Currently browsing: evolution

‘True grit’ erodes assumptions about evolution

By Sandra Hines

March 4, 2013

New work in Argentina where scientists had previously thought Earth’s first grasslands emerged 38 million years ago, shows the area at the time covered with tropical forests rich with palms, bamboos and gingers. Grit and volcanic ash in those forests could have caused the evolution of teeth in horse-like animals that scientists mistakenly thought were adaptations in response to emerging grasslands.

Mutant champions save imperiled species from almost-certain extinction

By Sandra Hines

February 19, 2013

Species facing widespread and rapid environmental changes can sometimes evolve quickly enough to dodge the extinction bullet. UW scientists consider the genetic underpinnings of such evolutionary rescue.

Piranha kin wielded dental weaponry even T. rex would have admired — with video

By Sandra Hines

December 26, 2012

Taking into consideration size, an ancient relative of piranhas weighing about 20 pounds delivered a bite with more force than prehistoric whale-eating sharks or – even – Tyrannosaurus rex.