"Survival of the fittest" often brings to mind a notion that physical strength and power are key to survival, but that's a misconception. Evolutionarily, fittest refers to a species' ability to reproduce and create an environment where its offspring can flourish. Scientists have found that being able to cooperate and form strong relationships is often essential to species survival, and it's seen when we examine the evolutionary success of our human ancestors, apes, and even our dogs. For that reason, some might say friendliness actually beats out fitness when it comes to survival.
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Animals
- This fish stuck in a disposable glove is a warning about the risks of COVID-19 litterThis fish stuck in a disposable glove is a warning about the risks of COVID-19 litter
- How scientists found 'Nemo,' Australia's newest dancing spiderHow scientists found 'Nemo,' Australia's newest dancing spider
Environment
- How to breed a climate resilient sunflower? Look to its ancient cousins.How to breed a climate resilient sunflower? Look to its ancient cousins.
- How to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planetHow to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planet
- Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? New clues rule out one theory.Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? New clues rule out one theory.
- Once-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the regionOnce-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the region
- As halibut decline, Alaska Native fishers square off against industrial fleetsAs halibut decline, Alaska Native fishers square off against industrial fleets
- Hazardous spill in Florida highlights environmental threat decades in the makingHazardous spill in Florida highlights environmental threat decades in the making
History & Culture
- After 60 years, Bay of Pigs disaster still haunts veterans who foughtAfter 60 years, Bay of Pigs disaster still haunts veterans who fought
- Archaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sightArchaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sight
- Stolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuriesStolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuries
- 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt
Science
- NASA selects SpaceX to put astronauts back on the moonNASA selects SpaceX to put astronauts back on the moon
- Pfizer says a third vaccine dose will likely be needed within 12 monthsPfizer says a third vaccine dose will likely be needed within 12 months
- What we know about the super-rare blood clots linked to the J&J vaccineWhat we know about the super-rare blood clots linked to the J&J vaccine
- New black hole images contain clues to cosmic mysteriesNew black hole images contain clues to cosmic mysteries
- 'Zoom fatigue' may be with us for years. Here's how we'll cope.'Zoom fatigue' may be with us for years. Here's how we'll cope.
Travel
- Ecotourism could help the ‘Amazon of North America’ recover. Here’s how.Ecotourism could help the ‘Amazon of North America’ recover. Here’s how.
- Sylvia Earle and marine scientists work to protect our oceans’ ecosystem.
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