Natural History
Articles tagged with Natural History
Dinosaur dental fossils reveal bird-like parental care bonds
Seals get their hearts racing to detox after foraging trips at sea
A new study found that fur seals' heart rate peaks six to eight hours after returning to land, indicating a delayed recovery from the physiological costs of foraging at sea. This suggests that seals use their time onshore to actively recover and replenish oxygen stores.
The naming of mollusks evolves at a snail's pace
Research by Taro Yoshimura examines the history and linguistic landscape of biodiversity, finding that ancient Greek dominates molluscan family names, often due to prestige and style. This highlights a human side to naming, where science is shaped by epistemic values and cultural biases.
Elephant genomes reveal a past of continental connectivity and a future of increasing isolation
African elephants' genetic history shows they once moved across large distances, exchanging genes throughout the continent. However, current patchy habitats and human activities have led to genetic consequences of isolation, affecting conservation approaches.
Research traces evolution of anglerfishes’ famed fishing-rod lures
Anglerfish species use lures for both attracting prey and signaling potential mates, with bioluminescent lures appearing around 34-23 million years ago. Researchers analyzed over 100 species to study the evolutionary history of lures, tracing changes from motion-based to glowing lures.
Highly and casually active citizen scientists contribute equally valuable data
A new study finds that contributions from casual and highly active citizen scientists are equally valuable, with each group complementing the other. The research, led by Erin Grady, analyzed millions of observations on iNaturalist and found that both groups contribute to balancing biases in data collection.
A new bird species in Japan
Genetic analysis reveals the Tokara Leaf Warbler, a small insectivorous songbird, has been isolated from a similar species for 2.8-3.2 million years. The discovery suggests a need for reevaluation of conservation status due to threats from introduced weasels and environmental modification.
Seals and sea lions provide clues to evolution of vocalization
Researchers used diffusion MRI to study the brains of seals, sea lions, and coyotes, finding a 'brain bypass' that allows for vocal flexibility. This discovery may hold the key to understanding the evolution of human language.
UMD entomologist helps bring the world’s ant diversity to life in 3D imagery
Researchers at UMD used AI and 3D imaging to accelerate the scanning and creation of 2,000 interactive ant models, reducing scanning time from 10 hours to a single week. The project, dubbed Antscan, aims to create a living library of interactive models corresponding to Earth's biodiversity.
Ant societies rose by trading individual protection for collective power
Research shows that ants with less protective armor, such as cuticle investment, tend to have larger colony sizes and are more successful in terms of diversification rates. This suggests that complex societies like humans may evolve by sacrificing individual quality for collective power.
Scientists from the American Museum of Natural History discovered more than 70 new species in 2025
The American Museum of Natural History has discovered over 70 new species in 2025, showcasing the diversity of life on Earth. The discoveries include fruit flies, tiny mouse opossums, feathered dinosaurs and a newly identified mineral.
Museums staff overwhelmingly in favor of behind-the-scenes tours
Most museum staff support behind-the-scenes tours to educate the public about their work and promote biodiversity. The tours can help improve teaching and public speaking skills, while also fostering a sense of reciprocity and responsibility among staff.
The Florida Museum of Natural History publishes “The Butterflies of California,” a book five decades in the making
The Florida Museum of Natural History has published 'The Butterflies of California' after five decades of work by brothers Thomas and John Emmel. The book, which clocks in at 854 pages, explores the diversity and life histories of butterflies in western North America.
Tracking the skies: What 90 years of data reveal about high-flying insects and growing pest threats
A new international study published in Insect Science offers a more complex picture of insect populations. High-flying migratory insects have remained largely stable over nine decades, but agricultural pests are on the rise, posing a persistent threat to food security.
Three new toad species skip the tadpole phase and give birth to live toadlets
Researchers have identified three new species of tree-dwelling toads from Africa that skip the tadpole phase and give birth to live toadlets. This rare reproductive strategy is found in less than 1% of frog species, making these toads exceptionally interesting.
Underwater robot ‘Lassie’ discovers remarkable icefish nests during search for Shackleton’s lost ship off Antarctica
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the Western Weddell Sea uncovered extensive maintained fish nesting grounds, revealing patterns and organization, which are thought to be a survival strategy. The discovery provides critical insights into Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems and their importance for biodiversity.
Disease experts team up with Florida Museum of Natural History to create a forecast for West Nile virus
Researchers have created a statistical model using 20 years' worth of sentinel chicken data to predict elevated West Nile virus activity up to six months in advance. This breakthrough could lead to proactive preventative measures and improve disease outbreak response.
This common fish has an uncommon feature: Forehead teeth, used for mating
Researchers have discovered forehead teeth on spotted ratfish, which are used for mating and challenge traditional conceptions of dental history. The findings provide evidence that these unusual structures are indeed teeth, not denticles, and shed light on the evolution of oral teeth.
Most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws. It might help explain how they took over the world.
A study found that most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws, which helps explain how they thrived in various environments. This discovery suggests that thumbnails provide more manual dexterity than long, sharp claws, enabling rodents to exploit high-energy resources like nuts.
Expert on catfishes publishes updated volume on catfish biology and evolution
Gloria Arratia's new book explores the fascinating anatomy of catfishes, while also delving into their evolution and genetic relationships. The updated volume incorporates research from understudied areas like Africa and Asia, shedding light on the group's diverse phylogenetic connections.
Big heart, acute senses key to explosive radiation of early fishes
Scientists reconstructed the brain, heart, and fins of a 400-million-year-old fish called Norselaspis glacialis. The study found that its acute senses and powerful heart evolved well before jaws and teeth, suggesting a fast-swimming lifestyle was key to evading predators.
New study points to Skagerrak as nursery area for the enigmatic Greenland shark
A new international study reveals that Skagerrak likely serves as a nursery area for young Greenland sharks, contrary to common associations with Arctic waters. The research also confirms that newborn sharks are born in undisturbed deep-sea areas near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, south of Iceland.
A plant you’ve never heard of can do what scientists once thought impossible
A recent study on plant beetleweed reveals that it can have multiple chromosome complements, known as cytotypes, which previously were thought to be mutually exclusive. This finding challenges the notion that different species with distinct chromosome numbers cannot coexist.
Biologists create a one-stop shop for world’s most charismatic plants
The PteridoPortal is an online repository of fern and lycophyte information, allowing researchers to access digitized specimens from 35 herbarium collections. This project has significantly impacted biodiversity research, enabling scientists to inventory species in Colombia and other countries.
Spread of baker’s yeast tied to human migration
Researchers found distinct subpopulations of wild baker's yeast in different regions, coinciding with human activity and migration patterns. The study suggests that humans may have unintentionally influenced the environment by introducing microorganisms thousands of years ago.
New study shines a light on the mechanics of bioluminescence in the rare fish Vinciguerria mabahiss
Researchers studied the organs producing light in Vinciguerria mabahiss, finding they use photophores as counter illumination to break up silhouette and camouflage from predators. The fish produces blue light through a bacterial reaction, using reflective cells and a lens to direct it.
After 80 years stumping scientists, strange Philippine frog unmasked as hybrid
A team of researchers from the University of Kansas has confirmed that the Leyte Chorus Frog is a hybrid of two species with overlapping ranges whose intermingling was driven by deforestation. The discovery sheds new light on the impact of human activities on the environment and highlights the importance of conservation efforts.
Thorny skates come in snack and party sizes. After a century of guessing, scientists now know why.
Thorny skates exhibit a unique size discrepancy, with small and large varieties coexisting along the North American coast. A new study reveals that COVID-19 restrictions led to an abundance of genetic data, allowing researchers to uncover the secret behind the size difference.
Unique dove species is the dodo of the Caribbean and in similar danger of dying out
The Cuban blue-headed quail dove is an enigmatic bird species with a perplexing evolutionary history. Its DNA analysis reveals it to be more distinct from other doves than previously thought, dating back at least 50 million years.
CUNY research team unlocks secrets of mysterious 62-million-year-old mammal
A groundbreaking study led by CUNY researcher Stephen Chester uncovers the anatomy, lifestyle, and evolutionary connections of Mixodectes pungens, a mysterious 62-million-year-old mammal. The discovery reveals the species was close to humans and other primates on the evolutionary tree.
Rare frog rediscovered after 130 years
A team of researchers has rediscovered the elusive Alsodes vittatus frog species in Chile, providing critical ecological data and highlighting conservation concerns. The rediscovery is a significant milestone for South American herpetology, emphasizing the need to study and protect this rare species.
Nearly half of popular tropical plant group related to birds-of-paradise and bananas are threatened with extinction
A new analysis reveals that nearly half of the genus Heliconia, a group of tropical plants related to birds-of-paradise and bananas, are threatened with extinction. Many imperiled plants are not found within protected areas or botanical gardens, making additional conservation action crucial.
Meet the Libroscope: A new vision for ‘liberating’ data from biodiversity publications
The Libroscope initiative seeks to unlock and link data from scientific literature to support understanding of biodiversity. By 2035, the power of biodiversity knowledge will be fully leveraged within an open science framework.
Program’s expansion boosts student research opportunities
UTA's expansion of its undergraduate research program has enabled students to present their work at major symposiums, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics conference. The program has strengthened students' commitment to pursuing graduate studies in various fields.
Fossil eggshells from Utah's Cedar Mountain Formation include Cretaceous period eggs from 3 feathered bird-like dinosaurs, 2 herbivorous dinosaurs, and a crocodile-like species found for the first time outside Europe
Researchers have discovered fossilized eggs from three feathered bird-like dinosaurs, two herbivorous dinosaurs, and a previously unknown crocodile-like species in the Cedar Mountain Formation. The findings provide valuable insights into the diversity of ancient life forms and their habitats.
Underwater fossil bed discovered by collectors preserves rare slice of Florida’s past
A rare underwater fossil bed discovered by collectors in Florida's Big Bend region has preserved a unique window into the past. The site, dating back to the middle Irvingtonian North American land mammal age, offers insights into evolutionary transitions and speciation.
Due to “the good life” in the city, urban bats give birth earlier than rural bats
A Tel Aviv University study found urban bats have shorter pregnancies and start reproducing earlier due to favorable temperatures and food abundance in cities. This is the first study linking urban living to mammalian reproductive patterns.
Rare bird skull from the age of dinosaurs helps illuminate avian evolution
A new study describes a nearly complete bird skull from Antarctica, revealing insights into the early evolution of today's birds and avian diversity. The skull belongs to Vegavis iaai, an extinct duck-like bird that lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
UTA helps deliver major science library to Ecuador
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has donated thousands of natural history books and journals to Ecuador's National Biodiversity Institute, expanding its research and education programs. The donation, valued at over 8,570 books, 2,000 journals, and 500 articles, will support the work of biodiversity specialists, students, and ...
Fossil discovery in the Geiseltal Collection: Researchers identify unique bird skull
A fully preserved skull of Diatryma, a 45-million-year-old flightless bird, has been discovered in the Geiseltal Collection at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. The fossil, which was initially misclassified as a crocodile skull, provides new insights into the evolution of animals during the Eocene Epoch.
Digitizing hope: Collaboration helps preserve a species on the brink of extinction
A team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University, San Diego Natural History Museum, and SeaWorld San Diego collaborate to digitize a rare vaquita skeleton, providing a valuable resource for conservation efforts. The scans resulted in three terabytes of data and will be used to create replicas for public display and education.
A fast-moving belly flop: Researchers unveil the unique skills of cricket frogs
Cricket frogs use a combination of underwater push and leg movement to propel themselves out of the water, resulting in a 'belly flop' motion. This discovery could lead to advancements in bio-inspired robotics and water testing systems.
UTA becomes one of largest natural history libraries
The University of Texas at Arlington's Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center (ARDRC) has expanded its library with a donation of over 10,000 rare items, including books, scientific journals, and reports. This addition will provide scientists worldwide with access to a wealth of literature on reptiles and amphibians.
Community scientists at the Field Museum have digitized more than a quarter-million items and records
The Field Museum has digitized over a quarter-million specimens and records thanks to its Collections Club, a community science program. This effort provides valuable data for researchers worldwide, with over 3,800 volunteers contributing more than 13,500 hours.
This mysterious plant fossil belongs to a family that no longer exists
A new study has uncovered a rare plant fossil with unusual flowers, fruits, and stems that does not belong to any living family or genus. The discovery suggests there may be more diversity in the fossil record of flowering plants than previously recognized.
Fossil predator is the oldest known animal with “saber teeth”
A fossil therapsid was found in Mallorca with a skull hole for the jaw muscle and structures that evolved into mammals' middle ear bones. The discovery changes scientists' understanding of when therapsids evolved and tells us about where we come from.
Tyrannosaur teeth discovered in Bexhill-on-Sea with help of retired quarryman
Research led by the University of Southampton reveals a whole community of meat-eating dinosaurs, including tyrannosaurs, spinosaurs and Velociraptor-like theropods, in sediments dating back to 135 million years ago. The discovery sheds light on the diversity of theropod groups in southern England during this time period.
The mystery of the secretly sexual lichens
A new study reveals that a type of lichen, Lepraria, has genes for sexual reproduction, defying decades of scientific assumption. The discovery opens up new avenues for research into the mysterious reproductive habits of these unique organisms.
Florida Museum curator helps team score 1st-place and $5 million in international biodiversity competition
A Florida Museum curator was part of an international team that won first place and $5 million in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The team developed a monitoring device equipped with lights, audio recorders, cameras, insect traps, and collection reservoirs to survey a 100-hectare test plot of tropical rainforest.
Eyes wide shut: Bats can navigate long distances using sound alone
Researchers at Tel Aviv University demonstrated that bats can navigate great distances in open areas with their eyes closed, using only echolocation. The study found that bats create an acoustic map of their environment, relying on distinct echoes to guide their flight paths.
Genome of the aurochs decoded
The study reveals large genomic differences between European aurochs, North Asian aurochs, and South Asian ancestor, with evidence of human intentional feeding and targeted domestication. The genome of the central European aurochs was fully decoded for the first time, providing insights into the history of wild cattle in Europe and Asia.
Oriental hornets are the only animals able to drink unlimited amounts of alcohol
A new study reveals that Oriental hornets are the only animals capable of consuming high concentrations of alcohol chronically without ill effects. The research found that the hornets metabolize alcohol rapidly and show no signs of intoxication or illness, even after consuming high amounts.
Interactive museum exhibit shows how paleontologists study the past
The exhibit featured a live laboratory where paleontologists and volunteers cleaned and prepared specimens from the Montbrook site. Participants were excited to interact with scientists and answer questions about fossils.
Rare fossils of extinct elephant document the earliest known instance of butchery in India
The discovery sheds light on early human behavior and diet in India, providing the first direct evidence of humans feeding on large animals. The fossils belong to an extinct genus of elephants called Palaeoloxodon, with only one set of bones found previously.
Scientists create new overwintering sites for monarch butterflies on a warming planet
Researchers have successfully established new sacred fir forests on a nearby volcano to serve as overwintering sites for monarch butterflies, which are projected to disappear from their current habitats due to global warming.
Seven new frog species discovered in Madagascar: sounds like something from Star Trek
An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species of tree frogs in Madagascar, characterized by their high-pitched whistling calls. The unique vocalizations are believed to serve as self-promotional advertisement calls to convey information about the male frog's suitability as a mate.
Permanent and unique IDs for individual (digital) specimens from natural history museums streamline and future-proof science
Researchers develop novel workflows to digitize and future-proof biodiversity data using digital specimen DOIs and nanopublications. This enables scientists to link digital specimens to various databases, facilitating inter-institutional scientific work and saving time for AI systems.
Don’t judge a fossil by its teeth: despite its toothy beak, this ancient bird ate fruit, not fish
A new study finds that the ancient bird Longipteryx ate fruits, contrary to previous hypotheses that it feasted on fish or insects. The discovery was made by analyzing fossilized seeds in the bird's stomach, which suggest a mixed diet including fruits and possibly insects when they were not available.
Giant fanged frog went unrecognized in Philippines because it was nearly identical to even larger species
Researchers from the University of Kansas have identified a new species of fanged frog, Limnonectes cassiopeia, found in the Philippine island of Luzon. The species was overlooked due to its similarity to the well-known Luzon Giant Fanged Frog. Key differences include smaller toe discs and unpigmented toe pads.