Nature & Environment
Lizards' camouflage reveals evolution
By
T.K. RandallJanuary 16, 2010 ·
10 comments
Image Credit: sxc.hu
Two species of lizard that have developed white scales for camouflage are giving scientists a chance to see evolution in action.
This change in color for the traditionally brown lizards provides a rare chance for scientists to observe evolution as it happens, illuminating both the mechanics of adaptation and speciation.
In White Sands, N.M., two species of traditionally brown lizards have evolved white scales in order to blend in with their environment. By studying the genetic mechanisms at work in this adaptation, scientists are able to observe evolution as it happens. The study illuminates the mechanics of not only adaptation, but also speciation, or how species form.
Source:
MSNBC |
Comments (10)
Tags:
Please Login or Register to post a comment.