The iNaturalist project "First Known Photographs of Living Specimens" aims to document the earliest known photographs of organisms in their natural state. It seeks to compile a collection of verifiable images, ideally the very first, depicting various species as they appeared in life, rather than as preserved specimens or illustrations. This project prioritizes photographs taken before 1900, especially from the early days of photography, offering a glimpse into the historical record of biodiversity and the development of nature photography. Contributions require evidence supporting the claimed date and identification of the organism, ideally with links to primary sources.
New research on the Permian-Triassic extinction, Earth's most severe, reveals that even amidst widespread devastation, some marine ecosystems persisted. By analyzing brachiopod fossils from South China, scientists found evidence of thriving communities in shallow, oxygen-rich waters near land. These "oases" likely benefited from upwelling nutrients and offered refuge from the harsh ocean conditions that caused the extinction. This discovery suggests that even during catastrophic events, pockets of life can endure, offering insights into resilience and recovery.
HN commenters discuss the Permian extinction's "oases," expressing skepticism about the study's conclusions. Some doubt the validity of characterizing small areas with slightly less devastation as "oases" during such widespread destruction. Others point out the limitations of interpreting highly localized data from millions of years ago, suggesting alternative explanations like localized geological factors or simple chance. Several commenters question the article's framing, finding it overly optimistic and potentially misleading about the severity of the Permian extinction event. A few highlight the broader implications for understanding current biodiversity loss and climate change, arguing that the study's message—that even in extreme events, pockets of survival exist—offers little comfort or practical guidance for today's conservation efforts.
New research has mapped Antarctica's ice-free areas, revealing they cover a larger area than previously thought and are crucial biodiversity hotspots under increasing threat from climate change and human activity. These regions, vital for supporting unique plant and animal life, are projected to expand significantly as ice melts, creating both new habitats and potential conservation challenges. The study highlights the urgent need for increased protection and proactive management strategies for these vulnerable ecosystems, advocating for prioritizing ice-free areas in future conservation planning to safeguard Antarctica's biodiversity.
HN users generally praised the research and its implications for conservation. Several questioned the phrasing "ice-free lands", pointing out that these areas are often only temporarily free of ice and snow, sometimes for just a few weeks in summer. Some discussed the challenges of conducting research and conservation in such a remote and harsh environment, mentioning logistical difficulties and the impact of human presence. One user highlighted the crucial role these areas play in supporting diverse life, including microbes, lichens, and invertebrates, emphasizing the importance of their preservation. Another user noted the connection between these regions and climate change, suggesting their vulnerability to warming temperatures. A few comments expressed skepticism about the feasibility of enforcing conservation measures in Antarctica.
The essay "In Praise of Subspecies" argues for the renewed recognition and utilization of the subspecies classification in conservation efforts. The author contends that while the concept of subspecies has fallen out of favor due to perceived subjectivity and association with outdated racial theories, it remains a valuable tool for identifying and protecting distinct evolutionary lineages within species. Ignoring subspecies risks overlooking significant biodiversity and hindering effective conservation strategies. By acknowledging and protecting subspecies, we can better safeguard evolutionary potential and preserve the full richness of life on Earth.
HN commenters largely discussed the complexities and ambiguities surrounding the subspecies classification, questioning its scientific rigor and practical applications. Some highlighted the arbitrary nature of defining subspecies based on often slight morphological differences, influenced by historical biases. Others pointed out the difficulty in applying the concept to microorganisms or species with clinal variation. The conservation implications were also debated, with some arguing subspecies classifications can hinder conservation efforts by creating artificial barriers and others suggesting they can be crucial for preserving unique evolutionary lineages. Several comments referenced the "species problem" and the inherent challenge in categorizing biological diversity. A few users mentioned specific examples, like the red wolf and the difficulties faced in its conservation due to subspecies debates.
Researchers have identified a new species of giant isopod, Bathynomus jamesi, in the South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam. This new species, distinguishable by its morphology and genetics, joins a small group of supergiant isopods within the genus Bathynomus. The discovery highlights the biodiversity of the deep sea and contributes to a better understanding of these fascinating crustaceans.
Several Hacker News commenters expressed fascination with the size of the newly discovered giant isopod, comparing it to a roly-poly or pill bug. Some discussed the implications for the deep-sea ecosystem and the surprising frequency of new species discoveries. A few commenters questioned the use of "supergiant," pointing out other large isopod species already known, while others debated the reasons for gigantism in deep-sea creatures. One commenter jokingly linked it to radiation, a common trope in monster movies. There was also a brief discussion about the edibility of isopods, with some suggesting they taste like shrimp or crab.
After an absence of roughly 5,000 years, a spotted hyena has been confirmed in Egypt. Researchers identified the animal through camera trap footage captured in Wadi El Gemal National Park, a protected area in the country's Eastern Desert. This rediscovery is significant, as it marks the return of a large carnivore that was once part of Egypt's ancient fauna and suggests potential range expansion for the species. While the hyena's origin—whether it migrated naturally or was accidentally introduced—remains unclear, its presence has sparked both excitement and concern among researchers who are now working to understand the implications for the local ecosystem.
HN commenters discuss the implications of a spotted hyena being found in Egypt after a 5,000-year absence. Some express skepticism about the claim, pointing to historical accounts and anecdotal evidence suggesting hyenas may have been present more recently, albeit rarely. Others highlight the challenges of definitively proving local extinction and subsequent re-emergence versus continuous, low-density presence. The difficulty of species identification from skeletal remains, especially differentiating striped and spotted hyenas, is also raised. Finally, commenters discuss potential reasons for the hyena's scarcity, including habitat loss and human persecution.
Alfred Goldsborough Mayer's 1897 article explores the coloration of lepidopteran wings. He details meticulous experiments investigating pigment and structural colors, arguing that the latter, caused by physical wing structures like scales and ridges, produce iridescent and metallic hues. Mayer examines the influence of temperature and humidity on pupal development and resultant wing color, finding that these factors can significantly alter color patterns. He also delves into the protective value of coloration, noting mimicry and camouflage strategies, and theorizes about the physiological processes underlying pigment formation. Ultimately, Mayer connects color variations to environmental influences and adaptation, suggesting the importance of physical laws and evolutionary pressures in shaping lepidopteran wing coloration.
Hacker News users discussed the beautiful illustrations in the 1897 book, with some noting the incredible detail and artistry involved in creating them. Several commenters pointed out the historical significance of the work, mentioning the limitations of printing technology at the time and marveling at the quality achieved. There was also discussion about the scientific value of such meticulous documentation of natural patterns, with some wondering about the original purpose of the research and others highlighting the ongoing relevance of studying these patterns. One commenter even connected the aesthetic appeal of the patterns to their potential functionality in nature, such as camouflage.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43428409
HN users generally found the iNaturalist project documenting first known photographs of species fascinating. Several commenters highlighted the surprisingly recent dates for some common species, like the European hedgehog in 1932. Discussion arose around the challenges of verification and the definition of a "good" photograph, with some suggesting the inclusion of museum specimens as a valuable addition. Others pointed out potential biases in the dataset, such as a focus on charismatic megafauna or limitations based on photographic technology availability and adoption across regions. The project's value in demonstrating biodiversity loss and changing species distributions was also acknowledged.
The Hacker News post titled "First Known Photographs of Living Specimens" linking to an iNaturalist project, sparked a modest discussion with a few interesting points. Several commenters expressed general appreciation for the project and its historical significance.
One commenter highlighted the fascinating intersection of photography's early days and the documentation of the natural world. They pointed out the remarkable patience required for these early exposures, considering the long exposure times needed with early photographic techniques, especially when photographing living subjects. This highlighted the dedication and ingenuity involved in capturing these images.
Another commenter picked up on this theme, expressing awe at the thought of these early photographers managing to capture these images at all, given the technological limitations. They considered it a "minor miracle" that such photos exist, emphasizing how difficult it must have been compared to modern photography.
A separate comment focused on the technical aspects of early photography, specifically mentioning the daguerreotype process and the challenges of capturing moving subjects. They noted the rarity of living subjects in early photographs, which adds to the project's value in showcasing these rare examples. This commenter also linked to an earlier Hacker News discussion about the earliest known photograph of a person, further enriching the context of the original post.
The discussion also briefly touched on the definition of "living specimens," with one commenter suggesting potential additions to the project featuring plant life. This comment sparked a reply questioning the inclusion of plants, potentially based on a narrower interpretation of "specimen." This exchange, while brief, raised an interesting point about the scope and interpretation of the project's focus.
Finally, a commenter mentioned the project's reliance on the "first known" qualifier, acknowledging the possibility of undiscovered or misidentified earlier photographs. This points to the evolving nature of historical research and the potential for future discoveries to reshape our understanding of early photography and its subjects.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News reflect a general appreciation for the iNaturalist project, highlighting the historical and technical significance of these early photographs. The discussion revolves around the challenges of early photography, the rarity of capturing living subjects, and the ever-present possibility of new discoveries. While not a lengthy discussion, the comments provide valuable insights and context to the linked project.