Articles tagged with Reptiles
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Researchers have discovered a new critical period for sex determination in sea turtle embryos, influenced by temperature fluctuations. The study reveals two peaks in temperature's impact on sex ratio during the thermosensitive period of development.
Climate change poses a significant threat to southwestern US reptile and amphibian populations, with limited-dispersal species facing the greatest vulnerability. The study suggests that prioritizing conservation efforts for these species may be crucial to mitigating habitat loss.
A study published by the University of Zurich has found that vocal communication in vertebrates has a common and ancient evolutionary origin, dating back to around 407 million years ago. The research used vocal recordings and contextual behavioral information from 53 species across four major clades of land vertebrates.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have successfully decoded the genome of Aldabrachelys gigantea, one of the world's two remaining giant tortoise species. The reference genome provides crucial information for breeding programs in zoos to represent genetic diversity and conservation efforts across East Africa and Madagascar.
Researchers have completed and released a chromosome-scale genome sequence of the Aldabra giant tortoise, providing a much-needed genetic resource for rescue efforts. The data will aid in breeding efforts, comparative studies with other tortoise species, and understanding the species' remarkable size.
Researchers discovered three new cryptozoic snake species in Ecuador's Andes, named after institutions supporting cloud forest conservation. The discovery highlights the need for habitat protection due to widespread destruction of native habitats.
Scientists discover Opisthiamimus gregori, a new extinct species of lizard-like reptile that lived in Jurassic North America alongside dinosaurs. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of rhynchocephalians, an order that diverged from lizards over 230 million years ago.
New research finds that most tokay geckos sold in Hong Kong's TCM shops originated from Southeast Asia, not locally. The study highlights the need for stricter control of pet trade releases to protect this vulnerable species.
A new study reconstructs the skeletal structure of Coelurosauravus elivensis, a Late Permian reptile that likely used tree canopy changes to facilitate its evolution. The research reveals the gliding apparatus was supported by either the gastralia or musculature of the trunk.
Scientists discovered the rarest North American snake, Tantilla oolitica, locked in fatal combat with a giant centipede it swallowed. The CT scan revealed that the centipede's size was the final blow, cutting off the snake's air supply.
A team of scientists generated a molecular atlas of the Australian bearded dragon's brain, comparing it to mouse data. The findings suggest that both reptilian and mammalian brains evolved clade-specific neuron types from a common ancestral set, challenging popular views on brain evolution.
Researchers have identified eight new species of tiny brown geckos in Madagascar's rainforests, expanding our understanding of their distribution and evolution. The discovery highlights the importance of continued sampling across the region to uncover new species.
Harvard researchers found that rapid evolution of reptiles began much earlier than previously thought, connected to increasing temperatures. The study used a dataset of over 1,000 fossil specimens and analyzed their adaptation to climatic shifts.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that amphibian and reptile invasions cost the global economy at least $17.0 billion between 1986 and 2020. The majority of costs were attributed to American bullfrog and brown tree snake invasions, highlighting the need for effective policies to limit future invasions.
Scientists have discovered a new, venomous pit viper species in Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve, China. The newly described snake has unique characteristics and is found to feed on small mammals in sunny days by the roadside.
Exotic snakebites in the UK are increasing, with 321 reported cases over 11 years, mostly affecting children under 5. Most bites result in mild symptoms, but severe cases have occurred, prompting concerns about illegal snake ownership and access to expert advice.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign created a high-resolution map of the bearded dragon's brain, providing a standardized protocol for future clinical cases. The study identified nine anatomic structures in the brain and developed a safe and efficient MRI and sedation protocol.
A comprehensive study reveals that turtles, crocodilians, and salamanders have low aging rates and extended lifespans. Protective phenotypes like hard shells contribute to slower aging, with some species experiencing 'negligible aging' or lack of demographic aging.
A new species of leopard gecko, Eublepharis pictus, has been discovered in India's relic forests. The Painted Leopard Gecko measures 11.7 cm in length and is strictly nocturnal, actively foraging along trails in the forest after dusk.
The first international study of its kind assesses the status of all reptile species, revealing that at least 2,000 species are threatened with extinction. The study found that 50% of turtle and crocodile species face extinction threats, while 30% of forest-dwelling reptiles and 14% of arid area reptiles are in danger.
A new machine learning tool assesses extinction risk for reptiles with limited data, revealing a higher number of threatened species than previously estimated. The study highlights the need for increased conservation efforts in regions such as Australia, Madagascar, and the Amazon basin.
The snake trade in Indonesia is plagued by unsustainable practices, including underreported and illegal international trade in blood pythons. Research suggests that the current quota system may not be effective in ensuring sustainable harvesting, highlighting the need for urgent action to address these concerns.
A new species of Phalotris snake was discovered in Paraguay's Cerrado forests, characterized by its unique red head, yellow collar, and black lateral band. The species is considered Endangered due to its extreme rarity and limited distribution.
Researchers at Gauhati University studied roadkill on a 64-kilometer stretch of National Highway 715 in India's Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape. They found dramatic mortality rates among frogs, toads, snakes, and lizards, with over 6000 animals killed annually.
A study has discovered that humans are disrupting a fundamental pattern in ecosystems, which dates back at least 66 million years. The U-shaped relationship between diet and size in modern land mammals has been found to span across multiple vertebrate groups, including birds, reptiles, and fish.
Research suggests that ecotourists' sugar-fed wildlife interactions are causing northern Bahamian rock iguanas to develop high blood sugar levels. The study found that iguanas on islands frequently visited by tourists had higher glucose peaks and difficulty regulating their blood sugar.
Scientists from around the world gather to discuss various amphibian and reptile diseases, with a focus on conservation and management strategies. The conference aims to identify solutions to mitigate the impact of these diseases on herpetofauna populations, which are currently experiencing alarming extinction rates.
Researchers discovered that boa constrictors adjust which section of the rib cage they use to inhale depending on whether they are resting, throttling an animal or digesting. The sinuous reptiles use different sections of the rib cage to breathe when their ribs are constricted.
The discovery of Hanyusuchus sinensis, an extinct crocodilian species, sheds light on the evolution of modern crocodilians and their role in ancient ecosystems. Human migration and hunting led to its extinction, which may have influenced ancient Chinese myths and characters.
A comprehensive analysis of brain cellular composition across amniotes shows that mammals and birds have dramatically increased neuron numbers in the telencephalon and cerebellum, associated with higher cognition. The study suggests that only a handful of unique evolutionary events augmented brain processing power in these groups.
Researchers analyzed 263 viper species to find significant correlations between horn types and habitats. Nasal horns are associated with terrestrial forest habitats, while ocular horns are linked to tree-dwelling or sparsely vegetated environments.
A research team led by University of Adelaide found tangible evidence that Australian elapids arrived by sea rather than land. The study analyzed genomes of two Australian elapids and compared them to marine and semi-marine elapid sea snakes, finding similarities with marine life genes.
A recent study has found that snake venoms and mammalian salivary proteins share a common origin, suggesting that the foundation for venom to evolve exists in both snakes and mammals. This discovery reveals that the line between venomous and non-venomous mammals is blurrier than previously thought.
A newly discovered extinct reptile species, Shashajaia, has provided insights into the evolution of human teeth. The ancient creature's unique dental structure shows evidence of canine-like differentiated teeth present in synapsids by the Late Carboniferous period.
Scientists found that seven genes associated with bright-light vision are absent in burrowing snakes, demonstrating extensive vision gene loss over millions of years. This challenges the hypothesis that all modern snakes evolved from extreme burrowers, suggesting a different evolutionary path for these subterranean snakes.
African and Asian primates evolved stronger resistance to cobras' venoms, while Madagascan Lemurs and Central and South American monkeys lacked this defense due to reduced eyesight
A research team from India identified a previously unknown species of kukri snake, Oligodon churahensis, found in the Churah Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The discovery was made possible by an Instagram photo shared by Virendar K. Bhardwaj, which caught the attention of a herpetologist and led to further investigation.
Researchers have identified two new species of venomous snakes, the Nujiang pit viper and the Glacier pit viper, found in the high-altitude regions of southwest China. The discovery suggests that glaciers may play a key role in isolating and speciating alpine pit vipers.
Researchers found that eastern blue-tongue and shingleback lizards develop a serum factor in their blood to prevent clotting from red-bellied black snake venom. Monitor lizards lack this resistance due to their armoured scales, which protect them from venom absorption.
A new species of wood lizard, Enyalioides feiruzae, has been described from the premontane forest of the Huallaga river basin in Peru. The lizard features stunning color variations and is believed to have established as a separate species due to geographical separation from a similar lizard.
A team of researchers led by Harvard University's Tiago R. Simões has identified a new species of fossil reptile from 231 million years ago, providing key evidence on the early evolutionary history of lizards and snakes. The discovery sheds light on the migration patterns of ancient reptiles across continents.
A new fossil species, Taytalura alcoberi, has been discovered in Argentina's Late Triassic deposits. The 3D-preserved fossil provides insights into the early evolution of lepidosaurs, with its skull revealing a unique sphenodontian body type and dentition that differ from living or extinct groups.
A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that unregulated reptile trade in the US drives demand for illegal reptiles in Australia. Three reptile families had the highest probability of being smuggled, with species listed in CITES Appendices I having a higher smuggling probability
Researchers suggest sea snakes mistake divers for rival snakes or potential mates and female sea snakes perceive them as hiding places. Staying still allows divers to avoid escalation and bites.
Researchers from Flinders University discovered that snakes developed venomous fangs by modifying normal tooth structure, creating a 'dental origami' effect. This evolutionary adaptation allowed snakes to inject venom through deepened wrinkles at the base of their teeth, making them highly potent and deadly.
Chapman's Pygmy Chameleon, one of the world's rarest chameleons, has been found in surviving patches of forest in Malawi. The species was feared extinct due to forest loss and habitat fragmentation, leading to reduced genetic diversity and increased extinction risk.
Researchers found that hatchling pterosaur wings were stronger than those of many adult pterosaurs, suggesting they could fly. Their wing dimensions were also more suited for agility and quick changes in direction, possibly allowing them to escape predators and catch nimbler prey.
A genetic analysis of leopard geckos has identified a cancer gene linked to skin tumors, shedding light on the animals' unique coloration patterns. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, suggests that the geckos' bright colors may be caused by an error in the gene, leading to overproduction of white skin cells and reflective crystals.
A study of 43,000 reptile bone remains found that European colonization led to mass extinctions of 50-70% of snakes and lizards on the Guadeloupe Islands. The Indigenous populations had no impact on local reptile diversity.
A new study confirms the island rule, showing that insular gigantism and dwarfism are generalized patterns across vertebrates. The effects are more pronounced in smaller, remote islands for mammals and reptiles.
A silent killer, Enterococcus lacertideformus, has been discovered as the cause of mysterious deaths in native reptile populations on Christmas Island. The bacterium grows in the animal's head and internal organs, causing death through direct contact or biting, highlighting the need for targeted antibiotic trials.
A new Harvard-led study challenges the classic lateral-to-sagittal shift in mammal spine evolution, suggesting a completely different type of backbone function. The research found that nonmammalian synapsids had unique spinal characteristics not seen in modern reptiles or mammals.
A team of researchers overturns the long-standing hypothesis that mammal ancestors moved like modern lizards. They discovered that non-mammalian synapsids moved their backbone in a manner distinctly different from any living animal.
Comparative biologists develop strategies to predict climate change impacts on species and ecosystems, informing conservation policy. Physiological adaptations and interactions between animals and their environments are crucial for building policies to protect keystone and vulnerable species.
A new study published in Ecology has discovered that monitor lizards are ecosystem engineers, creating complex burrow systems used by various animal communities. These systems provide critical shelter and resources, but their destruction due to invasive species like the cane toad threatens ecosystem balance.
A new species of ancient marine reptile, Brevicaudasus jiyangshanensis, has been identified in China, featuring a short, flattened tail used for balance. This adaptation allowed the creature to float motionless underwater, conserving energy while searching for prey.
New study uses phylogenetic information to estimate timing of Himalayan uplift and origin of biodiversity. The Stepwise Hypothesis is supported by in situ diversification and dispersal rates, while the Late Orogeny Hypothesis is rejected due to inconsistencies with origination and peak diversification times.
Researchers created the largest available timeline of reptile evolution using CT scans and fossil data from over 1,000 specimens. The study found that major transitions in evolution occurred through many small bursts of morphological changes over 50 million years, contradicting a widely held theory on rapid evolutionary bursts.
A study revealed that over 4,000 reptile species are in global trade, with 3/4 not covered by international regulations. Most traded species are endangered or range-restricted, especially from Asia.
Research suggests that climate change is causing ectothermic animals like fish, amphibians, and reptiles to age faster due to increased growth rates and heat stress. This can lead to reduced life expectancy and compromised ability to produce offspring.