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WikiProject Tree of Life Newsletter – 018 edit

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February 2022—Issue 018

Tree of Life

Welcome to the Tree of Life newsletter!

Newly recognized content
Black-and-yellow broadbill by AryKun Papuan mountain pigeon by AryKun List of leporids by PresN Algerian nuthatch by 2001:4455:364:A800:C13C:8A64:1CEF:F186, reviewed by AryKun Jungle bush quail by AryKun, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Lycorma imperialis by Etriusus, reviewed by Ealdgyth Harry Allan by Dracophyllum, reviewed by Esculenta Banded bullfrog by DanCherek, reviewed by GhostRiver

Newly nominated content
Queen angelfish by LittleJerry Red panda by LittleJerry and BhagyaMani List of lagomorphs by PresN Corsican nuthatch by 2001:4455:364:A800:39A6:A5D8:C903:5E1D Firefly by Chiswick Chap Mountain pigeon by AryKun Bonacynodon by Trilletrollet Golden eagle by Vaco98

News at a glance

A competitive first round of the Wikicup ends, with eight TOL editors moving into the second round: AryKun, GhostRiver, Ealdgyth, Wretchskull, Charlesjsharp, Dracophyllum, Guettarda, and Casliber.

February DYKs

Dudleya cymosa subsp. pumila

A Golden Retriever retrieving a shot game bird

Rhododendrons at Sheringham Park

Seagrass in La Ciotat, France

... that Ozzie was the first gorilla to take his own blood pressure voluntarily? (February 1)
... that the Sonoran blue butterfly uses Dudleya cymosa subsp. pumila (pictured) as a larval foodplant and hummingbirds feed on its nectar? (February 2)
... that the spotted lanternfly has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat swelling since the 1100s? (February 2)
... that all Golden Retrievers (example pictured) descend from a golden-coloured Flat-coated Retriever named Nous and a Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle? (February 4)
... that Fagus langevinii is considered to be the oldest extinct species of beech tree? (February 5)
... that the white-headed fruit dove (Ptilinopus eugeniae) was named after Eugénie de Montijo, Empress of the French? (February 5)
... that Coleman's melibe is said to look like a "string of snot in the water"? (February 6)
... that Mini ature is the largest frog in its genus? (February 7)
... that the New Zealand stonefly Stenoperla prasina was the five millionth specimen digitised by the Natural History Museum in London? (February 8)
... that Wallace's fruit dove has been described as being one of the most beautiful fruit doves? (February 9)
... that the woodland garden (example pictured), "colourfully planted with exotic shrubs and herbaceous plants, dominated English horticulture from 1910 to 1960"? (February 17)
... that seas are being rewilded with seagrass (example pictured)? (February 17)
... that Potamophylax coronavirus's range has been described as a battlefield between scientists and hydropower plant management? (February 23)
... that the genus Xochiquetzallia was named after the Aztec goddess of flowers? (February 26)
... that despite being nicknamed a "lanternbug", Lycorma imperialis does not actually emit any light? (February 28)
... that although it is a bird of prey, the white-fronted falconet is only 14 to 17 cm (5.5 to 6.7 in) long and mainly feeds on insects? (February 28)

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WikiProject Tree of Life/Newsletter/019 edit

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March 2022—Issue 019

Tree of Life

Welcome to the Tree of Life newsletter!

Newly recognized content
Queen angelfish by LittleJerry Alaska marmot by An anonymous username, not my real name, reviewed by Ealdgyth Firefly by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Ealdgyth Afrolychas braueri by OnlyFixingProse, reviewed by An anonymous username, not my real name Mountain pigeon by AryKun, reviewed by Ealdgyth Dracopristis by Fossiladder13, reviewed by Ealdgyth Bonacynodon by Trilletrollet, reviewed by AryKun Lichexanthone by Esculenta, reviewed by Szmenderowiecki Yellowtail flounder by Eviolite, reviewed by RecycledPixels Sexual selection by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by AryKun

Newly nominated content
White-headed fruit dove by AryKun Mountain pigeon by AryKun Florence Merriam Bailey by GhostRiver Agelenopsis pennsylvanica by Kline Hypericum aegypticum by Fritzmann Guadeloupe woodpecker by OnlyFixingProse

News at a glance

A discussion is ongoing over whether the pencil icon for editing taxonomy templates should be changed.

March DYKs

Elysia timida

Humbertium covidum

Door Tree

... that although it is a bird of prey, the white-fronted falconet is only 14 to 17 cm (5.5 to 6.7 in) long and mainly feeds on insects? (March 1)
... that Squatina mapama was named after Spain's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment? (March 3)
... that the sea slug Elysia timida (example pictured) absorbs its colouration from its algae-based diet? (March 3)
... that Seal Rescue Ireland comforts orphaned seal pups with fake mothers made of wetsuits? (March 4)
... that the flatworm Humbertium covidum (pictured), named after the COVID-19 pandemic, was classified in a study written mostly during the initial lockdown? (March 6)
... that the Door Tree (pictured), which stood for nearly 200 years, was cut down because of a brother's hatred? (March 8)
... that the nature documentary The Green Planet, narrated by David Attenborough, has been compared to both horror films and a "plant porno"? (March 10)
... that the colour of the markings on Nesticus cellulanus can vary depending on the light level of the habitat, with darker habitats causing lighter markings? (March 15)
... that the gonads of the banded bullfrog remain ripe during dry periods so that it can mate soon after rainfall? (March 17)
... that Gea eff has the shortest scientific name of any spider species? (March 18)
... that the discovery of Bianchengichthys may shed new light on the evolution of all jawed vertebrates? (18 March)
... that Alaska marmots take turns acting as sentries to protect their colonies? (March 20)
... that some of the calls of the bare-headed laughingthrush have been described as "comical"? (March 25)
... that the Bornean stubtail forages more like a mouse than a bird? (March 29)
... that the rare Somali pigeon urgently needs a population survey? (March 31)

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WikiProject Tree of Life Newsletter – 020 edit

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April 2022—Issue 020

Tree of Life

Welcome to the Tree of Life newsletter!

Newly recognized content
Red panda by LittleJerry and BhagyaMani White-headed fruit dove by AryKun List of ochotonids by PresN Guadeloupe woodpecker by OnlyFixingProse, reviewed by Ealdgyth Magnetoreception by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Mover of molehills Macauley Island by Jo-Jo Eumerus, reviewed by Ealdgyth Black-breasted buttonquail by Casliber, reviewed by Ealdgyth Florence Merriam Bailey by GhostRiver, reviewed by SquareInARoundHole

Newly nominated content
Black-breasted buttonquail by Casliber List of birds of Tuvalu by AryKun List of cingulates by PresN List of didelphimorphs by PresN Stegotherium by Larrayal Resplendent quetzal by SadAttorney613 Electroreception and electrogenesis by Chiswick Chap Muja (alligator) by Amanuensis Balkanicus Punctelia graminicola by Esculenta Siegfried Huneck by Esculenta Abiogenesis by Chiswick Chap

News at a glance

The second round of the WikiCup ends with three TOL editors moving into the third round: AryKun, Ealdgyth, and GhostRiver.

April DYKs

Whitehead's broadbill

Anaea aidea

... that the rare Somali pigeon urgently needs a population survey? (April 1)
... that Darth Vader's anal shield has a "pronounced bell shape"? (April 2)
... that lichexanthone, a chemical found in some lichens, enhances human sperm motility and kills mosquito larvae? (April 3)
... that raptor persecution is a crime against birds of prey, and in Scotland, ravens are afforded honorary raptor status? (April 4)
... that the chestnut-hooded laughingthrush feeds on insects that have been hit by vehicles? (April 7)
... that the calls of Whitehead's broadbill (example pictured) resemble those of trogons, woodpeckers, and jays? (April 10)
... that the nests of Hose's broadbill have tails? (April 12)
... that butterflies of the genus Anaea (example pictured) are said to have "commanded the admiration of even the most gold-mad conquistadores"? (April 16)
... that despite being described in 1840, the chestnut-backed buttonquail was only confirmed in Queensland in 2020? (April 21)
... that a species in the genus of sponges Pseudoceratina produces a chemical that can help prevent migration of metastatic breast cancer cells? (April 22)
... that Ulmus chuchuanus had to be renamed due to another fossil already having its original name? (April 26)
... that a walrus was given his own pontoon to stop him damaging other boats in St Mary's Harbour? (April 27)
... that magnetoreception in birds works by quantum effects in their eyes? (April 28)

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WikiProject Tree of Life Newsletter Issue 21 edit

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August 2023—Issue 021

Tree of Life

Welcome to the Tree of Life newsletter!

Newly recognized content
Australiformis by Mattximus Rodrigues night heron by FunkMonk Titanis by Augustios Paleo List of lorisoids by PresN List of storks by AryKun Brontosaurus by Augustios Paleo, reviewed by The Morrison Man Eukaryote by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Fritzmann2002 Stramenopile by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Fritzmann2002 Titanoboa by Augustios Paleo, reviewed by SilverTiger12 Antarctopelta by Augustios Paleo, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Anna Blackburne by Kusma, reviewed by Etriusus Anomochilus leonardi by AryKun, reviewed by Amitchell125 Nyctibatrachus manalari by AryKun, reviewed by Sammi Brie Mimodactylus by FunkMonk, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Nyctibatrachus major by AryKun, reviewed by Etriusus Anomochilus weberi by AryKun, reviewed by Etriusus Plant by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Cessaune

Newly nominated content
Ohmdenosaurus by Jens Lallensack Polar bear by LittleJerry Mimodactylus by FunkMonk List of cercopithecoids by PresN List of tapaculos by AryKun Klallamornis by Larrayal Hypericum perforatum by Fritzmann2002 Holozoa by Snoteleks Teloschistaceae by Esculenta Carcharodontosaurus by Augustios Paleo Nyctibatrachus radcliffei by AryKun Anomochilus by AryKun

New contest!

This month has seen an incredible amount of activity creating high quality content, with 3 FAs, 3 FACs, and a veritable flood of GAs and GANs, not to mention the FLs and FLCs. To help maintain this high level of activity going forward, WikiProject Tree of Life is starting a new monthly rolling contest, inspired by the contest run by WikiProject Military History. This contest should hopefully help incentivize editors to contribute in ways that are less daunting than writing articles that are GA and FA-quality. Even improving articles from stub to start class, or helping other editors by reviewing their work at GAN, FAC, or FLC, gets you points, with bonus points for articles with especially high page views. Make sure to participate in any way you can, and help improve the 'pedia while having fun and winning Barnstars!

August DYKs

Two salt marsh snakes

Blackburnian warbler

... that orcas have been teaching each other to attack boats? (August 2)
... that Ameles decolor has one of the most complex mating rituals of any praying mantis? (August 4)
... that salt marsh snakes (examples pictured) drink only rainwater? (August 6)
... that by 1967, staff at the Home Office were told not to feed Peta morsels of food as she had become "inordinately fat"? (August 8)
... that the perigynia of the few-flowered sedge spring outward when brushed against? (August 16)
... that three burnt golf balls are preserved at Kew Gardens as a "rare fungal species"? (August 19)
... that the chemicals responsible for the smell of freshly cut grass are a plant defense mechanism? (August 20)
... that the Blackburnian warbler (example pictured) is named after Anna Blackburne, who provided specimens to Thomas Pennant? (August 22)
... that Tylocephale possibly used their domed skulls to fight one another? (August 24)
... that John Cleese once called Olivia Benson "the weirdest cat I've ever seen in my life"? (August 25)
... that Winston Churchill was often portrayed as a bulldog (pictured), but his personal pet dog during the Second World War was a poodle? (August 25)
... that a report by the philosopher Jonathan Birch and colleagues led to cephalopods and decapods being recognised as sentient under the UK's Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act? (August 27)
... that Mike Wingfield named a fungus after his first grandchild, Rachel? (August 27)
... that depending on who you ask, an anomochilid could be a dwarf or a giant? (August 28)

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WikiProject Tree of Life Newsletter Issue 22 edit

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September 2023—Issue 022

Tree of Life

Welcome to the Tree of Life newsletter!

Newly recognized content
List of cercopithecoids by PresN List of tapaculos by AryKun Polar bear by Little Jerry Ohmdenosaurus by Jens Lallensack Amargatitanis by Augustios Paleo, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Teloschistaceae by Esculenta, reviewed by Chiswick Chap Holozoa by Snoteleks, reviewed by Esculenta Ashy flycatcher by AryKun, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Nyctibatrachus radcliffei by AryKun, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Carcharodontosaurus by Augustios Paleo, reviewed by SilverTiger12 Life by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Apatosaurinae by Augustios Paleo, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Hypericum perforatum by Fritzmann2002, reviewed by Femke

Newly nominated content
Mountain pigeon by AryKun List of hominoids by PresN List of cranes by AryKun List of tarsiiformes by PresN Lycorma meliae by Etriusus Aristonectes by Amirani1746 Animal echolocation by Chiswick Chap Hyalospheniidae by Snoteleks Buellia frigida by Snoteleks

Contest results

The first edition of our new monthly contest had perhaps a little less participation than I hoped for, but it still resulted in a huge amount of content work, mainly focussed on de-stubbing articles on little-known species, although we did also see two GAs for Holozoa and Hypericum perforatum. Overall, over 60 articles were improved, with most going from stubs or redlinks to fully fleshed out articles. The winner this month was Simongraham, who improved 21 articles about spiders, mainly to B and C class, and racked up 70 points, over twice the next highest. Hopefully, we'll continue to see such great work next month, with even more participants and even more articles improved.
Also anyone who wants to help coordinate the contest can just drop by at the talk page, I really need help.

September DYKs

Republicopteron douseae fossil

Male Phallichthys fish

Mimodactylus reconstruction

Adult ashy flycatcher

... that with all known Palaeorehniidae fossils (example pictured) being incomplete, the relationships of the family are uncertain? (September 2)
... that butterfly collector Ian Heslop was once required to supervise an execution? (September 3)
... that the Munich Mouser, Neville Chamberlain's pet, and Nelson, Winston Churchill's pet, had a rivalry during World War II? (September 6)
... that Phallichthys (literally 'penis fish') species are so called because the males (example pictured) have "comparatively huge" sex appendages? (September 8)
... that merry widows like soft bottoms? (September 10)
... that Mimodactylus (reconstruction pictured) is the first complete pterosaur from the Afro-Arabian continent? * ... that small Poecilia gillii males have longer sex organs than larger males, to facilitate mating with females that flee from them? (September 12)
... that the dwarf merry widow is not very brave? (September 13)
... that dwarf mollies hit rock bottom when they grow up? (September 14)
... that the Siberian crane is considered more threatened than the whooping crane, despite there being an estimated ten times more of them? (September 15)
... that one way to tell the African dusky flycatcher apart from the ashy flycatcher (example pictured) is that the former is "cuter"? (September 18)
... that the spiky inedible grass Triodia scintillans tastes like salt and vinegar chips? (September 19)
... that the bicolor molly inevitably goes off the deep end in adulthood? (September 27)
... that the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve is the only known nesting area for the eastern great egret in New Zealand? (September 28)

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WikiProject Tree of Life Newsletter Issue 23 edit

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October 2023—Issue 023

Tree of Life

Welcome to the Tree of Life newsletter!

Newly recognized content
Mimodactylus by FunkMonk Mountain pigeon by AryKun List of tarsiiformes by PresN List of hominoids by PresN List of cranes by AryKun Outline of lichens by MeegsC Lycorma meliae by Etriusus, reviewed by Chiswick Chap Oak by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Esculenta Animal echolocation by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Primium Elke Mackenzie by Esculenta, reviewed by Moriwen Dwarf pufferfish by Primium, reviewed by Chiswick Chap Hyalospheniidae by Snoteleks, reviewed by An anonymous username, not my real name Paroedura maingoka by Olmagon, reviewed by Jens Lallensack

Newly nominated content
Hypericum sechmenii by Fritzmann2002 Teloschistaceae by Esculenta Nyctibatrachus major by AryKun List of sunbirds by AryKun List of platyrrhines by PresN Handicap principle by Chiswick Chap Slime mold by Chiswick Chap Punctelia by Esculenta Pulchrocladia retipora by Esculenta Anaptychia ciliaris by Esculenta Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko by Olmagon Zavodovski Island by Jo-Jo Eumerus Chrysothrix chlorina by Esculenta Wood-pasture hypothesis by AndersenAnders Mammalian kidney by D6194c-1cc Lepas testudinata by Etriusus Teratoscincus roborowskii by Olmagon

Contest results

The second edition of our monthly contest was even better than the last month, with 80 articles improved spanning the entire tree of life. The winner this month was Quetzal1964, who contributed to 47 articles, mainly relating to marine fish, and racked up 81 points in the process. In second place was simongraham, who got 60 points from 14 articles on various species of jumping spiders. simongraham is still at the top of our overall standings, with 130 points, and Quetzal1964's close behind on 108. The November edition of the contest is now open: feel free to drop by and participate if you work on any TOL-related articles this month.

October DYKs

Illustration of swordtail mollies

Lycorma meliae

Illustrations of the front foot (A) and hind foot (B) of Diplobune quercyi

... that the Siberian columbine has been crossed with another species in the genus Aquilegia to determine the gene behind the genus's nectar spurs? (October 2)
... that the swordtail molly (examples pictured) and the Petén molly have been named and renamed so often, one even ending up with the other's name at one point, that the swordtail molly's current scientific name means 'confusion'? (October 8)
... that the early big cat Pachypanthera may have weighed as much as 142 kilograms (313 lb) and had teeth similar to a hyena's? (October 9)
... that ancient Greek philosopher Xenophon thought the alopekis was part dog, part fox? (October 11)
... that the katydid-like fossil Republicopteron douseae possibly could not sing? (October 12)
... that a Brontosaurus stamp led to the United States Postal Service being accused of "fostering scientific illiteracy"? (October 16)
... that the wings of Lycorma meliae (example pictured) undergo multiple color changes throughout their lives? (October 16)
... that the three-toed species of Diplobune (fossils pictured) were mammals of the order of "even-toed ungulates"? (October 17)
... that although fossils of the extinct mammal Asiavorator were first found in 1922, the genus was not named until 73 years later, in 1995? (October 18)
... that in aquariums, the humpbacked limia is known to cannibalise the young? (October 21)
... that Hypericum perforatum was a common component of classical cure-all concoctions called theriacs? (October 21)
... that Aristotle classified living things based on whether they had a "sensitive soul" or, like plants, only a "vegetative soul"? (October 22)
... that in June 2022, a neurosurgeon found a roundworm in someone's brain? (October 23)
... that ancient permafrost can preserve viable microorganisms, some of which contain antibiotic-resistance genes that may be transferred to modern bacteria? (October 27)

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WikiProject Tree of Life Newsletter Issue 24 edit

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November 2023—Issue 024

Tree of Life

Welcome to the Tree of Life newsletter!

Newly recognized content
Hypericum sechmenii by Fritzmann2002 Nyctibatrachus major by AryKun List of platyrrhines by PresN List of gymnosperm families by Dank Varroa destructor by KoA, reviewed by Chiswick Chap Lepas testudinata by Etriusus, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Island bronze-naped pigeon by AryKun, reviewed by SilverTiger12 Placidium arboreum by Esculenta, reviewed by SilverTiger12 Orange-billed lorikeet by AryKun, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Spinular night frog by AryKun, reviewed by An anonymous username, not my real name Crested cuckoo-dove by AryKun, reviewed by Femke Aristonectes by Amirani1746, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko by Olmagon, reviewed by Etriusus Femoral gland by Esculenta, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Ameerega munduruku by AryKun, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Snowy plover by Jens Lallensack, reviewed by SilverTiger12 Crested cuckoo-dove by AryKun, reviewed by Grungaloo Wood-pasture hypothesis by AndersenAnders, reviewed by Chiswick Chap Hypericum bupleuroides by Fritzmann2002, reviewed by Etriusus Teratoscincus roborowskii by Olmagon, reviewed by Esculenta Pulchrocladia retipora by Esculenta, reviewed by Etriusus Anaptychia ciliaris by Esculenta, reviewed by Jens Lallensack

Newly nominated content
Snowy plover by Jens Lallensack List of birds of Bouvet Island by AryKun Laomaki by An anonymous username, not my real name Nyctibatrachus robinmoorei by AryKun Nyctibatrachus sabarimalai by AryKun Nyctibatrachus mewasinghi by AryKun Eucalyptus gomphocephala by Hughesdarren

Contest results

The third edition of our monthly contest saw Quetzal1964 win for the second month in a row, scoring 68 points from 39 articles about a variety of marine fishes. In second place for the month is Olmagon, who scored 45 points from 10 articles on extinct crustaceans and geckoes. In the overall standings, Quetzal1964 leapfrogged over simongraham into first place, with 176 points from 109 articles; simongraham is now in second place with 136 points from 37 articles. The December edition of the contest is now open: feel free to drop by and participate if you work on any TOL-related articles this month.

New newsletter!

Now, this newsletter is technically not new, but I have only recently become aware of its existence and am only a month late, so it still counts. Wikiproject Fungi's Lichen task force has a new newsletter that is very nicely formatted and also features much better writing than this newsletter. Anyone interested in receiving the newsletter can add their name here.

November DYKs

A bacterium that thrives in the deep ocean

Georges Cuvier's reconstruction of Anoplotherium commune

Paroedura maingoka

Field of Wyethia amplexicaulis in bloom

An adult dwarf pufferfish

Adult Balkan terrapin

Planocarina marginata, a hyalospheniid amoeba

... that a variety of the Connecticut field pumpkin is known as "the original commercial jack-o'-lantern pumpkin"? (November 1)
... that insects not only destroyed the personal plant collection of John Hunter Thomas, but also bear his name? (November 3)
... that life exists in every part of the biosphere, from the deepest parts of the ocean (bacterium pictured) to altitudes of up to 64 km (40 miles) in the atmosphere? (November 6)
... that Sivapardus was larger than a leopard, smaller than a lion, and had a face like a cheetah? (November 7)
... that Lillian V. Holdeman Moore identified a spike in hydrogen-gas-producing bacteria in Skylab astronauts? (November 8)
... that euglossine bees distribute the seeds of vanilla tlatepusco? (November 11)
... that in 1822, the Paleogene mammal Anoplotherium commune (reconstruction pictured) was the first fossil species to be subjected to a brain cast study? (November 12)
... that the island bronze-naped pigeon is a popular food at bars and parties on São Tomé? (November 12)
... that little pink elephants are parasitic? (November 12)
... that the gecko Paroedura maingoka (pictured) imitates venomous scorpions to discourage predators? (November 13)
... that the scenic fields of northern wyethia (pictured) found in the western United States are sometimes a sign that an area has been overgrazed? (November 15)
... that a 1950s album of frog calls developed a cult following? (November 15)
... that at a maximum standard length of roughly 2 cm (0.8 in), dwarf pufferfish are some of the smallest pufferfish in the world? (November 18)
... that the authors of The Neanderthals Rediscovered learned that their book proposal had been accepted on the same day they took their twin sons home from hospital? (November 20)
... that hatchling Balkan terrapins are only 3 to 4 centimetres (1.2 to 1.6 in) in length, while adults (example pictured) can grow as long as 25 cm (9.8 in)? (November 21)
... that organisms could harvest kinetic energy to survive? (November 22)
... that pollution in rivers scatters far-red light, making it harder for plants like Noveloa to germinate? (November 23)
... that many hyalospheniid amoebae (example pictured) construct shells by stealing mineralized particles from the shells of their prey? (November 28)
... that an ancient wildcat species is known only from a part of the jaw of a single animal discovered in Poland? (November 29)

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WikiProject Tree of Life Newsletter Issue 25 edit

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December 2023—Issue 025

Tree of Life

Welcome to the Tree of Life newsletter!

Newly recognized content
Snowy plover by Jens Lallensack Teloschistaceae by Esculenta List of birds of Bouvet Island by AryKun List of sunbirds by AryKun Slime mold by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Esculenta Handicap principle by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Etriusus Insect by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Iztwoz Wheat by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by KoA Eucalyptus gomphocephala by Hughesdarren, reviewed by Grungaloo Buellia frigida by Esculenta, reviewed by J Milburn Nyctibatrachus robinmoorei by AryKun, reviewed by Grungaloo Nyctibatrachus mewasinghi by AryKun, reviewed by Grungaloo Nyctibatrachus sabarimalai by AryKun, reviewed by Grungaloo Great cuckoo-dove by AryKun, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Lake Patzcuaro salamander by Etriusus, reviewed by Grungaloo Anoplotherium by PrimalMustelid, reviewed by 20 upper

Newly nominated content
Alpine ibex by LittleJerry Pseudastacus by Olmagon Pachysentis by Mattximus List of primates by PresN Banded palm civet by Cremastra Perothops by Memer15151 Hypericum hircinum by Fritzmann2002 Boquila by Etriusus and Veridicae Aptostichus barackobamai by Etriusus Buffy-tufted marmoset by André Ribeiro Cardoso Ant mimicry by Chiswick Chap Mosquito by Chiswick Chap Anopheles by Chiswick Chap Rice by Chiswick Chap Pliosaurus andrewsi by Amirani1746 Triassosculda by Abdullah raji Flaco (owl) by Rhododendrites Crassispira incrassata by Etriusus Sei whale by 20 upper

Contest results

And so ends the fourth edition of the monthly rolling contest, as well as the 2023 Tree of Life Contest as a whole. This month saw simongraham win with a very impressive 120 points from 27 articles. Quetzal1964 was second with 74 points from 37 articles. The annual contest was a close race between simongraham and Quetzal1964; simongraham won first place with 256 points from 64 articles, and Quetzal1964 was second with 250 points from 146 articles. Snoteleks was third with 79 points from 33 articles. Congratulations to everyone who won this year and my gratitude to everyone else who helped raise the quality of articles in our little corner of Wikipedia this year. Additionally, a very Happy New Year to everyone in the project and here's looking forward to continuing our good work in 2024!

December DYKs

Snowy plover with chicks

Bofedales in the foreground

Adult female Varroa mite

Dennstaedtia christophelii fossil frond

... that a "bat ensnared by a plant" was discovered in the garden of the Palestine Museum of Natural History? (December 2)
... that female snowy plovers often abandon their families as soon as the chicks hatch? (December 4)
... that Lepas testudinata can form colonies of more than 1000 members at a time? (December 5)
... that the gecko Teratoscincus roborowskii eats caper fruits and disperses the plant's seeds in its feces? (December 5)
... that Henk Zwartepoorte quacked at caimans? (December 5)
... that the green colour of bofedales (examples pictured) stands out in the yellow surrounding landscape? (December 6)
... that Desulfovibrio vulgaris can remove toxic heavy metals from the environment? (December 8)
... that Varroa destructor (example pictured), the Varroa mite, is an external parasitic mite that attacks and feeds on honey bees and is one of the most harmful honey-bee pests in the world? (December 11)
... that young orange-billed lorikeets are actually yellow-billed? (December 16)
... that stinking tutsan smells like goat? (December 20)
... that orange paintbrushes are guarded by rufous hummingbirds? (December 21)
... that the Antarctic lichen Buellia frigida has been to outer space? (December 22)
... that the closest modern fern relatives to Dennstaedtia christophelii (fossil pictured) of the Pacific Northwest are tropical species from South America? (December 24)
... that in Icelandic folklore, the Yule cat eats people who do not receive new clothing for Christmas? (December 25)
... that the Lake Patzcuaro salamander's native habitat is limited to a single lake in Mexico? (December 28)
... that plant species like Hypericum bupleuroides can reproduce by a callus? (December 29)

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WikiProject Tree of Life Newsletter Issue 26 edit

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January and February 2024—Issue 026

Tree of Life

Welcome to the Tree of Life newsletter!

Newly recognized content
Alpine ibex by LittleJerry Markham's storm petrel by FunkMonk, Jens Lallensack, and Therapyisgood List of primates by PresN List of birds of Alberta by grungaloo Rice by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by RecycledPixels Barley by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Bruxton Chicken by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by DocZach Cereal by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by Bruxton Ant mimicry by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by AryKun Anopheles by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by AryKun Mosquito by Chiswick Chap, reviewed by 20 upper Cherry blossom by Reconrabbit, reviewed by Chiswick Chap Sei whale by 20 upper, reviewed by grungaloo Megaherbivore by 20 upper, reviewed by Chiswick Chap Brown bear by 20 upper, reviewed by Chiswick Chap Indian rhinoceros by 20 upper, reviewed by Chiswick Chap Hypericum hircinum by Fritzmann2002, reviewed by grungaloo Hypericum foliosum by Fritzmann2002, reviewed by Chiswick Chap Hypericum grandifolium by Fritzmann2002, reviewed by Esculenta Boquila by Etriusus, reviewed by Chiswick Chap Aptostichus barackobamai by Etriusus, reviewed by Esculenta Crassispira incrassata by Etriusus, reviewed by 20 upper Punctelia by Esculenta, reviewed by Ealdgyth Chrysothrix chlorina by Esculenta, reviewed by Ealdgyth Chrysothrix chlorina by Esculenta, reviewed by Ealdgyth Ramalina peruviana by Esculenta, reviewed by Ealdgyth Menemerus animatus by simongraham, reviewed by Esculenta Afraflacilla braunsi by simongraham, reviewed by grungaloo Nasutoceratops by FunkMonk, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Pseudastacus by Olmagon, reviewed by FunkMonk Angustidontus by Super Dromaeosaurus and Ichthyovenator, reviewed by Amitchell125 Pruemopterus by Super Dromaeosaurus and Ichthyovenator, reviewed by Etriusus Black-billed magpie by grungaloo, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Black-capped chickadee by grungaloo, reviewed by Jens Lallensack Horned sungem by Jens Lallensack, reviewed by grungaloo Flaco (owl) by Rhododendrites, reviewed by Etriusus Telonemia by Snotoleks, reviewed by Esculenta "Pliosaurus" andrewsi by Amirani1746, reviewed by grungaloo Beaver drop by Lightburst, reviewed by Chiswick Chap

Newly nominated content
Horned sungem by Jens Lallensack Tufted jay by grungaloo Nasutoceratops by FunkMonk Maize by Chiswick Chap Cattle by Chiswick Chap Pig by Chiswick Chap Domestic duck by Chiswick Chap Eusociality by Chiswick Chap Fish by Chiswick Chap Barnacle by Chiswick Chap Ochrophyte by Snotoleks Parvilucifera by Snotoleks Thalattoarchon by Amirani1746 Hydropunctaria amphibia by Esculenta Melanohalea by Esculenta Spot test (lichen) by Esculenta Lecideaceae by Esculenta Hypericum × inodorum by Fritzmann2002 Hypericum sect. Androsaemum by Fritzmann2002 Olga Hartman by Viriditas Mixtotherium by PrimalMustelid Enhydriodon by PrimalMustelid Lentinus brumalis by Зэгс ус

News at a glance

Our first double issue in almost four years, although we will try to return to a monthly schedule henceforth (incidentally, the last double issue saw Markham's storm petrel at GAN, and this one sees it finally pass FAC).
A highly competitive first round of the WikiCup sees four Tree of Life editors advance to the second round: MtBotany, Fritzmann2002, Ealdgyth, and AryKun
The March 2024 GAN Backlog Drive starts today; everyone is welcome to participate and help reduce the backlog of GANs.
The January edition of our monthly rolling contest was won by Quetzal1964 with 100 points from 40 articles, mainly related to various species of marine fish. simongraham was second with 80 points from 14 articles on jumping spiders.
The February edition saw Quetzal1964 win for the second time in a row, with 114 points from 43 articles. In second place was Snoteleks, with 21 points from 7 seven articles on various unicellular eukaryotes, including the GA Telonemia.

January DYKs

... that Dacrytherium, literally meaning 'tear beast', was named after its "tear-pit"? (3 January)
... that misidentifications of the crested cuckoo-dove have led to claims that the extinct Choiseul pigeon is still around? (4 January)
... that the wood-pasture hypothesis posits that semi-open wood pastures and not primeval forests are the natural vegetation of temperate Europe? (5 January)
... that until April 2023, when the genus Triassosculda was discovered, the mantis shrimp fossil record contained a gap of more than a hundred million years? (5 January)
... that although Olga Hartman believed that her basic research on marine worms had no practical value, it was applied to experimental studies of oysters? (6 January)
... that Oxford ivy grows towards the light to bloom and then towards the darkness when going to seed? (17 January)
... that S. F. Light (pictured) disliked using his full name? (20 January)
... that the fossil turtle Acherontemys was named for a "river of the fabled lower world"? (26 January)
... that a species of spider is named after Barack Obama? (27 January)
... that Boquila trifoliolata is the only known plant capable of simultaneously mimicking multiple species? (27 January)
... that Harpegnathos alperti worker ants have black heads and chocolate-colored mandibles? (28 January)
... that all known populations of Epipterygium opararense (example pictured) live within a 5-metre (16 ft) radius in New Zealand? (28 January)
... that female swamp guppies (pictured) show no preference for orange or red coloration during courtship? (29 January)

S. F. Light examining termites
Epipterygium opararense
Gold-morph swamp guppies

February DYKs

... that black-billed magpies are known to eat ticks off deer and other large mammals (example pictured)? (1 February)
... that scientist Adelaida K. Semesi was known as "mama mangroves" due to her specialist knowledge of their ecology? (2 February)
... that for the southern molly, sexual selection favors smaller males because they copulate by sneaking up to females? (2 February)
... that eyelash seaweed may have been made extinct by a single 2016 earthquake? (4 February)
... that conservation in Indonesia had little local support after independence because it was associated with the Dutch colonial period? (5 February)
... that the artiodactyl Ephelcomenus is thought to have been capable of burrowing? (6 February)
... that male mangrove mollies mate sneakily? (14 February)
... that barley was once used as a form of money? (14 February)
... it has been suggested that Crassispira incrassata may be a southern variation of Crassispira bottae and not its own species? (15 February)
... that the shining St John's wort owes its bright colors partly to carotenoid compounds? (18 February)
... that having lived in Central Park for more than a year after becoming homeless, Flaco (pictured) has been accused of being a peeping tom? (19 February)
... that the horned sungem (example pictured) is sometimes a nectar robber? (24 February)
... that the sea slug Bosellia mimetica benefits from photosynthesis? (25 February)
... that almost all members of a flock of tufted jays work together to build a nest? (28 February)
... that the hippocampus of the black-capped chickadee grows in the fall and shrinks in the spring? (29 February)
... that an Indian rhinoceros, sent as a gift to Pope Leo X in 1515, was immortalised as Dürer's Rhinoceros after dying in a shipwreck? (29 February)

Black-billed magpie eating ticks off the back of a cow
Flaco peeping through a window
Horned sungem robbing a flower

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