The convergence of multiple lines of evidence clearly demonstrates that evolution has happened and it's critical that this be understood.

Evolution does not rely on circular reasoning across radiometric dating, the fossil record, molecular biology, and genetic analysis. Instead,…

968 new species were identified in 2023! Check out some of those species here.
cnn.com/2023/12/29/wor…

I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas and happy holidays! As you spend time with your family, don't forget that your extended family encompasses every living thing on earth, so be sure to spread that holiday cheer all around!

Dendrochronology is a dating technique that uses the well-known tendency of trees to form rings each year. These rings look unique based on the temperature, rainfall, and length of the growing season. With these unique rings, we can find a 'fingerprint' of when a tree lived.…

Famous Figures in Evolutionary Study

Stephen Jay Gould was an American scientist that studied evolutionary biolog and paleontology. He was born in 1941 and would go on to become one of the most recognized popular science writers of his day, contributing over 300 essays to…

Some more details on the inverse correlation between selection pressure and evolutionary change.

As the pressure to maintain specific traits diminishes (i.e., low selection pressure), mutation and genetic drift are the primary acting force of evolution. Mutations provide the…

Selection pressure and evolutionary change are inversely correlated.

When selection pressure is extremely low (a very stable environment with little competition), organisms have much more leeway in the traits that they can develop. But once pressure starts to ramp up, certain…

In 1975, Japanese researchers discovered a strain of bacteria living in waste water ponds near a nylon factory. These bacteria had one unique characteristic that had never been seen before - they had the abiltiy to digest nylon.

This novel ability was enabled by three unique…

Scientists have found fossils from over 6,000 early human individuals. These fossils paint a rich picture of our history and the history of some of our closest evolutionary ancestors. humanorigins.si.edu/evidence

Why is it so rare to see new species pop into existence?

For one, there are many more ways to make a non-functional organism than a functional one. Smaller mutations are much more likely to land on a working combination than larger mutations are.

A second reason has to do with…

The emergence of a new species via a single-step mutation is incredibly rare, but it does happen. One example is the marbled crayfish.

This crayfish emerged in the pet trade during the 1990s as a result of a mutation in the slough crayfish. The mutation caused the marbled…

What are some of your favorite books on evolution or scientific topics in general?

I always recommend the Blind Watchmaker as an introductory book.

Dr. Stephen Nowicki also has a lecture series available called 'Biology: The Science of Life' that's pretty accessible.

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a fascinating structure that gives us hints about our evolutionary past.

This nerve leaves the brain and begins making its way to the larynx (the voice box). But instead of taking a straight shot from the brain to the larynx in the throat, this…

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell! But at one point, they were likely an independent organism.

These early mitochondria may have been parasites that took up residence in eukaryotic cells and consumed resources within these cells to aid its own reproduction.

But as…

While the parasitic relationship between the parasitoid wasps and their hosts is going on, another mutualistic relationship is taking place.

Polydnaviruses are insect viruses that reproduce within the female wasps. These viruses are inserted into the host and act to weaken the…