How Quickly Can Evolution Change a Species' Physical Characteristics?

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In a groundbreaking study, biologists observed significant evolutionary changes in Italian wall lizards after relocating them to a new island in 1971. Within just 36 years, researchers noted alterations in head size and shape, increased bite strength, and the development of new digestive structures. These findings provide compelling evidence of natural selection occurring in vertebrates over a relatively short time frame. The study highlights the rapid adaptability of species in response to environmental changes. This research underscores the importance of understanding evolutionary processes in real-time.
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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417112433.htm

In 1971, biologists moved five adult pairs of Italian wall lizards from their home island of Pod Kopiste, in the South Adriatic Sea, to the neighboring island of Pod Mrcaru.

“Striking differences in head size and shape, increased bite strength and the development of new structures in the lizard’s digestive tracts were noted after only 36 years, which is an extremely short time scale,”
 
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Thanks, a very nice link. I was aware of similar experiments using bacteria over many generations:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/26/science/26lab.html
but to see such results with a vertebrate species is impressive documentation of natural selection in action.
 

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