All articles tagged with #genetic divergence
Scientists in north Queensland describe three previously unknown monitor lizard species—the orange-headed rock monitor (Varanus umbra), the yellow-headed rock monitor (Varanus phosphorus), and the rainbow rock monitor (Varanus iridis)—based on genetic differences, marking a rare large reptile discovery in savannah habitats and underscoring conservation risks from the exotic-pet trade.
Researchers have identified a geographic hub in the Persian Plateau, spanning Iran, southeast Iraq, and northeast Saudi Arabia, where the first humans leaving Africa lingered for thousands of years before dispersing to settle Asia and Europe. This conclusion is based on genomic datasets and paleoecological evidence, suggesting that this region provided an ideal habitat for the early human populations. The study sheds light on the early phases of human colonization of Eurasia and the genetic divergence between present-day East Asians and Europeans.
Scientists from the University of Queensland have discovered a new species of snake, the northern green anaconda, in the Amazon rainforest, with specimens reaching an astounding 6.3 meters in length. The newly identified species diverged from the southern green anaconda almost 10 million years ago and differs genetically by 5.5%. The team warns that the Amazon is facing numerous threats, including deforestation, habitat degradation, forest fires, drought, and climate change, which pose a significant risk to rare species like the anacondas and their ecosystems.