How Animals Are Rapidly Evolving Because of Climate Change | WIRED
WIRED・8 minutes read
Climate change is causing rapid adaptation in animals like shrinking squids, migrating birds, and evolving lizards. Studying these changes helps identify resilient species and those at risk, aiding in conservation efforts and policy decisions to protect vulnerable animals.
Insights
- Rapid climate change is driving significant adaptations in various animal species, such as lizards evolving post-hurricanes and squids shrinking in warmer waters, highlighting the diverse ways organisms respond to environmental pressures.
- By studying how animals like Anole Lizards and Humboldt squid adapt to climate change-induced challenges, researchers like Colin Donahue can identify resilient species and vulnerable populations, informing resource allocation for conservation efforts and policy-making to safeguard biodiversity.
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Recent questions
How are animals adapting to climate change?
Animals are adapting to climate change in various ways, such as squids shrinking, birds migrating, and lizards evolving. These adaptations are responses to environmental stressors like hurricanes and warmer waters, showcasing the plasticity of species in the face of changing conditions.
What changes were observed in Anole Lizards after hurricanes?
Biologist Colin Donahue studied Anole Lizards in the Caribbean after hurricanes and found that survivors had larger toe pads and shorter back legs. These physical changes aided in wind resistance, highlighting how natural selection can drive adaptations in response to extreme weather events.
How did Humboldt squid adapt to warmer waters?
Humboldt squid in the Gulf of California adapted to warmer waters by reducing their body size by 50%. This reduction in size showcases the plasticity of these creatures in response to changing environmental conditions, allowing them to thrive in the face of climate change.
How did Arctic birds adjust to shrinking ice flows?
Arctic birds, such as Dove Keys, adjusted their feeding patterns due to shrinking ice flows by finding new food sources closer to their breeding grounds. This behavioral plasticity allows these birds to adapt to changing habitats and ensure their survival in the face of climate change.
How can climate change biology help protect vulnerable species?
Climate change biology can help identify resilient species and those at risk, aiding in resource allocation for research, conservation, and policy to protect vulnerable species. By understanding how different species are adapting to changing environments, scientists can develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect biodiversity.
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Summary
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Adapting Animals: Climate Change Impacts and Responses
- Climate change is causing animals to adapt rapidly, with squids shrinking, birds migrating, and lizards evolving due to hurricanes.
- Biologist Colin Donahue studied Anole Lizards in the Caribbean after hurricanes, finding survivors had larger toe pads and shorter back legs, aiding in wind resistance.
- Humboldt squid in the Gulf of California adapted to warmer waters by reducing body size by 50%, showcasing plasticity in response to environmental stress.
- Dove Keys, Arctic birds, adjusted their feeding patterns due to shrinking ice flows, finding new food sources closer to their breeding grounds, displaying behavioral plasticity.
- Climate change biology helps identify resilient species and those at risk, aiding in resource allocation for research, conservation, and policy to protect vulnerable species.
