Evolution

Sciences & Technology

Scientists are discovering the deepest evolutionary secrets of Australia’s marsupial mole

Marsupial moles, Australia's enigmatic subterranean mammals, offer a fascinating glimpse into evolution, adaptation and conservation

Sciences & Technology

|

Under the Microscope

How Australia’s ancient forests became an arid zone

Studying the genetic relationships between desert plants is helping Dr Rachael Fowler to understand how they evolved in Australia’s arid zone, once dense forest

Sciences & Technology

A bit of bling helps insects dazzle their predators

Beyond just looking stunning, shininess may help insects confuse predators to avoid being eaten

Sciences & Technology

Birds are the ultimate architects, designing their nests for every climate

Whether it’s a dome, cup or pendant, new research shows bird nest designs match specific climatic conditions, giving hope that some can adjust nesting behaviours for changing weather conditions

Sciences & Technology

Insects have more complex immune systems than we thought

Ants, beetles, and all other invertebrates have complex immune systems which can protect their offspring

Sciences & Technology

The fly DNA fighting killer bacteria

The genome of an Australian fly has won an evolutionary “arms race” against a killer bacteria by evolving to co-exist with it

Health & Medicine

Why giraffes have spots

A new study provides the first anatomical proof of why giraffes have spots – and how they relate to plastic surgery

Sciences & Technology

The Australian grasshopper that’s given up sex

A unique ‘matchstick’ grasshopper that’s evolved into an all-female species that doesn’t reproduce through sex gives us fascinating insights into evolution

Sciences & Technology

Science can help dogs enjoy their best life

A new TV series explores the journey of dogs, but science is giving us new insights into how we can help our canine friends thrive

Sciences & Technology

Human-driven evolution threatens fish stocks

Warming oceans and overfishing is causing species to evolve in ways that threaten the sustainability of commercial fisheries