Evolution
Latest about Evolution
![A reconstruction of <em>Australopithecus afarensis</em>, the species to which Lucy belonged.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tVPnrtBdJNKbvCJHxkTYaP-320-80.jpg)
Human Ancestor 'Lucy' May Have Died After Falling from Tree
By Jen Viegas published
Lucy's ability to walk on two legs on land may have hindered her ability to navigate trees.
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k6xJPBmeNikwWXztbQYJ3A-320-80.jpg)
Human Gut Microbes Took Root Before We Were Human
By Mindy Weisberger published
Our relationship with the bacteria in our guts extends far back into our evolutionary past — before modern humans even existed, a new study finds.
![This 1.5-million-year-old footprint suggests that Homo erectus, an early human ancestor, had feet that were very similar to those of modern humans.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eDut8mGhyYcX7DRt6JPFs-320-80.jpg)
1.5-Million-Year-Old Footprints Reveal Human Ancestor Walked Like Us
By Megan Gannon published
Scientists found that modern-human footprints and the tracks left behind by Homo erectus are nearly indistinguishable.
![Homo Naledi Skull](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/D3rDicJQ3yVSTnXJ2c5e5W-320-80.jpg)
Newfound Human Species Suggests Africa Was Evolutionary Melting Pot
By Charles Q. Choi published
The most recently discovered extinct human species may have lived less than 1 million years ago, suggesting the small-brained hominin lived alongside several other hominins.
![A reconstruction of <i>Homo floresiensis</i> by Atelier Elisabeth Daynes.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kbBzbWEQtNaddAwwtwNFR5-320-80.jpg)
Miniature 'Hobbit' Humans Had Even Smaller Ancestors
By Charles Q. Choi published
The newfound ancestors may have been even littler than the hobbits, and date much further back in time, from some 700,000 years ago.
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BMq5T2A84AYeBXSQqBioCW-320-80.jpg)
Why Are Human Babies So Helpless?
By Mindy Weisberger published
Human babies require years to learn basic survival skills like walking and feeding themselves.
![a neanderthal in a cave](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hLkPSK4KBYD4nBhwxA99D9-320-80.jpg)
Why Neanderthals Likely Fathered Few Kids with Modern Humans
By Charles Q. Choi published
Neanderthal men carried a Y chromosome that often may have led to miscarriages if or when Neanderthals and modern humans got together, new research suggests.
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