Fast evolution: What is and examples

Fast evolution is a type of evolution, in which changes occur in different generations of living beings related to a less than 100,000 yearsthat is, they occur quickly. This rapid evolution is observed in the strata of geological layers, with drastic variations between ancestors and descendants, without gradual transitions. This is known as fast jumps in the fossil registry or explosions of evolution.

Within rapid evolution, speciation events occur, where new species are formed by differentiation of characters and the impossibility of reproducing between them. After a rapid evolution is presented, it follows a period of non -modification or speciation, which is known as stasis. This dynamic explosion and pause is called Scored balance theory. We recommend you read this article about what speciation and examples are.

In opposition to rapid evolution we have the so -called slow or gradual evolution, where clear transitions between one specimen and another within the fossil record can be observed.

However, sometimes the jumps of rapid evolution may not be due to an accelerated modification in the genetic code, but that the reason may file in the fact that there has been no record of the transitions between ancestors and descendants, or by an irregular conservation of the fossils. It is important to remember that for the fossil record to be maintained, very specific conditions of the soil and the environment are necessary.

Fast evolution can occur by several situations such as those that follow:

• Isolation: When a community is isolated, whether by the increase in the level of water, continental separation or by a mountain that is erected, there will be an intense selection exercised by selective pressures of the modified environment, which will be responded with new characters. These organisms will reproduce between them and form new species. On the contrary, in large populations there is no rapid observable evolution.
• Environmental changes: Modifications in the environment can privilege certain characters, and thus, by natural selection, some organisms will die, while others will survive. Know environmental problems and solutions.
• Decreased competitors: When some natural phenomenon makes certain species disappear, others that were used to prosper and diversify in new species. You may be interested in intra -specific competition: what is, characteristics and examples.
• Migration: When certain organisms migrate permanently to other latitudes, they can adapt to the conditions of the place, diversifying. Discover what are the animals that migrate and why.
• Human intervention: Finally, we have the great impact that man has generated on the planet. It has been observed that when man exerts pressures on the environment, species have to evolve quickly.

There are several rapid evolution events occurring right now and under our eyes. Here are some examples.

Human populations in the Tibet

We begin with this great example in humans. The high mountains are not a common habitat for man given the low oxygen availability, but the populations that live there have mutated to adapt, through the Increase in its blood oxygen rate. This is the fastest evolutionary change in humans, which occurred in the Tibet just 3 thousand years ago. Other similar cases are observed in Ethiopia and the Andes.

Smaller fish

An example of rapid evolution caused by anthropogenic intervention is the effect of fishing on fish size, because when there is a lot of fishing, fish reproduce younger and produce smaller fish, causing less fishing.

Evolution in the Brazilian Gecko

To the east of Brazil an artificial dam was created that formed 300 islands, where many reptiles disappeared, but Gymnodactylus Amarali He survived. It was discovered that His head grew 4% to be able to feed on large termites that were now available for them due to the absence of competition from other Geckos. This change occurred in just 15 years, an exceptional case of rapid evolution.

Anolis Greens of Carolina

The habitat of the green Anolis was invaded by brown lizards, which gradually displaced them by habitat or food competition. But the green Anolis adapted changing their habitat to the highest parts of the trees that surround them. To live there they had to develop larger legs with more grip capacity Not to fall. Such adaptation was developed in a period of only 15 years.

Antibiotic resistance

Indiscriminate consumption of antibiotics as self -medication has caused a Selection of stronger bacterial strainsleading to antibiotic resistance. This represents a serious problem, because new antibiotics should be created every time, since the previous ones are no longer functional to control bacterial strains.

Now that you know what rapid evolution and examples are, you may also be interested in these other ecology articles in divergent evolution: definition and examples and convergent evolution: examples and definition.

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