Tag Archives: Evolutionary

Exploring the Evolutionary Origins of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior in Primate Species

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Same-sex sexual activity isn’t exclusive to humans; various primates engage in it too.

A recent study identified 59 non-human primate species, including bonobos, chimpanzees, and macaques, that exhibit same-sex behavior.

This extensive research, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, is the most thorough review to date of same-sex behavior among primates (excluding humans). The findings challenge existing assumptions about the purpose of sexual activities within the animal kingdom and indicate that sex may serve a more complex social function.

The authors propose that same-sex behavior has evolved to assist primates in navigating complex social structures, reducing conflict, and strengthening bonds. They suggest that both genetic factors and external environmental stresses influence this behavior.

Vincent Savolainen, director of the Georgina Mace Center for the Living Planet at Imperial College London and lead author of the study, stated: “Our findings illustrate that homosexuality is not an anomaly; it’s widespread, beneficial, and essential.”

In their study, Savolainen and colleagues evaluated existing data from 491 primate species, focusing on documented instances of same-sex sexual activities.

“The behaviors observed included mounting, ventral-to-ventral, or ventral-to-dorsal contact, genital touching, and fellatio, encompassing both male-to-male and female-to-female interactions,” the study highlighted. Non-sexual same-sex interactions were excluded to maintain clarity.

Findings suggest that same-sex behavior is more prevalent among animals needing social cohesion to endure harsh environmental conditions, facing predation risks, or competing for resources. It is particularly common in social structures with rigid hierarchies, where sexual behaviors help individuals manage competition and foster alliances to reduce intergroup aggression.

“People often underestimate the significance of same-sex behavior in societal dynamics; it is as crucial as eating, fighting, parenting, and nurturing,” Savolainen remarked.

He likened same-sex sexual interactions to a form of “currency” that may enhance social standing, create opportunities, and facilitate resource sharing.

“In times of social strife, utilizing same-sex behavior can be advantageous,” Savolainen explained.

He noted that while this behavior is likely to be present in more than 23 primate species, limited data in the field and a lack of focused studies hinder comprehensive understanding.

Observing and interpreting same-sex sexual behavior can be challenging for scientists. Historically, many researchers viewed these behaviors as unusual and neglected documentation. Additionally, securing funding for studies on same-sex behavior in animals has been difficult, particularly from government sources.

“We have a plethora of species about which we lack knowledge. This knowledge gap is significant,” Savolainen warned. “Unless we incorporate same-sex behavior into our understanding of social dynamics, we can’t fully grasp how societies operate. We aim to gather more data in forthcoming studies.”

While the new research doesn’t directly relate its findings to contemporary human sexual behavior, it suggests that our ancestors experienced social and environmental pressures similar to those driving same-sex behavior in other primates.

Prior studies have indicated that widespread same-sex behavior exists in macaques and that certain traits are genetically inherited. Some behaviors can be linked to specific genetic lineages. Female bonobos often engage in genital rubbing during stressful situations, and same-sex behavior has also been documented in chimpanzees.

Marlene Zook, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Minnesota who studies same-sex behavior in animals, commented on the interesting breadth of the analysis.

“The extensive range of data collected in this study is particularly impressive,” she noted.

Zook expressed no surprise at the conclusion emphasizing the influence of environmental and social factors on same-sex behavior. The study prompts a reconsideration of widespread misconceptions regarding animal sexual conduct, emphasizing its complexity beyond mere reproduction.

“Sexual behavior often transcends reproduction, a fact evident in our species. However, many tend to overlook this reality in animals,” Zook observed. “People seem to assume that animals, unlike humans, conduct sexual activities purely for procreation purposes, which is quite inaccurate.”

Zook added that the scientific community has traditionally dismissed the concept of a “gay gene” that directly influences homosexual behavior.

“No single gene dictates homosexual behavior in humans or other animals. Instead, a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors shape nearly all behaviors and traits, whether they be physical or psychological,” she concluded.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Exploring the Evolutionary Reasons Behind Same-Sex Sexual Behavior

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Male Hamadryas baboon displaying dominance

Male baboon (Papio hamadryas) showcases dominance through mounting behavior.

Credit: Ger Bosma/Alamy

Same-sex sexual behavior in monkeys and apes may enhance social standing and increase reproductive success, particularly in harsh environments with predators or limited food resources.

This conclusion stems from a study exploring variations in same-sex behavior across primate species, suggesting that such behavior, contrary to popular belief, is an adaptive trait aiding survival.

Historically, same-sex behavior has been dismissed as “unnatural.” However, it has now been documented in at least 1,500 animal species, including insects, dolphins, bison, and bonobos.

This could be just the beginning of a larger understanding; many species remain understudied. Additionally, same-sex activities may often go unrecognized due to ambiguous gender identification. Even when recognized, they may not be reported.

In research covering around 20 mammalian species over extended periods, 80% exhibit same-sex behavior. In a detailed study of a rhesus macaque colony (Macaca mulatta) in Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, researchers found that three-quarters of males engage in homosexual behavior, according to findings by Vincent Savolainen from Imperial College London.

The prevalence of same-sex behavior poses the question: why is it so common?

This phenomenon is often referred to as “Darwin’s paradox,” arising from the assumption that homosexual behavior is maladaptive, offering no reproductive advantage.

Several theories have been proposed to explain the high occurrence of same-sex behavior, despite its perceived maladaptive nature. One theory suggests that such acts may occur due to the inability of individuals to distinguish between genders. While this idea holds for simpler animals, it likely does not apply to complex animals such as apes and dolphins.

Another explanation is that same-sex behavior could be a byproduct of natural selection for other traits. For instance, some traits enhancing reproductive success in females could be linked to the increased likelihood of homosexuality in males.

Importantly, same-sex behavior may hold adaptive value. One theory suggests it aids males in forming alliances, enhancing their access to females. “Same-sex behavior serves as a social currency within these societies,” Savolainen explains.

His team analyzed data on same-sex behavior in 59 primate species, correlating it with various environmental and social factors. Notably, they observed that same-sex interactions are more prevalent in complex societies and dryer habitats where food scarcity and predation pressure are heightened.

The increased frequency of such behavior in stressful environments suggests its adaptive nature. If same-sex acts were purely for enjoyment, we would expect them to be less frequent in these conditions.

“Same-sex behavior may foster cooperation and cohesion by strengthening social bonds, which is particularly vital in challenging environments,” notes team member Chloe Coxshall, also from Imperial.

However, to establish the adaptive value, this behavior must show a link to enhanced fitness and increased offspring. “This is precisely what I aim to examine in monkey populations,” Savolainen states.

While conclusive evidence identifying same-sex behavior as adaptive in certain primate species remains elusive, scientific inquiry may soon challenge outdated perceptions surrounding this behavior.

What implications does this research hold for understanding human homosexual behavior? If validated, these findings may clarify its commonality. Researchers emphasize that these insights do not dictate moral judgments about such actions, thereby avoiding the naturalistic fallacy—wherein human behavior is evaluated through the lens of animal behavior.

Nevertheless, it’s intriguing to consider that redefining “the fittest” may be necessary in the context of survival of the fittest.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Study Reveals Insights into Frogs’ Evolutionary Success

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New Research Reveals Frogs Have Preserved Their Ecology for 45 Million Years

Frog melanosome geometry study shows similarities between ancient and modern frog eyes. Image credit: Falk et al., doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.114220.

This groundbreaking study led by University College Cork investigates 45 million-year-old frog fossils from Geiseltal, a notable paleontological site in central Germany.

These remarkable fossils preserve not only skin remnants but also microscopic fossilized cell structures known as melanosomes.

Melanosomes are essential for synthesizing, storing, and transporting melanin, the pigment responsible for the coloration of skin, hair, and eyes.

Like contemporary frogs, these ancient melanosomes are found in various body areas, including the eyes, skin, and internal organs.

While melanosome shapes differ between fossilized and modern soft tissues, the shapes in the eyes and internal organs remain consistent.

Dr. Valentina Rossi, a researcher at University College Cork, stated, “The shape of melanosomes may correspond to different functions across tissues, including photoprotection and homeostasis.”

Dr. Daniel Falk, also from University College Cork, noted, “The unchanged shape of eye melanosomes over millions of years suggests their function has remained constant, indicating that no evolutionary changes were necessary.”

Some frog species appear to maintain ancestral traits rather than evolving new characteristics.

This research confirms that frogs have preserved their ecological niche for at least 45 million years, adapting to activities such as hunting and mating during dawn and night.

This study is the first to analyze a large dataset of both extant and fossil melanosomes from frogs.

Utilizing advanced electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analysis, researchers gained insights that were unavailable in the early 20th century when the fossils were first discovered.

Professor Maria McNamara emphasized, “Integrating fossil and living species data in paleontological research can illuminate our understanding of evolutionary processes.”

“We are just beginning to recognize that melanin may serve as a significant evolutionary signal.”

Read the full study published in this month’s iScience magazine here.

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Daniel Falk et al. “Evolutionary Constraints on Melanin over 45 Million Years.” iScience, published online December 17, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.114220

Source: www.sci.news

Thanks to a Unique Evolutionary Trait, Pandas Use Tools for Scratching.

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Bamboo is not just for eating

Magouki/Shutterstock

Observations have shown that giant pandas utilize twigs and bamboo pieces to inflict self-harm. Beyond the longstanding tale of pandas applying dirt to their fur, this marks the inaugural documentation of tool usage among these creatures, as noted by Yang Bin from the Shaanxi Zoological Research Institute in China.

“People often perceive pandas as lethargic and solely driven by their appetite,” Yang remarked. “Discovering their ability to use tools has significantly reshaped our understanding of pandas.”

Yang and colleagues observed this behavior during various tasks and attempted to delve deeper. They recorded 383 instances of tool use across 50 days while monitoring 18 captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in Chinese zoos, which included both males and females.

The pandas primarily employed twigs and bamboo fragments from trees, often for scratching purposes. This behavior allows them to reach body parts that are notoriously difficult to access without tools.

Considering the outdoor natural habitats where these zoo pandas reside, Yang suggested that wild pandas might exhibit similar tool usage; however, no such behaviors have been documented in the wild thus far.

Distinct from other bears, pandas possess “false thumbs” on their feet—essentially a sixth digit that, while shorter than a human thumb, enables them to grasp objects in unique ways. Researchers have noted that pandas possess relatively large brains and the capability to plan short-term, particularly with the manner in which they use broken sticks as tools.

“Pandas may exhibit more complex cognitive abilities and behaviors than we previously realized,” Yang stated, emphasizing that further investigation is required to understand this behavior better, including whether pandas can be trained to use tools.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Evolutionary Factors Behind Women’s Longer Lifespans Compared to Men’s

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SEI 268503325

Women live longer than men in all countries on average

Peter Cabana/Aramie

The most extensive assessment of lifespan disparities between male and female mammals and birds has provided new insights
into why women generally outlive men.

The average global life expectancy for women is around 74 years, compared to 68 years for men. Various theories propose reasons for this difference, such as the tendency of younger men to suffer higher rates of accidents or conflicts, and the protection women have against dangerous mutations in sex chromosomes. However, the explanations remain incomplete.

In a search for answers from other species,
Johanna Stärk from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and her team examined data on average life expectancy across 1,176 species (528 mammals and 648 birds) observed in both zoos and in the wild.

They discovered that in 72% of mammal species, females live longer than males by an average of 12 to 13%. Conversely, in birds, males tend to outlive females in 68% of species, surviving approximately 5% longer.

Researchers posit that this trend supports the hypothesis that sex chromosomes may account for some lifespan differences.

In mammals, the presence of two X chromosomes in females grants individual genetic protection, unlike males who possess an X and a Y chromosome. This may provide women with a better safeguard against harmful mutations.

For birds, the sex determination system is reversed; females have one Z and one W chromosome while males carry two Z chromosomes. This discrepancy suggests that the gender on different chromosomes may incur different longevity costs.

“What’s particularly intriguing is when we identify exceptions,” says team member
Fernando Colcello,
also at the Max Planck Institute. “These exceptions prompt further testing of evolutionary theories regarding gender differences in lifespan.”

Diving deeper into the data, the researchers found that mating systems might influence these outcomes. In polygamous mammals, where competition is prevalent among males, those individuals usually have shorter lifespans than females.

“In the race for mating opportunities, males often invest in characteristics favored in sexual selections, such as size or ornate features,” explains
Nicole Riddle from the University of Alabama.
“These traits are costly to develop, and competition can lead to additional expenditures on aggressive behaviors.”

Such factors can result in reduced resources available for personal survival, she states.

Men who invest in expensive traits to acquire mates may have shorter lifespans

Rebius/Shutterstock

This phenomenon is also seen in polygamous birds. “Overall, this may explain the comparatively lower male dominance in bird species,” states
Pau Carazo from the University of Valencia in Spain.

He explains that in mammals, both genetic factors and sexual selection influence shorter male lifespans, while in birds, strong sexual selection pressures on males and the varied costs for females may counterbalance the effects.

Stärk and her colleagues additionally found that those who invest more in offspring care tend to live longer, which is predominantly the case for females in mammals. In long-lived species such as humans and primates, this trait may confer an evolutionary advantage by ensuring that mothers survive until their offspring reach sexual maturity.

However, exceptions exist. “In predatory species, the opposite pattern emerges,” notes Stärk. “Females are typically larger and often take on roles in territory defense, yet they still exhibit longer lifespans,” leaving this phenomenon an ongoing enigma.

Carazo remarks that gender lifespan differences can lead to smaller populations in zoos compared to the wild. This controlled environment may also be a factor in the reduced lifespan discrepancies observed among human genders, though these differences are unlikely to vanish completely.

“Significant physiological and genetic differences between men and women remain,” explains Colcello. “The future trajectory of medical science is uncertain, but we generally do not anticipate these differences to fully eliminate.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Latest Genomic Research Provides Deeper Insight into the Evolutionary Past of Mammoths

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Scientists extracted and analyzed 34 new mammoths (Mamutus spp. ) mitochondrial genomes containing two early Pleistocene and nine mid Pleistocene giant specimens in Siberia and North America. They identified the oldest known mammoth DNA in North America from 200,000-year-old specimens found on the Old Crow River in the Yukon Territory of Canada. The results support previous research and show that mammoths from around 1 million years ago do not resemble the later mammoths.

Reconstruction of the life of the grassland mammoth (Mammuthus trogontherii). Image credit: Beth Zaiken/Center for Palaeogenetics.

Ancient DNA was recovered from specimens dated in the early Pleistocene (2.6 million to 780,000 years ago), and the stages in the Middle Pleistocene (780,000 to 126,000 years ago) could allow for the direct study of deep temporal evolutionary events that are key to understanding species formation.

Unfortunately, access to such deep-time DNA is limited, and so far only a handful of studies have been able to obtain either genome-wide data or the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) from deep specimens.

“Our analysis offers an unprecedented glimpse into how major deep-time demographic events have shaped mammoth genetic diversity over time.”

By analyzing 34 new mammothmite genomes along with more than 200 previously published mammothmite genomes, the researchers found that diversification events across the mammoth lineage appeared to be consistent with well-explained demographic changes during the early and mid-Pleistocene.

Their findings support the ancient Siberian origins of the major mammoth lineage and reveal how changes in individual dynamics contributed to the expansion and contraction of different genetic clades.

“The constant cost of sequencing technology has left mitogenomes somewhat forgotten. However, our study shows that they are more abundant than nuclear DNA and are therefore important for evolutionary biology.

The current research not only advances understanding of mammoth evolution, but also contributes to a wider field of ancient DNA research.

Scientists have developed and applied an improved molecular clock dating framework and improved methods of estimating sample age beyond radiocarbon dating limits using genetic data.

This methodological advancement provides a powerful tool for future research into extinct and endangered species.

Professor Love Darren, a researcher at Stockholm University, said:

“We are extremely excited to see genetic data from more mammoth specimens sampled over the past million years.

Team’s result Published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution.

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J. Camilo Chacón-Duque et al. 2025. The evolution of the mammoth genome for a million years. Molecular Biology and Evolution 42(4): MSAF065; doi: 10.1093/molbev/msaf065

Source: www.sci.news

New research reveals ancient evolutionary origins of appetite-controlled neurohormones

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New research shows that satiety-inducing molecules called bombesins are present not only in humans and other vertebrates, but also invertebrates such as starfish and their marine relatives.

Common starfish (Rubens of Asteria) Brofjorden is located in Govik, the Lysekil municipality in Sweden. Image credit: W. Carter.

Bombesin, a small peptide, plays an important role in regulating hunger by signaling when it is sufficient for us to eat.

That name is from Toad lit (Bombina Bombina) from its skin, the peptide was first isolated in 1971.

When injected into mammals, bombesin was found to reduce the size of the meal and increase the time between meals.

This has led scientists to believe that bombesin-like neurohormones produced in the brain and intestines are part of the body’s natural system to control food intake.

Furthermore, along with weight loss inducers such as Ozempic, compounds that mimic the action of bombesin are occurring for the treatment of obesity.

In a new study, Professor Maurice Elphick and colleagues at Queen Mary University in London explored the evolutionary history of bombesin.

By analyzing the genome of invertebrates, they discovered a gene encoding a bombesin-like neurohormone. Common starfish (Rubens of Asteria) other cerebral dermatosis, such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers.

“It was like searching for needles in a haystack, but eventually we discovered a gene encoding a bombesin-like neurohormones in the genome of a starfish and its parent,” Professor Elphick said.

Researchers then turned their attention to the function of the bombesin in this starfish, named Arbn.

Mass spectrometry was used to determine the molecular structure of ARBNs and to be chemically synthesized and tested.

They investigated how ARBN affects starfish feeding behavior. Starfish have a unique way of eating. The stomach is stretched out from the mouth to digest prey such as mussels and oysters.

“When I tested Arbn, I found that it caused a starfish stomach contraction,” said Dr. Weiling Huang, a researcher at Queen Mary University in London.

“This suggested that ARBN may be involved in stimulating stomach contractions when starfish stop feeding.”

“And this is exactly what I found. When I injected Albun into the starfish while pounding my stomach, it caused my stomach and returned it to my mouth.”

“In addition, it took longer to surround the mussels compared to those injected with ARBN, which also delayed the onset of feeding.”

The discovery of the ancient role of bombesin in appetite regulation sheds light on the evolutionary origins of animal feeding behavior.

“We can estimate that this function dates back 5 billion years to the common ancestors of starfish, humans and other vertebrates,” Professor Elphick said.

a paper Regarding the survey results, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Heiling Han et al. 2025. Discovery and functional characterization of bombesin-type neuropeptide signaling systems in invertebrates. pnasin press; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2420966122

Source: www.sci.news

The Deer Monkey: Rewriting the Evolutionary Narrative

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On the verdant Yakushima Island in Japan, two types of animals have formed an unusual relationship that defies expectation.

The native Japanese macaque and Sika deer have developed a close bond. The macaque rides on the back of the deer like a tiny jockey, grooming its soft wool. The deer then drops the monkey near its sleeping area, eats the macaque’s feces, and tidies up the monkey’s habitat effectively.

It appears that the two species’ interaction is not incidental but a deliberate effort to engage with each other.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/01/deer-and-monkey.mp4
Macaque Monkey and Sika Deer

“There is a level of observation, thought, and understanding. It seems they are attempting to benefit from interacting and collaborating,” explained Professor Cedric Sueur, an expert in animal behavior complexity from Strasbourg University. “To me, they truly comprehend each other.”

Animals often learn behaviors from their own species. Studies have shown that birds can learn how to solve puzzles by observing others in their flock. Young meerkats learn safe ways to eat scorpions from their parents. Whales in specific groups develop unique dialects and patterns in their songs.

Researchers refer to this social learning as “culture,” where specific actions are passed down among groups. Sur and his colleagues propose that the deer and monkey’s behavior suggests social learning can extend beyond species, termed as “shared culture.”

“I believe there are multiple species engaging in shared culture,” stated Sur. “However, the concept of joint culture is relatively new and intriguing.”

Read more:

About our experts

Professor Cedric Sueur: An animal behavior researcher at Strasbourg University with published works in prominent journals.

Dr. Jean Baptiste Leca: A psychology professor at Lesbridge University with research published in respected journals.

Professor Dorothy Sueur: A primatology expert at Georgia University with research contributions to various international studies.

Dr. Michael Huffman: An associate professor at Kyoto University’s Wildlife Research Center with published work in premier scientific journals.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Understanding Traitors: Exploring the Intersection of Forensic Psychology and Evolutionary Biology

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Claudia Winkleman, The Traitors host

BBC /Studio Rambert

Food -up, torch light, knife Sharp: Viewers in the UK are ready for different delicious finale Traitor Tonight, at a video game show, a TV game show is trying to drive away the ruthless (strictly non -realistic) murderers walking between them.

For psychologists -Experts and armrests- Traitor This is the gold mine of the unauthorized human behavior, which is disassembled and analyzed. And it's not just psychology. Game theory, human evolution, and criminal science are only a few of the scientific fields that provide clues to Makabeli's dynamics.

I found something that I really needed to win to investigate a betrayal (academically speaking …) Traitor。 Warning: If there is no latest information on the show, there is a spoiler first.

Please be careful about compatible bias

“Having a strong feature seems to be that others are influential and potentially intimidating,” says a forensic psychologist. Kuala LightHost A Podcast About Traitor With a colleague at the British Chester University. She selects contestants such as shadows (too intelligent), Ellen (too emotional), and Armani (too much confidence).

Their falls are likely to be linked Compatible biasThe characteristics of human beings that most of us comply with social norms. Individuals who do not fit may be hated or distrustful.

This is not a place of altruism

Emily EmotThe London University College's evolution anthropologist says that players should not be able to “do not actually exist in evolutionary literature.”

“Remember, it's not a cooperative game,” she says. “It's a deceptive game, a survival game. You need to be there to win, so it's a mistake to commit some players because they trust the nearby people. “

Emot says that we have evolved to go ahead of others. Therefore, altruistic behaviors found in the show are said to have selfish benefits behind them. And such obvious altruism is not a bad tactic, whether you are faithful or traitor.

“In the context of the game, cooperative is functioning as a signal for reliability. A good example may not be open to the shield. [which protects you from the next murder] During the show task. “

However, here is Makabeli's intelligence. Because everyone knows the rules of the game, excellent players do not take altruistic actions at face value. “In this game, you may have an impure motivation for you, so it’s not a honest signal,” says Emot.

So be careful of wonderful people. an Thousands of messages analysis Between players DiplomacyGames that share similarities TraitorExcessive polite players have discovered that they are more likely to betray others.

Be careful of bias in the group

“We know from social psychology that they have what they are called when they form a social group. Bias in the groupAnd this can really accelerate TraitorLight says. “”[Contestants] Display priority actions to those in the group with them. This is why everything did not work for Mina after recruiting Charlotte as a traitor.

Charlotte is recruited as a traitor by Mina

BBC /Studio Rambert

For Mina, who was always looking for a female traitor, her group was a so -called sister relationship she created. “She identified it as a sister relationship. She used this word well,” says Light. “The problem is that Charlotte had already had a faithful person and a strong group's identity, and when she was hired by her will, she did not have the loyalty to the new group. did.”

And what happened? Charlotte immediately crossed Mina, and Mina was voted the next night.

Light says that the same group's bias can lead to a flock thinking when the player is voting, which can lead to an unrogical trust in people in the game.

What is a good liar?

A nervous or inconsistent answer to the question is generally considered doubtful, even if someone tells the truth. That's because these actions are tied to a stereotype about what a liar is doing. The better gifts are always those who say the same thing. Emma BarrettPsychologist and criminal scholar at the University of Manchester University.

“One of the most notable things is the same story in the exact same way, and they don't really explain it in detail when they re -speak it,” she says. The story may sound plausible, but repeatedly adds details as you remember. “People sometimes make a mistake in consistency, but that's not a way to work with real memories.”

Think like a scientist

Hunting for the traitor -Introduction to the 3rd season of the traitor

BBC /Studio Rambert

Faithful people are not very good at it TraitorBut another tactic that they can use is to encourage suspicious traitor to speak more than they want. Barrett says.

“If you are faithful, the good strategy to detect a traitor is to subtly encourage them as they speak.” “For example, if you want to know if you are a police officer and someone gave you a false address, one of the questions you might ask is,” Oh, how do you get there? What is your nearest station?

If you are suspicious, try a game theory?

The majority of information is always lost to the minority based on sufficient information. Based on this, it was created by Russian psychologist Dimitry Davidoff mafia -Which parlor game Traitor Based on the 1980s. since then, mafia It is used as the basis of many game theory experiments and models.

The good news is that Davidoff is not correct at all. He believed that the probability of a faithful person to keep the bad guys away is better than a coincidence. But many the study The model discovered that the possibility of victory was almost equal, and was leaned in support of people who were faithful to live games for the weight of the lie that the traitor had to talk about.

In other words, forget cold mathematics. If you really want to win TraitorYou must be just injustice than anyone else.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New discovery of fossils reveals a revamped dinosaur evolutionary history

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American paleontologists have discovered the fossilized remains of a new species of sauropod dinosaur that lived in the northern hemisphere (Laurasian supercontinent) during the Carnian period of the late Triassic period, about 230 million years ago.

reconstruction of Avaitum banduichethe world's oldest known low-latitude dinosaur species. Image credit: Gabriel Uguet.

Until now, it was thought that dinosaurs originated deep in the high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere (Gondwana supercontinent).

The dinosaur fauna of Gondwana and the earliest dinosaur occurrences in the Northern Hemisphere (Laurasian supercontinent) were separated by 6 to 10 million years.

However, the newly described Laurasia species lived at the same time as the oldest known southern dinosaurs.

named Avaitum banduicheThis sauropod is the oldest known Laurasian dinosaur.

“Avaitum banduiche Dr. Dave Loveless of the University of Wisconsin Museum of Geology and his colleagues found that “Dinosaurs lived in Laurasia during or shortly after a period of huge climate change known as the Carnian Plug, which previously led to the diversification of dinosaur species. “It was involved in the early stages of.” .

“The climate at the time was much wetter than before, turning vast, hot desert regions into more hospitable habitats for early dinosaurs.”

Avaitum banduiche It was about 1 meter (3 feet) long from head to tail.

“Avaitum banduiche “It's basically the size of a chicken, but it has a very long tail,” Dr. Lovelace said.

“We think of dinosaurs as giant behemoths, but they didn't start out that way.”

fossil remains are Avaitum banduiche It was discovered in 2013 at Garrett's Surprise (named after Garrett Johnson, the undergraduate field assistant who discovered the locality), a small outcrop of the Popo Aggie Formation in Wyoming.

“These fossils reveal the world's oldest equatorial dinosaur, which is also the oldest North American dinosaur,” Dr. Loveless said.

At the same Garrett's Surprise site, paleontologists also discovered fossilized bones of dinosaur-like creatures called silesaurids.

“The presence of early low-latitude sauropods from the Northern Hemisphere, along with silesaurids, 230 million years ago casts doubt on the hypothesis that the dispersal of dinosaurs from high-latitude Gondwana was delayed.” the researchers said.

“These data fill a critical gap in the early record of the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs and demonstrate a wide geographic distribution from mid-to-late Carnian times.”

their result will appear in Zoological journal of the Linnean Society.

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David M. Lovelace others. 2025. Rethinking the origins of dinosaurs: The oldest known equatorial dinosaur population (Mid-Late Carnian Popo Aggie FM, Wyoming, USA). Zoological journal of the Linnean Society 203 (1): zlae153;doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae153

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists release updated primate evolutionary lineage

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Primates, consisting of apes, monkeys, tarsiers, and lemurs, are among the most charismatic and well-studied animals on Earth.

Phylogeny of 455 primates synthesized using Chrono-STA. The roots of the phylogeny were discovered 71.3 million years ago. The crown of Strepsirrhini is 57 million years old, and the crown of Haplorrhini is 68.5 million years old. The crown of the eyelid is 42.2 million years old. Image credit: Craig others., doi: 10.3389/fbinf.2024.1495417.

Primate mammals consist of 172 species of Old World apes and monkeys (Cataluni), 146 species of New World monkeys (Platyria), and 144 species of lemurs, lorises, and galagos (Strepsilini).

Primates exhibit some of the most remarkable behaviors observed in nature. Chimpanzees use specially chosen sticks to “fish” for termites inside hollow logs, while orangutans use leaves as gloves to handle the prickly durian fruit.

Although they are some of the most intensely studied species on Earth, there is no comprehensive molecular phylogenetic hypothesis about the evolutionary history of primates that summarizes the patterns and timing of relationships among all primates. plug.

Such phylogenetic trees use molecular sequence data to tell us both when each species or group of species first appeared and which other groups on the tree are their closest relatives. Masu.

The largest timed molecular phylogenetic tree, called the “Time Tree,” includes just over 200 primate species to date, but the largest synthetic time tree, based on more than 4,000 published studies, , containing only twice that number, and about one-fifth of the primates remaining. The tree of life is unresolved.

“The value of a timed evolutionary tree that includes all species of a particular lineage cannot be underestimated,” said lead author Dr. Jack Craig and colleagues at Temple University.

“These trees are inherently fascinating because they capture the evolutionary history that has given us our current biodiversity, but they also form an essential foundation for many types of future research. I will.”

“For example, taxonomic and systematic efforts to catalog species rely on them to identify new lineages.”

“The study of the rate of evolution and its possible correlations, such as climate and geological changes, is fundamentally tied to its underlying phylogeny.”

“Disciplines such as biogeography, phylogeography, and historical ecology, which use time trees to investigate spatial and ecological patterns, would not be possible without phylogeny.”

“And as we watch global biodiversity being lost in ongoing extinction events, phylogenetics can help identify conservation priorities and help save species. It is an essential tool in assessing the impact of our efforts.”

In the new study, the authors were able to construct a time tree of 455 primates, incorporating all species for which molecular data are available.
This phylogenetic tree is the most complete description of the evolutionary relationships among primates to date.

“This effort proves that while the evolutionary history of even some of the most charismatic species on Earth is incompletely understood, we have the tools to fill many of the knowledge gaps. “We did so,” the researchers said.

“We believe our research protocol will be an accessible and ultimately extremely valuable tool in the effort to understand evolution.”

“We have found that complete time trees are a fundamental resource in many fields and can often be constructed from existing data.”

“Furthermore, such a complete time tree allows us to test hypotheses that would otherwise not be possible.”

“For example, our study shows that the number of species in different primate clades is better explained by unique rates of speciation, with some primate lineages generating new species much faster than others. Or whether the best explanation is simply time: all lineages produce new species at about the same rate, and older lineages produce more species over time.''

“What we discovered is that the major groups of primates actually all share relatively similar speciation rates, and therefore their age is a better predictor of species richness. That's what it means.

“This analysis becomes very problematic when a time tree is missing many species or dates, so it serves as a perfect example of the usefulness of large, complete time trees.”

of the team result appear in the diary Frontiers of bioinformatics.

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Jack M. Craig others. 2024. Completed primate molecular time tree. Frontiers of bioinformatics 4;doi: 10.3389/fbinf.2024.1495417

Source: www.sci.news

New insights into the evolutionary origins of tardigrades from Cretaceous amber fossils

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Tardigrades are a diverse group of microinvertebrates widely known for their remarkable ability to survive. Molecular clocks suggest that tardigrades diverged from other panarthropods (arthropods, tardigrades, velvet worms, and lobopods) before the Cambrian, but the fossil record is extremely poor. Now, paleontologists have described a new species of tardigrade and redescribed previously known species. readBoth are from Canadian Cretaceous amber.

Artistic Restoration read (Top) and Aerobius dactylus (Bottom) A hypothetical fossilization environment. Image courtesy of Franz Anthony.

First discovered in 1773, tardigrades are a diverse group of microscopic invertebrates best known for their ability to survive in extreme environments.

Also known as tardigrades or moss pigs, these creatures can live up to 60 years and grow to a size of up to 0.5mm. They are best seen under a microscope.

They can survive up to 30 years without food or water, and can survive temperatures as low as -272°C and as high as 150°C for a few minutes, and as low as -20°C for decades.

Tardigrades can withstand pressures ranging from nearly zero atmospheres in outer space to 1,200 atmospheres at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, and can also tolerate radiation levels of up to 5,000-6,200 Gy.

They survive by entering a state of suspended animation called biostasis, using proteins that form a gel inside the cells and slow down vital processes.

“Tardigrades are microscopic invertebrates characterized by a compact body shape with lobopod legs with four pairs of claws, and are closely related to the clawed pterygota and euarthropods. Panarthropods“Harvard doctoral student Mark Mapalo and his colleagues said:

“Tardigrades are widely known for having several species with cryptobiotic capabilities that allow them to survive extreme conditions such as the vacuum of space, ionizing radiation and freezing temperatures. Tardigrades are also found in marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats around the world.”

“Despite their ubiquity in the modern biosphere, tardigrades have a notoriously poor fossil record, and research into their macroevolution, such as the origin of their body shape, the timing of their terrestrialization, and the acquisition of their cryptic abilities, is limited.”

“Currently, only four fossil crown-group tardigrades are known, all preserved as amber inclusions, but only two of these have an established taxonomic position relative to extant tardigrades.”

Aerobius dactylusImages/Photos: Mapalo others., doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-06643-2.

For the study, the authors looked at a piece of amber containing a tardigrade fossil that was discovered in Canada in the 1960s. read and what was presumed to be another tardigrade, which was virtually unexplained at the time.

Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, a technique commonly used to study cell biology, the researchers were able to examine the microscopic structure of the tardigrade fossils in astonishing detail.

This study read It has been identified as a new species in the Tardigrade family tree, Aerobius dactylus.

“Both were found in the same Cretaceous amber, which means that these tardigrades coexisted with dinosaurs,” said Dr Javier Ortega-Hernández of Harvard University.

” read The seven claws are well preserved, and those that curve towards the body are smaller than those that curve away from it, a pattern seen in modern tardigrades.”

“The second, previously unidentified specimen had claws of equal length on each of the first three pairs of legs, but the outer claws on the fourth leg were longer.”

Both species serve as important calibration points for an analysis called a molecular clock analysis, which helps scientists estimate important evolutionary timing.

For example, new research suggests that modern tardigrades likely branched off during the Cambrian period, more than 500 million years ago.

The study also sheds light on the origins of tardigrades' remarkable ability to survive extreme environments by entering a state of torpor.

“This study estimates that this survival mechanism likely evolved during the middle to late Palaeozoic and may have played a key role in helping tardigrades survive the end-Permian mass extinction, one of the most severe extinction events in Earth's history,” Dr Ortega-Hernández said.

of result Published in a journal Communication Biology.

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MA Mapalo others2024. Inclusions in Cretaceous amber shed light on evolutionary origins of tardigrades. Communication Violet 7, 953; doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-06643-2

Source: www.sci.news

Hidden Dark Oxygen on the Ocean Floor Could Revolutionize Evolutionary Rules

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Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the Pacific Ocean that challenges our understanding of Earth’s history and the origin of life. They have found evidence of oxygen production in the deep, lightless depths of the ocean.

The results of this study published in Nature Chemistry challenge the traditional belief that oxygen on Earth is solely produced through photosynthesis.

Lead by Professor Andrew Sweetman, researchers from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) made this discovery while exploring the depths of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, between Hawaii and Mexico.

Named “dark oxygen,” this mysterious phenomenon occurs at depths where light cannot penetrate. The researchers discovered the potential source of this oxygen production while studying polymetallic nodules on the ocean floor, rich in precious metals used in electronics.

These nodules may have the ability to split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen through seawater electrolysis. This finding has significant implications for deep-sea mining activities and the protection of marine habitats.

Director of SAMS, Professor Nicholas Owens, described this discovery as one of the most exciting in marine science, prompting a reevaluation of the evolution of complex life on Earth.

This alternative source of oxygen production challenges the conventional view that cyanobacteria were the first oxygen producers on Earth. It calls for a reconsideration of how complex life evolved and the importance of protecting deep-sea habitats.

To learn more about the experts involved in this research, visit the About the Experts section below.

About the Experts

Andrew Sweetman: Research Group Leader for Benthic Ecology and Biogeochemistry at the Scottish Institute for Marine Science, with extensive experience in deep-sea ecology research.

Nicholas Owens: A marine scientist and Council Member of the Scottish Association for Marine Science, involved in environmental science research and education.

For more information, continue exploring this fascinating discovery and its implications for Earth’s history and marine ecosystems.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Ancient DNA unravels the evolutionary history of Australian dingoes

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Dingoes are found across most of the Australian continent.

Dominique Jeanmaire/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Analysis of ancient dingo DNA suggests that Australia's native wild dogs arrived in two migration waves between 3,000 and 8,000 years ago, and show little evidence of interbreeding with domestic dogs.

Sally Wasef Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia looked at 42 ancient dingo specimens, ultimately obtaining nine complete genomes, including the oldest genome of any Australian species sequenced to date, as well as mitochondrial DNA from 16 animals.

The DNA recovered dates from 400 to 2,700 years ago and was collected from across the continent. The researchers compared this ancient data with DNA from 11 modern dingoes, six New Guinea singing dogs, and 372 domestic dogs, wolves, and other canines collected in previous studies.

The analysis confirmed that Australia's two main dingo populations – those concentrated on the east and west coasts – diverged at least 3,000 years ago, and because the east coast dingoes are more closely related to the singing dogs of New Guinea than are the west coast dingoes, it is possible that dingoes migrated to Australia in two waves.

Because no DNA from ancient New Guinea singing dogs was found, the researchers could not rule out the possibility that the singing dogs were descended from dingoes that migrated to New Guinea from Australia.

People have long known that dingoes descended from wolves, but “without ancient DNA we couldn't figure that out,” Wassef said.

Since Europeans arrived in Australia, dingoes have been hunted and killed as a threat to the livestock industry.

In recent years, there have been a number of dingo attacks on humans on K'gari Island, also known as Fraser Island, off the coast of Queensland, leading to the animals being euthanized.

Analysis of ancient DNA found no evidence that the K'gari dingoes interbred with domestic dogs. “It's been suggested that dingoes interbred with domestic dogs to provide an excuse to kill them,” Wassef said. “Our results don't show evidence of widespread interbreeding.”

To protect K'gari dingoes' gene pool, Wassef said the practice of euthanizing dingoes may need to be reconsidered: “K'gari dingoes already suffer from inbreeding and killing individuals would significantly reduce their DNA.”

“This study is exciting because it provides some of the data we need to investigate the evolutionary relationships between dingoes, New Guinea singing dogs, dog populations around the world and wolves,” Kylie Cairns At the University of New South Wales, Sydney.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Fresh research offers new understanding of baobab’s evolutionary past

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The iconic baobab, also known as the upside-down tree or tree of life, is most likely native to Madagascar, according to a new study.

Baobab tree in Senegal. Image credit: Viajesunion2.

genus AdansoniaThis plant, better known as the baobab or “Mother of the Forest,” has fascinated botanists, tourists, naturalists, and passersby for centuries.

Perhaps the earliest record of humans marveling at these amazing trees can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians around 2,300 BC.

Their grotesque appearance, gigantic size, reputed longevity, and diverse uses have made baobabs one of the most charismatic species on Earth.

Embedded in folklore and tradition, baobabs have inspired countless works of art and have been associated with human settlements and cultures for thousands of years.

Adansonia consisting of Eight morphologically distinct species: one distributed throughout Africa, one in northwestern Australia, and six endemic to Madagascar.

However, the origin of baobabs has been debated for many years due to a lack of fossil evidence.

“Our study reveals new insights into baobab speciation patterns and shows how climate change has influenced baobab distribution and speciation patterns over millions of years.” said Dr Ilia Leech, researcher at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Dr. Leach and his colleagues conducted genomic analyzes of all eight baobab tree species and combined these datasets with ecological analyses.

As a result of the analysis, Adansonia They originated about 41 million years ago and diversified about 20 million years ago.

The researchers found that the historical population dynamics of baobabs are closely linked to both interspecific competition and geological changes in Madagascar, particularly changes in sea level.

Based on data including phylogenetic relationships, gene flow, and genetic diversity of different baobab species, they believe that the hypothesis of mainland Africa and Madagascar as the center of origin for baobabs is the most reasonable explanation for the current data. suggests providing. Australia.

The discovery also allowed scientists to reassess the baobab's conservation strategies and current status.

For example, they suggest that two endangered baobab species in Madagascar should be assigned higher conservation status. Adansonia Suarezensis and Adansonia grandidieri.

High levels of inbreeding, low genetic diversity, and population declines all mean these endangered species lack resilience to ecological perturbations and could be seriously threatened by climate change. It suggests that.

“We are thrilled to be part of this project that uncovers patterns of baobab speciation in Madagascar and the subsequent remarkable long-distance dispersal of two species, one to Africa and one to Australia. I was delighted,” said Professor Andrew Leach, a researcher at Queen Mary University. London.

“This has been accompanied by the evolution of some interesting pollination syndromes involving hawkmoths, lemurs and bats.”

of study It was published in the magazine Nature.

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JN. One other. Baobab tree prominence in Madagascar. Nature, published online April 19, 2024. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07447-4

Source: www.sci.news

The Unusual Mating Strategy of Monkfish May Have Contributed to Their Evolutionary Success

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A type of deep-sea angler fish called the black sea devil

Doug Perine / Alamy

The unique sexual strategy of deep-sea anglerfish may have helped their ancestors move into entirely new habitats, allowing for the incredible diversity of species that thrive today.

chase brownstein Researchers at Yale University have reconstructed the evolution of more than 160 species of deep-sea anglerfish (keratioids). Known for their large jaws and bioluminescent lures, serratioids are a subgroup of the larger order of the anglerfish family, which also includes monkfish and other bizarre benthic creatures such as monkfish, sea toads, and batfish. Using genetic sequencing, the researchers discovered that the ancestors of keratioids walked on pectoral fins at the bottom of the deep ocean. But 55 million years ago, some creatures began swimming in the ocean's vast deep-pelagic, or “midnight,” zone. There, over a period of just 5 million years, they became more genetically diverse than their ocean-floor relatives.

He said this is strange because the ocean floor and coral reefs typically have a greater variety of species. elizabeth miller At the University of California, Irvine. Environments with many topographical features lend themselves to the specialization of organisms. But with constant temperatures and vast expanses of waterless ocean, “the deep pelagic zone is truly the most homogeneous habitat on Earth,” she says.

Miller and her colleagues Monkfish species family tree Although her team and Brownstein's team used different methods, their studies are largely consistent regarding the timeline and scale of deep-sea monkfish diversification.

Brownstein's team found that this surprising diversification may be due to the serratioids' parasite-like reproductive strategy. That is, the small male uses his jaws to attach to the much larger female until he is ready to mate. In some species, the two can even permanently fuse together, such as sharing a circulatory system. This unique mating technique could theoretically benefit deep-sea monkfish, as they are very unlikely to encounter other members of their species during their lifetime.

Brownstein's analysis shows that the traits necessary for this parasitism, such as the difference in body size between males and females and the weakness of their immune systems that prevent them from attacking attached males, are the result of the evolution of monkfish diving into the deep sea. It turns out that it has existed for a long time.

“Most of this complex trait existed before the serratioids entered the deep ocean,” he says. “Basically, it's not the gas inside the engine, [of diversity]Sexual parasitism was like a preparation to press the gas pedal. ”

Miller said it's “possible” that a parasitic lifestyle helped the anglerfish invade deep-sea habitats, but it’s unclear how the fish subsequently achieved so much diversification. It remains as it is.

Answering this question will be a daunting task, especially since it is difficult to recover intact monkfish samples from the deep ocean.but cory evans Rice University in Texas says having two matching comprehensive family trees will help other researchers investigate.

“I think monkfish enthusiasts will be reading a lot of these two papers over the next six months,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Men outperform women in navigation skills, but it’s not due to evolutionary factors

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If men were encouraged to play outside as children, they may have better navigation skills than women

Colin Hawkins/Getty Images/Image Source

In fact, men tend to have a better sense of direction than women, but this is probably due to differences in upbringing rather than improved navigational skills being an evolutionary trait.

In previous research, Men slightly outperform women on spatial navigation tasks. Some researchers believe this is due to evolution, since in prehistoric times it was common for men to travel long distances to hunt, while women often stayed close to home. It suggests that it is. This may have resulted in selection pressure on men to develop advanced navigation skills.

But if that were the case, she says, those genes would be passed on to female offspring, as long as they're not on the Y chromosome. Justin Rose At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “The really obvious alternative is culture,” he says. “It plays a huge role in what men and women experience.”

For example, boys may be encouraged to play outside more than girls, which may help hone their navigation skills, he says.

To investigate this idea, Rose and his colleagues collected data from 21 species of animals, including humans. This data includes information about their spatial navigation skills and how far they travel on average from home.

If natural selection were at work, we would expect males and females that traveled farther from home to have better navigational abilities, and this is consistent across species.

Instead, the researchers found that males of all species are slightly better at navigating than females, although in some species, such as the rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) and the little devil poison dart frog (Uofaga Silvatica), females had a wider home range.

This finding suggests that differences in navigation between men and women may be cultural. It could also be a side effect of biological differences between males and females, as well as between male and female animals. For example, hormonal differences “can affect all kinds of traits,” Rose says. As long as those traits don't prevent reproduction, “evolution doesn't matter,” he says.

In previous spatial navigation research, There were no differences in these skills between men and women from similar backgrounds.

“The authors show in a very comprehensive way that sex differences in spatial ability are likely acquired, for example through culture.” Antoine Cutolo At the French National Center for Scientific Research. “Spatial skills are much like other cognitive skills: the more you use them, the better you become at them.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The surprising evolutionary advantage of aging: Why do we age?

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Researchers used computer models to investigate the evolutionary role of aging. They challenge the notion that aging has no positive effects and suggest that aging may promote evolution in a changing environment, thereby benefiting subsequent generations. I am. Their findings indicate that aging may be an advantageous trait selected by natural evolution. Credit: SciTechDaily.com

The mysteries of aging have fascinated people for thousands of years. Because aging is usually associated with a gradual decline in most bodily functions, many people are willing to do anything to stop or reverse this process. Aging is a natural part of life, but biologists understand surprisingly little about the evolutionary emergence of this process. It’s not clear whether aging is inevitable. That’s because there are some organisms that never seem to age at all, and there is also a phenomenon known as negative aging or rejuvenation. In some turtles, vital functions improve with age.

Studying the evolutionary role of aging

Researchers at the Institute for Evolution, led by scholar Airs Zatmary, have sought to debunk previously proposed but unproven theories of aging. This theory suggests that, under the right circumstances, evolution can encourage the proliferation of genes that control aging.

To test their hypothesis, the researchers used a computer model they developed. This model is an algorithm that allows scientists to simulate long-term processes in populations of organisms and genes in a controlled environment. Essentially, such models allow you to run evolutionary scenarios and get results in hours instead of millions of years. Modern evolutionary research is unthinkable without computer modeling.

Exploring the purpose of aging

The basic research question was simple. The question was, “Is there any meaning to aging?” Does it serve some evolutionary function or is it truly a bitter and deadly byproduct of life? “If there is selection for aging, then aging may have an evolutionary function. Our study aimed to reveal this selection,” he says Eörs Szathmáry. “According to the classical explanation, aging occurs in a population even without selection. It is because individuals die sooner or later without aging (as a result of disease or accidents), This creates an opportunity for genes to accumulate that have a negative effect on older individuals (thus causing aging), meaning that aging is only a side effect of evolution. It means that there is no adaptive function.”

Challenging common sense

During the last century, several evolutionary theories have been formulated to explain inevitable aging without active functions using different biological mechanisms. Although some scientists accepted this assumption as fact, the discovery of organisms that do not age led more and more researchers to question the inevitability of aging and to suggest that perhaps aging has benefits as well. I suggested that it might be.

“The evolutionary biology community has accepted that classical non-adaptive theories of aging cannot explain all aging patterns in nature, meaning that the explanation of aging has once again become an open question. “I mean,” Zatomary said. “Alternative adaptation theories provide a solution to this problem by suggesting positive effects of aging. For example, aging and death may be more advantageous for individuals in a changing environment. This is because doing so reduces competition that prevents the survival and reproduction of more fit offspring with a better genetic makeup.

However, this scenario is only true if the individual is surrounded primarily by relatives. Otherwise, during sexual reproduction, non-senescent individuals would “steal” better (better adapted to environmental changes) genes from aging population members, thus erasing significant senescence.

Aging as a catalyst for evolution

Hungarian biologists ran a model and found that aging can actually accelerate evolution. This is an advantage in a changing world. Faster adaptation allows us to find suitable traits faster, which supports the survival and spread of offspring genes. This means that aging can become a highly advantageous trait and be favored by natural selection.

Reference: András Siraj, Tamash Charan, Mauro Santos, Airs Zatmary, “Directional selection combined with kin selection favors the establishment of senescence”, October 23, 2023. BMC biology.
DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01716-w

Funding: National Agency for Research, Development and Innovation (Hungary), Bolyai János Research Fellowship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, New National Excellence Program of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Autonomous Region of Catalonia 2021 Special Guest Scientist Volkswagen Foundation, Hungary Fellowship Program of the Academy of Sciences (Initiative “Leben?

Source: scitechdaily.com