Articles tagged with Aquatic Animals
A new study reconstructs pre-Columbian diets in the Brazilian Amazon, revealing that terrestrial plants and animals were main sources of caloric intake. Fish was not the primary source of protein, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers found that wild red abalone mothers provide their offspring with an energy boost from yolk lipids, making them more tolerant of ocean acidification. However, fast-growing farmed abalone are more susceptible to dying under the same conditions.
A meta-analysis of over 100 animal species found that hunger during development increases risk-taking behavior in later life. The study suggests a correlation between poor nutrition and increased willingness to take risks, which may also apply to humans.
Researchers modelled the changing ecologies of fossil reptiles in Mesozoic oceans, discovering six ecological categories that linked movement, habitat, and feeding styles. The study shows that these marine reptiles avoided competition with each other, with some groups conserving their ecological roles over time.
A recent study found that animals quickly lose their antipredator behaviors after interacting with humans, with domestication leading to the fastest changes. This loss can have significant implications for conservation and urban planning.
New research reveals that marine animals generally inhabit the maximum range of breathable ocean zones determined by their physiology and oxygen needs. The study warns that climate change will restrict these ranges as warmer waters harbor less oxygen, potentially leading to habitat shifts or oxygen shortages.
Researchers propose a hypothesis that animals use magnetotactic bacteria in a symbiotic relationship to gain a magnetic sense, which could improve human navigation and inform ecological research. The study found evidence of magnetotactic bacteria associated with various animal species, including sea turtles, birds, and mammals.
Researchers study fluid physics of marine snail movement, revealing distinct swimming patterns and shell shapes. The study could lead to the development of more efficient underwater vehicles.
A study of over 2,000 species reveals that common animal populations are rising and falling at a rate similar to rare species due to global change. Amphibians, however, experienced declines, while birds, mammals, and reptiles showed increases.
Researchers from the University of Queensland have found that 'dead' coral rubble supports more animals than live coral, revealing a new understanding of these often-overlooked habitats. The discovery highlights the importance of biodiversity in these areas, which are dominated by tiny invertebrates and microorganisms.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University and the University of Plymouth have successfully used unique signature whistles of individual bottlenose dolphins off Namibia's coast to estimate population size and track movement. The method, which marks a first for acoustic monitoring, yielded promising results and has potential applications fo...
A new species of marine animal, Gyaltsenglossus senis, has provided direct fossil evidence connecting the two major groups of hemichordates. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary relationship between enteropneusta and pterobranchia, two groups that appear to be quite different but are closely related.
Researchers successfully estimated the size of bottlenose dolphin populations using unique signature whistles, with results matching traditional photographic mark-recapture methods. The technique has potential applications in tracking other species, including endangered humpback dolphins.
The discovery of a fossilized ichthyosaur with a smaller marine reptile in its stomach provides direct evidence of megapredation during the Triassic period. The prey was likely a thalattosaur, a group of marine reptiles that were more lizard-like in appearance than ichthyosaurs.
Researchers discovered a four-meter-long thalattosaur fossil in the stomach of an ichthyosaur, providing direct evidence that these giant marine reptiles consumed large animals. The find suggests that megapredation was more common than previously thought, contradicting the idea that ichthyosaurs fed on small prey like cephalopods.
Research published in Science Advances by a University of Saskatchewan-led team reveals an explosion of ancient life on the ocean floor nearly 540 million years ago. The study found evidence of animals actively engineering their ecosystem, constructing diverse burrows that may have laid the foundation for greater diversity in marine life.
Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have discovered a new species of mud-shrimp, Strianassa lerayi anker, and a highly mobile clam, in Panama's Coiba National Park. The discovery is part of a larger project to better understand the role of microbes in shaping tropical ecosystems.
Researchers compared tear composition in birds, reptiles, and humans, discovering similar electrolyte levels but distinct crystal structures. The study's findings may lead to new insights into the evolution of tears across species and improved treatments for eye health.
Researchers use CT scans to reveal that Tanystropheus lived in the ocean and had separate species of larger and smaller specimens. The study finds that the animals hunted different prey and coexisted without competing for resources.
Researchers measured pollutants in stranded dolphins and whales to understand their impact on ocean life. The study found high levels of mercury and arsenic in some species, highlighting the need for marine mammal stranding response efforts.
St Petersburg University scientists analyzed microgastropods in the eastern sector of the Arctic, discovering at least 66 species. The study helps understand biological diversity, ecosystem responses to climate change and environmental pollution.
A team of archaeologists has discovered the earliest known domestic cat in northern Eurasia, dating back to the late 8th century AD. The well-preserved skeleton revealed that humans cared for the tomcat, suggesting a longer history of human-cat interactions than previously thought.
Researchers found that microplastic fibers impact lobster larvae's feeding and respiration. Young lobsters accumulate fibers under their shells, while older larvae ingest particles but keep them in their digestive systems.
Research reveals that seabirds produce efficient propulsive wakes when flying and swimming, allowing them to move with minimal metabolic energy in both environments. However, the birds' wing movements indicate a cost to using their wings for movement in air and water.
A new method using environmental DNA (eDNA) detection can efficiently monitor captive animals for pathogens, reducing the need for huge sample sizes and costly processes. eDNA sampling from tank water is more efficient than testing individual samples, according to Washington State University researcher Jesse Brunner.
Scientists have discovered man-made mercury pollution in the Marianas Trench, the deepest part of the ocean. This finding has significant implications for the marine environment and food chain, highlighting the impact of human activities on the planet.
A new five-step protocol aims to reduce mortality of threatened birds of prey due to accidents with infrastructures. The protocol identifies sink populations, frequented areas, and high-risk infrastructure features to improve conservation actions.
A giant, soft-shell egg from about 66 million years ago has been discovered in Antarctica, challenging prevailing thought that such creatures did not lay eggs. The egg is the largest soft-shell egg ever found and may have belonged to an extinct sea lizard or mosasaur.
Researchers found that living among land's rich topography forced animals to plan rather than act based on habits, increasing survival rates. The optimal level of barriers in the environment played a crucial role in this planning ability.
The deep seafloor is a largely unexplored habitat that plays a critical role in the Earth's carbon cycle. Long-term studies at Station M have dramatically changed marine biologists' perceptions of life in the deep sea, revealing dynamic changes and connections between surface and seafloor conditions.
A new study found that rehabilitated Kemp's ridley and loggerhead sea turtles exhibit a substantial stress response when transported to release locations in the southern United States. Despite this, the turtles remained physically stable and ready for release, with minimal impact on their vital signs or blood data.
Researchers found that migratory shorebirds rely on the upper tidal flats closest to dry land for food and energy, which are often lost to development. This study suggests a new approach to conserving endangered species by focusing on preserving these high-value habitats.
A new report by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory suggests that marine renewable energy devices are unlikely to cause harm to marine animals or environments. The study found that small numbers of operational devices may not significantly affect marine ecosystems, but further research is needed to confirm this.
A pilot study tested the effectiveness of drones in measuring Atlantic bluefin tuna, showing they can capture images of individual fish and schools with high accuracy. The use of drones may supplement traditional fishing methods and provide valuable data for fisheries management.
A new laser-based system provides 3D models of diaphanous marine animals and their mucus structures, allowing researchers to understand how they function and what roles they play in the ocean. The study focused on larvaceans, which create complex mucus filters that remove vast amounts of carbon-rich food from the surrounding water.
Researchers have uncovered thousands of ancient animal bones at three sites in Ethiopia, showing early Muslim communities ate a diverse and sophisticated diet, including luxury goods from around the Red Sea. The discovery provides new insights into halal butchery practices and the spread of Islam in Africa.
A study published in Quaternary Science Reviews found that many local animals stayed put in the ecologically rich ecosystem at Pinnacle Point, allowing early humans to flourish. The researchers used ancient herbivore teeth to track migratory patterns and discovered a lack of movement among most animals.
Researchers have quantified over a century of changes in Cook County, finding 80% wetland loss and species extinctions. The study aims to inform restoring aquatic ecosystems' health.
A significant increase in phosphorite deposition during the Ediacaran Period may have contributed to the emergence of large animals. The study found that nutrient upwelling from the oceans, rather than terrestrial erosion, drove this change.
A new study finds that West Coast marine species' ability to breathe in ocean water is crucial for their survival and population cycles. The anchovy's oxygen needs match the water breathability index, which changes over time and corresponds with population cycles.
The discovery of pebble-shaped teeth in the fossil of Cartorhynchus lenticarpus, an early ichthyosaur species, sheds light on how these animals adapted to their environments. The unusual rounded teeth, likely used for crushing shells, suggest that smaller ichthyosaurs like Cartorhynchus lived closer to shore and fed on invertebrates.
A new study reveals that adult comb jellies consume their own offspring blooms as a nutrient source, allowing them to persist in extreme conditions. This behavior enables the jellies to colonize further than climate systems and other conditions would allow, posing a threat to native species.
A new study reveals that marine animal diversity has remained fairly constant over the past 540 million years, with regional-scale patterns dominating geological time. The research challenges previous estimates of increasing biodiversity over the last 200 million years.
Researchers found that lobsters in Sardinia can eat and break down larger plastic particles, releasing smaller fragments into their intestines. These tiny particles, or "secondary" microplastics, could be more bioavailable to smaller creatures in the deep-sea food chain.
A new Stanford study finds that deforestation and agriculture expansion increase human-wild primate interactions, leading to a higher risk of zoonotic diseases. The researchers suggest creating buffer zones around biodiversity-rich forests and providing alternative resources to reduce pressure on people to venture into forested areas.
Scientists have correctly determined the age of whale sharks using radioactive legacy of Cold War nuclear bomb tests. The discovery will help ensure the survival of the endangered species by accurately estimating its growth rate.
A global group of scientists warns of the accelerating rate of insect extinction, which could have severe consequences for the environment. The team highlights practical steps individuals can take to help conserve insects, such as reducing lawn mowing frequency, avoiding pesticides, and supporting conservation organizations.
Researchers discovered that cormorants have adapted their ears for excellent underwater hearing, surprising given they spend most of their time on land. The ear structure's modifications enable the birds to detect sound pressure in both air and water with similar sensitivity.
Researchers created an equation to estimate plastic ingestion by animals, finding that the largest piece eaten is about 5% of the animal's body length. The study analyzed over 2,000 animals and found shocking examples of plastic pollution, including a sperm whale with hosepipes and flower pots inside.
A recent study by Jennifer Welsh found that various sea creatures, such as sponges, crabs, and cockles, can remove a significant portion of virus particles from seawater. These findings suggest that non-host organisms play an important role in regulating virus populations in marine environments.
A new study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution found that plants and animals share similar patterns of niche evolution in response to climate change. The research analyzed climatic data from 952 plant species and 1,135 vertebrate species, revealing that both groups have a narrow breadth of tolerated environmental conditions.
A new study by an international team of scientists reveals that the Cambrian Explosion was driven by abundant ecological opportunity early in life history. The researchers found that complex features become burdened by their own complexity, limiting evolutionary innovation. This discovery clarifies evolution and development during the ...
A new study published in Geology found that Late Cretaceous ecosystems in North America were characterized by diverse and mixed diets, with resource interchange between aquatic and terrestrial components being common. The research used stable isotope analysis to reconstruct the diets and habitat use of dinosaurs and other animals, cont...
Researchers have proved one of Charles Darwin's evolution theories for the first time, showing that mammal subspecies are crucial to long-term evolutionary dynamics. The study, led by Laura van Holstein, found that subspecies play a pivotal role in shaping the future of species, particularly in response to habitat disruption.
Researchers found fossilized thread-like filaments connecting organisms across nearly 40 sites in Newfoundland, Canada. The discovery may have revealed ancient social networks and challenged earlier studies of Ediacaran organisms' interactions.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Matthew Knope found that ecologically diverse animal groups are more resistant to extinction and dominate the modern ocean's biodiversity. The study analyzed fossil and living marine animals over 500 million years, showing a link between diversity and resistance to mass extinctions.
A new study in PLOS Biology identifies a regulator of jellyfish egg release, shedding light on the evolution of complex hormonal control in animals. The discovery sheds insight into how oocytes transform into eggs and may hold clues for understanding the link between sexual reproduction and nutrition in animals.
A new study has shed light on why the world's oceans are home to an astonishing array of species, with slow and steady evolution playing a key role in their diversity. The research analyzed over 20,000 fossil marine animals and found that ecologically flexible groups tend to be more resistant to extinction.
Scientists have discovered the earliest known example of an animal evolving to lose body parts it no longer needed. Facivermis, a worm-like creature from the Cambrian period, evolved to lose its lower limbs due to its tube-dwelling lifestyle anchored on the sea floor.
A new study found that extinction resistance, not ecological differentiation, drove the evolution of diverse marine animal life. Ecologically diverse clades became dominant due to their ability to survive mass extinctions, resulting in strong correlations between ecological diversity and taxonomic richness.