Earth's magnetic field 'near-collapse' boosted evolution, scientists think
The weakened magnetic field may have led to increased oxygen concentrations in our atmosphere and oceans, triggering an explosion of animal evolution.
Scientists uncover secret behind lemurs' unique trick
The Madagascan primates have a highly unusual way of competing for territory, and now we know how they do it.
Saber-toothed tigers' skulls reveal how they grew their fangs
The skulls showed the saber tooth socket was occupied by two teeth, with the adult tooth slotted into the baby tooth.
Darwin's 'abominable mystery' haunts new plant tree of life
Darwin was once flummoxed as to how so many flowering plants evolved, but researchers may have finally cracked the code.
Snakes and lizards are locked in an epic evolutionary battle
"Most large varanids or monitor lizards that prey on venomous snakes have inherited neurotoxin resistance," researcher Bryan Fry said.
Bats are going through a rare evolutionary phenomenon
"We may think of evolution as very slow process, but it can happen rapidly," researcher Tyrone Lavery said.
Life's building blocks may have come from space
New evidence suggests the organic chemicals and biomolecules that led to life were brought to Earth by extraterrestrial bodies.
"Bizarre" finding changes the way we think about human evolution
"This is almost unparalleled in evolutionary science," the researchers said.
Scientists "couldn't believe" first of its kind evolutionary accident
The researchers said the discovery was "totally unlike" anything they had ever seen before.
Neanderthals "more human" than generally assumed, says living space study
Traditionally, experts assumed that Neanderthal behavior was less complex than that of our own species.
Dinosaurs found to break 150-year-old scientific rule
The discovery throws into question our understanding of animal evolution.
Jurassic fossil discovery leads to new mammal theory
"The fossils show incremental modifications that demonstrate the complex process of adaptation," researcher Patricia Vickers-Rich said.
Scientists create six-limbed mouse with legs instead of genitals
The six-legged embryo offers important insights into early development, and may provide pathways to treatments for various developmental abnormalities.
Paleontologist finds rare fossil of spider in disguise
The discovery provides insight into the evolution of this unusual behavior in present-day spiders.
'Fascinating' polite little bird uses wing gesture to say "after you"
Japanese tits flutter their wings on arrival at their nests, researchers found, after which the other bird in the pair enters.
Giant sail-backed dinosaur might have been "heron from hell"
The dinosaur, Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, was one of the largest predators ever to prowl the Earth, according to researchers.
Scientists recreate possible process behind life on Earth
"This finding helps us better understand the chemical environments of early Earth so we can uncover the origins of life," scientists said.
Snakes "evolved better and faster" than peers
The study suggests that speed may be a significant factor in how the species became so successful in the animal kingdom.
Newly discovered prehistoric mammal species among largest of its time
Previously unknown mammal species lived millions of years ago, prior to the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.
This spider looks like an ant. Can you tell the difference?
Spiders can adapt to look like ants just as well as other insects can, researchers found.
Amateurs find world-class fossil site from 470 million years ago
The site contains almost 400 exceptionally well-preserved fossils that shed light on a prehistoric polar ecosystem.
New Pterosaur Species Discovered a 'Complete Surprise'
The previously unknown pterosaur species likely had a wingspan of about 5 feet.
Scientists shine light on how humans first learned to walk upright
The question of how the bipedal stance seen in modern humans evolved has long fascinated scientists.
Scientists may finally know why dogs wag their tails
Many animals have tails, but the way dogs use their tails is totally unique.
Scientists discover "key stepping stone" to the origin of life
"This research may also help inform the search for similar chemistry, and the origin of life, elsewhere in our solar system," researchers told Newsweek.
Scientists identify brain region that controls how deeply you fall in love
This neurological network controls roughly 9 percent of the variance in intensity of romantic love, scientists say.
Mystery of largest-ever primate's disappearance finally solved
The extinct great ape grew to an estimated height of around 10 feet and may have weighed roughly 440-600 pounds.
Life on Venus may be possible in acidic clouds, claim scientists
"This paper shows (by experiment) that amino acids (essential for life as we know it) can be stable in such conditions," expert David Rothery told Newsweek.
Scientists discover giant carnivorous worms—ancient "terror beasts"
The worms belonged to a past dynasty of ancient predators previously unknown to science.
Are humans still evolving? "Maybe more rapidly than ever," says scientist
Cultural and technological innovations appear to be the main drivers of adaptation. But have they replaced biological adaptation?