The mother tree hypothesis suggests that trees form networks to share resources and communicate using fungi growing in their roots. Find out why a new study questions the evidence for this idea and calls for better experiments to uncover the truth.
Category: Evolution
Discoveries related to the origin of life and natural selection. Excludes human evolution – see Humanity
Earth’s Inner Core Falling Behind Planet’s Rotation
Earth’s inner core appears to be slowing down relative the speed of our planet’s rotation on its axis. Find out how this affects our magnetic field and shortens the length of a day on our world.
Beaver Fossil Sheds Light on Mammal Evolution
A beaver fossil found in western Montana is the oldest such specimen ever discovered. Find out how this 30-million-year-old missing link is helping to explain the astonishing diversity in mammal species on our planet.Like all Canadians, I think of the beaver as an important symbol. It’s our national mascot, and the fur trade involving the … Continue reading Beaver Fossil Sheds Light on Mammal Evolution
James Lovelock: Remembering the Gaia Hypothesis Founder
James Lovelock passed away recently at the age of 103. Find out how his Gaia hypothesis led a generation to a new understanding of the world and our place in it.
Belief in Evolution Promotes Tolerance
Belief in evolution makes us more tolerant of those who seem different from ourselves. Find out how a new study confirms this and encourages teaching evolution in the classroom.
Male Dolphins Use Wingmen to Find Mates
Male dolphins are healthier and live longer when they have a network of male frends. Find out how a new study revealed that this popularity also makes them more likely to find mates.
Bird Evolution Can Be Surprisingly Fast
Bird evolution has helped scientists understand how natural selection works since the time of Darwin. Find out how a species of birds in Indonesia demonstrated how rapidly evolution can take place. (4:00 min read)
Lightning Strikes Vital to Origin of Life
Lightning strikes have played a part in theories on the origin of life since Darwin. Discover how a new study sheds more light on the role of lightning in bringing life to our planet. (4:00 min read)
Lifeless Matter Needs Destruction to Evolve
Lifeless matter could only have evolved into self-replicating molecules by growing more complex. Discover how destruction might make this counterintuitive process conceivable. (4:15 min read)
Bat Woman On Pandemic, China and White House
Bat Woman” is the affectionate nickname China’s people use for their top bat virus expert. Find out why she spoke out this week. (5:00 min read)