humans impacting species evolution

 

Confirming something that we have all suspected, new data indicates that humans are altering the rate of evolution in some animal species in ways that may hurt their long term survival, according to the New York Times.

Based on the analysis of 29 species, they found that the rate of evolutionary change is  three times greater in animals subject to “harvest selection”, early death due to predation or mass farming techniques.

The most likely change is in maturation rate, where many species are propagating sooner.  The intent being that the species can have offspring when they are younger and smaller, and before they are killed due to hunting or other forms of predation.

Unfortunately, this does not seem to be a change that benefits survival.  For one thing, when species mature early, they are not as successful in reproduction.  For example, a fish will produce less eggs in early maturation as opposed to a fish that waits one extra year.  Also, the species is selecting for smallness however that is a trait that makes predation even more likely.

This could be something to consider when looking at areas and species that require protection.  If an animal is expressing these traits (early maturation and smaller size), it could be used as justification for protection before the animal becomes extinct.