Articles tagged with Natural History
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A new study reconstructs the common ancestor of placental mammals using 'phylophenomics,' revealing they did not diversify into present-day lineages until after the K-Pg extinction event. The study combines genomic and phenomic data, visualizing a small, insect-eating animal as their common ancestor.
A new study using historical records from iconic naturalists Henry David Thoreau and Aldo Leopold found that native plants in the eastern US are flowering up to a month earlier due to climate change. This shift affects not only agricultural crops but also animals and insects that depend on these plants for survival.
Scientists discover ancient intermediate form of great white shark, which shows modern sharks descended from broad-toothed mako sharks. The discovery pushes the origin of great whites back 2 million years, challenging previous classifications.
The Climate and Urban Systems Partnership aims to educate Pittsburghers, New Yorkers, and other urbanites about how climate change will affect them. The partnership is developing city-specific educational programs about climate change in urban environments, including hands-on activities that connect with local organizations.
Researchers found that the northern map turtle population in Missouri has not recovered from a 50% decline caused by harvesting in the 1970s. The study highlights the importance of monitoring river turtles as indicators of water quality, which affects both humans and the environment.
The invasive Ophiothela mirabilis has established populations in the Atlantic, threatening coral reefs near Brazilian and Caribbean ports. Its ability to clone itself increases its proliferating capacity and dispersal, altering the ecology of Atlantic coral reef habitats.
A series of 18 articles in ZooKeys examines recent advances in imaging systems, data gathering techniques, and collaborative approaches to digitization. These efforts aim to create a global virtual natural history museum, providing unprecedented access to biodiversity records and research opportunities.
Scientists discovered a 5-foot-long fossil turtle with an extremely circular shell in Colombia. The shell may have discouraged predators and helped the cold-blooded turtle regulate its body temperature. This new species adds to evidence that tropical reptiles were larger than they are now after the dinosaurs' extinction.
A three-year $900,000 grant was awarded to Drs. Brian Brown and Art Borkent to inventory all species of flies living in a 100x200 meter area in Costa Rica, estimated to discover at least 3,000 new species. This project aims to better understand the importance of insects in ecosystems and gauge the impact of habitat change.
The 37-million-year-old Afrasia fossil closely resembles Afrotarsius libycus, indicating that early anthropoids colonized Africa shortly before these animals lived. This discovery supports the idea that Asian anthropoids are the source of earliest human ancestors.
Research found that ammonites made homes in unique environments surrounding methane seeps, forming integral part of interwoven communities. Isotope analysis revealed that these ancient mollusks spent their whole lives in these ecosystems.
An international group of scientists proposes a plan to describe 10 million species in less than 50 years, leveraging worldwide collections and technological advances. This mission aims to chart the biosphere and understand the origin, organization, and sustainability of biodiversity.
The Missouri Botanical Garden has received a $260,000 NEH grant to enhance its Biodiversity Heritage Library. The library's digitized texts now include software tools for automated image identification and description. This will allow users to search and filter images by type, color content, subject matter, or organism names.
Scientists have discovered that early horses, such as Sifrhippus, shrunk in size during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum due to rising temperatures. This study provides evidence of a one-to-one relationship between temperature change and body size evolution.
The EU-funded project ViBRANT has leveraged electronic infrastructures to accelerate biodiversity discoveries. Researchers from 17 European institutions have shared historical and newly collected data, enabling new insights into biodiversity.
A team of ecologists challenges the idea of a universal species-area relationship, finding that geometric constraints and biological effects shape the connection between species richness and plot size. They discovered specific geometric limits that restrict how quickly the number of species can increase with area.
A recent survey of Pacific sea turtles has identified 16 species of epibionts, including crabs and barnacles, that live on their shells. These organisms can cause drag and transmit disease, highlighting the importance of considering their impact on turtle health and ecology.
Paleontologist Guillermo Rougier and his team have reported the discovery of two skulls from the first known mammal of the early Late Cretaceous period in South America. The fossils provide a complete picture of the skull for the group, including extremely long canine teeth and a narrow muzzle.
A small fossil fragment at London's Natural History Museum has been identified as part of the world's largest toothed pterosaur, reaching a wingspan of up to 7 meters. The discovery provides insight into patterns of evolution among extinct groups and sheds light on why some species achieved giant sizes.