Mating at the Zoo Can Be Dangerous
A Sumatran tiger killed the female he was meant to mate with. Mating endangered species in captivity has long been a problem, if not always to such dramatic effect.
Paper Nautilus, Octopus of the Open Sea
Why the argonaut, or paper nautilus, may be your new favorite cephalopod.
Denisovans and Neanderthals Interbred in a Giant Cave
New findings shed light on how humans' ancestors interbred, but the Denisovans remain quite mysterious.
Scientists Are Putting Mosquitoes on Human Diet Drugs
Humans and mosquitoes share a surprising amount of genes and have similar hunger controls.
Can Wildlife Adapt to Heat Waves?
Heatwaves have led to widespread deaths of animals like big-eyed tarsiers and flying foxes. Is there hope for species like this as temperatures rise?
The Totally Unromantic Origin of Monogamy
Evolutionary biology offers theories as to why some mammals engage in monogamy. And no, it's not because they're in love. (Sorry.)
Love, Sex, and Cyanide—The Private Life of a Toxic Butterfly
Heliconian butterflies choose mates with similar wing patterns. Their genes make them do it.
Protecting Food’s Wild Relatives
The wild ancestors of coffee and other vital crops are at risk, leaving much of the world's food supply vulnerable to catastrophe.
Buzzing In at the “Bee & Bee”
City gardens and hotel rooftops can serve as refuges—and food corridors—for the troubled species.
When Endangered Wildlife Gets Inbred
The endangered eastern lowland gorilla populations are now so small that the species is facing a new threat: loss of genetic diversity.