All articles tagged with #zoology
A new study challenges the fruit-diet hypothesis for brain evolution in primates, finding that larger-brained primates like spider monkeys and capuchins do not have more efficient foraging routes compared to smaller-brained animals. This suggests that factors other than foraging efficiency, such as memory, tool use, or social complexity, may have driven the evolution of large brains in some species.
Scientists have discovered that blind cave salamanders in northern Italy, known as olms, leave their underground homes to venture to the surface using springs where water bubbles up from hundreds of feet deep. Once believed to be baby dragons, these eyeless and ghostly pale creatures navigate their dark world by sensing vibrations, chemicals in the water, and magnetic fields. The unexpected discovery challenges the belief that these specialized subterranean creatures couldn't survive outside their native caves.
A trio of ecologists has observed a male bull elephant seal performing an act of altruism by rescuing a distressed pup at Point Reyes, California. The researchers witnessed the bull expending energy to swim into the ocean and gently nudge the pup back to shore, an unusual behavior for these typically aggressive and energy-conserving animals. This unique event, captured in photographs, suggests a rare display of altruism in the animal kingdom.
Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona, is mourning the loss of its zebra foal, Tikiti Maji, who died after being injured in a startling incident involving her mother, Anna. The zoo's animal care team is providing extra support to Anna as she grieves, and the loss has deeply affected the staff. This is the second time the zoo has lost a zebra foal in a similar event, highlighting the high mortality rate among young zebras.
A recent study has found a correlation between bigfoot sightings and the local black bear population in North America, suggesting that mistaken identity may be a factor in these sightings. The analysis, which used data from the US and Canada, revealed that for every 1,000 black bears, the frequency of bigfoot sightings increases by about 4 percent. This finding could potentially aid in bear conservation efforts by providing an independent method of tracking population changes.
A new study has found that female bottlenose dolphins alter their signature whistle when communicating with their calves, similar to how humans use "baby talk." Researchers at Florida's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program analyzed audio recordings of 19 female dolphins and found that mothers used a wider range of pitches around their calves, possibly to enhance the bond between mother and calf. The purpose of using "motherese" may be different in humans and dolphins, but the study could help scientists understand the evolution of language in vocal species.
New research reveals that American alligators have the remarkable ability to hear underwater, allowing them to adjust their hearing between land and water by tightening their eardrums. This discovery, along with their underwater vision due to a second set of eyelids, makes sense for a predator known to hunt in various environments. The study, conducted by scientists at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, involved dissecting the ears of nine alligators and was published by the American Association for Anatomy.
A new study published in the journal Nature reveals that starfish don't just have a head, they are a head, and their "arms" are also heads. The research, which used RNA tomography to map gene expression, suggests that starfish have a decoupling of the head and trunk regions, challenging previous assumptions about their anatomy. This discovery may provide new insights into the evolution of echinoderms and raises questions about their unique body plan.
A new study published in the journal Nature reveals that starfish don't just have a head, they are a head, and their "arms" are also heads. The research, which used RNA tomography to map gene expression, suggests that starfish have a decoupling of the head and trunk regions, challenging previous assumptions about their anatomy. This discovery may provide new insights into the evolution of echinoderms and raises questions about their unique body plan.
New research published in the journal Nature reveals that sea stars, commonly known as starfish, are mostly just a head. Molecular analysis of their genes suggests that sea stars evolved to lose their trunk, challenging the commonly known anatomy of the animal. The study highlights the complexity and diversity of life on Earth and the advancements in genetics that allow researchers to solve centuries-old zoological mysteries. The research opens up new questions about the origin of fivefold symmetry and the evolutionary changes that gave rise to the head-like body plan of sea stars.
Zoologists have discovered that the purpose of whiskers on elephant trunks is to help the elephant gauge how much pressure to use when squeezing an object. The whiskers are thicker than those of other mammals, and are cylindrical. They do not have follicular nerves that would allow them to be used for sensory purposes. The researchers made close-up video recordings of elephant trunks in action and dissected trunks from elephants that had died to reach their conclusion.
A recent article provides a side-by-side comparison of various avians and flying creatures, highlighting their unique features and adaptations for flight. The comparison includes birds such as eagles, owls, and hummingbirds, as well as bats and pterosaurs. The article offers insights into the biology and zoology of these creatures and their evolutionary history.