evolution

The inner ear cavity proves to be a useful tool for studying the evolutionary relationships among monkeys, apes, and humans.

Big heads come in handy when the social insects are tasked with defending their nest.

Also known as superworms, the scavengers are able to digest the plastic, opening up the possibility of harnessing their abilities to help tackle our pollution crisis.

Fossils from Newfoundland, Canada, reveal the extensive connections that existed among Earth’s earliest, sea-dwelling animals.

A piece of ancient amber found in a small Burmese village holds preserved remains that indicate this family of insects survived longer than the Early Cretaceous, as previously believed.

A single fossilized forewing belonging to a newly named cicada species that lived roughly 100 million years ago was unearthed at an abandoned Canadian mine.

An analysis of microwear patterns in fossilized canid teeth supports the theory that early dogs and wolves had distinct diets.

Before the joey is born, another pregnancy has already started.

A new study highlights the importance of the transverse arch in regulating the stiffness of the human foot.

Hand weeding of fields spurred an interloper to evolve a rice-like appearance, researchers conclude.

Goldenrods that evolved in the presence of herbivores release volatile chemicals that trigger defenses in neighboring plants of their species, even those that are genetically unrelated.

A study of the animals using blue light reveals what humans are not able to see with the naked eye.

Unable to break through the water’s surface, tadpoles have a unique workaround for breathing air.

The 1-billion-year-old impressions have features similar to modern algae and indicate that photosynthesizing plants evolved at least that long ago.

Contrary to popular thinking, the period of arrested development is an active state of maintaining muscle integrity.

An extinct rodent relative of the capybara appears to have had a smaller brain-to-body ratio than similar species.

Microscopic plant remnants found near the bones indicate that the ancient humans practiced burying rituals, but the archaeological field is not in full agreement.

A population of North Island robins in a New Zealand sanctuary provides a unique system for investigating the memory skills of birds in the wild.

A study points to the existence of an ancient human relative that interbred with Homo sapiens.

Planarian flatworms grow to double their normal size when scientists inhibit a gene that suppresses growth.