Evolution Diary

The oldest known dinosaur relative of birds had “bizarre” anatomy, including long, ribbon-like tail feathers that suggest plumage may have first evolved for show rather than for flight, scientists say. (…)

CHICAGO (Reuters) – Scientists have unearthed the remains of a large meat-eating dinosaur with a breathing apparatus much like a modern bird, fortifying the link between birds and dinosaurs and helping to explain the evolution of birds’ unique system of breathing. (…)

Ever since Darwin, evolutionary biologists have wondered why some lineages have diversified more than others. (…)

The largest study ever of bird genetics has uncovered some surprising facts about the avian evolutionary tree, U.S. researchers said on Thursday, including many that are bound to ruffle some feathers. (…)