Evolutionary Biology

Evolutionary Biology

From machines to animals, there are many kinds of possible minds.
dinosaur civilization
Was there an intelligent, technologically advanced species long before humans existed? Could there have been a dinosaur civilization?
climate change human evolution
The simulation gave researchers some of the first concrete data linking climate change to human evolution and speciation.
ichthyosaur
They were more like blue whales with a mean bite.
meteors impact early Earth
Probably not. Even though we're still investigating the origin of life, the evidence suggests that cells came much later.
humans universe
All life forms, anywhere in our Universe, are chemically connected yet completely unique.
psychopathy
Instead of a mental illness, some research suggests that psychopathy — in moderation — is a reasonable life strategy.
Symmetrical objects are less complex than non-symmetrical ones. Perhaps evolution acts as an algorithm with a bias toward simplicity.
Fish are surprisingly good in numbers tests — a skill that sometimes makes the difference between life and death.
zombie
An emerging field studies parasites that take over the nervous system of a host.
mammal species
There may be thousands of undiscovered mammal species in the world. Most are small, like bats and rodents, but there could be primates, too. A lifeline for Bigfoot enthusiasts?
what aliens look like
We should not expect aliens to look anything like us. Creatures that resemble octopuses or birds or even robots are legitimate possibilities.
The Human Genome Project put together 92% of our DNA blueprint. Here's what it took to complete the rest.
hypoallergenic cats
The results of a recent study found that genetically engineering cats could be a solution to eliminating cat allergies.
parrots
Parrots outlive other birds and most mammals.
Cambrian explosion
Scientists across a range of disciplines have helped solve Darwin's dilemma.
mutations random
Mutations that confer malaria resistance occur more frequently in people who live in regions where the disease is endemic.
The way that the ancient Megalodon adapted to water temperature has important implications for modern marine creatures.
From crocodiles to birds, certain animals managed to survive some of the worst extinction events in world history.
Salk scientists studied complex decision-making capabilities in a worm with just 302 neurons and a mouth full of teeth. It's smarter than you would think.
northern white rhino
Scientists at the San Diego Zoo are on a mission to resurrect the extinct northern white rhino.
Syllipsimopodi bideni is small (about 12cm in length), has ten arms, suckers, fins, and a triangular pen of hard tissue inside its body for support.
Illustration of a baboon standing on all fours, facing right, with a reddish-brown coat and a pink patch on its hindquarters—an awe-inspiring member of the animal kingdom.
Awe is a powerful force, a fact that is both exciting and terrifying.
John Templeton Foundation
Discussions of human evolution are usually backward looking, as if the greatest triumphs and challenges were in the distant past.
supermountains
Gigantic ranges called "supermountains" formed twice in Earth's history, and they may have had a profound influence on evolutionary history.
science journey
From a desert oasis to the Rocky Mountains, being filled with awe makes me a better scientist.
how many planets
Shortly after planet Earth formed, life took a permanent hold on our surface. But just how common is such an outcome?
problems with no solutions
The very concept of a "problem with no solution" goes against human nature. But we must accept this harsh reality to have peace in our lives.