Phylogenetic networks offer a nuanced framework for representing evolutionary relationships beyond the conventional tree model. By incorporating reticulate events—such as hybridisation, horizontal ...

A new study has rewritten the conventionally understood evolutionary history of certain ion channels -- proteins critical for electrical signaling in the nervous system. The study shows that the ...

Sauropod dinosaurs, renowned for their immense size and distinctive body plan, represent one of the most successful groups of terrestrial herbivores in Earth's history. Emerging in the Early Jurassic ...

The order Primates consists of not only our closest relatives on earth, the seven great apes, but also over 450 species of monkeys, lemurs, lorises, and galagos. Primates are fantastically diverse, ...

Birds are the most diverse land vertebrate on the planet, and now scientists have constructed a complete evolutionary tree of the 11,000 or so known species. This data came from hundreds of studies ...

A nearly complete fossil of a dinosaur from Argentina, which would have weighed less than 1 kg when alive, may be the smallest known dinosaur from South America discovered to date. The dinosaur, ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world. Fossil discoveries unlock chapters of our planet’s storied ...

A groundbreaking study has found that evolution is not as unpredictable as previously thought, which could allow scientists to explore which genes could be useful to tackle real-world issues such as ...

New research offers insight into the evolutionary history of amylase genes, which are key to our ability to eat and digest starchy food. A study found that human ancestors started carrying multiple ...

The story of primates is a tale of incredible variety and ancient roots, told through the lens of science, DNA, and time itself. These creatures, ranging from massive gorillas to tiny mouse lemurs, ...