Articles tagged with Aquatic Animals
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Scientists have found that gene loss played a crucial role in the evolution of animals, particularly in deuterostomes and ecdysozoans. The study revealed unprecedented levels of gene loss in these lineages, contradicting the assumption that evolution leads to increased complexity.
A new study found that parasitic trematode worms produce greater standing armies in areas of greater threat, demonstrating for the first time that animal societies can adjust army size to meet threat levels. The research showed that snails collected in locations with high risk of invasion had larger numbers of soldier worms.
A German research team has identified bony fish as particularly sensitive to climate change, with snails and oysters being less threatened. The study combines fossil data with experimental studies, providing a basis for future collaboration and more precise predictions of species extinction.
A new study reveals that the world's most biodiverse regions are under threat from human-driven climate change, with tropical ecosystems expected to lose over 75% of their climate-safe habitats by the end of the century.
Researchers assess water quality, oxygen levels and microbiomes in lakes with hippo populations, finding nutrient and organic material inputs alter chemistry and oxygen. The study suggests exponential growth of the population, posing questions about human interactions and ecosystem disruption.
Researchers have discovered a fossilized scorpion from the Silurian period, revealing its transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. The ancient animal's internal organs show similarities to modern-day scorpions and horseshoe crabs, indicating it was pre-adapted for life on land.
Researchers argue for mobile marine protected areas in international waters to protect highly mobile species affected by climate change. New technologies, such as satellite tracking, enable dynamic management strategies that adjust to species' movements and habitats shifts.
A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals that tardigrades are vulnerable to long-term high temperature exposures, with median lethal temperatures ranging from 37.1°C for active animals and 82.7°C for desiccated specimens. This finding highlights the Achilles heel of these super-resistant animals.
Research on fossilized fish from the late Devonian period details the evolution of fins as they began to transition into limbs. The study used CT scanning to examine fin shape and structure, constructing digital 3D models that allowed researchers to infer how fins worked and changed.
A RMIT University study found that floral foam breaks into tiny pieces, ingested by freshwater and marine animals, causing stress responses. The vast majority of florists dispose of foam particles down the sink or drain, contributing to microplastic pollution.
A new study describes a 480-million-year-old fossil named Athenacrinus broweri, which helps rewrite the family tree of sea lilies. The fossil's arm structure reveals that modern sea lilies evolved from ancient ancestors with plates in their bodies similar to those found in earliest crinoid arms.
Researchers at Tohoku University have cracked the code of centipedes' flexible motor control mechanism, enabling them to walk on land and swim in water. The study's findings will aid in developing robots that can adapt to various environments.
A unique breeding project at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is designed to save the native White's Seahorse species in Australia. The project, led by Robbie McCracken, has successfully bred and raised six babies, with plans to release them into the wild next year.
A new European research project, HOTMIC, aims to investigate the fate of microplastic in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study's lead researcher suggests that microplastic particles may be transported by microorganisms or marine animals, which could have a significant impact on the marine ecosystem.