Articles tagged with Marine Life
Chemical signatures in Ediacaran fossils indicate a long-standing symbiotic relationship between early animals and microbes, dating back to 635 million years ago. This ancient chemosymbiosis allowed early animals to survive and spread throughout the ocean, setting the stage for the evolution of complex life forms.
Researchers found that sharks can detect low-frequency sounds from considerable distances and respond by dramatically changing direction away from the source. They detected sounds from up to 243 feet away and were more sensitive to lower frequencies.
Two new sea spider species are discovered in the Salish Sea, shedding light on the diversity of marine arthropods and their impact on ecosystems. Researchers found these species to have unique traits, such as hairy legs, red eyes, and dexterous ovigers.
Researchers from UMass Amherst have conducted two studies to better understand shark mating habits and predatory behavior, shedding light on how to protect critical breeding grounds and reduce conflicts with recreational anglers. The studies reveal that nurse sharks prefer shallow waters for mating, and that their presence is often dis...
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that North Atlantic right whales spend an average of 11.4 hours per day feeding, with a significant portion of that time spent feeding at night near the surface. This behavior was previously unknown and may reduce the effectiveness of conservation protection measures.
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that the ocean's depths, including the Mar Del Plata Submarine Canyon, have accumulated human trash, including plastic and fishing gear. The research found 29 identifiable manmade objects, including plastic bags and food wrappers, which were funneled into the canyon by currents and geography.
Marine microbes play a vital role in ocean health, climate regulation, biodiversity, and the blue bioeconomy. They drive processes including nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and primary productivity. AMI recommends acknowledging their importance in European ocean policy to ensure a healthy, resilient, and sustainable ocean.
A new study highlights the impact of coastal freshening on the giant amphipod species Paraceradocus miersi, which lose salts, gain water, and suffer gill damage in diluted waters. The research warns that continued freshening may pose a significant threat to many marine invertebrates and reshape the global ocean's communities.
A team of researchers observed a fish-prawn hybrid, Scalicus engyceros, walking backward in the deep sea. The creature's unique features, including its pectoral-fin rays and barbels, enable it to sense prey and balance during walking and swimming.
A large-scale study of nearly 700 species of Neogastropoda provides strong evidence for their single evolutionary origin, identifying four new families and a previously undetected burst of diversification in the early Cenozoic. This finding challenges existing knowledge of marine snail diversity and evolutionary history.
Baleen whales are taking advantage of the warming Greenland Sea, with regular feeding frenzies observed in recent years. The abundance of whales has increased significantly, with over 4,000 humpback whales, 6,000 fin whales, and 6,000 minke whales visiting the region in 2024.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that coral reefs on Panama's Pacific coast support 100 times more sharks than those in the Caribbean, despite heavy fishing pressure. The study suggests that ocean productivity should be considered when setting conservation targets to avoid overestimating shark populations.
A two-year collaboration between Anindilyakwa Land and Sea Rangers and UTS scientists has delivered the first comprehensive scientific baseline for the corals around Groote Archipelago in Australia's Northern Territory. The study found coral cover ranging from 5 to 47 per cent across sites, dominated by hardy massive corals.
Researchers have identified Ruppia maritima as a resilient native seagrass species that can help restore degraded estuarine habitats. The species has a distinctive annual life cycle and a persistent seed bank, allowing it to persist through disturbance and regenerate when conditions improve.
Researchers found specific song themes tied to specific parts of a dive, revealing insights into how singing affects energy use, oxygen management and vulnerability. The study's findings offer practical applications for tracking whale populations and establishing a clearer baseline for normal humpback behavior.
A Portland State University professor has received a nearly $1.2 million NSF CAREER Award to study the predator-prey relationship of Prochlorococcus, the ocean's most abundant photosynthetic life form. The project aims to understand how single-celled ocean predators hunt Prochlorococcus and its implications for the ocean's food web.
Scientists used chemical clues in microscopic fossils to find evidence that ocean acidification caused one of the largest extinction events in planktic foraminifera history. The study suggests that volcanic eruptions and rising CO2 levels led to a decrease in shell-building ability, ultimately contributing to the extinction.
A study found that small coral reef fishes form previously undocumented associations with Christmas tree worms and other tube-dwelling worms on Caribbean coral reefs. This behavior is unclear, with potential benefits to both parties, and warrants further investigation into whether it's mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic.
Research found that krill can clog the baleen of filter-feeding whales, slowing water ejection rates to 0.02m/s. To maintain optimal feeding speeds, whales must prevent krill accumulation on their baleen or keep it suspended in their mouths.
Researchers found that nearly 90% of sharks collected from Delaware Bay were exported overseas, raising concerns about conservation goals. The study highlights the need for better scientific data and stronger oversight to ensure sustainable removals of critically endangered sand tiger sharks.
A team of biologists led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst has discovered reproducing populations of the invasive Manila clam in Cape Cod and Boston Harbor. The finding marks a significant moment in the establishment of this non-native species, which is now spreading along the northwestern Atlantic coastline.
Scientists used clues from label data, chemical analysis of tiny shells, and ocean current simulations to trace the voyage of a plastic bottle cap. The study found 307 organisms, including a polychaete worm not found in Japanese waters before, highlighting the potential for micro-ecosystems to be transported over extended periods.
Declining plankton abundance across the North East Atlantic poses a significant threat to ocean health, impacting marine food webs and carbon cycling. The study found six pelagic habitat-region combinations rated as 'Not Good' and three as 'Uncertain', highlighting the need for climate change mitigation and reduced nutrient pollution.
A new study has analyzed over 2100 samples to build a genetic dataset containing more than 500 million unique genes, revealing the immense potential of deep-sea biodiversity for developing new technologies. The research found that despite vast genetic diversity, deep-sea organisms rely on stable, core designs to survive extreme conditi...
A new study by Chalmers University of Technology found that biocide-free silicone paint is the most effective against fouling, while an 'eco-friendly' paint was revealed to be extremely toxic. The results suggest copper-free coatings can be just as effective as those containing more copper.
Researchers at Kyoto University used visual survey data to predict the most suitable habitats for humpback whales around Chichijima Island. The analysis revealed shallow water depths with gentle slopes as critical areas, supporting conservation efforts in the Ogasawara waters.
The University of New Hampshire will lead a national effort to grow and strengthen America's seafood supply through aquaculture research, with a focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness. The $13.5 million initiative aims to expand domestic seafood production and improve food security.
Researchers found that octopuses can use mirrors to find food out of sight, displaying spatial cognitive abilities. The study shows that octopuses traveled to the correct side approximately 73% of the time when searching for a reward.
Extraordinary fossils from China confirm that bryozoans were active participants in the Cambrian explosion. The fossils, preserved in three dimensions with soft tissues intact, provide definitive evidence of a bryozoan affinity and rewrite the timeline for the origin of this phylum.
A recent study found that Caribbean reef sharks prefer locations with dense prey populations, making food abundance an essential factor in their habitat choice. The research suggests that prey conservation should be considered alongside fishing bans to support shark conservation.
Research on box jellyfish reveals complex reproductive traits and strategies, shedding light on their life cycles and ecological role. Understanding these processes can improve predictions of jellyfish occurrences and inform management efforts.
A new species of sea slug, Thecacera sesama, has been identified in the coastal waters of Keelung, Taiwan. Measuring less than three millimeters in length, this tiny nudibranch exhibits four primary behaviors: feeding, searching, mating, and laying eggs on bryozoans.
A newly-discovered blue octopus from the Galapagos Islands has been identified as Microeledone galapagensis, and its unique features were revealed through micro CT scans. The species is the first new octopus species led by curator emerita Janet Voight in her four-decade career.
Rising ocean temperatures cause corals to struggle with oxygen uptake due to disrupted ciliary motion. At moderate temperatures, corals accelerate ciliary motion to meet increased oxygen demand, but this compensatory mechanism fails at higher temperatures.
A case study of captive belugas reveals evidence of mirror self-recognition, suggesting this behavior may be innate in the species. The findings support the idea that some cetaceans possess cognitive abilities similar to those of humans and other animals.
An observational study published in Frontiers in Marine Science revealed that Guadalupe fur seals are experiencing significant hair loss due to an alopecia syndrome. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address early mortality and human impact on these vulnerable marine mammals
A research team used microbial ecological habitats to predict filter-feeding whale presence, achieving accuracy 53% higher than traditional methods. This approach incorporates eDNA analysis to better understand whale-bacteria connections and inform ocean health monitoring.
Researchers analyzed hormones stored in Rice's whale baleen to understand its life story. The study found evidence of stress and reproductive patterns, shedding light on the species' critically endangered status.
Researchers analyzed over 7,000 salmon stomachs to understand their diet in different regions of the Salish Sea. The study found that year-round, herring are the most important food for adult Chinook salmon, while seasonal changes affect the diversity of prey.
Researchers used seafloor video and audio monitoring to capture rare phenomena in a Greenlandic glacial fjord, including fish swimming backwards and making sudden appearances of deep-sea dwellers. The study also revealed the presence of narwhals near the surface, providing new insights into the Arctic ecosystem.
A study by ICTA-UAB reveals that the West African coast is a primary source of microlitter in the South Atlantic Ocean, with particles transported by equatorial currents to remote areas. The research highlights the need for global action to address this environmental issue.
The Mediterranean fin whale population is found to be genetically connected to North Atlantic populations, contrary to previous assumptions. This finding highlights the need for reevaluation of conservation strategies and increased connectivity between populations.
Researchers discovered that sea urchin eggs can integrate chromoplast-derived carotenoid crystals, which enhance larval development and increase their survival rate by 50%. This integration enables the larvae to adapt to different environments.
Researchers used 3D imaging and artificial intelligence to analyze the microscopic structure of coral skeletons, revealing subtle changes caused by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. The study found that Attention U-Net performed best in detecting differences between healthy and diseased corals.
Researchers used a cabled marine observatory to study plankton abundance and variety over a four-year period. They found that long-term changes in aggregate abundance and plankton diversity were not influenced by ocean turbulence.
Researchers tracked the impact of beach nourishment on nearshore conditions and marine life, finding that prolonged turbidity can interfere with blacktip shark hunting and increase accidental encounters. The study highlights a delicate balance between coastal engineering projects and marine ecosystem protection.
A new study provides a solutions-focused pathway to implementing the High Seas Treaty, highlighting the need for enhanced data resources and sharing. The researchers identify major scientific and technical developments that can help address challenges in biodiversity monitoring and connectivity between areas.
A new study suggests that climate change will shift the balance of macromolecules in phytoplankton from proteins to carbohydrates and lipids, with a 20% increase expected by 2100. This could lead to an unbalanced diet for marine life, with implications for ocean health and human consumption.
Researchers tracked movement, acceleration, depth, and water temperature for nine hammerheads in Florida and the Bahamas waters. They found great hammerheads can effectively hunt fast-moving prey like blacktip sharks in winter and tarpon in summer, suggesting they may tolerate changing climates better than other species.
A recent study found that temperature fluctuations over time, rather than just extreme temperatures, affect mussel health. Researchers exposed mussels to varying temperature regimens and discovered distinct responses even when average temperatures were the same.
A recent study by the University of California, Davis, highlights the devastating impact of H5N1 on pinniped populations worldwide. The virus has infected over 400 million poultry and tens of thousands of seals and sea lions, with significant consequences for conservation efforts.
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
A new study suggests that releasing pollack closer to their natural catch depths can significantly improve their chances of survival. The research found that releasing fish at these depths can increase survival rates from 56% to over 80%. This could have a positive impact on the long-term sustainability of recreational pollack fisheries.
The discovery of mature silver European eels in Cyprus highlights the importance of river fragmentation and local environmental conditions on eel populations. The finding also underscores the need for urgent implementation of Eel Management Plans to conserve this critically endangered species.
A new study finds that food chains on modern Caribbean coral reefs are 60-70% shorter than they were 7,000 years ago. Individual fish have lost dietary specialization, leading to a compression of the distance between different trophic levels.
Researchers use advanced technology to pinpoint locations of elusive beaked whales diving to the seafloor off the Louisiana coast. The study reveals new insights into their behavior and detection range, shedding light on these mysterious creatures.
A new eDNA-based method has been developed to detect vulnerable Amazonian manatees in the remote western Amazon. The study reveals that these freshwater mammals are most commonly found in areas with low human activity.
Scientists captured rare view of beaked whales by listening to their natural sounds, revealing deep-diving behavior. The study provides the first detailed description of Gervais' beaked whale dives anywhere in the world.
Early marine algae like prasinophytes relied on Lhcp, a unique LHC complex with structural differences from plant LHCII. These similarities and differences may have enabled plants to transition from oceans to land, driven by the stabilization of trimer architecture through pigment-protein interactions.
A new study characterizes the sounds produced by flying gurnards, revealing two distinct types of grunt-like sounds that differ in duration, frequency, and rhythm. The researchers also found that juveniles under 10 cm in length produce sounds from an early developmental stage.