News: Evolutionary Biology

They're strange, alien-like creatures from the Flinders Ranges - but how do they eat?

Posted on Apr 6 2021 by Sam Le Gallou

University of Adelaide scientists have discovered the feeding mode of Pentaradial Arkarua, a strange, alien-like creature that once roamed the Flinders Ranges.

Adelaide scientists discover new evidence in search for the mysterious Denisovans

Replica of the Sangiran 17 Homo erectus cranium from Java - side view. Photo supplied by the Trustees of the Natural History Museum

Posted on Mar 24 2021 by Sam Le Gallou

Scientists make DNA breakthrough in the quest to better understand our mysterious ancient cousins.

Don’t focus on genetic diversity to save our species

Once found throughout the semi-arid range country in South Australia, New South Wales and south-west Queensland, the yellow-footed rock wallaby is now endangered in Queensland and NSW and vulnerable in SA. Image by Philip Barrington from Pixabay.

Posted on Mar 1 2021 by Sam Le Gallou

Scientists have challenged the common assumption that genetic diversity of a species is a key indicator of extinction risk.

Scientists use koala teeth to map Adelaide's history

Posted on Feb 22 2021 by Sam Le Gallou

Scientists are using koala teeth to learn how Adelaide was settled by Europeans.

Uni of Adelaide experts recognised for science excellence

SA Science Awards - Erinn Fagan-Jeffries

Posted on Feb 15 2021 by Sam Le Gallou

University of Adelaide scientists recognised at the SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards.

Ancient DNA research reveals evolutionary secrets of Game of Thrones dire wolves

Artwork credit: Mauricio Antón/Nature. Caption: Somewhere in Southwestern North America during the late Pleistocene, a pack of dire wolves (Canis dirus) are feeding on their bison kill, while a pair of grey wolves (Canis lupus) approach in the hopes of scavenging. One of the dire wolves rushes in to confront the grey wolves, and their confrontation allows a comparison of the bigger, larger-headed and reddish-brown dire wolf with its smaller, grey relative.

Posted on Jan 14 2021 by Sam Le Gallou

University of Adelaide scientists have sequenced the ancient DNA of dire wolf fossils for the first time and uncovered new secrets of the animal made famous by the TV show Game of Thrones.

Genomics milestone: Scientists uncover genomes of platypus and echidna

Posted on Jan 12 2021 by Sam Le Gallou

University of Adelaide scientists have produced the first ever echidna genome and a greatly improved, high-quality platypus genome sequence.

Sculpture of iconic Ediacaran fossil unveiled

Posted on Oct 6 2020 by Sam Le Gallou

The legacy of science alumni and geological research highlighted with new sculpture celebrating our state’s fossil emblem, Spriggina floundersi.

Scientists in the news this week: September 2020

Archie Saunders, Fred Pickett, Jasmin Packer, and Geraldine Turner are determined to save the "precious" Whibley wattle from extinction

Posted on Sep 30 2020 by Sam Le Gallou

Here are the stories of University of Adelaide scientists and science graduates in the news this week.

Climate change may eliminate world’s largest lizard

Komodo dragon by Achmad Ariefiandy, Komodo Survival Program

Posted on Sep 17 2020 by Sam Le Gallou

The Komodo dragon could be driven to extinction by climate change unless significant measures to intervene are taken soon.