Articles tagged with Natural History
A new study analyzing the jaws of the extinct otter Siamogale melilutra found that its jaw bones were six times sturdier than expected, indicating a strong bite force. The discovery suggests that the massive otter may have been a top predator in its time, crushing shells and bones of birds and small mammals.
A new study reveals that mammals began living in the daytime approximately 66 million years ago, shortly after the dinosaurs' disappearance. The ancestors of simian primates were among the first to abandon nocturnal activity, with their visual adaptations comparable to diurnal reptiles and birds.
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is sequencing 25 new UK species genomes to aid conservation and understand biodiversity. The results will be made publicly available and lead to future studies on the UK's rich species richness.
A study published in Biodiversity Data Journal uses deep learning techniques to differentiate between similar plant families with high accuracy. The researchers trained neural networks on digitized herbarium specimens, achieving up to 99% accuracy in distinguishing between two challenging species.
A new study suggests that standard ways of measuring well-being and sustainability in communities may be missing critical information, leading to missteps in management actions. The authors propose alternative approaches using indicators grounded in the values of a particular community.
Scientists have discovered a new species of jellyfish, the bay nettle jelly (Chrysaora chesapeakei), in the Chesapeake Bay. These jellies are smaller and have fewer tentacles than their ocean cousins, highlighting the importance of marine ecosystems.
Researchers found the common ancestor of apes to be small, probably weighing around 12 pounds, contrary to previous suggestions. This discovery has implications for understanding the evolution of human family trees and behavior such as suspensory locomotion.
A newly identified prehistoric marine predator has shed light on the origins of ancient reptiles. The Melksham Monster, a 10-foot-long animal that lived in warm seas during the Middle Jurassic, reveals an early rise of these distant relatives.
Scientists have discovered a new group of sponges in the central Pacific Ocean that could serve as an indicator species for measuring the impact of deep-sea mining. The newly found sponge species, Plenaster craigi, is abundant on metal-rich nodules at depths of 4000m and has been described from two expeditions to the region.
Scientists identified Painted Rocksnail as a distinct species despite mistaken identity for over 100 years. New study confirms its restricted range and implications for conservation efforts are significant.
A team of researchers has recovered the location of a nova that was first spotted by Korean astrologers in 1437, providing evidence for a long-term life cycle with multiple stages. The study supports the idea that novae undergo smaller-scale eruptions after fading to obscurity for thousands of years.
A new species of damselfly, Mesosticta davidattenboroughi, has been discovered in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber and named after Sir David Attenborough. The fossil is extremely well-preserved, showing a complete set of wings, and provides new insights into the past appearance of a rare group of damselflies.
Researchers at University of Cambridge and Natural History Museum analyze 450 anatomical characteristics to place Chilesaurus in dinosaur family tree. The study reveals Chilesaurus fills a large gap between two major dinosaur groups, with implications for understanding the origins of Ornithischia.
Researchers have revised the understanding of a large group of Neotropical 'club-tailed' scorpions, revealing two new genera and three new species. The findings provide insight into the evolution and classification of these ancient arthropods, which are among the oldest living terrestrial species on Earth.
Researchers at WMG University of Warwick used CT scanning technology to reveal five previously unseen teeth in the Megalosaurus jawbone, challenging previous restoration work. The scans also showed the extent of repairs, suggesting at least two phases of repair using different types of plaster.
A team of citizen scientists using a new tool discovered a previously unknown brown dwarf, about 100 light years away from the Sun. The object was confirmed via an infrared telescope and published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.
A new study reveals that the main evolutionary force driving the shape of duck, goose, and other waterfowl beaks is their diet. The research, which analyzed the 3-D form of over 136 specimens of waterfowl, found a strong correlation between dietary preferences and beak shape.
Research on La Brea Tar Pits fossils suggests LA's climate has remained relatively stable for 50,000 years. The study analyzed ground and darkling beetle fossils using radiocarbon dating, revealing three semi-continuous age ranges that indicate a warmer and drier climate similar to today.
The study reveals a significant increase in ecological and environmental citizen science projects over the past four decades, with a diversification of approaches driven by advances in technology. From structured monitoring to 'mass participation' projects using smartphones, citizen science is becoming increasingly popular and accessible.
A new study from the University of Cambridge and Natural History Museum proposes a major overhaul of the traditional dinosaur classification system. The researchers conclude that Ornithischia and Theropoda should be grouped together under the name Ornithoscelida, with dinosaurs potentially originating in the northern hemisphere.
Scientists have discovered the world's oldest plant-like fossils, estimated to be 1.6 billion years old, in sedimentary rocks in central India. The findings suggest that advanced multicellular life evolved much earlier than previously thought, challenging our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth.
A new study confirms that sharks arose from a group of bony fishes called acanthodians, using an extraordinarily well-preserved fossil of an ancient sharklike fish. The research identifies the fossil as an important transitional species pointing to sharks as acanthodians' living descendants.
A new amphibian species, Pristimantis attenboroughi, has been formally described from the Peruvian Andes, with characteristics including pale to dark gray coloration and distinct stripes. The species is considered Near Threatened due to habitat loss and climate change, highlighting the need for conservation efforts in protected areas.
A team of archaeologists and biological anthropologists have discovered that a matrilineal dynasty likely ruled Pueblo Bonito in New Mexico for over 300 years. The study, published in Nature Communications, used radiocarbon dating and ancient DNA analysis to show that the leadership was inherited through the maternal line.
Researchers from the Smithsonian and French Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle describe a complex, flexible head joint among fishes known to science. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of barbeled dragonfishes, a group of deep-sea predatory fishes with specialized traits for hunting.
A new species of extinct otter, Siamogale melilutra, has been discovered in China with a body size comparable to that of a wolf. The discovery provides insights into the evolutionary history and functional morphology of this ancient lineage.
A new study by the American Museum of Natural History estimates that there are approximately 18,000 bird species worldwide, nearly twice as many as previously thought. The researchers used a combination of morphology and genetic studies to highlight birds with separate evolutionary histories.
Researchers have discovered a permanent coastal home for endangered leatherback sea turtles in the Mozambique Channel, revolutionizing conservation efforts. The turtles, known for their open-ocean migratory nature, are now found clustering together year-round in this area.
Research challenges traditional views in insect evolution, finding that female orchid mantises increase in size and color to gain advantage over large pollinators. This study suggests female predation strategy led to the differing male and female ecologies in the orchid mantises.
A team of scientists found that corals in the genus Orbicella have high genetic diversity, allowing them to adapt to environmental changes. This discovery predicts their potential survival under future climate change, making them a key species for conservation efforts.
Researchers explore how Pokémon Go inspires high levels of behavioral change among users, discovering non-virtual wildlife and learning basic natural history concepts. The game's success highlights opportunities for conservation, but also potential challenges such as replacing real-world nature interactions with virtual ones.
A genetic survey of nearly 450 jaguar scat samples found moderate levels of variation, with low diversity in Mexico and Honduras. The study suggests limited gene flow between Selva Maya and Honduran jaguars, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to reconnect populations and mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Researchers have discovered two new species of mayflies in Turkey, expanding the country's known insect diversity. The study, published in ZooKeys, provides an annotated catalogue of 157 mayfly taxa, including 24 endemic species to Anatolia.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recognized outstanding science communicators with the 2016 Communication Awards. Deborah Cramer won for her book 'The Narrow Edge,' while NPR's Christopher Joyce and Alison Richards took home the award for their film/TV series 'Close Listening: Decoding Nature Through Sound.'
A fossil discovered in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History has revealed a new genus and species of dolphin, Arktocara yakataga, which lived in subarctic waters around 25 million years ago. The finding confirms that the South Asian river dolphin belongs to one of the oldest lineages of toothed whales still alive today.
Researchers analyzed thousands of insect species records to find areas of endemism, where unique animals and plants reside. The study highlights the importance of considering smaller organisms like insects when categorizing ecosystems.
A research team led by Florida State University Professor Scott Steppan has cataloged 56 non-flying mammal species on Luzon Island, 52 of which are endemic to the island. The team's findings reveal exceptional diversity and suggest that there may be many more species in other tropical regions.
A new lizard species, Anolis landestoyi, has been found in the Dominican Republic, revealing similar evolution on separate Caribbean islands. The discovery adds support to the concept of replicated adaptive radiation in anoles.
Key fossil discoveries in Africa confirm the co-existence of multiple early human ancestor species between 3.8 and 3.3 million years ago. The new review outlines a diverse evolutionary past, raising questions about how ancient species shared resources and adapted to their environments.
Scientists have developed a new method to classify praying mantises by analyzing female genital characters. The research identified a new species from Madagascar and resurrected the genus Ilomantis, which was previously extinct. The discovery is significant as it sets a precedent for using female specimens in insect classification.
A new study uses advanced techniques to identify a lost type specimen of the grey seal species, shedding light on its origins. The research has implications for conservation efforts and can be applied to study existing, lost, and novel specimens.
Researchers are conducting fieldwork and genome sequencing to learn about the declining population of the spot-tailed earless lizard in Central and South Texas. The goal is to quantify population sizes, identify interactions among populations, and assess viability and persistence.
A study using a custom-built 'shark-eye' camera reveals that biofluorescence makes catsharks more visible to neighbors of the same species at depths where they live. The researchers found that the contrast of patterns on the biofluorescent sharks increases with depth, suggesting they may use it to communicate with one another.
A 13-million-year-old fossil discovery suggests that South American and Indian species evolved separately to acquire protruding, 'telescoped' eyes. This finding provides insight into the parallel evolution of long-snouted gavialoids in these regions.
The discovery of seven fossil teeth in the Las Cascadas Formation reveals a long-lost monkey species on the North American continent before the Isthmus of Panama connected it to South America. The new species, Panamacebus transitus, was named after Panama and its movement across the ancient seaway.
A survey of 185 professionals found only 11% felt their academic training provided necessary natural history exposure. Experts now advocate for citizen science to keep natural history relevant and empower public participation in environmental conservation.
Researchers discovered that trap-jaw spiders can strike prey at incredible speeds, with some species closing their mouth-parts shut over 100 times faster than the slowest. The high-speed predatory attacks were previously unknown and may have evolved independently in different spider families.
A new report from the Biodiversity Collections Network highlights the need for better communication about biodiversity collections research and its public benefits. The report outlines seven recommendations to improve coordination, engage new stakeholders, and develop innovative communication methods.
Researchers from Yale, Oxford, and Imperial College London describe a new species of ancient arthropod that carried its young in capsules tethered to its body. The creature, named Aquilonifer spinosus, lived about 430 million years ago and had unique brooding strategies to protect its eggs and embryos from predators.
A new genus of treehoppers has been discovered in Texas and northern Mexico, with one species named Selenacentrus wallacei. The researchers found the species among mislabeled specimens from various collections, highlighting the importance of accurate taxonomy.
A special issue of ZooKeys reports 303 new beetle records for New Brunswick, Canada, expanding the fauna by 13% over three years. The findings include 32 species new to science and contribute to a total of 3,062 known species in the region.
The discovery of Synemporion keana, an extinct Hawaiian bat, reveals a second native land mammal on the islands, which coexisted with the hoary bat for thousands of years. The species' extinction is linked to human colonization and invasive non-native species.
A Yale-led team of paleontologists has determined that the Tully Monster, a 300-million-year-old animal with teeth at the end of a narrow head extension and eyes on either side of a long bar, was a vertebrate with gills and a notochord. The discovery sheds light on the creature's likely predatory lifestyle.
Emerging evidence on schizophrenia's development, prodromal characteristics, and long-term course provides reasons for optimism. New insights into neurobiology, early treatment, and more highlight key areas of progress toward understanding the complex disorder.
Researchers analyze Kolponomos fossils and compare them to those of Smilodon, finding similarities in jaw structure suitable for anchoring against prey. The study suggests that Kolponomos may have used an anchor-biting strategy to pry hard-shelled invertebrates from rocks.
New research reveals that dodos had a brain size comparable to pigeons, suggesting moderate intelligence. The study also found an enlarged olfactory bulb in the dodo's brain, indicating a reliance on smell for navigation.
Researchers found reptiles and amphibians to be a crucial high-value food source for whooping cranes, particularly during spring nesting season. This adaptability suggests the birds have an increased chance for survival in human-modified environments.
The researchers' findings could lead to more effective bedbug control and development of new insecticides. The study's data also provide insights into the genetic basis of bedbug adaptation to human environments.
The study found that different subspecies of western rattlesnakes have distinct head shapes, which have evolved to accommodate feeding and reproductive behaviors. Combining head shape with genetic analysis confirmed that some groups should be classified as separate species.
A new genus and species of 'horned necked' praying mantis, Cornucollis masoalensis, has been discovered in a French museum collection. The insect features distinctive speckled patches on its head and pale color with opaque wings, suggesting it dwells on the undersides of leaves.