New species of ancient bony fish discovered in South Africa

Introduction Recent research by Robert Gess, of Rhodes University's Albany Museum and Geology Department, and Per Ahlberg, of Uppsala University, has identified a newly discovered species of tristichopterid fish. This ancient bony fish, an extinct form of lobe-finned fish, was first discovered in South Africa and has since been studied and published in PLOS ONE. In this article, we will take a closer look at the discovery and implications of their research. What is a Tristichopterid? A tristichopterid is an ancient bony fish that evolved in the Devonian period. This lobe-finned fish is believed to have had a similar structure to the skeletal system of tetrapods, which are land animals with four limbs, such as reptiles, birds, and mammals. Tristichopterids, however, were aquatic animals and were distinguished by their lobed fins and girdles, as well as their heavy armor. Analysis of the Fossil Specimen Robert Gess and Per Ahlberg conducted a thorough analysis of the fossil specimen in order to identify the species. They used a combination of morphological analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and CT scans to obtain a comprehensive study of the fossil. Through these methods, they were able to accurately identify the specimen as a new species of tristichopterid and give it the name Tristichopterus palaeoplethys. Implications of the Discovery The discovery of this new species of tristichopterid is an important contribution to the field of paleontology. Not only does it fill in some of the gaps in our understanding of the ancient bony fish, but it also adds to the evidence that tristichopterids were closely related to the early land-dwelling tetrapods. This discovery could potentially provide further insight into the evolution of tetrapods and the transition from water to land. Conclusion The recent discovery of the new species of tristichopterid is a milestone in the field of paleontology. Robert Gess and Per Ahlberg were able to accurately identify the fossil specimen as a new species of tristichopterid, giving it the name Tristichopterus palaeoplethys. Through their research, they were also able to provide further evidence of the close relationship between tristichopterids and the earliest land-dwelling tetrapods. This discovery could potentially be a major contribution to our understanding of the evolution of tetrapods and the transition from water to land.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/new-species-of-ancient-bony-fish-discovered-in-south-africa

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Tracking how magnetism affects animal behavior

Introduction For over fifty years, scientists have been intrigued by the mysterious connection between animals and the Earth's magnetic field. Animals ranging from birds to whales have long been observed to use the Earth's magnetic field to navigate, mate, and hunt. Despite decades of research, the exact nature of this 'magnetic sense' remains elusive. In this article, we'll explore the evidence for animal magnetoreceptors, the current hypotheses about how and why animals use the Earth's magnetic field, and how further research might lead to better understanding of animal navigational capabilities. The Evidence for Magnetic Sense in Animals The evidence for magnetoreceptors in animals dates back over fifty years, with multiple studies demonstrating that animals of all sizes and shapes can detect the Earth's magnetic field. These studies have observed migratory birds and fish navigating along specific pathways that allow them to travel to specific feeding grounds, and turtles and even whales orienting themselves in response to the Earth's magnetic field. In the laboratory, cockroaches, ants and bees have been found to turn and travel in response to magnetically-induced cues. Moreover, researchers have identified several distinct types of magnets animals use to sense the Earth’s magnetic field. These include magnetite-containing structures similar to those found in humans, such as detector cells in the eyes of pigeons, or magnetite-containing structures in the noses of sharks and rays. Moreover, some animals, including insects, are believed to have magnets with different biological functions which do not depend on the Earth’s magnetic field. For example, the neurons of locusts can be questioned with the Earth's magnetic field to register the intensity of light. How and Why Animals Use the Magnetic Field The exact method by which animals use the Earth's magnetic field remains a mystery, but the current hypotheses focus on the role of magnetoreceptors. Magnetoreceptors allow animals to detect changes in the Earth's magnetic field, in turn allowing them to orient themselves by comparing the direction of the field to their internal sense of direction. This allows them to navigate to specific locations with remarkable accuracy. The exact purpose of this behavior remains a mystery, though several hypotheses have been proposed. Magnetoreception could allow animals to navigate to specific areas, as has been observed in migratory birds and fish. Conversely, it may help them avoid dangerous areas, as has been suggested by studies of turtles avoiding areas with high levels of toxic chemicals. Ultimately, the purpose of magnetoreception in animals remains unknown, but further research may help determine its role in animal behavior. Conclusion The current evidence for magnetoreceptors in animals is compelling, indicating that animals of all sizes and shapes can detect the Earth's magnetic field to some degree. While the exact purpose of this behavior remains elusive, it is likely that magnetoreception serves some purpose, whether it is navigating to specific areas or avoiding danger. Further research may help us uncover the exact role of magnetoreception in animals, and provide insight into the nature of the elusive 'magnetic sense'.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/tracking-how-magnetism-affects-animal-behavior

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