Local Adaptation
Articles tagged with Local Adaptation
Young shark species more vulnerable to extinction
Researchers at the University of Zurich examined fossil records worldwide and found a consistent pattern: young shark species are more likely to go extinct. This challenges the long-held assumption that older species are less vulnerable to extinction.
UH Researcher awarded $2M federal grant to explore how frogs survive in salty environments
A University of Houston biologist has received a $2.16 million federal grant to study how some coastal frogs survive in salty environments. The research could reveal how cells cope with salt stress and have implications for understanding the health risks of high-salt diets in humans.
Predicting genomic adaptation in teak, a valuable tropical tree species, to climate change
A study analyzing genome data from teak trees found correlations between temperature and DNA sites, indicating adaptability to rising temperatures. The population in southern India demonstrated high adaptability, essential for effective management of genetic resources and resilient planting strategies.
Tomatoes in the Galápagos are quietly de-evolving
New research reveals evolutionary reversal in island plants where wild-growing tomatoes on western islands produce alkaloids similar to those found in eggplants. The study suggests that environmental conditions may be driving the reversal, and this phenomenon could have implications for human evolution and nature's ability to adapt.
Cold winters halt the northward spread of species in a warming climate
A new study on the wall brown butterfly found that rapid evolution aids its northward expansion, but cold winters restrict further growth. The study showed that butterflies from northern populations grew faster and survived winter better, but still couldn't persist beyond certain climatic limits.
New projections reveal more extreme erosion on O’ahu’s shores
A new study reveals that 81% of O’ahu's coastline could experience erosion by 2100, with a further 40% loss happening by 2030. The research used computer models incorporating satellite imagery to predict the seasonal movement of sand, resulting in more severe erosion projections than previous studies.
Study shows women can hear better than men
Researchers found that women have significantly more sensitive hearing than men, with an average difference of two decibels across all populations studied. Environmental factors such as living in forests or high altitudes also affect hearing sensitivity, with forest-dwellers having the highest and altitude residents having the lowest.
Tropical forests in the Americas are struggling to keep pace with climate change
A new study reveals that tropical forests in the Americas are not adapting quickly enough to keep pace with climate change, with some species thriving while others struggling. The research found that traits such as being deciduous and drought tolerance influence a tree's ability to survive in a changing climate.
Trees might need our help to survive climate change, CSU study finds
A CSU study reveals trees are contracting in response to climate change, failing to regenerate in hottest areas and not expanding into cooler climates. Human-assisted tree migration is proposed as a solution to help forests adapt to climate change.
Discovering the genetics of climate adaptation
Researchers identified genetic variants underlying climate adaptation in Marchantia polymorpha, a type of moss that thrives in diverse environments. The study's findings provide insight into the genetic underpinnings of plant climate adaptation and offer a powerful platform for future research on plant growth and development.
How human activity has shaped Brazil Nut forests’ past and future
A recent study by Max Planck Institute researchers analyzed Brazil Nut tree samples to understand genetic diversity and population dynamics. The findings show a drastic decline in genetic diversity over the last 20,000 years, but areas with Indigenous management exhibit more complex genetic backgrounds.
Coyote genes may show urban evolution at work
A new study explores how city life is influencing the evolution of urban coyotes, revealing genetic changes related to diet, health, thermoregulation, behavior, cognition, and reproduction. The research also highlights the challenges of studying urban coyotes, which are increasingly common in urban areas throughout the US.
Is it possible to balance sustainability with international growth?
A new doctoral dissertation examines how social ventures can adapt their business models to achieve international growth while maintaining their commitment to sustainability. The research offers practical guidance for policymakers, investors, and practitioners aiming to promote sustainable international business growth.
Ancient maize genomes reveal the early evolutionary history of commercially important flint and dent varieties
Researchers reconstructed the journey of maize into eastern North America, tracing its dispersal routes and history of selection. Ancient genomes reveal a genetic link between Northern Flints and 1,000-year-old Ozark maize, highlighting early adaptations for local climates and culinary preferences.
Coral adaptation unlikely to keep pace with global warming
A new study suggests that coral heat tolerance adaptation via natural selection may be insufficient to overcome the impacts of ocean warming, unless Paris Agreement commitments are realized.
Coral adaptation unlikely to keep up with global warming
A recent study suggests coral heat tolerance adaptation may not keep pace with ocean warming, and some sensitive species may face extinction. The research modelled different climate scenarios, revealing that natural selection may be insufficient to ensure coral survival under expected warming levels.
Rapidly increasing industrial activities in the Arctic
A comprehensive assessment of human activity in the Arctic reveals that over 5% of the region is affected by light pollution, with an annual increase of 4.8%. The study highlights the critical need for monitoring and planning to support sustainable development and conservation in the Arctic.
Early human species benefited from food diversity in steep mountainous terrain
A new study reveals that mountainous regions played a key role in human evolution, providing increased biodiversity and food resources. The Diversity Selection Hypothesis suggests that early humans adapted to steep terrain due to its enhanced environmental conditions.
Extreme polar light environment of the North and South Poles sustains biodiversity
The unique polar light environment creates conditions for circumpolar hybrid zones, increasing reproductive synchrony among species. Microbes play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity by adapting to light-sensitive environmental cues.
Century-old experiment secures beer and whiskey’s future
A century-old experiment has pinpointed the genes behind barley's adaptability, enabling its continued survival in rapidly changing environments. Researchers identified key genes that enable flowering at optimal times, allowing crops to thrive despite increased temperatures and droughts.
Social rank may determine if animals live fast, die young
A Dartmouth study suggests that social rank determines whether animals prioritize short-term energy consumption over long-term health, with dominant monkeys consuming food quickly to maintain dominance, while lower-ranked monkeys invest time in washing their food to prevent tooth damage. The findings shed light on the disposable soma h...
Time zones and tiredness strongly influence NBA results, study of 25,000 matches shows
A study of 25,000 NBA matches found that home teams from the Western Time Zone Area have a near 10% better win ratio when playing against Eastern Teams. The researchers suggest that elite basketball coaches and teams should consider the physical and mental effects of time zone travel on game planning.
Reduction in survival and growth rate of Betula ermanii seedlings at tree lines and southern limits by diverse mechanisms
Research on Betula ermanii saplings reveals two distinct mechanisms contributing to poor growth: adaptation to extreme environments and genetic drift leading to inbreeding. Populations at the edge of their distribution range are susceptible to these effects, highlighting the need for conservation measures
Fruit, nectar, bugs and blood: How bat teeth and jaws evolved for a diverse dinnertime
Researchers studied over 100 noctilionoid bat species, finding that different dietary types drove modifications in tooth number, size, shape, and position. For instance, fruit-eating bats have shorter jaws with reduced middle premolars, while nectar-feeders have longer jaws with room for more teeth.
Human shoulders and elbows first evolved as brakes for climbing apes
A study by Dartmouth researchers reveals that human shoulders and elbows evolved to facilitate 'downclimbing' - the process of descending from trees without dying. This adaptation allowed early humans to navigate their environment safely, gathering food and deploying tools for hunting and defense.
Elephant ancestors´ teeth evolved in response to long term changes in diet and climate in Africa
Proeboscideans evolved tooth changes in response to vegetation changes and climate change in East Africa. The earliest true elephants developed highly specialized high-crowned molar teeth around 7 million years ago, adapted to grass-rich diets.
Egg ‘signatures’ will allow drongos to identify cuckoo ‘forgeries’ almost every time, study finds
Researchers found that fork-tailed drongos use unique egg 'signatures' to identify cuckoo eggs, rejecting 93.7% of 'forgeries'. This defence mechanism may help explain why African cuckoos remain common in Africa despite high mortality rates among young birds.
Guiding conservation with local touch
A group of biologists is exploring the potential of seed banks, frozen zoos, gene editing, and assisted gene flow to create second chances for species affected by climate change. By understanding local adaptation strategies, conservationists can design more effective conservation actions.
Perennial rice’s next steps: Large-scale localization to adapt across different climates
A new report showcases perennial rice strains that can thrive in various climate conditions, offering labor and cost savings for farmers. The research emphasizes the need for large-scale localization of perennial rice to tailor it to local climates, with potential applications in Africa and other regions.
Searching for the unique genes of a unique hare
Researchers have published seven draft genomes for Nordic hare species, including three heath hares with distinct grey/blue winter pelage. The findings suggest the heath hare colonized Scandinavia from the south after the last ice age, diverging from the mountain hare population.
New Sub-Saharan Africa partnership expands 4R Nutrient Stewardship’s inclusive approach to agricultural transformation
The African Plant Nutrition Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and OCP Africa have signed a MoU to collaborate on agriculture development programmes that target sub-Saharan rural farmers. The planned interventions will see an improvement in food-security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers through joint programming, shared learning, and...
Cultural similarities may play key role in successful immigrations
Researchers studied evacuees from Finland during WWII and found that cultural similarities, such as language and social networks, were crucial for successful migrations. Being younger, male, educated, and linguistically similar to the host population also increased the likelihood of staying in a new home.
Map of transparent butterflies highlights biodiversity hotspot in the Andes Mountains
Researchers created detailed distribution map of glasswing butterflies, showing highest diversity at high elevations. The study highlights pressing need for conservation efforts in mountainous regions threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
The new-new kids on the block: Hybrid lizards
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis uncovered why hybridization among brown anoles is rare in their native range but common in new geographic territories. The study highlights the importance of environmental degradation in facilitating hybridization, which can contribute to biodiversity declines.
Behavioral ecology: Environmental heterogeneity maintains personality in wild bird
Researchers found that certain personality types excel in specific countries and years due to environmental factors like predator presence and beechmast availability. This suggests that spatial and temporal variation in selection promotes the maintenance of behavioral differences within species.
Global food security: Climate change adaptation requires new cultivars
Researchers found that locally adapted cultivars can increase crop yields by up to 20% even under moderate warming, and that strong warming threatens adaptation. Innovative breeding methods like CRISPR-Cas may help develop required cultivars quickly and targetedly.
Adaptation: Competition and predation may not be the driving force scientists thought
Researchers examine local adaptation in over 100 species, finding that interactions among species do not spur adaptation; instead, environmental pressures like temperature and drought are key drivers.
Increased leaf abundance is a double-edged sword
A global assessment reveals that increased leaf abundance in boreal areas warms the environment while in arid regions it cools. The study suggests a buffering effect of greening on warming in about 60% of vegetated areas, but amplifies warming in boreal zones.
How does evolution work?
Researchers investigate plant molecular structures for climate adaptation, discovering novel pathways subject to natural selection. The project sheds light on convergent evolution and potential applications in ecology and agriculture.
Adaptability to local climate helps invasive species thrive
Research by UBC evolutionary ecologist Rob Colautti found that invasive plants can rapidly evolve to local climates, increasing reproduction and fitness. This adaptation allows them to thrive in northern Ontario and potentially respond to climate change.
Natural selection enables purple loosestrife to invade northern Ontario
Researchers found that purple loosestrife rapidly adapted to local climate conditions, allowing it to thrive and increase seed production. This adaptation enabled the species to outcompete native plants for resources, facilitating its spread in northern Ontario.
Genome inversion gives plant a new lifestyle
A genetic inversion in the monkeyflower plant's genome contributes to its adaptation to different environments, leading to reproductive isolation and a shift towards becoming two separate species.
Ecological speciation by sexual selection on good genes
A mathematical model demonstrates that disruptive ecological selection can trigger positive feedback between mate choice and ecological diversification, ultimately eliminating gene flow between species. This process can lead to the evolution of specialized ecotypes without divergent mating preferences, a departure from previous studies...
New insights into the mechanism for internalization of ubiquitinated cargo
Researchers found that polymeric ubiquitin interacts with tandemly arranged UIM on endocytic adaptors in clathrin coated pits. High affinity interactions mediate the internalization of ubiquitinated cargo.
Setting the evolutionary record straight
Hutton's animal and plant breeding experiments demonstrated seminal variation, passed on to offspring. Darwin applied this principle independently, assembling evidence that convinced the scientific world.