Evolutionary Biology

A University of Cambridge study ranks humans among the most monogamous mammals, closer to beavers and meerkats than to chimpanzees. By analyzing sibling ratios across species and human societies, researchers found that long-term pair bonding is unusually prevalent in our species. Even in cultures allowing polygamy, human monogamy exceeds that of most other mammals.

18 января 2026 Сообщено ИИ

Scientists have discovered that bacteria-infecting viruses sent to the International Space Station evolve in unexpected ways compared to Earth conditions. In microgravity, these viruses and their bacterial hosts undergo distinct genetic changes, potentially improving treatments for drug-resistant infections. The findings, from a study aboard the ISS, highlight how space alters microbial interactions.

Researchers have discovered a new species of wolf snake on Great Nicobar Island in India, naming it Lycodon irwini in honor of the late conservationist Steve Irwin. The glossy black, non-venomous snake measures up to one meter and faces vulnerability due to its limited habitat. The finding highlights the underexplored biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar region.

3 декабря 2025 Сообщено ИИ

Researchers have discovered that terminally ill ant pupae release a distinctive scent to alert their colony, prompting workers to disinfect them and prevent infection spread. This altruistic behavior sacrifices the individual but safeguards the superorganism-like colony. The findings highlight parallels between ant societies and multicellular organisms.

A 67-million-year-old fossil fish discovered in Alberta, Canada, has led UC Berkeley researchers to revise the evolutionary timeline of otophysan fish, revealing that their advanced hearing system developed in the ocean before two separate migrations to freshwater. This group, which includes over 10,000 species like catfish and zebrafish, evolved sensitive ears rivaling human hearing capabilities. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about their origins.

3 ноября 2025 Сообщено ИИ

Scientists have discovered that the spider Dysdera tilosensis, found only on the Canary Islands, has reduced its genome size by nearly half in just a few million years. This downsizing defies traditional theories predicting larger genomes in island species. Despite the smaller genome, the spider shows greater genetic diversity than its mainland relatives.