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Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...

Speciation Rates

Speciation Rates

Speciation can proceed at markedly different rates, and evolutionary biologists commonly describe these differences through the models of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. Both patterns explain how new species arise, but they differ in the tempo and continuity of evolutionary change. In both cases, evolutionary change arises from heritable variation within populations, with natural selection often shaping traits that improve survival and reproduction under specific environmental conditions.

The Evidence for Evolution

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.The collection of fossils within sedimentary rocks give a record of common ancestry and often depicts the history of evolution.

Gene Flow

Gene Flow

Gene flow is the transfer of genes among populations, resulting from either the dispersal of gametes or from the migration of individuals.

Genetic Drift

Genetic Drift

Natural selection—probably the most well-known evolutionary mechanism—increases the prevalence of traits that enhance survival and reproduction. However, evolution does not merely propagate favorable traits, nor does it always benefit populations.Life is not fair. A deer grazing contentedly in a field can have her meal cut tragically short by a bolt of lightning. If the doomed doe is one of only three in the population, 1/3 of the population’s gene pool is lost. Random events like this can...

Limits to Natural Selection

Limits to Natural Selection

Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.For one, natural selection can only act upon existing genetic variation. Hypothetically, redtusks may enhance elephant survival by deterring ivory-seeking poachers. However, if there are no gene variants—or alleles—for redtusks, natural selection cannot increase the prevalence of...

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Incremental Temperature Changes for Maximal Breeding and Spawning in Astyanax mexicanus

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Published on: February 14, 2021

Climate change drives microevolution in a wild bird.

Patrik Karell¹, Kari Ahola, Teuvo Karstinen

¹Bird Ecology Unit, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1), Helsinki FI-00014, Finland. patrik.karell@helsinki.fi

Nature Communications

|February 24, 2011

Summary

Organisms must adapt to climate change. This study shows the first empirical evidence in tawny owls that climate change is altering natural selection, leading to a microevolutionary response in plumage color.

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Climate change adaptation
Population genetics

Background:

Organisms require adaptation to climate change for long-term persistence.
Empirical evidence of evolutionary responses to quantified climate change selection pressure in wild populations is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate microevolutionary responses to climate change in a wild population.
To investigate the role of plumage color heritability and selection in tawny owls under changing climate conditions.

Main Methods:

Assessed the heritability of pheomelanin-based plumage coloration in tawny owls.
Quantified viability selection against different color morphs across varying winter conditions (snow-rich vs. mild).
Analyzed long-term population data (28 years) and nationwide data (48 years) on morph frequencies.

Main Results:

Tawny owl plumage color (brown vs. grey) is a highly heritable trait.
Strong viability selection against the brown morph occurs only during snow-rich winters.
Milder winters have reduced selection against the brown morph, leading to its increased frequency.

Conclusions:

Recent climate change has altered natural selection in a wild tawny owl population.
This study provides the first empirical evidence of a microevolutionary response to climate change in a wild population.
Wild populations possess the ability to evolve in response to contemporary climate change.