Zoology

Transposable Element Prevalence could Reveal Information about the Global Biodiversity of Mammals

Transposable Element Prevalence could Reveal Information about the Global Biodiversity of Mammals

Transposable elements (TEs) genes, which can change their position within a genome, create or reverse mutations, and thus alter a cell’s genetic identity, have been…
Despite being Exposed to Significant Amounts of Harmful Heavy Metals, Fur Seals on a Distant Island Chain are in Good Health

Despite being Exposed to Significant Amounts of Harmful Heavy Metals, Fur Seals on a Distant Island Chain are in Good Health

Because of the lack of knowledge about Juan Fernández fur seals, they were thought to be extinct for almost a century before a small group…
The Famous Sled Dog Balto’s Genome Demonstrates Genetic Adaptations of Working Dogs

The Famous Sled Dog Balto’s Genome Demonstrates Genetic Adaptations of Working Dogs

Balto, the sled dog, has been immortalized in literature and film for his part in carrying vitally needed diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska, in 1925.…
Citizen Scientists have Mapped the Whales, Porpoises, Dolphins, and Seals of the River Forth

Citizen Scientists have Mapped the Whales, Porpoises, Dolphins, and Seals of the River Forth

The River Forth, which is a major river in central Scotland, is home to a variety of marine mammals including whales, porpoises, dolphins, and seals.…
Powerful Oceans and Humble Ponds are Important for Biodiversity

Powerful Oceans and Humble Ponds are Important for Biodiversity

European projects aim to save a variety of animal and plant species by keeping an eye on the oceans and peeping into ponds. In January,…
Southern Resident Killer Whales Spend Less Time in the San Juan Islands because there is Less Salmon to Consume

Southern Resident Killer Whales Spend Less Time in the San Juan Islands because there is Less Salmon to Consume

A new study reveals that the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population, which is known to frequent the Salish Sea off the shores of Washington…
A Better Measure for Setting Conservation Priorities for “Evolutionarily Distinctive” Species

A Better Measure for Setting Conservation Priorities for “Evolutionarily Distinctive” Species

Evolutionarily distinctive (ED) actually refers to species or lineages that have a unique or unusual evolutionary history. An ED species or lineage has a high…
Small Insects Excrete by Launching Drops of Urine at Amazing Speeds

Small Insects Excrete by Launching Drops of Urine at Amazing Speeds

When Saad Bhamla saw an insect peeing, it was the first time he had ever seen it. The bug created a virtually circular droplet on…
Research Finds Relationship Between Blue Whale Foraging and Reproduction and Environmental Factors

Research Finds Relationship Between Blue Whale Foraging and Reproduction and Environmental Factors

According to a recent analysis of the vocalizations of New Zealand blue whales, the whales are year-round residents of the South Taranaki Bight and their…
Age Distribution of Spawning Salmon Is Decreasing, Raising Climate Resilience Issues

Age Distribution of Spawning Salmon Is Decreasing, Raising Climate Resilience Issues

According to a recent study by researchers at UC Santa Cruz and NOAA Fisheries, Chinook salmon reduce the potential impact of a bad year and…
Engineer Discovers Breakthrough Approach to Potentially Enhance Medicines During Dolphin Research

Engineer Discovers Breakthrough Approach to Potentially Enhance Medicines During Dolphin Research

Crystals comprised of substances like calcium or a clump of urine can build masses inside the body that can cause pain and significant medical issues.…
Danger to Tiny Islands Where Humans May Have Brought Extinction from Reptile Loss

Danger to Tiny Islands Where Humans May Have Brought Extinction from Reptile Loss

A University of Texas at Austin paleobiologist has recently examined both extinct and living reptile species to better understand the devastating effects of the extinction…
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