LiveScience Topics: Evolution

Evolution is among the most substantiated concepts in science and is the unifying theory of biological science. Charles Darwin co-originated, with Alfred Russel Wallace, the theory of evolution by natural selection. His masterwork, the 1859 "Origin of Species," offered ample evidence for evolution having occurred, as well as the first strong explanation for its mechanism, natural selection. Modern evolutionary theory incorporates these concepts: species change over time; genetic mutations are responsible for the changes; individuals with beneficial genetic mutations will survive preferentially compared with their competitors, in a process known as natural selection; those successful individuals' more numerous offspring will spread the beneficial genetic constructs throughout the population; when enough genetic changes reproductively isolate a population, that population has become a new species. Here you'll find news and information on evolution and the battle with proponents of so-called creation science.

Explore Evolution

Hot Debate: Are You More Like Chimps or Orangutans?

Contrary to popular wisdom, two biologists are arguing that orangutans, not chimps, are humans closest relatives.
Baboon Finding Could Shed Light on Human Evolution

The genetic basis of complex traits may show parallels across different primate species.
Primitive Primate's Brain Built

Scientists have constructed a virtual model of an early primate brain using an ancient skull.

More Evolution News and Information

'Lucy' Fossil Coming to Times Square

The 'Lucy' fossil has been on display in Houston and Seattle, and now she is hitting Times Square.
Body Part Loss in Fish Yields Surprise

When two species evolved and lost their pelvises, the changes were caused by different genes.
Pre-Human Giggles: Laughter Goes Back 10 Million Years

Laughter can be traced to back to the last common ancestor of humans and great apes.
How Evolution Could Sink (or Save) GM

Capitalism is like evolution by natural selection, and it can be harsh.
Mice Given 'Human' Version of Speech Gene

Mice given "human speech" gene to study evolution of language.
Socialites and Curmudgeons: Two Brain Types

Socialites and curmudgeons not only have different party demeanors, they may also have different brain structures.
Amid Media Circus, Scientists Doubt 'Ida' Is Your Ancestor

A new primate fossil has made waves among scientists and non-scientists.
Myth of the Missing Link

The fact is that there is no such thing as "the missing link" between different stages of evolution.
Why 'Ida' Inspires Navel-Gazing at Our Ancestry

The mishmash of features in a new primate fossil reminds us that the story of our past might be more complicated than we think.
Unveiled ‘Holy Grail’ Fossil Gets Celebrity Treatment

Scientists unveiled a 47-million-year-old fossil with much pomp and circumstance today at the American Museum of Natural History.
Air Sacs in Bones Could Be Key to Evolution of Flight

Paleontologists and biologists have lacked consensus on the evolution of flight. New research says it's in the bones.
Dinosaur Graveyard Suggests Feeding Frenzy

Fossilized remains of a feeding frenzy show how a raptor-like dinosaur snacked on baby plant-eating dinosaurs.
The Evolution of Religion

Why do people believe? One idea is that religious belief confers evolutionary benefits.
Evolution's Most Extreme Mammals

The sometimes bizarre world of extinct and living mammals, featuring spectacular fossils and the evolution of numerous species, ranging from huge to tiny and speedy to sloth-like.
Origin of Life: What Are the Odds?

How life began is one of life's great mysteries.
These Birds Can Dance!

Birds can move in time to a beat, showing humans aren't the only dancing species.
Swine Flu Is Evolution in Action

Swine flu evolved by stealing genetic code from other viruses.
Basis for Male Promiscuity Questioned

A new study on reproductive success finds that humans don’t always conform to the roles of "promiscuous" males and "selective" females.
Walking Seal Called Missing Link in Evolution

Skeleton of primitive pinniped could be missing link between land animals and modern seals.
T. Rex Relative Fills Evolutionary Gap

A Tyrannosaurus rex ancestor and an ostrich-mimic are two new dinosaur species found in China's Gobi Desert.
Why Dead Authors Can Thrill Modern Readers

Classic stories may appeal to an evolved social sensibility and help promote cooperative behavior.

Welcome, Guest

Curious? Join our community!

LiveScience Topics: Evolution

Explore Evolution

More Evolution News and Information

Evolution Features

Other LiveScience Topics