Taking a lesson in evolutionary adaptation from octopus, squid
Cephalopods such as octopus and squid evolutionarily diverged from mollusks like slugs and snails. These animals have elaborate compact nervous systems located within specialized arm appendages, which can perform a surprisingly diverse group of behav.....»»
Why 1994’s Lair of Squid was the weirdest pack-in game of all time
The HP 200LX included a mysterious maze game called Lair of Squid. We tracked down the author. Enlarge / Artist's impression of a squid jumping forth from an HP 200LX. (credit: Aurich Lawson / HP) In 1994, Hewlett-Packar.....»»
Brain size riddle solved as humans exceed evolutionary trend
The largest animals do not have proportionally bigger brains—with humans bucking this trend—a study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution has revealed......»»
High speed video shows hippos get airborne when running
A pair of evolutionary biomechanics specialists at the University of London's, Royal Veterinary College, has found that when hippos run at full speed, all four of their feet are regularly in the air......»»
How many giraffe species are there? Understanding this maybe key to their protection
Giraffes, with their distinctive body shape and variations in coat patterns, have long been an example in evolutionary biology teachings. They are a textbook example of how species adapt to their surroundings and survive under harsh conditions. Despi.....»»
Novel nematode species, a relative of model organisms, discovered
A new nematode species has been discovered in soil-dwelling bees at the University of Tsukuba's Sugadaira Research Station. This species shares a close relationship with a model nematode Pristionchus pacificus used in developmental and evolutionary b.....»»
300 TV series in development, Zack Snyder in talks to direct
A TV series adaptation of 300 is in the works at Warner Bros. Television, with Zack Snyder in talks to direct......»»
Study shows cuckoos evolve to look like their hosts—and form new species in the process
The theory of coevolution says that when closely interacting species drive evolutionary changes in each other this can lead to speciation—the evolution of new species. But until now, real-world evidence for this has been scarce......»»
Small birds boast range of flight styles thanks to evolutionary edge
Small birds have explored a wide variety of styles of flight, ranging from hovering hummingbirds to bounding sparrows to soaring swifts and swallows. A new Cornell University study could explain why......»»
Desert poplar"s genetic blueprint: Insights into adaptation and survival mechanisms
Populus pruinosa is a relic species surviving in the harsh desert environments of western China and Central Asia. As global warming and desertification intensify, understanding the genetic mechanisms behind its ecological adaptation is crucial. Previ.....»»
On repeat: Biologists observe recurring evolutionary changes, over time, in stick insects
A long-standing debate among evolutionary scientists goes something like this: Does evolution happen in a predictable pattern or does it depend on chance events and contingency? That is, if you could turn back the clock, as celebrated scientist Steph.....»»
Researchers reconstruct genome of extinct species of flightless bird that once roamed the islands of New Zealand
A team of evolutionary biologists at Harvard University, working with colleagues from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, East Carolina University, Osaka University and the University of Toronto, has reconstructed the genome of an e.....»»
Researchers reveal evolutionary origins of appetite by studying simple nervous system of Hydra
Over the course of evolution, living organisms have gradually developed more complex nervous systems in order to coordinate increasingly complex sensory, motor and cognitive functions and to control the associated behavior......»»
Netflix releases first look at new Witcher after Henry Cavill left for Warhammer 40K
It's a brief glimpse, but Liam Hemsworth at least looks the part. The Witcher season four teaser. It has been a tumultuous run for Netflix's popular adaptation of The Witcher novels and games. A series of setbacks and controversies.....»»
Researchers discover distinct life cycle stages of the ectosymbiotic DPANN archaeon Nanobdella aerobiophila
Archaea are ubiquitous microorganisms whose evolution shaped the biosphere of Earth. Their evolutionary paths are truly fascinating. A great example is an ectosymbiotic lifestyle which is found among DPANN archaea......»»
Researchers identify gene important to adaptation and determine roots are a key to drought-tolerant maize
An international study headed by the University of Bonn has now demonstrated the important role of the plant root system in maize, a crop that can grow successfully in very different local conditions......»»
Australian study proves "humans are planet"s most frightening predator"
Australia lacks fearsome large carnivores like lions and wolves, and the relative lack of fear that marsupials like kangaroos and wallabies show to dogs (and other introduced carnivores) has been attributed to a lack of evolutionary experience with l.....»»
Researchers discover hidden step in dinosaur feather evolution
Paleontologists at University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland have discovered that some feathered dinosaurs had scaly skin like reptiles today, thus shedding new light on the evolutionary transition from scales to feathers......»»
Genetic resilience and adaptation of the endangered Chinese hazelnut
Endangered species are often characterized by severe population decline or even near-extinction status during their demographic histories. Such threats usually stem from historical climate changes and human activities......»»
Researchers find that refrigerating or air-drying soil samples for future studies retains important microbial details
Post-doctoral researcher Joe Edwards and graduate student Sarah Love, both in the University of Tennessee at Knoxville's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, have published published findings this spring that can save fellow researchers a.....»»
The best shows on Disney+ right now (May 2024)
The best shows on Disney+ include Doctor Who, Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, Secrets of the Octopus, Drain the Oceans, X-Men '97, Renegade Nell, and more......»»