Evolution

New research suggests our fascination with these comic books and movies is based, in part, on the exaggerated sex appeal of their characters.

A recent paper has revealed the first direct link (in a non-human species) between female mating preference and intelligence.

Early hominins may have bashed bones to harvest fatty nutrients from marrow and brains, creating a cerebral expansion that kickstarted evolution.

New research suggests evolution predisposes us to seek out horror films.

People who don't believe scientists will listen to George Clooney.

A new study finds populations of several frog species in Panama appear to be gaining resistance to a deadly pathogen that can lead to extinction.

At least one sea creature—the purple sea urchin—appears to pass on the ability to rapidly adapt to a harsh environment.

We always assumed humans were the only species to create art. It now seems we were wrong.

Researchers have discovered a new organism that has no known evolutionary relatives, causing them to reconsider how genes evolve.

Chimpanzees and children as young as six will pay to see offenders punished, suggesting justice-seeking behavior in humans has deep evolutionary roots.

The fish, called O'opu, have developed the ingenious ability to climb hundreds of feet up the side of waterfalls in order to breed.

Numerous species are evolving to cope with the dirge of pollutants put into the world by human beings, and it's taking a toll.

Turns out, our ancient ancestors' consumption of fermented fruits created a genetic mutation that be the cause of alcoholism in people today.

The extinction crisis extends far beyond rare and endangered species.

A conversation with biologist David P. Barash on the biological underpinnings of human polygamy.

A species of animal is defined as much by its culture as by its genetics. By that criterion, humanity’s status is quite precarious.

A study shows that most of the variation in plants and trees comes down to just two factors: overall size and the "leaf economics spectrum."

Ringtailed lemurs, just like humans, reserve conversation for those they feel more connected with.

A biologist uses Darwin's theory to understand the history of creationist "academic freedom" and "science education" laws.

A novel study suggests nature just wanted a little variety.

Scientists find that, compared to our closest primate relatives, the landscape of the human brain is exceptionally sensitive to external influences.

Backyard breeders are creating a new kind of hero honeybee—one that chomps off the legs of mites and saves the hive.

Is nature nasty, brutish, and at war with itself—or is it all about co-existence? A punk rocker argues the latter.

New research suggests seeing the natural world as purposefully created is our default setting.