Paleontology

4 articles

The tree of life interwoven with DNA strands and fossil records, symbolizing the evolution of evolutionary theory and the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis.

Life & Biology

What is the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis?

In 2014, a prominent article in Nature directly posed the question: 'Does evolutionary theory need a rethink?

David Grossman·July 10, 2026

A colossal asteroid impacts Earth, causing a global cataclysm and a massive explosion that wipes out life.

Earth & Environment

What is a Bolide Impact and How Does it Cause Mass Extinction?

Sixty-six million years ago, a single asteroid impact plunged Earth into a decade of darkness, wiping out 75% of all species, including the non-avian dinosaurs.

David Grossman·June 25, 2026

A prehistoric short-faced bear foraging for sugary plants in an ancient landscape, with tar pits visible in the distance.

Cosmos & Space

Extinct bears had surprising diet of sugary plants

Nearly one in six short-faced bears from the ancient tar pits of Rancho La Brea suffered from severe dental cavities.

Marcus Cole·June 6, 2026

Massive volcanic eruptions from the Siberian Traps spewing ash and gases into the atmosphere, representing a catastrophic event in Earth's history.

Cosmos & Space

Mantle plumes trigger mass extinctions by altering Earth's climate

252 million years ago, a series of eruptions in Siberia, not an asteroid, unleashed enough greenhouse gases to wipe out over 90% of marine species.

Marcus Cole·May 28, 2026