Cuckoos evolve to look like their hosts - and form new species in the process
The theory of coevolution says that when closely interacting species drive evolutionary changes in each other this can lead to speciation - the evolution of new species. But until now, real-world evidence for this has been scarce.
Now a team of researchers has found evidence that coevolution is linked to speciation by studying the evolutionary arms race between cuckoos and the host birds they exploit.
Bronze-cuckoos lay their eggs in the nests of small songbirds. Soon after the cuckoo chick hatches, it pushes the host’s eggs out of the nest. The host not only loses all its own eggs, but spends several weeks rearing the cuckoo, which takes up valuable time when it could be breeding itself.
Each species of bronze-cuckoo closely matches the appearance of their host’s chicks, fooling the host parents into accepting the cuckoo.
The study shows how these interactions can cause new species to arise when a cuckoo species exploits several different hosts. If chicks of each host species have a distinct appearance, and hosts reject odd-looking nestlings, then the cuckoo species diverges into separate genetic lineages, each mimicking the chicks of its favoured host. These new lineages are the first sign of new species emerging.
The study is published today in the journal Science.
“This exciting new finding could potentially apply to any pairs of species that are in battle with each other. Just as we’ve seen with the cuckoo, the coevolutionary arms race could cause new species to emerge - and increase biodiversity on our planet,” said Professor Kilner in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Zoology, a co-author of the report.
The striking differences between the chicks of different bronze-cuckoo lineages correspond to subtle differences in the plumage and calls of the adults, which help males and females that specialise on the same host to recognise and pair with each other.
“Cuckoos are very costly to their hosts, so hosts have evolved the ability to recognise and eject cuckoo chicks from their nests,’’ said Professor Naomi Langmore at the Australian National University, Canberra, lead author of the study.
She added: “Only the cuckoos that most resemble the host’s own chicks have any chance of escaping detection, so over many generations the cuckoo chicks have evolved to mimic the host chicks.”
The study revealed that coevolution is most likely to drive speciation when the cuckoos are very costly to their hosts, leading to a ‘coevolutionary arms race’ between host defences and cuckoo counter-adaptations.
A broad scale analysis across all cuckoo species found that those lineages that are most costly to their hosts have higher speciation rates than less costly cuckoo species and their non-parasitic relatives.
“This finding is significant in evolutionary biology, showing that coevolution between interacting species increases biodiversity by driving speciation,” said Dr Clare Holleley at the Australian National Wildlife Collection within CSIRO, Canberra, senior author of the report.
The study was made possible by the team’s breakthrough in extracting DNA from eggshells in historical collections, and sequencing it for genetic studies.
The researchers were then able to combine two decades of behavioural fieldwork with DNA analysis of specimens of eggs and birds held in museums and collections.
The study involved an international team of researchers at the University of Cambridge, Australian National University, CSIRO (Australia’s national science agency), and the University of Melbourne. It was funded by the Australian Research Council.
Reference: Langmore, N.E. et al: ‘Coevolution with hosts underpins speciation in brood-parasitic cuckoos.’ Science, May 2024. DOI: 10.1126/science.adj3210
Adapted from a press release by the Australian National University.
Two decades of cuckoo research have helped scientists to explain how battles between species can cause new species to arise
This exciting new finding could potentially apply to any pairs of species that are in battle with each other...the coevolutionary arms race could cause new species to emerge - and increase biodiversity on our planetRebecca KilnerMark LethleanMale wren (left) brings food to a cuckoo fledgling (right)
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.
Cuckoos evolve to look like their hosts - and form new species in the process
The theory of coevolution says that when closely interacting species drive evolutionary changes in each other this can lead to speciation - the evolution of new species. But until now, real-world evidence for this has been scarce.
Now a team of researchers has found evidence that coevolution is linked to speciation by studying the evolutionary arms race between cuckoos and the host birds they exploit.
Bronze-cuckoos lay their eggs in the nests of small songbirds. Soon after the cuckoo chick hatches, it pushes the host’s eggs out of the nest. The host not only loses all its own eggs, but spends several weeks rearing the cuckoo, which takes up valuable time when it could be breeding itself.
Each species of bronze-cuckoo closely matches the appearance of their host’s chicks, fooling the host parents into accepting the cuckoo.
The study shows how these interactions can cause new species to arise when a cuckoo species exploits several different hosts. If chicks of each host species have a distinct appearance, and hosts reject odd-looking nestlings, then the cuckoo species diverges into separate genetic lineages, each mimicking the chicks of its favoured host. These new lineages are the first sign of new species emerging.
The study is published today in the journal Science.
“This exciting new finding could potentially apply to any pairs of species that are in battle with each other. Just as we’ve seen with the cuckoo, the coevolutionary arms race could cause new species to emerge - and increase biodiversity on our planet,” said Professor Kilner in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Zoology, a co-author of the report.
The striking differences between the chicks of different bronze-cuckoo lineages correspond to subtle differences in the plumage and calls of the adults, which help males and females that specialise on the same host to recognise and pair with each other.
“Cuckoos are very costly to their hosts, so hosts have evolved the ability to recognise and eject cuckoo chicks from their nests,’’ said Professor Naomi Langmore at the Australian National University, Canberra, lead author of the study.
She added: “Only the cuckoos that most resemble the host’s own chicks have any chance of escaping detection, so over many generations the cuckoo chicks have evolved to mimic the host chicks.”
The study revealed that coevolution is most likely to drive speciation when the cuckoos are very costly to their hosts, leading to a ‘coevolutionary arms race’ between host defences and cuckoo counter-adaptations.
A broad scale analysis across all cuckoo species found that those lineages that are most costly to their hosts have higher speciation rates than less costly cuckoo species and their non-parasitic relatives.
“This finding is significant in evolutionary biology, showing that coevolution between interacting species increases biodiversity by driving speciation,” said Dr Clare Holleley at the Australian National Wildlife Collection within CSIRO, Canberra, senior author of the report.
The study was made possible by the team’s breakthrough in extracting DNA from eggshells in historical collections, and sequencing it for genetic studies.
The researchers were then able to combine two decades of behavioural fieldwork with DNA analysis of specimens of eggs and birds held in museums and collections.
The study involved an international team of researchers at the University of Cambridge, Australian National University, CSIRO (Australia’s national science agency), and the University of Melbourne. It was funded by the Australian Research Council.
Reference: Langmore, N.E. et al: ‘Coevolution with hosts underpins speciation in brood-parasitic cuckoos.’ Science, May 2024. DOI: 10.1126/science.adj3210
Adapted from a press release by the Australian National University.
Two decades of cuckoo research have helped scientists to explain how battles between species can cause new species to arise
This exciting new finding could potentially apply to any pairs of species that are in battle with each other...the coevolutionary arms race could cause new species to emerge - and increase biodiversity on our planetRebecca KilnerMark LethleanMale wren (left) brings food to a cuckoo fledgling (right)
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.
Postgraduate Administrator (Part Time)
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Department of Zoology for an enthusiastic individual to join our friendly team of teaching, research and support staff as Postgraduate Administrator. The role is part-time (0.8 FTE) and predominantly based on site. Onsite attendance on Fridays is essential.
Zoology is a large, centrally-located Department with around 100 postgraduate students. The Department carries out research and teaching in a diverse range of fields and disciplines. We are well-known for our friendly and supportive work environment. In conjunction with Director of Postgraduate Education, the post holder will be in charge of all postgraduate administration from admissions to awards, as well as organising events and supporting postgraduate students in the Department.
We are looking for a flexible, resourceful individual who can demonstrate initiative and excellent communication skills. The role requires experience of postgraduate processes and the ability to rapidly develop and apply knowledge of University/Departmental policies in order to advise on postgraduate matters.
You will be well organised and able to prioritise effectively and work to tight deadlines, have a good level of competence in standard software packages and strong attention to detail. You will need to be able to contribute actively as a member of a team, and to build positive working relationships with your colleagues in the Department and University.
The post holder will be the first point of contact and central source of information for a wide range of people including applicants, academic and administrative staff, and students.
This is a great opportunity for an individual with excellent administrative skills to work on their own initiative and to innovate within a challenging and rewarding environment, managing a busy workload and excelling in this important role.
Full details of the post are available by downloading the further particulars from the link below.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Lizzie Burgess (Zoology Teaching Manager) on eab82@cam.ac.uk.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF41768 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Postgraduate Administrator (Part Time)
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Department of Zoology for an enthusiastic individual to join our friendly team of teaching, research and support staff as Postgraduate Administrator. The role is part-time (0.8 FTE) and predominantly based on site. Onsite attendance on Fridays is essential.
Zoology is a large, centrally-located Department with around 100 postgraduate students. The Department carries out research and teaching in a diverse range of fields and disciplines. We are well-known for our friendly and supportive work environment. In conjunction with Director of Postgraduate Education, the post holder will be in charge of all postgraduate administration from admissions to awards, as well as organising events and supporting postgraduate students in the Department.
We are looking for a flexible, resourceful individual who can demonstrate initiative and excellent communication skills. The role requires experience of postgraduate processes and the ability to rapidly develop and apply knowledge of University/Departmental policies in order to advise on postgraduate matters.
You will be well organised and able to prioritise effectively and work to tight deadlines, have a good level of competence in standard software packages and strong attention to detail. You will need to be able to contribute actively as a member of a team, and to build positive working relationships with your colleagues in the Department and University.
The post holder will be the first point of contact and central source of information for a wide range of people including applicants, academic and administrative staff, and students.
This is a great opportunity for an individual with excellent administrative skills to work on their own initiative and to innovate within a challenging and rewarding environment, managing a busy workload and excelling in this important role.
Full details of the post are available by downloading the further particulars from the link below.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Lizzie Burgess (Zoology Teaching Manager) on eab82@cam.ac.uk.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF41768 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Postgraduate Administrator (Part Time)
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Department of Zoology for an enthusiastic individual to join our friendly team of teaching, research and support staff as Postgraduate Administrator. The role is part-time (0.8 FTE) and predominantly based on site. Onsite attendance on Fridays is essential.
Zoology is a large, centrally-located Department with around 100 postgraduate students. The Department carries out research and teaching in a diverse range of fields and disciplines. We are well-known for our friendly and supportive work environment. In conjunction with Director of Postgraduate Education, the post holder will be in charge of all postgraduate administration from admissions to awards, as well as organising events and supporting postgraduate students in the Department.
We are looking for a flexible, resourceful individual who can demonstrate initiative and excellent communication skills. The role requires experience of postgraduate processes and the ability to rapidly develop and apply knowledge of University/Departmental policies in order to advise on postgraduate matters.
You will be well organised and able to prioritise effectively and work to tight deadlines, have a good level of competence in standard software packages and strong attention to detail. You will need to be able to contribute actively as a member of a team, and to build positive working relationships with your colleagues in the Department and University.
The post holder will be the first point of contact and central source of information for a wide range of people including applicants, academic and administrative staff, and students.
This is a great opportunity for an individual with excellent administrative skills to work on their own initiative and to innovate within a challenging and rewarding environment, managing a busy workload and excelling in this important role.
Full details of the post are available by downloading the further particulars from the link below.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Lizzie Burgess (Zoology Teaching Manager) on eab82@cam.ac.uk.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF41768 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Postgraduate Administrator (Part Time)
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Department of Zoology for an enthusiastic individual to join our friendly team of teaching, research and support staff as Postgraduate Administrator. The role is part-time (0.8 FTE) and predominantly based on site. Onsite attendance on Fridays is essential.
Zoology is a large, centrally-located Department with around 100 postgraduate students. The Department carries out research and teaching in a diverse range of fields and disciplines. We are well-known for our friendly and supportive work environment. In conjunction with Director of Postgraduate Education, the post holder will be in charge of all postgraduate administration from admissions to awards, as well as organising events and supporting postgraduate students in the Department.
We are looking for a flexible, resourceful individual who can demonstrate initiative and excellent communication skills. The role requires experience of postgraduate processes and the ability to rapidly develop and apply knowledge of University/Departmental policies in order to advise on postgraduate matters.
You will be well organised and able to prioritise effectively and work to tight deadlines, have a good level of competence in standard software packages and strong attention to detail. You will need to be able to contribute actively as a member of a team, and to build positive working relationships with your colleagues in the Department and University.
The post holder will be the first point of contact and central source of information for a wide range of people including applicants, academic and administrative staff, and students.
This is a great opportunity for an individual with excellent administrative skills to work on their own initiative and to innovate within a challenging and rewarding environment, managing a busy workload and excelling in this important role.
Full details of the post are available by downloading the further particulars from the link below.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Lizzie Burgess (Zoology Teaching Manager) on eab82@cam.ac.uk.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF41768 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
About Us:
The Insect Ecology Group studies multiple aspects of insect ecology in the natural world, with a particular focus on methods to reduce negative human impacts on insect numbers, biodiversity and associated ecosystem processes. In the UK, this involves a close collaboration with conservation organisations, including the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire (WTBCN), Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), who are all partners on this project.
The role
As Research Assistant, you will be based in the Museum of Zoology, and be part of a diverse team working on this project, including conservation researchers at the University of Cambridge and the University of Reading, and conservation and policy professionals at WTBCN, WWT and RSPB. The role is focussed on helping to establish and monitor butterfly banks in Wiltshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, all on land managed by project partners. For the Wiltshire and Cambridgeshire sites, this will include setting and collecting pitfall traps for invertebrates and carrying out butterfly surveys on sites before banks are established, as a baseline. In Bedfordshire, where banks are already established, this will involve carrying out related surveys at established sites. The role holder will also coordinate applications for ethical permission and carry out questionnaires at sites accessing the impact of the banks on visitors. In the Museum, you will identify existing pitfall trap invertebrates and new collections to a general level, liaise with the whole team to keep everyone involved, carry out additional paperwork associated with the project, collate collected data, and present results in various formats. During survey times in Wiltshire, we anticipate that the role holder will spend several days at a time in Wiltshire carrying out surveys in the field.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance.
If you have any questions, please contact Edgar Turner at ect23@cam.ac.uk.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF41697 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
About Us:
The Insect Ecology Group studies multiple aspects of insect ecology in the natural world, with a particular focus on methods to reduce negative human impacts on insect numbers, biodiversity and associated ecosystem processes. In the UK, this involves a close collaboration with conservation organisations, including the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire (WTBCN), Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), who are all partners on this project.
The role
As Research Assistant, you will be based in the Museum of Zoology, and be part of a diverse team working on this project, including conservation researchers at the University of Cambridge and the University of Reading, and conservation and policy professionals at WTBCN, WWT and RSPB. The role is focussed on helping to establish and monitor butterfly banks in Wiltshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, all on land managed by project partners. For the Wiltshire and Cambridgeshire sites, this will include setting and collecting pitfall traps for invertebrates and carrying out butterfly surveys on sites before banks are established, as a baseline. In Bedfordshire, where banks are already established, this will involve carrying out related surveys at established sites. The role holder will also coordinate applications for ethical permission and carry out questionnaires at sites accessing the impact of the banks on visitors. In the Museum, you will identify existing pitfall trap invertebrates and new collections to a general level, liaise with the whole team to keep everyone involved, carry out additional paperwork associated with the project, collate collected data, and present results in various formats. During survey times in Wiltshire, we anticipate that the role holder will spend several days at a time in Wiltshire carrying out surveys in the field.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance.
If you have any questions, please contact Edgar Turner at ect23@cam.ac.uk.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF41697 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Earth’s earliest sea creatures drove evolution by stirring the water
A study involving the University of Cambridge has used virtual recreations of the earliest animal ecosystems, known as marine animal forests, to demonstrate the part they played in the evolution of our planet.
Using state-of-the-art computer simulations of fossils from the Ediacaran time period - approximately 565 million years ago - scientists discovered how these animals mixed the surrounding seawater. This may have affected the distribution of important resources such as food particles and could have increased local oxygen levels.
Through this process, the scientists think these early communities could have played a crucial role in shaping the initial emergence of large and complex organisms prior to a major evolutionary radiation of different forms of animal life, the so-called Cambrian ‘explosion’.
Over long periods of time, these changes might have allowed life forms to perform more complicated functions, like those associated with the evolution of new feeding and movement styles.
The study was led by the Natural History Museum and is published today in the journal Current Biology.
Dr Emily Mitchell at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Zoology, a co-author of the report, said: “It’s exciting to learn that the very first animals from 580 million years ago had a significant impact on their environment, despite not being able to move or swim. We’ve found they mixed up the water and enabled resources to spread more widely - potentially encouraging more evolution.”
Scientists know from modern marine environments that nutrients like food and oxygen are carried in seawater, and that animals can affect water flow in ways that influence the distribution of these resources.
To test how far back this process goes in Earth’s history, the team looked at some of the earliest examples of marine animal communities, known from rocks at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, Canada. This world-famous fossil site perfectly preserves early life forms thanks to a cover of volcanic ash (sometimes referred to as an ‘Ediacaran Pompeii’).
Although some of these life forms look like plants, analysis of their anatomy and growth strongly suggests they are animals. Owing to the exceptional preservation of the fossils, the scientists could recreate digital models of key species, which were used as a basis for further computational analyses.
First author Dr Susana Gutarra, a Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum, said: “We used ecological modelling and computer simulations to investigate how 3D virtual assemblages of Ediacaran life forms affected water flow. Our results showed that these communities were capable of ecological functions similar to those seen in present-day marine ecosystems.”
The study showed that one of the most important Ediacaran organisms for disrupting the flow of water was the cabbage-shaped animal Bradgatia, named after Bradgate Park in England. The Bradgatia from Mistaken Point are among some of the largest fossils known from this site, reaching diameters of over 50 centimetres.
Through their influence on the water around them, the scientists believe these Ediacaran organisms might have been capable of enhancing local oxygen concentrations. This biological mixing might also have had repercussions for the wider environment, possibly making other areas of the sea floor more habitable and perhaps even driving evolutionary innovation.
Dr Imran Rahman, lead author and Principal Researcher at the Natural History Museum, said: “The approach we’ve developed to study Ediacaran fossil communities is entirely new in palaeontology, providing us with a powerful tool for studying how past and present marine ecosystems might shape and influence their environment.”
The research was funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council and the US National Science Foundation.
Reference: Gutarra-Diaz, S.“Ediacaran marine animal forests and the ventilation of the oceans.” May 2024, Current Biology. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.059
Adapted from a press release by the Natural History Museum
3D reconstructions suggest that simple marine animals living over 560 million years ago drove the emergence of more complex life by mixing the seawater around them
It’s exciting to learn that the very first animals from 580 million years ago had a significant impact on their environment, despite not being able to move or swim.Emily MitchellHugo Salais, Metazoa StudioArtistic recreation of the marine animal forest
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.
Earth’s earliest sea creatures drove evolution by stirring the water
A study involving the University of Cambridge has used virtual recreations of the earliest animal ecosystems, known as marine animal forests, to demonstrate the part they played in the evolution of our planet.
Using state-of-the-art computer simulations of fossils from the Ediacaran time period - approximately 565 million years ago - scientists discovered how these animals mixed the surrounding seawater. This may have affected the distribution of important resources such as food particles and could have increased local oxygen levels.
Through this process, the scientists think these early communities could have played a crucial role in shaping the initial emergence of large and complex organisms prior to a major evolutionary radiation of different forms of animal life, the so-called Cambrian ‘explosion’.
Over long periods of time, these changes might have allowed life forms to perform more complicated functions, like those associated with the evolution of new feeding and movement styles.
The study was led by the Natural History Museum and is published today in the journal Current Biology.
Dr Emily Mitchell at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Zoology, a co-author of the report, said: “It’s exciting to learn that the very first animals from 580 million years ago had a significant impact on their environment, despite not being able to move or swim. We’ve found they mixed up the water and enabled resources to spread more widely - potentially encouraging more evolution.”
Scientists know from modern marine environments that nutrients like food and oxygen are carried in seawater, and that animals can affect water flow in ways that influence the distribution of these resources.
To test how far back this process goes in Earth’s history, the team looked at some of the earliest examples of marine animal communities, known from rocks at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, Canada. This world-famous fossil site perfectly preserves early life forms thanks to a cover of volcanic ash (sometimes referred to as an ‘Ediacaran Pompeii’).
Although some of these life forms look like plants, analysis of their anatomy and growth strongly suggests they are animals. Owing to the exceptional preservation of the fossils, the scientists could recreate digital models of key species, which were used as a basis for further computational analyses.
First author Dr Susana Gutarra, a Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum, said: “We used ecological modelling and computer simulations to investigate how 3D virtual assemblages of Ediacaran life forms affected water flow. Our results showed that these communities were capable of ecological functions similar to those seen in present-day marine ecosystems.”
The study showed that one of the most important Ediacaran organisms for disrupting the flow of water was the cabbage-shaped animal Bradgatia, named after Bradgate Park in England. The Bradgatia from Mistaken Point are among some of the largest fossils known from this site, reaching diameters of over 50 centimetres.
Through their influence on the water around them, the scientists believe these Ediacaran organisms might have been capable of enhancing local oxygen concentrations. This biological mixing might also have had repercussions for the wider environment, possibly making other areas of the sea floor more habitable and perhaps even driving evolutionary innovation.
Dr Imran Rahman, lead author and Principal Researcher at the Natural History Museum, said: “The approach we’ve developed to study Ediacaran fossil communities is entirely new in palaeontology, providing us with a powerful tool for studying how past and present marine ecosystems might shape and influence their environment.”
The research was funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council and the US National Science Foundation.
Reference: Gutarra-Diaz, S.“Ediacaran marine animal forests and the ventilation of the oceans.” May 2024, Current Biology. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.059
Adapted from a press release by the Natural History Museum
3D reconstructions suggest that simple marine animals living over 560 million years ago drove the emergence of more complex life by mixing the seawater around them
It’s exciting to learn that the very first animals from 580 million years ago had a significant impact on their environment, despite not being able to move or swim.Emily MitchellHugo Salais, Metazoa StudioArtistic recreation of the marine animal forest
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.
Assistant Conservator (Fixed Term)
The University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge is seeking a full-time fixed-term Assistant Conservator. The post-holder will provide practical and preventative specialist conservation advice and treatment across the collections.
The role offers a unique opportunity to work as part of a fast-paced team building practical experience working with natural history collections. Core activities will include providing conservation treatments to the permanent exhibits as well as upcoming exhibitions and stored collections. They will be responsible for the care of the collections through monitoring and improving upon environmental and storage conditions, including pest management. They will promote and develop best practice in conservation and collections care. The post-holder will also be expected to work on the Museum's spirit-preserved specimens.
It is essential the successful candidate is able to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues as well as have the ability to work effectively to deadlines.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Natalie Jones (Conservator) Email: nj273@cam.ac.uk
Interviews are planned in the week commencing Monday, 24 June 2024
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF41566 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Assistant Conservator (Fixed Term)
The University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge is seeking a full-time fixed-term Assistant Conservator. The post-holder will provide practical and preventative specialist conservation advice and treatment across the collections.
The role offers a unique opportunity to work as part of a fast-paced team building practical experience working with natural history collections. Core activities will include providing conservation treatments to the permanent exhibits as well as upcoming exhibitions and stored collections. They will be responsible for the care of the collections through monitoring and improving upon environmental and storage conditions, including pest management. They will promote and develop best practice in conservation and collections care. The post-holder will also be expected to work on the Museum's spirit-preserved specimens.
It is essential the successful candidate is able to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues as well as have the ability to work effectively to deadlines.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Natalie Jones (Conservator) Email: nj273@cam.ac.uk
Interviews are planned in the week commencing Monday, 24 June 2024
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF41566 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Laboratory Technician (Fixed Term)
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative colleague to join our friendly team studying fundamental questions in neuroscience, by investigating neurotransmitter receptors in the model organism C. elegans.
You will join the group of Dr Iris Hardege (https://www.hardege-lab.com/) in the Department of Zoology. We are studying the roles of novel neurotransmitter receptors in the biology of the nematode C. elegans. The group primarily uses analysis of C. elegans as well as molecular biology, genetics and electrophysiology using Xenopus oocytes. We are an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming group, all members are encouraged to participate actively in scientific discussion as well as outreach activities.
You will be contributing to the smooth running of Dr Iris Hardege's group by providing technical support for research and by assisting with experiments.
You will be responsible for the operational running of the laboratory, for example, by managing C. elegans strains, ensuring maintenance of lab equipment, overseeing laboratory health and safety and procurement of equipment and consumables. Responsibilities will also include assisting with experimental work, for example, generating plasmids and C. elegans strains, carrying out C. elegans behavioural experiments and automated Xenopus oocyte electrophysiology recordings.
The successful candidate should have: - Practical experience of laboratory research (preferably with molecular biology techniques such as PCR and cloning). - Educated to BSc level in a STEM subject (or equivalent practical experience). - Strong organisational and communication skills. - Attention to detail and good record keeping. - Ability to manage multiple tasks and work within a set budget. - The ability to work independently and as part of a group. - A genuine interest in supporting scientific research. - An open minded, positive, and collaborative mindset.
Please provide in your application under Suitability for the Role an explanation as to how you meet the job requirements and what you would bring to the group. Please include examples of technical experience, and/or specific technical training you have completed.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 36 months.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF41447 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Laboratory Technician (Fixed Term)
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative colleague to join our friendly team studying fundamental questions in neuroscience, by investigating neurotransmitter receptors in the model organism C. elegans.
You will join the group of Dr Iris Hardege (https://www.hardege-lab.com/) in the Department of Zoology. We are studying the roles of novel neurotransmitter receptors in the biology of the nematode C. elegans. The group primarily uses analysis of C. elegans as well as molecular biology, genetics and electrophysiology using Xenopus oocytes. We are an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming group, all members are encouraged to participate actively in scientific discussion as well as outreach activities.
You will be contributing to the smooth running of Dr Iris Hardege's group by providing technical support for research and by assisting with experiments.
You will be responsible for the operational running of the laboratory, for example, by managing C. elegans strains, ensuring maintenance of lab equipment, overseeing laboratory health and safety and procurement of equipment and consumables. Responsibilities will also include assisting with experimental work, for example, generating plasmids and C. elegans strains, carrying out C. elegans behavioural experiments and automated Xenopus oocyte electrophysiology recordings.
The successful candidate should have: - Practical experience of laboratory research (preferably with molecular biology techniques such as PCR and cloning). - Educated to BSc level in a STEM subject (or equivalent practical experience). - Strong organisational and communication skills. - Attention to detail and good record keeping. - Ability to manage multiple tasks and work within a set budget. - The ability to work independently and as part of a group. - A genuine interest in supporting scientific research. - An open minded, positive, and collaborative mindset.
Please provide in your application under Suitability for the Role an explanation as to how you meet the job requirements and what you would bring to the group. Please include examples of technical experience, and/or specific technical training you have completed.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 36 months.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF41447 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Pork labelling schemes ‘not helpful’ in making informed buying choices, say researchers
Researchers have evaluated different types of pig farming – including woodland, organic, free range, RSPCA assured, and Red Tractor certified, to assess each systems’ impact across four areas: land use (representing biodiversity loss), greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotics use and animal welfare. Their study concludes that none of the farm types performed consistently well across all four areas – a finding that has important implications for increasingly climate conscious consumers, as well as farmers themselves.
However, there were individual farms that did perform well in all domains, including an indoor Red Tractor farm, an outdoor bred, indoor finished RSPCA assured farm and fully outdoor woodland farm. “Outliers like these show that trade-offs are not inevitable,” said lead author Dr Harriet Bartlett, Research Associate at the University of Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, who was formerly at the University of Cambridge.
“Somewhat unexpectedly we found that a handful of farms perform far better than average across all four of our environmental and welfare measures,” added senior author Andrew Balmford, Professor of Conservation Science at the University of Cambridge. However, none of the current label or assurance schemes predicted which farms these would be.
“The way we classify farm types and label pork isn’t helpful for making informed decisions when it comes to buying more sustainable meat. Even more importantly, we aren’t rewarding and incentivising the best-performing farmers. Instead of focusing on farm types or practices, we need to focus on meaningful outcomes for people, the planet and the pigs – and assess, and reward farms based on these,” said Bartlett.
The findings also show that common assumptions around food labelling can be misplaced. For instance, Organic farming systems, which consumers might see as climate and environmentally friendly, have on average three times the CO2 output per kg of meat of more intensive Red Tractor or RSPCA assured systems and four times the land use. However, these same systems use on average almost 90% fewer antibiotic medicines, and result in improved animal welfare compared with production from Red tractor or RSPCA assured systems.
The way we classify livestock farms must be improved, Bartlett says, because livestock production is growing rapidly, especially pork production, which has quadrupled in the past 50 years and already accounts for 9% of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. Pig farming also uses more antibiotics than any other livestock sector, and 8.5% of all arable land.
“Our findings show that mitigating the environmental impacts of livestock farming isn’t a case of saying which farm type is the best,” said Bartlett. “There is substantial scope for improvement within types, and our current means of classification is not identifying the best farms for the planet and animals overall. Instead, we need to identify farms that successfully limit their impacts across all areas of societal concern, and understand, promote and incentivise their practises.”
The study reached its conclusions using data from 74 UK and 17 Brazilian breed-to-finish systems, each made up of 1-3 farms and representing the annual production of over 1.2 million pigs. It is published today in the journal Nature Food.
“To the best of our knowledge, our dataset covers by far the largest and most diverse sample of pig production systems examined in any single study,” said Bartlett.
James Wood, Professor of Equine and Farm Animal Science at the University of Cambridge, commented: “This important study identifies a key need to clarify what different farm labels should indicate to consumers; there is a pressing need to extend this work into other farming sectors. It also clearly demonstrates the critical importance that individual farmers play in promoting best practice across all farming systems.”
Trade-offs in the externalities of pig production are not inevitable was authored by academics at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and the University of São Paulo.
The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Reference: Bartlett, H.,‘Trade-offs in the externalities of pig production are not inevitable.’ Nature Food, April 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00921-2
Adapted from a press release by the University of Oxford.
Farmers don’t have to choose between lowering environmental impact and improving welfare for their pigs, a new study has found: it is possible to do both. But this is not reflected in the current food labelling schemes relied on by consumers.
The way we classify farm types and label pork isn’t helpful for making informed decisions when it comes to buying more sustainable meat.Harriet BartlettCharity Burggraaf/ GettyTwo pigs on a farm
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.
Pork labelling schemes ‘not helpful’ in making informed buying choices, say researchers
Researchers have evaluated different types of pig farming – including woodland, organic, free range, RSPCA assured, and Red Tractor certified, to assess each systems’ impact across four areas: land use (representing biodiversity loss), greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotics use and animal welfare. Their study concludes that none of the farm types performed consistently well across all four areas – a finding that has important implications for increasingly climate conscious consumers, as well as farmers themselves.
However, there were individual farms that did perform well in all domains, including an indoor Red Tractor farm, an outdoor bred, indoor finished RSPCA assured farm and fully outdoor woodland farm. “Outliers like these show that trade-offs are not inevitable,” said lead author Dr Harriet Bartlett, Research Associate at the University of Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, who was formerly at the University of Cambridge.
“Somewhat unexpectedly we found that a handful of farms perform far better than average across all four of our environmental and welfare measures,” added senior author Andrew Balmford, Professor of Conservation Science at the University of Cambridge. However, none of the current label or assurance schemes predicted which farms these would be.
“The way we classify farm types and label pork isn’t helpful for making informed decisions when it comes to buying more sustainable meat. Even more importantly, we aren’t rewarding and incentivising the best-performing farmers. Instead of focusing on farm types or practices, we need to focus on meaningful outcomes for people, the planet and the pigs – and assess, and reward farms based on these,” said Bartlett.
The findings also show that common assumptions around food labelling can be misplaced. For instance, Organic farming systems, which consumers might see as climate and environmentally friendly, have on average three times the CO2 output per kg of meat of more intensive Red Tractor or RSPCA assured systems and four times the land use. However, these same systems use on average almost 90% fewer antibiotic medicines, and result in improved animal welfare compared with production from Red tractor or RSPCA assured systems.
The way we classify livestock farms must be improved, Bartlett says, because livestock production is growing rapidly, especially pork production, which has quadrupled in the past 50 years and already accounts for 9% of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. Pig farming also uses more antibiotics than any other livestock sector, and 8.5% of all arable land.
“Our findings show that mitigating the environmental impacts of livestock farming isn’t a case of saying which farm type is the best,” said Bartlett. “There is substantial scope for improvement within types, and our current means of classification is not identifying the best farms for the planet and animals overall. Instead, we need to identify farms that successfully limit their impacts across all areas of societal concern, and understand, promote and incentivise their practises.”
The study reached its conclusions using data from 74 UK and 17 Brazilian breed-to-finish systems, each made up of 1-3 farms and representing the annual production of over 1.2 million pigs. It is published today in the journal Nature Food.
“To the best of our knowledge, our dataset covers by far the largest and most diverse sample of pig production systems examined in any single study,” said Bartlett.
James Wood, Professor of Equine and Farm Animal Science at the University of Cambridge, commented: “This important study identifies a key need to clarify what different farm labels should indicate to consumers; there is a pressing need to extend this work into other farming sectors. It also clearly demonstrates the critical importance that individual farmers play in promoting best practice across all farming systems.”
Trade-offs in the externalities of pig production are not inevitable was authored by academics at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and the University of São Paulo.
The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Reference: Bartlett, H.,‘Trade-offs in the externalities of pig production are not inevitable.’ Nature Food, April 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00921-2
Adapted from a press release by the University of Oxford.
Farmers don’t have to choose between lowering environmental impact and improving welfare for their pigs, a new study has found: it is possible to do both. But this is not reflected in the current food labelling schemes relied on by consumers.
The way we classify farm types and label pork isn’t helpful for making informed decisions when it comes to buying more sustainable meat.Harriet BartlettCharity Burggraaf/ GettyTwo pigs on a farm
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.