Articles tagged with Aquatic Animals
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.
Researchers from OIST uncovered crucial role of brachyury gene in coral development, suggesting ectodermal origin of mesoderm. Brachyury inhibition resulted in loss of mouth structures in corals, mirroring vertebrate phenotypes.
A new study using genetic markers has found that urban Puget Sound shorelines support a denser array of animals than in remote areas. The researchers detected over 1,600 unique genetic signatures, including species such as clams, salmon, and eagles.
A new study by the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that coastal-dwelling marine wildlife are more vulnerable to harmful plastic pollution than previously thought. The research found that animals living in waters near densely-populated coastlines are at risk of coming into direct contact with microplastics.
Researchers found that 360-million-year-old Acanthostega fossils were immature individuals, indicating a possible aquatic juvenile stage. The study also revealed differences in limb ossification and size variation between individuals, suggesting potential adaptations for life on land.
In a study, researchers found that silvery fish camouflage can deceive even animals with super sight. Fish like tuna and mackerel use reflective scales to blend in, but surprisingly, polarization vision doesn't help animals spot them from farther away.
A new study identifies a specific chain of proteins activated during barnacle metamorphosis, suggesting bacteria play a crucial role in their development. The findings could lead to the development of ship coatings that inhibit bacterial cues, mitigating biofouling issues.
Researchers from 23 institutions confirm formation of the Isthmus of Panama at 2.8 million years ago, based on geological, oceanographic, genetic and ecological data. This timing has significant implications for evolutionary change, global ocean models, and the origin of modern-day animals and plants in the Americas.
Researchers found that a sea lion named Ronan can keep the beat better than any other non-human animal, suggesting that beat-keeping abilities may be more ancient and widespread than thought. The study used mathematical equations to analyze Ronan's brain activity while she moved to different rhythms.
Researchers have accurately dated the extinction of woolly mammoths on St. Paul Island to 5,600 years ago using fungal spores and sediment DNA. The study found that freshwater limitation contributed to their demise, highlighting the vulnerability of small island populations to environmental change.
The end-Ediacaran extinction, 540 million years ago, was triggered by ecosystem engineers - newly evolved organisms altering the environment, leading to the demise of older species. Fossil evidence found in Namibia preserves a mixed community of Ediacarans and animals, providing key insights into their interaction.
Researchers at NSU discovered that barnacles can modify their penis shape, size, and length based on environmental conditions. This unique adaptation allows them to optimize their reproductive success.
A new model suggests that oxygen levels in oceans played a crucial role in the emergence of animal evolution, with early life forms surviving in areas with low oxygen concentrations. The research challenges conventional thinking and has implications for estimates of complex life on exoplanets.
Canada's northern indigenous communities are at risk of mercury exposure due to high fish and marine animal consumption. The Canadian Medical Association Journal provides guidance on managing mercury exposure in patients with diets high in fish and marine animals.
Researchers have created biohybrid robots that crawl like sea turtles on the beach, combining tissues from a sea slug with flexible 3-D printed components. The robots are designed to be compliant and interact with their environment, making them suitable for tasks such as searching for toxic leaks or lost flight data recorders.
New study reveals Arctic algae play a crucial role in the ocean's food web, with species at great depths relying on carbon from these algae. The decline of Arctic sea ice could have significant impacts on marine life, including fish, seals and polar bears.
Climate change is altering the UK's wildlife calendar, with plants and animals responding differently to temperature changes throughout the year. By 2050, primary consumers are forecasted to shift their seasonal timing by more than twice as much as other species, potentially disrupting relationships between plants and animals.
Researchers used high-resolution connectivity maps and satellite imagery to predict how future land-use change and climate change will alter landscape connectivity for six species, including black bear and red wolf. The study highlights the urgent need to protect and restore habitats to promote species survival.
A new study found that only 2% of the eastern US provides climate connectivity, compared to 51% in western states. Creating climate-specific corridors could improve connectivity to 65%, boosting survival chances.
A new study reveals that large marine and terrestrial species are in 'double jeopardy' of extinction, with economic value driving risk above a certain threshold. The analysis highlights the importance of considering trade and differences between terrestrial and marine animals when designing effective conservation strategies.
Archaeologists have published scans of prehistoric animal paintings from Abri Faravel in the Southern French Alps. The site's rock shelter has seen human activity from Mesolithic to medieval periods, featuring unique high-altitude Bronze Age structures and artefacts.
A new study from Ohio State University reveals rattlesnake venom's regional variations effectively counter squirrel defenses, indicating co-evolutionary adaptation. The research found significant variation in venom activity and resistance across populations, with snakes best suited to their local opponents.
Red knots migrate to tropical regions, where smaller size and shorter bills impede survival. Climate change disrupts the insect peak, leading to malnutrition and population decline.
Scientists reveal new insights into a crocodile-sized sea-dwelling reptile that lived 242 million years ago in southern China. The 'hammerhead' creature, Atopodentatus unicus, used its unique jaw to scrape and filter-feed on plants from the ocean floor.
Researchers found that both groups show a nested pattern of distribution, with narrow-ranging lineages concentrated in the tropics and broad-ranging lineages extending into higher latitudes. Species diversification drives expansion across climatic divides, increasing the likelihood of successful crossings.
Whitlow Au, a renowned expert in dolphin biosonar, receives the prestigious Gold Medal from the Acoustical Society of America. His research has focused on understanding why dolphin biosonar is superior to man-made sonar.