Intelligence on Earth Evolved Independently at Least Twice
Complex neural circuits likely arose independently in birds and mammals, suggesting that vertebrates evolved intelligence multiple times.
Stone tools hint that our first human ancestors lived all over Africa
We thought the first Homo species evolved in East Africa 2.8 million years ago, but stone tools from Algeria suggest our origins may have spanned the continent
Female flies evolved serrated genitals that get in the way during sex
Spotted-wing drosophila have evolved a special organ for laying their eggs in fruit, but it makes it difficult for males to hold on when they mate
Male peacocks can make females’ heads vibrate at a distance
Peahens have fan-shaped crests on their heads, and it seems males can make these crests resonate by making a specific noise with their tails
Bacteria may survive temperatures hot enough to melt lead
Few living things can cope with temperatures above 100°C, but a controversial study suggests some bacterial spores can withstand 420°C heat for over 30 minutes
Wild animals are turning nocturnal to keep away from humans
Dozens of species all around the world are abandoning the day and becoming more active at night, to avoid contact with humans
In big cities even the fish are always rushing around the place
Two common US fish have evolved different body shapes to help them survive in the fast-moving streams in built-up areas
In big cities even the fish are always rushing around the place
Two common US fish have evolved different body shapes to help them survive in the fast-moving streams in built-up areas
Asteroid that killed the dinosaurs caused massive global warming
The asteroid that struck Earth 66 million years ago caused dramatic climate change, which could mean we are underestimating how much the planet will warm in the coming centuries
Chimp evolution was shaped by sex with their bonobo relatives
Some chimpanzee populations gained useful DNA from interbreeding with bonobos, and one may even have become more gentle and “bonobo-like” in its brain structure and behaviour