evolution Archives

Bipedal Movement Reconfirmed by 3D Models

Archaeology Biology

Bipedal Movement by Ancestors Reconfirmed in 3D Models

October 3, 2023October 4, 2023 Science Connectedbiomechanics, evolution, fossil, human evolution, muscles

Researchers analyzed the likelihood of bipedal movement in hominin ancestors using muscle reconstruction technology.

Biology Neuroscience Zoology

Picky Eating and Brain Evolution in Butterflies

September 26, 2023October 4, 2023 Science Connectedanimal behavior, brain, butterflies, evolution, memory, pollen

Brain evolution in the Heliconius butterfly is linked to their specific feeding preferences and foraging behaviors.

Botany

Genetics Behind Lavender’s Popular Scent

May 16, 2022July 10, 2023 Science Connectedagriculture, evolution

The scent of lavender is loved by humans and insects alike, but what makes lavender scent so attractive? A group of scientists decided to find out.

Modern-day ground hog, photographed in Shenandoah National Park (Evolution of Mammals)

Paleontology

Meet the Very First Mammals

March 16, 2022March 16, 2022 Science Connectedevolution, fossils, mammals, paleontology

Scientists have used new technology to analyze a fossil of one of the first mammals. The fossil reveals how the ancient animal lived.

Prehistoric Crocodile: Life reconstruction of the head of Gnatusuchus pebasensis, a 13-million-year-old, short-faced crocodile with rounded teeth that was thought to use its snout to dig for clams and other mollusks. Model by Kevin Montalbán-Rivera. (© Aldo Benites-Palomino)

Paleontology

Prehistoric Crocodiles Ruled Ancient Peru

October 6, 2021October 6, 2021 Science Connectedbiodiversity, biology, crocodiles, evolution, paleontology

Today, the Amazon River basin is well known for its biodiversity, but the area also has a long history of abundant life. Thanks to an international team of researchers, we now know that thirteen million years ago at least seven different species of prehistoric crocodile hunted in the swampy waters of what is now northeastern Peru. Evidence of this hyperdiverse group of crocs was found in Amazon bone beds, and it shows the largest number of prehistoric crocodile species co-existing in one place at any time in Earth’s history. This…

How Have Snapping Shrimp Evolved to Snap?

Marine and Freshwater Biology

How Did Snapping Shrimp Evolve their Snap?

August 31, 2021August 31, 2021 Science Connectedevolution, shrimp

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered the evolutionary path that snapping shrimp took to evolve their trademark snap.

Biology Marine and Freshwater Biology

Seahorses Give a Whole New Meaning to “Dad Bod”

June 17, 2021June 17, 2021 Science Connectedevolution

Seahorses give a whole new meaning to the term “dad bod.” You see, they are one of the only animals species in which the males get pregnant and give birth.

Marine and Freshwater Biology Zoology

How the Mantis Shrimp Packs a Powerful Punch

June 2, 2021June 2, 2021 Science Connectedbiomechanics, evolution

These little animals kill by punching as hard and fast as a bullet from a gun. Find out why the little mantis shrimp is so tough.

Biology Genetics and Heredity

Nests, Neurons, and the Evolution of Behavior

April 8, 2021May 3, 2021 Science Connectedbehavioral science, brains, evolution

Evolution is a beautiful process. We tend to appreciate its elegance most when looking backward into deep time, to our distant ancestors, or to dinosaurs.

Citizen Science Ecology SciStarter Blog

Could Evolution be Changing your Neighborhood Squirrels?

March 19, 2021March 4, 2021 Science Connectedevolution

Black squirrels — a relic of ancient, old-growth forests — are now more common in cities. To understand why, scientists want to track the color of squirrels in your backyard.