MS-LS4-2
Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.
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FossilsScary ‘chicken’ roamed Earth with T. rex
Scientists have just pieced together evidence of a weird new dinosaur that sported sharp claws, feathers and a beak. And it just may have been one of the last dinos to roam Earth about 67 million years ago.
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FossilsReviving dinosaurs
With the help of computers, researchers are getting a pretty good idea of how these ancient creatures moved, walked and ate.
By Sid Perkins -
FossilsWhere do humans come from?
Some scientists propose a newfound South African species as the most likely ancestor of the line that led to humans. But not everyone accepts that this is where it all began.
By Bruce Bower -
AnimalsThe secret songs of giant beavers
Scientists discover a noisemaking chamber in the extinct animal’s skull.
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HumansMummies share their secrets
Cutting-edge technology such as CT, or CAT, scans and endoscopes are allowing scientists to see not just what’s underneath the wrappings but also what’s inside a mummy’s body.
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HumansOld bones ignite fresh debate
Scientists try to understand how 2 million-year-old fossils fit among ancient species.
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FossilsDangerous dinos in the dark
Eye fossils reveal predatory dinosaurs’ preference for hunting at night.
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EnvironmentBusy bacteria leave big mark
Earth’s earliest life-forms built mounds on an Antarctic lake bottom.
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AnimalsEating can be skin deep
In the laboratory, bottom-dwelling hagfish absorb nutrients through the skin.
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FossilsBig fish in ancient waters
Fossils have revealed an ancient, oversized relative of modern-day swordfish.
By Emily Sohn -
FossilsDino bite leaves a tooth
Meat-eating dinosaurs sometimes feasted on flying reptiles.
By Emily Sohn