We are in the early stage of a revolution in the field of comparative genomics. Within the past five years, thousands of animal, plant, and fungal genomes have been sequenced and assembled to high quality. There is even serious discussion around sequencing the genomes of every eukaryotic species on earth. Here, I explain why this genomic revolution is happening and discuss the feasibility of sequencing genomes on a massive scale. Having a very wide diversity of genome sequences will accelerate applied research in biomedicine, biotechnology, aquaculture, agriculture, and conservation, and facilitate fundamental research in areas such as ecology, physiology, developmental biology, and evolutionary biology. In this article, I explore new findings and new questions in evolutionary biology emerging from animal genome analyses. Examples are drawn from marine animals such as polychaetes, bivalves, cephalopods, fish, and bryozoans, plus unusual terrestrial groups such as gerbils, moths, and bee-flies. I highlight patterns of mutation, the dynamics of gene families, and chromosomal organisation of genomes as areas ripe for further research. An even wider diversity of genome sequences will be needed to fill the knowledge gaps or investigate emerging puzzles, and a case is made for sequencing the genomes of over 100,000 species.

Intergenerational justice is the core principle supporting the legacy of benefit toward future generations, including the perpetuation of species and their genetic diversity, as a key component of biospheric sustainability. Thirty percent of Earth’s terrestrial habitats are now undergoing protection, biodiversity hotspots are being targeted, and there is increasing community awareness and engagement in conservation. However, the impending sixth mass extinction threatens to drive many species to extinction in the wild, irrespective of these interventions. Earth’s biosphere is now undergoing terraforming through ecosystem destruction and modification, urbanization, and agriculture. Therefore, transformative cultural, political, and economic incentives are needed to maximize the legacy of the Earth’s biodiversity and biospheric sustainability toward future generations. Reproduction and advanced biotechnologies can perpetuate species and their genetic diversity while also contributing to human and animal health and agricultural production. Advanced reproduction biotechnologies, including genetic engineering and synthetic biology, provide a new horizon for biospheric management, through the de-extinction of ancient species, restoring recently lost species, and maintaining the genetic diversity of extant species through wildlife biobanking. More extensive and inclusive conservation breeding programs and wildlife biobanking resources/facilities are desperately needed to perpetuate more than 3,000 Critically Endangered terrestrial/freshwater species; a goal fully attainable for amphibians and smaller fishes through global inclusion of stakeholders including private caregivers, plausible for freshwater mussels and crayfish, in development for reptiles and birds, and applicable for many mammals. As this capacity develops, many otherwise neglected species that are losing their natural habitat can be perpetuated solely in biobanks, thus enabling the more efficient utilization of resources toward meaningful field conservation primarily through habitat protection. The full potential of reproduction and advanced biotechnologies includes the development of artificial wombs to address the human population crisis and to avoid surrogacy mismatching during species restoration or de-extinction. The use of advanced reproduction biotechnologies for direct human benefit, for species management, and for biospheric sustainability, are subject to evolving ethical and legal frameworks, particularly regarding genetic engineering, transhumanism, and the de-extinction of ancient species.

The population changes in waterbirds are recognised as a global issue. Many waterbird species, especially migratory ones, are undergoing population changes. Monitoring these changes is crucial for waterbird conservation. However, the lack of data to quantify these populations hinders comprehension of the factors responsible for these changes. Although a few studies have investigated the long-term trends of waterbirds in the Republic of Korea (ROK), most have concentrated on a limited number of species and groups. Understanding these changes enables us to identify which species are vulnerable and develop more effective conservation measures accordingly. This study aimed to investigate the population dynamics of waterbirds in the ROK from 2000 to 2024. Data from the Winter Waterbird Census of Korea were used to analyse trends across various waterbird groups and species. The results showed diverse population trajectories, with some species experiencing notable increases while others underwent severe declines. Among the observed trends, several globally threatened species, such as the White-naped Crane Grus vipio and Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana, exhibited significant population growth. This is largely a testament to the effectiveness of conservation interventions aimed at these species. However, the study also identified population declines of some species, such as the Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus and Common Pochard Aythya ferina, indicating pervasive threats due to habitat loss and degradation. Lastly, several recommendations are made regarding the identified population trends that should be used to guide future conservation efforts in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. This study, with its comprehensive and detailed findings, reiterates the importance of long-term monitoring data for developing effective conservation measures.

Gammaridean amphipods are a major component of macrobenthic communities, but information on their distribution and ecology in subtidal habitats of northern Japan is limited. We present the species composition and community structure of benthic amphipods in the subtidal bottoms (5–32 m deep) of Akkeshi Bay, eastern Hokkaido, Japan, and examine whether spatial variability of amphipod assemblage is related to local environmental gradients and biogeographic affinities of the component species. Amphipods were collected at nine sites in 2020 and identified to 40 species consisting of 21 families. Similarity analyses showed that the amphipod community differed among the three habitats: (1) marine soft-bottom substrate, (2) gravelly estuarine substrate, and (3) marine hard-bottom substrate. Distance-based redundancy analysis revealed that variation in the soft-bottom community was related to that of depth and sediment composition. The biogeographic affinities of 15 identified species were categorized as two groups, “Arctic and surroundings” and “Northwestern Pacific,” by similarity analysis with global occurrence records in marine ecoregions. Differences in species composition were related to the biogeographic affinities of the component species, with species grouped as Arctic and surroundings occurring at deeper sites than the Northwestern Pacific species. Changes in community structure along the depth gradient reflected variations in environmental factors, such as temperature, as well as differences in the suitable temperature ranges of the species as determined by their biogeographic history. This study highlights the importance of considering both environmental gradients and macroecological features of component species in interpreting variations in amphipod community structure on the local scale.

Microplastics are found in all oceanic environments and represent a growing concern for researchers and managers of marine environments. A systematic review was carried out to investigate the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in filter feeders, focusing on the potential relationship between the feeding mechanism and MPs’ accumulation. The accumulation of microplastics was compared among marine benthic filter feeders that use different filtering mechanisms. Rayyan® software was employed to screen the articles, and data extraction was subsequently carried out. The review followed well-structured protocol PRISMA 2020 guidelines to guarantee methodological rigor and minimize biases. Due to the high heterogeneity (Higgins I2 test, I2 > 95%) of data methodologies, a narrative synthesis was used as the output of the review. Most publications report microplastics in mollusks (oysters, mussels, and clams), and bivalves were the group most studied (76.67%). Sponges (91 to 612 items g – 1 DW) and polychaetes (1 to 880 items g–1 WW) had the highest number of MPs. Although it is possible to establish relationships between feeding mechanisms and MPs accumulation, using distinct methodologies makes comparing the results of different studies difficult, leading to an urgent call for standardizing methods for microplastic studies in marine organisms.

Morphological examination of recently collected barnacle specimens confirms the presence of Tesseropora atlantica (Cirripedia, Balanomorpha, Tetraclitidae) along the coastlines of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, the easternmost islands of the Canary Archipelago. This constitutes the first documented occurrence of T. atlantica in the Canary Islands and establishes a new southern range limit for this relict species in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, 16S and COI mitochondrial gene sequences were obtained for the first time for this species, allowing comparisons with related taxa. The study also explores plausible hypotheses concerning the species’ arrival in the Canary Islands.

This study aims to determine the age and growth of Anguilla anguilla from Lake Bafa, Türkiye. A total of 128 samples of European eel were purchased from a small-scale fisherman who caught them in Lake Bafa in November 2016 and 2017, using 34-mm mesh size and 15-m-long fyke nets. The total length (TL) and total weight were measured, and the sex, age, and life stage were identified. The mean TL for females was 54.1 ± 10.1 (36.1–76.2) cm, and for males 43.6 ± 3.7 (35.7–47.8) cm. Yellow and silver eel mean TLs were 48.9 ± 6.6 (35.7–63.7) and 61.9 ± 10.8 (39.9–77.2) cm, respectively, and for pooled data 53.3 ± 10.3 (35.7–77.2) cm. The growth for pooled samples was positive allometric. The age of eels varied from 2 to 9 years. The Von Bertalanffy growth parameters for pooled specimens were determined as L∞ = 71.9 cm, K = 0.25, and t0 = −0.11. The sex ratio (M:F = 1:11.2) was biased in favour of females. It is inferred from this and other studies that eels in Türkiye have comparable length and age distributions in similar habitats.

The current state of Arctic research and its community continues to exhibit high levels of political polarization and fragmentation by establishing a number of questions regarding the societal relevance of the process and its results for the benefit of present and future generations. The ASSW2025 (Arctic Science Summit Week) conference devoted to the ICARP IV (International Conference on Arctic Research Planning) process took place in Boulder, Colorado (March 2025), and had special importance in this regard. The conference was a summary meeting of the Arctic research planning process for the next 10 years and set the foundation for the upcoming IPY-5 (International Polar Year). The Summit, attended by nearly 1200 international scientists and researchers, Indigenous Knowledge holders, and community members from across the Arctic and beyond, exhibited the lowest ever attendance of Russian Arctic scientists representing Russian science organizations. This group studies and advocates for almost half of the Arctic’s social and human capital (roughly 2.4 million people live in Arctic Russia). In order to preserve scientific discourse and guarantee the societal and environmental benefits of science for the fragile socio-ecological systems of polar regions and their delicate geopolitics, effective transition strategies and approaches should be taken into consideration where possible.

San Sebastián Bay, in southern South America, is an emblematic area because it represents a conflict of interest between the conservation of migratory birds and marine species and the exploitation of hydrocarbons. Given the little information available about the intertidal benthic communities in this bay, this study aims to analyse shell assemblages recovered from the beach, examining drilling and crushing predation on mollusc shells. Two bivalves, Darina solenoides and Mactra fuegiensis, are being preyed upon by three potential drilling predators: the naticid Falsilunatia limbata and the muricids Xymenopsis muriciformis and Trophon geversianus. The intensity of drilling predation was high in both bivalve prey, being higher in M. fuegiensis (27.4%) than in D. solenoides (18.8%). Additionally, there was no preference observed for a particular prey size and there was also no significant correlation between the size of the prey and the predator. However, site selectivity indicated that the predator showed a preference for the central sector in D. solenoides and the umbonal sector in M. fuegiensis, that could be explained by the life modes of both prey and how they are manipulated by their predators. Finally, regarding crushing predation, the shell condition of a significant number of muricids indicates damage most probably caused by decapod crabs. This work provides valuable insights into the biotic interactions within the intertidal communities of San Sebastián Bay, located in the cold-temperate Magellanic Region. It highlights the necessity for continued research and monitoring, particularly in an already conflictive context aggravated by climate change.

This study investigates the accumulation of glycogen, amino acids, and fatty acids in male Mytilus coruscus during different stages of gonadal development and explores their relationships with reproductive processes. Glycogen levels were highest during the resting phase, decreasing progressively during the proliferation and maturation phases. A positive correlation was observed between glycogen and carbon content, indicating a close association between energy storage and metabolic processes. Amino acid content, particularly essential amino acids (EAAs), increased during gonadal development, reflecting the higher demand for protein synthesis and cellular metabolism. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as isoleucine, leucine, and lysine were key in activating protein synthesis and supporting gametogenesis. Non-essential amino acids like aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and glycine also accumulate, supporting cellular function and reproductive regulation. Fatty acids, especially unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), progressively accumulated in the testes, highlighting their role in energy supply and membrane integrity during gametogenesis. Phosphorus (P) accumulated in parallel with fatty acids, supporting DNA and RNA synthesis, energy metabolism, and cell membrane function. This study emphasizes the crucial role of these biochemical components in supporting gonadal development in male M. coruscus, providing insights into the metabolic pathways involved in marine bivalve reproduction.

The Critically Endangered Hooded Grebe Podiceps gallardoi has suffered a population decline of 80% since the 1980s. The evolutionary history and its critical conservation status place it 20th in the EDGE of Existence Bird List (EDGE-ZSL) among the more than 10,000 bird species of the world. The identification of demographically independent units (“management units”) is essential to address appropriate conservation and management strategies for threatened species. Genetic markers can be used to infer isolated populations without the need for logistically expensive banding and recapture. We used blood samples of 71 Hooded Grebes (c.10% of the global population) from three reproductive populations located at different plateaus that hold over 90% of the species’ global population. We analysed genetic population structure using a 353-bp fragment of mtDNA control region and 1,886 RAD loci to study whether Hooded Grebes are philopatric or not. We did not find differences in genetic structure of populations between plateaus indicating that Hooded Grebes do not consistently return to their plateau of origin. Our results are critical to understanding the connection of populations throughout the full annual movement cycle and propose management actions accordingly.

Forest structure has a significant impact on the quality of habitat for various bird communities. In particular, birds that rely on forests, such as woodpeckers, are sensitive to changes in the characteristics of the forest. However, there is limited knowledge on how woodpeckers respond to these changes in forests outside protected areas, and in the highly seasonal Eastern Himalaya. To address this gap, a study was conducted in the differently managed non-protected forests of Darjeeling, Eastern Himalaya, India, spanning an elevation range of 250–2,400 m. The study aimed to identify the key forest characteristics that influence woodpecker diversity at the community and individual species levels. Data on woodpeckers were collected using point counts along transects during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics were assessed using 20 × 20 m quadrats at each observation point. The study recorded 1,721 individual woodpeckers belonging to 13 species from 3,456 point counts. The results indicated that the basal area and density of snags were the main factors influencing woodpecker diversity. Woodpeckers in the study area showed a significant negative relationship with the basal area, tree density, and tree diameter diversity. This suggests that woodpeckers prefer high snag density but scattered, smaller, and more uniformly sized trees in the study area. Among individual species, the Greater Yellownape Chrysophlegma flavinucha and Grey-capped Pygmy Yungipicus canicapillus Woodpeckers showed a strong preference for high snag density, while Bay Woodpeckers Blythipicus pyrrhotis were closely associated with high canopy cover and denser forests. Seasonal effects had minimal influence on woodpecker diversity in the study area. The study contradicts the typical preference of large woodpeckers for large trees and greater basal areas, despite four large-sized species making up 75% of the woodpecker community in the region. Thus, the findings highlight the importance of considering species-specific, region-specific, and management-specific habitat requirements when developing conservation strategies.

Medusozoa comprise a diverse group of marine invertebrates that includes cubozoans, hydrozoans, staurozoans, and scyphozoans, which play a fundamental role in marine ecosystems. In Cuba, with exceptions, most of the studies of the phylum Cnidaria have focused on the scleractinian corals. However, their close relatives, the jellyfish have been poorly addressed, limiting themselves to isolated records of some species. In this study, we aimed to update the list of medusozoan species registered in Cuba and compare it with the registries in the Greater Caribbean region. Peer-reviewed publications, museum collections, field-trips, global repositories, and social networks were accomplished to compile a species list. Twenty-one new species are recorded, and the distribution of 11 species previously reported is expanded. Cuba, with 361 species is the country with the highest species richness in the Caribbean region: 342 species of Hydrozoa are distributed in 69 families, 16 species of Scyphozoa are distributed in 10 families, and three species of Cubozoa each belong to one family. Analysing the studies of Medusozoa reveals significant heterogeneity in jellyfish species composition across the Caribbean region, where Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the USA are the countries with the highest species richness. A high similarity was observed between the assemblages from Cuba and the USA. The number of jellyfish species reported for Cuba constitutes a baseline for ecological studies of their integrated role in marine ecosystems. Studies in the Caribbean region are heterogeneous, with an imbalance in the sampling effort in time and space and probably underestimate the number of species known.

The polar regions are famous for being inhospitable, difficult to access, and one of the final frontiers for exploration. The late 19th and early 20th centuries were filled with explorers seeking the achievement of being the first person to the Pole. These harrowing stories have action and adventure but lack a critical component: women. Women historically have not played a primary role in polar research or exploration. Many barriers to access existed such as prejudice, lack of education opportunity, and physical restrictions. Today, women have better access to the Antarctic and Arctic for research and research support but still face barriers to equitable participation. A “boys club” environment in stations can lead to women being excluded or subjected to sexual harassment. Despite this, the addition of women is shown to improve team dynamics, morale, and the culture within research stations. Women’s representation in polar research is better today than it’s ever been, yet there is still improvement being made for the future.

Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris is a globally threatened species that has been undergoing population declines across much of its range in recent years. This is particularly true in the Middle East and the Caucasus, where the species once commonly bred across much of the region. However, there is a dearth of recent literature and population-level assessments of the species in the countries in this region. For example, the last update of conservation status for Marbled Teal in Armenia was undertaken in 2009 and in Türkiye in 2008. Therefore, this study addresses the urgent need for an updated evaluation of the species’ status in both Armenia and Türkiye. For Armenia, the current population estimate is 8–11 breeding pairs, with a steep decline of 87% between 2003 and 2019. In Türkiye, the species appears to be functionally extirpated from the country due to an absence of breeding in almost a decade and multiple years without any records, with only a handful of wandering individuals detected in recent years. This study highlights the threats facing the species, particularly changes to wetland habitat and quality as well as hunting pressures and illegal poaching. Based on our findings, we propose that the conservation status of Marbled Teal in both countries be updated from “Endangered” to “Critically Endangered”. Finally, we note the conservation requirements for the species in the region and provide a set of recommendations for its protection, including a species recovery plan. Without urgent conservation measures such as the creation of new protected areas and establishment of new populations from released birds, the long-term viability of Marbled Teal populations in the region is in jeopardy.

In 1893, the British explorer Frederick George Jackson travelled in the north of the Russian Empire, where he learned lessons—particularly in the areas of diet, transport, and clothing—from the Nenets and Sami people. I argue that his travels in this area influenced both his subsequent Jackson-Harmsworth Expedition (1894–97) and British Antarctic expeditions in the early 20th century, including those led by Robert F. Scott and Ernest H. Shackleton

Studying Jackson’s travels and writings can advance discussions about the role of Indigenous knowledge in British Polar exploration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Based on a new reading of both published and archival materials, the paper also charts some forms of knowledge that Jackson struggled to appropriate—particularly the use of reindeer for transport. In examining his failures, I argue that attempts to write Indigenous contributions into the history of exploration must focus on explorers’ failures as well as their successes—and on forms of Indigenous knowledge that proved difficult to use in other contexts.

In January 1939, Sir Hubert Wilkins became the first Australian to set foot on several islands and the mainland along the Ingrid Christensen Coast, Antarctica, leaving records reaffirming Australia’s claim to the area at three landing sites. Prior to 2022, only the third of these sites had been identified. Wilkins had indicated that the first of the landings, that of 8 January 1939, was in the Rauer Islands and the second, that of 9 January 1939, at the western end of Vestfold Hills. We prove that these attributions are incorrect. An integrated analysis of all reports on the expedition over the period 3–11 January 1939 and the contemporaneous imagery and film footage, along with modern photographs, establishes that the 8 January 1939 landing was on Skipsholmen, the northernmost island of the Svenner Group, and that Wilkins landed at Macey Peninsula on 9 January 1939. These two important heritage sites should now be visited to locate and record the relics left by Wilkins. This research raises the question of whether Wilkins’ landings and sovereignty actions in 1939 are of greater significance to Australia’s Territorial claim to the area than Mawson’s questionable sighting and naming of Princess Elizabeth Land in 1931.