Science!

[ysengrin]

British birdfeeders split blackcaps into two genetically distinct groups

... Rolshausen thinks that the crucial factor was human altruism - by giving food to wintering birds, we also gave an advantage to any individuals with mutations that sent them in an unorthodox direction. Previously such birds would have simply died, but with humans around, they (and the genes they carried) flourished.

How long did this take? Apparently, only fifty years or so.

Comments

[sabotlours.livejournal.com]

That was fascinating reading! I wonder how long before the enviros call for the eradication of the British-loving species since they are "un-natural" since they were influenced by humans.

There's something similar going on in the Pecos River here in NM. There is an endangered fish that is starting to hybridize with another species that is better suited to survive in drought conditions. The enviros are wringing their hands fearing the loss of genetic diversity. Ummm...we're promoting genes to make a species LESS fit to survive?!?

[schnee.livejournal.com]

I'm rather surprised that the direction the birds travel in is determined by their genes in the first place.

But yeah, very interesting.