Articles tagged with Aquatic Animals
New fossils found in Pakistan have revealed a close kinship between whales and hippos, with the discovery of artiodactyl ankles suggesting that hippos may be a side line of artiodactyls. The findings, published in Science, use immunological, molecular, and genetic techniques to explore relationships among groups of animals.
Researchers are investigating the predation habits of Nanomia cara, a gelatinous midwater animal, in the Gulf of Maine. The study aims to determine how this species affects food availability for young cod and other commercially important fishes.
Brittlestars, also known as serpent stars, possess a unique 'visual' system that enables them to detect shadows and escape from predators. Their skeletal elements feature crystal lenses that transmit light to their nervous system, allowing them to respond to light changes.
The Deep Gulf of Mexico Benthos project aims to study the structure and functions of deepsea life forms, with a focus on the ecological impact of offshore oil production. The research team will collect data on ocean floor ecology, including biodiversity, species abundance, and environmental contamination.
Researchers are using $1.7 million in grants to implant radio transmitters on sea lions to determine the causes of their rapid decline, with data stored on a satellite that can be retrieved after the animal has died. The project aims to find out why Steller sea Lions are dying at a rate of 75% in some areas.
The Office of Naval Research has funded a study to develop new plasmid DNA vaccines for marine mammals, aiming to prevent epidemic disease. The studies may soon allow for better protection against infection using vaccination of individual animals within a population.
Researchers found that waddling actually helps penguins save energy by using their leg muscles more efficiently. They also discovered that penguins are not inefficient walkers because of their gait, but rather due to the short length of their legs.
A study published in Nature found that plant-eating insects have diets so poor in nutrients they impair growth, unlike aquatic animals which thrive on nutrient-rich foods. The researchers analyzed the chemical composition of plants and animals to determine how different environments affect food webs.
Scientists have developed a new method to date marine animals beyond mollusks, using brachiopods to reconstruct the Earth's environment over thousands of years. This breakthrough provides a unique record of past environmental changes and human effects on the oceans.
An international research team aims to fill knowledge gaps on whale, seal, bird, turtle, fish and squid behaviors. The Census of Marine Life project tracks animals using sophisticated electronic sensors.
The UC Berkeley team has developed a set of principles that apply to animal locomotion of all kinds, from running to flying. Their research has led to breakthroughs in robot design, ergonomics, and even computer animation, with potential applications in fields like engineering and Pixar Animation Studios.
Researchers have reclassified animals into three primary evolutionary lines based on new molecular evidence, including a study of the Hox gene family. The findings support earlier genetic investigations and provide insight into animal development and evolution, with implications for our understanding of life's origins.
A new study reveals a common genetic theme in three distinct animal species, supporting a simplified three-limbed tree of life for nearly all animals. The findings provide powerful evidence to place mollusks to humans on the same evolutionary tree.
A team of scientists has determined that Acoela flatworms, previously thought to be part of a younger group, are actually the oldest living ancestors to all 'bilateral' animals. This finding implies that bilateral organisms began making their debut on Earth earlier than previously thought.
Researchers have found evidence of ancient worm-like animals in rocks dating back 1.1 billion years, challenging the traditional timeline for multicellular life. The discovery suggests that animal body plans changed little before the Cambrian period, and that soft-bodied animals may have existed even earlier.