Switching goals
Researchers found that evolving to complex goals accelerates speedup in simulations, suggesting a possible shortcut to optimization. The study's findings have practical implications for engineering fields and computer science.
Evolutionary Theories
Articles tagged with Evolutionary Theories
Competition, loss of selfishness mark shift to supersociety
A pair of researchers propose a tug-of-war theory model that explains the selection pressures driving the evolution of advanced eusocial groups, such as superorganisms. According to the model, intergroup competition ultimately leads to the emergence of these societies.
The first issue of the HFSP Journal is now available
The first issue of the HFSP Journal showcases innovative interdisciplinary research at the interface between biology and physics. The journal features articles on topics such as magnetoreception, ERKII signaling, and protein evolution, highlighting the intersection of multiple scientific disciplines.
CMU researcher publishes anole lizard findings
Kirsten E. Nicholson's four-year study of Caribbean anoles found no support for ecomorph convergence theory, which suggests that species in similar habitats develop similar characteristics. Her research also found little correlation between co-existent anole species and differing dewlap configurations.
Telling the likes apart
A new key review by Gotelli and McGill provides an overview of the current status of neutral models in ecology, highlighting their role relative to older ecological models. The paper demonstrates parallels in theory development between neutral models and null models, shedding light on community patterns and species interactions.
AAAS honors defenders of evolution with Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award
Eugenie Scott and nine science teachers who fought against the introduction of intelligent design in science classrooms are recipients of the 2006 AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility. The award recognizes their efforts to defend the integrity of science, particularly in Pennsylvania and Georgia.
For some species, an upside to inbreeding
Researchers found that individuals preferred mating with unfamiliar close kin rather than non-kin due to parental cooperation. This led to more cooperative and resource-invested parenting among related parents compared to non-related ones.
West Australian fossil find rewrites land mammal evolution
A 380 million-year-old fossil fish discovery in Western Australia rewrites land mammal evolution, tracing human adaptations to life on land further back in time than previously thought. The Gogonasus fossil reveals features of tetrapods evolved earlier than expected.
Islands spark accelerated evolution
A recent study confirms the 'island rule,' where small animals evolve into oversized versions of their continental counterparts, while large animals shrink. Island species exhibit accelerated evolutionary changes over short time frames, with a faster rate of evolution than mainland species.
How cooperation can evolve in a cheater's world
A new theoretical model explains how cooperation can emerge in a 'cheater's world', where self-interest typically prevails. In this model, group size plays a crucial role in the evolution of cooperation, with smaller groups allowing altruistic individuals to thrive and maintain their numbers over time.
UGA researchers propose new hypothesis on the evolution of hot springs microorganisms
UGA researchers have found evidence that low-temperature archaea may have evolved from moderate-temperature environments, contradicting current theories. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of Crenarchaeota and their role in fixing carbon dioxide, with implications for understanding global warming.
Methane-belching bugs inspire a new theory of the origin of life on Earth
A new theory suggests that life emerged in environments with unique biochemistry, such as oxygen-free sediment. The microbe Methanosarcina acetivorans produces both methane and acetate, shedding light on early metabolism and the evolution of microbial production of methane.
The greenbeards have blue throats in a breakthrough study of the evolution of altruistic behavior
A new study finds that blue-throated male lizards exhibit true altruism through cooperative partnerships to protect territories. Genetic analysis reveals the complex interaction of multiple genes controlling this behavior, offering insights into the evolution of altruistic cooperation.
Protowings may have helped bird ancestors cover rough terrain
Researchers found that juvenile birds, like chukar partridges, use a form of locomotion called 'wing-assisted incline running' (WAIR) to climb steep slopes. This behavior may have been crucial for the evolution of flight in birds, as it would have provided an advantage when pursuing prey or escaping predators.
Controversial findings help explain evolution of life
Researchers at Oregon State University confirmed the existence of a 'dark state' in DNA molecules that makes them vulnerable to UV-induced damage. The study suggests that water played a crucial role in stabilizing these early DNA bases and allowing life to emerge from a hostile primordial soup.
AAAS denounces anti-evolution laws as hundreds of K-12 teachers convene for 'Front Line' event
The AAAS Board opposes anti-evolution laws that weaken science education, citing threats to teaching evolution and students' understanding of sciences. The organization emphasizes the scientific consensus on evolution's validity.
Early humans on the menu
Primates, including early humans, evolved to avoid predators, not hunt them. This theory suggests that intelligence and social skills developed as a result of outsmarting predators, leading to modern human traits like cooperation and socialization.
The first laugh: New study posits evolutionary origins of two distinct types of laughter
Researchers examine how laughter evolved over 7 million years, from promoting community play in apes to humans using it for social control and ridicule
Engaging prior learning on creationism and evolution may benefit college biology students
A study found that reading books sympathetic to and opposed to evolution increased acceptance of rationalist views in college biology students. Most students initially sympathetic to creationist explanations moved toward increased acceptance of evolution.
Insight into our sight: A new view on the evolution of the eye lens
Researchers identified a single crystallin gene in sea squirts that likely evolved into the ß?-crystallins responsible for forming the vertebrate eye lens. The study found a regulatory link between these genes, suggesting a co-opted mechanism in early vertebrates.
Status and reproduction in humans: New evidence for the validity of evolutionary explanations
A positive relationship between male status and offspring count was found in a modern society subsample, indicating evolutionary forces may still be at work. This finding has implications for economics and management, explaining the striving for high and prestigious positions in men.
Scientists crack 40-year-old DNA puzzle and point to 'hot soup' at the origin of life
Researchers suggest primordial doublet code evolved into triplet system, explaining 20 amino acids and error tolerance. The theory also points to a hot primordial soup as the origin of life.
New taxon of Galápagos tortoise identified
A team of scientists led by Michael Russello has discovered a new taxon of Galápagos tortoise, characterized by distinct genetic features. The discovery highlights the importance of accurate taxonomy for effective conservation policy and preservation of genetic diversity in these endangered species.
University of Chicago study overturns conventional theory in evolution
A new study overturns decades-old theory, suggesting that gene mutation rates can affect fixation rates in species. The research found that faster mutations are more likely to be accepted by genes, leading to a shift in the understanding of natural selection.
Molecular biology fills gaps in knowledge of bat evolution
A research team has published a paper in Science that uses molecular biology to fill gaps in the evolutionary history of bats. The study reveals that megabats originated from four major lineages of microbats, which emerged around 52-50 million years ago.
Why attractive (but costly) males get the girls
Researchers found that female crickets pay higher survival costs for mating with attractive males but produce offspring with elevated fitness. The study suggests that choosing costly mates may be beneficial due to the indirect benefits of siring 'sexy' sons.
UBC prof's research challenges prevailing theory of how new species evolve
Researchers use genetic analysis to trace a genetic gradient across distance, challenging the theory of speciation by distance. The findings have broad implications for conservation approaches, highlighting the importance of preserving gradients of forms rather than well-defined groups.
High-predator environment has unexpected impact on aging in fish
A study by UC Riverside researchers has found that fish living in high-predator environments challenge classical evolutionary theories on aging. They have been shown to live longer, exhibit lower mortality rates, and maintain higher levels of fertility compared to those from low-predator environments.
Laboratory test of evolutionary theory confirms importance of links between populations
A study published in Nature confirmed that gene flow across a heterogeneous landscape can alter coevolutionary dynamics. The experiment showed that adaptation can vary in both space and time across a fragmented natural habitat, providing hard evidence for the importance of links between populations in evolutionary theory.
Punching the timeclock of life
Dr. Longo's research suggests that the majority of a population dies prematurely to provide nutrients for a few individuals with acquired genetic mutations, raising the possibility of programmed human aging.
Researchers look into components of RNA silencing machinery
Study reveals that heterochromatin forms despite lack of key RNA silencing components, indicating multiple pathways for chromosome regulation. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing gene therapy to conquer chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects.
New 'Understanding Evolution' Web site provides one-stop-shop for nation's science teachers
The new 'Understanding Evolution' Web site offers a one-stop-shop for science teachers, providing practical examples and strategies for teaching evolution. The site features Evolution 101, a primer on evolutionary theory, as well as discussions on the nature of science and the history of evolutionary thought.
Coexistence of identical competitors: an old doctrine challenged
Researchers propose a mechanism that helps uncommon species coexist with identical competitors, aligning with discoveries of cryptic fig wasp species. The evolutionary local mate competition theory is tested, revealing a demographic advantage to uncommon species.
K-State science education professor to give symposium
John Staver, a K-State science education professor, argues that intelligent design cannot be considered a scientific theory due to the absence of empirical evidence and rigorous testing. He emphasizes the importance of scientific experimentation and peer review in establishing new scientific ideas.
Scientist proposes new theory of aging
A new theory on aging, proposed by Ronald D. Lee, suggests that natural selection favors animals capable of devoting energy to insure survival of the next generation. This theory attempts to fill in gaps of previous ideas on aging and its relationship with nurturing behavior.
When it comes to jealousy, men and women may come from the same planet after all
A recent study published in Personality and Social Psychology Review by Christine Harris questions the evolutionary theory of sex differences in jealousy. She finds that men and women view sexual and emotional jealousy in a similar light, with many studies failing to account for individual variability and cultural influences. Harris su...
One fig, one wasp? Not always!
A new study found that many fig wasp species are cryptic, meaning they are genetically identical but belong to different host fig species. This challenges current ideas about the stability and evolution of mutualisms, strengthening other critical parts of modern evolutionary theory.
Walking sticks lost wings, then re-evolved them
A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that walking stick species re-evolved wings after losing them 50 million years earlier. The discovery raises questions about the basics of evolutionary theory and suggests that complexity can be maintained over tens of millions of years.
Expanding the genetic code: the world’s first truly unnatural organism
Researchers successfully expanded the genetic code of E. coli bacteria, creating a self-sufficient organism that can produce new amino acids on its own. The breakthrough could lead to enhanced function in organisms and provide answers to questions about why life settled on 20 natural amino acids.
In mutually beneficial relationship, slowest-evolving species gains upper hand
In mutualistic relationships, the slower-evolving species tends to gain a disproportionate share of benefits. This phenomenon, dubbed the Red King effect, is particularly pronounced when one side has little room to negotiate, forcing the other side to give up more if they want to continue the relationship.
New theory explains economic growth in terms of evolutionary biology
A new theory proposes that evolutionary pressures drove human traits beneficial to economic growth, such as valuing high-quality offspring. The transition from hunter-gatherer tribes to nuclear families with intergenerational links accelerated this process.
Mole-rat Methuselahs push evolutionary theory of aging
Researchers found that naked mole-rats, living up to 20 years in the wild, outlive other similar-sized rodents by a factor of 10 due to reduced extrinsic mortality. Their remarkable longevity is linked to their subterranean lifestyle and cooperative defense against predators.
Study backs theory that accumulating mutations of 'quiet' genes foster aging
The study provides strongest support for mutation accumulation (MA) theory, proposing that aging results from accumulated mutations of genes kept in check early in life. This theory suggests that genes associated with diseases like Huntington's and cancer have noticeable effects late in life.
New theory of the evolution of bird flight linked to parental care
A new theory proposes that modern birds' evolution of flight was driven by their parenting skills, which led them to settle in trees for better protection. This contradicts two leading theories on avian flight and is supported by evidence from Archaeopteryx fossils.
Study illustrates diversification, speciation in biological "islands"
A study by Jonathan B. Losos and Dolph Schluter found that the diversity of lizard species on larger Caribbean islands is primarily due to evolutionary processes, rather than colonization and extinction. The researchers used the Caribbean lizard phylogeny to estimate the number of immigration and speciation events on the islands.
Scientists unravel ancient evolutionary history of photosynthesis
A team of biologists led by Carl E. Bauer have determined that non-oxygen-producing bacterial species such as purple and green bacteria are the most ancient photosynthetic bacteria. This finding reverses conventional thinking on the evolution of photosynthetic bacteria, suggesting a complex evolutionary history.
Ancient math refines theories of evolution
Researchers use 18th-century formula to reconcile DNA study discrepancies and create more consistent picture of evolution's history. By considering all possible evolutionary trees, Bayesian mathematics allows for a more accurate understanding of the evolutionary history of life.
New fossil snake with legs, reported inScience
Scientists have discovered a new fossil snake species, Haasiophis terrasanctus, with advanced anatomy similar to modern boas and pythons. The findings suggest that the evolution of limbs in snakes was more complex than previously thought, possibly representing an evolutionary reversal where advanced snakes regained hindlimbs.
University of Toronto fossil discovery has implications for patterns of evolution
The University of Toronto has discovered a new species of giant ground sloth, challenging the long-held assumption that mammals from South America were inferior to those in North America. The study suggests that these groups thrived for nearly two million years after migration across the Panamanian land bridge.
The evolution of the sex chromosomes: step by step
The X and Y chromosomes are thought to have originated from a pair of identical autosomes, diverging over 300 million years through four discrete stages. This divergence led to the formation of distinct sex chromosomes, with X-Y genes serving as fossils for reconstructing their evolutionary history.
Large Gene Study Questions Cambrian Explosion
A recent gene study challenges the popular Cambrian Explosion theory, proposing that major animal groups evolved steadily over 1200 million years. The research uses hundreds of gene sequences to calculate evolutionary timelines and suggests that many species existed before their fossils appeared.
New Study Offers A Twist On Evolution Of Animal Postures
A new Ohio University study reveals that alligators evolved from semi-erect to sprawl postures, contrary to the conventional theory of animal posture evolution. Researchers analyzed alligator movement and found that their walking patterns are more similar to those of salamanders and lizards than previously thought.
The Evolution Of Beauty, Part Of A Special Section On The Evolution Of Sex In The 25 September 1998 Science
The sensory exploitation theory suggests that animals choose mates using sensory systems shaped for daily survival needs, rather than solely for sexual attraction. This model proposes that animals have built-in preferences for traits unrelated to genetic fitness, which can be seen in examples such as water mites mimicking copepod vibra...
Human Ancestors Went Out Of Africa And Then Came Back: NYU/SUNY-Albany Research Team Proposes Controversial New Model for Evolution of Humans
Researchers Caro-Beth Stewart and Todd Disotell propose a new model for the evolution of humans and apes, suggesting that the common ancestor evolved in Asia rather than Africa. This theory requires only two hominoid migration events, marking a significant departure from traditional views.
Caribbean Lizards Evolve Independently
A study by Washington University in St. Louis reveals that similar lizard communities have evolved independently on different islands in the Caribbean, converging on island habitats. The research found identical habitat specialists on each island, suggesting a unique response to environmental pressures.
Race And Human Evolution
Anthropologists Milford Wolpoff and Rachel Caspari propose a multi-regional theory of human evolution, suggesting that populations evolved concurrently in various regions over two million years. This perspective has significant social and political implications, as it challenges the concept of a single common ancestor.
Natural Selection Study Shows Animals Can Adapt Dramatically Fast
A study of wild guppies in Trinidad found they can evolve between 10,000 to 10 million times faster than the fossil record. This suggests short-term experiments can provide insight into evolutionary changes over millions of years.