Articles tagged with Natural History
Researchers at Tel Aviv University conducted a cross-adoption experiment with fruit bat pups to determine whether boldness is genetic or learned. The findings indicate that the pups behave like their adoptive mothers, not biological mothers, suggesting that boldness is an acquired trait passed on through mother's milk.
A new study reveals that marine species in the Mediterranean are migrating tens of meters deeper to survive warmer temperatures. The research found that cold-water species deepen significantly more than warm-water species, with an average depth increase of 55 meters across the region.
A new genus and species of iguanodontian dinosaur, Brighstoneus simmondsi, has been discovered on the Isle of Wight. The herbivorous dinosaur is estimated to be around 8 meters in length and weigh 900kg.
Researchers discovered that sauropod dinosaurs had simple teeth despite being herbivores, with fast tooth replacement rates allowing them to eat a variety of plants. This unique adaptation allowed them to thrive alongside other plant-eaters without the need for complex teeth.
New research reveals that blue, fin and humpback whales consume an average of three times more food each year than scientists previously estimated. This increased consumption plays a crucial role in maintaining ocean health and productivity by recycling key nutrients.
Exposure to artificial light at night impairs crickets' activity cycles, disrupting their nocturnal chirping and potentially affecting reproduction. The study, conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Open University, highlights the need to reduce artificial light pollution to protect environmental behaviors.
Researchers discovered that a saber-toothed cat with congenital hip dysplasia was able to survive to adulthood due to likely social support. The study used 3D imaging to analyze the internal structure of the pelvis and femur bone, overturning previous interpretations of its death.
Researchers found evidence of two fungal species used in blue cheese and beer production in ancient feces from Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut. The findings suggest that people consumed blue cheese and beer during the Iron Age, nearly 2,700 years ago, and retained a non-Westernized gut microbiome structure until the Baroque period.
A new study led by the American Museum of Natural History suggests that the extinct ground sloth Mylodon was an omnivore, contrary to previous assumptions. The researchers analyzed amino acid nitrogen values in fossil samples to determine their diet, finding evidence of meat consumption.
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 at Tel Aviv University discovered seahorses can move their head up to catch prey at incredible speeds, facilitated by a powerful flow of water and spring-like mechanism. This study sheds light on the ecology of seahorses, revealing that longer noses enable stronger suction currents for catching smaller prey.
Researchers discovered an alternating pattern of tooth replacement in ancient birds, similar to dinosaurs and crocodilians. The study suggests that the genetic controls for tooth replacement survived even after the split between birds and crocodilians millions of years ago.
The BiCIKL project links biodiversity data types and classes across 14 European institutions, creating a Biodiversity Knowledge Hub for seamless access. This initiative streamlines Open Science and FAIR practices, empowering researchers with efficient tools to explore and utilize biodiversity data.
Ancient human societies adapted to tropical ecosystem dynamics, revealing their adaptability and resourcefulness. By studying these past interactions with the environment, scientists can better understand how to conserve tropical environments.
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.
A team of researchers has discovered a new species of giant penguin, named Kairuku waewaeroa, in the North Island of New Zealand. The fossil, estimated to be between 27.3 and 34.6 million years old, was found by school children on a fossil hunting field trip in 2006.
Scientists have identified a new genus of extinct elephant fish, Moskovirhynchus robustus, from Jurassic-era deposits in Moscow. The study reveals unique dental features that set it apart from modern elephant chimaeroids.
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 tracked insect evolution with major Pacific Ocean currents, revealing species adapted to different conditions. Genetic analysis of ocean skaters found distinct variations among species, mirroring changes in currents and climate.
Research reveals nearly 20% of female White-necked Jacobin hummingbirds retain male-like plumage to avoid bullying and increase access to food. These birds visit feeders for about 35% longer than typical females, a significant advantage given their high metabolic rate.
A study found that 95% of fungal species on Earth remain undescribed, leading to inconsistent regulations and potential health risks. The researchers tested 16 food products labeled as containing 'wild mushrooms' and discovered most consisted of cultivated species, including poisonous varieties.
Researchers used CT scans to digitally reconstruct the brain, inner ear, and surrounding bones of two well-preserved Daspletosaurus specimens, finding more variation in braincase structure than expected. The study suggests that these variations may provide insights into the sensory biology and life of the dinosaur.
Three new fossil mammal species, including Beornus honeyi, Miniconus jeanninae, and Conacodon hettingeri, have been discovered at an ancient riverbed site in southern Wyoming. The species lived after a mass extinction event and were ancestors of today's hoofed animals.
A new study finds that male acorn woodpeckers breeding in polygamous groups with one or two other males sire significantly more chicks over their lifetimes than males breeding alone. In contrast, females in polygamous groups leave behind fewer offspring than those in monogamous pairs.
A recent study by Tel Aviv University and the Weizmann Institute found that humans are responsible for the extinction of about 10%-20% of all avian species over the past 20,000-50,000 years. The majority of extinct species were large, flightless, and lived on islands.
A new beetle species, Pulchritudo attenboroughi, was identified in a fossil from the Green River Formation in Colorado, with its unique beauty and preserved patterns making it an exceptional find. The beetle was named after Sir David Attenborough, who inspired its discoverers.
Paleobotanists describe two new genera of ancient conifers based on beautifully preserved fossil seed cones from the Upper Cretaceous of Hokkaido, Japan. The discovery sheds light on the diversity and decline of cunninghamioid conifers during the Cretaceous period.
A new DNA study provides critical information on conserving rough-nosed horned lizards in Sri Lankan rainforests. The research found that the lizards are separated into four forest groups, which can inform guidelines for forest landscape restoration and habitat connectivity.
Researchers discovered a rare bird fossil with nearly complete skull, allowing them to compare ancient bird brains to living birds. The study suggests that complex brain structure may have played a key role in the survival of bird ancestors during the mass extinction event.
The project digitized over three million specimens collected by botanists and naturalists across the southeastern US over 200 years. The resulting database is now freely accessible online, providing valuable insights into ecosystems, species distribution, and the effects of climate change.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has developed a new planetarium software plug-in that enables users to teach beyond the stars by exploring biodiversity trends and patterns. The tool allows educators to leverage 1.6 billion specimen records, creating customized programs on biodiversity and conservation.
A new study from Yale University reveals that the shape of a dinosaur's inner ear can provide reliable signs about its behavior, including flying ability, movement, and parenting. The research found clusters of species with similar inner ear traits corresponding to their behaviors.
A new study resolves the horned crocodile's evolutionary relationships, placing it on a separate branch of the crocodile family tree. The research suggests that modern crocodiles likely originated in Africa, contradicting previous scientific thinking.
A new study verifies the age and origin of a 1.9 million-year-old Homo erectus skull fragment from East Turkana in Kenya. The researchers also found two new, nearly 2-million-year-old hominin specimens at the site, likely the earliest pieces of H. erectus skeleton yet discovered.
Researchers found two new species, Fossiomanus sinensis and Jueconodon cheni, with characteristics of scratch diggers in the Jehol Biota ecosystem. The animals independently evolved traits to support their digging lifestyle, including shorter limbs and strong forelimbs.
Two new species of 120-million-year-old, burrowing mammals are discovered in northeastern China with distinct characteristics. They share specialized digging features and an elongated vertebral column, shedding light on the evolution of fossorial life.
Researchers have discovered two new species of South American screech owls, the Xingu Screech Owl and the Alagoas Screech Owl, through a comprehensive study analyzing morphological, vocal, and genetic variation. The study also highlights the threat of deforestation to these species.
Researchers discover juvenile snailfish exhibiting bright green and red biofluorescence in Arctic habitats, a rare occurrence. The finding provides insight into the function of fluorescence in marine species, shedding light on its potential role in communication and mating behaviors.
A new study found that five strains of green algae consume live bacteria when hungry, but not dead ones. This behavior has large implications for the environmental study of green algae and may have been underestimated due to traditional methods used in research.
Researchers describe a critically endangered bat species, Myotis nimbaensis, with bright-orange fur, found in the Nimba Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot. The discovery highlights the importance of sub-Saharan sky islands to bat diversity and conservation efforts.
Researchers have found that physical specimens of suspected wildlife hosts were rarely preserved, limiting our ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors recommend adopting vouchering practices and collaborating with museums to archive host specimens.
Biodiversity collections preserve specimens and capture microorganism communities, providing genetic clues for disease origin and understanding. The number of deposited specimens has declined dramatically since the late 1990s due to lack of museum requirements and open-data model.
A new species of Laoennea microsnail was discovered in a cave in Laos, with the species being 1.80 mm tall and named after Louis Renouard. The discovery highlights the importance of exploring biodiversity before it disappears, particularly in underexplored caves.
Researchers have identified an invasive blood-sucking parasite on mud shrimp in British Columbia's Calvert Island, marking the northern-most record of its spread. The parasite, a bopyrid isopod, decimates mud shrimp populations and disrupts delicate ecosystems.
A new species of freshwater Crustacea, Phallocryptus fahimii, has been identified in the Lut desert in Iran. The discovery highlights the resilience of crustaceans to extreme environments. Found in a small seasonal lake, these animals are adapted to survive for decades in arid conditions.
A new study reveals that American mastodons took frequent trips north when the climate changed, with northern populations being less genetically diverse and more at risk of extinction. The research suggests that examining how different species responded to climate change can provide valuable insights for modern conservation efforts.
A new species of brittle star from the Cretaceous period has been identified as Ophiomitrella floorae, honoring Dutch metal vocalist Floor Jansen. The fossil was found in a shallow, warm sea that covered parts of present-day Netherlands during the Dinosaur Era.
Researchers have developed a new design method for highly compact deployable structures inspired by the folding of earwig wings. The method has potential applications across various fields, including engineering, architecture, and daily-use products.
A newly described species from Madagascar suggests that dinosaurs and pterosaurs originated from extremely small ancestors. The discovery sheds light on the origins of flight in pterosaurs and the presence of 'fuzz' on the skin of both groups.
UCF professor Maria Harrington receives a grant from Epic Games to develop cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology. The project aims to create photorealistic models of botanical gardens and university arboretums, providing users with detailed information about plants and ecosystems.
Researchers at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County discovered that female phorid flies feed on crushed invasive snails, a behavior previously only observed in social insects like ants. The study found that species of other snail genera failed to attract the flies, hinting at a peculiar interaction worth further study.
Researchers analyzed 98 historic specimens to find that different plumage patches evolved independently through time, with face and head patches evolving for mate recognition and back and wing patches for camouflage. This 'mosaic evolution' explains the lorikeets' dazzling color diversity while avoiding predators.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals the ancient hydrographic network of the Sahara, showing significant changes in climate and fauna over time. The Takarkori rock shelter, excavated by researchers, yielded fish remains that decreased in abundance as the region became more arid, replaced by mammal-heavy diet.
The Swedish Malaise Trap Project has documented 20 million insects collected over 15 years, providing a unique timestamp of the country's insect fauna. The project has identified over 1,300 new species and 87 previously unknown to science.
Two brown dwarfs, one about 34 times the mass of Jupiter and the other about 72 times the mass, are found to be linked despite being 341 astronomical units apart. The discovery confirms that brown dwarf systems can be very low-mass and extremely far apart yet connected.
Scientists have identified wildlife corridors that should be protected to help the jaguar's survival. The study found that conservation efforts can focus on the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Maya Forest Corridor.
A team of biologists discovered a group of annelid worms that have remained largely unchanged for 275 million years, despite their distinct genetic makeup. The Stygocapitella worms' slow evolution is attributed to their adaptation to stable environments, with changes potentially linked to population crashes or developmental constraints.
A new study suggests people have been eating only oysters in months with the letter 'r' - September to April - for at least 4,000 years. Researchers analyzed snail parasites on discarded shells to determine the seasonal pattern of oyster harvesting.
A new study suggests that researchers might be able to detect black hole mergers by observing the effect of their merger on a nearby gas disk. If successful, this would allow astronomers to pinpoint the cosmic location of these events and study them in greater detail.