Conservation
The bigger the better? Larger North Atlantic right whales tend to birth more babies
North Atlantic right whales are growing less and having fewer babies. Could stress be the cause?
Tag: reproduction
Evolution
The Care and Feeding of Tropical Cichlids
Parenthood is an all-consuming task. How did some tropical fish evolve to take that sentiment literally? Reference: Weller, H. I.,…
Ecology
Baby zooplankton are surprisingly common in the Arctic winter
It’s hard to grow up during the polar night—but a lot of zooplankton do it anyway!
Biology
Massive icefish breeding colony discovered in Antarctica
Scientists on an Antarctic research expedition unexpectedly discovered an icefish nesting ground that appears to be the largest known fish…
Biochemistry Biology Ecology Human Health Human impacts Pollution Toxicology
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes in Seahorse Hormones
While we already know that plastics are harmful to the environment, do you ever really think about how they can…
Climate Change
Ocean Acidification is no Small Matter to Two-Toned Pygmy Squid Reproduction
Nestled in seagrass and darting through Indo-Pacific, nearshore waters, two-toned pygmy squids are miniscule cephalopods that represent a much larger…
Biology
The Price of Motherhood: Deepwater Fish Regenerate Their Tails to Increase Reproductive Fitness
What happens if a fish gets its tail bitten off? It must survive the injury, but also decide what is…
Developmental Biology Ecology
Sex Change 101: it Starts in the Brain
With human puberty seemingly beginning earlier and earlier, have you ever wondered what triggered sexual development? Dodd et al., studied…
Behavior
Same-Sex Squid Sex
Same-sex sexual behavior exists across a wide range of animals, but the behavior has long puzzled scientists because of the…
Biology
When having babies, is quantity or quality better?
Evolution is riddled with trade-offs. One of the classic examples is how to spread maternal resources – is it better…
Plastic Pollution
Turtles in the Trash: How microplastics are washing up where turtles breed
Like plastic bags and other larger plastic pieces, these insidious micro particles can make their way into animal digestive tracts…
Fisheries
Big Momma: bigger fish are better moms
What makes a fish a good mom? Read here to see why scientists now think that big fish moms are…
Atmospheric Science Biology Book Review Climate Change Conservation Ecology Evolution Human impacts Physiology Sea Ice
Throwing Babies out with the Sea Ice: Ringed Seals Response to Ice Decline
As the Earth warms, sea ice declines. What happens to those animals who rely on the ice? Today’s oceanbites looks…
Biology
What killer whales tell us about menopause
Killer whales, or orcas (Orcinus orca), are amazingly intelligent and social animals. What can they tell us about the evolution…
Book Review Genetics Invasive Species
Plant Parents: Divide, Seed, and Conquer
Phragmites is the ultimate parent in terms of reproductive success, allowing it to increase in area by 25% since 1971…
Behavior Natural History
What makes a male squid put in reproductive effort?
Male squid can vary the effort they put into each mating event. Find out what type of female makes the…
Behavior Biology Conservation Natural History
The Mystery of the Virgin Birth
A female eagle ray gives birth to two female pups. But she has been housed in a tank without any…
Biology Conservation Evolution Fisheries Natural History
Sea of Love: Hermaphroditic fishes
Finding a date on Valentine’s Day can be hard! Whether you are single or in a relationship, we are trying…
Biology Developmental Biology Ecology Evolution
The Sting of Sex: odd mating adaptations of box jellyfish
It might be hard for a box jellyfish to buy into the old adage “sex sells,” especially when their gonads…
Biology Climate Change
Can sperm cells make it in an acidified ocean?
Researchers in Australia investigated whether sea urchin sperm are going to make it through an acidified ocean or if they’ve…