Tom Gauld's latest cartoon for New Scientist, titled "DNA and fossil evidence proved they were close relatives," offers a witty commentary on how scientists piece together evolutionary history. The title alone suggests a scenario where two seemingly unrelated organisms are revealed to be kin through the combined weight of genetic and fossil data—a common theme in paleontology and molecular biology.
Gauld's weekly cartoons often distill complex scientific ideas into a single panel, making them accessible to a broad audience. Here, the humor likely stems from the contrast between the dry, technical language of evidence and the absurd or unexpected conclusion it leads to. The cartoon does not present new research but rather reflects on the way scientific discoveries can overturn intuitive assumptions about the natural world.
Because this is a single source—a cartoon rather than a peer-reviewed study—there are no conflicting findings to compare. The piece stands as a cultural artifact, illustrating how scientists and the public alike grapple with the sometimes surprising implications of evolutionary evidence. It also serves as a reminder that even serious scientific methods can be a source of gentle amusement.