The postcranial anatomy of Moschorhinus kitchingi (Therapsida: Therocephalia) from the Karoo Basin of South Africa.

Therocephalia are an important clade of non-mammalian therapsids that evolved a diverse array of morphotypes and body sizes throughout their evolutionary history. The postcranial anatomy of therocephalians has largely been overlooked, but remains important towards understanding aspects of their palaeobiology and phylogenetic relationships. Here, we provide the first postcranial description of the large akidnognathid eutherocephalian Moschorhinus kitchingi by examining multiple specimens from fossil collections in South Africa. We also compare the postcranial anatomy with previously described therocephalian postcranial material and provide an updated literature review to ensure a reliable foundation of comparison for future descriptive work. Moschorhinus shares all the postcranial features of eutherocephalians that differentiate them from early-diverging therocephalians, but is differentiated from other eutherocephalian taxa by aspects concerning the scapula, interclavicle, sternum, manus, and femur. The novel anatomical data from this contribution shows that Moschorhinus possessed a stocky bauplan with a particularly robust scapula, humerus, and femur. These attributes, coupled with the short and robust skull bearing enlarged conical canines imply that Moschorhinus was well equipped to grapple with and subdue prey items. Additionally, the combination of these attributes differ from those of similarly sized coeval gorgonopsians, which would have occupied a similar niche in late Permian ecosystems. Moreover, Moschorhinus was the only large carnivore known to have survived the Permo-Triassic mass extinction. Thus, the subtle but important postcranial differences may suggest a type of niche partitioning in the predator guild during the Permo-Triassic mass extinction interval.

Metagenome-assembled genomes provide insight into the metabolic potential during early production of Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site 2 in the Delaware Basin.

Demand for natural gas continues to climb in the United States, having reached a record monthly high of 104.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in November 2023. Hydraulic fracturing, a technique used to extract natural gas and oil from deep underground reservoirs, involves injecting large volumes of fluid, proppant, and chemical additives into shale units. This is followed by a "shut-in" period, during which the fracture fluid remains pressurized in the well for several weeks. The microbial processes that occur within the reservoir during this shut-in period are not well understood; yet, these reactions may significantly impact the structural integrity and overall recovery of oil and gas from the well. To shed light on this critical phase, we conducted an analysis of both pre-shut-in material alongside production fluid collected throughout the initial production phase at the Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site 2 (HFTS 2) located in the prolific Wolfcamp formation within the Permian Delaware Basin of west Texas, USA. Specifically, we aimed to assess the microbial ecology and functional potential of the microbial community during this crucial time frame. Prior analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing data through the first 35 days of production revealed a strong selection for a Clostridia species corresponding to a significant decrease in microbial diversity. Here, we performed a metagenomic analysis of produced water sampled on Day 33 of production. This analysis yielded three high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), one of which was a Clostridia draft genome closely related to the recently classified Petromonas tenebris. This draft genome likely represents the dominant Clostridia species observed in our 16S rRNA profile. Annotation of the MAGs revealed the presence of genes involved in critical metabolic processes, including thiosulfate reduction, mixed acid fermentation, and biofilm formation. These findings suggest that this microbial community has the potential to contribute to well souring, biocorrosion, and biofouling within the reservoir. Our research provides unique insights into the early stages of production in one of the most prolific unconventional plays in the United States, with important implications for well management and energy recovery.

Conservation genomics assessment of Tharp's bluestar (Amsonia tharpii) with comparisons to widespread (A. longilora) and narrowly endemic (A. fugatei) congeners.

Land-use change and habitat fragmentation are threats to biodiversity. The decrease in available habitat, increase in isolation, and mating within populations can lead to elevated inbreeding, lower genetic diversity, and poor fitness. Here we investigate the genetics of two rare and threatened plant species, Amsonia tharpii and A. fugatei, and we compare them to a widespread congener A. longiflora. We also report the first phylogenetic study of the genus Amsonia (Apocynaceae), including 10 of the 17 taxa and multiple sampling locations, to understand species relationships. We used a double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) approach to investigate the genetic diversity and gene flow of each species and to create a maximum likelihood phylogeny. The ddRADseq data was mapped to a reference genome to separate out the chloroplast and nuclear markers for population genetic analysis. Our results show that genetic diversity and inbreeding were low across all three species. The chloroplast and nuclear dataset in A. tharpii were highly structured, whereas they showed no structure for A. fugatei, while A. longiflora lacked structure for nuclear data but not chloroplast. Phylogenetic results revealed that A. tharpii is distinct and sister to A. fugatei, and together they are distantly related to A. longiflora. Our results demonstrated that evolutionary history and contemporary ecological processes largely influences genetic diversity within Amsonia. Interestingly, we show that in A. tharpii there was significant structure despite being pollinated by large, bodied hawkmoths that are known to be able to carry pollen long distances, suggesting that other factors are contributing to the structure observed among A. tharpii populations. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting all of the A. tharpii populations, as they contain unique genetic diversity, and a protection plan for A. fugatei needs to be established due to its limited distribution.

Rhizosphere enrichment and crop utilization of selenium and metals in typical permian soils of Enshi.

Enshi, China, is renowned as "Selenium(Se) Capital" where widely distributed soils derived from Permian parent rocks are notably rich in Se, as well as metals, particularly cadmium(Cd). However, the soil enrichment and crop uptake of Se and metals in these high-Se and high-Cd areas are not well understood. To propose the optimal crop planting plan to ensure the safety of agricultural products, we investigated the soils and corresponding typical crops (rice, tea, and maize). The results showed significant soil enrichment of elements, with average contents (mg/kg) as follows: Cr (185), Zn (126), Cu (58.8), Pb (31.1), As (15.7), Se (6.85), Cd (5.41), and Hg (0.211). All soil Se contents were above 0.4 mg/kg, indicating Se-rich soils. Se primarily existed in an organic-bound form, accounting for an average proportion of 61.3%, while Cd was mainly exchangeable, with an average of 62.5%. Cd exhibited higher activity according to the Relative Index of Activity (RIA). Nemerow single-factor index analysis confirmed significant soil contamination, with Cd showing the highest level, followed by Cr and Cu, while Pb had the lowest level. Tea exhibited a high Se rich ratio (82.0%) without exceeding the Cd standard. In contrast, corn and rice had relatively lower Se-rich ratios (42.0% and 51.5% respectively) and high rates of Cd exceeding the standard, at 49.0% and 61.0% respectively. Canonical analysis revealed that rice was more influenced by soil factors related to Se and Cd compared to maize and tea crops. Therefore, tea cultivation in the Enshi Permian soil area is recommended for safe crop production. This study provides insights into the enrichment, fractionation, and bioavailability of soil Se, Cd, and other metals in the high-Se and high-Cd areas of permian stratas in Enshi, offering a scientific basis for selecting local food crops and producing safe Se-rich agricultural products in the region.

The structure of wing in the earliest Permopsocida.

Permopsocids are small acercarian insects with mouthparts specialized for sucking. They are closely related to Hemiptera and Thysanoptera. The earliest known representatives are from the Early Permian. Here evidence is presented that the Permopsocida occurred even earlier in Pennsylvanian (Moscovian) deposits in the Piesberg quarry near Osnabrück (Lower Saxony, Germany). This material is assigned to the Permian family Psocidiidae; Carbonopsocus mercuryi gen. et sp. nov., based on the wing venation diagnosed by the unique branching pattern of the main veins, the shape of the areola postica being longer than wide, the angular shape of the pterostigma, the ir crossvein directed proximally mid of pterostigma (apomorphy) and the vannus formed by the three veins of PCu, A1 and A2. The shape of the veins, with a Y-vein formed by the distal fusion of PCu with A1, could be a putative symplesiomorphy of the Psocodea with Permopsocida and Hemiptera. C. mercuryi gen. et sp. nov. is the first appearance date for Permopsocida and roots the Acercaria tree. In addition, another specimen of Dichentomum cf. arroyo (Psocidiidae) from Carrizo Arroyo is presented and figured, confirming the presence of the genus Dichentomum near the Carboniferous-Permian boundary and linking it to the Artinskian species from Elmo in Kansas, USA.

Sedimentary records of sea level fall during the end-Permian in the upper Yangtze region (southern China): Implications for the mass extinction.

Sea level fall is considered one of the significant factors leading to the end-Permian mass extinction (EPME). We studied the relative sea level changes in the Beifengjing and Shangsi sections, and the results indicate that a sea level fall occurred in the Upper Yangtze region during the Permian-Triassic transition. Considering that there is no significant change in fossil abundance in the strata following the two sea level falls observed in the Beifengjing section, we conclude that the reduction in shallow marine habitat for sea level fall solely was insufficient to cause the mass extinction. However, sea level fall did exacerbate the input of terrestrial debris into the ocean, leading to the deterioration of the marine environment. We propose that the combined adverse effects of volcanic eruptions, sea level falls, and other events exceeded the threshold for biological survival, ultimately resulting in the catastrophic EPME.

Replacement tooth in mesosaurs and new data on dental microanatomy and microstructure.

The Permian mesosaurs are well known for being the earliest amniotes to exhibit adaptations for living in a marine environment (Irati-Whitehill Sea). In addition to their set of skeletal features associated with aquatic dwelling life, their dentition includes important characteristics related to feeding in this habitat, which is described in this work, based on the analysis of mesosaur specimens from the Lower Permian Irati Formation of Brazil. Mesosaurs have several slender, conical teeth bordered by enamel apicobasal ridges, a feature predominantly found in aquatic amniotes. Internally, the dentine walls are formed by the arrangement of layers of orthodentine and globular dentine. To prevent tooth loss, the basal area is equipped with plicidentine, a particular type of orthodentine, allied with cementum, alveolar bone trabeculae, and periodontal space that reinforces anchorage and provides some flexibility. The teeth are replaced in a labio-vertical path, and the dentition replaces alternately. This feature is regarded as plesiomorphic, and it ensures the oral cavity is supplied with enough teeth. However, these features do not the assessment of whether mesosaurs teeth were capable of piercing prey with resistant tegument. Instead, we interpret this adaptation as a mechanism for catching prey, at least in adults, and we endorse a possible ontogenetic dietary shift from small to large forms.

Carbon cycle perturbations and environmental change of the middle permian and Late Triassic Paleo-Antarctic circle.

During the middle Permian through the Triassic, Tasmania moved from paleo-latitudes of 78° to 69°S, wedged between Antarctica and Australia, within the paleo-South polar circle. During this time, significant global carbon cycle disturbances triggered major environmental and climatic changes and mass extinction events globally. The Bicheno-5 core from Eastern Tasmania, Australia, provides the opportunity to examine middle Permian and Upper Triassic sediments from the paleo-Antarctic, using high-resolution organic carbon isotope (δ13CTOC) chemostratigraphy, pXRF, and sedimentology, combined with new palynological data integrated with the existing radiometric age model. While there is a significant unconformity in the Upper Permian to the middle Triassic associated with eustatic sea-level fall as a result of regional uplift in eastern Australia, three distinct carbon isotope excursions (CIEs), characterized by negative shifts of up to - 6 ‰ were identified; the middle Permian Guadalupian Carbon Isotope Excursions (G-CIE), the Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE), and the mid-Norian Event (MNE). These three events highlight a significant climate shift through glacial and interglacial cycles to warmer non-glacial intervals in the Late Triassic, with evidence of the polar record of the Carnian Pluvial Episode and the mid-Norian Event, which are poorly studied in the Southern Hemisphere, specifically within the Paleo-Antarctic circle.

The origin and evolution of Cynodontia (Synapsida, Therapsida): Reassessment of the phylogeny and systematics of the earliest members of this clade using 3D-imaging technologies.

The origin of cynodonts, the group ancestral to and including mammals, is one of the major outstanding problems in therapsid evolution. One of the most troubling aspects of the cynodont fossil record is the lengthy Permian ghost lineage between the latest possible divergence from its sister group Therocephalia and the first appearance of definitive cynodonts in the late Permian. The absence of cynodonts and dominance of therocephalians in middle Permian strata has led some workers to argue that cynodonts evolved from within therocephalians, rendering the latter paraphyletic, but more recent analyses support the reciprocal monophyly of Cynodontia and Therocephalia. Furthermore, although a fundamental dichotomy in the derived subclade Eucynodontia is well-supported in cynodont phylogeny, the relationships of more stemward cynodonts from the late Permian and Early Triassic are unresolved. Here, we provide a re-evaluation of the phylogeny of Eutheriodontia (Cynodontia + Therocephalia) and an assessment of character evolution within the group. Using computed tomographic data derived from extensive sampling of the earliest known (late Permian and Early Triassic) cynodonts and selected exemplars of therocephalians and later (Middle Triassic onwards) cynodonts, we describe novel aspects of the endocranial anatomy of these animals. These data were incorporated into a new phylogenetic data set including a comprehensive sample of early cynodonts. Our phylogenetic analyses support some results previously recovered by other authors, but recover therocephalians as paraphyletic with regards to cynodonts, with cynodonts and eutherocephalians forming a clade to the exclusion of the "basal therocephalian" families Lycosuchidae and Scylacosauridae. Though both conservatism and homoplasy mark the endocranial anatomy of early non-mammalian cynodonts, we were able to identify several new endocranial synapomorphies for eutheriodont subclades and recovered generally better-supported topologies than previous analyses using primarily external craniodental characters.

Size and shape heterodonty in the early Permian synapsid Mesenosaurus efremovi.

Paleozoic synapsids represent the first chapter in the evolution of this large clade that includes mammals. These fascinating terrestrial vertebrates were the first amniotes to successfully adapt to a wide range of feeding strategies, reflected by their varied dental morphologies. Evolution of the marginal dentition on the mammalian side of amniotes is characterized by strong, size and shape heterodonty, with the late Permian therapsids showing heterodonty with the presence of incisiform, caniniform, and multicuspid molariform dentition. Rarity of available specimens has previously prevented detailed studies of dental anatomy and evolution in the initial chapter of synapsid evolution, when synapsids were able to evolve dentition for insectivory, herbivory, and carnivory. Numerous teeth, jaw elements, and skulls of the hypercarnivorous varanopid Mesenosaurus efremovi have been recently discovered in the cave systems near Richards Spur, Oklahoma, permitting the first detailed investigation of the dental anatomy of a Paleozoic tetrapod using multiple approaches, including morphometric and histological analyses. As a distant stem mammal, Mesenosaurus is the first member of this large and successful clade to exhibit a type of dental heterodonty that combines size and morphological (shape) variation of the tooth crowns. Here we present the first evidence of functional differentiation in the dentition of this early synapsid, with three distinct dental regions having diverse morphologies and functions. The quality and quantity of preserved materials has allowed us to identify the orientation and curvature of the carinae (cutting edges), and the variation and distribution of the ziphodonty (serrations) along the carinae. The shape-related heterodonty seen in this taxon may have contributed to this taxon's ability to be a successful mid-sized predator in the taxonomically diverse community of early Permian carnivores, but may have also extended the ecological resilience of this clade of mid-sized predators across major faunal and environmental transitions.

New keratose sponges after the end-Permian extinction provide insights into biotic recoveries.

We challenge the prevailing view that the end-Permian extinction impeded the Triassic evolution of sponges. Here, we report a deep-water community dominated by abundant keratose sponges in the lowest Triassic strata from Southwest China. The sponge fossils occur as dark elliptical imprints in mudstone with distinct oscula on their tops. The structure of preserved fibers suggests closest affinity with the extant Dictyoceratida, an aspiculate demosponge. The exceptional preservation plays a crucial role in retaining their exquisite structures. Sedimentary, taphonomic, pyrite framboid, and trace elemental analyses indicate that the sponges proliferated in an oxygen-poor habitat, demonstrating the high tolerance of sponges to severe conditions. Sponge proliferation is a signal of environmental upheaval but they also stabilized the ecosystem, driving the first phase of biotic recovery after the end-Permian extinction.

Tracking 'transitional' diadectomorphs in the earliest Permian of equatorial Pangea.

Diadectomorpha was a clade of large-bodied stem-amniotes or possibly early-diverging synapsids that established a successful dynasty of late Carboniferous to late Permian high-fiber herbivores. Aside from their fairly rich record of body fossils, diadectomorphs are also well-known from widely distributed tracks and trackways referred to as Ichniotherium. Here, we provide detailed description of a diadectomorph trackway and a manus-pes couple originating from two different horizons in the Asselian (lowermost Permian) of the Boskovice Basin in the Czech Republic. The specimens represent two distinct ichnotaxa of Ichniotherium, I. cottae and I. sphaerodactylum. Intriguingly, the I. cottae trackway described herein illustrates a 'transitional' stage in the posture evolution of diadectomorphs, showing track morphologies possibly attributable to a Diadectes-like taxon combined with distances between the successive manus and pes imprints similar to those observable in earlier-diverging diadectomorphs, such as Orobates. In addition, this trackway is composed of 14 tracks, including six well-preserved manus-pes couples, and thus represents the most complete record of Ichniotherium cottae described to date from the Asselian strata. In turn, the manus-pes couple, attributed here to I. sphaerodactylum, represents only the second record of this ichnotaxon from the European part of Pangea. Our study adds to the diversity of the ichnological record of Permian tetrapods in the Boskovice Basin which had been essentially unexplored until very recently.

Partition pattern and environmental consequences of the widespread coalmines and host rocks on the water of selected regions, China.

The massive exploration and random dumping of coals in various regions of China create serious environmental and health problems because of the presence of toxic trace elements (TTEs), which possibly transfer to environment and cause serious health issues. This study was conducted to probe the environmental consequences of coalmines on the aquifer water and their association with health risks and the environment. For this purpose, 100 s of water samples was collected from the typical coalmine regions of Hancheng, Huanglong, Binxian, Handan, Langao, and Fusui and analyzed for various parameters. In Handan mining areas, Se, Mn, Fe, TDS, SO42-, and total hardness were higher than the WHO standard, while in Hancheng, SO42- was > 95%, Ca2+ 40-96%, and Mg2+ was 0-40%, which caused permanent hardness. In the Fusui and Huanglong areas, the SO42- concentration was > 95%, Ca2+ 60-100%, and Mg2+ 20%, causing permanent hardness. In Binxian, HCO3- was 70-90%, Ca2+ 60-80%, and Cl- and SO42- were 20%, causing temporary hardness. In the Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) area, Se in the Middle Triassic was 0.3, Upper Triassic 0.23, and Quaternary 0.01, while fluoride (F) was 124.7, 141.6, and 159 in µg L-1. The Handan water is included in rock-evaporation dominance (a mixed controlling mechanism), Hancheng, Binxian, Huanglong, and Langao water was included in rock dominance, while the Fusui water was included in rock-precipitation dominance. The average daily intake ((ADI) mg kg-1 d-1) of Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ti, Tl, Mo, Ni, Zn, Pb, Be, U, and Sr was comparably higher than No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL), which surely causes high health risk in selected regions. The elemental contaminants in the water were attributed to the geological environment, geochemical processes, ion exchanges, redox reactions, and dissolution of mineralized rock. For aquifer safety, coal mining, and other geological activities should be avoided to protect the water for future generations.

Integrative study of Permian coal-bearing horizons: biostratigraphy, palaeovegetation, and palaeoclimate in the South Karanpura Basin.

The article deals with the integrated and comprehensive study of the coal-bearing horizons from the South Karanpura Basin to delineate the biostratigraphy, palaeovegetation, palaeodepositional settings, and palaeoclimate in and around the investigated area during the deposition of Permian sediments. Highly diversified megafloral assemblages consist 13 genera and 72 species of order Glossopteridales, Cordaitales and Equisetales are documented among which 37 taxa are newly reported from Barakar and Raniganj formations of the area. Palynoassemblages-I and -II are recovered, which demonstrate the biostratigraphic age as Kungurian and Wordian-Capitanian, respectively. Overall the vegetation represents a luxuriant forest subjugated by arborescent deciduous trees bearing Glossopteris foliage with some conifers, cordaites, filicales, and peltaspermales. The biomarker study of the basin illustrates the unimodal distribution of n-alkanes in the sample set ranges from C14 to C29 which suggests major input from a single source of organic matter. The involvement of microbial activity and algal input is suggested for the basin. A relatively moderate-to-high water level condition can be inferred from elevated n-C25. The high CIA, PIA values and A-CN-K plot suggest intense weathering conditions in the source area. The source rocks are characterized by mature clayey type with abundant clay mineral, i.e., kaolinite. The current study portrays that the Permian climate was cooler in initial phase, which later on became warm temperate with high humidity. The palaeofloral entities and geochemical parameters suggest absolute diversification of Permian flora, the existence of continental freshwater setting in the vicinity and oxic to anoxic environment with fluctuating ground water conditions during the deposition of sediments.

Flaring volumes in the intermountain west region: A geospatial analysis of satellite and operator-reported data with viable mitigation strategies.

Burning associated gas has been a prevailing problem across the world for decades. This practice consumes billions of (US) dollars' worth of valuable natural gas, contributes billions of metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere, and releases volatile chemicals to nearby communities. To assess the prevalence of wellbore flaring within the Intermountain West (I-West) region, we analyzed data from the Nightfire project and contrasted it with wellbore surface hole locations. Consequently, we will permit the analysis of the flare data on a geospatial scale and compare it with operator self-reported flaring volumes. Through this analysis, we found that New Mexico is by far the largest flaring state in the I-West region, with most of its flare gas coming from the Permian Basin. Additionally, we found that satellite data estimated volumes that were 165% larger than those self-reported by the operators. Although some of this could be an overestimation from the Nightfire project, the size of the discrepancy indicates that there may be an underestimation of flared volumes that operators report to the state. A better understanding of the discrepancy source can be identified by linking the satellite flare volume to individual wells and operators, and potential solutions may be implemented to assist New Mexico's recent waste laws in reducing Permian flared volumes. We also proposed economic solutions that could substantially reduce the flared volume through flare gas utilization through on-site processing, the construction of small spur lines, and the development of a local sink for methane.

The postcranial anatomy of Gorgonops torvus (Synapsida, Gorgonopsia) from the late Permian of South Africa.

Gorgonopsians are among the most recognizable groups of synapsids from the Permian period and have an extensive but mostly cranial fossil record. By contrast, relatively little is known about their postcranial anatomy. Here, we describe a nearly complete, semi-articulated skeleton of a gorgonopsian (identified as Gorgonops torvus) from the late Permian Endothiodon Assemblage Zone of the South African Karoo Basin and discuss its paleobiological implications. Known gorgonopsian postcrania indicate morphological conservatism in the group, but the skeletal anatomy of Gorgonops does differ from that of other gorgonopsians in some respects, such as in the triangular radiale and short terminal phalanges in the manus, and a weakly developed distinction between pubis and ischium in ventral aspect of the pelvic girdle. Similarities between the specimen described herein and a historically problematic specimen originally referred to "Scymnognathus cf. whaitsi" confirm referral of the latter specimen to Gorgonops. Since descriptions of gorgonopsian postcrania are rare, new interpretations of the lifestyle and ecology of Gorgonopsia can be drawn from our contribution. We conclude that gorgonopsians were likely ambush predators, able to chase their prey over short distances and pin them down with strong forelimbs before using their canines for the kill. This is evidenced by their different fore- and hindlimb morphology; the former stouter and more robust in comparison to the longer, more gracile, back legs. Furthermore, the completeness of the study specimen facilitates calculation of an estimated body mass of approximately 98 kg, similar to that of a modern lioness.

Rapid turnover of top predators in African terrestrial faunas around the Permian-Triassic mass extinction.

Catastrophic ecosystem disruption in the late Permian period resulted in the greatest loss of biodiversity in Earth's history, the Permian-Triassic mass extinction (PTME).1 The dominant terrestrial vertebrates of the Permian (synapsids) suffered major losses at this time, leading to their replacement by reptiles in the Triassic.2 The dominant late Permian predatory synapsids, gorgonopsians, were completely extirpated by the PTME. The largest African gorgonopsians, the Rubidgeinae, have traditionally been assumed to go extinct at the Permo-Triassic boundary (PTB).3,4,5 However, this apparent persistence through the sustained extinction interval characterizing the continental PTME6 is at odds with ecological theory indicating that top predators have high extinction risk.7 Here, we report the youngest known large-bodied gorgonopsians, gigantic specimens from the PTB site of Nooitgedacht 68 in South Africa. These specimens are not rubidgeine, and instead are referable to Inostrancevia, a taxon previously thought to be a Russian endemic.8 Based on comprehensive review of the South African gorgonopsian record, we show that rubidgeines were early victims of ecosystem disruption preceding the PTME and were replaced as top predators by Laurasian immigrant inostranceviines. The reign of this latter group was short-lived, however; by the PTB, gorgonopsians were extinct, and a different group (therocephalians) became the largest synapsid predators, before themselves going extinct. The extinction and replacement of top predators in rapid succession at the clade level underlines the extreme degree of ecosystem instability in the latest Permian and earliest Triassic, a phenomenon that was likely global in extent.

Genomic characterization and molecular dating of the novel bacterium Permianibacter aggregans HW001T, which originated from Permian ground water.

The Permian Basin is a unique ecosystem located in the southwest of the USA. An unanswered question is whether the bacteria in the Permian Basin adapted to the changing paleomarine environment and survived in the remnants of Permian groundwater. In our previous study, a novel bacterial strain, Permianibacter aggregans HW001T, was isolated from microalgae cultures incubated with Permian Basin waters, and was shown to originate from the Permian Ocean. In this study, strain HW001T was shown to be the representative strain of a novel family, classified as 'Permianibacteraceae'. The results of molecular dating suggested that the strain HW001T diverged ~ 447 million years ago (mya), which is the early Permian period (~ 250 mya). Genome analysis was used to access its potential energy utilization and biosynthesis capacity. A large number of transporters, carbohydrate-active enzymes and protein-degradation related genes have been annotated in the genome of strain HW001T. In addition, a series of important metabolic pathways, such as peptidoglycan biosynthesis, osmotic stress response system and multifunctional quorum sensing were annotated, which may confer the ability to adapt to various unfavorable environmental conditions. Finally, the evolutionary history of strain HW001T was reconstructed and the horizontal transfer of genes was predicted, indicating that the adaptation of P. aggregans to a changing marine environment depends on the evolution of their metabolic capabilities, especially in signal transmission. In conclusion, the results of this study provide genomic information for revealing the adaptive mechanism of strain HW001T to the changing ancient oceans. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-023-00164-3.

Widespread Frequent Methane Emissions From the Oil and Gas Industry in the Permian Basin.

Emissions of methane (CH4) in the Permian basin (USA) have been derived for 2019 and 2020 from satellite observations of the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) using the divergence method, in combination with a data driven method to estimate the background column densities. The resulting CH4 emission data, which have been verified using model data with known emissions, have a spatial resolution of approximately 10 km. The CH4 emissions show moderate spatial correlation with the locations of oil and gas production and drilling activities in the Permian basin, as well as with emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Analysis of the emission maps and time series indicates that a significant fraction of methane emissions in the Permian basin is from frequent widespread emissions sources, rather than from a few infrequent very large unplanned releases, which is important considering possible CH4 emission mitigation strategies. In addition to providing spatially resolved emissions, the divergence method also provides the total emissions of the Permian basin and its main sub-basins. The total CH4 emission of the Permian is estimated as 3.0 ± 0.7 Tg yr-1 for 2019, which agrees with other independent estimates based on TROPOMI data. For the Delaware sub-basin, it is estimated as 1.4 ± 0.3 Tg yr-1 for 2019, and for the Midland sub-basin 1.2 ± 0.3 Tg yr-1. In 2020 the emissions are 9% lower compared to 2019 in the entire Permian basin, and respectively 19% and 27% for the Delaware and Midland sub-basins.

Stem Anatomy Confirms Tingia unita Is a Progymnosperm.

Tingia Halle, a representative genus of the Cathaysia Flora, has been studied for nearly 100 years, being a small heterosporous tree based on the gross morphology of Tingia unita. However, the systematic affinity of Tingia is uncertain. Now, a number of well-preserved fossils of T. unita from the Taiyuan Formation of Lower Permian in Wuda Coalfield, Wuhai City, Inner Mongolia facilitates an examination of wood anatomy. The stem anatomy of T. unita shows parenchymatous pith, endarch primary xylem, pycnoxylic secondary xylem, and cortex, typically a type of gymnosperm wood, which taken together with pteridophytic reproduction, certainly evidences that Tingia Halle is a progymnosperm. In addition, Tingia together with Paratingia provide strong evidence to link the Noeggerathiales with progymnosperms.