Biodiversity in crabs: More than counting species
Biodiversity is often equated with species numbers. A team led by LMU zoologist Professor Carolin Haug has shown that matters are a good deal more complicated than that. The researchers compared the shield shapes of "true" crabs (Brachyura) and "fals.....»»
Genetics reveal ancient trade routes of Four Corners potato
A new study shows that a native potato species was brought to southern Utah by Indigenous people in the distant past, making it a candidate for the only culturally significant plant species to have been domesticated in the southwestern U.S......»»
Using AI to scrutinize and validate theories on animal evolution
By harnessing the power of machine learning, researchers have constructed a framework for analyzing what factors most significantly contribute to a species' genetic diversity......»»
Project to sequence genomes of 40,000 plant, animal and fungi species in Catalan-speaking territories
Biodiversity loss is one of the most alarming threads the planet faces. Degraded habitats, overexploited resources, climate crisis and invasive species are some of the factors that threaten the richness and variety of living species......»»
Anatomical study of the mudskipper reveals their adaptations to walking on land
Okinawa's mangrove forests are home to many animal species, from crabs to kingfishers; they host a diverse ecosystem teeming with life. Among the quirkier residents living there is "Minami-Tobihaze"—the barred mudskipper......»»
Tropical plant species are as threatened by climate change as widely feared, study confirms
Brown University biologists who set out to better understand the effects of climate change on plant species in tropical mountain regions found that even small variations in temperature and moisture can have massive impacts, threatening not only plant.....»»
Baby bull sharks are thriving in Texas and Alabama bays as the Gulf of Mexico warms
In late spring, estuaries along the U.S. Gulf Coast come alive with newborn fish and other sea life. While some species have struggled to adjust to the region's rising water temperatures in recent years, one is thriving: juvenile bull sharks......»»
New hope for critically endangered Siamese crocodile
Sixty Siamese crocodiles, from five separate nests, have successfully hatched in Cambodia's Cardamom National Park—the largest record of this species breeding in the wild this century and a massive boost for the survival prospects of this criticall.....»»
The redpoll finch saga: How two bird species just became one
This week, birders around the world lost one beloved feathered creature from their birding life list. Fortunately, no species went extinct. Instead, this change resolved a long-held misunderstanding about the redpoll finch......»»
Peeling back the genetic layers of stone fruit domestication
The Prunus genus, encompassing apricots, peaches, plums, and mei, is vital due to its economic and nutritional value. However, the genetic foundations of these species' shared and unique traits remain largely unexplored. This knowledge gap hinders ad.....»»
Fish biodiversity found to benefit nutrition, particularly for lower income people
Households caught and consumed a far more diverse array of fish than they sold at market, which has important implications for how loss of biodiversity might affect people's nutrition, especially for those with lower incomes. A Cornell study is one o.....»»
New fossil snake species provides insight into reptile social behavior and development
A newly discovered snake species, Hibernophis breithaupti, provides rare insight into the social behavior of snakes and fills some gaps in our knowledge of the evolution of boas, or boidae. The quartet of fossilized snakes discovered in western Wyomi.....»»
Baleen plates provide new insight on life history of blue and fin whales
Researchers have recently released a study in Ecology and Evolution outlining their in-depth analysis of historic baleen plates, the comb structures that are used by some species of whales to filter food, from Southern Hemisphere blue and fin whales......»»
Biodiversity loss impacts societies and economies: How can Europe confront the spread of invasive species?
Biological invasions are the main cause of biodiversity loss, but they can also have serious social and economic repercussions. In Europe, over 13,000 non-native (or "alien") species have an established presence, around 1,500 of which are invasive sp.....»»
Microbes found to destroy certain "forever chemicals" by cleaving stubborn fluorine-to-carbon bonds
A UC Riverside environmental engineering team has discovered specific bacterial species that can destroy certain kinds of "forever chemicals," a step further toward low-cost treatments of contaminated drinking water sources......»»
Beyond the Barrier Reef: Australia"s three other World Heritage reefs are also in trouble
The Great Barrier Reef is world famous—it's the largest coral reef system in the world and home to tens of thousands of species. No wonder it is World Heritage listed......»»
Research tracks 66 million years of mammalian diversity
When trying to understand the present, it's helpful to look to history. New research from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln examined the fossil record going back 66 million years and tracked changes to mammalian ecosystems and species diversity on.....»»
AI helps reveal history of iconic Australian tree
Scientists have harnessed new developments in machine learning to look at Australian eucalypt species, unveiling their transformation over millions of years......»»
Scientists use machine learning to predict diversity of tree species in forests
A collaborative team of researchers led by Ben Weinstein of the University of Florida, Oregon, US, used machine learning to generate highly detailed maps of over 100 million individual trees from 24 sites across the U.S., and published their findings.....»»
"Alien invasion": Researchers identify which exotic animals may soon hitchhike into Australia
Australia is renowned for its native flora and fauna, but did you know the continent is also home to about 3,000 "alien" species of animals, plants, fungi and microbes?.....»»
Online sales of a wild bat sold as décor threaten species
A fiery orange bat, its wings folded and tiny teeth forever bared on its fuzzy face, is mounted inside a 6-inch, black coffin. Its retail price: $59. Or, for $140, you can get one framed with its black and orange wings spread, deliverable in two days.....»»