Zoology
Why Are Marine Mammals Losing Their Hair?
Spikes in alopecia puzzle scientists—and may be a symptom of ecological disruption.
Thousands of Penguin Chicks Lost at Sea
Scientists monitoring emperor penguins in Antarctica recorded an unprecedented tragedy.
Call of the Liar
The spot-on imitations of other birds by the Australian lyrebird exemplify what Darwin missed about female birdsong.
New Tarantula Discovered in Unexpected Place
How social media helped a scientist uncover a new, golden-haired species.
Charles Henry Turner’s Insights Into Animal Behavior Were a Century Ahead of Their Time
Researchers are rediscovering the forgotten legacy of a pioneering Black scientist who conducted trailblazing research on the cognitive traits of bees, spiders, and more.
Why Darwin Admired the Humble Earthworm
His charming experiments spotlighted their surprising intelligence.
Rescuing the Frogs
Indigenous conservation practices in Mexico are helping endangered frogs to recover.
A Third of North America’s Birds Have Vanished
At first Adam Smith couldn’t believe his calculations. Then it sank in.
What the Dragonfly Knows
Researchers are studying their extraordinary flight patterns to help us build tiny aircraft and protect global ecosystems.
The Surprising Empathy of Netflix’s “Chimp Empire”
A new documentary series is a startlingly intimate look at chimps.
Do Whales Have Culture?
Sperm whales learn patterns of clicks and other social behaviors from their clans.
