Florida lizards evolve rapidly, within 15 years and 20 generations

Source: University of Texas at Austin
Date Published: October 23, 2014
URL: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141023142306.htm


Summary:
On islands in Florida, a species of native lizards has evolved rapidly in 15 years, a very short span of time. They were pressured by an invading lizard species that was introduced from Cuba. Contact with the invasive species forced the native species to begin perching on trees. As generation after generation of native species came, their feet became more adapted to gripping the thinner, smoother, branches found higher up on the trees. The lizards evolved at such a rapid pace, that after a few months, they were perching on the higher trees, and after 15 years and 20 generations, their toe pads had become larger, with more sticky scales on their feet. The competition between the native and invasive species for the same food and space is driving the adaptations of the native species. It is noted that the adults of both species eat the hatchlings of the other species, causing the hatchlings to quickly move up the trees, causing them to adapt to living in trees.


Relevance:
This is relevant to what we've been learning so far because it is an example of discovery science. The scientists are observing and documenting the lizards. Through careful observation and data collection, the scientists are discovering the natural process of the native lizards evolving in response to the pressure of the invasive lizards. Also, we learned about invasive species being introduced to the habitats of native species and competing with the native species for food, space, and other life essentials. Non-native invasive species usually end up outcompeting the native species, for the native species aren't able to evolve fast enough alongside the invasives. In this case, however, the native lizard species was able to evolve fast enough. They evolved at an astonishing rate, becoming adapted to living in the trees in just fifteen years.