Beaver fossil named after Buc-ee’s
A new species of ancient beaver, Anchitheriomys buceei, has been discovered in Texas and named after Buc-ee's. The beaver lived about 15 million years ago and was about 30% larger than modern beavers.
Mammals
Articles tagged with Mammals
Northern and southern resident orcas hunt differently, which may help explain the decline of southern orcas
A new study reveals that northern and southern resident orcas differ in their hunting behaviors, with males catching more salmon per hour than females. Southern resident males outperform females by 152%, highlighting a distinct pattern of foraging that may contribute to the population decline.
Island-inhabiting giants, dwarves more vulnerable to extinction
Research reveals island-dwelling mammal species face higher extinction risks, with those experiencing extreme size changes being particularly endangered. Human arrival on islands multiplies the probability of extinction by 16, contributing to a 'protracted extinction event' spanning over 100,000 years.
Aging | Cellular senescence: when growth stimulation meets cell cycle arrest
Researchers explore cellular senescence's complex relationship with growth stimulation and cell cycle arrest, revealing potential anti-aging drug targets. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new treatments for age-related diseases.
Better metric for prioritizing conservation of “evolutionarily distinctive” species
Researchers developed an updated conservation metric, EDGE2, incorporating scientific uncertainty and status of related species. This approach identifies top-priority species for protection, preserving over 700 million years of evolutionary history, and allocates limited funds effectively.
Parental investment may have aided evolution of larger brains
A review of evidence suggests that increased parental energy investment in young offspring may have facilitated the evolution of larger brains in some species. This is particularly true for warm-blooded species, which tend to invest more energy in their young through actions such as egg production and lactation.
Operation Pangolin launches to save world’s most trafficked wild mammal
The Operation Pangolin project aims to save the world's eight pangolin species by generating data to inform conservation strategies and implementing wildlife crime prevention efforts in Central Africa. The team will use novel technology and artificial intelligence methods to address the illicit wildlife trade and prevent extinction.
New study identifies key success factors for large carnivore rewilding efforts
A new study has identified the top factors that determine the success of large carnivore relocation efforts, highlighting the importance of protecting existing habitats. The findings could support global rewilding efforts and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Scientists find world’s oldest European hedgehog
A team of scientists found a 16-year-old European hedgehog in Denmark, exceeding the previous record by seven years. The discovery contradicts previous studies suggesting that inbreeding reduces lifespan. The study's results provide valuable insights into the basic life history of hedgehogs and may improve conservation efforts.
Protecting bats with better wind turbine control
Researchers develop site-specific mitigation strategy for wind turbines, significantly reducing bat fatalities. The approach uses wind speed, temperature, and rainfall data to adapt curtailment strategies, resulting in a 86% reduction in bat deaths.
Princeton Chemistry quantifies “thrifty” low-energy budgets of primary cancer tumors
Researchers found that primary cancer tumors have a sluggish conversion of nutrients to usable cellular energy, conserving energy for growth and metastasis. The discovery has vast implications for anti-cancer strategies, directing attention to slow energy metabolism.
Highly social mammals live longer than solitary species
A study by Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers found that group-living mammals live longer than solitary ones, with a 100-fold variation in longevity among species. The team identified 31 genes and pathways linked to both social organization and lifespan.
Songbird species work together to mob predator owls, but only strike when the time is right
Biologists found songbirds can assess when predation risk from northern pygmy owls is highest and when there's safety in numbers. Mobbing behavior peaked in late summer and autumn when young birds are most vulnerable.
Innocent bystanders of our carbon addiction – future heatwaves threaten animals globally
A new study predicts that by 2099, future extreme heatwaves will expose up to 11% of land vertebrates to temperatures beyond their historical levels. However, a low-emissions scenario greatly reduces animals' exposure to heat extremes.
Living on the edge: Small mammals in threatened, biodiverse hotspot hold clues for conservation
Researchers from DePaul University studied small mammals in eastern Paraguay's Atlantic Forest remnants to understand biodiversity and its relation to forest edges. They found that species richness and abundance increase closer to the edge, while phylogenetic diversity is higher in interior sites.
Corridors between Western U.S. national parks would greatly increase the persistence time of mammals
Establishing ecological corridors among western US national parks can enlarge mammal populations and allow species to shift geographic ranges in response to climate change. This could increase the long-term persistence time of mammal species by a factor of 4.3, compared to fragmented individual parks.
Roadkill reality check: Ground squirrel population takes a hit due to increasing tourist traffic
A study by Colorado State University found that over 10% of adult female golden-mantled ground squirrels are killed annually along rural roads in the Gunnison Valley. The researchers suggest reducing personal vehicle numbers and using digital signs to alert drivers, as males are also vulnerable during mating season.
The other paleo diet: Rare discovery of dinosaur remains preserved with its last meal
A rare fossil discovery provides new insights into the diet of Microraptor, a bird-like dinosaur with four wings. The find suggests that Microraptor was an opportunistic predator feeding on various species, including fish, birds, lizards, and small mammals.
An ecological rule breaker shows the effects of climate change on body size evolution
A study by McGill University researchers found that Northern Tree Shrews' body size increased with warmer climates, contradicting Bergmann's rule. The team analyzed museum specimens and historical climate data, revealing a reversal of the Island rule as well, highlighting the complex interaction between ecological factors.
Increasing forest cover in the Eifel region 11,000 years ago resulted in the local loss of megafauna
The expansion of forests in Central Europe, circa 11,000 years ago, led to the decline and eventual extinction of large Ice Age mammals such as mammoth and bison. The growth of trees deprived these herbivores of their main food source, grass.
Evolution of bat wings and calls through 'foraging syndromes' allows diversity to flourish
Researchers found a close correspondence between bat species' wing shapes and their echolocation vocalizations, with both linked to foraging ecology. The study reveals distinct 'foraging syndromes' that have evolved repeatedly in each family, matching optimal evolutionary solutions for different habitats.
Cheetah marking trees are hotspots for communication also for other species
A study by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that cheetah marking trees serve as hotspots for communication among multiple mammalian species. These trees were visited more frequently by some species, such as black-backed jackals and warthogs, suggesting they gain important information from the scent marks. In co...
Study by RIT scientists indicates SARS-CoV-2 variants are still transmissible between species
Researchers used computer simulations to show that SARS-CoV-2 variants can attach to host cells in both bats and humans using their spike proteins. The study's findings suggest a significant risk of mammalian cross-species infectivity, contradicting initial expectations of reduced transmission.
Bats use death metal “growls” to make social calls
Researchers studied the larynx of Daubenton's bats and found that different structures are used for high-frequency echolocation calls and lower-frequency social calls. The study reveals that bat vocalizations can be compared to death metal growls, highlighting the animals' unique ability to produce a wide range of sounds.
Cracking open a fossil bone reveals rapid juvenile growth in early tetrapods
Researchers found evidence of fibrolamellar bone in early tetrapod Whatcheeria, suggesting rapid juvenile growth. This contradicts the long-held assumption that slow growth was ancestral for tetrapods, and instead reveals a more complex life history.
Study explains formation of rich mammal diversity in Asia
Researchers analyzed 3,114 mammal species across Asia and adjacent continents to understand the origin and timing of its rich biodiversity. The study found that tropical forests are a major center of diversity, while Himalayan and Hengduan Mountains are accumulation centers with lineages migrating from other regions.
The evolution of Asia’s mammals was dictated by ancient climate change and rising mountains
A new study compiled data on over 3,000 species to show how climate and geologic changes across Asia influenced the evolution of mammals. The research found clear links between changes in Earth's climate and the distribution of mammals in different regions.
How can bats harbor so many viruses without developing symptoms?
A team of scientists found that bats have multiple copies of the PKR gene, allowing them to develop an antiviral repertoire. This adaptation enables bats to defend themselves against a wide range of viruses.
Duke-NUS scientists reveal first close-up look at bats’ immune response to live infection
Researchers studied the lung immune responses of cave nectar bats to Malacca virus, identifying unique white blood cell behaviors and gene signatures that help limit inflammation. The findings could lead to better ways of combatting human viral infections.
Major discovery about mammalian brains surprises researchers
University of Copenhagen researchers made a groundbreaking discovery about the mammalian brain, finding that a vital enzyme that enables brain signals is switching on and off at random intervals. This challenges the long-held assumption that these enzymes are active at all times to convey essential signals continuously.
Tick-borne pathogens increasingly widespread in Central Canada
Researchers have detected five emerging tick-borne pathogens in Central Canada, including those causing Lyme disease and babesiosis. Climate change and habitat fragmentation contribute to the spread of these pathogens, highlighting the need for increased awareness and protection measures.
‘Devastatingly cute’ bats look for bugs in forest clearings and corridors
Eastern red bats, now the most commonly detected bat in Midwestern forests, have a significant impact on tree regeneration due to their appetite for insect-damaging bugs. Forest managers can benefit from considering these bats' landscape preferences, particularly ponds and smaller forest openings.
Platypus populations impacted by large river dams are more vulnerable to threats
A new study found that large river dams are significant barriers to platypus movements, leading to increased genetic differentiation and vulnerability to threats. This restriction of movement limits gene flow between groups, making separate populations more susceptible to inbreeding depression and loss of adaptive genetic variation.
Carnivore gut microbes offer insight into health of wild ecosystems
Researchers found distinct gut microbiomes in wild marten from pristine and heavily impacted areas, highlighting a tool for assessing ecosystem health. The study's findings suggest that human disturbance affects carnivores' diets, reflected in their gut microbiomes.
Australians clueless about their country’s most endangered species
Researchers found that 90% of surveyed individuals did not recognize six out of seven endangered species. Increasing public knowledge and recognition can boost conservation support for these vulnerable animals. The study highlights the need for targeted marketing initiatives to change people's perception of lesser-known species.
Vocal communication originated over 400 million years ago
A study published by the University of Zurich has found that vocal communication in vertebrates has a common and ancient evolutionary origin, dating back to around 407 million years ago. The research used vocal recordings and contextual behavioral information from 53 species across four major clades of land vertebrates.
Endangered fruit-eating animals play an outsized role in a tropical forest — losing them could have dire consequences
A new study reveals that losing endangered fruit-eating animals in the Atlantic Forest could severely disrupt seed-dispersal networks, leaving plants without an effective means to regenerate. Nearly 55% of specialist plant species rely solely on these frugivores for seed dispersal.
Scientists unearth another brain-shrinking mammal
A new study reveals that European moles reduce their brains by 11% in winter and regrow them by 4% in summer to conserve energy. This phenomenon, known as Dehnel's phenomenon, is driven by cold conditions rather than food shortage alone.
Endangered mouse study shares no-contact sampling method
A new noninvasive genetic survey technique allows researchers to identify salt marsh harvest mice and other small mammals without capturing them. The technique uses bait stations and genetics to collect fecal pellets from mice that come and go on their own.
Caller ID: Hyena ‘whoops’ feature individual signatures
Researchers used a random forest model to analyze hyena whoops and found that individual signatures are distinct enough for identification. Repeating calls can improve identification accuracy, peaking at seven repetitions.
Keep the beat!
Researchers found that male rock hyraxes with more precise courtship songs had higher reproductive success, while those who sang less frequently also performed better in terms of rhythm and song quality. This study suggests that high rhythmic stability may serve as an indicator of male quality for females.
Bird neurons use three times less glucose than mammalian neurons
Researchers found that bird neurons consume three times less glucose than mammalian neurons, allowing for high cognitive abilities and complex brain structures. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary advantages of birds' brains.
A new study has concluded that: There is no clear evidence that COVID-19 was transmitted from bats
A Tel Aviv University study challenges the widely-held assumption that COVID-19 originated from bats, instead highlighting their highly effective immune system. The researchers found that many reported findings on bat-borne viruses are based on antibody presence or PCR tests rather than actual virus isolation.
Dragons and brain evolution
A team of scientists generated a molecular atlas of the Australian bearded dragon's brain, comparing it to mouse data. The findings suggest that both reptilian and mammalian brains evolved clade-specific neuron types from a common ancestral set, challenging popular views on brain evolution.
How new structures evolve
A new study reveals that the emergence of a new gene called PGBD1 is linked to the evolution of a new structure in nerve cells. PGBD1 controls paraspeckles, tiny structures that act like traps for RNAs and proteins, and its regulation is crucial for nerve cell development.
Hydropower dams induce widespread species extinctions across Amazonian forest islands
New research from the University of East Anglia finds that hydropower developments lead to flooding forests, driving biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruptions. The study reveals widespread species extinction, especially among large-bodied species, highlighting the need for sustainable energy security and biodiversity conservation.
The evolution of mucus: How did we get all this slime?
Researchers identified 15 instances of mucinization, where new mucins emerged from non-mucin proteins by adding repeating sequences. This process transformed the proteins into mucins with gooey consistency, contributing to their various biological functions.
Reconstructing ice age diets reveals unraveling web of life
A study reveals that over 50% of mammal food web links have disappeared due to animal declines, leading to a collapse of global ecosystems. Restoring extinct species to their historic ranges holds great potential to reverse these declines and restore food web complexity.
30-million-year-old amphibious beaver fossil is oldest ever found
Researchers have found a 30-million-year-old beaver fossil that challenges previous theories on the evolution of semi-aquatic beavers in North America. The discovery, published in Royal Society Open Science, suggests that these animals may have evolved to swim earlier than previously thought and were likely adapted for aquatic life.
Humans have totally altered small mammal communities in just a few centuries
Researchers have found that small mammal diversity decreased with increasing human modification and that modern communities are fundamentally distinct from past ones. Even protected spaces can conserve native small mammal communities, highlighting their importance in urban conservation projects.
Zoo gorillas have developed a new call to get attention (and food!) from their human keepers
Western gorillas in zoos have developed a novel vocalization to get attention and food from their human caregivers. Researchers observed this unique behavior in response to food availability and interaction with zoo staff.
Hareport hazard - researchers identify most dangerous times for hares on Dublin Airport’s runway
Researchers have identified two time periods of increased strike risk for hares at Dublin Airport: sunrise and midnight hours. By focusing prevention efforts on the hare population, the study aims to reduce costly 'runway roadkill' incidents worldwide.
Earliest known brood care in insects found in Daohugou Biota
Researchers discovered the earliest direct evidence of brood care among insects in the Middle-Late Jurassic Daohugou Biota. Fossils of a water boatman insect showed it carrying a cluster of eggs on its left mesotibia, providing protection from predation and environmental risks.
Early hunting, farming homogenized mammal communities of North America
A new study found that North American mammal communities have become more than twice as homogenous as they were 10,000 years ago, primarily due to early human hunting and farming activities. The accelerated homogenization is likely linked to the spate of large-mammal extinctions, which increased similarity among remaining species.
New study challenges old views on what’s ‘primitive’ in mammalian reproduction
A new study found evidence that multituberculates, an extinct group of mammals, likely reproduced in a placental-like manner. This discovery questions the long-held idea that marsupials were less advanced than placentals in terms of reproductive strategy.
Moths enlist additional troops in an evolutionary arms race
Researchers discovered a vast network of ultrasonic signals among moths, revealing complex acoustic mimicry rings. These sounds may be used by moths to evade bats and are found in many species beyond previously known tiger and hawk moths.
Mammals were not the first to be warm-blooded
A team of international scientists found that endothermy appeared in mammalian ancestors about 233 million years ago, well before the origin of mammals. Fossils from South Africa's Karoo region played a key role in this discovery, providing an unbroken record of life's evolution.
Have Antillean manatees crossed the Panama Canal?
Over 50 sightings of manatees have been reported between the Gatun Lake and Miraflores Locks since 1977, leading to speculation about their possible entry into the Eastern Pacific Ocean. A population of 20-25 manatees was estimated in the Gatun Lake in 2015.
Pocket gophers are underground root “farmers,” new study shows
Researchers have discovered that pocket gophers cultivate and harvest their own root crops to meet their high energy demands. This unique behavior, known as root cropping, is believed to be a key factor in the gophers' ability to maintain extensive tunnel systems.
Influential barriers
The study reveals that TAD boundaries, insulating properties of which are based on the binding of protein CTCF, can vary in strength depending on individual site properties. This finding has implications for understanding genetic diseases and cancer.