Biology
Pigeon DNA Shown to Support Darwin's Work
Genome sequencing of domestic and feral pigeons has provided evidence that all domestic breeds descend from wild rock doves
Evolutionary Biology1968 articles archived since 1845
Biology
Dog Evolution Included Getting the Starch in
A comparison of the dog and wolf genomes finds that dogs have genetic changes that allow them to digest starches, which might have eased their way to becoming man's best friend. Karen Hopkin reports...
Biology
Humans Alone Wiped Out Tasmanian Tiger, Study Says
A new mathematical model shoots down claims that an unknown disease epidemic wiped out the meat-eating marsupial
Evolution
Recommended: Animal Wise
Books and recommendations from Scientific American
Biology
Letters of Alfred Russel Wallace Go Online
The near-complete archive allows the sometimes overlooked 19th-century naturalist to emerge from Darwin's shadow
Mind & Brain
Emotional Smarts Tied to General IQ
The same brain regions that perform cognitive tasks may also provide social intelligence, according to a new study
Evolution
The Liberals' War on Science
How politics distorts science on both ends of the spectrum
The Sciences
Fish, Turtle and Duck Excrement Helps Spread Sea Grass
It was already known that animals consume seeds in one location and excrete them in another where they can germinate, but now this process is confirmed to occur in eelgrass beds
Biology
Genomes Show Indians Influx to Australia 4,000 Years Ago
New genetic findings upend assumptions about Australia's isolation
Evolution
Cigarette Butts May Help Birds Ward Off Parasites
Used cigarette filters in nests may protect hatchlings
Biology
Epigenetics Posited as Important for Success of Invasive Species
Environmentally modified genes could factor in the success of invasive species
Evolution
Hunger Game: Is Honesty Between Animals Always the Best Policy?
A game theory model suggests that animal communication may have evolved to be honest most of the time, but not always
The Sciences
Wrinkled Fingers Are Not Slippery When Wet
Volunteers were more adept at handling wet objects when their fingertips had gotten waterlogged to the point of being wrinkled than when their fingers were dry. Karen Hopkin reports
Biology
Genome Reveals Comb Jellies' Ancient Origin
New sequencing data challenges prior thinking that sponges were the most ancient animals in evolutionary history
Biology
Bigger Brains Come at a Cost
Guppies bred for larger brains also had smaller guts and produced fewer offspring. Sophie Bushwick reports
The Sciences
Bonobos Share with Strangers First
Bonobos will readily share food, but they'll offer it up to a strange bonobo before they give it to a member of their known group. Sophie Bushwick reports
Evolution
Archaebacteria: The Third Domain of Life Missed by Biologists for Decades
These unusual bacteria are genealogically neither prokaryotes nor eukaryotes. This discovery means there are not two lines of descent of life but three: the archaebacteria, the true bacteria and the eukaryotes...
Biology
Extinction Countdown: The End for Many Species
By the next century lions, tigers and other marquee species will be gone or confined to zoos
Evolutionary Biology
Is the Federal Government's $100-Million Predator Control Program in Need of Reform?
Animal advocates say it's not fair to kill animals owned by the public trust and indispensable to ecosystem health just to protect privately held livestock
The Sciences
Perennial Flu Vaccine Gets Closer
A vaccine aimed at the stable M2 flu virus protein, rather than the variable H or N proteins, could be useful every year. Christopher Intagliata reports
