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.

this is kind of fatalistic… but may be true

Frommer’s, the company that puts together amazing travel guides, released a unique one a few weeks ago: 500 Places to See Before They Disappear, 1st Edition.

…enables passionate travelers and the eco-conscious to learn about and plan a visit to see rare cultural, historic, and natural places before they are irrevocably altered or even gone forever. Here are one-of-a-kind landscapes, fragile ecosystems, rare bird habitats, places to see the last remaining species of big game in the wild, cityscapes in peril, vanishing cultural kitsch, petroglyphs, and more—500 thoughtfully-chosen treasures that will inspire and enlighten travelers of all ages.

Each entry explains why it’s been included, gives its history, the nature of the threat against it, brief practical information on how to visit, and what visitors can to do protect it. A Geographical Index allows travelers to locate attractions across the world. Photos throughout the book help bring destinations to life.

You can find the book HERE

trend alert

Do you remember when I posted about Tazmanian Devils and their likely extinction?

You can go HERE to read the original post. Essentially, the Tazmanian Devil will be extinct in 10-20 years because of a rare form a cancer that is spreading throughout the population. I accurately write “spreading” since they have found this cancer has been able to mutate itself to be contagious. And, why is it contagious? Because of lack of biodiversity.

I warned everyone in that post about the possibility of other animals being afflicted with disease because of selective inbreeding and lack of space for animals to roam.

Well…. hate to say I told you so, but alas…. I told you so.

An analysis of commercial chicken populations around the world by William M. Muir of Purdue University and colleagues has revealed the extent of the problem. Fifty percent or more of the diversity of ancestral breeds has been lost, they report in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. That could make chicken production more susceptible to disease outbreaks for which resistant genes have disappeared.

Just a note, chickens don’t really exist outside of commercial facilities, so it is silly to make it seem like they are some special population. Let’s just say “chicken populations”

You can find the whole article HERE

cancer

I am going to point you to THIS article for a very important read.

Yes, on the surface it looks like an article about the Tasmanian Devil and it’s extinction. And it is. But the subtext is what is so, so critical about this story.

Tazmanian Devils will more than likely go extinct because of a cancer that is spreading through out the species. What research has shown is that because of low biodiversity and genetic variation, the cancer has mutated to be… CONTAGIOUS. I will give you a few minutes to let this sink in. Contagious. We have always thought that cancers are independently caused and created.

The implications of this finding are enormous. Maybe not on human populations, unless our politics and economies segregate us even more. But on our plant and animal populations, absolutely. Think of the homogeneous nature of corn and the proliferation of that cash crop in our world. Think of all the animals currently on the endangered species list, and the limited amount of genes in the population to reproduce.

This is something very serious and needs a lot of scientific attention. You see, we may all think that global change is not going to affect the current species all that much, in our lifetimes. However, if cancer can become contagious… we may just see a change we are not ready for.

hadn’t thought about this

The NY Times is chock full of some good stuff today.

There is an article about animal migration and the imposed limitations due to roads.

“Some experts believe that habitat fragmentation, the slicing and dicing of large landscapes into small pieces with roads, homes and other development, is the biggest of all environmental problems. “By far,” said Dr. Michael Soulé, a retired biologist and founder of the Society for Conservation Biology. “It’s bigger than climate change. While the serious effects from climate change are 30 years away, there’s nothing left to save then if we don’t deal with fragmentation. And the spearhead of fragmentation are roads.”

Fragmentation cuts off wildlife from critical habitat, including food, security or others of their species for reproduction and genetic diversity. Eventually they disappear.”

The article can be found HERE.

Boy, do I have an event for you!

A new study came out today estimating that one third of all species will be extinct by 2100 if we do not do something about it now.

You can read the article HERE.

“Extinction events”, as they are known amongst scientists, are not rare. This planet has had a few… in approximately 540 million years, we have had five. The last one occurred 65 million years ago and is the most well known as it killed off the dinosaurs.

Currently we are in the Holocene Extinction Event. Most scientists agree that this is the only event that is man made and is the most rapidly occurring.