Wild marmots’ social networks reveal controversial evolutionary theory in action

Multilevel selection is a controversial concept originally proposed by Darwin. A new study found evidence for it in the wild in a group of marmots scientists have been observing for more than 60 years.

Daniel T. Blumstein, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
March 27, 2025 ~9 min

Amid a tropical paradise known as ‘Lizard Island,’ researchers are cracking open evolution’s black box – scientist at work

A decade of fieldwork is revealing how one of biology’s fundamental principles works in real time.

James T. Stroud, Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolution, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
March 25, 2025 ~11 min


Ferns’ ability to evolve ‘backward’ offers insights into the meandering path of evolution

Evolution is often depicted as a steady forward march from simple to complex forms. But new research shows that certain ferns can evolve ‘backward.’

Jacob S. Suissa, Assistant Professor of Plant Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee • conversation
Dec. 13, 2024 ~9 min

Extraterrestrial life may look nothing like life on Earth − so astrobiologists are coming up with a framework to study how complex systems evolve

A specific set of chemical conditions led to the emergence of life on Earth. But can life emerge from other chemistries?

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
Dec. 6, 2024 ~10 min

Corals can adapt to warming oceans, but not fast enough – new research

Natural selection won’t keep pace with global warming if the Paris climate agreement isn’t realised.

Peter J Mumby, Chair Professor, Coral Reef Ecology, The University of Queensland • conversation
Nov. 29, 2024 ~8 min

At its core, life is all about play − just look at the animal kingdom

Reduced to its essence, the process of natural selection would look a lot like play.

David Toomey, Professor of English, UMass Amherst • conversation
Aug. 12, 2024 ~8 min

It's reassuring to think humans are evolution's ultimate destination – but research shows we may be an accident

We may have become the most complex living creature in part by accident and replication of error.

Marcello Ruta, Senior Lecturer, Life Sciences, University of Lincoln • conversation
Sept. 5, 2023 ~8 min

Natural selection may pump the brakes on evolution

Natural selection is usually understood in the context of change, but new findings suggest that natural selection also has the power to keep things the same.

Emilie Lorditch-Michigan State • futurity
Aug. 30, 2023 ~8 min


Male rhesus macaques often have sex with each other – a trait they have inherited in part from their parents

Most of the males in a Puerto Rican monkey colony engaged in homosexual activity, a new study reveals.

Vincent Savolainen, Professor of Organismic Biology, Imperial College London • conversation
July 13, 2023 ~7 min

By 'helping' wild animals, you could end their freedom or even their lives – here's why you should keep your distance

A newborn bison calf in Yellowstone National Park had to be euthanized after a visitor handled it in May 2023 – a recent example of how trying to help wild animals often harms them.

Julian Avery, Associate Research Professor of Wildlife Conservation, Penn State • conversation
June 30, 2023 ~11 min

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