Goodingia varicosa

<p>In a study recently published by <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>, scientists have found that earthworms play a substantial role in the global production of grains and legumes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the research, earthworms contribute to 6.5% of the worldwide grain yield, which is roughly equivalent to the annual cereal grain production of Russia, the fourth-largest producer globally.</p>



<p>“This is the first effort that I’m aware of that’s trying to take one piece of soil biodiversity and say, ‘OK, this is the value of it; this is what it’s giving us on a global scale,’” said study lead author Dr. Steven Fonte.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthworms-boost-plant-productivity-nbsp">Earthworms boost plant productivity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Earthworms promote healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-diversity-increases-carbon-storage-in-forest-soils/">soils</a> in different ways. They enhance soil structure, optimize water retention, and enrich the soil by churning organic matter, making essential nutrients more accessible to plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In fact, the presence of earthworms has been linked to a surge in plant productivity by an estimated 25 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The research was conducted by Dr. Fonte, Professor Nathan Mueller, and Marian Hsieh, a doctoral student at CSU.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team arrived at these figures by analyzing various data, including maps that highlight earthworm abundance, soil attributes, fertilizer usage, and crop yields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grain-production-nbsp">Grain production&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One particularly fascinating revelation was the pronounced influence of earthworms in the grain production of the global south.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Earthworms contribute to 10 percent of the grain yield in Sub-Saharan Africa and eight percent in Latin America and the Caribbean.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthworm-contribution">Earthworm contribution</h2>



<p>It’s likely the earthworms contributed more in those areas because farmers there tend to have less access to fertilizer and pesticides, explained Dr. Fonte.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, they rely more on earthworm-rich organic matter like manure and crop residues, which help stimulate the beneficial effect earthworms have on plants. “Earthworms are contributing a lot in these areas where we have fewer chemical inputs."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-biodiversity-nbsp">Soil biodiversity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Fonte noted that soil biodiversity has historically been undervalued, and he hopes this work will bring more attention to how healthy soils can have positive, tangible impacts on crops.  &nbsp;</p>



<p> “If we manage our soils in a more sustainable way, we can better harness or leverage this biodiversity and produce more sustainable agroecosystems,” said Dr. Fonte. “This work highlights that potential.” &nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Fonte also noted that other recent research has shown that soils contain as much as half the world’s biodiversity, a significant increase from previous estimates of approximately 25 percent.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Soils are just such an intricate habitat,” he said. “But there’s really been very few efforts to understand what that biodiversity means to our global crop yields.”  &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Dr. Fonte, insights from this study could also have implications in future efforts to mitigate drought and erosion. For example, he said, earthworms can improve soil porosity, aiding in the beneficial capture and retention of water.  </p>



<p>The researchers emphasized that they are not advocating for anyone to transplant earthworms into places they do not already exist.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Fonte hopes this work shows how improved management of soil biology in places where earthworms already call home has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce our reliance on agrochemicals. He said the study marks an important first step.</p>



<p> </p>



<p>“Soils are still this huge, big black box that we don’t fully understand,” said Dr. Fonte. “This work helps show that there’s a lot of opportunity that we’re just kind of ignoring. There are probably other soil organisms that are even more important, especially microbial communities.” &nbsp;</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41286-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Earthworms are important drivers of global food production

In a study recently published by Colorado State University, scientists...

<p>In a new report from the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/">Environmental Working Group</a> (EWG), researchers have proposed a compelling concept: humans can act as a crucial benchmark for understanding the repercussions of the toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS on wildlife.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-connection">The human connection</h2>



<p>PFAS, due to their persistent nature, do not just affect humans but also a broad spectrum of species worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. David Andrews, a senior scientist at EWG, emphasized that humans act as an "early warning system" to comprehend how these chemicals might influence wildlife in their natural habitats.</p>



<p>“PFAS pollution is not just a problem for humans,” said Dr. Andrews. “It’s a problem for species across the globe. This new paper delves into how humans serve as an early warning system for understanding how PFAS may impact other living creatures in the environment.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-chemicals">Forever chemicals</h2>



<p>Studies have associated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-fish-serving-may-contain-a-month-of-forever-chemicals/">forever chemicals</a> with a number of adverse effects in both humans and laboratory animals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These range from immune system damage, reproductive and fetal development disruptions, hormone imbalances, to heightened cancer risks.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-collection">Data collection</h2>



<p>Notably, EWG’s research methods allow for the collection of data without causing harm to animals, especially the endangered ones.</p>



<p>Ken Cook, president of EWG, emphasized their 25-year battle against PFAS contamination.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“EWG researchers have analyzed scientific studies, conducted our own investigations, and plotted where people are exposed to toxic PFAS,” said Cook.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Now we’ve shown that humans might signal how these toxic chemicals affect the bodies of polluted animals in almost every corner of the world.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-crisis">Global crisis</h2>



<p>Endangered animals, already grappling with challenges like pollution, habitat erosion, and exploitation, now face the menace of PFAS. The global impact of the PFAS crisis is substantial.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The PFAS crisis is global,” said Dr. Alexis Temkin, a toxicologist at EWG. “Like humans, wildlife are exposed to multiple PFAS at a time, through the diet, air, water and soil, highlighting the need to tackle these persistent and toxic chemicals as a class.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-threats-nbsp">Wildlife threats&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Recent studies have shown alarming effects of PFAS on species like the North Carolina alligators and sea turtles in the north Pacific.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research on alligators showed that elevated levels of PFAS were associated with higher occurrences of skin lesions, as well as wounds that did not heal properly and became infected.</p>



<p>The study on sea turtles demonstrated that animals are vulnerable to the effects of PFAS exposure at every stage, from their eggs to immune systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-wildlife-map">PFAS wildlife map</h2>



<p>EWG's updated wildlife map, capturing over 200 peer-reviewed studies, now documents more than 120 unique PFAS compounds found in 625 animal species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The interactive map showcases a variety of animals, from amphibians and fish to large mammals like polar bears.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The wildlife map is not an exhaustive catalog of all animal studies but mostly those published in the past few years," said Dr. Andrews.</p>



<p>"PFAS are ubiquitous, and this first-of-its-kind map clearly captures the extent to which PFAS have contaminated wildlife around the globe."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lingering-effects-nbsp">Lingering effects&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The persistence of PFAS in the body and environment is troubling. With these chemicals found in almost everyone, including infants, the health implications cannot be ignored.&nbsp;</p>



<p>PFAS exposure has been connected to various health issues in humans, such as weakened immune systems and heightened cancer risks.</p>



<p>PFAS's widespread use, found in consumer goods ranging from cosmetics and food packaging to firefighting foams, underscores the massive challenge of addressing this contamination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-action">Call for action</h2>



<p>Dr. Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at EWG, warns that current methods of PFAS disposal might lead to even more pollution, with the consequences echoing throughout the food chain. She calls for immediate action to halt all non-essential PFAS applications.</p>



<p>“Our research found that the most common methods we have for getting rid of PFAS may end up leading to further pollution,” said Dr. Stoiber.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“And we can expect that contamination to ripple through the food chain, potentially affecting even more species, including humans."&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our choice is either to keep polluting the planet or take immediate action to stop all nonessential uses of PFAS."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industrial-pollution">Industrial pollution</h2>



<p>According to the experts, considering the health risks associated with PFAS exposure, it is important to try to minimize exposure wherever possible.</p>



<p>“We need to accelerate - not delay - efforts to turn off the tap of PFAS pollution from industrial sources,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs.</p>



<p>“For decades, polluters have with impunity dumped as much PFAS as they wanted into our air, rivers, streams, lakes and bays."</p>



<p>“The Biden Environmental Protection Agency must move faster and not rely on cash-strapped state regulators to turn off the tap.”</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165939"><em>Science of The Total Environment</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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PFAS crisis: Humans are an early warning system for wildlife impacts

In a new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG),...

<p>A recent study on Caribbean parrots has revealed that species believed to be unique to specific islands were once more prevalent and varied than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research helps to explain why parrots, particularly those on islands, have become the globe's most endangered bird group.</p>



<p>"Humans did not arrive on most of the world’s islands until relatively recently, making islands favorable places for disentangling the timing and magnitude of natural and anthropogenic impacts on species diversity and distributions," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Here, we focus on Amazona parrots in the Caribbean, which have close relationships with humans."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-survivors">Protecting the survivors</h2>



<p>In 1492, during Christopher Columbus' maiden journey to the Caribbean, parrot flocks were so abundant that they reportedly "obscured the sun."&nbsp;</p>



<p>But today, over half of the Caribbean parrot species, ranging from macaws to parrotlets, are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-quarter-of-earths-species-may-be-extinct-by-2010/">extinct</a>. The task of conserving the surviving species has been hindered by the limited knowledge of their historical distributions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“People have always been obsessed with parrots,” said study lead author Jessica Oswald, a senior biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Lab.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Indigenous peoples have moved parrots across continents and between islands for thousands of years. Later, European colonists continued that practice, and we’re still moving them around today.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unclear-origins">Unclear origins</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, centuries of trade have made it difficult to know how parrots wound up where they are now. Half of the 24 parrot species that currently live in the Caribbean were introduced from other areas, and it’s unclear whether native parrots evolved on the islands they inhabit or were similarly transported there.</p>



<p>“There are records of parrots being kept in homes, where they were valued for their feathers and, in some cases, potentially as a source of food,” said study senior author Michelle LeFebvre from the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-fossil-species">Identifying fossil species</h2>



<p>Parrots are often discovered at archaeological sites, and they have a remarkable fossil record in the Caribbean.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previously, the fragmented nature of these remains made it impossible to identify the fossil species. But now, recent advancements in DNA technology have made it possible.&nbsp;</p>



<p>David Steadman, a retired curator of ornithology, collaborated with Oswald, who successfully sequenced DNA from a 2,500-year-old extinct Caribbean bird.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“For me, the single most satisfying thing about this project is we can use fossils in ways that weren’t even imaginable when they came out of the ground,” said Steadman.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-sequencing">Genetic sequencing</h2>



<p>Using genetic sequencing methods, the experts established connections between extinct flightless Caribbean birds and those in Africa and New Zealand.</p>



<p>The research focused mainly on the Cuban and Hispaniolan parrots of the Amazona genus.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the Cuban parrot species currently thrives in select areas of the Caribbean, the Hispaniolan species faces potential extinction, restricted to its namesake island.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-extinctions-nbsp">Dark extinctions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The DNA analysis led to some surprising revelations. For example, fossils from Bahamian sites previously assumed to belong to the more prevalent Cuban parrots were actually from Hispaniolan parrots.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This suggests that Hispaniolan parrots once ranged through the Bahamas before humans reached the islands.</p>



<p>“One of the striking things about this study is the discovery of what could be considered dark extinctions,” LeFebvre said. “We’re learning about diversity we didn’t even know existed until we took a closer look at museum specimens.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-factor">The human factor</h2>



<p>The study also illuminates the human role in species distribution. According to Oswald, knowing where species once thrived is the first step to conserving what’s left of their diversity.</p>



<p>“We have to think about what we consider to be natural,” she said. “People have been altering the natural world for thousands of years, and species that we think are endemic to certain areas might be the product of recent range loss due to humans."</p>



<p>"It takes paleontologists, archaeologists, evolutionary biologists and museum scientists all working together to really understand the long-term role of humans on diversity change.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2301128120"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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Humans have relocated Caribbean parrots for thousands of years

A recent study on Caribbean parrots has revealed that species...

<p>In a recent study led by Professor Adrian David Cheok at the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>, researchers have successfully deciphered the emotional states of chickens through their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finches-use-both-calls-and-vision-to-coordinate-flight/">vocalizations</a>. This unique endeavor seeks to bridge the interspecies communication gap.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chicken-vocalizations">Chicken vocalizations</h2>



<p>The research, which is still awaiting peer review, has reported a groundbreaking achievement. The team determined the six emotional states of chickens - hunger, fear, anger, contentment, excitement, and distress - with 80% accuracy solely based on vocalizations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The preliminary findings have been documented in a paper submitted to <em>Nature Scientific Reports</em> and initially published in <a href="https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3034567/v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research Square</a>.</p>



<p>Cheok, otherwise recognized for his sex robot research, humorously commented on this novel venture: “It’s a cluckin’ great leap for science! And this is just the beginning."</p>



<p>"We hope to be able to adapt these AI and ML techniques to other animals and lay the groundwork for incredible intelligence in the various animal-related industries. If we know what animals are feeling we can design a much better world for them.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-emotional-analysis-learning-deal">Deep Emotional Analysis Learning (DEAL)</h2>



<p>“Our methodology employs a cutting-edge AI technique we call Deep Emotional Analysis Learning (DEAL), a highly mathematical and innovative approach that allows for the nuanced understanding of emotional states through auditory data,” explained Cheok.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The innovative AI technique holds the promise of designing a more humane environment for animals by better comprehending their feelings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-expertise-nbsp">Collaborative expertise&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"We conducted our study with a sample of 80 chickens, meticulously recording and analyzing their vocalizations under various conditions," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"To ensure the accuracy of our system's interpretations, we collaborated with a team of eight animal psychologists and veterinary surgeons, who provided expert insights into the emotional states of the chickens."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accurate-results">Accurate results</h2>



<p>The researchers meticulously analyzed approximately 200 hours of chicken sounds. The AI system was trained on half of these recordings, where each sound was labeled with a corresponding emotional state.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When tested on the remaining 100 hours of chicken vocalizations, the system impressively pinpointed the chickens' emotional states most of the time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-welfare">Animal welfare</h2>



<p>“This research not only opens up new avenues for understanding and improving animal welfare but also sets a precedent for further studies in AI-driven interspecies communication,” said the study authors.</p>



<p>They noted that chickens are “highly social animals” and plan to create a free app so that farmers can use the technology to communicate with their chickens.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, this study not only enhances our understanding of animal welfare but also sets the foundation for further exploration in AI-facilitated interspecies communication.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Farming Online recognizes the immense potential of this research, saying that it could redefine animal welfare, advance veterinary medicine, improve poultry farming conditions, and assist animal behavior research, among other applications.</p>



<p>"The novelty of our approach lies in its application of sophisticated AI techniques to a largely unexplored area of study," concluded the researchers.</p>



<p>"By bridging the gap between human and animal communication, we believe our research will pave the way for more empathetic and effective interactions with the animal kingdom."</p>



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AI can now interpret the emotional states of chickens through their noises

In a recent study led by Professor Adrian David Cheok...

Pet,Care,Concept.,Funny,Smiling,Golden,Retriever,Dog,In,The

<p>College life, often depicted as exhilarating and liberating, is also synonymous with stress due to the amalgamation of academic pressures, work, and personal responsibilities. Recognizing the myriad of pressures students face, universities have initiated innovative stress relief programs. One such program named “Pet Your Stress Away” encourages students to pet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/therapy-dogs-boost-cognitive-skills-in-college-students/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> and cats. </p>



<p>The essence of these programs is allowing students to interact with furry friends, aiming to alleviate stress and improve overall mood. Scientists at <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> (WSU) have substantiated the effectiveness of these programs, revealing their capability to yield significant stress-relieving physiological benefits beyond just elevating moods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reaping-benefits-in-just-ten-minutes">Reaping benefits in just ten minutes</h2>



<p>Patricia Pendry, an Associate Professor in WSU’s Department of Human Development, underscores the impact of animal interaction, stating, “Just 10 minutes can have a significant impact”. </p>



<p>The study, conducted by Pendry along with WSU graduate student Jaymie Vandagriff and published in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2332858419852592" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AERA Open</a>, demonstrated that students experiencing interaction with cats and dogs showed a marked reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone. </p>



<p>These findings are pivotal as they represent the first instance where reductions in cortisol levels in students were observed during a real-life intervention outside the laboratory setting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>The meticulously designed study included 249 college students who were randomly segregated into four distinct groups. The students in the first group were given the opportunity to interact directly with cats and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-dog-feel-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, allowing them to pet and play with the animals for ten minutes. </p>



<p>To gauge the variable impacts of differing animal exposures, the second group observed others interacting with the animals while awaiting their turn. The third group viewed a slideshow featuring the animals, and the fourth was waitlisted, anticipating interaction but initially without any engagement or stimuli.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-cortisol-reduction-from-petting-dogs">Significant cortisol reduction from petting dogs</h2>



<p>The methodological approach included collecting several salivary cortisol samples from each participant from the time they woke up. The subsequent data analysis revealed that students who engaged directly with the animals exhibited significantly lower cortisol levels in their saliva post-interaction. These compelling results remained consistent, even accounting for the varying initial cortisol levels amongst students.</p>



<p>Benefits beyond surface-level</p>



<p>Universities' incorporation of “Pet Your Stress Away” programs is rooted in the acknowledgement of the multi-faceted pressures inundating students. These programs don’t merely serve as a transient mood enhancer. They penetrate deeper, offering tangible physiological benefits by significantly reducing stress levels.</p>



<p> The study validates the potency of these programs, highlighting their ability to create a holistic, positive impact within a mere ten-minute interaction window.</p>



<p>In summary, the innovative stress reduction programs instituted by many universities manifest a proactive approach to address the escalating stress levels amongst students, combining academic vigor with emotional well-being. The conclusive evidence provided by the study conducted at Washington State University accentuates the vital role such programs can play in fostering a balanced and conducive learning or working environment. </p>



<p>By allowing a short respite through animal interaction, universities are not just enhancing student mood but are also contributing to their overall well-being by inducing physiological changes that combat stress.</p>



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Petting dogs and cats dramatically reduces stress

College life, often depicted as exhilarating and liberating, is also...

Roseate,Spoonbill,Perched,On,Branch,Against,Very,Dramatic,Cloudy,Sky

<p>Scientists have identified a striking correlation between the complexity of bird skeletons and the overall diversity within the bird kingdom. It demonstrates a unique understanding of the evolutionary spectrum of birds, showing that as birds become more advanced and specialized in their ecological niches, they display a decrease in species diversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-bird-complexity">Studying bird complexity</h2>



<p>The in-depth study involved the meticulous examination of 983 species spanning all prevalent groups of extant birds. The team, aiming to explore the intricacies of avian evolution, measured skeletal complexity by analyzing the variance in bone structure between the wings (forelimbs) and legs (hind limbs) of the birds.</p>



<p>Researchers discovered that birds possessing less complicated skeletons, evidenced by minimal differences between their fore and hind limbs, boasted a higher species diversity. Examples of such birds include pigeons, gulls, and songbirds (passerines), which, despite their skeletal simplicity, inhabit diverse ecological settings globally, showcasing extensive species richness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-leads-to-specialization">Complexity leads to specialization</h2>



<p>Conversely, species like flamingos and ostriches exhibit more complex skeletal structures. In particular, they have shorter wings compared to their legs, which renders them more specialized for their habitats. </p>



<p>This specialization implies that birds with intricate skeletons are often confined to specific niches and exhibit decreased versatility in subdividing those niches to generate new species.</p>



<p>Professor Matthew Wills, from the Milner Centre for Evolution, elucidates, “Our study reveals that birds tend to be less likely to diversify into new species as they become more specialized. It’s a fascinating insight into how specialization can impact the ability of organisms to evolve and adapt.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-implications">Evolutionary implications</h2>



<p>While evolution can certainly generate forms with lower complexity, birds with sophisticated skeletons have seemingly developed more entrenched specializations over time. This specialization potentially hinders their ability to revert to simpler forms. </p>



<p>Andrew Brinkworth is a PhD student at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> and the leading author of the study. He asserts that such specialized species, due to their reduced evolutionary paths and heightened ecological specificity, are potentially more vulnerable to environmental shifts. These include habitat degradation, disruptions in food chains, and climate variations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-specialization-and-extinction-risk">Ecological specialization and extinction risk</h2>



<p>Birds with advanced skeletons not only exemplify ecological specialization but also inhabit fewer habitats and exhibit restricted foraging behaviors. This heightened specialization and the resultant decrease in diversity may escalate their susceptibility to extinction amidst environmental alterations.</p>



<p>Brinkworth further warns, “Our findings predict a heightened extinction risk for birds with more intricate skeletons and less diversity due to their lack of adaptability to environmental changes.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-research-needed">More research needed</h2>



<p>This revelatory study, a collaboration between the University of Bath, University of Lincoln, University College London, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is a stepping stone in the ongoing pursuit to unravel the secrets of evolution and biodiversity. The next phase of research aims to discern whether similar patterns of complexity and specialization affecting diversity are observable in other animal kingdoms as well.</p>



<p>Funded by the NERC GW4+ Doctoral Training Partnership, John Templeton Foundation, and BBSRC, this research not only broadens our understanding of avian evolution but also propels forward the discourse on biodiversity, adaptation, and the ongoing struggle against extinction in the face of rapid environmental changes.</p>



<p>The full study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41415-2.epdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a> by the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/research-centres/milner-centre-for-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milner Centre for Evolution</a> at the University of Bath.</p>



<p>---</p>



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As bird skeletons become more complex they lose diversity

Scientists have identified a striking correlation between the complexity of...

<p>A recent study from <a href="https://www.elte.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a> has explored the question of why flat-faced dogs are so popular despite their major health risks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results of the study suggest that flat-faced dogs such as pugs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/english-bulldogs-are-suffering-from-poor-breeding-practices/">bulldogs</a> have infant-like traits and behaviors that humans find irresistible.</p>



<p>"Infant-like traits may be present not only in appearance but also in behavior in brachycephalic breeds, eliciting caring behavior in owners," wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-issues">Health issues</h2>



<p>Pugs and French bulldogs, with their wrinkled faces and flat noses, have charmed their way into the hearts of many dog lovers</p>



<p>However, these brachycephalic breeds are also prone to severe health issues, raising questions about the seemingly paradoxical rise in their popularity.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-brachycephalic-dogs-so-popular">Why are brachycephalic dogs so popular?</h2>



<p>The term "brachycephalic" refers to breeds of dogs that have flattened faces and shortened muzzles, a result of selective breeding rather than natural evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite the known health risks, such as breathing and skin problems, these breeds have witnessed an unprecedented rise in ownership in recent years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Kennel Club reported a 2,747-percent increase in registered French Bulldogs since 2004 in the UK alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brachycephalic-paradox">The brachycephalic paradox</h2>



<p>The researchers aimed to understand the so-called "brachycephalic paradox" - why these breeds continue to gain popularity despite well-documented welfare issues, high veterinary costs, and shorter lifespans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The focus of this paper is the ‘kindchenschema’ effect (also known as the cute effect); a well-studied phenomenon in psychological research in which infantile features in images of both children and animals are regularly found to provoke positive and affectionate feelings in human observers, and to prompt careful and nurturant behaviors," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"Our aim here is to discover whether relative muzzle shortening across a range of dog breeds is linked to the key facial features known to be appealing to, and to elicit nurturant behaviors in, human observers."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Specifically, we sought to discover whether muzzle shortening in the sagittal plane of dogs’ heads (i.e. in profile) is statistically associated with known ‘kindchenschema’ features in the coronal plane (i.e. fronto-facial features such as the relative size of eyes and forehead)."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team used a unique experiment to compare 30 flat-faced dogs, including 15 English bulldogs and 15 French bulldogs, and 13 Hungarian Mudis, a breed with mid-length muzzles.</p>



<p>The dogs were presented with three boxes with different opening mechanisms, each containing a sausage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The animals had two minutes to open the boxes while both the experimenter and the owner stood out of direct sight.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Interestingly, Mudis were much more adept at solving the task, but the brachycephalic breeds were 4.5 times more likely to look back at the human observers for help.</p>



<p>This suggests that short-faced dogs have a tendency to seek out human assistance when faced with problems. As a result, the dogs may be perceived as helpless - forging a stronger bond with their owners.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-kindchenschema-effect">The kindchenschema effect</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the assistance-seeking behavior of these dogs seems to be tied to the kindchenschema effect, just as the researchers had hypothesized.</p>



<p>The experts also confirmed that the short muzzle length in brachycephalic dogs correlates with more infant-like facial proportions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basic-human-instincts">Basic human instincts</h2>



<p>Despite the public's understanding of the adverse health impacts, the study suggests that the innate human tendency to care for creatures that appear helpless or childlike may override cognitive reasoning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The behaviors of flat-faced dogs that people interpret as helplessness and help- seeking - together with childlike looks - seem to activate our basic nurturing instinct.</p>



<p>"Humans find it very difficult to cognitively override strong instinctive predispositions and still choose brachycephalic breeds, disregarding future health and welfare issues," wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paradoxical-appeal-nbsp">Paradoxical appeal&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This brings to light the ethical dilemma surrounding the demand for these breeds. While their "cute" features may be compelling, they also set the stage for a range of health problems.</p>



<p>"Recent research has indicated that many owners understand that brachycephalia can have adverse consequences for health but choose to keep such breeds anyway," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"This may be partly due to the perceived positive behavioral traits of some of these breeds, with owners’ denial of their dogs’ health problems, or with the paradoxical appeal of disabled dogs."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Either way, there is little doubt that some aspects of the appearance of brachycephalic animals is also a crucial driver of ownership."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study forces us to confront questions about responsible pet ownership and ethical breeding practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Going forward, increased awareness and education are crucial for prospective pet owners to make informed decisions that consider the well-being of these beloved animals.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-41229-8#:~:text=Owners%20might%20interpret%20these%20behaviours,eliciting%20caring%20behaviour%20in%20owners." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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Flat-faced dogs are so popular because they have childlike traits

A recent study from Eötvös Loránd University has explored the...

Goodingia varicosa

Taxonomic tree: