Articles tagged with Macroevolution
A new framework models evolution by combining short-term natural selection with species-wide changes over millions of years. This resolves a long-standing debate in biology, allowing researchers to study trait evolution across multiple scales.
The majority of extant species belong to a limited number of rapid radiations, forming groups with many species that evolved in a relatively short period. These rapid radiations are thought to occur when new ecological niches open up, such as the emergence of multicellularity and powered flight.
A new study found that mammals independently evolved specialized adaptations for exclusively feeding on ants and termites at least 12 times since the Cenozoic era began. This dietary strategy, called myrmecophagy, emerged following the K-Pg extinction and set the stage for ant and termite colonies to rapidly expand worldwide.
Researchers at UNICAMP found that a reduction in prey availability was a decisive factor in the extinction of saber-toothed tigers. The study also shows that an increase in predator diversity led to a decline in herbivore species diversity among antilocaprids, which are now represented by a single species: the American bison.
Researchers have gained a better understanding of mosasaur evolution, relationships, and behaviors through advanced imaging technologies and comparative anatomy. A new study found evidence of cannibalism in mosasaurs and illuminated patterns of foraging area segregation and feeding diversity.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas propose a new explanation for the observed pattern: statistical noise. The study suggests that 'noise' creates a misleading hyperbolic pattern, making it seem like evolutionary rates increase over shorter time frames.