Evolution Diary

Move over, Lucy. And kiss the missing link goodbye.

Scientists today announced the discovery of the oldest fossil skeleton of a human ancestor. (…)

Scientists studying the DNA of Neanderthals say they can find no evidence that this ancient species ever interbred with modern humans. (…)

‘Hobbit’ fossils represent a new species, concludes University of Minnesota anthropologist
Researchers compare cranial features using 3-D modeling

University of Minnesota anthropology professor Kieran McNulty (along with colleague Karen Baab of Stony Brook University in New York) has made an important contribution toward solving one of the greatest paleoanthropological mysteries in recent history — that fossilized skeletons resembling a mythical “hobbit” creature represent an entirely new species in humanity’s evolutionary chain. (…)

Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans likely did not interbreed, according to a new DNA study.
The research further suggests that small population numbers helped do in our closest relatives. (…)