The Synthesis of "universal ancestor"

Discover common descent, the evolutionary theory that all life on Earth shares a single universal ancestor. Learn how it unites all living things.

Discover homologous structures, the similar anatomical features in different species that point to a shared common ancestor and divergent evolution.

A look at phylogenetic trees, the diagrams that map the evolutionary history of life, and their growing importance in science and medicine.

Discover Charles Darwin, the English naturalist whose groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection forever changed our understanding of life on Earth.

Discover hominids, the primate family including great apes and all early human ancestors. Learn about their evolution and our shared lineage.

An overview of Neanderthals, our closest extinct relatives, and how their ancient DNA continues to influence modern humans today.

Explore the incredible journey of human evolution, from early primate ancestors to modern Homo sapiens and the science that reveals our shared past.

Explore the fundamental principles of cell theory, the cornerstone of modern biology that defines the basic unit of all known living organisms.

Explore the Tree of Life, the scientific model mapping the evolutionary relationships that connect every living organism on Earth.

Explore the theory of evolution, the process of natural selection, and how life on Earth adapts, diversifies, and changes over generations.