Evolution

The latest science on how life has adapted and changed over generations—and how new species come to be.

Latest in Evolution

a green iguana sitting at the base of a palm tree

After a 5,000-mile float, these iguanas probably set an ocean record After a 5,000-mile float, these iguanas probably set an ocean record

By Laura Baisas

an illustration of a black rodent-like early mammal with a membrane like a flying squirrel flying through a forest

Early mammals were all one color, study suggests Early mammals were all one color, study suggests

By Lauren Leffer

Original fossil (ATE7-1) alongside the mirrored right side by means of virtual 3D imaging techniques of the face of a hominin assigned to Homo aff. erectus found in level the TE7 of Sima del Elefante site.

1.4-million-year-old bones deepen mystery of who reached Europe first 1.4-million-year-old bones deepen mystery of who reached Europe first

an illustration of a small weasel-like early mammal with brown, black, and white fur climbing on a tree

This extinct tree-dwelling mammal may be among humans’ closer relatives This extinct tree-dwelling mammal may be among humans’ closer relatives

By Laura Baisas

Close up of lemon shark

Megalodon may have been ‘even longer’ than we thought Megalodon may have been ‘even longer’ than we thought

Diagram of Lapedo child grave site

Scientists pinpoint age of suspected human-Neanderthal hybrid child Scientists pinpoint age of suspected human-Neanderthal hybrid child

a dead fish being dragged on artificial turf

Dragging dead fish around reveals super power of mucus Dragging dead fish around reveals super power of mucus

By Ethan Freedman

a large bird with a long neck and black plumage called an emu walking around in nature

Emus might not be the ‘world’s dumbest bird’ after all Emus might not be the ‘world’s dumbest bird’ after all

By Laura Baisas

africa and the middle east seen from space

New theory ups the odds that intelligent aliens exist New theory ups the odds that intelligent aliens exist

By Lauren Leffer

one jaw fossil and six vertebrae fossils lined up

500,000 years ago, a bunch of animals fell into a Florida sink hole 500,000 years ago, a bunch of animals fell into a Florida sink hole

By Laura Baisas

A blow fly larva disguised as a termite, antennae and all.

Rare fly species wears fake termite head to infiltrate nests Rare fly species wears fake termite head to infiltrate nests

By Laura Baisas

a close up of a human ear

Most humans haven’t moved these muscles in 25 million years Most humans haven’t moved these muscles in 25 million years

By Laura Baisas

Three chimpanzees in an enclosure at the Kumamoto Sanctuary holding leafy branches.

Peeing is contagious for chimpanzees Peeing is contagious for chimpanzees

By Laura Baisas

The great green bush-cricket.

Parasitic crickets have a few moves to outsmart ants Parasitic crickets have a few moves to outsmart ants

By Laura Baisas

Three red ants interacting with one another

Even ants may hold grudges Even ants may hold grudges

a bird with white and black plummage and an egg on a nest and three other birds standing around her

Which animals reproduce at the oldest age? Which animals reproduce at the oldest age?

By Laura Baisas

An adult female chimpanzee cracks an oil palm nut with a stone hammer and anvil while her infant son looks at the camera.

Some chimpanzees are great nutcrackers Some chimpanzees are great nutcrackers

By Laura Baisas

A reconstruction of the oldest known gorgonopsian in life.

This dog-like predator is the oldest known mammal ancestor This dog-like predator is the oldest known mammal ancestor

By Laura Baisas

Striated frogfish (Antennarius striatus), also known as the hairy frogfish.

Anglerfish use ‘extremely rare’ mechanism to control their lures Anglerfish use ‘extremely rare’ mechanism to control their lures

A juvenile Nile crocodile. It is small with pointed teeth

Why are crocodiles so bumpy? A dermatological mystery has been solved Why are crocodiles so bumpy? A dermatological mystery has been solved

By Laura Baisas