discovery of large eyes in early terrestrial vertebrates, suggesting that vision played a key role in the evolution of limbs.
A new analysis found drastic changes in animal populations occur in about 4% of cases, most commonly in birds, with extreme events driven by parasites, climate and predators. Developing management plans to withstand sudden swings could help buffer against black swan disasters and prevent extinctions.
Scientists used OCT to observe tissue organization and behavior of living corals, identifying changes in tissue layers and fluorescent pigments under light exposure. The study reveals that corals expand their surface area at night and produce more mucus upon stress, challenging current assumptions about coral metabolic rates.
Researchers found that mollusk fossils accurately record spatial diversity patterns in marine ecosystems, providing insights into past and present changes. The study suggests that mollusks can be used to understand ecosystem shifts and inform conservation efforts.
A new study has provided critical information on the Great Hammerhead shark's migration patterns, enabling marine management and conservation officials to develop effective protection strategies. The research found that the sharks return to specific areas after migrations, making them vulnerable to fisheries, and revealed complex movem...
A newly described species of mini eyeless catfish, Micromyzon orinoco, has been officially named after being caught in the Orinoco River. The tiny fish, less than an inch long, was discovered by Drexel University scientists who compared existing species and collaborated with international experts.
A Penn-led group argues that the 'Tully monster' is not a vertebrate, contrary to previous claims. The team points out inconsistencies in fossil preservation and eye structure, which they believe don't support a vertebrate classification.
Researchers have found that drone noise does not travel far into the water, posing little threat to marine mammals. The study suggests that UAVs can be used safely in marine environments with proper permits and guidelines.
A new MBL study has shed light on the origin of vertebrate gills, indicating they evolved around 600 million years ago. The research corrects a long-held misunderstanding that gills developed separately and independently in two vertebrate lineages.
A NASA scientist has initiated a study to determine whether severe solar storms can confuse animals' internal compasses, causing them to lose their way. The researcher hopes to find a statistical correlation between solar storms and cetacean mass strandings using massive data-mining efforts.
Research by University of Exeter scientists reveals that less than 4% of climate-change studies have tested the impact of ocean acidification on males and females separately. This could lead to major changes in sustainable supplies of fish and shellfish, as different sexes respond differently to stress.
Scientists have discovered a new species of 'unfossilizable' loriciferans, a type of animal so small it was considered impossible to find fossils of. The fossils date back to the late Cambrian Period, around half a billion years ago, and provide insight into early animal evolution and ecosystem diversity.
A new species of lobopodian, Ovatiovermis cribratus, has been discovered in the Burgess Shale, providing insights into the ecology and relationship of these ancient creatures. The discovery reveals that strong recurved claws may have allowed them to anchor themselves on hard surfaces and filter food from water.
Researchers discovered fossils of a previously unknown trilobite species that left distinctive fossil footprints around the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. The discovery reveals unique leg structures and digestive systems, providing insights into trilobite behavior and biology.
Researchers found that the most successful phyla have a skeleton, live on land, and are parasites. This suggests that traits like having eyes or complex organs may not be primary drivers of species diversification. The study sheds light on why some groups have branched into many species while others remain relatively few.
Scientists have determined that hyoliths, extinct cone-shaped animals with mineralized external skeletons, are more closely related to brachiopods than molluscs. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of these ancient creatures and their place in the tree of life.
The Brazilian census details 958 distinct morphological types of jellyfish, including their habitats, occurrences, and ecological data. The most toxic species belong to the class Cubozoa, while the class Scyphozoa includes a common Brazilian species.
A team of researchers observed Hawaiian false killer whales removing fish from longline fishing gear for the first time, gaining insight into a behavior that has led to unsustainable entanglements. The study provides new information on the animals' behavior and may lead to the development of 'smart hooks' to reduce bycatch.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have discovered six new animal species in undersea hot springs off the coast of Madagascar. The unique marine life was found around hydrothermal vents, highlighting the importance of exploring other hydrothermal vents in the southwest Indian Ocean to assess potential impacts from mining.
Researchers at Stanford University studied a rare marine worm species, discovering that its larvae undergo a prolonged phase with little more than a head. This indicates that many animals in the ocean likely share this trunk-less stage, shedding light on animal development and evolution.
The 'Digital Life' initiative aims to preserve the digital heritage of all life on Earth by creating 3D models of living organisms. Using the Beastcam Array, a rapid-capture system, scientists have already created models of sharks, scorpions, and other animals.
A new study suggests that early tetrapod ancestors may have been seeing like land-based animals before they were moving like them. The research found that large eyes evolved in aquatic tetrapods millions of years before the animals were fully terrestrial, allowing for a greater visual range and diverse behavior.
The study found that sunflower sea star populations dropped dramatically after the disease outbreak, while other species such as leather stars and certain sea urchins increased in number. The virus outbreak is expected to have lasting effects on the ecosystem, potentially leading to more browsing on kelp.
Researchers have used modern tools to study the atomic-scale formation of a marine shell, revealing that organisms exert control over shell growth and influencing ocean chemistry. The study sheds light on how these creatures adapt to changing environmental conditions and responds to ocean acidification.
Researchers documented the killing of millions of animals in Brazil's Amazon Basin for their hides following the collapse of the Rubber Boom. Despite this, most land-based species appear to have survived the carnage, while aquatic species were more severely impacted.