Evolution News

Science Daily

Persian plateau unveiled as crucial hub for early human migration out of Africa
Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:41:47 EDT
A new study combining genetic, palaeoecological, and archaeological evidence has unveiled the Persian Plateau as a pivotal geographic location serving as a hub for Homo sapiens during the early stages of their migration out of Africa. It highlights the period between 70,000 to 45,000 years ago when human populations did not uniformly spread across Eurasia, leaving a gap in our understanding of their whereabouts during this time frame.

Natural recycling at the origin of life
Fri, 22 Mar 2024 14:55:24 EDT
How was complex life able to develop on the inhospitable early Earth? At the beginning there must have been ribonucleic acid (RNA) to carry the first genetic information. To build up complexity in their sequences, these biomolecules need to release water. On the early Earth, which was largely covered in seawater, that was not so easy to do.

Rays were more diverse 150 million years ago than previously thought
Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:54:36 EDT
Scientists have explored the puzzling world of rays that lived 150 million years ago and discovered a previously hidden diversity -- including a new ray species. This study significantly expands the understanding of these ancient cartilaginous fish and provides further insights into a past marine ecosystem.

Across oceans and millennia: decoding the origin and history of the bottle gourd
Wed, 20 Mar 2024 12:24:24 EDT
Researchers have uncovered intriguing details about the origins and spread of the bottle gourd, one of the oldest domesticated crops. Their work unveils the genetic diversification and population history of this hard-shelled plant that was used to make bottles, instruments, and containers for over 10,000 years by ancient civilizations.

Tanks of the Triassic: New crocodile ancestor identified
Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:45:17 EDT
Dinosaurs get all the glory. But aetosaurs, a heavily armored cousin of modern crocodiles, ruled the world before dinosaurs did. These tanks of the Triassic came in a variety of shapes and sizes before going extinct around 200 million years ago. Today, their fossils are found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia.