Not all traditions make sense. That’s true for humans, and maybe even monkeys, as we are about to learn. We humans are experts at passing down habits, rituals, and cultural quirks that don’t always have a clear purpose. 



Why do we knock on wood or toss salt over our shoulder? Half the time, we’re just copying what we’ve seen others do. 



Scientists have long wondered: do animals do this too? Can they pass along behaviors that seem… well, pointless?



Turns out, maybe they can. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capuchin-monkeys-and-baby-howlers">Capuchin monkeys and baby howlers</h2>



On a remote island in Panama, researchers spent over a year watching a group of young male capuchin monkeys do something bizarre: they started grabbing and carrying around baby howler monkeys from another species. 



This wasn't a one-off event - it happened again and again, involving five different capuchins from the same group. Even more fascinating, these are the same monkeys known for a rare tradition of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/capuchin-monkeys-use-clever-tools-to-access-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">using stone tools</a>. 



The scientists tracked how this odd “howler abduction” behavior began with one curious monkey and slowly caught on with others. 



And here's the kicker: this trend, strange as it seems, may have spread the same way their more practical tool-use habits did - through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-tolerance-helps-monkeys-pass-along-new-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social learning</a>, imitation, and the powerful pull of monkey see, monkey do.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-capuchin-baby-abduction">Studying capuchin baby abduction</h2>



Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (<a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MPI-AB</a>) and other institutions began monitoring these capuchins in Coiba National Park back in 2017.



Their camera traps were designed to capture the tool-using behaviors of the primates. But in 2022, something unexpected showed up in the footage.



“It was so weird that I went straight to my advisor’s office to ask him what it was,” remembered Zoë Goldsborough, who is conducting her dissertation at MPI-AB.



What she saw was a capuchin carrying an infant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/howler-monkeys-use-mental-maps-for-route-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">howler monkey</a>. Nothing like it had appeared before in five years of data. Curious and concerned, the researchers decided to dig deeper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-observation-of-unusual-behavior">First observation of unusual behavior</h2>



Goldsborough began reviewing the footage from every motion-triggered camera on the island. She found more than just a single instance. 



There were actually four different howler infants being carried. And in most of the clips, the carrier was the same capuchin: a young male they nicknamed “Joker.”



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/capuchin-monkey_abduction_howler-monkey-baby_credit-MPI_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/capuchin-monkey_abduction_howler-monkey-baby_credit-MPI_1s.webp" alt="A young male white-faced capuchin monkey carrying a baby howler monkey, caught by a remote camera trap on Jicarón. Credit: Brendan Barrett / Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior" class="wp-image-1970602"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A young male white-faced capuchin monkey carrying a baby howler monkey, caught by a remote camera trap on Jicarón. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Brendan Barrett / Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</figcaption></figure>



This raised new questions. How did Joker get the babies? And why was he carrying them?



“At first, we thought it could be adoption,” said Goldsborough.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cross-species-adoption">Cross-species adoption </h2>



There are rare stories of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-bonobos-adopt-infants-outside-of-their-social-group/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals adopting</a> babies of other species. In one famous case, a pair of capuchins adopted a marmoset and raised it to adulthood. 



But there was a catch. Adoption is typically done by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-monkeys-with-strong-friendships-survive-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">females</a>, often as a way to practice mothering. This made Joker’s behavior especially unusual.



“The fact that a male was the exclusive carrier of these babies was an important piece of the puzzle,” she adds.



For a while, nothing else surfaced. The team assumed it was an isolated case. Capuchins are known for trying new things, so one monkey acting oddly wasn’t too surprising.



“We’d decided that it was one individual trying something new,” said Brendan Barrett, a group leader at MPI-AB.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-capuchins-start-stealing-babies">Other capuchins start stealing babies</h2>



Five months later, the researchers hit pay dirt. The cameras captured more footage of howler infants being carried - this time by multiple monkeys. The infants were verified as separate individuals by a howler monkey expert from Ithaca College.



And now Joker had company. Four other young male capuchins were also carrying howler babies.



In a span of just 15 months, five capuchins carried a total of 11 howler infants. Each baby clung to the back or belly of its carrier. 



The monkeys didn’t change their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-the-cultural-legacy-of-wild-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily routines</a>. They kept traveling and using tools, even with a baby howler in tow.



“The complete timeline tells us a fascinating story of one individual who started a random behavior, which was taken up with increasing speed by other young males,” said Barrett.



The team documented the entire timeline on an interactive website. What emerged was a new kind of social tradition - what the researchers described as a cultural fad. 



Like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/photographer-captures-killer-whales-wearing-fish-hats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales wearing salmon hats</a> or chimpanzees sticking blades of grass in their ears, the capuchins appeared to be mimicking one another.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sad-side-of-animal-research">Sad side of animal research</h2>



But unlike other animal fads, this one had troubling consequences. The howler infants were very young - less than four weeks old. 



Their parents were seen nearby, calling to them from the trees. Four of the babies died. The researchers believe none of them survived.



"The capuchins didn’t hurt the babies,” stressed Goldsborough, “but they couldn’t provide the milk that infants need to survive.”



So what did the capuchins get out of it? Nothing obvious. They didn’t eat the infants, interact with them playfully, or receive any extra attention from others in their group.



“We don’t see any clear benefit to the capuchins,” said Goldsborough, “but we also don’t see any clear costs, although it might make tool use a little trickier.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



This may be the first recorded case of a social tradition where animals repeatedly abduct and carry the young of another species - without any benefit to themselves. 



It also shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture in animals</a> isn’t always functional or harmless.



“We show that non-human animals also have the capacity to evolve cultural traditions without clear functions but with destructive outcomes for the world around them,” commented Barrett.



This opens up a deeper question.



“The more interesting question is not ‘why did this tradition arise?’ but rather ‘why here?’”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-capuchins-innovate-out-of-boredom">Do capuchins innovate out of boredom?</h2>



These same capuchins are also the only ones known to use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/capuchin-monkeys-use-clever-tools-to-access-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a> on Jicarón Island. They crack nuts and shellfish with stones. And just like the howler-carrying behavior, this tool use is performed only by males.



Why these traditions? Why only males?



“Survival appears easy on Jicarón. There are no predators and few competitors, which gives capuchins lots of time and little to do,” said Meg Crofoot, managing director at MPI-AB.



“It seems this ‘luxurious’ life set the scene for these social animals to be innovators. This new tradition shows us that necessity need not be the mother of invention. For a highly intelligent monkey living in a safe, perhaps even under-stimulating environment, boredom and free time might be sufficient.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-on-howler-monkeys">Potential impact on howler monkeys</h2>



The camera trapping period ended in July 2023. It’s still unclear if the behavior is continuing. If it spreads or begins to impact the local howler monkey population, which is an endangered species, it could become a serious conservation issue.



“Witnessing the spread of this behavior had a profound effect on all of us,” said Crofoot. 



“We therefore feel even more responsible to keep learning from this natural population of primates who, to our knowledge, are the only ones on earth to be practicing this strange tradition.”



The story unfolding on Jicarón Island is a reminder that animals, like humans, can be deeply influenced by their peers. 



Sometimes, those influences lead to remarkable adaptations. Other times, they can lead to something far more puzzling.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0960982225003720" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Capuchin monkeys have developed a very disturbing 'social tradition' of abducting babies

Not all traditions make sense. That’s true for humans, and maybe even monkeys, as we are about to learn. We humans are experts at passing down habits, rituals, and cultural quirks that don’t always have a clear purpose. Why do we knock on wood or toss salt over our shoulder? Half the time, we’re just copying what we’ve seen others do. Scientists have long wondered: do animals do this too? Can they pass along behaviors that seem… well, pointless? Turns out, maybe they can. Capuchin monkeys and...

Key Deer Awareness Day, observed each year on March 11, is dedicated to raising awareness about a fascinating and unique species of deer found only in the Florida Keys. This particular date was selected to commemorate the moment in 1967 when Key deer were officially recognized as being endangered.



Key deer are a smaller relative of the Virginia <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-is-circulating-and-evolving-rapidly-in-white-tailed-deer/">white-tailed deer</a>, adapted to life in the isolated island environment of the Keys. The story of Key deer is one of both resilience and vulnerability, as they have faced numerous challenges over the years.



The survival of this species is threatened by an array of dangers, including poaching, habitat loss, vehicular accidents, illnesses, and climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-evolution-of-key-deer">The evolution of Key deer</h2>



Key deer have an intriguing history. It is believed that these deer migrated to the Florida Keys from the mainland thousands of years ago. This journey took place between 6,000 and 12,000 years ago when the melting of the Wisconsin Glacier abruptly raised sea levels.



This geological event transformed a once-unified peninsula into a series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/islands-are-not-evolutionary-dead-ends-for-animals/">isolated islands</a>, stranding the deer and severing their connection to their mainland cousins. Over millennia, these deer adapted to their new island homes, developing unique physical and behavioral traits to thrive in their isolated habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-account-nbsp">Historical account&nbsp;</h2>



A noteworthy historical account comes from the 1500s, when a young Spanish sailor, Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda, documented Key deer in his memoirs following a shipwreck and an extended period of captivity among Native Americans. 



Fontaneda's observations provide invaluable insights into tabundance of Key deer in the Florida Keys during that era and their role as a food source for indigenous people and explorers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brink-of-extinction">The brink of extinction</h2>



The journey of Key deer from abundance to the brink of extinction is a sobering narrative of human impact on wildlife. For centuries, unregulated hunting decimated their populations, with numbers dwindling to a mere 50 individuals by the 1940s.&nbsp;



This dire situation prompted governmental and community interventions, leading to the establishment of the National Key Deer Refuge in 1957. The refuge, located in the Lower Florida Keys, is a 100-mile stretch of islands that extends south and west from south Florida.&nbsp;



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/">protected area</a> consists of pine rockland forests, salt marsh wetlands, and mangrove forests. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge is home to more than 20 endangered and threatened plant and animal species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-road-to-recovery-for-key-deer">Road to recovery for Key deer</h2>



Subsequent conservation efforts, including stringent law enforcement against poaching, the construction of fences along roadways, and the imposition of speed limits, have been crucial for the recovery of the Key deer population.



Today, approximately 1,000 Key deer reside on Big Pine Key and No Name Keys. However, the species continues to face significant threats that jeopardize its survival. Key Deer Awareness Day serves as a platform for educating the public about the ongoing challenges faced by these deer and the importance of continued <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deer-migration-is-driven-by-springtime-vegetation-patterns/">conservation efforts</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-community-engagement">Conservation and community engagement</h2>



The story of the Key deer's decline and partial recovery highlights the critical need for sustained conservation initiatives and the role of community engagement in preserving our planet's biodiversity.&nbsp;



This day not only commemorates the past struggles of Key deer but also serves as a call to action for their future preservation. Through increased public awareness and support for conservation efforts, there is hope for Key deer to make a full recovery. 



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Key Deer Awareness Day: A story of vulnerability and resilience 

Key Deer Awareness Day, observed each year on March 11,...

At <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a>, a team of researchers led by Professor Joel Butterwick has made significant strides in understanding how insects differentiate between various types of sugars. Contrary to humans, who have one receptor for sweet tastes, insects use a complex receptor array for specific sugars.



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>, reveals deep insights into sensory capabilities in the animal kingdom and suggests new biotechnological applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-complexity-of-sugar-detection-among-insects">The complexity of sugar detection among insects</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/that-sugar-film-sugar-consumption/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sugar</a> plays a vital role in the diets of both animals and humans, serving as a crucial source of energy. However, the mechanisms behind sugar detection in insects have long puzzled scientists.



Butterwick and his team focused on a particular receptor found in silk moths, notable for its selectivity towards D-fructose. Surprisingly, despite its specificity, this receptor can bind to multiple sugars without activating, suggesting a complex mechanism at play.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activation-of-the-sugar-receptor">Activation of the sugar receptor </h2>



The investigation revealed that the receptor's activation is not solely dependent on the sugar-binding to its pocket. Instead, the activation process involves a molecular bridge within the receptor, which facilitates a shape change essential for signaling.



Through atomic-scale mapping, the team discovered that D-fructose could engage this bridge and trigger the necessary shape change. This capability is not shared by similar sugars like L-sorbose.



“What we think is interesting about that is that there are interactions happening outside of the pocket that act as a mechanism of selection,” said Butterwick. “And evolution likely works on both aspects." 



"For example, a less specific receptor than this one maybe binds more molecules or maybe its bridge is easier to activate. With multiple aspects to act upon, there are more ways for evolution to fine-tune these receptors.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-science-and-technology">Implications for science and technology</h2>



The discovery has significant implications for understanding how taste and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquitos-use-unbreakable-system-to-track-human-blood/">smell</a> guide animals in navigating their chemical environments. Furthermore, it holds promise for developing advanced biosensors that detect diseases through scent.



This technology could mimic how some dogs can identify conditions such as cancer or Parkinson's disease. While attempts to create such "electronic noses" have faced challenges, insights from this study could overcome previous obstacles by emphasizing the importance of receptor activation in addition to molecule binding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-disease-transmitting-insects">Controlling disease-transmitting insects </h2>



The team plans to study how these findings could control the feeding of disease-transmitting insects. Manipulating insect receptors could offer new ways to fight mosquito-borne diseases, underlining the research's societal benefits.



“There have been countless cases throughout history where a solved atomic structure paved the way to major discoveries,” said study lead author João Victor Gomes, a graduate student in Butterwick’s lab. 



Gomes is from Brazil, which is currently facing a severe dengue outbreak, with more than one million cases of the mosquito-borne disease registered this year alone.



“If we can modulate receptors that affect the feeding behavior of insects, perhaps we could develop better strategies against disease-transmitting mosquitoes,” said Gomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions">Future directions</h2>



In summary, Yale University's study not only sheds light on the intricate world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milkweed-bug-genome-analysis/">insect taste receptors</a> but also heralds a new era of scientific exploration and technological innovation. 



By unraveling the complexities of how insects discern sugars, the research opens the door to novel approaches in disease prevention and the design of next-generation biosensors, bridging the gap between fundamental science and practical application.



"Uncovering the mechanisms that underlie how receptors recognize various substances will help researchers understand how smell and taste enable humans and animals to decipher the chemical world," said Butterwick.



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Understanding how insects distinguish between sugars

At Yale University, a team of researchers led by Professor...

Marine biologist Greg Rouse and his team at <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U</a><a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/">C San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a> have made an exciting discovery in the ocean near Costa Rica. They found a new deep-sea worm species, Pectinereis strickrotti, thriving near a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> seep about 30 miles offshore.



The discovery, published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">P</a><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/">LoS ONE</a>, significantly enriches our understanding of deep-sea biodiversity. Interestingly, the team named the species in honor of Bruce Strickrott, whose expert piloting of the Alvin submersible proved indispensable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-ecosystem-for-a-deep-sea-worm">Unique ecosystem for a deep-sea worm </h2>



Methane seeps on the seafloor offer a habitat unlike the warmer hydrothermal vents. These areas thrive on chemical energy, bypassing the need for sunlight.



Microbes here transform methane into sustenance, supporting a complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-food-chains-threatened-by-ocean-acidification/">food web</a>. This web features mussels, crabs, and unique worms like Pectinereis strickrotti.



Since 2009, Rouse's studies have identified 48 new species in these ecosystems. This underscores their richness and critical ecological role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-to-discovery-encounters-in-the-abyss">Journey to discovery: Encounters in the abyss</h2>



The initial sighting of Pectinereis strickrotti occurred in 2009, at a depth of 1,000 meters. Aboard the Alvin, Strickrott and Rouse spotted the elusive worms. Their first attempt to get a closer look was fraught with difficulty.



However, by 2018, they succeeded. Employing a vacuum device, the team managed to collect specimens for analysis. This graceful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/three-new-species-of-glowing-sea-worms-found-in-japan/">worm</a>, likened to a living magic carpet, was subsequently named. 



It marks a significant achievement in deep-sea exploration, highlighting the collaborative effort and technological advancements necessary for such discoveries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-pectinereis-strickrotti">Characteristics of Pectinereis strickrotti</h2>



Pectinereis strickrotti stands out as an extraordinary member of the ragworm family. It resides in the deep sea and uniquely possesses gills on its parapodia - a feature that is not common among most ragworms.



The males are notable for their large tail spines, which may play a role in reproduction. Adapted to total darkness, the worm is blind, depending instead on its keen senses of smell and touch.



The species' diet and its appearance under artificial light hint at the adaptability and enduring mysteries of deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-life-100-new-sea-creatures-found-in-chile/">life</a>. This discovery not only prompts further exploration but also underscores the urgent need to protect these largely unknown ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about deep-sea worms</h2>



Deep-sea worms are fascinating creatures that inhabit the ocean's abyss, thriving in environments that are hostile and alien to most life forms. These organisms have adapted to extreme conditions found at the bottom of the ocean, including high pressure, low temperatures, and complete darkness.&nbsp;



Unlike their terrestrial counterparts, deep-sea worms exhibit a variety of unique biological adaptations that enable them to survive and flourish in such an inhospitable habitat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Extreme diet</h3>



One of the most intriguing aspects of these worms is their diet. Many deep-sea worms are detritivores, feeding on the decaying remains of plants and animals that sink to the ocean floor.&nbsp;



However, some species have developed symbiotic relationships with bacteria that allow them to utilize chemicals like hydrogen sulfide or methane, which are toxic to most other forms of life.&nbsp;



These chemicals, seeping from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ripple-effects-of-climate-change-have-created-a-new-ocean/">ocean</a> floor through hydrothermal vents or cold seeps, become a source of energy and nutrients for the worms through a process known as chemosynthesis.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Physical appearance&nbsp;</h3>



The physical appearance of deep-sea worms can be as varied as their diets. Some species are slender and elongated, perfectly adapted to burrowing into the soft sediment of the ocean bed.&nbsp;



Others might exhibit bright colors and bizarre shapes, with specialized appendages for capturing food or interacting with their environment. The giant tube worm, for example, can grow up to several meters in length and lives in a hard tubular structure that it secretes around itself for protection.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reproductive strategies&nbsp;</h3>



Reproduction in the deep sea is another area where these worms exhibit unique adaptations. Many species rely on broadcast spawning, where eggs and sperm are released into the water to meet by chance. This method increases the likelihood of fertilization in the vast and sparsely populated deep-sea environment.&nbsp;



Some deep-sea worm species have also developed hermaphroditism, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, which is another strategy to maximize reproductive success in a challenging environment.



The study of deep-sea worms is not only a quest to understand the mysteries of life in the deepest parts of the ocean but also holds potential for discovering new compounds and materials. 



These organisms' unique biochemical processes and materials adapted to extreme conditions may inspire innovations in medicine, industry, and environmental technology.



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New deep-sea worm discovered off Costa Rica

Marine biologist Greg Rouse and his team at UC San...

Have you ever wondered how humans became so skilled at various tasks? One answer lies in our ability to build upon knowledge passed down through generations, known as cumulative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/">culture</a>.&nbsp;



Now, new research suggests that passing along skills is not a talent that is unique to us. Through social learning, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-may-be-capable-of-cultural-learning/">bumblebees</a> and chimpanzees can acquire complex skills that would be difficult to master on their own.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-social-behavior">Human social behavior</h2>



Humans have an advantage over other animals because of our language, tools, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/among-songbirds-complex-vocal-learners-are-superior-problem-solvers/">problem-solving skills</a>, and ability to learn from each other across generations. Our culture, where knowledge and inventions build on each other over time, allows us to adapt and innovate in ways no other animal can.



Here's what makes human culture and learning special:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Language</h3>



We use complex language not just to talk, but also to think about abstract ideas, make plans, and teach others vast amounts of information. This lets us share ideas, feelings, and instructions in detail, allowing our culture to be richer and deeper.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tools</h3>



While other animals use tools, we're exceptional at inventing, improving, and combining them. Humans have remarkably evolved from simple stone tools to computers and space travel.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Social structures</h3>



Human societies are complex, with large groups of unrelated people working together. This is possible because of cultural norms, laws, and institutions that guide our behavior and allow large-scale cooperation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Building on knowledge</h3>



We excel at using knowledge from past generations to make even bigger advancements in science, art, and technology. The "cumulative" aspect lets us innovate quickly and live in almost any environment on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-learn-by-observation">Bees learn by observation</h2>



Scientists from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a> created a special training area where bees could learn to open a box with two steps to get a reward. 



Interestingly, bees couldn't figure out the box on their own, no matter how long they tried. But, when they watched other bees who had already been trained, they were able to learn how to open the box too.&nbsp;



This finding surprised the scientists because social learning, where individuals learn by observing others, was previously thought to be a human-exclusive trait.&nbsp;



Lead researcher Alice Bridges expressed her astonishment. "We were so surprised," she said, highlighting the significance of their observations in challenging our understanding of animal learning capabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-social-learning-in-animals">Complex social learning in animals</h2>



Alex Thornton is a professor of Cognitive Evolution at the University of Exeter who was not involved in the study. He acknowledged that it was a small sample size.



"But the point is clear - the task was exceptionally hard to learn alone, yet some bees could solve it through social learning," wrote Dr. Thornton. This suggests that the potential for complex social learning extends beyond humans to other species as well.



The researchers noted that it was the first demonstration of cumulative culture in an invertebrate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-learning-among-chimpanzees">Social learning among chimpanzees</h2>



In a similar study, scientists from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/">Utrecht University</a> investigated how chimpanzees learn new skills from each other. They studied 66 chimpanzees in two groups living in Zambia. 



The researchers put a special box with a drawer in the chimpanzees' enclosure. The box had a hole that needed to be plugged with a wooden ball to get a treat. Wooden balls were scattered around the box.



For three months, the chimpanzees could play with the box however they liked, but none of them figured out how to use it. Then, the scientists trained one chimpanzee in each group to solve the puzzle.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-skills-from-friends">Learning skills from friends</h2>



After this, other chimpanzees in the group started learning how to use the box by watching the trained chimps. In total, 14 chimpanzees learned this new trick. The scientists analyzed their observations to make sure the chimps were really learning from each other.&nbsp;



The experts found that chimps who watched the trained chimps more often were the most likely to learn the trick themselves. This suggests that chimpanzees pay attention to what their friends are doing and acquire new skills through social learning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-culture-in-animal-groups">Cumulative culture in animal groups</h2>



Animals are smarter than we thought. Scientists are learning more and more about how animals think and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pigeons-solve-problems-like-intelligent-machines/">solve problems</a> (animal intelligence). They also learn from each other (social learning), which helps them adapt to their environment without having to wait for evolution.&nbsp;



This ability to share knowledge even builds on itself over time, leading to unique traditions within animal groups (cumulative culture). New information about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/roosters-can-recognize-themselves-in-the-mirror-demonstrating-self-awareness/">animal intelligence</a>, social learning, and culture means we need to reevaluate how different humans and animals really are.&nbsp;



It turns out that learning from others, creating new things, and passing on traditions aren't exclusive to humans after all. This makes us wonder how much more there is to learn about the animal world, and highlights the importance of protecting these amazing creatures and their cultures.



The studies are published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01836-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07126-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. 



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Chimpanzees and bees are capable of complex social learning

Have you ever wondered how humans became so skilled at...

Spinosaurus,And,Deinonychus,In,The,Jungle.,This,Is,A,3d

The lifestyle and hunting strategies of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, a colossal Cretaceous-era <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/">dinosaur</a> with a distinctive sail-like spine, have long been subjects of intense scientific debate.&nbsp;



Was this massive predator, one of the largest to ever exist and notably adapted to aquatic environments, a deep-sea hunter or did it prefer to catch its prey in shallower waters near the shore?&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-habits-of-spinosaurus-aegyptiacus">Hunting habits of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus</h2>



A recent study led by a team of paleontologists at the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>, examining the bone density of this enigmatic dinosaur, delves into this question, providing new insights into the debate.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shoreline-predator-nbsp">Shoreline predator&nbsp;</h3>



The discussion around the aquatic habits of Spinosaurus reignited with the publication of a near-complete specimen in 2014, described in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.1258750?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D90780648708216300104417575982572668868%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1709806059" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a> by a UChicago-led team as possibly a shoreline predator.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underwater-predator-nbsp">Underwater predator&nbsp;</h3>



On the contrary, a 2020 <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04528-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> study proposed, based on the discovery of tall-spined tail bones, that Spinosaurus might have swum like an eel to pursue prey underwater.&nbsp;



Further support for this underwater hunting theory came in 2022, suggesting Spinosaurus used its dense bones as ballast for diving, similar to a penguin's strategy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-assessment-nbsp">Critical new assessment&nbsp;</h2>



However, the University of Chicago team, including senior author Paul Sereno and first author Nathan Myhrvold, Founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.intellectualventures.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intellectual Ventures</a>, revisited these claims in their latest work, by critically assessing the methodology used in prior studies to determine bone density and its implications for the dinosaur's lifestyle.



“We had made the thin sections of these species that were used for bone density calculations, and so we thought we would start by trying to replicate their measurements. But we encountered many factors that generated a range of values - enough to undermine the conclusions,” explained Sereno.&nbsp;



This reflects the complexity of accurately interpreting bone density in relation to aquatic capabilities, especially given the variances in modern and extinct species' bone compositions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-the-statistical-method-nbsp">Limitations of the statistical method&nbsp;</h2>



Moreover, the study scrutinized the statistical method employed in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spinosaurus-reveals-a-link-between-bone-density-and-hunting-underwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 study</a> - phylogenetic flexible discriminant analysis (pFDA) - to classify Spinosaurus's behavior. Myhrvold pointed out the limitations of this approach:&nbsp;



“Unfortunately, that technique does not work properly unless you have lots of data, you make apples-to-apples comparisons, and you check that the data meet certain statistical prerequisites. None of those requirements were met in that earlier study, so the results just didn’t hold up under reexamination.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spinosaurus-aegyptiacus-was-a-semi-aquatic-hunter">Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was a semi-aquatic hunter</h2>



The team's findings not only challenge previous interpretations but also underscore the importance of applying rigorous, consistent criteria in statistical analyses.&nbsp;



The research suggests that Spinosaurus, despite its massive size and aquatic adaptations, was likely a semi-aquatic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-marine-predator-could-float-motionless-in-the-water/">predator</a> that hunted in waters where it could remain grounded, ambushing fish with its powerful jaws and claws while avoiding deep or open water hunting.



“We think Spinosaurus, one of the largest predatory animals ever to have evolved, needed extra bone strength to support its weight on its relatively short hind limbs," explained Sereno



"Spinosaurus was able to wade into waterways more than six feet deep without floating, where it could ambush fish of any size with its claws and jaws - but all while keeping its toes firmly anchored in the mud."



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



This research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298957" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>, sheds light on the complex nature of paleontological inquiry, where new evidence and methodologies can significantly alter our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-highlight-dinosaur-diversity-in-prehistoric-patagonia/">prehistoric life</a>.&nbsp;



It also highlights the need for cautious interpretation of statistical analyses and the value of considering multiple lines of evidence when reconstructing the behaviors and lifestyles of ancient creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-spinosaurus-aegyptiacus">More about Spinosaurus aegyptiacus </h2>



Spinosaurus is one of the most intriguing and distinctive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-how-massive-dinosaurs-carried-their-weight/">dinosaurs</a> known to science, primarily due to its unique features and adaptations. Here are some key points about Spinosaurus:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-name-and-discovery">Name and discovery</h3>



The name "Spinosaurus" means "spine lizard," a reference to its most noticeable feature: the long, prominent spines extending from its vertebrae.&nbsp;



These spines could grow over 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall. Spinosaurus fossils were first discovered in Egypt in 1912 by German paleontologist Ernst Stromer, but many original fossils were destroyed during World War II, making subsequent research challenging.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h3>



Spinosaurus is believed to have been one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs, with estimates suggesting it could reach lengths of over 15 meters (49 feet) and weigh up to 20 tons.&nbsp;



Its distinctive spines, forming a "sail" on its back, might have been used for display, thermoregulation, or other functions still debated among scientists.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aquatic-lifestyle-of-spinosaurus-aegyptiacus">Aquatic lifestyle of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus</h3>



Spinosaurus is notable for its aquatic adaptations, a rarity among dinosaurs. It had a crocodile-like skull with conical teeth perfect for catching fish, and its nostrils were located high on its skull, allowing it to breathe while partially submerged.&nbsp;



Recent studies suggest it had paddle-like feet and a tail adapted for swimming, indicating it likely spent a lot of time in the water, hunting aquatic prey.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-habitat">Diet and habitat</h3>



Its diet likely consisted mainly of fish, making it one of the few known semi-aquatic, piscivorous dinosaurs.&nbsp;



Spinosaurus lived in what is now North Africa during the Cretaceous period, approximately 112 to 97 million years ago, in environments ranging from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mangroves-and-saltmarshes-are-much-better-at-storing-carbon-than-previously-believed/">mangroves</a> to river deltas, teeming with life, including various fish, sharks, and other aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures.



Spinosaurus remains a subject of active research and debate, symbolizing the ever-evolving understanding of dinosaur biology and ecology.&nbsp;



Its unique adaptations make it a standout among dinosaurs, highlighting the diverse ways in which these ancient creatures could thrive in their environments.



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Spinosaurus waded into the water to ambush fish of any size

The lifestyle and hunting strategies of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, a colossal...

Coral reefs are vital underwater ecosystems teeming with life. Yet, climate change and human actions threaten their very existence. This is cause for alarm as coral reefs provide a haven for countless <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/">marine creatures</a>.&nbsp;



Not all hope is lost. Scientists recently discovered a surprising power of coral reefs: amazing regenerative abilities. With a little assistance, restored coral reefs can bounce back in just four years, becoming vibrant once again.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-reefs-with-coral-transplants">Restoring reefs with coral transplants</h2>



The study focused on the <a href="https://www.buildingcoral.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Coral Reef Restoration Programme</a>, one of the world's largest reef restoration projects. The program restored coral reefs in two Indonesian islands. 



The restoration method involved structures called "reef stars" – hexagonal metal frames filled with sand. Each frame provides a home for 10-15 pieces of coral collected from nearby healthy reefs. These coral fragments come from several different types of branching coral naturally found in the area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-careful-maintenance-nbsp">Careful maintenance&nbsp;</h2>



The restoration process involves placing these reef stars in large groups across a designated area. But simply placing them isn't enough. To ensure the coral thrives, the frames are brushed regularly to remove algae, and any dead coral pieces are replaced.&nbsp;



This careful maintenance is especially important in the first few months after the coral is transplanted, giving it the best chance to grow and establish itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbonate-budget-of-restored-coral-reefs">Carbonate budget of restored coral reefs</h2>



Scientists studied how well restored coral reefs were doing by looking at their "carbonate budget." This refers to the balance between how much calcium carbonate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/">reef</a> is making and how much it's losing. 



Calcium carbonate is a building block for corals, and a healthy reef will be making more of it than it's losing.



“Corals constantly add calcium carbonate to the reef framework while some fishes and sea urchins erode it away, so calculating the overall carbonate budget basically tells you if the reef as a whole is growing or shrinking,” noted study lead author Dr. Ines Lange from the University of Exeter.&nbsp;



Four years after the restoration efforts began, the reefs were doing much better. They had more coral, were more complex, and were building calcium carbonate at a similar rate to healthy reefs.&nbsp;



“We found that restored coral reefs can grow at the same speed as healthy coral reefs just four years after coral transplantation. This means that they provide lots of habitat for marine life and efficiently protect the adjacent island from wave energy and erosion,” said Dr. Lange.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoration-challenges">Restoration challenges</h2>



Coral restoration projects often use fast-growing branching corals because they help reefs recover quickly. However, these corals are also more likely to die from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-known-coral-reef-bleaching-discovered-alarming-scientists/">bleaching</a> caused by rising water temperatures. This could make the restored reefs weaker in the long run.



While branching corals create good homes for fish and other sea creatures, researchers worry that relying on them too much might be risky. They recommend using a wider variety of coral types during restoration, similar to what's found on healthy reefs.&nbsp;



This mix would include massive, encrusting, and plating corals, which are all better at surviving bleaching events.



The researchers also express that there's no single perfect way to restore reefs. The best approach will depend on the specific location, the types of coral available, and how well the surrounding environment is protected.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-coral-reef-restoration">Future of coral reef restoration</h2>



The study has demonstrated that actively restoring reefs by transplanting coral can significantly improve their health.&nbsp;



“This is a really encouraging discovery. If we can maintain climate conditions that allow for coral survival, it’s possible to restore even very damaged reefs back to healthy, functional systems within relatively short periods of time,” noted Dr. Tim Lamont of Lancaster University.



The study is a wake-up call. We can revive our coral reefs, but we must act swiftly. By implementing a multi-pronged approach of restoration, environmental protection, and climate change action, we can ensure the future of these underwater wonders.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.009" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Restored coral reefs can bounce back in just four years

Coral reefs are vital underwater ecosystems teeming with life. Yet,...

Deep in the rainforest, monkeys are known for their lively social interactions. But a new study reveals a worrying trend: when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-threatens-the-future-of-8-in-10-lizards/">deforestation</a> disrupts their habitat, monkeys are forced to change their social behaviors in order to survive.



"One trend we're seeing with primates worldwide is that when their forests are cut down, they're either able to adapt in some way, or their population declines," explained Dr. Laura Bolt, a primatologist at the <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto Mississauga</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkey-behavior-changes">Monkey behavior changes</h2>



One might wonder, why focus on monkey social behavior? Much like humans, monkeys are social creatures and their interactions are important for survival, learning, and social structures.&nbsp;



Since changes in their environment may impact these interactions, the researchers studied how monkeys adapt to living near forest edges caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-primates-human-activities/">human activities</a>.&nbsp;



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



The study took place in Costa Rica at La Suerte Biological Research Station. Scientists observed three monkey species – spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and howler monkeys – from 2017 to 2023.&nbsp;



The team documented the monkeys’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monkeys-practice-social-distancing-when-they-have-an-infection/">social behaviors</a>, such as grooming, playing, and communication, both deep inside the forest and near the edges. The aim was to see if the monkeys behaved differently in the natural forest interior compared to the disturbed edge zones.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spider-monkey-behavior-changes-nbsp">Spider monkey behavior changes&nbsp;</h2>



Spider monkeys played and groomed each other less often in the edge areas compared to the deeper parts of the forest. This difference suggests the monkeys might not feel as safe or comfortable socializing on the edges.



The researchers speculate that the monkeys are saving energy in these harsher edge areas. This could be because there's less food or because there are more dangers around, like predators or people.&nbsp;



The forest edge is closer to humans, so it might not be as good of a habitat as the inner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monkeys-tropical-forests-life/">forest</a>. There is likely less food and fewer big trees for the monkeys to swing through and hide in.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spider-monkeys-prefer-the-inner-forest-nbsp">Spider monkeys prefer the inner forest&nbsp;</h2>



Another thought is that spider monkeys just prefer the thicker, inner parts of the forest for socializing. They might feel safer moving around high up in the tree canopy, away from the trouble and dangers at the forest edge.&nbsp;



The canopy is like a 3D maze of branches that the monkeys can swing through easily. It also has fruit trees, making it a great place to hang out with friends and share food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-changes-in-capuchins-nbsp">Behavior changes in capuchins&nbsp;</h2>



The experts found that white-faced capuchin monkeys engaged in behavior that wouldn't draw attention to themselves. These monkeys fought and vocalized less often while living along the forest edge.



Capuchins eat a variety of foods, so they might be able to find more to eat at the forest edge, which could affect how they interact with each other. Also, being quieter and less aggressive might help them avoid predators in these open areas.&nbsp;



"If they're in an area with smaller trees, where it's easier for predators to see them, they're especially vulnerable," said Dr. Bolt. "It makes sense that the capuchins would try to avoid getting eaten, essentially."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-howler-monkey-behavior-remained-the-same">Howler monkey behavior remained the same</h2>



Unlike the other monkeys, howler monkeys behaved the same way in both the center of the forest and at the edges.&nbsp;



This could mean that howler monkeys are very adaptable and can handle these changes well. Or, it might be that they can't adjust their behavior very easily to new situations.



Howler monkeys mostly eat leaves, which are easy to find even in disturbed areas. This flexible diet might be why they act the same way regardless of their surroundings.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-concern-for-howler-monkeys-nbsp">Long-term concern for howler monkeys&nbsp;</h2>



The study suggests that howler monkeys might do well in damaged forests without changing how they interact with each other. Unfortunately, this stability could also mean they have trouble adapting to environments that change quickly or become badly damaged.&nbsp;



"This could be a concern long-term for howler monkeys. They might be only capable of living one way and then they persist until suddenly, they die out because they're not able to cope," said Dr. Bolt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkey-social-behavior-and-conservation">Monkey social behavior and conservation</h2>



Dr. Bolt's research helps us understand how well monkeys can cope with change. This knowledge allows us to pinpoint which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-driving-tree-dwelling-primates-to-the-ground/">primates</a> are most at risk from fragmented forests and how changes in their natural behavior might affect their survival.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"Understanding how species behave is a way of better understanding them, and better understanding how to conserve them," said Dr. Bolt.



The study is published in the<a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.23610" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> American Journal of Primatology</a>. 



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Deforestation changes social behavior in monkeys

Deep in the rainforest, monkeys are known for their lively...

Birds in the modern world don't have teeth. However, in the past, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chinese-fossil-provides-a-new-glimpse-into-early-bird-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">they did</a>. This begs the question: when did toothless birds evolve, and how? A recent study published in Cretaceous Research introduces Imparavis attenboroughi, the first bird of its kind to evolve toothless-ness. 



Also known as “Attenborough’s strange bird.” This incredibly important <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Attenboroughs-strange-bird_Imparavis-attenboroughi_credit_Ville-Sinkkonen_1big.webp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil bird discovery</a> was named in tribute to Sir David Attenborough, marking a pivotal moment in avian evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-enigma-of-toothless-birds">Evolutionary enigma of toothless birds</h2>



Birds today are known for their beak diversity, adapted to an array of diets and habitats, yet none possess teeth. This wasn't always the case, as their early ancestors sported beaks brimming with teeth. 



Imparavis attenboroughi stands out as a fascinating anomaly, being the first known species to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mountains-influence-bird-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolve</a> toothlessness, a trait that predates previous estimates by nearly 50 million years.



Sir David Attenborough, reflecting on this homage. “It is a great honour to have one’s name attached to a fossil, particularly one as spectacular and important as this. It seems the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-known-bird-footprints-discovered-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history of birds</a> is more complex than we knew,” says Attenborough. 



His response underscores the intricate tapestry of life that continues to unravel through paleontological research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enantiornithines-and-the-tree-of-life">Enantiornithines and the tree of Life</h2>



Imparavis attenboroughi belonged to the enantiornithines, a group once flourishing across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-birds-switched-from-dinosaur-diets-to-eating-leaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric skies</a>, yet mysteriously extinct by the end of the Cretaceous period. These "opposite birds," so-called for their unique shoulder anatomy, represent a diverse lineage that provides insights into the evolutionary journey from dinosaurs to the birds we see today. 



Alex Clark, a Ph.D. student at the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> and the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a>, and the paper’s corresponding author, captures the imagination with a vivid depiction of encountering these creatures in ancient China.



“Enantiornithines are very weird. Most of them had teeth and still had clawed digits. If you were to go back in time 120 million years in northeastern China and walk around, you might have seen something that looked like a robin or a cardinal, but then it would open its mouth, and it would be filled with teeth, and it would raise its wing, and you would realize that it had little fingers,” explained Clark.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-toothless-birds">Significance of toothless birds</h2>



The revelation that Imparavis was toothless offers a fresh perspective on the adaptive strategies of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-birds-brains-evolved-to-enable-them-to-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient birds</a>. Clark elaborates on the implications of this discovery, noting the earlier onset of edentulism in enantiornithines than previously thought. 



“Scientists previously thought that the first record of toothlessness in this group was about 72 million years ago, in the late Cretaceous. This little guy, Imparavis, pushes that back by about 48 to 50 million years. So toothlessness, or edentulism, evolved much earlier in this group than we thought,” says Clark.



This adaptation may have influenced dietary habits, foraging behaviors, and perhaps even flight dynamics.



Jingmai O’Connor, Clark’s advisor and a co-author of the study, initially drawn to the fossil's unique forelimb structure, spearheaded the research that confirmed the specimen as a new species. This collaborative effort, involving international researchers, underscores the importance of global scientific partnerships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-toothlessness-tells-us-about-ancient-bird-life">What toothlessness tells us about ancient bird life</h2>



Beyond its historical significance, the study of Imparavis attenboroughi and its relatives has contemporary relevance. O’Connor emphasizes the critical insights these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-bird-feathers-contain-traces-of-dinosaur-feathers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient birds</a> provide into the current biodiversity crisis, echoing Attenborough’s message on the urgency of addressing human-induced mass extinction. 



“I think what drew me to the specimen wasn’t its lack of teeth -- it was its forelimbs,” says O’Connor. “It had a giant bicipital crest -- a bony process jutting out at the top of the upper arm bone, where muscles attach. I’d seen crests like that in Late Cretaceous birds, but not in the Early Cretaceous like this one. That’s when I first suspected it might be a new species.”



Understanding the factors that led to the survival of some species while others perished can inform conservation strategies in our present context.



“I like to think of these guys kind of acting like modern robins. They can perch in trees just fine, but for the most part, you see them foraging on the ground, hopping around and walking,” says Clark.



“It seems like most enantiornithines were pretty arboreal, but the differences in the forelimb structure of Imparavis suggests that even though it's still probably lived in the trees, it maybe ventured down to the ground to feed, and that might mean it had a unique diet compared to other enantiornithines, which also might explain why it lost its teeth,” says O’Connor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-future-biodiversity-conservation">Implications for future biodiversity conservation</h2>



Clark and O’Connor’s work not only contributes to our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-prehistoric-bird-had-a-tongue-as-long-as-its-head/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian evolution</a> but also celebrates the influential role of Sir David Attenborough in inspiring generations of scientists. Their research serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of preserving our planet’s biodiversity for future generations.



In summary, the discovery of Imparavis attenboroughi marks a significant leap in our understanding of avian evolution, revealing the early emergence of toothless birds and providing insights into the rich tapestry of life that existed millions of years ago. 



This research, celebrating Sir David Attenborough's legacy, deepens our comprehension of the intricate evolutionary paths that led to the birds we observe today while underscoring the importance of paleontology in addressing contemporary environmental challenges. 



By examining the past, we unlock valuable lessons on survival, adaptation, and biodiversity, offering a beacon of hope and a call to action to conserve the delicate balance of life on our planet for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195667124000405?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous Research</a>.



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Attenborough’s 'strange bird' was the first known species of toothless birds

Birds in the modern world don't have teeth. However, in...

Many of the animals we love, from playful penguins to majestic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-are-forest-gardeners-that-help-reduce-global-warming/">elephants</a>, could disappear because of climate change. It's not something just for scientists to worry about -- it's a real threat. 



A new study by <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford University</a> examined fossils of sea creatures to identify which animals are most at risk of extinction as the Earth's climate keeps changing.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-extinction-patterns-from-the-fossil-record">Animal extinction patterns from the fossil record</h2>



The research team analyzed fossil records spanning a staggering 485 million years. They focused on creatures that lived in the ocean with hard shells, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-urchins-can-tolerate-hot-acidic-ocean-water/">sea urchins</a> and clams.&nbsp;



The experts looked at over a quarter of a million fossils from more than 9,200 different types of these creatures. They wanted to find out what makes some species more likely to survive than others.&nbsp;



The researchers were interested in factors that hadn't been considered before, like what temperature the creatures preferred to live in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-in-extreme-habitats-are-most-vulnerable-nbsp">Species in extreme habitats are most vulnerable&nbsp;</h2>



The results showed that the bigger the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-can-flip-forests-from-carbon-sinks-to-carbon-sources/">temperature fluctuations</a>, the more danger species were in. This was especially true if the temperature changed more than 44.6°F (7°C) over a long period. The study suggests that rapid climate change disrupts the balance of nature, making it harder for species to survive.



The experts also found that animals living in very hot or cold places, like the poles, are in more danger from climate change. These areas experience bigger climate swings, making it even harder for species that are already used to harsh conditions.&nbsp;



As climate change gets worse, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/">extreme habitats</a> change quickly, which is even more dangerous for the species that live there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-important-predictors-of-animal-extinction-nbsp">Important predictors of animal extinction&nbsp;</h2>



“Our study revealed that geographic range was the strongest predictor of extinction risk for marine invertebrates, but that the magnitude of climate change is also an important predictor of extinction, which has implications for biodiversity today in the face of climate change,” explained lead author Cooper Malanoski from Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford.



Animals that can only survive in a very specific temperature range face the greatest risk of extinction. The study revealed that species in areas where the temperature only changed by 59°F (15°C) or less were much more likely to die out.&nbsp;



This shows how dangerous climate change is for species that need a very specific environment to survive. Even small changes in temperature can lead to their population shrinking or them dying out completely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-animals-face-higher-extinction-risk">Small animals face higher extinction risk</h2>



The size of an animal can affect its chances of surviving and reproducing. The researchers concluded that smaller animals are more likely to die out entirely. This isn't new - scientists have known for a while that smaller creatures have a harder time dealing with changes in their environment.



There are a few reasons for this. First, small animals burn energy quickly compared to their size. They need more food to survive, so any changes that make food harder to find hurt them more.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Also, small animals tend to live for a shorter time and have more babies quickly. While this can help their population grow fast, it can also make them more vulnerable to problems that reduce their numbers.



Another issue is that small animals often can't travel far. This makes it hard for them to find new homes if their current one gets messed up, or to escape from danger. If their habitat becomes fragmented, or they get separated from each other, they're more likely to die out completely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-in-a-changing-climate">Conservation in a changing climate</h2>



The study provides valuable insights for protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fireworks-can-have-long-lasting-impacts-on-wildlife/">wildlife</a> in a warming world. Knowing which creatures are most at risk is crucial for planning conservation efforts as climate change worsens.&nbsp;



By pinpointing the most vulnerable species, conservationists can focus their efforts and get the most out of limited resources, increasing the chances of preserving biodiversity despite environmental challenges.



The study emphasizes the importance of specific actions to lessen climate change's harm on wildlife. This might involve restoring habitats, reintroducing species to areas they once lived in, or creating protected zones for safety.&nbsp;



In some cases, more drastic measures may be needed, such as helping species move to new homes better suited to the changing climate.



Finally, the research highlights the need for collaboration between scientists, government officials, and conservation groups. By combining their expertise, they can develop creative solutions and implement evidence-based conservation plans that consider the specific needs of different species and ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj5763" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Animal extinction risk is heavily influenced by climate change

Many of the animals we love, from playful penguins to...

In the vast expanses of the Southern Great Plains, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lead-ammunition-is-a-silent-threat-to-bald-eagle-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bald eagles</a>, known predominantly for their fish diet, are observed in a surprising new role: hunting prairie dogs over grasslands. 



A breakthrough study led by Courtney Duchardt of <a href="https://go.okstate.edu/undergraduate-academics/majors/natural-resource-ecology-and-management.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oklahoma State University</a>'s Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management sheds light on this unexpected behavior. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prairie-dogs-and-the-dietary-habits-of-eagles">Prairie dogs and the dietary habits of eagles</h2>



Their research highlights the critical role prairie dogs play as a food source for not just bald eagles but also other raptor species during the winter months.



Titled “Overwintering Raptor Abundance and Community Composition in Relation to Prairie Dog Colonies in the Southern Great Plains,” Duchardt's paper is a pioneering investigation into the dynamics between prairie dogs and their aerial predators. 



It uncovers a crucial trophic interaction that bears significant implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-and-bald-eagles-can-coexist-peacefully/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raptor conservation</a>, especially in the context of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effect-of-vanishing-grasslands-on-raptors">Ripple effect of vanishing grasslands on raptors</h2>



Grasslands in North America have dramatically declined since the 1970s, leading to a staggering 53% reduction in grassland bird populations since the 1990s. 



This loss highlights the intricate link between the health of grassland ecosystems and bird populations. Raptors, requiring large areas for their habitat, face particularly severe consequences due to this degradation.



Duchardt and her team conducted extensive winter road surveys from 1998 to 2002 across several states, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and the Mexican state of Chihuahua. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-raptor-wintering-habits">Understanding raptor wintering habits</h2>



Their findings revealed that nine raptor species, notably including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bald-eagles-are-threatened-by-avian-influenza/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bald eagles</a> and rough-legged hawks, were frequently found near prairie dog colonies. 



Despite not commonly encountering prairie dogs in their breeding territories, these raptors seem to gravitate towards prairie dogs as a reliable food source during the winter, drawn by the "perfectly sized raptor-snacks," as Duchardt describes.



The study also addresses concerns about the impact of climate change on prairie dog populations, which could, in turn, affect raptor feeding patterns. Changes in climate norms have already exacerbated the occurrence of plague among prairie dogs, potentially diminishing their availability as a prey source. 



This scarcity could force raptors to expand their search for food, exposing them to increased risks, such as collisions with wind turbines -- a notable hazard for species like golden eagles and ferruginous hawks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-prairie-dog-colonies-from-eagles">Protecting prairie dog colonies from eagles</h2>



Given these findings, Duchardt advocates for the protection of prairie dog colonies as a crucial step towards supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-are-a-greater-threat-to-wildlife-than-climate-change-or-anything-else/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raptor populations</a>. However, she acknowledges the political challenges involved, given the contentious view of prairie dogs as pests in many regions. 



Despite these conflicts, Duchardt emphasizes the keystone role of prairie dogs in ecosystems, underscoring the necessity of considering prairie dog management in raptor conservation strategies.



Raptors serve as bioindicators, reflecting the overall health of their habitats. Their top-predator status is essential for maintaining ecosystem balance. Duchardt suggests that sustainable ranching practices, mimicking the natural coexistence of wildlife and grazing bison, could offer a path forward. 



By leveraging innovative management approaches and raising public awareness about the importance of both prairie dogs and raptors, she remains hopeful for a solution that reconciles human and wildlife needs, ensuring that bald eagles and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-raptors-adapt-well-to-growing-cities-but-others-are-struggling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raptors</a> can continue to rely on prairie dogs as a food source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eagles-prairie-dogs-and-the-future-of-the-plains">Eagles, prairie dogs, and the future of the plains</h2>



In summary, Courtney Duchardt's study underscores the vital importance of prairie dogs in the diet of wintering raptors across the Southern Great Plains, including the iconic bald eagle. 



By revealing the unexpected dependency of these majestic birds on prairie dog colonies, her study challenges our perceptions and highlights the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies. 



Protecting prairie dog habitats emerges as a critical step towards ensuring the survival and health of raptor populations, especially in the face of the mounting threats posed by habitat loss and climate change. 



Through innovative management and public education, we can forge a sustainable coexistence between human activities and the natural world, safeguarding these vital ecological interactions for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-prairie-dogs">More about prairie dogs</h2>



As discussed above, prairie dogs, small, burrowing rodents found in the grasslands of North America, play a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats. 



Despite their name, they are not dogs but are related to squirrels. These social animals live in large colonies or "towns," creating complex underground burrows that serve as a hub for activity and protection.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-impact">Ecological impact</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-architects-of-the-prairie">Architects of the Prairie</h4>



Prairie dogs significantly influence their environment. Their digging activities aerate the soil, increasing its ability to absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. This not only prevents erosion but also promotes the growth of a variety of plant species. The diversity of vegetation supports the overall health of the prairie ecosystem, providing food and habitat for numerous other species.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keystone-species">Keystone Species</h4>



As a keystone species, prairie dogs have a disproportionate effect on their ecosystem relative to their abundance. Their presence supports a wide array of wildlife, including predators like hawks and eagles, which rely on prairie dogs as a food source. Additionally, their burrows offer shelter for other animals, such as burrowing owls, rabbits, and snakes, demonstrating the intricate connections within prairie ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prairie-dog-threats-from-eagles-and-conservation-challenges">Prairie dog threats from eagles and conservation challenges</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facing-adversity">Facing Adversity</h4>



Prairie dogs face numerous threats, including habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development. Disease, particularly plague, also significantly impacts their populations. Furthermore, they are often viewed as pests by farmers and ranchers because they can compete with livestock for forage. This perception has led to efforts to eradicate them, further endangering their colonies.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts">Conservation Efforts</h4>



Recognizing the crucial role of prairie dogs in grassland ecosystems, conservationists are advocating for their protection. Efforts include habitat restoration, disease management programs, and public education campaigns to shift perceptions of prairie dogs from pests to essential contributors to their environments. 



Acknowledging and addressing the challenges they face through targeted conservation efforts is essential for ensuring that prairie dogs and the diverse ecosystems they support continue to thrive for generations to come.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-raptor-research/volume-58/issue-1/JRR-22-119/Overwintering-Raptor-Abundance-and-Community-Composition-in-Relation-to-Prairie/10.3356/JRR-22-119.short" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Raptor Research</a>.



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Bald eagles don’t only eat fish, as prairie dogs will attest

In the vast expanses of the Southern Great Plains, bald...

Recent research highlights the intricate social dynamics and friendships exhibited by group-living animals, including mutual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-live-longer-and-happier-lives-when-they-get-to-socialize-often/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aid and cooperation</a>, which have captivated biologists for decades. 



The evolution of these social bonds, often compared to human friendships marked by acts of kindness such as sharing food, has been a hot topic of debate among scientists. This particular study was led by experts from <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a> and the <a href="https://www.unine.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Neuchâtel</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-take-on-animal-cooperation">A new take on animal cooperation</h2>



Historically, the study of animal cooperation has leveraged game theory, focusing on reciprocity -- the idea that animals help those who have helped them. Despite over fifty years of research, existing models based on strict, immediate reciprocity have fallen short in explaining the nuanced reality of these social interactions.



The new study proposes a revolutionary model that mirrors more accurately the gradual formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-bonds-are-more-advantageous-for-long-lived-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social bonds</a> observed in nature. Researchers found that friendships evolve over time, strengthening as individuals engage in mutual aid and shared experiences. 



These bonds, which can develop in both small and large groups, hinge on the opportunity for meaningful interactions within smaller subunits of the group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-reciprocity-complexity-of-animal-friendships">Beyond reciprocity: Complexity of animal friendships</h2>



One of the most striking findings of this research is the proactive nature of group members in welcoming newcomers. The study suggests that group members do not only work to maintain existing relationships but also actively seek to establish new ones, thereby enhancing the group's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sheep-bond-after-sharing-stressful-experiences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social fabric</a>. 



This challenges previous assumptions that new friendships form slowly, underscoring the dynamic and inclusive nature of animal social networks.



Professor Emeritus Olof Leimar of Stockholm University’s Department of Zoology, one of the lead researchers, emphasizes the importance of this discovery. 



“How group members interact with new individuals is much discussed, and recently the idea that friendships with new individuals will develop only very slowly has been emphasized. Our analysis suggests that this need not be the case”, says Leimar. 



“In fact, in the original discussions of the evolution of helping, the possibility that group members actively attempt to develop new friendships was put forward, and our analysis agrees with this,” Leimar adds. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-social-bonds-in-animal-groups">Developing social bonds in animal groups</h2>



Drawing parallels to the one-sided yet mutual relationship between mothers and their offspring, and supported by observed behaviors like food sharing among vampire bats, this study offers a robust theoretical foundation for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-have-healthier-lives-when-owners-acknowledge-their-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social bond</a> dynamics in animal groups. 



The findings not only provide a novel perspective on the evolution of helping behaviors but also encourage further exploration into how social ties are initiated and evolve across different species.



Professor Leimar expresses optimism about the impact of their work, stating, "We hope that our results will inspire biologists to further investigate the dynamics of social bonds in different group-living species, including studies on how new bonds are formed." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-circles-and-animal-friendships-in-nature">Social circles and animal friendships in nature</h2>



In summary, this intriguing study upends our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prairie-voles-can-form-bonds-without-oxytocin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social bonds</a> and cooperative behavior in group-living animals. By challenging the traditional models of reciprocity and unveiling a more nuanced view of friendship evolution, the researchers offer a compelling explanation for the dynamics of animal social networks. 



Their findings, emphasizing the gradual development of social bonds and the proactive inclusion of new group members, enriches our comprehension of animal societies gives new direction for exploring the complex interplay of relationships in the animal kingdom. 



This research underscores the importance of social cohesion and paves the way for future studies to further unravel the mysteries of animal behavior and evolution.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2317736121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Animal friendships and social bonds evolve over time as they do with humans

Recent research highlights the intricate social dynamics and friendships exhibited...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.uib.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Balearic Islands</a> and <a href="https://www.uu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppsala University</a> offers significant insights into the biodiversity and distribution of marine sponges, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, around the Balearic Islands. 



The discovery of new sponge <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-sponges-play-a-critical-role-in-the-ocean-and-they-are-rapidly-vanishing/">species</a> and new records in previously unexplored habitats, such as underwater caves and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cold-water-corals-build-mountains-to-battle-climate-change/">mountains</a>, underscores the importance of these ecosystems and the need for their protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limited-knowledge-of-marine-sponges">Limited knowledge of marine sponges</h2>



“The sponge fauna of the Western Mediterranean stands as one of the most studied in the world. Yet sampling new habitats and a poorly studied region like the Balearic Islands highlights once again our limited knowledge of this group of animals,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



“This work focused on demosponges of the order Tetractinellida collected in several research surveys (2016–2021) on a variety of ecosystems of the Balearic Islands, including shallow caves, seamounts, and trawl fishing grounds, in a broad depth range (0–725 m). Tetractinellid material from the North Atlantic and more than twenty type specimens were also examined and, for some, re-described in this work.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safeguarding-marine-habitats">Safeguarding marine habitats</h2>



The research highlights the ecological significance of the Mallorca channel seamounts and littoral caves, urging for their conservation, particularly advocating for the inclusion of underwater mountains within the <a href="https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/biodiversity/natura-2000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natura 2000 Protected Areas Network</a>. 



This is a crucial step towards acknowledging and safeguarding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-biodiversity-could-shift-rapidly-due-to-climate-change/">biodiversity</a> and ecological roles of these habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploration-of-new-habitats-nbsp">Exploration of new habitats&nbsp;</h2>



Marine sponges play a pivotal role in their ecosystems, filtering large volumes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-time-capsules-seawater-holds-secrets-of-ancient-earth/">seawater</a> to feed on bacteria and other microscopic organisms.&nbsp;



Despite the known diversity of over 9,600 sponge species worldwide, many areas remain unexplored, and the Western Mediterranean's sponge fauna, one of the most studied, continues to reveal new species upon exploration of new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-thrive-in-restored-habitats-near-solar-energy-facilities/">habitats</a>.



These findings, achieved through exhaustive sampling from shallow underwater caves to deep-sea fishing grounds and seamounts up to depths of 1,000 meters, are remarkable.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-naming-the-new-sponges">Naming the new sponges</h2>



Focusing on the tetractinellid sponges, the team discovered eight new species and significantly expanded the known diversity in the Balearic region from 16 to 36 tetractinellid species.&nbsp;



The naming of new species, such as Stelletta mortarium and Geodia matrix, honors both traditional cultural references and contributions of prominent scientists in the field of sponge research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications">Broader implications</h2>



This study - published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16584">PeerJ</a> - not only broadens our understanding of marine sponge diversity and distribution but also emphasizes the critical need for marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildlife-conservation-can-help-stabilize-the-climate/">conservation</a> efforts to protect these complex and valuable ecosystems.&nbsp;



The research highlights the continuous surprises the ocean holds and the importance of scientific exploration in uncovering the mysteries of the underwater world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-marine-sponges">More about marine sponges</h2>



Marine sponges, belonging to the phylum Porifera, are simple, multicellular organisms found in marine environments around the world, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea.&nbsp;



They are one of the oldest known groups of animals, with a fossil record dating back to approximately 600 million years ago.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-porous-bodies-nbsp">Porous bodies&nbsp;</h3>



Sponges are characterized by their porous bodies and a unique feeding system. Unlike other animals, they do not have nervous, digestive, or circulatory systems. 



Instead, they rely on a constant flow of water through their bodies to obtain nutrients and oxygen and to remove waste.



The body of a sponge is full of pores and channels, allowing water to circulate through it. This circulation is driven by specialized cells called choanocytes, which have flagella that beat to draw water in.&nbsp;



As water passes through the sponge's body, food particles and oxygen are trapped and absorbed, while waste products are expelled.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-diversity-nbsp">Remarkable diversity&nbsp;</h3>



Sponges exhibit a remarkable variety of forms, colors, and sizes. They can be encrusting, forming thin sheets over surfaces, or can be massive, branching, or tube-shaped.&nbsp;



Their structural framework is supported by a skeleton made of spicules, which are tiny, spike-shaped particles made of silica or calcium carbonate, and/or spongin, a flexible protein fiber.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role">Ecological role</h3>



Sponges play vital roles in their ecosystems. They are key players in nutrient cycling and water filtration, significantly impacting the clarity and quality of marine waters.&nbsp;



Additionally, sponges provide habitats for a multitude of other marine organisms, contributing to the biodiversity of marine ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-research-nbsp">Medical research&nbsp;</h3>



Furthermore, sponges have become a focus of research due to their production of a wide range of bioactive compounds.&nbsp;



These compounds have potential applications in medicine, including antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties, leading to increased interest in sponge biology and ecology for biotechnological and pharmaceutical purposes.



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New sponges discovered in unexplored deep-sea habitats

A new study led by the University of Balearic Islands...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

How does salt makes things taste better?

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Santiago, Chile in South America

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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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