新疆伊犁哈萨克自治州昭苏县天马旅游文化园内驰骋的骏马。 马群在横跨甘肃、青海两省的山丹马场草原上饮水。 骏马在江苏省南通森林野生动物园踏水驰骋。 丙午开新岁，春风策马蹄。马作为奇蹄目马科的草食性动物，在长期演化中不仅成为奔跑健将，还成为 与人类文明相伴成长的亲密伙伴。它不仅位列十二生肖第七，更有着"六畜之首"的尊崇地位。它有"万 马奔腾"的磅礴，也有"老马识途"的沉稳，从远古荒野到现代社会，始终以矫健身姿留下清晰印记。 1 跨越千万年的演化 研究显示，马的祖先曾仅有狐狸大小，历经长期演化才长成如今的高头大马。其演化起点被普遍认为是 约5600万年前的始祖马：它们生活在树林中，前足四趾、后足三趾，牙齿构造简单、齿冠低。约4000万 年前，渐新马出现了，体型如羊，前后足均为三趾，但齿冠仍低，只能吃嫩叶。 在马的演化过程中，一次关键变化出现在约1800万年前，当时的草原古马体型已如现代小马，中趾发 达，齿冠增高，适应了草原生活；约1000万年前的上新马已如现代马般大小，前后足退化为单趾，齿冠 进一步增高，适配草原奔跑。 400多万年前，真马在北美洲出现，后通过陆桥扩散至欧亚大陆，成为现代马的直系祖先：它们的侧趾 彻 ...

Core Insights - The article highlights the historical and cultural significance of horses, particularly in Chinese culture, as symbols of perseverance and strength, especially with the upcoming Year of the Horse in 2026 [2][9] Evolution of Horses - Horses have a rich evolutionary history, starting from approximately 56 million years ago with early ancestors resembling small dogs, evolving through various stages to become the modern horse [3] - Key evolutionary milestones include the transition from small forest-dwelling creatures to larger grassland animals, with significant changes occurring around 4 million years ago when the modern horse emerged [3] Current Status of Horse Species - The current horse family consists of only one genus, with nine species, including the Przewalski's horse, which is the only remaining wild horse species and is classified as a national first-class protected animal in China [4] - As of the end of 2024, the population of Przewalski's horse in China has exceeded 900 individuals, representing one-third of the global population, showcasing successful conservation efforts [4] Biological Characteristics - Horses possess unique biological traits, such as the largest eyes among land mammals, with a diameter of 5 cm and a nearly panoramic field of vision, although they are colorblind [5] - Their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, and they can stand while sleeping lightly, allowing for quick escape from danger [5] Historical Relationship with Humans - The domestication of horses began thousands of years ago, with evidence suggesting that horses were domesticated in the Eurasian steppes around 5,600 to 5,500 years ago [7] - Horses played a crucial role in agriculture, transportation, and military endeavors throughout history, serving as a core productivity force in ancient societies [7] Modern Value of Horses - In contemporary society, the practical utility of horses has diminished, but they have gained new value in sports, therapy, and transportation in remote areas [8] - The evolution of horse value reflects human civilization's progress and the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature [8] Cultural Symbolism - In Chinese culture, horses symbolize strength and progress, often associated with phrases that denote success and ambition [9] - The horse has been a recurring theme in literature and art, representing freedom and resilience, as seen in various historical and artistic references [9]

科普｜马年说马：漫长演化中走来的人类亲密伙伴 新华社记者罗国芳 丙午开新岁，春风策马蹄。马作为奇蹄目马科的草食性动物，在长期演化中不仅成为奔跑健将，还成为与人类文明相伴成长的亲密伙伴。它不仅 位列十二生肖第七，更有着"六畜之首"的尊崇地位。它有"万马奔腾"的磅礴，也有"老马识途"的沉稳，从远古荒野到现代社会，始终以矫健身姿 留下清晰印记。 这是2020年12月26日在新疆伊犁哈萨克自治州昭苏县天马旅游文化园拍摄的驰骋的骏马。新华社记者 丁磊 摄 跨越千万年的演化 研究显示，马的祖先曾仅有狐狸大小，历经长期演化才长成如今的高头大马。其演化起点被普遍认为是约5600万年前的始祖马：它们生活在树林 中，前足四趾、后足三趾，牙齿构造简单、齿冠低。约4000万年前，渐新马出现了，体型如羊，前后足均为三趾，但齿冠仍低，只能吃嫩叶。 在马的演化过程中，一次关键变化出现在约1800万年前，当时的草原古马体型已如现代小马，中趾发达，齿冠增高，适应了草原生活；约1000万 年前的上新马已如现代马般大小，前后足退化为单趾，齿冠进一步增高，适配草原奔跑。 400多万年前，真马在北美洲出现，后通过陆桥扩散至欧亚大陆，成为现代马的直系祖 ...

中国科学院紫金山天文台研究员李婧，以《从初光到万物——雪山牧场15米亚毫米波望远镜 （XSMT）》为主题，带领观众走进我国首台常规运行的亚毫米波望远镜，了解其项目背景、科学目标 与建设进展。 中国科学院自动化研究所研究员曾毅，以《为共生社会创建有道德的人工智能》为主题，探讨了创建有 道德的人工智能的路径与实践，以共生社会愿景展望人类与人工智能的未来。 中国科学院院士、地质与地球物理研究所研究员刘嘉麒，以《极地的神奇与奥秘》为主题，以其两赴南 极三赴北极的亲身经历带领大家一同探索极地的奥秘，感受那片净土的神奇。 中国青年报客户端讯（中青报·中青网记者 沈杰群）日前，2026"复兴路上的科学力量——中国科学院跨 年科学演讲开讲啦"活动举办。 海报。节 目组供图 本次活动以"复兴路上的科学力量"为主题，分为"青春逐光，勇探科学新境""院士领航，共话科研初 心""跨越山海，共探科学前沿"三个篇章，由中央广播电视总台主持人王宁担纲全场主持，中央广播电 视总台记者帅俊全担纲"全"释硬科技特别策划的"星辰向前·共话航天"围炉夜叙环节主持。自当日16:00 开始，活动以八小时不间断的直播分享，带领观众探索科学的多元魅力。 中 ...