The integrated study of how organisms interact with their environment, evolve over time, exhibit behaviors, and are classified, including population dynamics, community ecology, evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and taxonomic relationships
25 papersThis 17-year observational study found that wild chimpanzees frequently consume fermented palm sap, provided by human tapping, that contains up to 6.9% alcohol using leaf-sponges. The findings suggest that ethanol doesn't deter these apes and contribute to understanding the evolutionary history of ethanol consumption in primates, including humans.
This study uses 3D modeling to show how different types of ornithischian dinosaurs evolved unique forelimb muscle structures for quadrupedal walking, even though they all ended up walking on four legs. This challenges the idea that they all evolved the same way and suggests their ancestors' different lifestyles might have played a role.
This study uses phylogenetic analysis and fossil data to trace the evolution of shark body shape, finding three distinct morphotypes and linking the rise of the pelagic (deep-bodied) form to increased habitat availability during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
This study uses 30 years of stranding data from Scotland to analyze trends in cetacean populations, but acknowledges limitations due to the opportunistic nature of stranding reports. The study shows increasing stranding rates for all groups, with exponential increases for baleen whales and common dolphins, suggesting they may face heightened pressures, especially juveniles. Distinct seasonal and spatial stranding patterns emerged, offering potential insights into vulnerable life stages and areas needing conservation focus.
Queens of the ant species *Messor ibericus* clone males of a different species (*Messor structor*) because they need their sperm to produce the worker caste. This has led to a unique system where males from the same mother have different genomes and morphologies as they belong to different species. This reproductive mode termed 'xenopary' highlights a new level of interdependency between species.
A new genus and species of peirosaurid crocodyliform, Kostensuchus atrox, was discovered in the Maastrichtian Chorrillo Formation of Southern Patagonia. This large predator, estimated to be 3.5 meters long, adds to our understanding of broad-snouted peirosaurids and their role as apex predators in Late Cretaceous Gondwanan ecosystems. Phylogenetic analysis places Kostensuchus within a clade of robust, broad-snouted peirosaurids.
The authors propose that strong smells released from the leaves of certain plants, termed "aromatic emissions," can attract pollinators, especially in environments where these plants dominate. New evidence is presented showing that honeybees are attracted to the scent of lemon thyme leaves even without flowers, suggesting a broader role for these emissions in pollinator attraction than previously thought. Further research is needed to explore the prevalence of this phenomenon across plant species and ecological contexts.
A new soft-bodied vertebrate fossil, *Nuucichthys rhynchocephalus*, was discovered in the Cambrian Marjum Formation of Utah. This fish-like creature lacked fins and had an elongated head. This discovery suggests limited swimming abilities and adds to the growing evidence for the wide distribution of early, finless vertebrates in Laurentia during the Cambrian.
This supplementary material provides a detailed anatomical description of new fossil material attributed to the early ankylosaur *Spicomellus afer* from the Middle Jurassic of Morocco. The fossil material includes a partial skeleton with unique "T"-shaped dorsal ribs bearing co-ossified dermal spikes, an elaborate cervical half-ring, and other armor elements. Phylogenetic analyses place *Spicomellus* as an early-diverging ankylosaur, suggesting early development of dermal armor.
Acoustic monitoring data reveals a significant increase in white shark presence in Atlantic Canadian waters between 2014 and 2023, with a more pronounced trend starting around 2019-2021. Both the probability of migration from US waters and the length of stay within Canadian waters increased substantially. The study acknowledges limitations related to sample size, potential tagging location bias, and changes in tagging methodology but presents a compelling case for a noteworthy shift in white shark distribution.
This study found that insect-induced galls are more morphologically complex on leaves than stems, likely due to leaves being more developmentally plastic. Using citizen-science data from iNaturalist and a gall morphology book, the researchers quantified gall complexity through fractal dimension analysis and phylogenetic comparative methods, revealing a significant influence of plant organ regardless of the insect species involved. Further research is needed to determine the causal mechanisms behind this pattern.
This study found that wild spider monkeys on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, consume fruits of *Spondias mombin* containing 1-2% ethanol, a byproduct of yeast fermentation. Analysis of urine samples further suggests that the monkeys metabolize this ethanol. There was no evidence that monkeys selectively avoided fruits with higher ethanol content.
Researchers investigated the taxonomy of *Coffea liberica* using genomic data, morphology, and geographic distribution. They found that *C. liberica* is actually composed of three distinct species: *C. liberica*, *C. dewevrei* (excelsa), and *C. klainei*. This finding has implications for coffee crop improvement and conservation, as each species has unique characteristics and climate tolerances.
This study describes a potentially new subspecies of Yellow Wagtail in Xinjiang, China, differentiated by its grey head, lack of prominent supercilium in males, and distinct song. However, limited genetic data (one individual) and overlap in appearance with existing subspecies call for further investigation to confirm its taxonomic status. The study also observed some intermediate forms, raising the possibility of intergradation.
Microscopic analysis of a 120-million-year-old fossil feather from the Jehol Biota indicates it may have been iridescent. The feather has unusual barb morphology and melanosome arrangement, and its position on the bird's body is not definitive. The study suggests the feather may have been part of a colorful crest used by males for sexual display.
This study observed that African apes frequently consume fallen, likely fermented fruit (scrumping). They suggest this behavior may have driven their adaptation to metabolize alcohol efficiently and even speculate about a link to human feasting rituals. However, the study lacks direct evidence of significant alcohol consumption by apes and relies heavily on indirect observations and conjecture.
This review examines how some animals, like sponges, hydra, and certain marine worms, form symbiotic relationships with green algae, allowing them to live in unique environments. These "plant-animal" partnerships involve swapping nutrients, with the algae providing sugars from photosynthesis, and the animals supplying nitrogen. The review highlights how these symbioses have evolved independently multiple times, leading to a fascinating array of adaptations.
This study describes five new species of crab spiders from the genera Crockeria, Ibana, and Pharta, as well as a new genus, Rangkayo, all collected from Jambi Province, Sumatra. The study also reports new regional records for five known species of crab spiders. Further research, including molecular analysis and broader geographic sampling, is needed to fully understand the phylogenetic relationships and distribution of these species.
Researchers discovered *Nototriche antisanensis*, a new cushion plant species from the Antisana volcano in Ecuador. It differs from related species in its cushion growth form, leaf shape, and flower structure. This finding expands our understanding of plant biodiversity in high-altitude Andean ecosystems.
This study describes newly discovered embryonic and hatchling remains of Massospondylus, providing insights into the early growth stages of this early sauropodomorph dinosaur. The growth trajectory analysis suggests that Massospondylus likely underwent a postural shift from obligate quadrupedalism in hatchlings to obligate bipedalism in adults, with a range of facultative postures in between. Comparisons with other sauropodomorphs suggest similar ontogenetic and postural shifts may be common in this group.
This study found that Neolithic populations were only slightly shorter than pre-agricultural populations and that this difference was at least partially due to genetics. Surprisingly, the lactase persistence allele was strongly associated with increased height in ancient individuals, even though it is not associated with height today.
Swiss stakeholders express strong interest in a national genetic diversity monitoring program, recognizing the importance of genetic data for conservation. However, concerns about costs and the practical application of monitoring results are significant barriers to implementation. Connectivity is a key area of focus for stakeholders, reflecting current conservation priorities in Switzerland.
This paper presents a high-quality genome sequence of white lupin, revealing genetic insights into its unique adaptations for soil exploration and seed quality. The study identifies candidate genes associated with cluster root development and alkaloid content, while also comparing its genome to other legumes, shedding light on the evolutionary history and diversification of this important crop.
This paper describes the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP), a comprehensive, continuously updated database of over 340,000 accepted plant species and 1.3 million plant names. It's compiled from published literature, databases, herbaria, and expert review, and aims to be a central resource for plant research and conservation efforts worldwide.
Integrated crop and livestock systems (ICLS) have declined globally due to economic and policy factors favoring specialization. However, growing environmental awareness and targeted policies are creating new opportunities for ICLS reemergence, especially through "retro-innovation" combining traditional practices with modern advances. Redesigning research, credit, insurance systems, and regulations to focus on whole-farm outcomes is crucial for widespread ICLS adoption.