The classification of organisms into species is a dynamic process, constantly evolving with new evidence. This article explores six instances where scientists have had to rethink their understanding of species, from the manta ray to the giraffe, highlighting the ongoing quest to accurately define the diversity of life on Earth.
Neanderthals, our close evolutionary cousins, hold a fascination for researchers and the public. They play a significant role in understanding the uniqueness of our species, Homo sapiens. Recent discoveries in archaeology and other disciplines shed light on the Neanderthal mind and its differences from ours. Despite anatomical similarities, evidence suggests cognitive differences in brain architecture, language, and symbolic thought. The key distinction lies in the ability of modern humans to link semantic clusters in the brain, fostering metaphor and abstract thinking. This cognitive advantage set the stage for the development of our species and its global dominance.
Researchers have identified a potential genetic link between gorillas’ small genitalia and infertility problems in male humans. Despite their impressive physiques, adult male gorillas have small penises and low sperm count. This is explained by their polygynous mating system, where dominant males monopolize females. Lacking sperm competition, gorillas’ sperm quality has not been subject to evolutionary pressure. The researchers examined gorilla genes that have undergone relaxed purifying selection, uncovering 578 genes that play a role in sperm production in fruit flies. By comparing these genes to data from infertile men, they found 109 genes that were more likely to have loss-of-function mutations in infertile men. These findings suggest a potential genetic basis for male infertility in humans, warranting further research to elucidate the specific roles of these genes.
New research sheds light on the tangled evolutionary history of the iconic baobab tree. Originating on the island of Madagascar around 41.1 million years ago, the baobab diversified into eight distinct species, including those found in Africa and Australia. The study suggests that hybridization and environmental changes played a role in their diversification and separation into different species. However, the exact mechanism of their dispersal beyond Madagascar remains an unsolved mystery.
According to artist and photographer Nick Knight, the ‘Sleeping Beauties’ exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a ‘watershed show’ that highlights the transformative potential of technology in fashion. Knight believes that the exhibition, which features both historical garments and cutting-edge digital creations, provides a glimpse into the future of fashion and challenges traditional notions of art and expression.
Papua New Guineans have unique genes that helped them fight off infection, and some of those genes come from our extinct human cousins, the Denisovans. The research also found that highlanders and lowlanders evolved different mutations to help them adapt to their wildly different environments.
A new study suggests that the weakening of Earth’s magnetic field around 591 million years ago may have played a crucial role in the evolution of life. The research, published in the journal ‘Geology’, analyzed ancient rocks from South Africa and Brazil, revealing a significant weakening of the magnetic field during the Ediacaran Period (about 635 million to 541 million years ago). This period is associated with the ‘oxygenation event’, when the atmosphere and oceans became more oxygen-rich, leading to the evolution of larger and more mobile life-forms.
Cats are known for their ability to always land on their feet, but how do they do it? It’s a combination of physics and neurology. When a cat falls, it uses its flexible body and tail to twist and turn its body so that it lands on its feet. This is made possible by the cat’s righting reflex, which is a complex reflex that is tied to the conscious brain. The righting reflex helps the cat to sense its position in space and to move its muscles in a way that helps it to land on its feet.
Despite advancements in technology, robots still fall short of their animal counterparts when it comes to running. A recent study by an interdisciplinary group of researchers highlighted that while robots may have superior individual components, animals excel in their interconnected control and overall adaptability. This advantage is evident in animals’ ability to effortlessly overcome obstacles and navigate complex terrain. However, researchers are optimistic that robots will eventually surpass animals in running capabilities due to the rapid pace of technological development.
An eight to 10-feet-long prehistoric salmon species called Oncorhynchus rastrosus stalked the seas and streams of the Miocene period. It weighed upwards of 400 pounds and had a formidable pair of front teeth that projected out from the sides of their mouths like tusks. This major dental update is detailed in a study published April 24 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE. Scientists are not exactly sure what these signature tusks were used for, but believe they were primarily used to fight off other salmon or predators.
