Maximum insect size tracked changes in oxygen concentrations quite nicely until birds showed up. (via Reign of the giant insects ended with the evolution of birds - UC Santa Cruz)
Source: news.ucsc.edu
Earliest evidence of use of fire by human ancestors: Excavation of animal bones and stone tools at Wonderwerk Cave also revealed traces of wood ash all within a layer dating back one million years ago. (via Evidence that human ancestors used fire one million years ago)
Source: sciencedaily.com
New research suggests a longer formation period for the Great Rift Valley of East Africa. (via Geologists correct a ‘rift’ in Africa)
Source: sciencedaily.com
Genome sequencing of algae provides insight into the origins of photosynthesis. (via The Origin of Photosynthesis Revealed)
Source: news.rutgers.edu
Researchers have documented that “genes can travel from plant to plant between distant cousins, not just from one generation to the next. This “short cut” could be a mechanism for rapid evolution. ” (via Genes may travel from plant to plant to fuel evolution | Brown University News and Events)
Source: news.brown.edu
New study demonstrates that some species experience a lag in evolution after mass extinctions rather than rapid evolution. (via Explosive evolution need not follow mass extinctions | UChicago News)
Source: news.uchicago.edu
A process that may have occurred before life existed could explain the origin of carbohydrates and their characteristics. (via Scientists discover new clue to chemical origins of life)
Source: sciencedaily.com
Scientists observe yeast forming multicellular clusters - provides insight into evolutionary process. (via Biologists replicate key evolutionary step)
Source: sciencedaily.com
Mathematical models based on mollusk seashell patterns reveal rapid evolution in some portions of ancient nervous systems and stability in others. (via Breakthrough model reveals evolution of ancient nervous systems through seashell colors)
Source: sciencedaily.com
Transition of fish to four-limbed creatures may have more likely occurred in wooded floodplains rather than surviving a shrinking pond. (via New theory emerges for where some fish became four-limbed creatures)
Source: sciencedaily.com
