Articles tagged with Aquatic Animals
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The California Academy of Sciences discovered 140 new species in 2011, including arthropods, sea slugs, fishes, plants, sponges, corals, and a reptile. These findings add to the family tree of life on Earth and provide crucial information for conservation decisions.
African lungfish demonstrates unique walking behavior using its thin pelvic limbs, propelling itself forward and lifting its body off the bottom surface. This discovery suggests that many developments necessary for the transition from water to land could have occurred in lobe-finned ancestors of the lungfish long before early tetrapods.
Marine life may need to relocate faster than land species due to climate warming, posing a significant conservation challenge. The rate at which marine life relocates depends on the distance it needs to travel to reach its preferred temperature conditions, with many areas having relatively little temperature variation.
Research finds that exposure to PCB 126 affects turtles' growth, leading to lower bone density, thinner eggshells, and softer shells. The study provides insights into the environmental impact of PCBs on humans.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that certain mid-ocean creatures can control their reflection by changing skin pigments in response to blue light. This allows them to avoid predators using searchlights, such as squid and octopuses that use this tactic to catch prey.
Two species of deep-sea cephalopods have the ability to rapidly switch between transparency and a dull red color as optical conditions change, providing an adaptive camouflage strategy. This 'switchable' camouflage is highly advantageous for survival in the unique environment of the deep sea.
University of Saskatchewan and Royal Ontario Museum researchers tracked a half-billion year old predator, Tegopelte gigas, using fossilized footprints from the Burgess Shale. The ancient creature was a large and active top carnivore with 33 pairs of legs, capable of skimming rapidly across the seafloor.
Researchers demonstrate a new technique to study the impact of swimming jellyfish on ocean climate, using Self-Contained Underwater Velocimetry Apparatus (SCUVA) to track water movement. The study suggests that combined ocean life movements could have a significant impact on global climate.
Researchers at Caltech found that leeches rely on two distinct methods to detect prey: hairs detecting water disturbances and simple eyes picking up passing shadows. In adulthood, the preference shifts to using water disturbances alone.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered odorous house ants in Hawaii, forming large megacolonies that are outcompeting native species. The invasive ants are thriving in Hawaii's climate, which allows them to eat and expand faster than in their native range.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that live stranded dolphins form gas bubbles in their tissues, but can often manage them and resume normal lives. The researchers suggest that marine mammals may be able to regulate bubble formation through routine management.
Scientists have revised their estimate of the North Pacific humpback whale population, increasing it from 20,000 to possibly over 21,000. This new research uses a refined statistical analysis of data compiled in 2008 and suggests a strong recovery from whaling.
The project, SCALER, aims to apply small-scale ecological experiments to understand the behavior of entire ecosystems and predict characteristics of stream networks. Researchers will conduct field work in Puerto Rico and use modeling to scale measurements up to regional and continental levels.
A CU-led study reveals worm burrows less than three inches above the K-T boundary layer, indicating they likely emerged shortly after the asteroid impact. The findings provide direct evidence of animal activity in a peat-producing environment that was buried by sediment.
A fish has been observed using a tool to crack open a shell, similar to previous reports of tool use by other fish species such as wrasse and blackspot tuskfish.
Researchers at University of Washington discovered that salmon and other fish predators maintain huge gut capacity to capitalize on unpredictable pulses of food. This 'no guts, no glory' survival tactic allows them to survive despite regular periods of famine.
Researchers describe a new 20-foot extinct species found in the same coal mine as Titanoboa, shedding light on the diversity of animals in the oldest known rainforest ecosystem. The discovery reveals that these ancient crocodile relatives competed with giant snakes for food and habitat.
Researchers reconstructed the evolutionary history of molluscs using genomics and computational approaches. They found that complex brain formation in mollusks occurred independently at least four times, with surprising outcomes such as cephalopods being an early branch.
A new species of ancient predatory fish, Laccognathus embryi, has been discovered in North America during the Devonian Period. The 5-6 foot long fish had a wide head, small eyes, and robust jaws lined with large piercing teeth.
The Pacific leaping blenny, a marine fish living on land, has a complex social life that thrives during the brief mid-tide period. The study found males use visual displays to warn off rivals and attract mates, while females defend feeding territories.
This special issue of the Biological Bulletin explores various regenerative processes in animals, shedding light on mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Researchers studied regeneration in sea lampreys, snails, and other animals to gain insights into their gene regulatory networks.
Researchers explore dolphins' remarkable ability to heal from shark bites with minimal pain or infection, proposing that blubber contains antimicrobial compounds. The dolphin's healing process is similar to regeneration, where tissues are knitted together with existing fabric, offering new perspectives for human injury care.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have discovered two general rules for ecosystem abundance: one based on body size and food chain position, and another that biomass production is independent of animal size or type.
The decline of apex consumers has triggered trophic cascades, affecting ecosystem dynamics and leading to changes in vegetation, wildfire frequency, and disease outbreaks. Restoration efforts focus on reestablishing large animals, requiring large-scale approaches to conserve functional ecosystems.
The decline of apex consumers has triggered trophic cascades, leading to changes in vegetation, wildfire frequency, infectious diseases, invasive species, water quality, and nutrient cycles. This review highlights the widespread impact of large predator loss on ecosystems and conservation efforts.
A new study examining climate change impacts on plant and animal species finds that predictions are generally accurate, with many species already declining. The research covers a wide range of species worldwide and confirms human-induced climate change as a threat to global biodiversity.
Researchers sequenced 40 new specimens of thaliaceans, a type of free-swimming tunicate, to gain insights into their evolutionary relationships. The study found close ties between thaliaceans and sea squirts, revealing a common ancestor for these groups.
Zooplankton have adapted to survive in low-oxygen areas by suppressing their metabolism and using anaerobic glycolysis. However, as climate change expands these zones, zooplankton will face increased predation risk, potentially leading to population crashes and cascading effects on the ocean ecosystem.
Zooplankton use adaptations to survive in low-oxygen areas, but climate change may force them into a narrow band of water making them susceptible to predators. Anaerobic glycolysis helps them conserve energy, but also leads to acid build-up that must be disposed of when returning to surface waters.
Researchers from British Antarctic Survey discovered that copepods use a remarkable transformation of their oily body fluids to adjust buoyancy, similar to whales' 'diver's weight belt'. This adaptation allows copepods to overwinter in deep waters without wasting energy on constant swimming.
The diving bell spider uses a gill-like structure to extract oxygen from stagnant water, allowing it to stay submerged for over a day. The spiders' metabolic rate is low, similar to other spiders that sit waiting for prey.
A UC Davis study of a tiny seashore animal found that climate change may already be pushing these organisms beyond their limits, despite potential for some adaptation. The study suggests many species face environmental stress due to fragmentation and climate change, making natural selection less effective.
Emperor penguins form coordinated waves to continuously change the huddle structure, allowing animals from outside to enter and warm up. The study's findings have been published in PLOS ONE, providing new insights into the survival techniques of Emperor penguins.
Scientists have discovered a giant fossilized anomalocaridid, a marine predator that existed for 30 million years longer than previously thought. The new findings shed light on the biodiversity and ecology of marine communities during the Ordovician period.
A study of 161 marine mammal tissue samples reveals an association between severe illness and co-infection with two parasites, Sarcocystis neurona and Toxoplasma gondii. The infections caused more severe disease symptoms in animals infected with both parasites.
Kakani Katija, a postdoctoral scholar at WHOI, has been recognized as one of National Geographic's Emerging Explorers for her innovative research on biogenic ocean mixing. Her work focuses on the power sources that propel ocean currents, suggesting that swimming animals could play a significant role in shaping global climate.
A team from MBL and West Point used hyperspectral imaging to model cuttlefish camouflage in the eyes of fish predators, revealing that brightness is more important than color. This study provides strong evidence that cuttlefish can produce effective camouflage despite lacking color vision.
Researchers found that penguins' muscles have sufficient oxygen to sustain dives for up to 20 minutes, contrary to earlier theories. The team's discovery reveals a surprising efficiency in the birds' underwater metabolism.
A new study of marine snails reveals a significant boost in metabolism between 200 and 80 million years ago. The researchers suggest that this change was driven by the shift from plant-based to predatory diets, which led to an evolutionary arms race.
In a 26-year study, marine invertebrates in Port Valdez have stabilized to resemble an undisturbed glacial fjord. This recovery was facilitated by the dominant species Capitellidae, known for their opportunistic nature.
Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have discovered how certain sea squirts can activate telomerase, an enzyme that protects DNA, leading to exceptional health. These organisms also have a unique ability to discard 'junk' from their cells, which helps maintain their youthful state.
A new DNA study by University of Gothenburg researchers has uncovered over 120 previously unknown bryozoan species in Swedish waters, including a completely new species. The findings shed light on the evolution and relationships of these nearly invisible animals, which are found in marine and freshwater environments.
A team of paleontologists used a living brachiopod species to understand how ancient brachiopods fed. They found that the modern animals generated relatively weak and strong feeding currents when opening and closing their shells.
Casey Dunn, a Brown University biologist, has been awarded the National Science Foundation's Alan T. Waterman Award for his groundbreaking research on the origins of diversity in life. The award recognizes his use of genomic and computational techniques to study complex multicellular organisms, including humans.
A recent study by Purdue University researchers used genetic methods to count endangered eagles, revealing significantly higher populations than visual counts. The technique identified individual DNA fingerprints for each bird, leading to more accurate estimates of population sizes.
Scientists analyzed annual growth bands in Antarctic bryozoans collected by Captain Scott and found increased carbon uptake and storage since 1990. This growth is linked to greater food availability, with phytoplankton being the primary source of energy.
Scientists have discovered unrecognised substances released by algae blooms that can interfere with reproductive hormones, leading to potential harm to humans and aquatic animals. The researchers used zebrafish as a test subject and found that these substances can cause endocrine disrupting effects.
International team of scientists has discovered a new phylum, Xenacoelomorpha, which rewrites the evolutionary history of animals. The discovery shows that simple marine worms like Xenoturbellida and Acoelomorpha are more closely related to complex organisms like humans and sea urchins than previously thought.
Research published in Nature reveals that simple marine worms Xenoturbella and Acoelomorpha are distantly related to humans and other complex species. The findings suggest that these organisms have evolved backwards into simpler forms, shedding light on the early stages of animal evolution.
The complete genome of Daphnia pulex has been described, opening up new avenues for understanding the species' response to its environment. The genome contains over 31,000 genes, more than any other animal, including humans.
An international team found that many crustacean families can detect and avoid reef noise, depending on their lifestyle. The study reveals that larvae of crabs and lobsters are attracted by the noise, while others actively avoid it.
Researchers found that pterygotid sea scorpions' claws were too weak to penetrate the armor of medium-sized horseshoe crabs, making them less likely to be fearsome predators. The study suggests they may have been scavengers or vegetarians instead.
The project aims to unlock the secrets of nature's best camouflage artists, specifically cephalopod skins, to create adaptive and responsive materials. The team will investigate light sensing and use it to regulate skin patterns, colors, and contrasts.
A recent study found that most deep-sea animals at Monterey Bay whale falls are not unique to these sites, but rather common in other deep-sea environments. However, certain species, such as Osedax worms and snails, play a crucial role in controlling community development.
A team of geologists discovered that an ancient wind brought life to the region and preserved the dead in South Africa's Soom Shale. The unique structures found in the shale layers suggest that fierce glacial winds carried nutrients into the surface waters, fuelling prolific life.
Researchers found a significant spike in marine phosphorus concentrations from 750 to 635 million years ago, linked to Snowball Earth glacial events. This increase in nutrient levels is believed to have facilitated the emergence of complex life, including animals, by driving oxygen production and ocean-atmosphere system shifts.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that ocean acidification would only affect whale hearing by a negligible 2 decibels by 2100. The impact on marine animals relies heavily on natural noise levels, not human-made noise from ships.
Researchers are studying whether electromagnetic fields from marine power devices affect the behavior of various aquatic animals, including fish and invertebrates. The study uses specially designed coils to create a magnetic field similar to those produced by ocean waves, tides, currents, and rivers.
A new PLoS collection highlights ways scientists use a large tracking network to trace marine mammal movement. The system detects animals as they cross detection lines, providing data on their behavior and survival.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago biologist Jennifer Schmidt found that a female whale shark produced 304 embryos with the same father, suggesting she stores sperm after a single mating event. This finding could indicate that mating occurs as an isolated event rather than in breeding grounds.