Soon after a dirt road through the forests of Lambir Hills National Park in Borneo was improved in 1987, local markets selling the meat of […]

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What an animal eats is a fundamental aspect of its biology, but surprisingly, the evolution of diet had not been studied across the animal kingdom until now. Scientists at the University of Arizona report several unexpected findings from taking a deep dive into the evolutionary history of more than one million animal species and going back 800 million years, when the first animals appeared on our planet. The study revealed several surprising key insights: Many species living today that are carnivorous, meaning they eat other animals, can trace this diet back to a common ancestor more than 800 million years ago; A plant-based, or herbivorous, diet is not the evolutionary driver for new species that it was believed to be; Closely related animals tend to share the same dietary category -- plant-eating, meat-eating, or both. This finding implies that switching between dietary lifestyles is not something that happens easily and often over the course of evolution.

Image credit: Daniel Stolte/UANews

Bacteria that resist antibiotics can be passed from food animals to humans, but not enough is known to determine the public health risks posed by such transmission, says a new report by a committee of the National Research Council.

Populations of otters, grey seals and sea eagles are slowly recovering in Sweden, which is likely to be thanks in part to a ban on organochlorine chemicals, such as PCBs and DDT, in the 1970s, according to a new study. However, the research shows that negative effects of these chemicals on the reproductive health of female animals persisted for more than 15 years after the ban was introduced.

Full Text:

What an animal eats is a fundamental aspect of its biology, but surprisingly, the evolution of diet had not been studied across the animal kingdom until now. Scientists at the University of Arizona report several unexpected findings from taking a deep dive into the evolutionary history of more than one million animal species and going back 800 million years, when the first animals appeared on our planet. The study revealed several surprising key insights: Many species living today that are carnivorous, meaning they eat other animals, can trace this diet back to a common ancestor more than 800 million years ago; A plant-based, or herbivorous, diet is not the evolutionary driver for new species that it was believed to be; Closely related animals tend to share the same dietary category -- plant-eating, meat-eating, or both. This finding implies that switching between dietary lifestyles is not something that happens easily and often over the course of evolution.

Image credit: Daniel Stolte/UANews

Contrary to some established views, the local animal population is unlikely to be the major source of resistance diversity for Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 in humans in Scotland, according to a study. The researchers suggest that a broader approach to fighting antibiotic resistance is needed, which goes beyond focusing solely on curbing the use of antibiotics in domestic animal populations.

Trefil, James, 1938- author

Populations of otters, grey seals and sea eagles are slowly recovering in Sweden, which is likely to be thanks in part to a ban on organochlorine chemicals, such as PCBs and DDT, in the 1970s, according to a new study. However, the research shows that negative effects of these chemicals on the reproductive health of female animals persisted for more than 15 years after the ban was introduced.

These adorable pictures are sure to warm even the coldest heart.

Humans like to think of themselves as monogamous, but when it comes to true fidelity, many animals engage in true monogamy.

For many wild creatures the line between male and female is decidedly blurry.

Many animals have been found buried with the same level of care as humans, suggesting a deep bond between humans and animals.

The annual Olvera Street blessing of the animals was held on March 31 in Los Angeles.

A new study finds the area around the former Fukushima power plant teeming with life.

Quite a few poses take their names from wildlife, and there's an interesting reason why that's so.

Loving animals may have been passed down genetically from ancestors who appreciated their services.

If the mere thought of sharks sends chills down your spine, consider the damage that a swarm of ants could inflict. And even cows have been known to be deadly.

It's unclear whether some animals really smile to convey joy, but these critters sure look happy.

Michael Pollan lists three things that need to be removed in order to get animals back on farms.

Birds may go quiet, bats may fly around and pets may become uneasy, but it's difficult to predict exactly how non-human animals will react.

Why didn't someone think of this before?

You might already know that Dory is a Pacific blue tang and Nemo is a clownfish, but how well do you know the other species that are represented in the films?

Did you know that albino dolphins are pink? Meet these amazing famous albino animals and learn more.

The PACT Act makes animal cruelty a federal felony, threatening violators with fines and prison time.

Three years after the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history, here's a look at how various victims of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are recuperating.

Human mothers have a relatively long gestation period compared to the rest of the animal kingdom, but a few animal mothers go even further. Here's our list of t

In honor of all the hard-working mothers in the animal kingdom, here's a collection of adorable baby animals being doted on by their moms.

Meet 15 rare animal species whose futures could be determined — for better or worse — in 2015.

Endemic species run a higher risk of extinction because of their geographic isolation.

This video is a good warning of the future of wildlife if populations continue to decline as Living Planet assessment reports.

Can lost species ever become un-extinct? Many scientists believe it's only a matter of time before many extinct animals again walk the Earth through cloning.

Animals use their senses to detect other animals, communicate and do some wild things. Can you identify the super senses of these animals?

From the cheetah to the hare, so many creatures are wickedly quick. Test your trivia smarts on what makes them so swift.

Can you spot all of these incognito critters?

A wildlife corridor in Brazil's Atlantic Forest will help animals like the golden lion tamarin thrive in its preferred environment.

Synthetic, made-in-China teddy bears? Who needs 'em when there are reclaimed wool frogs, organic cotton polar bears and plush nontoxic lions just wanting for a

Animals at Australia's Mogo Zoo were saved from wildfires by savvy staff.

Humane Society International is building temporary wildlife shelters for animals affected by the Australian bushfires on Kangaroo Island.

Most wildlife adds value to nature, but it's often hard for humans to quantify. Thanks to eco-tourism, though, some species are becoming undeniable gold mines.

Comic artist Rob Lang gives animals a way to speak their piece with "Underdone Comics.'

Stunning 3-D videos capture the drama of life on a subcellular level.

Scientists in Singapore have concocted a drug cocktail that can extend an animal's lifespan twofold.

Animals use the same wait-your-turn system that most humans do, say scientists who reviewed a series of animal studies.

Urban noise — and AC/DC — may be wreaking havoc on ecosystems.

When people see animals everywhere in pop culture, they assume they're everywhere in real life.

Animal advocate Tracey Stewart worked with the Farm Sanctuary Emergency Rescue Team to re-home the abandoned animals.

Humans seem to be causing 'a radical shift in the living architecture of the planet,' researchers say.

Researchers in Australia strap cameras on feral cats to track their kills.