NPR

How Do Eggs Get Their Shapes? Scientists Think They've Cracked It

Eggs evolved over 300 million years ago and now come in all kinds of shapes, from Tic Tacs to teardrops to pingpong balls. After studying some 50,000 eggs, a team of researchers thinks it knows why.
An international team of scientists believes it has solved the mystery of how eggs got their shapes.

One of nature's most efficient life-support systems is the egg. Eggs evolved over 300 million years ago as vertebrate animals adapted to living on land. And since then, they've taken on numerous shapes, especially among birds.

Biologists have long wondered why there are so

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min readAmerican Government
With Federal Fraud Trial Looming, George Santos Drops Out Of New York House Race
The scandal-plagued former Republican congressman, ousted from his House seat last year, abandoned his long-shot independent bid for Congress. But he suggested his political career may not be over.
NPR3 min read
'Tales Of Kenzera: ZAU': A Deep Story About Grief Leavened By Satisfying Gameplay
New action platformer Tales of Kenzera: ZAU delivers a moving story, sleek traversal, and a brilliant setting gleaming with Afro-futurist highlights. It's just not as meaty as competing Metroidvanias.
NPR3 min readCrime & Violence
Pro-Palestinian Protests Spread To The Campuses Of USC And The University Of Texas
Arrests were made at both schools. The LAPD said it would continue patrolling USC's campus into Thursday, while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the protestors at UT-Austin belong in jail.

Related Books & Audiobooks