Browsing Tag
human evolution
12 posts
The human body isn’t a masterpiece of design – it’s a patchwork of evolutionary compromise
Our bodies are a living archive of evolution. ZCOOL HelloRF/ Shutterstock Lucy E. Hyde, University of Bristol The…
Were Neanderthals capable of making art?
Neanderthal handprints in a replica of Maltravieso Cave, Spain. WH Pics / Shutterstock Paul Pettitt, Durham University The…
Volcanoes can help us untangle the evolution of humans – here’s how
Saini Samim, The University of Melbourne and Hayden Dalton, The University of Melbourne How did humans become human?…
Denisovan DNA helped first Americans adapt, study says
A unique segment of Denisovan DNA, inherited through Neanderthals, was favored by natural selection and may have contributed to the adaptation of the first peoples to life in the Americas.
New dating reveals Greek skull is at least 286,000 years old
Scientists have established a new minimum age of 286,000 years for the mysterious Petralona cranium, clarifying its place in the human evolutionary tree.
AI helps solve Papua New Guinean genetic origin mystery
A new study finds the unique genetics of Papua New Guineans stem from a population bottleneck, not a separate 'Out of Africa' migration.
Ötzi’s ribcage reframes modern human evolution story
New 3D models of prehistoric ribs reveal that early human bodies varied significantly, with stockier builds in colder climates and slender ones in warmer regions.
Neanderthal gene variant linked to reduced athletic performance in modern humans
A gene variant inherited from Neanderthals produces a less efficient muscle enzyme, which may explain why some modern humans are less likely to become top-level athletes.
The Viewpoint: Bridging the Gap: A Look at Transitional Fossils
Transitional fossils bridge the evolutionary gap between ancestral species and their descendants, offering a fascinating glimpse into how life on Earth has changed over millions of years.
Ancient leaf waxes reveal a wetter African past than dust records suggested
New evidence from ancient leaf waxes reveals that northern African summer rainfall remained stable even as the world plunged into an ice age, challenging a long-held view of the continent's climate history.