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Fossil Discoveries, Climate’s Impact on Sports, and Javan Rhino Threats
The Point by Modern Sciences - November 20, 2024
Don Smith
November 20, 2024
By The Modern Sciences Team | November 20, 2024 |
D Cultivators of Curiosity,
Welcome to the 28th edition of The Point by Modern Sciences, where we explore groundbreaking research that connects deeply with our world. This edition examines how Earth's geological history has shaped evolutionary pathways and how climate change forces global sports to adapt. It also calls for enhanced conservation efforts to protect one of the planet's rarest species.
In this issue, we highlight a newly discovered fossil that shifts our understanding of evolution, the growing need for climate action within the sports industry, and the pressing threats to the Javan rhino. Each article provides critical insights into subjects that resonate within scientific communities and our daily lives, making this edition a must-read for anyone curious about how the natural world, climate, and conservation efforts are shaping our future.
"Coelacanthe" by sybarite48 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
NATURE
Exceptional new fish fossil sparks rethink of how Earth’s geology drives evolution
The discovery of the best-preserved coelacanth fossil from 380 million years ago reveals that tectonic activity, rather than ocean temperature or oxygen levels, played a significant role in the evolution of coelacanth species over millions of years. Read more.
The Point:
Ancient coelacanths: The discovery of Ngamugawi wirngarri provides the most complete view of coelacanths from 380 million years ago, enhancing our understanding of their early development.
Driving forces of evolution: The study highlights tectonic plate activity as the primary driver of coelacanth evolution, rather than temperature or oxygen levels.
Evolutionary status: Modern coelacanths, resembling their ancient relatives, exhibit subtle evolutionary shifts, indicating they are still evolving despite their "living fossil" label.
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LISTS
Voices for a Warming World: Essential Reads on Climate Change
In a world grappling with intensifying environmental crises, understanding the science and solutions behind climate change has never been more urgent. The global challenge of rising temperatures, extreme weather, and ecological disruptions demands a deeper exploration of the problems and the pathways to sustainable solutions. With the proper knowledge, individuals can empower themselves to take meaningful action in their communities and beyond. Read more.
HEALTH AND THE BODY
From melting tracks to rising alcoholism – how sport is being forced to adapt to the effects of climate change
Madeleine Orr's book "Warming Up: How Climate Change is Changing Sport" delves into the impact of climate change on elite and professional sports, highlighting the need for adjustments such as rescheduling events to mitigate extreme heat. Read more.
Main takeaways:
Impact of Climate Change on Sports: Madeleine Orr's book, "Warming Up: How Climate Change is Changing Sport," highlights how climate change is forcing global sports events to adapt, such as rescheduling marathons to avoid extreme heat. This shift underscores the broader impact of climate change on elite and professional sports.
Adapting to Extreme Weather: Climate change is disrupting sports events worldwide, from heavy rainfall affecting UK football to melting road surfaces during the Tour de France. Athletes and organizers are adapting to these new realities, including changes in sportswear to manage body heat and incorporating flood control measures into golf course designs.
Call to Action for Sustainable Practices: Orr's book emphasizes the need for the sports industry to adopt sustainable practices. It showcases examples of how sports are adapting to environmental challenges and calls for collective action from athletes, staff, and fans to mitigate climate impacts. Orr argues that sports, with their global influence, can lead the way in promoting environmental sustainability.
NATURE
Javan rhinos, once thought safe from poachers, are anything but
Recent arrests in Indonesia revealed that 26 of the estimated 72 Javan rhinos were poached in the last five years, escalating the threat to this critically endangered species. Read more.
T
The Point:
Critical Poaching Threat to Javan Rhinos: Recent arrests in Indonesia revealed that 26 out of the estimated 72 Javan rhinos have been poached in the last five years, turning an already worrying situation into an emergency for the critically endangered species.
Challenges in Javan Rhino Conservation: Habitat loss, inbreeding, and the skewed sex ratio have been significant concerns, but now poaching presents an immediate threat that could wipe out the species. Conservationists are urging increased security, habitat restoration, and possibly even captive breeding programs to save the rhinos.
Urgent Conservation Actions Needed: The Indonesian government has increased security in Ujung Kulon National Park, but long-term strategies such as reforestation, creating wildlife corridors, and exploring reproductive technologies may be necessary to prevent the extinction of the Javan rhino and protect other endangered species in Indonesia.