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Evolution news
Scientists investigate what makes some plant species 'ripe' for domestication
Researchers at the University of Southampton have proposed that some wild plant species possess certain attributes which make them more suitable for human cultivation than others.
Evolution
16 hours ago
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Exploring evolution: Strength connected to sexual behavior of women as well as men
While many studies have looked at possible evolutionary links between men's strength and sexual behavior, a Washington State University study included data on women with a surprising result. Women, as well as men, who had ...
Evolution
17 hours ago
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27
Polygamy is (not) for the birds: How different mating practices shape evolution and survival
Researchers at Rice University have uncovered new insights into the evolution of bird behavior, revealing why certain mating systems persist while others disappear over time.
Evolution
Jan 13, 2025
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Evolutionary map uncovers bacterial survival genes
The most detailed study to date on the mechanisms by which a common type of bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, adapts to living on the human body could help improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of certain infections.
Evolution
Jan 13, 2025
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World-first study reveals the mysteries of the desert-dwelling marsupial mole
Hidden beneath the dunes, a mysterious creature glides through the sand.
Plants & Animals
Jan 12, 2025
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Study challenges a major theory on why some kangaroos mysteriously went extinct
The extinction of the megafauna—giant marsupials that lived in Australia until 60,000 to 45,000 years ago—is a topic of fierce debate. Some researchers have suggested a reliance on certain plants left some species susceptible ...
Evolution
Jan 12, 2025
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Fossil discovery sheds light on the early evolution of animal nervous systems
An international team of scientists has uncovered a fascinating piece of the evolutionary puzzle: how the ventral nerve cord, a key component of the central nervous system, evolved in ecdysozoan animals, a group that includes ...
Evolution
Jan 10, 2025
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Woodrats use 'quantity over quality' as a detox plan, study finds
Woodrats (Neotoma spp.) are one of the only animals that can tolerate large quantities of creosote, a shrub with leaves coated in a chemical cocktail of poisonous resin. The critter's constitution has astounded biologists ...
Plants & Animals
Jan 10, 2025
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Chimpanzees are genetically adapted to local habitats and infections such as malaria, research reveals
Chimpanzees bear genetic adaptations that help them thrive in their different forest and savanna habitats, some of which may protect against malaria, according to a study by an international team led by UCL researchers.
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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How ancient flying reptiles ruled the skies: Study uncovers pterosaur tail structures that enhanced flight capabilities
Scientists have long puzzled over how pterosaurs became the first vertebrates to master flight. Some pterosaur species, such as the Quetzalcoatlus were the largest known animals to ever take to the skies, with wingspans of ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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Echidna genome study unravels the events leading to multiple sex chromosomes
The short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is one of Australia's most iconic animals. Belonging to a unique group of mammals called "monotremes" (with the platypus as the other prominent member). Echidnas may at first ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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Fossil killifish: New findings reveal unforeseen diversity
Killifish, or egg-laying toothcarps, are known for their ecological adaptability and species diversity. Two families of killifish exist in Europe today: the highly species-rich Aphaniidae and the relatively species-poor Valenciidae, ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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Mammalian outer ear traced back to ancient fish gills
The outer ear is unique to mammals, but its evolutionary origin has remained a mystery. According to a study published in Nature from the USC Stem Cell lab of Gage Crump, this intricate coil of cartilage has a surprisingly ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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The extreme teeth of saber-toothed predators were 'optimal' for biting into prey, study reveals
Saber-toothed predators—best known from the infamous Smilodon—evolved multiple times across different mammal groups. A study titled "Functional optimality underpins the repeated evolution of the extreme 'saber-tooth' ...
Evolution
Jan 9, 2025
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Tiny microbe colonies may use electrical signaling to coordinate their behavior
A new study published in Science Advances reveals evidence of electrical signaling and coordinated behavior in choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals. This elaborate example of cell communication offers ...
Evolution
Jan 8, 2025
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Scorching climate drove lampreys apart during Cretaceous period, DNA and fossil record reveal
A new study finds that one of the hottest periods in Earth's history may have driven lampreys apart—genetically speaking. The work could have implications for how aquatic species respond to our current changing climate. ...
Evolution
Jan 8, 2025
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Facultative sex allows some animals to reproduce with or without a partner. So why can't humans do it?
If you've ever had a spiny leaf insect as a pet, or you're considering getting one, hopefully someone has warned you about this: if you put one in your enclosure, you might come back some time later to find two.
Plants & Animals
Jan 8, 2025
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Discovery of 'Punk' and 'Emo' fossils challenges our understanding of ancient mollusks
Researchers have unearthed two fossils, named Punk and Emo, revealing that ancient mollusks were more complex and adaptable than previously known.
Evolution
Jan 8, 2025
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Why are lemurs nearly extinct, and yet so diverse?
Lemurs, small, big-eyed primates that live in the trees of Madagascar off the southeast coast of Africa, are a mystery of evolution. When the first ones arrived there tens of millions of years ago, they found an island with ...
Evolution
Jan 8, 2025
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A passive resistance phenomenon: Marine bacteria use low tRNA levels to fend off viruses
As humans, we often focus on viruses and bacteria because of their role in causing various, sometimes severe, diseases. However, an equally fascinating but lesser-known phenomenon is the ongoing battle between bacteria and ...
Evolution
Jan 7, 2025
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More news
Hornwort genomes provide clues on how plants conquered the land
Convergent evolution: stick and leaf insects share 20 body features
Other news
Astronomers discover a new dense sub-Saturn exoplanet
US, Japanese lunar landers set to launch on single rocket
Real-time fluorescent sensor could allow for precise monitoring of wine quality
Exocyst study reveals new roles for protein complex in membrane fusion
