MS-LS4-1

Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.

More Stories in MS-LS4-1

  1. Archaeology

    Neandertals were a lot like our human ancestors

    From toolmaking to healthcare, new research finds that Neandertals shared many cultural and social similarities with our human ancestors.

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  2. Fossils

    Let’s learn about pterosaurs

    These ancient flying reptiles were not dinosaurs, but they were close relatives.

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  3. Fossils

    Sprinting reptiles may have been forerunners of soaring pterosaurs

    A new analysis of an old fossil supports the idea that winged pterosaurs evolved from swift and tiny two-legged ancestors.

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  4. Health & Medicine

    Examining Neandertal and Denisovan DNA wins a 2022 Nobel Prize

    Svante Pääbo figured out how to examine the genetic material from these hominid ‘cousins’ of modern humans.

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  5. Fossils

    Bizarre ancient critter has spines but no anus 

    The spiny discovery moves this minion lookalike off a distant limb on the human family tree.

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  6. Animals

    Analyze This: Bulky plesiosaurs may not have been bad swimmers after all

    Long-necked plesiosaurs were thought to be slow swimmers. But new research suggests the animals’ large size helped them overcome water resistance.

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  7. Fossils

    Ancient ‘ManBearPig’ mammal lived fast — and died young

    Developing in the womb for a while — but being born ready to take on the world — may have helped post-dinosaur mammals rise to dominance.

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  8. Fossils

    Bright-colored feathers may have topped pterosaurs’ heads

    Fossil remains of a flying reptile hint that their vibrant crests may have originated 250 million years ago in a common ancestor with dinosaurs.

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  9. Humans

    Scientists Say: Denisovan

    The Denisovans were a recently discovered population of ancient hominids.

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