evolutionary-biology
7 stories related to this topic, newest first.
Primates in Despotic Societies Exhibit Less Adult Play Behavior, Research Shows
A study found that apes, monkeys, and their relatives in despotic societies are less likely to engage in playful behavior as adults compared to those in more egalitarian groups. Researchers examined this pattern in non-human primates, drawing parallels to human social structures.…
Ancient DNA Study Links Immune Gene Variants to Reduced Allergy Risk
Researchers analyzing ancient genomes found that some infection-fighting gene variants from the past 10,000 years may lower the risk of asthma and allergies. The findings, detailed in a preprint and a Nature study, challenge simplistic views of immune evolution. Integration with…
Substrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Study Examines Internal Conflict Among Ngogo Chimpanzees in Uganda's Kibale National Park
Researchers have documented a violent internal conflict within the Ngogo chimpanzee community in Uganda's Kibale National Park, resulting in the deaths of seven adult males and 17 infants. The study, based on long-term observations, analyzes how group polarization led to lethal a…
Jan van Scorel / Wikimedia (Public domain)Evolutionary Biologist Explains Biological Mechanism and Theories of Human Blushing
Blushing occurs when blood vessels in the face dilate in response to social situations, driven by the sympathetic nervous system. This response is involuntary and distinct from other autonomic reactions. Researchers have proposed theories linking blushing to social signaling and…
Substrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Researchers Observe Conflict and Killings in Wild Chimpanzee Group with Parallels to Human Civil Wars
Researchers documented a violent conflict in a previously unified group of wild chimpanzees in Uganda's Budongo Forest. The study, published in Current Biology, details how the group split and engaged in lethal encounters over four years. The findings highlight similarities to pa…
sciencealert.comHuman Genetic Mutation Rate and Its Effects on Fitness Examined in New Scientist Column
A column in New Scientist discusses the human genetic mutation rate, which some researchers have linked to declines in physical and mental fitness. Columnist Michael Le Page argues that these mutations do not pose the health risks often attributed to them. The piece explores whet…
Substrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Evolutionary Theories on the Purpose of Dreaming Remain Unresolved
Scientists continue to investigate the reasons behind dreaming, which occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep characterized by heightened brain activity and vivid imagery. Evolutionary biologists propose theories such as threat simulation, where dreams may serve as practice…