Article
Biology
Alessandro Palci, Aaron R. H. LeBlanc, Olga Panagiotopoulou, Silke G. C. Cleuren, Hyab Mehari Abraha, Mark N. Hutchinson, Alistair R. Evans, Michael W. Caldwell, Michael S. Y. Lee
Summary: In this study, the repeated evolution of snake venom fangs is explored using histology, microCT, and biomechanical modeling. It is found that venom grooves in venomous snakes originate from infoldings of developing dental epithelium, and not directly related to venom ducts. Contrary to previous assumptions, dentine infoldings do not enhance biting performance but may play a role in tooth attachment.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David Hain, Tatiana Gallego-Flores, Michaela Klinkmann, Angeles Macias, Elena Ciirdaeva, Anja Arends, Christina Thum, Georgi Tushev, Friedrich Kretschmer, Maria Antonietta Tosches, Gilles Laurent
Summary: The existence of evolutionarily conserved regions in the vertebrate brain is well established, but the rules and constraints underlying the evolution of neuron types remain poorly understood. By comparing neuron types across brain regions and species, both conserved and divergent neuron types were identified. The diversification of thalamic neurons is correlated with the evolution of the cortex, indicating that developmental origin and circuit allocation play a role in neuronal identity and evolution.
Article
Microbiology
Victor Gambarini, Olga Pantos, Joanne M. Kingsbury, Louise Weaver, Kim M. Handley, Gavin Lear
Summary: The number of reported plastic-degrading microorganisms is increasing rapidly, allowing for exploration of plastic-degrading traits conservation and distribution across diverse microbial classifications. Strong evidence was found for the degradation of the synthetic polymer polylactic acid (PLA), and related microbial species are phylogenetically conserved. A total of 16,170 putative plastic degradation orthologs were identified in microbial genomes, showcasing vast potential for further research. The comprehensive database and interactive phylogenetic tree created will aid in understanding genetic diversity and evolution of microbial plastic-degrading capabilities.
Article
Plant Sciences
Aiying Zhang, Zhongjie Yang, Yu Zuo, Liang Ma, Hanyu Zhang
Summary: This study examines the distribution patterns of C-4 species in China and their relationship with climatic gradients. The findings indicate that the distribution of C-4 species in China is influenced by temperature and precipitation, with higher species richness and phylogenetic clustering in the southern region.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Armando Navarrete-Segueda, Jorge Cortes-Flores, Guadalupe Cornejo-Tenorio, M. Lourdes Gonzalez-Arqueros, Mariana Torres-Garcia, Guillermo Ibarra-Manriquez
Summary: The benefits of tropical rainforests are influenced by abiotic and biotic factors across the landscape. This study found that tree diversity, abundance, and productivity are related to environmental stratification based on soil and topography, with specific forest products often supplied by phylogenetically related species. Different PFP categories are associated with wood characteristics and palatability of leaves.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Jun-ling Liao, Tian Lan, Guang-hui Xu, Ji Li, Yan-jiao Qin, Ming-sheng Zhao, Yu-lan Li, Yue Wang
Summary: This study provides new insights into the tooth implantation, histology, and replacement of the marine reptile Keichousaurus hui, revealing the tooth histology for the first time and categorizing tooth replacement as iguanid type. The research suggests that Keichousaurus may have primarily fed on small fish or juvenile fish and relatively soft-bodied invertebrates in the same ecosystem based on the morphology and structure of its teeth.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Valentin Fischer, Rebecca F. Bennion, Davide Foffa, Jamie A. MacLaren, Matthew R. McCurry, Keegan M. Melstrom, Nathalie Bardet
Summary: In this study, a novel geometric morphometric protocol was applied to three-dimensional tooth models of various predatory marine amniotes, quantitatively examining the association between tooth shape and diet. The results demonstrate that tooth shape and size are strongly correlated with diet, while crown surface complexity is not. Four principal predatory guilds within toothed marine amniotes were identified, and unique dental morphologies during the Mesozoic period were also recognized.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guojun Sheng, Alfonso Martinez Arias, Ann Sutherland
Summary: The primitive streak is a transient embryonic structure that plays a crucial role in bilateral symmetry and spatial information during gastrulation. While its in vitro recapitulation can aid in deriving tissues and organs with complexity, it is not conserved or necessary for gastrulation in human development. It is viewed as part of a morphologically diverse yet molecularly conserved process of spatial coordinate acquisition, and its recapitulation is predicted to be dispensable for development in vitro.
Article
Forestry
Qiqiang Guo, Huie Li, Weilie Zheng, Jinwen Pan, Jie Lu, Jiangrong Li, Yu Zheng
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity and distribution of five Larix species in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results showed low genetic diversity at the population level, with differentiation among populations being the main factor. The Larix populations were classified into two clades, and genetic distance was affected by geographical isolation while altitude mainly influenced genetic diversity. The area suitable for Larix spp. decreased during the Last Glacial Maximum but is expected to increase in future climate scenarios.
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biology
Abby Beatty, Alexander M. Rubin, Haruka Wada, Britt Heidinger, Wendy R. Hood, Tonia S. Schwartz
Summary: Calls for research on IGF2 in adult animals due to its important role in the insulin-like signalling network, which has been largely neglected in previous studies. Extensive survey and experimental evidence demonstrate the widespread presence of IGF2 in amniotes, often with higher relative expression than IGF1.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiangfeng Zhao, Hao Xie, Ahmad Reza Mehdipour, Schara Safarian, Ulrich Ermler, Cornelia Muenke, Yvonne Thielmann, Gerhard Hummer, Ingo Ebersberger, Jingkang Wang, Hartmut Michel
Summary: MATE transporters utilize H+ or Na+ gradients to export xenobiotics, with the substrate binding site located in the N bundle playing a crucial role in its function. The crystal structure of a MATE transporter from Aquifex aeolicus provides new insights into this important transporter family.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Miguel de Celis, Javier Duque, Domingo Marquina, Humbert Salvado, Susana Serrano, Lucia Arregui, Antonio Santos, Ignacio Belda
Summary: Network models and community phylogenetic analyses were used to examine the temporal dynamics of network properties in microbial communities in activated sludge systems. The results showed that during the initial assembly stages, the microbial communities adapted to the activated sludge environment, leading to an increase in network modularity and co-exclusion proportion, and a decrease in network clustering. This suggests niche specialization as a result of the selective pressure of deterministic factors in wastewater treatment plants.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hong Qian, Jian Zhang, Meichen Jiang
Summary: Species diversity of angiosperms varies greatly among regions, with high diversity in tropical regions and low diversity in temperate regions. Geographic patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity are similar, but differ from patterns of phylogenetic deviation. These metrics can be considered when selecting areas for biodiversity protection.
Article
Ecology
Caian Souza Gerolamo, Flavia R. C. Costa, Alexandre R. Zuntini, Alberto Vicentini, Lucia G. Lohmann, Juliana Schietti, Elisangela X. Rocha, Veronica Angyalossy, Anselmo Nogueira
Summary: Lianas in the tropics show variation in species diversity and composition along ecological gradients, with closely related species exhibiting phylogenetic clustering and habitat specialization on plateaus, while distantly related species displaying phylogenetic overdispersion in valleys.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2022)
Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Martin Scaal
Summary: This review summarizes the development of the thoracic and abdominal wall in vertebrates during amniote embryogenesis, focusing on ribs, sternum, intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles, including historical concepts and current knowledge on precursor cells origin and specification, pattern formation, and cellular and molecular regulation of morphogenesis.
DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Ilaria Paparella, Michael W. Caldwell
Summary: The marine iguana, Amblyrhynchus cristatus, has evolved unique adaptations to live in both terrestrial and marine environments. Its specialized feeding behavior, skull morphology, and dentition distinguish it from other iguanids. By studying comparisons with its closest relatives, new cranial features have been identified which may contribute to future phylogenetic analyses and understanding the evolution of these unique adaptations.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geology
Giovanni Serafini, Erin E. Maxwell, Eliana Fornaciari, Cesare A. Papazzoni
Summary: A new fragment of a Cretaceous ichthyosaur rostrum, IG 251372, was discovered near Gombola, Modena Province, northern Italy in 2016. The fragment is relatively well preserved and has been identified as belonging to the sub-family Platypterygiinae. CT-scans revealed the internal structure of the fossil and showed the presence of an anterior neurovascular network. The specimen has been dated to the Albian-Cenomanian based on nannofossils found in the surrounding matrix.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Paleontology
Olaf Hoeltke, Erin E. Maxwell, Juergen Pollerspoeck, Michael W. Rasser
Summary: The sandpit near Rengetsweiler in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany is a well-known fossil locality for shark and ray teeth from the Lower Miocene. The fossils indicate a fully marine, warm temperate and shallow water environment at the site. Most of the shark and ray genera lived in the neritic realm, while some deep-water species occasionally entered the shallow sea.
NEUES JAHRBUCH FUR GEOLOGIE UND PALAONTOLOGIE-ABHANDLUNGEN
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Feiko Miedema, Erin E. Maxwell
Summary: Based on the availability of a large sample size, this study used Stenopterygius quadriscissus as a model to investigate ontogenetic variation in a fossil sauropsid. The researchers qualitatively examined cranial changes during pre- and postnatal stages and proposed stages based on relative ossification, size, and cranial characters. This study provides a foundation for determining ontogenetic stages in other ichthyosaurs and refining ontogenetic characters for phylogenetic studies. Furthermore, the researchers observed unique characteristics related to midline fusion in the skull roof.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Paleontology
Eudald Mujal, Christian Foth, Erin E. Maxwell, Dieter Seegis, Rainer R. Schoch
Summary: By analyzing bite traces on fossil bones, as well as tooth wear and microanatomy, researchers have been able to determine the feeding habits of ancient vertebrates. Comparing these bite traces between different species, they found that bone modifications by the crocodylomorph lineage were similar, regardless of whether they had serrated teeth or not. This suggests that phylogeny is more important than tooth morphology in predicting the feeding ecology of saurian reptiles.
Article
Paleontology
Arthur S. Brum, Tiago R. Simoes, Geovane A. Souza, Andre E. P. Pinheiro, Rodrigo G. Figueiredo, Michael W. Caldwell, Juliana M. Sayao, Alexander W. A. Kellner
Summary: The study of Antarctic plesiosaurian record is crucial for understanding the evolution of elasmosaurids in the southern hemisphere. Through analyzing the cervical vertebral shapes of elasmosaurids, this research provides insights into the diversity and changes in shape throughout ontogeny and phylogeny. The findings reveal that Antarctic elasmosaurids show greater diversity than previously recognized.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Catherine R. C. Strong, Mark D. Scherz, Michael W. Caldwell
Summary: This study investigates the interplay between 'microstomy' (small-gaped feeding), fossoriality, and miniaturization in scolecophidians by using anatomical network analysis. The results reveal distinctive patterns of jaw connectivity across purported 'microstomatans' and demonstrate that fossoriality and miniaturization impose further evolutionary constraint on skull architecture. These findings challenge the traditional views of scolecophidians as fundamentally plesiomorphic and morphologically homogeneous, providing important insights into the macroevolutionary trends among squamates.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tiago R. Simoes, Christian F. Kammerer, Michael W. Caldwell, Stephanie E. Pierce
Summary: Climate change has had a significant impact on the evolution of reptiles, not only through ecological opportunities following extinction events but also through multiple adaptive responses spanning millions of years.
Article
Geology
Giovanni Serafini, Erin E. Maxwell, Miriam Cobianchi, Luca Borghi, Cesare Andrea Papazzoni, Guido Roghi, Luca Giusberti
Summary: This paper describes a forgotten fossil, V7158, from the Verona Natural History Museum in Italy. Through analysis of morphology, taxonomy, taphonomy, and age determination, it is determined that the fossil belongs to the Late Jurassic ichthyosaur. Despite being fragmentary, the specimen is remarkably well preserved histologically, which is uncommon for its taphonomic regime.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF GEOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Paleontology
Samuel L. A. Cooper, Erin E. Maxwell
Summary: Researchers have re-described the large fish Saurostomus esocinus from the Early Jurassic Posidonienschiefer Formation in south-west Germany. They provided the first formal diagnosis and cranial reconstruction for this genus and identified its distribution in Europe. Saurostomus esocinus had fast swimming capabilities and a pelagic teuthophagous ecology. The analysis indicates that Saurostomus esocinus is the most basal pachycormid with transitional suspension-feeding characteristics.
PAPERS IN PALAEONTOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Megan Rose Woolley, Anusuya Chinsamy, Michael Wayne Caldwell
Summary: Multiple mosasaur remains, including jaw fragments, frontal bones, muzzle unit, and vertebra, have been discovered in South Africa. Through morphological description and taxonomic interpretation, it has been determined that these fossils represent at least three different mosasaur taxa.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Samuel L. A. Cooper, Sam Giles, Holly Young, Erin E. Maxwell
Summary: This study reports a new genus and species of pachycormid fish from the Posidonienschiefer Formation, which falls in an intermediate position between Saurostomus and Ohmdenia. The unique cranial and postcranial characters suggest a rapid acquisition of trophic specializations much earlier in the clade's evolution than previously considered.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
A. D. Muscente, Olivia Vinnes, Sinjini Sinha, James D. Schiffbauer, Erin E. Maxwell, Gunter Schweigert, Rowan C. Martindale
Summary: Lagerstätten deposits with exceptionally preserved fossils offer valuable insights into ancient organisms and communities. However, the role of anoxia in their preservation remains uncertain. This study investigates the role of anoxia in the exceptional preservation of fossils in the Posidonia Shale.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Feiko Miedema, Nicole Klein, Daniel G. Blackburn, P. Martin Sander, Erin E. Maxwell, Eva M. Griebeler, Torsten M. Scheyer
Summary: According to a longstanding paradigm, aquatic amniotes, including the Mesozoic marine reptile group Ichthyopterygia, give birth tail-first because head-first birth leads to increased asphyxiation risk of the fetus in the aquatic environment. However, fossil evidence suggests that head-first birth is more prevalent in Ichthyopterygia than previously recognized, weakening the support for the terrestrial ancestry of viviparity in this group. Additionally, the survey of extant viviparous amniotes indicates that fetal orientation at birth is influenced by factors unrelated to habitat, undermining the asphyxiation hypothesis. It is proposed that birth preference in aquatic amniotes is based on parturitional mechanics or carrying efficiency rather than habitat.
BMC ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Erin E. Maxwell, Samuel L. A. Cooper, Eudald Mujal, Feiko Miedema, Giovanni Serafini, Gunter Schweigert
Summary: Large vertebrate carcasses release nutrients to benthos upon decaying, leading to ecological succession in communities. Evidence from the Posidonienschiefer Formation in southern Germany reveals the presence of deadfall communities, highlighting the importance of benthic environments in vertebrate fossil preservation.
