Articles tagged with Aquatic Animals
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that coastal animals have a decreased ability to fight off infection of Vibrio bacteria when exposed to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide conditions. This makes them more vulnerable to infection, especially with injuries or wounds exposed to the water.
A team of researchers has sequenced the genome of an ancient sponge, revealing insights into the evolution of the first animals and cancer. The study found that sponges share many genes with humans, but also have significant differences, including missing components involved in cell division and development.
The deep open ocean is vastly under-explored due to the long-held belief that life in this area was confined primarily to the surface and near the sea bed. New research mapped marine species records and found most knowledge comes from shallow waters or ocean floor, revealing uncounted animals living without hard surfaces.
The study found that the African wild ass is the living ancestor of today's domestic donkeys and that a subspecies called the Nubian wild ass may still exist. Researchers used mitochondrial DNA samples from living animals, skeletons, and archaeological sites to trace the family trees of the domestic donkey.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a stress hormone in the sea lamprey, which is believed to be one of the earliest forms of cortisol. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of the endocrine system in vertebrates and has implications for understanding human physiology.
Researchers from Northwestern University discovered a common human sperm gene called Boule, which is 600 million years old and shared among animals such as trout, sea anemone and flies. The gene plays a vital role in sperm production and has the potential to be targeted for male contraception and controlling diseases caused by parasites.
Researchers found diverse marine life on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, including a missing evolutionary link between backboned and invertebrate animals. The team discovered three new species with different colors and shapes, as well as sea cucumbers with unique swimming abilities.
Scientists have monitored rapid faunal changes in a deep-sea community off Ireland's coast, where sea cucumber populations surged in abundance. Climate-driven fluctuations in organic matter supply and nutrient quality may have triggered these events.
Researchers found tooth marks on bones from large dinosaurs and a small marsupial, dated around 75 million years ago. The marks were likely made by ancient mammals, such as multituberculates, which gnawed on the bones for minerals.
Researchers discovered sharks can detect small delays in odor detection to navigate, using bilateral detection to orient towards the strongest scent. This finding refutes previous theories on scent trail following and may lead to improved underwater robots for chemical leak detection.
Scientists from over 60 countries present research on the impact of human activities on land-based plants and animals in Antarctica. The study found that changes in ocean currents are linked to wind patterns around Antarctica, affecting the ecosystem.
A Tufts University study sheds light on how marine animals like Galapagos iguanas survive stress, revealing the crucial role of negative feedback in coping with 'fight or flight' responses. The research also has implications for understanding wildlife responses to environmental disasters and oil spills.
Researchers collecting mollusk specimens from the Gulf Coast will analyze growth rings in shells to determine how quickly harmful compounds from the oil become incorporated into the animals' bodies. They will also test for hydrocarbons in tissues and measure changes in growth rate and survivorship.
Researchers discovered that coral larvae can detect sound waves to locate suitable habitats, which is essential for their survival. The study highlights the importance of understanding how corals respond to their environment, particularly in light of human noise pollution.
Paleontologists discovered over 1,500 exceptionally preserved soft-bodied fossils from the Ordovician period, expanding our understanding of sea creatures and ecosystems. The finds upend a long-held belief that Burgess Shale-type faunas disappeared at the end of the Middle Cambrian epoch.
Scientists have identified a rare species of pathogenic algae causing human skin infections and septicemia. The discovery may lead to better treatment protocols and economic benefits for the dairy industry.
Submarine canyons off the coast of Hawaiian Islands are hotspots for biodiversity and biomass, supporting unique megafauna communities. The study revealed that canyons provide an ideal habitat for mobile species to feed on accumulated organic matter, resulting in elevated abundance and diversity.
A new survey technique has led to a significant increase in estimated narwhal populations, now estimated to be over 60,000. The technique uses dive data and accounting for biases to improve accuracy and provides a more accurate picture of the population's size and distribution.