Research shows that birds with more complex skeletons are more specialized and so are less species rich.
A new study of the evolution of birds shows that as their skeletons become more complex, they also decrease in diversity, with fewer species as they become more specialised in their niches. The findings, published in, show a correlation between skeleton complexity and bird diversity for the first time, and help biologists better understand why biodiversity varies across the birds.
They found that less complex birds -- those with a smaller differences between their fore and hind limbs -- had more species diversity than those with higher complexity and a larger difference between their limbs. At the other end of the spectrum, flamingos, and ostriches have short wings in comparison to their legs, and so have more complex limb skeletons. Groups with more complex skeletons may occupy smaller niches and are less able to subdivide those niche spaces in order to produce new species.
Andrew Brinkworth, PhD student at the Milner Centre for Evolution and first author of the paper, said:"Species can evolve to be specialised, and fill very small niches.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Ocean acidification research is robust despite ebbs and flows, study findsA new objective examination of almost a quarter-of-a-century of ocean acidification research shows that, despite challenges, experts in the field can have confidence in their research.
Leer más »
Study shows birds that have evolved greater complexity are less biodiverseA new study of the evolution of birds shows that as their skeletons become more complex, they also decrease in diversity, with fewer species as they become more specialized in their niches. The findings, published in Nature Communications, show a correlation between skeleton complexity and bird diversity for the first time, and help biologists better understand why biodiversity varies across the birds.
Leer más »
Long-COVID patients have clear hormonal and immune differences, research shows, raising hope for treatmentsStudy finds path to understand and address the root causes of long COVID, researchers say
Leer más »
Younger people falling for online scam faster than seniors, study showsA study by the online investigation service Social Catfish found people 20 and younger fell for scams faster than any other age group between 2017 and 2022.
Leer más »
Mississippi pharmacies fall short in providing opioid-reversal drug, study showsMore than 40% of Mississippi pharmacies do not carry naloxone, a University of Mississippi study found.
Leer más »
Study shows millions of people live with co-occuring chronic pain and mental health symptomsNew research found that nearly 1 in 20 adults in the U.S. experience the co-occurrence of chronic pain and anxiety or depression, resulting in functional limitations in daily life.
Leer más »