The latest research from the University of British Columbia has shed light on an intriguing phenomenon – why male guppies have such striking and varied colors and patterns. A team of zoologists, led by Drs. Wouter van der Bijl and Judith Mank, conducted a comprehensive study to investigate this evolutionary mystery.

Their findings, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, reveal that the more orange a male guppy is, the more virile it appears to be. The researchers used a combination of deep learning, genetic studies, and selective breeding to explore this connection. They bred three generations of increasingly orange guppies, observing significant differences in behavior.

What they discovered was striking – the most colorful males were up to two times more sexually active than their less vibrant counterparts. These orange guppies performed for females at a greater rate, for longer periods, and attempted to sneakily copulate more often. This suggests that color plays a crucial role in attracting mates and showcasing genetic fitness.

Interestingly, the researchers found that female guppies have a clear preference for males with unique, orange patterns. However, what’s remarkable is that this color diversity comes from the same cells responsible for forming the brain. This genetic link implies that guppy appearance and behavior are closely tied, with more colorful individuals potentially being healthier and fitter.

The study also uncovered the vast genetic architecture behind guppy coloration. The researchers identified seven orange and eight black color types, which can combine to produce 32,768 unique pattern combinations. This staggering diversity highlights the importance of genetic variation in evolution, allowing species to adapt to changing environments and conditions, such as climate change or disease.

As Dr. van der Bijl notes, “Genetic variation is the raw material that evolution uses to produce resilient, adapted animals and plants.” This research provides valuable insights into the intricate relationships between genetics, behavior, and environment in guppies, and has broader implications for our understanding of evolutionary processes in other species as well.

The discovery of North America’s oldest known pterosaur has sent shockwaves through the scientific community. A team of researchers led by paleontologist Ben Kligman has unearthed the fossilized jawbone of a new species, Eotephradactylus mcintireae, in the remote Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The find dates back to the late Triassic period, around 209 million years ago, and sheds light on a dynamic ecosystem where diverse groups of animals coexisted.

The Owl Rock Member, a geologic outcrop rich in volcanic ash, has allowed researchers to date the site to around 209 million years old. This makes it one of the park’s youngest rocks and provides a unique window into the Triassic period. The exposures of the Owl Rock Member are found in very remote areas, making them less studied than other geological members in the park.

The team discovered over 1,200 individual fossils, including bones, teeth, fish scales, and coprolites (fossilized poop). This assemblage contains 16 different groups of vertebrate animals that once inhabited a diverse ecosystem. The region’s braided rivers were filled with fish, like freshwater sharks and coelacanths, as well as ancient amphibians, some of which grew up to 6 feet long.

The surrounding environment was home to fearsome reptiles that evolved earlier in the Triassic, including armored herbivores and toothy predators that resembled giant crocodiles. Living alongside these strange creatures were a variety of more familiar critters, including relatives of tuataras and early frogs.

One of the most significant finds is the fossils of an ancient turtle with spike-like armor and a shell that could fit inside a shoebox. This tortoise-like animal lived around the same time as the oldest known turtle, whose fossils were previously uncovered in Germany.

The team also discovered a new species of pterosaur, which would have been small enough to comfortably perch on a person’s shoulder. The tooth-studded jaw revealed crucial clues about how the earliest pterosaurs lived. Because the tips of the teeth were worn down, the team concluded that the pterosaur likely fed on the site’s fish, many of which were encased in armor-like scales.

The bonebed is the latest research collaboration between the National Museum of Natural History and Petrified Forest National Park. Smithsonian scientists have collected petrified wood, fossils, and archaeological objects from the region since the turn of the 20th century.

This remarkable discovery has shed new light on the Triassic period and highlights the importance of continued exploration and research in our understanding of ancient ecosystems. The find also underscores the significance of preserving and protecting our natural heritage for future generations.

In a groundbreaking study published online on June 18 in iScience, researchers have found that female chimpanzees who were more socially integrated with other females before giving birth had a significantly higher chance of raising surviving offspring. This discovery sheds light on the crucial role of social connections among female chimps, particularly in the absence of close kin.

The study, led by Joseph Feldblum, assistant research professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University, analyzed three decades’ worth of behavioral data from 37 mothers and their 110 offspring. The researchers focused on association and grooming behavior – how often females spent time near each other or engaged in social grooming – in the year before birth.

The results showed that females who were more socially connected had a considerable better chance of raising their babies through to their first year, the period of highest infant mortality. In fact, a female with a sociality score twice the community average had a 95% chance her infant would survive the first year, while one who was halfway below average saw that chance drop to 75%. The effect persisted through age five, which is roughly the age of weaning.

Interestingly, the researchers found that having close female kin in the group – like a sister or mother – did not account for the survival benefit. Neither did having bonds with males, who could potentially offer protection. What mattered most was having social connections with other females, regardless of kinship.

“This tells us it’s not just about being born into a supportive family,” said Feldblum. “These are primarily social relationships with non-kin.”

The researchers propose several possibilities for the survival benefit, including:

* Social females receiving less harassment from other females
* More help defending food patches or protecting their young
* Offspring being less likely to be killed by another group member
* Social connections helping these females stay in better condition – maybe better fed and less stressed – through pregnancy, giving their offspring a better chance from the get-go.

Moreover, social females stayed social after their babies were born – a sign of stable relationships, not short-term alliances. “Our results don’t prove causation, but they point to the value of being surrounded by others who support you, or at least tolerate you,” said Feldblum.

This study has significant implications for understanding human evolution and cooperation. As Feldblum noted, “Human females who don’t have access to kin – for example because they moved to a new city or village – are still able to form strong bonds that can benefit them.” Studying these social dynamics in chimpanzees can help us understand how we evolved to be the social, cooperative species we are today.