Evolution

New research supports the idea that pulses of nutrients flushed from Devonian forests fueled ocean algae blooms that suffocated marine life.

The new species unearthed in Patagonia belongs to a group called abelisaurids, which resembled tyrannosaurs with short, bumpy faces.

Artificial "protocells" suggest the complex biochemical mechanisms used by living cells could have originated in simple bubbles.

New discovery of ancient phosphorus-bearing minerals challenges assumptions about the way early life evolved.

Bacterial allies may help insects win the evolutionary arms race against disease-causing microorganisms.

Ancient sediments reveal that shortly after emerging from the sea, microbial life may have adapted to survive in acidic lakes.

Scientists recently uncovered the ancient dens of 2-meter-long worms.

New findings suggest fingerprints and sweat work together in "fight or flight" survival responses.

The armor might help leafcutter ants defend the valuable fungus they grow for food.

Scientists can identify plants by the light they reflect.

For Asiatic lionesses, sex may be a way of protecting their cubs from murderous males.

Fossils dating more than about 540 million years old are extremely rare. That's why a newly discovered ancient deposit is so valuable.