Tag Archives: populations
A massive tsunami may have wiped out Stone Age populations in Britain 8,200 years ago, and scientists say a similar natural disaster could hit the islands again
A landslide near Norway caused a tsunami that created giant waves in the North Sea and beyond 8,000 years ago.Rainer Lesniewski/iStock via Getty Images Plus Tsunamis rarely hit Britain, but one did 8,200 years ago. The researchers wanted to know how giant waves might have affected Stone Age populations. They found that the tsunami may… Read More »
Octopus DNA appears to confirm scientists’ theory about long-standing geological mystery
Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news about fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. A study of octopus DNA could solve an enduring mystery about when the rapidly melting West Antarctic ice sheet last collapsed and unlock valuable information about how high sea levels could rise in the future… Read More »
Octopus DNA may provide clues to future sea level rise
Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news about fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. A study of octopus DNA could solve an enduring mystery about when the rapidly melting West Antarctic ice sheet last collapsed and unlock valuable information about how high sea levels could rise in the future… Read More »
Climate change is already forcing lizards, insects and other species to evolve
Climate change threatens the survival of plants and animals worldwide as temperatures rise and habitats shift. Some species have managed to overcome this challenge by rapid evolutionary adaptation and other changes in behavior or physiology. Dark dragonflies become pale to reduce the amount of heat they absorb from the sun. Mustard plants are blooming earlier… Read More »
Lizards, fish and other species are evolving with climate change, but not fast enough
A living copepod with egg sacs enlarged 10 times. These ocean creatures produce new generations quickly, allowing for faster evolution. NNehring/E+ Getty Images Cold-blooded species such as lizards, frogs and fish are particularly vulnerable to climate change because they have a limited capacity to regulate their own body temperature. Their ability to evolve in response… Read More »