http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/new_species/ New species discovered! Read the latest research news on newly discovered frogs, cave crickets, monkeys and more. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:05:01 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/new_species/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123606.htm The most extensive DNA study to-date of Africa's rarest monkey reveals that the species had an intriguing sexual past. Of the last two remaining populations of the recently discovered kipunji, one population shows evidence of past mating with baboons while the other does not, says a new study in Biology Letters. The results may help to set conservation priorities for this critically endangered species, researchers say. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171750.htm Fossil plants provide clues as to what our planet looked like millions of years ago. Identifying fossil plants can be tricky, however, when plant organs fail to be preserved. Researchers recently discovered abundant fossilized specimens of a conifer (previously known as "Libocedrus" prechilensis) found in Argentinean Patagonia. Characteristics of these fossils match those currently found only in tropical, montane New Guinea and the Moluccas. This discovery helps to explain the remarkable plant and insect diversity found in Eocene Patagonia. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171750.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102112104.htm Why do so many animal species -- including fish, birds and insects -- display such rich diversity in coloration and other traits? New research offers an answer. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102112104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143710.htm Breaking up may not be hard to do, say scientists who've found a population of tropical butterflies that may be splitting into two distinct species. The cause of this particular break-up? A shift in wing color and mate preference. In a new study, the researchers describe the relationship between diverging color patterns in Heliconius butterflies and the long-term divergence of populations into new and distinct species. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026123946.htm The Kentish-Snowy Plover, a small shorebird found in the US and Europe, is 'suffering' from an identity crisis after scientists found genetic evidence that the populations are, in fact, separate species. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026123946.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030125046.htm Paleontologists have discovered a new species of dinosaur that lived 112 million years ago during the early Cretaceous of central Montana. The new dinosaur, a species of ankylosaur is the biological version of an army tank. It is protected by a plate-like armor with two sets of sharp spikes on each side of the head, and a skull so thick that even 'raptors' could leave barely more than a scratch. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030125046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029113756.htm Spanish researchers have confirmed that the largest bat in Europe, Nyctalus lasiopterus, was present in north-eastern Spain during the Late Pleistocene. The Greater Noctule fossils found in the excavation site at Abric Romani prove that this bat had a greater geographical presence more than 10,000 years ago than it does today, having declined due to the reduction in vegetation cover. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029113756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026220018.htm Researchers have discovered a genetic mechanism in fruit flies that prevents two closely related species from reproducing, a finding that offers clues to how species evolve. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026220018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161526.htm Scientists have published the largest nematode phylogenetic tree up until now. It contains over 1,200 species and is entirely based on the analysis of DNA sequence data. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141123.htm Spend a little time people-watching at the beach and you're bound to notice differences in the amount, thickness and color of people's body hair. Then head to the zoo and compare people to chimps, our closest living relatives. The body hair difference is even more pronounced between the two species than within our own species. Do the same genes cause both types of variation? New research shows that, at least for body color in fruit flies, the two kinds of variation have a common genetic basis. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002102415.htm Hybrids of the invasive Australian plant species Casuarina exist in Florida, scientists have found. These fast-growing, pine-like trees were historically planted widely as ornamentals and along boulevards in south Florida, and are currently being proposed as a windbreak in citrus groves. However, the trees are frequently the tallest in the canopy and can be very damaging during storms and hurricanes. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002102415.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020203418.htm Researchers have discovered a new, giant Nephila species (golden orb weaver spider) from Africa and Madagascar. They also reconstructed size evolution in the family Nephilidae to show that this new species, on average, is the largest orb weaver known. Only the females are giants with a body length of 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) and a leg span of 4-5 inches (10-12 centimeters); the males are tiny by comparison. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020203418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013104340.htm Known to science only by two century-old specimens, a critically endangered crow has re-emerged on a remote, mountainous Indonesian island, thanks in part to a American ornithologist. The Banggai Crow will be listed now in the latest edition of an influential ornithology handbook. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013104340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009120839.htm The secret lives of some of Africa's iconic carnivores, including big cats, are revealed in a new study. The results shed light on how different habitats are used by some of Tanzania's most elusive meat eaters, such as the leopard. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009120839.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008172001.htm If you have ever taken a long road trip, the windshield of your car will inevitably be splattered with bugs by the time you arrive at your destination. Could the DNA left behind be used to estimate the diversity of insects in the region? In a new study, scientists answer this question, utilizing a novel analysis pipeline that will accelerate future studies of biodiversity. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008172001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007081534.htm Alligators display the same loyalty to their mating partners as birds. The ten-year-study reveals that up to 70% of females chose to remain with their partner, often for many years. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007081534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002103500.htm Misidentifying boll weevils caught in pheromone traps could be easier to avoid, thanks to a new DNA fingerprinting method. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002103500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005123045.htm Seven new glow-in-the-dark mushroom species have been discovered, increasing the number of known luminescent fungi species from 64 to 71. The new finds include two new species named after movements in Mozart's Requiem. The discoveries also shed light on the evolution of luminescence, adding to the number of known lineages in the fungi "family tree" where luminescence has been reported. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005123045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930175731.htm A study of female monkeys' grooming habits provides new clues about the way we humans socialize. New research reveals there is a link between the size of the brain, in particular the neocortex which is responsible for higher-level thinking, and the size and number of grooming clusters that monkeys belong to. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930175731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928095214.htm Australian researchers have discovered a huge number of new species of invertebrate animals living in underground water, caves and "micro-caverns" amid the harsh conditions of the Australian outback. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928095214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927151724.htm A bird-eating fanged frog, a gecko that looks like it's from another planet, and a bird which would rather walk than fly -- these are among the 163 new species discovered in the Greater Mekong region last year that are now at risk of extinction due to climate change, says a new report. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927151724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095816.htm Scientists recently named a new species of chimaera, an ancient and bizarre group of fishes distantly related to sharks, from the coast of Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. The new species is the Eastern Pacific black ghostshark. Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091601.htm When a whale dies, it sinks to the seafloor and becomes food for an entire ecosystem. Researchers have discovered previously unknown species that feed only on dead whales -- and have used DNA technology to show that the species diversity in our oceans may be higher than previously thought. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170914.htm Whether for introduced muskrats in Europe or oak trees in the United Kingdom, zebra mussels in United States lakes or agricultural pests around the world, scientists have tried to find new ways of controlling invasive species by learning how these animals and plants take over in new environs. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915113550.htm Researchers have sequenced DNA "barcodes" for as many as 25 hunted wildlife species, providing information that can be used to better monitor the elusive trade of wildlife products, or bushmeat. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915113550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914142720.htm A new article shows that DNA barcodes can quickly and accurately determine the species identity of specimens collected from of all seven endangered sea turtles. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914142720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122331.htm After the End-Permian extinction 250 million years ago, ammonoids diversified and recovered 10 to 30 times faster than previous estimates. The surprising discovery raises questions about paleontologists' understanding of the dynamics of evolution of species and the functioning of the biosphere after a mass extinction. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908193434.htm Competitors copying songs is an issue that every great singer must face, but now it has been discovered that even birds have to deal with cover artists. New research reveals how some bird species have evolved to sing the same tune as their rivals in order to compete effectively. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908193434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909124129.htm A biologist has discovered a new species of giant rat on a filmmaking expedition to a remote rainforest in New Guinea. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909124129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825203335.htm Scientists warn that the world's largest species of fruit bat, known as the "large flying fox," could be driven to extinction in Peninsular Malaysia at the current hunting rate allowed of around 22,000 every year. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825203335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143727.htm Canadian scientists have identified a drastic invasion of round goby into many Great Lakes tributaries, including several areas of the Thames, Sydenham, Ausable and Grand Rivers. A number of the affected areas are known as "species-at-risk" hot spots. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903163723.htm Species living in restricted environments such as the tropics may lack adequate variation in their genes and be unable to adapt to climate change, according to a new study. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903163723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130753.htm A new study revises the taxonomy of the Dioptinae, a subfamily of moths that have conquered the day in the tropical Americas. The roughly 500 described dioptines have a wide diversity of wing types -- from blue to yellow-stripes to clear -- and converge with another group of diurnal insects that probably evolved from a nocturnal, brown moth, the butterflies. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130753.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901202834.htm As much as half of California could be occupied by new bird communities by 2070, according to a new study. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901202834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115813.htm During a cave diving expedition to explore the Tunnel de la Atlantida, the world's longest submarine lava tube on Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, a team of scientists and cave divers have discovered a previously unknown species of crustacean, belonging to the remipede genus Speleonectes. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825203339.htm The complete asexuality of a widespread fungus-gardening ant, the only ant species in the world known to have dispensed with males entirely, has been confirmed. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825203339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729092536.htm Mammals and many species of birds and fish are among "evolution's winners," while crocodiles, alligators and a reptile cousin of snakes known as the tuatara are among its losers, according to a new study. The study also shows new species emerge nearly as often as they die off. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729092536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812163802.htm Scientists have found strong evidence that niche differences are critical to biodiversity. The new study provides the first strong evidence that species' differences are responsible for their coexistence. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812163802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161133.htm In the latest proof that the oceans continue to offer remarkable findings and much of their vastness remains to be explored, scientists have discovered a unique group of worms that live in the depths of the ocean. Orbs lobbed by the mysterious worms burst into brilliant light, thought to be a defensive measure. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810162148.htm Over 350 new species including the world's smallest deer, a "flying frog" and a 100-million-year old gecko have been discovered in the Eastern Himalayas, a biological treasure trove now threatened by climate change. A decade of research carried out by scientists in remote mountain areas endangered by rising global temperatures brought exciting discoveries such as a bright green frog that uses its red and long webbed feet to glide in the air. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810162148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728083707.htm Scientists have discovered an extinct rodent species, based on fossil tooth remains found in Alborache, Valencia. Eomyops noeliae, from the Eomyidae family, represents the oldest find within this genus in the world. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728083707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803205933.htm For the first time, researchers have definitively shown that shipwrecks and other man-made structures increase the potential for large invasions of unwanted species into coral reefs, even comparatively pristine ones. These unwanted species can completely overtake a reef and eliminate native corals, dramatically decreasing the diversity of marine organisms on the reef. Coral reefs can undergo fast changes in their dominant life forms, a phenomenon referred to as phase shift. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803205933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715101507.htm After 10 years of biochemical and molecular analysis of the Tyrrhenoleuctra plecoptera that live in the Western Mediterranean, Spanish and Italian scientists have now demonstrated that one of the insect populations of this group is a distinct and, therefore, new species. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715101507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801185900.htm Infection with Marburg virus and the related Ebola virus can produce severe disease in people, with fever and bleeding. During outbreaks, as many as 90 percent of those infected have died. The natural reservoir for Marburg virus, and its cousin Ebola virus, has been the subject of much speculation and scientific investigation. Sun, 02 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801185900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727191906.htm Temperature explains much of why cold-blooded organisms such as fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and lizards live longer at higher latitudes than at lower latitudes, according to new research. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727191906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729203655.htm An odd songbird with a bald head living in a rugged region in Laos has been discovered. Dubbed the "Bare-faced Bulbul" because of the lack of feathers on its face and part of its head, it is the only example of a bald songbird in mainland Asia, according to scientists. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729203655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713160525.htm The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has published a final rule in the Federal Register prohibiting the harvesting of krill in the Exclusive Economic Zone off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. The rule goes into effect on August 12, 2009. Krill are a small shrimp-like crustacean and a key source of nutrition in the marine food web. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713160525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727191735.htm Researchers are recommending standards for the DNA barcoding of land plants, a step they hope will lead to a universal system for identifying over 400,000 species, and ultimately boost conservation efforts. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727191735.htm