Evolution
Team cracks mystery of how plants ‘do the twist’
Team cracks mystery of how plants ‘do the twist’ Researchers have cracked the mystery of how plants “do the twist” by growing twisted organs, such as roots that skew hard right or left to avoid obstacles. The team found that a change in gene expression in the plant epidermis, rather than a full null mutation, […]
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Songbirds swap colorful plumage genes across species lines among their evolutionary neighbors
Songbirds swap colorful plumage genes across species lines among their evolutionary neighbors Scientists have discovered that songbirds can swap colorful plumage genes across species lines among their evolutionary neighbors, challenging the traditional view of evolution as a linear process. The study, led by evolutionary biologist David Toews, analyzed the genomes of over 2 trillion base […]
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Thousands of genomes reveal the wild wolf genes in most dogs’ DNA
Thousands of genomes reveal the wild wolf genes in most dogs’ DNA Dogs were domesticated from gray wolves between 20,000 to 22,000 years ago, and their genomes still contain wild wolf genes. A study analyzing 2,693 dog and wolf genomes found that most dogs have detectable wolf DNA, even in small amounts, with some breeds […]
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These hummingbirds’ bills evolved for fighting
These hummingbirds’ bills evolved for fighting Male green hermit hummingbirds have evolved straighter, sharper, and structurally stronger bills for fighting, which has shaped their species’ evolution. Their bills are designed to be effective weapons, allowing them to defend their perches and compete for mates in a “singles bar” setting where they gather to find partners. […]
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Fern stems reveal secrets of evolution – how constraints in development can lead to new forms
Fern stems reveal secrets of evolution – how constraints in development can lead to new forms Ferns can teach us about evolution by examining their inner anatomy, particularly their stems and roots. The arrangement of vascular bundles in fern stems varies substantially, but recent research suggests that this variation is linked to the number and […]
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If evolution is real, then why isn’t it happening now? An anthropologist explains that humans actually are still evolving
If evolution is real, then why isn’t it happening now? An anthropologist explains that humans actually are still evolving Humans are still evolving today, just like our ancestors did in the past. We adapt to our environments through traits that give us an advantage, such as skin pigmentation and digestive abilities. The role of culture […]
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Forests on land kicked off life in the deep sea
Forests on land kicked off life in the deep sea Forests that evolved on land around 400 million years ago played a crucial role in sparking life in the deep sea, according to new research. The study found that the deep ocean didn’t become permanently oxygenated until about 390 million years ago, much later than […]
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AI reveals which predators chewed ancient humans’ bones – challenging ideas on which ‘Homo’ species was the first tool-using hunter
AI reveals which predators chewed ancient humans’ bones – challenging ideas on which ‘Homo’ species was the first tool-using hunter Researchers used AI to analyze tooth marks on ancient human fossils from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, which challenged the long-held idea that Homo habilis was the first tool-using hunter. The study found that the tooth marks […]
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Aging chimps show human-like cognitive decline
Aging chimps show human-like cognitive decline Aging chimpanzees may be showing signs of human-like cognitive decline, similar to Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study published in eLife. The researchers observed that older female chimpanzees who used to be skilled at cracking nuts with stones were confused and faltered in performing tasks, suggesting a decline […]
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Why and how does personality emerge? Studying the evolution of individuality using thousands of fruit flies
Why and how does personality emerge? Studying the evolution of individuality using thousands of fruit flies Fruit flies, like all animals, have unique personalities that emerge from their individual experiences and genetic makeup. A study using thousands of fruit flies found that even simple behaviors, such as turning left or right in a maze, can […]
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