Tag

Phylogenetic Tree

All articles tagged with #phylogenetic tree

paleontology2 years ago

Uncovering the Enigmatic Last Primate of North America Before Humans

Paleontologists have uncovered evidence of Ekgmowechashala, the last primate to inhabit North America before humans, through fossil teeth and jaws found in Nebraska and China. The discovery of a related Chinese fossil species, Palaeohodites, helped establish the evolutionary relationship between the two primates. The findings suggest that Ekgmowechashala was an immigrant species that evolved in Asia and migrated to North America during a cool period, possibly via the Beringian region. This study sheds light on the impact of environmental and climatic changes on the survival and adaptation of primates, highlighting the significance of accessible resources during times of drastic climate change.

science2 years ago

Revised Amphibian Family Tree Challenges Previous Frog Evolution Timeline

A groundbreaking study has produced the most comprehensive evolutionary tree of frogs to date, encompassing 5,242 species. The research not only revises the timeline for frog evolution but also introduces innovative software that can be applied to other organisms. By combining genetic data from various sources, including phylogenomic studies and smaller-scale studies, the researchers were able to create a detailed family tree, representing a 71% increase in species coverage compared to previous trees. This study provides valuable insights into frog evolution and offers new avenues for future research in anuran amphibians.