Mammals
Why Homo erectus Lived Like a Baboon
A harsh environment might have led Homo erectus to evolve complex societies similar to those of desert-dwelling hamadryas baboons
June 20, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Bats Lose Out to Historic Trees in Sydney
Flying foxes can defoliate trees, but should the Royal Botanic Garden shoo this vulnerable species from its grounds?
June 18, 2012 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Virus “Fossils” Reveal Neanderthals’ Kin
Genetic remnants of an ancient infection indicate the mysterious Denisovans, not humans, are Neanderthals' closest cousins
June 18, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Interview With Indianapolis Prize Winner and Polar Bear Researcher Steven Amstrup
Recognized for his role in animal conservation, Amstrup explains what climate change is doing to the arctic and what he's doing to stop it
June 14, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Louis Leakey: The Father of Hominid Hunting
Louis Leakey popularized the study of human evolution and sparked the search for human ancestors in Africa
June 13, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Old McHominid’s Farm
Where and when did humans domesticate dogs, pigs, cows and other animals?
June 11, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Did Africa’s Apes Come From Europe?
Fossil evidence hints that the common ancestor of gorillas, chimpanzees and humans evolved in Europe
June 06, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Out of Asia: How Monkey and Ape Ancestors Colonized Africa
A new fossil discovery suggests that anthropoid ancestors originated in Asia and then rafted across the ocean to Africa
June 04, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Chimpanzees Sleep in Trees to Escape the Humidity
Making nests in trees keeps chimps comfortable and safe from nighttime predators
May 30, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Human Evolution Discoveries in Iraq
Fossils from the Shanidar Cave provide insights on health, violence and death rituals among Neanderthals
May 23, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Where Are Greece’s Missing Hominids?
Given its location and climate, Greece should be filled with hominid bones and stone tools
May 21, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
The Top Four Candidates for Europe’s Oldest Work of Art
The discovery of 37,000-year-old cave art showing female genitalia adds to the list of contenders
May 16, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Why Some Orangutans Never Want to Grow Up
Some males take decades to fully mature; this arrested development can improve their odds of mating success
May 14, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Grandmothers Reduce Incidence of Breast Cancer?
By helping raise their grandchildren, grandmothers might have influenced the spread of certain genes, a new study suggests
May 09, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Why Do Babies Have Soft Spots?
Humans' big, fast-growing brains and unique style of walking explain why it takes so long for infant skulls to develop
May 07, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Superior Navigation Secret to Humans’ Success?
Greater spatial intelligence may have given modern humans an edge over Neanderthals, a new study proposes
May 02, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
What is Killing the Tasmanian Devil?
The island’s most famous inhabitant is under attack by a diabolical disease
May 2012 |
By Abigail Tucker
A Human Evolution Summer Reading List
As you plan for summer vacation, don't forget to pack one of these recent reads on Neanderthals, human origins, new fossils or the first people in the New World
April 30, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
Rare Sighting of All-White Orca Whale
Earlier this week, photos were released of an extremely rare killer whale off the eastern coast of Russia
April 27, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Meat Helps Human Populations Grow
A new study links eating meat to shorter periods of nursing, allowing women to bear more children
April 25, 2012 |
By Erin Wayman
