Research points to 'holes' in Darwin's theory of evolution

A new study shows that Darwinian evolution could have happened up to four times faster, based on analyzes of genetic variation.

Recently, researchers at the Australian National University have found evolutionary breakthroughs in several species. Accordingly, the more genetic differences there are, the faster evolution can happen, as certain traits die out and stronger ones are formed.

Darwin's theory of evolution is still a controversial hypothesis.

Dr. "This method provides us with a way to measure the latent rate of modern evolution in adaptation," said Timothée Bonnet, an evolutionary ecologist and representative of the research team. with natural selection on all traits in the population".

"This is something we haven't been able to do with previous methods, so being able to see so much potential change was a surprise to the team," he said.

Among the wildlife studied were the flamingo (Malurus cyaneus) in Australia, the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) in Tanzania, the finches (Melospiza melodia) in Canada, and the red deer (Cervus elaphus). in Scotland.

The average duration of each field study is about 30 years, with birth, death, mating and offspring details all carefully documented. This is also the first time that the rate of evolution has been evaluated on such a large scale.

The team then spent three more years, and finally quantified the extent of species change caused by genetics and natural selection. They found that evolution can happen in just a few years, contrary to the assumption of Charles Darwin when he once thought that evolution happens very slowly.

Evolution in some species is being pushed up very quickly, to adapt to climate change.

A good example of rapid evolution is in moths. Previously, the industrial revolution in England caused pollution and left black soot on trees and buildings. Black moths then changed the color of their bodies to match this color, making it difficult for birds to detect.

"Because the color of the moth determines the probability of survival and due to genetic differences, populations in the UK are quickly dominated by the black moth," said Dr. Bonnet said.

In addition, the researchers also suggest that with the world and wildlife ecosystems "spinning" with the continued impacts of climate change, knowing more about the rate at which species adapt animals would be very helpful in modeling which species might survive and which would not.

"This study has shown us that evolution cannot be viewed as a process that allows species to survive long-term in response to environmental change," said Dr. Bonnet said. "Instead, evolution can be seen as an important driver, showing the ability of populations to adapt to current environmental changes."