The more genetic features, the faster the evolution.
Scientists conducted a large-scale study that showed that evolution according to Charles Darwin may be much faster than previously thought. This conclusion was reached by researchers analyzing various genetic variations, according to Science alert.
The more genetic features in a species, the faster evolution can occur, as some features die out and stronger ones become entrenched. Researchers have called this principle the “fuel” of evolution.
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In the study, they examined 19 different groups animals around the world. This analysis showed that there are many more such “raw materials for evolution” than previously thought. Scientists will probably have to reconsider their expectations of how fast animals can evolve. This is a pressing issue in the age of climate change.
“This method makes it possible to measure the potential rate of current evolution in response to natural selection by all characteristics in the population. This is something we couldn't do with the previous methods, so the opportunity to see so many potential changes came as a surprise to the team, “said Timothy Bonnet, an evolutionary environmentalist at the National University of Australia.
Wild animals studied included nettles (Malurus cyaneus) in Australia, spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in Tanzania, song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) in Canada and red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Scotland. The rate of evolution on such a scale was estimated for the first time.
The average duration of each study was 30 years with detailed descriptions of births, deaths, matings, and offspring. The shortest observation was 11 years, and the longest – 63 years. In total, the researchers conducted 2.6 million hours of field research, combining genetic information about each animal.
It took three years to sum up, but the team was able to calculate how many species changes were related to genetics and natural selection. Darwin considered evolution to be a slow process, but previous research has shown that some types of change can only take a few years.
“A common example of rapid evolution is the pepper moth, which before the industrial revolution in Britain was predominantly white. Due to the contamination that leaves black soot on trees and buildings, black butterflies had an advantage in survival because it was harder for birds to detect. Because the color of the moth determined its ability to survive and was linked to genetic differences, black butterflies soon became prevalent in populations in England, “said Bonnet.” he has no starting point. This means that there is no clear evidence that the species is evolving faster than in the past. But it is well known that the “fuel of evolution” is more than scientists thought.
Earth lives in an era of global climate change, so knowledge of how species change and adapt is very important. One of the main fears is that the species will not be able to adapt in time. At the same time, more comprehensive and comprehensive research is needed to help determine how fast evolution is taking place. representatives of the evolutionary line of crocodiles . The creature inhabited the Earth about 240 million years ago.
