Biology Systematics (Taxonomy)

Rhodoliths may look like small rocks on the seafloor, but they're actually living algae that create habitats for marine life and contribute to long-term carbon storage. A new study found that the deeper ‘low-light’ waters off Japan's Tanegashima Island harbor a surprisingly distinct and diverse community of these ‘living pink rocks,’ including four species completely new to science. Researchers identified at least 12 species in a small patch of seafloor 35–38 meters deep, but only three were also found in nearby shallow waters, suggesting the deeper habitat is not simply a continuation of the one near the surface.

After nearly a decade of laboratory work, the research team has confirmed three new forest mice species. This raises the number of endemic mammals on Mindoro to twelve, cementing the island as the smallest known island where mammal speciation has taken place.

Dr Wan Faridah Akmal Jusoh of Monash University Malaysia's School of Science has been named a 2025 Explorers Club 50 honoree for her outstanding contributions to biodiversity research and conservation.

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Decades after it was first found in Japan, a crustacean species with unique black-and-white coloring resembling a panda has been confirmed to be new to science.

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Classification of these plants bloom to double the number of taxonomic groups through morphological study, DNA analysis

Insights into their diversity will help to understand and protect them and their natural environment.