Articles tagged with Natural History
A new study reveals that up to half of the world's natural history specimens may have incorrect names, which can hinder biologists' work in fields like evolution and conservation. The researchers suggest that digitalised specimens and DNA sequencing can improve naming accuracy when integrated with taxonomic projects.
Scientists have discovered seven new land snail species in China, including two that are among the world's smallest, measuring less than 1 mm in height. These tiny creatures pose challenges for scientists studying biodiversity and evolution.
New calculations indicate that polar bears can survive on land-based food sources, such as caribou and snow goose eggs, to avoid starvation due to ice melt. The research found that these alternative food sources provide enough calories for bears to sustain themselves during extended stays on land.
The first new species of millipede is described using high-detail 3D images, providing unprecedented access to anatomical information. The cybertype-enhanced description allows for widespread sharing and study of the digital specimen, enabling researchers to analyze its unique traits without dissecting the original holotype.
Scientists discover new bat species from Lonchophylla genus in Brazil, with distinct characteristics including paler fur and skull differences. The unexpected finding sheds light on previously misidentified specimens, preserved in renowned collections.
Researchers have identified two new species of parasitoid wasps with remarkable morphology, including the Pteromalus briani wasp's protruding hind legs and the P. janstai wasp's flattened middle section. These discoveries highlight the potential for new species to be discovered in thoroughly explored regions.
Researchers have reclassified the wasp genera Microplitis and Snellenius as separate genera, shedding light on their unique characteristics. The study identifies 28 new moth predator species within the two groups, highlighting their specialized host relationships and habitat specificity.
Researchers found that scarlet macaws were persistently traded hundreds of miles north from Mesoamerica starting in the early 10th century, suggesting that social and political hierarchies may have emerged earlier than thought. The discovery changes our understanding of the development of hierarchy in Pueblo society.
A study published in PNAS estimates global species richness, finding that roughly 10% of the world's beetles have been named and described, shedding light on previous estimates. The research suggests a mean of 1.5 million beetle species and 6.8 million terrestrial arthropod species.
Researchers from Loyola Marymount University and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County discovered two new species of pillbugs, including a previously unknown species found on a dirty beach near the Port of Los Angeles. The discoveries highlight the importance of citizen science and scientific research in urban areas.
A study by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County found two previously unknown species of vinegar flies (Drosophila gentica and Drosophila flavohirta) breeding on flowers rather than fruit in urban areas. The discovery sheds light on the city's biodiversity and highlights the importance of citizen scientists in this research.
Researchers re-discovered the Pinocchio lizard in Ecuador's cloud forests and studied its long nose, finding it plays a key role in social interactions among males and between males and females. The team hopes to learn more about the appendage's evolution and its impact on conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that female killifish avoid mating with males of closely related species and also tend to shun males of their own species if they come from an unfamiliar population. This phenomenon, called cascade reinforcement, can lead to the early stages of speciation.
Scientists at Natural History Museum London have invented a creative, functional, and affordable pinned insect manipulator using LEGO bricks.
A total of 98 new species of the Trigonopterus genus were discovered in Indonesian islands, shedding light on the region's vast insect fauna. The discovery highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species from habitat changes.
Italian natural history museums are facing a critical situation due to progressive loss of scientific relevance and decreasing economic investments. The proposed solution is for institutions to join forces and form a 'meta-museum', sharing resources and personnel.
The NIH has awarded a $29 million cooperative agreement to investigate four rare disorders: Rett syndrome, MECP2 Duplications, CDKL5 disorder, and FOXG1 syndrome. The study aims to understand the core clinical features of each disorder and identify factors that can modify their severity.
Researchers have discovered a new group of tiny animals, specialist driftwood talitrids, that live on and feed from decomposing marine driftwood. These hitchhikers use floating driftwood logs to disperse across distant oceanic islands, with adaptations like dwarfism allowing them to survive long journeys.
The project aims to digitize images and data on aquatic and wetland plants, mollusks, and fish from the Great Lakes basin, targeting 2,550 species. The goal is to document species invasions and eventually prevent them.
A massive 20-million-year-old Dominican amber collection is yielding fresh insights into ancient tropical insects and their habitats. The discovery of a pygmy locust represents an intermediate stage of evolution in its subfamily, revealing vestigial wings that had lost their primary function.
A new study identifies a 3- to 5-million-year-old Tibetan fox as the likely ancestor of the living Arctic fox, supporting the 'out of Tibet' hypothesis. The discovery boosts an alternative scenario for the origin of cold-adapted Pleistocene megafauna.
Fossil analysis confirms that historic Ohio millstones originated from France, contrary to local assumptions. The study identified distinctive fossils, such as charophytes and snails, unique to the Paris Basin region in France.
Two new species of yellow-shouldered bats, Sturnira bakeri and Sturnira burtonlimi, have been identified in western Ecuador and Costa Rica. The discovery expands the genus Sturnira to 22 described species, highlighting the high species richness in the Neotropical bat family Phyllostomidae.
Researchers have discovered a 305-million-year-old harvestman fossil with two sets of eyes, challenging previous assumptions about the evolutionary history of arachnids. The fossil's exceptional preservation allows scientists to study its anatomy in unprecedented detail.
A study by Simon Fraser University ecologist Anne Salomon warns of a declining natural history research and use in academia, government agencies and non-government organizations. Natural history collections have stopped expanding since 1990, but it remains vital for making wise management and conservation decisions.
Support for natural history study appears to be in decline in developed countries, despite its importance for human health, food security, and conservation. Experts are now calling for a revival of the practice to reclaim its role in understanding organisms and their interactions with the environment.
The study of natural history provides essential knowledge for various fields, including human health, food security, and conservation. However, support for this field has declined in developed countries, resulting in costly mistakes such as the collapse of fisheries and forest fire suppression.
A new species of large-bodied, feathered oviraptorosaurian theropod dinosaur has been discovered in western North America. The dinosaur, Anzu wyliei, had a crested skull, long neck, and large claws, with an approximate body length of 3.5 m and a body mass of about 200-300 kg.
The discovery of Anzu wyliei provides the first comprehensive look at the Caenagnathidae group, a mysterious theropod dinosaur family. The nearly complete skeleton reveals a bird-like creature with characteristics such as a toothless beak and feathered forelimbs.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is supporting 12 projects to digitize research-relevant objects in various fields, including natural history, music, and art. The goal is to develop scientifically adequate standards for indexing and online presentation, making these collections accessible worldwide.
Dr. Gavin Svenson has discovered 19 new species of bark mantises in Central and South America, revealing a previously unknown diversity of these insects. The newly described species exhibit remarkable camouflage abilities, including mimicry of bark, moss, and lichen to avoid detection.
Researchers at the Prairie Research Institute found low concentrations of mercury, arsenic, and selenium in bighead and silver carp fillets from the Illinois River. These levels do not pose a health risk to the majority of human consumers, but some individuals may need to limit consumption.
Scientists describe 10 new Temnothorax ant species in California, doubling the genus' count, and link them to the AntWeb database with unique identifiers. This allows for easy harvesting of specimen data by other online resources.
A new genus of rove beetles, Morphogenia, has been discovered in the Brazilian Amazon, featuring remarkable sexual dimorphism between males and females. The study highlights the vast number of species within this group, with over 9,000 known species, yet much still to be discovered about their ecology.
A new species of slave-making ant, Temnothorax pilagens, was discovered in the eastern USA, using minimalistic raiding parties to crack castles made by two related ant species.
A team of researchers has identified more than 180 species of fish that exhibit biofluorescence, a phenomenon where organisms absorb and emit light of different colors. The study reveals the widespread distribution of biofluorescence across marine fish species, indicating its potential use in communication and mating.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the clymene dolphin, a small marine mammal, arose through natural hybridization between two closely related dolphin species. The research provides insights into the mechanisms of evolution and highlights the importance of continued monitoring for this threatened species.
Researchers have discovered seven new species of nearctic wasps from the Charipinae subfamily, characterized by their small size and shiny bodies. The newly described species are detailed in a recent article published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America.
A 115-million-year-old fossilized wasp from Brazil features an ovipositor similar to those of present-day fig wasps, raising questions about the co-evolution of these organisms. The finding highlights the value of studying insect fossils for understanding evolutionary history and plant origins.
A team of researchers has discovered the oldest known big cat fossil, a 4-million-year-old skull of a new species called Panthera blytheae. The find challenges previous assumptions about the evolution of big cats and suggests they evolved in central Asia before spreading to other regions.
A newly discovered species of tyrannosaur, Lythronax argestes, has been unearthed in southern Utah and possesses unique features that challenge previous timelines. The study indicates that tyrannosaurs likely evolved in isolation on the continent of Laramidia.
A team of bat biologists has reclassified the Mortlock Islands flying fox as Pteropus pelagicus, correcting a naming error made in 1882. The study also found that the species is part of a wider geographic distribution than previously thought, and its conservation status is uncertain due to rising sea levels and climate change.
A total of 116 species of jewel-like beetles have been identified in the genus Baconia, known for their brilliant coloration and flattened body forms. The new species were discovered through studies of museum collections and fieldwork, shedding light on a previously underappreciated group of clown beetles.
Researchers found high concentrations of PCBs, dieldrin, and DDE in river otters, indicating potential risks to human health. The study highlights the need for further research on factors contributing to wildlife exposure to these chemicals.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and others confirms the existence of two subspecies of Bryde's whales, one coastal and one offshore, with distinct genetic characteristics. The research informs the need to designate both subspecies as separate conservation units with specific management needs.
The enigmatic spider species Progradungula otwayensis has a unique web-weaving behavior, using fine fibers to catch prey. Its habitat specificity is crucial for conservation efforts, as it relies on the microclimate of old myrtle beech trees.
A new genus of rat has been discovered in the Halmahera Island of Indonesia, highlighting the large amount of unknown biodiversity in the region and its conservation importance. The species, named Halmaheramys bokimekot, features unique characteristics and supports Wallace's idea of an important faunal breakup in this region.
The Field Museum is receiving a $115,000 grant to digitize 75,000 fern herbarium specimens from the Americas and digitally photograph 7,000 fossilized ferns from North America. This project will also provide training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate interns to participate in collection digitizing activities.
Researchers develop mathematical model for evolution of manipulated behavior, showing that an offspring's resistance to manipulation often fails to evolve if the costs are high. The study suggests that altruistic behavior in eusocial organisms, such as ants and bees, may be coerced through manipulation.
A new horned dinosaur species, Nasutoceratops titusi, has been discovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. The species features an unusually enlarged nose region and exceptionally long, curving horns, with possible functions including visual signals of dominance and mate attraction.
Scientists have used live insect colonies to determine the conditions under which insects formed fossil traces on ancient bones. The study, led by Anna R. Holden, reveals that submergence occurred during warm to hot weather, with a minimum of 17-20 weeks.
The discovery of Archicebus achilles, a 55-million-year-old primate fossil, provides insights into the early evolution of humans and apes. The tiny skeleton, weighing around 20-30 grams as an adult, suggests that the earliest primates were small, day-dwelling tree-climbers.
A nearly complete, articulated skeleton of a new tiny, tree-dwelling primate has been discovered in China, dating back 55 million years. The fossil, named Archicebus achilles, is one of the most primitive primate fossils ever documented and provides valuable insights into the evolution of primates.
The discovery of Archicebus achilles represents a significant milestone in the field of paleoanthropology. Found to be approximately 7 million years old, this ancient primate fossil sheds light on the evolutionary divergence between the lineage leading to modern monkeys, apes and humans, and that leading to living tarsiers.
The Calbug project is a citizen science initiative that allows volunteers to transcribe handwritten field notes from over a million insect specimens. This collaboration between the University of California, Berkeley's Essig Museum of Entomology and Zooniverse aims to process the voluminous records stored in natural history museums worl...
Biologists Jaime Troncoso-Palacios and Carlos F. Garin investigated the identity of Liolaemus nigromaculatus, a tree iguana species described in 1834. They successfully clarified the type locality, revealing it was collected between Puerto Viejo and Copiapó in Atacama, Chile.
Historic records indicate a complex ritual system surrounding shark fishing and making gear from shark teeth. Researchers analyzed 120 ancient weapons, identifying eight shark species, including two previously unknown to the Gilbert Islands, now likely extinct.
A UF study found that a false head pattern on hairstreak butterflies is 100% effective against jumping spider attacks. The appearance of the pattern was thought to deter birds from attacking the butterflies, but the research suggests that small arthropods may influence butterfly evolution.
A study published in Science reveals a significant decline in bee species in West Central Illinois since the late 1800s. Charles Robertson's records from the 19th century provided valuable insights into wild bee interactions, which are still relevant today.
Researchers from Carnegie Museum of Natural History joined an international collaboration to create the most complete picture yet of placental mammals' evolution. The study combined molecular and morphological data on over 83 species, revealing new insights into their ancestry and shedding light on extinct species.