The marine creature amphioxus allows scientists to explore some of the steps that took place as simple creatures evolved to become complex animals.
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Articles on Evolution
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Analysis of bones from over hundreds and thousands of years ago suggests that our skeleton today is more fragile than that of our ancestors.
Natural selection isn’t the only factor deciding human evolution.
New research shows shallow, near-land seas similar to Bass Strait were critical in the early days of fish evolution. These are the waters we need to protect now to ensure ongoing biodiversity.
An Ig Nobel Prize-winning study suggests we need to rethink why imitation evolved.
New research into beetles shows larvae are stronger and grow better when raised by two parents working together than a single parent working alone.
Artificial intelligence research owes a lot to biology and chemistry.
Where do the pretty colours of the harlequin ladybug come from? A single gene draws the colour patterns of this familiar insect.
Our children all know the little clownfish Nemo, star of the Pixar film. But why does he have three stripes, rather than one or two? Developmental and evolutionary biology are revealing the answer.
The 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to work on how to use the principles of evolution to create new medical treatments and renewable fuels.
Finding a mate is of course essential to produce the next generation. And feathers and fur play key roles in making sure that happens.
Travel from Perth to Melbourne and every kilometre you go represents 100 million years of life on Earth. So let’s take a ride, on a motorcycle of course.
Nimble-fingered Neanderthals went about their daily business in a similar way to modern humans.
There was once a chicken called Miracle Mike who lived for 18 months without a head: it’s all to do with nerves.
Are pretty blue and gold stripes more important than being a bold little swimmer?
Our study used innovative 3D scanning and engineering-inspired computer simulations to understand the evolution of the penis bone in some mammals.
In evolutionary terms, it’s better to be at the bottom of the hierarchy than to be dead – and that’s why submissive behaviours still persist in us humans. Even if we don’t like it.
Our brain cells do look a lot like a map of the universe – but that doesn’t mean they’re the same thing.
Most animal groups adopted their shapes quickly but some kept evolving.
Not all birds have eyes on the sides of their heads – but even those that do can see straight in front of them.
Top contributors
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Strategic Professor in Palaeontology, Flinders University
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Scientia Professor of Evolutionary Ecology; Academic Lead of UNSW's Grand Challenges Program, UNSW Sydney
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Professor in Evolutionary Biology (jointly appointed with South Australian Museum), Flinders University
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Honorary Associate Professor, UNSW Sydney
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Senior Lecturer in Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology, Life Sciences at the University of Bath, University of Bath
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Professor of Evolutionary Palaeobiology at the Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath
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Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Monash University
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Senior Researcher in Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of the Witwatersrand
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Adjunct Research Associate, Monash University
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Jenny Graves is a Friend of The Conversation.
Distinguished Professor of Genetics and Vice Chancellor's Fellow, La Trobe University
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Principal Lecturer in Wildlife Conservation, Nottingham Trent University
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Mark Elgar is a Friend of The Conversation.
Professor of Evolutionary Biology, The University of Melbourne
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Professor of Natural Sciences, UCL
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Senior lecturer, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, University of Bristol
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Evolutionary Ecology, Griffith University
