How Quickly Can Evolution Change a Species' Physical Characteristics?

[DaveC426913]

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,”

 

[Rade]

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.

 

[oswaler]

said Dr. Anthony Herrel, co-author of the study and professor at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris.

This study provides strong evidence for the process of evolution in action. In just 36 years, we can see significant changes in the lizards' physical characteristics, such as head size and shape, as well as functional changes in their digestive tracts. This is a remarkable example of how natural selection can drive changes in a species over a relatively short period of time.

It is also important to note that this study was conducted in a controlled environment, with the lizards being introduced to a new habitat. This allows us to better understand the specific factors that may have influenced the observed changes. For example, the different food sources and environmental conditions on the new island may have played a role in shaping the lizards' adaptations.

Overall, this study highlights the dynamic and ongoing process of evolution, and the importance of studying it in real-time. It also emphasizes the potential impacts of environmental changes on species, and the need for conservation efforts to protect and preserve biodiversity.