<p><em>A research consortium led by scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) provide evidence that social behaviour and social status are reflected at the molecular level of gene activation (epigenome) in juvenile and adult free-ranging spotted hyenas. They analysed non-invasively collected gut epithelium samples from both high-ranking and low-ranking female hyenas and showed that rank differences were associated with epigenetic signatures of social inequality, i.e., the pattern of activation or switching off of genes that regulate important physiological processes such as energy conversion and immune response in several genome regions. The results, published in the scientific journal “Communications Biology”, contribute to a better understanding of the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the interplay of social, environmental and physiological factors in the life of a highly social mammal.</em></p>
<p>A new meta-analysis across six continents establishes that wild large herbivores affect ecosystems in numerous important ways, from soils to vegetation to smaller animals and promote ecosystem variability. An international team led by researchers from Aarhus University and the University of Göttingen carried out the study. They conclude that conservation and restoration efforts should include large herbivores given their profound, general importance for ecosystems, not least effects that are likely to make ecosystems more resilient to climate change.</p>
Humans caused the extinction of the giant mammals - not climate change studyfinds.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from studyfinds.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Decline of megafauna began 50,000 years ago, humans might be partly to blame -- Secret History -- Sott.net sott.net - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sott.net Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
People, Not Climate, Caused Decline Of Giant Mammals eurasiareview.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eurasiareview.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.