How the amphibians got their vertebrae
A group of ancient amphibians called temnospondyls evolved stiffer spinal columns to adapt to aquatic life, contrary to previous hypotheses, according to a study published June 9, 2021 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Aja Mia Carter of the Univ.....»»
Researchers develop amphibian-inspired camouflage skin
Inspired by amphibians such as the wood frog, investigators designed and synthesized a new type of camouflage skin involving one-dimensional photonic crystal structures assembled in three-dimensional flexible gels......»»
Examining the range of adulterants that disrupt the hormones of fish and amphibians
The contraceptive pill is obviously not intended for fish and frogs. However, the hormones in the pill and other pharmaceuticals that are not completely broken down in sewage treatment plants can affect aquatic organisms......»»
Bizarre snake-like worm"s secrets revealed in CT scans
Amphisbaenians are strange creatures. Like worms with vertebrae, scales, a large central tooth and sometimes small forearms, these reptiles live underground, burrowing tunnels and preying on just about anything they encounter, not unlike a miniature.....»»
We are losing tetrapod species at a faster rate than we are rediscovering them, researchers say
Lost species are those that have not been observed in the wild for over 10 years, despite searches to find them. Lost tetrapod species (four-limbed vertebrate animals including amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles) are a global phenomenon—there.....»»
Study on lamprey embryos sheds light on the evolutionary origin of vertebrate head
The origin of the vertebrate skull is a topic of much debate among evolutionary biologists. Some believe that the vertebrate head has developed as a result of modification of the segmental elements of the trunk, such as the vertebrae and somites. On.....»»
Invasive, carnivorous frogs are now breeding in Georgia, biologists say
An invasive species of carnivorous tree frogs that feed on native wildlife are now breeding in Georgia, a sign that the amphibians have gained a stronger foothold in the state, biologists say......»»
Fossil birds: Surfaces of cervical vertebrae show conspicuous tubercles that may have served as "internal bony armor"
An international research team has examined unusual skeletal structures of various European bird fossils from the Eocene. The bone surfaces of the approximately 40- to 50-million-year-old cervical vertebrae show conspicuous tubercles, whose origin as.....»»
Jellyfish regenerate lost tentacles, and now we know how
Jellyfish regeneration looks a lot like that of amphibians and other animals. Enlarge (credit: Gerard Soury) The mythical Hydra may have been able to grow one of its many heads back every time it suffered a decapitation,.....»»
Climate change primary driver of amphibian decline: Study
Climate change has become the main factor driving amphibians towards extinction as they remained the most threatened vertebrates over the past two decades, according to research published on Wednesday......»»
Climate change emerges as major driver of amphibian declines, new research finds
Amphibians are in trouble and in desperate need of conservation action, according to a new global assessment of the world's amphibian population......»»
Study shows protecting lands slows biodiversity loss among vertebrates by five times
Protecting large swaths of Earth's land can help stem the tide of biodiversity loss—including for vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds, according to a study published in Nature Sept. 27......»»
How an unlikely amphibian survived its judgment day
An international team of researchers has uncovered "unprecedented" snake venom resistance in an unexpected species—the legless amphibians known as caecilians. The research has been published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences......»»
Children"s nature drawings reveal a focus on mammals and birds, suggesting imbalances in ecological awareness
When asked to draw their local wildlife, 401 UK schoolchildren aged seven to 11 most commonly drew mammals and birds, while amphibians and reptiles appeared in the fewest drawings, suggesting imbalances in children's ecological awareness. Kate Howlet.....»»
Study finds more animals will become extinct outside nature reserves than within them
A new international study has found that amphibians and reptiles inhabiting the world's nature reserves, or Protected Areas (PAs), will be better protected against climate change than species found outside these areas, but are still likely to be harm.....»»
Lickable toads and magic mushrooms: Wildlife traded on the dark web is the kind that gets you high
The internet has made it easier for people to buy and sell a huge variety of wildlife—from orchids, cacti and fungi to thousands of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish, as well as insects, corals and other invertebrates......»»
Mysteries of the poisonous amphibians
How do frogs and other amphibians survive their own noxious weapons? Enlarge / A Granular Poison Frog (Oophaga granulifera) sits on the edge of a leaf. (credit: Paul Osborne via Getty Images) From the brightly colored p.....»»
What amphibians can tell us about water quality
Whether it occurs through the discharge of nutrients from agricultural operations into local streams or the discardment of plastic into the ocean, water pollution can negatively impact both human and environmental health. In fact, diseases caused by.....»»
Insects have more complex immune systems than previously thought
Humans and other vertebrates (like mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians) have complex, multi-faceted immune systems that protect us from a constant barrage of bugs and other nasties. But what about insects and other invertebrates?.....»»
Ancient giant amphibians swam like crocodiles 250 million years ago, says new study
Ancient 2-meter-long amphibians swam like crocodiles long before true crocodiles existed, according to a study published March 29, 2023, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by David P. Groenewald of the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa a.....»»
Rapid surge in highly contagious killer fungus poses new threat to amphibians across Africa
Mass fungus infections that drive populations worldwide to near-collapse don't just occur in science fiction. Chytridiomycosis, the worst vertebrate disease in recorded history, has already wiped out hundreds of species of amphibians around the world.....»»