Articles tagged with Domesticated Animals
A study by the University of New South Wales found that dingoes have more variable coat colours than previously thought, with no single colour distinguishing them from hybrids. Researchers analyzed 1325 wild canids and found that domestic dog ancestry is rare in the wild, representing less than 1.5% of the population.
Researchers have found that a horse discovered in Utah was actually domesticated by Native peoples around 300 years ago. The study provides valuable insights into the relationships between Indigenous groups and horses in the Americas.
A study found that kangaroos gazed at humans when trying to access food in a closed box, using gazes to communicate instead of opening the box. The research also revealed that nine out of 11 kangaroos showed gaze alternations between the box and human.
Researchers used lower-cost domestic drones to detect Chironex fleckeri jellyfish in waters off northern Australia. The drones achieved significantly high detection rates, even under varying weather conditions. This innovative approach aims to improve beach safety and reduce the risk of jellyfish stings.
A study analyzing ancient DNA from Tibetan Plateau remains found that prehistoric bovids were genetically similar to modern Asian wild gaurs and diverged approximately 18,000 years ago. Rhinoceroses roamed the region between 8,000 to 6,000 years ago, suggesting a warm and moist environment at the time.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that lubricin, a protein that lubricates joints, increases in dogs with ACL injuries before signs of arthritis appear. The discovery has implications for human ACL and other orthopedic injuries, suggesting increased lubricin may be a biomarker for predicting future osteoarthritis.
Newly hatched tortoises preferentially orient toward face-like representations, which may be an evolutionary leftover from a common ancestor of mammals, birds, and reptiles. This exploratory behavior could play a role in learning and development.
Advanced X-ray imaging reveals details on ancient cat, bird and snake mummification, including possible causes of death and complex ritualistic behavior. The technique provides insights into conditions in which animals were kept and their relationships with humans.
A study using isotopic analysis reveals that ancient cats in Central Europe had a synanthropic diet, suggesting close human-cat relations. The findings indicate that cats first migrated to the region from the Near East around 4,200-2,300 BC.
The discovery of well-preserved ancient skeletons in Belize has provided new insights into the introduction of maize as a key part of people's diets in Central America. The study shows that maize became a major food source around 4,700 years ago, with its consumption increasing over time and eventually becoming a staple crop.
Researchers tracked pine martens in Wales, finding they settled more rapidly when released near neighbors. This behavior allows for efficient territory creation, influencing their mobile range of approximately 9.5 km2. The presence of pine martens also affects grey squirrels' behavior, forcing them to alter their ranging patterns.
New research from the University of Portsmouth reveals that donkeys are less likely to seek shelter from heat and light than mules. The study found that donkeys prefer arid, hot climates with higher sunlight levels, while mules are more sensitive to temperatures and sunlight.
A global archaeological assessment reveals that prehistoric humans had a substantial impact on Earth's landscapes by 3,000 years ago. The 'big-data' approach to understanding human legacy on Earth suggests an early and widespread effect of human activity on the environment.
A two-year project will study the effects of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem, focusing on Western Siberia's Yamal Peninsula. The research will document changes to ecosystems, habitats, and indigenous communities.
The Ruminant Genome Project has provided unprecedented insights into the genomics, evolution and adaptation of ruminants, a group with significant importance in agriculture, conservation and biomedical fields. The study revealed large declines in ruminant populations nearly 100,000 years ago, coinciding with human migration out of Africa.
Researchers have identified a new strain of canine distemper virus in wild animals in New Hampshire and Vermont, which is highly contagious to domesticated dogs. The virus has been found in eight infected mammals, including gray foxes, raccoons, and skunks, and is significantly distinct from vaccine strains.
Archaeological evidence uncovered at Khoa Reef suggests religious rituals, including animal sacrifice, played a crucial role in consolidating the ancient Tiwanaku state between 500-1100 CE. The findings, based on underwater excavations, provide new insights into the region's moral code and power structure.
A new paper suggests that diseases can be more lethal in new hosts with larger evolutionary jumps between species. This research uses data from the World Organisation for Animal Health to track diseases across domesticated mammals and their outcomes.
A study by Radboud University ecologist Luca Santini found that mammals living in urban environments produce more young, which is likely due to high mortality rates. Different groups of mammals use various strategies to adapt, such as producing larger litters, having brains and bodies better suited for their environment.
A team of researchers found that animals switch to more stable gaits during speed-related transitions to minimize unstable dynamic states and reduce the risk of tripping or falling. The study, which examined nine animal models across various species, suggests that gait transitions prioritize stability over energy savings.
A study by Hannah Frank and colleagues reveals humans play a significant role in changing infection patterns, including spillover from animals to humans.
Researchers found nutmeg residue on ceramic potsherds at a 3,500-year-old archaeological site in Indonesia. The discovery provides new insights into the early use of nutmeg and its impact on international trade.
Researchers found cognitive abilities of dogs matched by several species in domestic animals, social hunters, and carnivorans. The study suggests dogs' reputation as intelligent creatures may be overhyped.
A new Cornell University-led study has identified genes that were altered in tame animals in two areas of the brain involved with learning and memory. Genes impacting serotonergic and glutaminergic neurons, important for learning and memory, were clearly affected by selection toward tameness.
In water-limited landscapes, sick animals may have more contact with others due to lethargy, leading to faster pathogen transmission. The study suggests that understanding sickness behavior can help predict and control disease transmission in wildlife and domestic animals.
Researchers discovered tooth wear linked to bit-wearing on ancient donkey remains from the Early Bronze Age (EB) period. The findings suggest that donkeys may have worn bits as early as 2700 BCE, long before the introduction of horses.
The discovery provides first evidence of the use of a bridle bit to control an animal in the Near East before the appearance of horses. The study reveals that early domestic donkeys were controlled using soft bits, likely made from rope or wood.
A new DNA method efficiently screens vampire bat blood meal and faecal samples to determine which domestic animals they feed on, while also assessing population structure. This technique may aid in preventing rabies exposure by identifying animal hosts at risk.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered that small-scale farming was initiated by indigenous communities in Turkey's Anatolian plateau, contradicting previous theories. The study found evidence of crop cultivation and herding of sheep and goats, suggesting a stable and persistent use of crops for over 5 centuries.
Researchers discovered a fossilized hair from a goat dated back to the Neolithic Corded Ware period, shedding new light on mortuary practices and animal husbandry of the culture. The find supports evidence that domestic animals were kept during this time period in Finland.
A study published in Animal Cognition found that horses prefer to approach humans with submissive body postures over dominant ones. This preference is thought to be an instinctual understanding of larger vs. smaller postures, as seen in evolutionary communication.
Researchers have developed a new welfare assessment grid to help zookeepers monitor the physical and psychological wellbeing of animals in their care. The grid provides daily monitoring of factors such as environment quality and daily procedures, enabling zookeepers to identify potential problems and improve animal welfare.
A census of medium and large mammals found in 22 forest remnants surrounded by sugarcane plantations in São Paulo State, Brazil revealed that 90% of expected species were recorded. The study found rare animals such as the giant armadillo not present, but generalist species like white-eared opossums adapted to disturbed environments.
A new study by Vetmeduni Vienna found that shearing alpacas in a standing position produces the least amount of stress for the animals. The research team used clinical parameters and saliva/faeces cortisol levels to measure stress, finding that restraint without shearing had no significant impact on these values.
Analyses of 14 ancient horse genomes reveal that domestication led to changes in forelimbs and coat colors, as well as the presence of genetic variants associated with milk production for human consumption. The study suggests that early domestication was not limited to a small group of stallions but involved multiple founders.
Scientists have identified a highly contagious disease threatening the endangered San Joaquin kit fox population. Researchers confirmed diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in 15 kit foxes and found no evidence of recovery from untreated infections.
A new study investigated the potential role of North American animals as hosts for Zika virus. Researchers tested common animal species, including goats, pigeons, raccoons, and ducks, for infectious virus presence and antibodies. The findings suggest that these animals may serve as an unseen reservoir for Zika virus in urban environments.
Research at Kobe University found that horses send signals to humans both visually and physically when faced with unsolvable problems, adapting their behavior based on humans' knowledge. This high social cognitive ability may have been acquired during domestication, enabling horses to form close bonds with humans.
A new pathogen, Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis, has been identified as causing anthrax-like disease in chimps, gorillas, elephants, and goats across four African countries. The bacteria share distinct genetic and biological characteristics with Bacillus anthracis.
Researchers discovered that ambling horses first appeared in Medieval England, where they were bred by Vikings and later distributed globally. The genetic study found a specific variant of the DMRT3 gene associated with gaitedness in ancient horse remains.
Researchers found domestic goats in the Southern Caucasus match with wild goats from the Fertile Crescent, suggesting introduction of already-domesticated goats. Genetic sequencing reveals sudden cultural changes and agriculture adoption around 7,500-8,000 years ago.
Researchers observed striped hyenas joining grey wolf packs in the Negev desert, suggesting a mutually beneficial relationship. The unlikely alliance may have arisen from necessity, with hyenas utilizing their keen sense of smell and wolves leveraging their agility to tackle prey.
A recent study by Vetmeduni Vienna's Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer found that simulator-based training in large animal gynaecology is nearly as efficient as animal-based training. Students who trained four times on horses scored best with regard to a correct diagnosis, while those trained solely on the simulato...
Research reveals that domesticated grains were adopted late and sporadically in North Africa, with communities instead integrating them into their existing nomadic lifestyle. This challenges the conventional narrative of a gradual transition to settled agriculture.
SUNY Downstate researchers identified areas of high probability of plague bacteria in the western United States. Their findings can be used by public health agencies to target specific areas for enhanced plague surveillance, particularly in regions with significant animal hosts.
Research suggests that wild pumpkin and squash were initially used for non-food purposes, such as containers and tools, before humans discovered their edible value. The loss of megafauna allowed wild plants to grow in new environments, leading to the evolution of palatability.
Researchers aim to create a 'smellscape' to understand how critters navigate by scent and convert odors into spatial information. They will use computational modeling to simulate odor navigation processes and test their models on diverse species.
A new study proposes a logical classification scheme for dogs and wolves, revealing that domestic dogs are descendants of two interbred species: an extinct Asian wild dog and the grey wolf. This finding has implications for wolf conservation, as some hybrids have evolved into full species.
A study of 214 species finds that vertical slits indicate ambush predators, while horizontally elongated pupils suggest grazing prey. Researchers believe this shapes allows for optimal vision in dim light and panoramic view.
A study found that Griffon vultures in Catalonia have high levels of lead in their tissues, affecting their immune systems and reproductive function. The birds' diet, which mainly consists of carrion from domestic and wild hunting species, increases their likelihood of ingesting lead.
Researchers are developing a new reference genome sequence for domestic horses to better understand genetics in animal health and well-being. The new sequence aims to improve the ability to identify diseases and traits in horses.
Human bites can transmit over 600 bacterial species through oral flora, posing a significant risk of infection. Prompt treatment within 24 hours of an animal or human bite is crucial to prevent serious injury or infection, with antibiotic treatment recommended for hand bites to reduce the risk of infection and disability.
Researchers found eight genome regions that contributed to tameness and aggression, including genes involved in nervous system development. The study sheds light on the genetic basis of domestication and its impact on animal behavior.
Researchers used a 'big data' approach to rank top 100 pathogens affecting humans and animals, with E.coli and HIV taking top spots. The Hirsch Index method aggregates scientific work on diseases to guide policy at a continent-wide level.
A new mathematical model helps understand how resource provisioning affects wildlife disease, with findings that more food doesn't always lead to better health outcomes. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex interactions between food availability, immune defense, and disease transmission.
Researchers have successfully used computer models to locate and eliminate high numbers of tsetse flies in Senegal, resulting in a 99.6% reduction. The eradication effort aims to control the devastating disease that affects humans, livestock, and wildlife.
A new study of 36 species found that brain volume – not body size – is the key to self-restraint. Animals with varied diets showed superior cognitive powers, while those with larger brains were more likely to inhibit counter-productive behavior.
Researchers found that African elephants can use human pointing cues to find hidden food, demonstrating an understanding of this complex gesture. This study reveals that the ability to understand pointing is not unique to humans but has evolved in a lineage of animals.
University of Granada Professor Javier Alba-Tercedor has won the Best Film award for his detailed images of a domestic fly's inside using microtomography. The high-resolution scans were made possible by a Skyscan 1172 micro-CT instrument, achieving 1.4 µm per pixel resolution.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified leptospirosis as a significant health threat in Botswana, where the disease can cause flu-like symptoms, meningitis, and even death if untreated. The pathogen was found in banded mongoose, which can transmit the disease to humans through contaminated water or soil.