Nature Ecology & Evolution
This journal is interested in the full spectrum of ecological and evolutionary biology, encompassing approaches at the molecular, organismal, population, community and ecosystem levels, as well as relevant parts of the social sciences.
Digestive and molecular adaptations for extreme blood glucose regulation in nectar and fruit bats (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae)
We discovered the duodenum is a crucial blood glucose regulator in the evolution of high-sugar diets. The adaptations result in blood glucose levels >750 mg/dL, the highest recorded in mammals. This indicates new possibilities to improve glycemic control in the human diabetes epidemic.
Jumping genes spark bacterial evolution
Transposable elements have been widely described to be crucial for eukaryotic evolution, from plant and animal colouration to mammalian lactation and pregnancy. However, their role in bacterial evolution is still puzzling.
Characterizing amphioxus development at the single-cell level: understanding chordate nervous system development
Our team uncovers new amphioxus central nervous system (CNS) cell types and we highlight three developmental origins for the vertebrate nervous system.
Co-evolutionary dynamics of mammalian brain and body size
How do brain and body size co-evolve, and what does this reveal about the human brain? We conducted a re-analysis using advanced phylogenetic computational methods and a large data set for over 1500 species of mammals - with some surprising results
Morphology shaped community dynamics in early animal ecosystems
Early animals from the Avalonian Ediacaran look unlike anything alive today. We used community ecology techniques to understand succession processes, tiering, and community composition.
Exploring the advanced material cultures 45,000 years ago in East Asia
An international team has reported Initial Upper Palaeolithic archaeological remains dating to 45,000 years ago from the Shiyu site in northern China. Shiyu is the oldest and easternmost site of its kind. The discovery reshapes our understanding of the timing and routes of human migration in Asia.
Exploring the enigma of whole-genome duplications during early vertebrate evolution: unraveling the hagfish tale
Whole-genome duplication (WGD) is an enthralling topic. Hagfish are fascinating creatures. When both WGD and the hagfish meet together, the story begins.
