Light Skin Variant Arose in Asia Independent of Europe
A new genetic study of Latin Americans provides evidence that gene variants for lighter skin color came about in Asia as well as in Europe. Christopher Intagliata reports.
Evolution6906 articles archived since 1845
Is This the Footprint of One of the Last Neandertals?
The fossilized print, found in Gibraltar, is said to date to 28,000 years ago, which might mean it belonged to a Neandertal. But not everyone agrees with that interpretation
Ancient Earth's Weakened Magnetic Field May Have Driven Mass Extinction
When our planet’s magnetosphere nearly disappeared 565 million years ago, it may have almost taken all life with it
On the Origin of Darwin
On this 210th anniversary of Darwin's birth we hear evolution writer and historian Richard Milner perform a brief monologue as Charles Darwin, and former Scientific American editor in chief John Rennie and Darwin's great-great-grandson Matthew Chapman read excerpts from The Origin of Species ...
The Race to Save Colombia's Uncontacted Tribes from Outsiders
As anthropologists debate how best to protect uncontacted tribes, indigenous groups in Colombia are working to shield their isolated neighbors from the march of modernity
Neandertal Spears Were Surprisingly Deadly
Javelin throwers chucking replicas of Neandertal spears were able to hit targets farther away, and with greater force than previously thought to be possible. Christopher Intagliata reports...
Cave That Housed Neandertals and Denisovans Challenges View of Cultural Evolution
Researchers have deduced which early human species occupied Denisova Cave and when, drawing surprising conclusions about who made the sophisticated artifacts found there
Intimate Hermit Crab Keeps Shell On
A species of hermit crab appears to have evolved a large penis to enable intercourse without leaving, and thus possibly losing, its adopted shell.
RoboFossil Reveals Locomotion of Beast from Deep Time
Modeling shows the 290-million-year-old Orobates had an advanced way of walking—revising an enduring view of how tetrapods colonized dry land
Ants Stick to Cliques to Dodge Disease
Ants infected with fungal pathogens steer clear of other cliques within the colony—avoiding wider infection, and allowing for a sort of immunity. Lucy Huang reports.
Mistimed Migration Means Bird Death Battles
Climate change is shifting population numbers and nest building by resident and migratory birds in Europe—sometimes leading to deadly conflict. Christopher Intagliata reports.
Monogamy May Be Written in Our Genes
In animal studies, a set of 24 genes involved in neural development, learning and memory, and cognition, seem to be associated with monogamy. Karen Hopkin reports.
Fishy Smarts: Archerfish Can Recognize Human Faces in 3-D
The finding suggests this visual ability may be more “primitive” than scientists thought
Humans Evolved to Exercise
Unlike our ape cousins, humans require high levels of physical activity to be healthy
Ultima Thule and the Apes of Earth
As the New Horizons mission approached Ultima Thule, Rowan University paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara put our close-up study of the Kuiper Belt object into a deep-time perspective.
What Can Baboon Relationships Tell Us about Human Health?
Strong relationships seem to help baboons overcome early life adversity, and that could have big implications for human health
Simple Genetic Mutation Helped Humans Become Endurance Runners
Mice with the human version of a gene can run for longer without becoming fatigued
Colorful Peacocks Impress Females with Good Vibes
Peafowls' head crests are specifically tuned to the vibrations produced by feather-rattling male peacocks, thus acting as a sort of antenna. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Frog Picks Maternity Ward Like Goldilocks
The Bahia's broad-snout casque-headed tree frog needs a pool to raise its young that's just right.
Long-Hidden "Pyramid" Found in Indonesia Was Likely an Ancient Temple
The structure has potentially been used as a place of worship for thousands of years
