Articles tagged with Mammals
Urban mammals adjust their daily activities to evade human encounters, altering predator-prey dynamics and increasing human overlap. This multi-species study reveals the timing of mammalian behavior changes in response to urbanization.
A study has discovered that humans are disrupting a fundamental pattern in ecosystems, which dates back at least 66 million years. The U-shaped relationship between diet and size in modern land mammals has been found to span across multiple vertebrate groups, including birds, reptiles, and fish.
A study published in Current Biology found that consuming non-essential amino acids can curb appetite and encourage physical activity in mice. This mechanism is thought to be rooted in evolutionary history, where eating these amino acids promoted the urge to seek out more nutrient-rich food sources.
A new study published in Animal Behaviour found that newborn African savannah elephants can keep up with their mothers' daily movements, contrary to previous assumptions. This remarkable ability allows the calves to benefit from protection against predators and integration into the herd's social structure.
A new study analyzed brown dog ticks, canine and human infections, and climatic data to understand how Rocky Mountain spotted fever spreads. The research found that the vectoring capacity of the brown dog tick may be spreading outside its known region, putting a larger portion of the country at risk.
A comprehensive study of 8,000 birds in Israel found significant changes in bird morphology over the past 70 years, likely due to global warming. Some species became lighter while others gained size, increasing their surface area-to-volume ratio to facilitate heat loss.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that mammals with larger brains than similar-sized species were more likely to have survived extinction. The researchers investigated brain sizes of 291 living mammal species and 50 extinct species, discovering a significant correlation between brain size and survival.
Researchers used camera traps to monitor interactions between Panama's epiphytic Zamia pseudoparasitica and animals, revealing that a nocturnal tree-dwelling mammal called northern olingos may be responsible for seed dispersal. The study sheds light on the plant's persistence in the forest canopy.
A study reveals that red fox populations in Western Europe became larger than before the rabies vaccination campaign, only to decline since the 2000s. Higher numbers of foxes supported the outbreak of other diseases, while their impacts were limited.
A new rice rat species, possibly arboreal, was discovered in Ecuador through detailed skull analysis. The species, Mindomys kutuku, has distinct characteristics that distinguish it from its sister species.
A comprehensive analysis of brain cellular composition across amniotes shows that mammals and birds have dramatically increased neuron numbers in the telencephalon and cerebellum, associated with higher cognition. The study suggests that only a handful of unique evolutionary events augmented brain processing power in these groups.
A new analysis has identified common demographic and life history traits among species at risk of extinction. The study found that these traits contribute to patterns of vulnerability, with some species exhibiting higher extinction risks due to factors like smaller population sizes and slower reproductive rates.
Arizona State University professor Katie Hinde explores successful public engagement in science, highlighting the power of stories and narratives in teaching children about science. Her March Mammal Madness game has reached over half a million students, featuring simulated animal battles and providing educational resources for educators.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that untrained captive orangutans can complete two major steps in making and using stone tools: striking rocks together and cutting using sharp stones. This suggests that the use of stone tools may have existed in our last common ancestor with orangutans 13 million years ago.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that amylin peptide plays a crucial role in regulating social contact-seeking behavior in female mice. The researchers discovered that isolation leads to a decrease in amylin levels, while social reunion increases them.
A team of scientists has identified a previously unknown brain region involved in maternal behaviors in mice, which is linked to hormone-sensitive neurons. The discovery sheds new light on the biological mechanisms underlying pregnancy and its effects on brain circuits.
A recent study evaluated pet cages, running wheels, and hay racks sold in German retailers and found that many failed to meet animal welfare standards. The research highlights concerns about the quality of pet supplies sold in retail stores.
A global study using thousands of camera trap stations found that protected areas have a positive impact on mammal diversity, even when experiencing human disturbances such as recreational use and logging. The study's findings suggest that expanding protected areas could help conserve larger mammals and their critical roles in ecosystems.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that changing climate conditions 23,000 years ago expanded food options for humans in Israel's Sea of Galilee region. The research analyzed animal remains at the submerged archaeological site of Ohalo II, revealing a diverse diet with multiple prey sources.
Researchers found that Yin and Yang bats have unique inner ear structures that enable distinct styles of echolocation. This discovery provides the first anatomical evidence for these differences, confirming previous genetic findings.
Researchers compared microscopic inner ear structures of two main bat groups, revealing extra neurons and specialized ear structures that align with a split in bat evolution. This discovery provides the first physical evidence to support genetic data on the split of bats into two major groups.
A study by Brazilian researchers found that these large mammals help regulate plant diversity, productivity, and biomass in understory areas. The spatial structure of plant communities is also influenced, with the Jussara palm playing a key role in attracting animals and dispersing seeds.
Lowland tapir populations in the Atlantic Forest are at risk of extinction due to population isolation and habitat fragmentation. The species' survival is threatened by hunting, highways, and lack of gene flow, with only a few viable populations remaining.
A recent comprehensive assessment reveals drastically increased species extinctions and declining populations, indicating the onset of the Sixth Mass Extinction. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts and a recognition of humanity's common responsibility to mitigate the crisis.
A new study found that Tasmanian devils have picky diets and only consume their favorite foods, unlike most other scavengers. The researchers tracked the eating habits of 71 devils using whisker samples and found that most devils choose to dine on specific foods.
A recent study by North Carolina State University and Northern Michigan University found that eating human food reduces microbial diversity in black bears' guts. The researchers analyzed gut samples from 35 bears and found lower biodiversity in those with a diet rich in processed foods.
Oceanographers replaced ship-based studies with sensors attached to seals to navigate icy waters, revealing seasonally varying water flows and their impact on biological production. The study found that warm, low-salinity water appears during autumn, positively affecting seal foraging behavior and potentially enhancing prey availability.
A recent study has found that snake venoms and mammalian salivary proteins share a common origin, suggesting that the foundation for venom to evolve exists in both snakes and mammals. This discovery reveals that the line between venomous and non-venomous mammals is blurrier than previously thought.
A new study provides a detailed timeline of mammal evolution, confirming that modern placental mammal groups postdate the K-Pg extinction. The researchers used a novel computational approach to analyse a large genomic dataset and answer a long-standing question about mammal origins.
Researchers at Louisiana State University have identified 14 new endemic species of shrews on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, a significant milestone in understanding the island's extraordinary biodiversity. This discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy in understanding and preserving life.
Researchers discovered that forest mammals eavesdrop on monkey meals to access fruit dropped by messy eaters. This eavesdropping strategy is crucial for these animals' survival, particularly during periods when almond trees produce abundant food.
A new species of opossum, Marmosa adleri, was discovered in a tropical forest in Panama and named after UW Oshkosh biologist Greg Adler. The novel species has distinctive characteristics, including a very long tail, and is considered one of the smallest measured of its subgenus.
Scientists found that seven genes associated with bright-light vision are absent in burrowing snakes, demonstrating extensive vision gene loss over millions of years. This challenges the hypothesis that all modern snakes evolved from extreme burrowers, suggesting a different evolutionary path for these subterranean snakes.
African and Asian primates evolved stronger resistance to cobras' venoms, while Madagascan Lemurs and Central and South American monkeys lacked this defense due to reduced eyesight
Researchers provide evidence that mammalian and avian primitive streaks evolved independently, using different mechanisms to form the body plan. They suggest alternative landmark for ethical oversight in human embryological research.
A new study used machine learning to predict the zoonotic capacity of 5,400 mammal species, identifying those at high risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2. The model, which combined data on biological traits with ACE2 receptor information, predicted 72% accuracy and identified numerous additional species with potential to transmit the virus.
Researchers discovered that spiny mice can regenerate severely damaged kidneys without scarring, a process triggered by unique transcriptional programs in their genome. This finding offers new hope for treatments of end-stage kidney disease and fibrotic diseases.
A 26-year study on wild white-footed mice found that mice with physical impairments survived and thrived at a rate similar to their unimpaired counterparts. Mice with impairments had greater mass and larger home ranges, but no evidence of decreased fitness.
Researchers studied harbour seal pups' vocal responses to sea noise, finding they lowered their tone to adapt. The study reveals young seals have advanced control over their vocalizations at an early age.
Researchers discovered that mammals developed protruding, flexible noses from reptilian jaws through cellular studies and fossil analysis. This finding explains the origin of mammals' strong sense of smell and provides potential new animal models for studying facial development disorders like cleft palate.
Researchers found fish, reptiles, and mammals made up the jaguar's diet, with aquatic prey providing energy to burn or play. The high density of jaguars was attributed to abundant aquatic subsidies in the region.
Researchers found that males and females have different heat-sensing systems, which may be related to reproduction and offspring care. This difference leads to segregation between the sexes at certain periods during breeding cycles.
Researchers have discovered a new species of otter in Germany that dates back to 11.4 million years ago. The Vishnu otter genus was previously known only from Asia and Africa, but this finding suggests they also occurred in Europe.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that pocket gophers are biofluorescent, emitting a colored glow when illuminated with ultraviolet light. The phenomenon has been documented in flying squirrels and opossums before, but this is the first time it has been observed in pocket gophers.
Researchers successfully detected local mammals and birds by collecting 18 litres of water from a two-kilometre stretch along the river Mulde. The team identified 50% of fish species, 22% of mammal species, and 7.4% of breeding bird species in the region.
A new study has discovered the oldest known cavities ever found in a mammal, likely resulting from a diet rich in fruit. The cavities were identified in fossilized teeth of Microsyops latidens, a mammal that lived during the early Eocene, and suggest a shift in their diet over time.
A study published in Scientific Reports discovered dental caries in prehistoric primates, indicating a high fruit diet or sugar-rich foods. The prevalence of caries fluctuated over time, suggesting changes in the primates' diet between sugary and non-sugary foods.
Researchers analyzed 1.4 million field observations and 73,000 museum records to find a strong correlation between species abundance in nature and their presence in museum collections. This method enables scientists to study species decline and estimate past abundances, providing insights into conservation efforts.
Researchers found that bats with high hearing sensitivity to low frequency sounds are more sensitive to prey sounds, such as frog and katydid calls. This suggests that differences in hearing abilities may be a key factor in the diversity of bat species in tropical forests.
Researchers have discovered that bat pups 'babble' as part of their initial language-learning stage, mirroring human infant babbling. This behavior suggests social feedback is crucial during vocal development in this species, similar to humans.
Researchers have discovered three new species of ancient mammals in North America, hinting at rapid evolution following the mass extinction of dinosaurs. The creatures, which include the 'Hobbit'-named Beornus honeyi, differ from earlier known mammals and suggest that mammals diversified more rapidly than previously thought.
Researchers found that pepper plant fruit scents contain complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds, including alpha-caryophyllene and 2-heptanol, which attract specific bat species. The study suggests bats use these chemical signals to select ripe fruits and find the specific Piper species they eat most.
A new study in Molecular Ecology found that blood-sucking flies specialize on bats by following chemical cues from skin bacteria. Researchers analyzed dozens of bat species and identified unique bacterial profiles associated with each group.
A Yale study suggests that newborn mammals can anticipate and respond to visual stimuli even before birth. The research reveals that waves of activity emanate from the neonatal retina in mice before their eyes open, mimicking the movement patterns they'll encounter after birth.
Pikas reduce their metabolism to conserve energy during harsh winters, resulting in a 30% decrease in daily energy expenditures. In areas with high yak populations, pikas exploit an easily accessible food source, yak feces, which may help explain their relatively abundant presence.
Researchers found dinosaur families evolving and expanding until 76 million years ago, when rates of extinction rose and new species formation slowed down. The team used Bayesian modelling techniques to account for uncertainties and found evidence of decline prior to the asteroid impact.
A recent study by Hebrew University researchers identified molecular factors that allow birds to fly, differing from mammals and reptiles. The ephrin-B3 molecule plays a crucial role in coordinating wing movement, enabling birds to flap and take flight.
Researchers found sequence changes in the beta myosin protein that explain the difference in contraction velocity between small and large mammals, with human and rat proteins differing at nine key sites. The study suggests these changes enabled slower heart rates in larger animals as they evolved from smaller species.
Volunteers in a Central Oregon bat survey detected 25 Euderma maculatum bats in a 24,000-square-kilometer area, filling gaps in basic information about species abundance and distribution. The study's design suggests its potential for scaling up to larger areas, aiding conservation efforts.
Francisella tularensis can persist in a dormant state for over six months in cold water without nutrients, remaining fully virulent. This discovery changes the understanding of the bacterium's ecology, suggesting it spends most of its time outside a host and amplifies disease events in mammals.